Training Plan

Just wanted to share my training plan, in case anyone was slightly interested! I have used the Nike plus training app as a basic plan and then I have adapted parts of it myself. The Nike app gives you a 14 week training plan for a half marathon so I had to obviously adapt it to suit with only 6 weeks to go until our first half marathon. Previous to week 1 I had been on a couple of short 2 mile runs to blow off the cobwebs! 

This plan is only a guide for me and I am sure I won't be sticking to it rigidly as I know things come up and I may not have time to fit in a longer run or I may feel like doing my longer run on a different day. So there will be some chopping and changing throughout but I will try and stick to this as best I can. Already I have changed over a few rest days to suit and not to mention a few longer runs than anticipated...so it is definitely a working document!

I have found the first 3 weeks relatively easy to stick to, but since going back to work it has been definitely harder to stick to. I guess after a long and busy day at work your energy levels and motivation can waiver and you end up having to really talk yourself into dragging yourself out! 

I found last week the hardest and it may be because (1) Starting back at work= busy, stress and a long day (2) I am now cycling to work every day which works out at a 24 mile round trip which will also help my general fitness and training= bonus (3) Missing lunch is probably not a good idea! As time goes on though, I am sure I will get used to getting myself into a routine, where the training becomes a normal part of my day. 

The fact that I missed my lunch the other day isn't anything unusual as I can be so busy in work,  the time runs away with me. I would usually get home and eat some of it (after getting a telling off Julie for wasting her quality M&S fruit!) and then wind down for the evening in front of the TV. However, missing lunch is no longer an option, after my disastrous running attempt the other day. 

This leads me onto nutrition, it actually is really important  and I know that I will need to fuel my body correctly if I am to get through this 203 mile running challenge unscathed! I have increased my lunchtime meal to something more nutritious and substantial (chicken and carbs) to help me get through my training after work. Better start practising what I preach...no more missing meals! 

I would welcome any advice on the training plan or nutrition from any experts out there...or anyone who would like to share some healthy, tasty and interesting meals with chicken!  

Cluck Clarke 

Helps if you know where you are going!

So, the new trainers are fantastic, feel light, fit well and definitely feel more supportive. Thanks again to the lovely team at the Runners Hub. I have been on a couple of runs since getting the new trainers and I have to say that I am glad I had the gait assessment. I have new trainers which are great but also it has made me more aware of my running technique and how I can make myself more efficient and effective...basically fell less knackered during and after a run. 

I mentioned in my previous post that I needed to improve my cadence so on the past couple of runs I have made a conscious effort to increase my stride rate and shorten my steps. I made sure that when going up and down a hill that my cadence remained the same. I do feel that I have become more of an economical runner and that it has helped reduce my leg fatigue which I usually get after a run. On occasions I did find myself forgetting to increase my cadence during my run but I guess it will take a bit of getting use to. I will definitely persevere with it though as I am already seeing the benefits. 

My runs so far have been pretty local routes which I have  previously used before. They have included 2,3,5,8 mile routes, however I was now needing a 10 mile route for the next phase of my training programme (I 'll post this up at a later date) . I planned the route using google maps and wrote it all down for Julie, so she knew were I was going just in case. We have an emergency procedure whereby if I am not back by a certain time Julie is to come and rescue me. As a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Assessor I pride myself on being able to navigate around the countryside and all types of terrain. However, the Wirral pennisula turned into the Bermuda triangle...I was lost! I think this was more to do with my tiredness (things tend to go missing when I am tired..another story!)
So I ended up doing an extra 3 miles of running, not just any running but up a huge West Kirby hill all the way home! What was amusing was that my new headphones weren't working for some reason or another so I had no music and then my phone run out of battery with 2 miles to go. Even more amusing was that my arrangement with Julie was to call me if I hadn't come back by 12.30pm, so I get back to find Julie asleep on the sofa!

I would say an eventful run, but at least I know I have the legs to last a half marathon. This has made me think that I will need to research my routes a little better. If anyone has any advice on the best way to plan or any good apps which may help, fire them my way please.

Clarke

New running shoes- The Runners Hub

It has always been my intention to eventually get some decent running trainers for this challenge but I wanted to see how I would get on with my current ones and then perhaps upgrade later on in the year. Now I don't know much about trainers but thought my Nike dual fusions were pretty spot on. Well I have to say that If you have ever thought about getting your running gait analysed and getting professional advice on the best type of trainers then I would highly recommend it. After a bit of encouragement from Julie I decided to upgrade sooner rather than later and I am glad I did!

I made an appointment with our new local running shop; The Runners Hub. I was asked to bring my current trainers for analysis and to make sure I was wearing appropriate clothing for a little running on the treadmill. For me that meant put some sports shorts on for Julie it meant wear socks with no holes in! 

When we arrived Nigel, Julie and Chris were very welcoming. We told the team about our background  to our 203 mile running challenge who were very supportive and were glad to help us on our running journey.

During the gait analysis my running gait was recorded and assessed in my current trainers by Nigel. I was able to watch my running gait back as Nigel discussed my running style with me. My technique was generally fine but it was pointed out that my right foot turned inwards making my running less efficient and also prone to injury. It was really interesting to watch my running back, it was played in slow motion so that I could see the position of my feet on each step, and I could clearly see that my right foot collapsing inwards. I have always known that I had a weakness with injuries on my right leg; be it ankle, calf, knee or hamstring! So it was important that I reduced the potential of injury as I have a fair few miles to run for this challenge. Nigel also looked at the tread of my trainers and had me running in my socks (which were hole free!) too...a fully comprehensive analysis. 

So from this I was advised that a more supportive stability trainer was needed to prevent my foot rolling inwards. I was able to try a range of trainers on and have a run in them on the treadmill to see which were most comfortable. Nigel works with you and again assesses and records your running gait. What really impressed me is that not only do you get advice on the best type of trainers to wear but advice on your running technique. I learnt that my stride pattern or what is also known as cadence was lower than it should be at around 165. Apparently an effective cadence (around 170-180) can really improve your running efficiency. 

It was definitely a worthwhile experience and I would highly recommend getting an analysis done if you are a regular runner or have a marathon ahead of you! If you are local I would recommend visiting the Runners Hub in Heswall. Nigel and the team are friendly and welcoming and full of knowledge and advice. Visit their website or facebook page to find out more.

So for me the winners were Asics Gel-Kayano 22!

Thank you to all the team at the Runners Hub for getting me and our Harry's Helping Sands 203 mile Running Challenge up and running!!

Now...to work on my cadence in my new running shoes!

Clarke

Gait analysis in hole-less socks!

Fits like a glove

A smooth ride!

The team, Nigel, Chris and Julie

Where will we be running?

So for the past couple of days we have been searching for half marathon runs and a marathon which we will complete for Harry's Helping Sands 203 mile running challenge. We will re-phrase that to Clarke will complete. Now as much as Julie would love to join in with this marathon journey, we both thought it was best that she had the time to recover and get back to her full fitness rather than rush into training for this. I know Julie will be putting her energies into organising me on these running events and tidying up by bad grammar on this blog! and also organising the family fun day later next year. 

It took a little while to plan the provisional itinerary as we had to make sure that the runs were evenly spaced so that I have time to recover. Our starting point is the Wirral half marathon, thanks to Jane and Michael for signing me up and getting the ball rolling. No chance to back out now...not that I would but considering I have never completed a half marathon run before it is going to be a challenge. 

We looked at a number of different marathons to finish the 203 mile challenge with and decided to go with the Liverpool marathon as not only is it our local marathon but it also ties in nicely with an early summer finishing date. This will give us both time to challenge our energies into finalising Harry's fun day. 

Here is the provisional itinerary: 

If anyone has any suggestions of any other exciting and challenging races, feel free to signpost me to them as this is only provisional. 

I guess it is time to start training then...

Clarke 

Welcome to our blog!

203 mile Running Challenge

Welcome to our blog! 

We have set up this blog so that you can follow our Harry's Helping Sands 203 mile running challenge. Thank you to everyone supporting us on our challenge and to all those who have sponsored us already! This blog will hopefully keep you up to date with how our training is going, and how we get on in each event. As this is the first post, we thought we would give you the background as to why we are running 203 miles. 

We will be completing a 203 mile running challenge in memory of our little boy Harry Clarke Pinnington who was born asleep on 4th July 2016 and in support of Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity). 

During what has been an incredibly difficult and emotional few weeks we have learned so much about stillbirths and neonatal deaths and this has made us really reflect on how little we knew and how little it is talked about. It is still very much a taboo subject.  Over 100 babies die just before, during or soon after birth every week and what shocked us the most is that over a third of these deaths are classed as 'unexplained'. Like the majority of expectant parents, our pregnancy was going swimmingly with no problems throughout, we were classed as low risk. So for us to lose Harry all of a sudden at 29 weeks was a complete shock and something we didn't imagine would happen to us. 
We felt that we wanted to give something back to Sands and Arrowe Park Hospital for all their support they have given us and to help support other parents and families who have to go through such a devastating experience. 

Initially we wanted to plan a family fun day on what would be Harry's first birthday. The money raised would support Sands and Arrowe Park Hospital, who are planning to redevelop the bereavement maternity suite. The staff at Arrowe Park Hospital were fantastic throughout our experience and they along with the current bereavement suite facilities made this difficult time a little more bearable. However, the current suite although sufficient, is in need of developing to provide a more comfortable environment. Our fundraising will hopefully help support this project.

The family funday is still something in which we hope to do (watch this space!), but we felt we wanted to put our energies into something now and throughout the year. We have both always said that a marathon would be a great achievement as neither of us are built for endurance running, power and sprinting...yes, but definitely not long distance! So whilst we wanted to give ourselves a challenge in completing a marathon, we also wanted it to be in memory of our little boy Harry, therefore we thought we would throw in a few (sorry lots of) half marathons along the way.  Harry was born at 29 weeks and so a mile will be run for everyday of his life; this means 12 half marathons, a 20 miler and finishing off with a marathon!  

Along the way we will be joined by family and friends who have donated themselves to us for Harry's cause! Thanks to everyone who have signed themselves up already! We are excited to start this marathon journey and hope to blog our ups and hopefully not so many downs on our way. 

We hope you enjoy following us on Harry's Helping Sands 203 mile Running Challenge, we also have a facebook page and we are on instagram. 

If you would like to make a donation, please follow the link to our justgiving page.


With love 

Clarke, Julie & Harry x