Race 2, two days to go!

Only 2 days until Abersoch half marathon. Getting really excited as training has been going really well. I am really excited for the next race and although I was looking forward to starting this running challenge I didn't realise how much I would enjoy it... I think I have caught the running bug....and I am glad! 

Since the Wirral half, I have noticed a big improvement with my speed on my shorter runs. I am now averaging 9 minute miles over 5 miles compared to 10 minute miles at the beginning of my training. I think my general fitness and the fact that I have started fartlek training has helped improve my speed. 

"Fartlek; means 'speed play' in Swedish. It is a training method that mixes continuous training with interval training. Fartlek training is periods of fast running intermixed with periods of slower running."

During my runs I have been practising some speed work. I will find a hill and run up as fast as I can and then jog back down, doing sets of 5 before continuing my run. The key is to ensure you maintain the same pace of running after, to get any benefit from the hill work. This training has been beneficial in helping me increase my aerobic threshold (CV) and improving my pace. 

I have also been incorporating lots of core stability work (plank work, ab roller and leg raises) to enhance my performance. It is important to ensure you have good core strength to help link your upper body to your lower body for effective running. 

The Abersoch half will be a stunning course with views across Cardigan Bay, views of Snowdon, Bardsey Island and a beach finish along Abersoch bay, really can't wait. But I am not expecting a fast time as I am sure the hills and beach finish will make it a little tougher. No PBs being set on this course!

So with training going well, all that is left is, to ensure good fuel and hydration over the next 2 days.

Bring it on Abersoch, race number 2!

Clarke

Race recovery

With the Wirral half marathon being my first race and with so many people signing up to their first half marathon in memory of Harry and for Sands (Thank you everyone, means a lot) I wanted to share my post race recovery. 

I am pleasantly surprised at how well I have recovered from the race. I have felt great, my body has felt fine, a little tired but not to a level in which I thought I would feel and my legs which I have always struggled with (aches and pains) have actually felt fantastic. In fact I think my legs actually have felt better post race than pre-race! 

Thinking back to how my legs felt a few days prior to the race, I definitely think using rollers on them (which I don't usually use) had a big impact on how sore they were feeling leading up to race day! I know they were a little tired from all the cycling but I am convinced now it was the rollers. So my advice would be to make sure you don't try something out of the ordinary during race week! Now I am not saying don't use a roller as they are good, but maybe give your body time (more than 2 days!) to adapt to anything new. A mistake I made with the rollers, is not drinking enough water to ensure I flush the toxins out of my body. So like I said, give yourself time to get used to any new changes in routine.

I know I keep going on about my running shoes, but I think they have had a massive impact on how well my training and racing has been going. As I have said before and I know Julie would definitely agree with me but I used to complain about leg pains constantly after training whether is was gym training or a run. When I decided to take on this running challenge I did wonder how my legs would cope, but I can honestly say that I reckon the running shoes have been the key to getting me through the training in one piece. Anyone who is struggling with injuries, I would definitely consider if your trainers/ running technique is a possible cause. The advice I got from the Runners Hub has helped too; just a slight change in technique can have a big impact on your running and recovery. 

I also think that having a good stretch out after the race (and before) is really important and aids recovery. Something I will have to make sure I do, even if it is cold and lashing it down...(it is forecast for rain in Abersoch!) Having a post race massage of course also helps too. Creations in Heswall, Thank you! It will be interesting to see after the Abersoch race whether my recover will be as quick and pain free as I am guessing (but hopefully wishing) that there won't be a massage tent available after the race (anyone in Abersoch reading this, feel free to organise one!). 

Stretching out, no matter what.

A good massage is great for recovery too!

I have continued to cycle to work everyday and I know that this has also helped support the recovery process. The daily cycle has helped keep my legs moving so that they aren't stiffening up. Important to keep those legs moving. With views like this, cycling to work has been amazing, wish I had decided to do it years ago.

A beautiful misty morning....Snowdrop on her way to pick me up.

My advice to anyone starting running would be these 5 essential points:

Clarke's Running Essentials

1. Good Kit- running shoes (preferably through a professional advisor)

2. Good food and hydration- keep body well fuelled with nutritious foods and well watered.

3. Plenty of miles- important to get your runs in..even if you are tired/busy. 

4. Plenty of rest - just as important as getting the miles in (can't do this one without no.3!)

5. Stretch- important to warm up and essential to stretch out after every run/ training session.  

Race day number 2 in a few days, must keep up the training and keep off the rollers!

Clarke

Race 1: Wirral Half Marathon 13/203 miles

Race 1 completed! 
Btr Liverpool, Wirral Half Marathon: Sunday 11th September 2016; Time completed 02.16hrs; Weather sunny and warm with a light breeze.

Well, our first race has been a triumph, all 4 runners are still standing...(just!) and still smiling!

The morning of race day, I woke up feeling fresh and excited about the days challenge ahead; I had an early night, off to bed after watching X factor! That feeling didn't last too long, as soon as I went to move my legs, my legs decided that X factor went a little too far last night....or perhaps it was cycling overload? Whatever it was, my legs felt like two blocks of lead. The day before I had decided against a short 2 mile run to give my already heavy legs a stretch out, opting for an afternoon nap instead. This rest obviously had little positive impact on my legs. 

So the morning continues as planned, porridge and banana for race day fuel, a cup of coffee to wake me up (and wishful thinking- my lead legs?) and lots of water to hydrate my self on what was looking like a glorious sunny morning. My race day preparations also involved some Vaseline and nipples (I hear sniggers). Take note all you lovely supporters who have signed up for a race (fellas that is...ladies you somehow get away with this problem) behold the ...runners nipple! Just ask Mike and he'll explain to you all about it (maybe I should have put this part of the post up before race day). I also tend to Vas up the inner thigh too...I am not lucky enough to have model thin legs so chafing can occur here too!

On our journey to the start line we picked up our fellow runners Jane, Mike and Rita who all looked happy, excited and raring to go (I did think this will all be different in 3 hours time). After a few wrong turns, I talk too much apparently and the sound of 3 sat navs in the back of the car, we arrived (in plenty of time). Parking didn't seem much of an issue with lots of side roads to park on. The atmosphere was initially quiet but as more runners and their supporters began to arrive, it quickly picked up. There were plenty of loos and the whole layout seemed pretty spot on, not too busy but busy enough for a good atmosphere. There seemed to be a range of people racing from professional runners, running club members, amateur runners, wannabe runners to fancy dress runners...according to Gary (Mike's dad) Mike fell into the latter category. I'll do thanks at the end but thanks Paula, Gary, Deni and Den for making it to the start line to show your support. 

As the race started, and it was inevitable, my Nike plus app decided to have a battle with me. If you know me well, if anything happens, it seems to happen to me! Luckily I don't think I was the only one, I think Mike was having a battle with his armband, Jane battling to decide if she needed the loo one last time and Rita was ready for the battle ahead. All systems go (my fitbit saved the day, Mike discarded the armband and Jane's choice made for her), we were off. 

The beginning of the race was going pretty well and pretty fast (first mile was 9.28). Steady on there I thought, better pace this. At mile 2, I passed China Spirit UK playing the drums and handing out water which was fantastic. This was not on the official course guide but a great gesture of support, thank you (wishing they there were there near the end!). Plodding on, I hit mile 3 and some friendly faces in Nigel and Julie from the Runners Hub to push me on. I spent the next mile or so fending off the banana man; I think saw him off around the 4.5 mile mark only to find myself competing with Wonder woman. That took some fighting and I seemed to win that battle around the arrival into New Brighton (mile 6). My legs were still feeling like two blocks of lead but my CV felt pretty good. I felt throughout the race I needed to keep a conscious effort to keep at my own steady pace. I found myself copying and falling into the pace of others around me. I hit my slowest mile split at mile 8 (11.00). From this mile I picked up and increased my pace all the way to the end. 

As I was heading towards the finish line, there was a good atmosphere and lots of spectators cheering us all on. Heading towards the line I felt the urge to gee on others around me. I was looking forward to a sprint finish but actually the occasion and support takes you to a different place, one which makes you appreciate yours and others achievement....I had finished! 02.19hrs.. on the clock with a chip time of 02.16hrs and looking forward to a Sunday roast and a few beers. 
As I crossed the line, it took me a while to focus and get my bearings, exhaustion had kicked in. I did eventually spot everyone cheering and a rather concerned looking Julie. Asking if I was OK and that I didn't look too great. 
"Get some water down you, your lips are so dry....is that salt on your lips?" 
I realised my appearance probably looked worse than I actually was. Erhhh...no I think that will be the flour off the jelly babies I have been eating.  I must have looked a like a rabid dog panting and flouring at the mouth...no wonder people were keeping away! 
After picking up my medal and goody bag, I happen to spot a tall dark figure coming onto the final stretch...its was Mike. I decided to run down to cheer him on to the finish but changed my mind to walk down as my legs had nothing left. As I got closer, I realised Mike looked like he had been shot...runners nipple had taken hold...lesson learnt for Abersoch! Mike had completed his first half marathon..well done Mike. Not too far behind was Jane and Rita, both in seemingly high spirits and looked like they could do that all again. Although speaking to Jane after she actually struggled with a leg cramp from mile 9 onwards. Well done Jane and Rita, amazing that you continued on!

After the race we were lucky enough to have a post race massage from the team at creations. I thought this was an amazing idea...Although I know this is wishful thinking for the rest of our races...Julie you I hope you took some notes!

So race one completed. The course was pretty flat, a good atmosphere, not too busy (around 2000 participants) although there were two races the half marathon and 10K happening at the same time with a route split in New Brighton. The course was scenic with beautiful views of Liverpool and made all the more amazing with the fantastic weather. 

A big thanks to Paula, Gary, Deni, Den, Lily the dog, Sandra and Rebecca for seeing us off at the start line and supporting us at the end. Thanks to our supporters and all the donations for helping us get our first race and fundraising off to a wonderful start. 

Rest for the next 2 days then back into the training for Race number 2; Abersoch. I think this will be a different kind of race, welsh hills and a beach finish!

Well done Jane, mike and Rita!

Clarke

It's nearly here: Race no. 1

So we are nearly there; race number 1 of our 203 mile journey starts tomorrow! It has been a challenging and exciting month of training and perhaps a little on the short side but I feel ready for my first race; ready for my first ever half marathon! I am not expecting a fast time, I will be taking it nice and steady and I will try to enjoy the experience with it being my first race. 

This weeks preparation has consisted of more carbohydrates in my diet to fuel me up for the race, a few light runs of 4 and 2 miles and hydrating myself with plenty of water in past 48hours. Today's plan of a short 3 mile run to stretch out the legs has gone out the window instead I have had a afternoon nap. Must have needed it, it has been a busy week and with all my cycling I have felt very tired this week. To be honest I have had a slight panic this morning as my legs have felt like lead, so I have rested instead and hopefully I be feeling great in the morning! 

We picked up our Harry's Helping Sands t-shirts today from the Runners Hub, they are fabulous, thank you! 

So with over a months planning...and race day 1 just around the corner we are really excited to start this journey with our family and friends who are right behind us in memory of our beautiful little boy Harry, for Arrowe Park bereavement suite, for Sands, for all those parents and families who left hospital without their little one, this journey we are taking is for you. 

Let's raise awareness, talk about stillbirth and break the silence. 

Please come down and support us if you can.

Clarke 

Race no. 1: Wirral Half Marathon....Good Luck everyone!

Harry and his army!

Not a post about us today, but a post to celebrate all the wonderful people behind our fundraising and cause. There are a few people we would like to thank who behind the scenes have supported us immensely.  

We will start from the beginning of our journey so firstly a huge thanks to Rachel our midwife who delivered Harry...we couldn't have asked for a better midwife to help us through this difficult time, Thank you. 

Thanks to Kate, Heather, Ruth, Donna and the rest of the team at Arrowe Park Hospital for all your care and support. 

Thanks to Kim, who without you we wouldn't have such beautiful photographs of our little boy to cherish.

Thanks to Les who gave Harry a lovely service. To Carol who provided the order of service booklet and blanket and those beautiful memory cards, you went above and beyond what we expected, thank you. 

Thanks to the lovely team at the Co-operative funeral care, Carol, Tom and Adrian for showing sensitivity, care and compassion.

Thanks to the 4Louis charity for supplying our lovely memory box for Harry.

Thanks to Sarah and James who at the early stages of our sad news were there to keep us going with some sort of normality, thanks for showing us some light. Another thanks to James who has helped us set up our blog, website (under construction) and our Harry's logo.

Thanks to Tracy for being there with a friendly face and ear, it means a lot (thanks for the eggs too!).

Thanks to Georgina for the most wonderful necklace and to the Gin Club, a lovely gift!

Thanks to Sandra, Anne and Shirley for making lovely knitted hats for Arrowe Park Maternity Unit. The hats will help premature babies and parents who find themselves in a similar position to ours. 

Thank you to the lovely person who made Harry's blue knitted hat...we are so grateful x

Thanks to Nigel and the team at the Runners Hub, for supporting us with our running challenge. New running shoes, advice, delicious fruit juices and getting our Harry's Helping Sands t-shirts and vests made. Thank you. 

Thanks to Garth at MBF Pace who has helped us with promoting Harry's Helping Sands with banners and cards.

Thanks to all our senior management and colleagues at work for their understanding, compassion and care during this difficult time. 

Thanks to both our families for helping us through this difficult time, giving us space when needed but also knowing you are all there right behind us. Thank you.

Thank you to all our supporters who have donated and supported us through sharing our story. 

And finally a thanks to everyone who is supporting us by joining in with our 203 mile running challenge!

Thanks to...
Jane and Michael: 203 miles
Amie, Danny and Michelle: Abu Dhabi Half and Marathon
Rita: Wirral Half and Liverpool Marathon
Matt: Tatton Park Half
Frank: Warrington, Tatton Park, Chester Half and Liverpool Marathon
Team Guisborough; Glynis, Geoff, Sarah, Alicia, Natalie, Danny, Nicola, Adam, Adam and Cara: Liverpool Half
Rachel: Liverpool Half

Thank you to everyone who has shown an interest in joining us, or will be taking part in their own personal challenges or organising their own fundraising in memory of Harry and for Harry's Helping Sands...Thanks Katrina and team, we are looking forward to the cake sale!

To Jane and Michael, we just wanted to say a big thank you to you both for your amazing support throughout this journey... we couldn't have done this without you. We appreciate all your support and think you are both fantastic for completing the the whole 203 miles of running with us ...(although I'm not sure you know what you've let yourselves in for!!) Jane, you have been an absolute rock for us, we cannot thank you enough. We are looking forward to completing this exciting and challenging journey with you both!

If we have missed anyone out.... sorry...and.... Thank you! 

Good luck to everyone training for their races, please keep us updated with how you are getting on. We can't wait for the first race on Sunday, the Wirral Half Marathon. Please come down and support us!  

We will end this post (which we thought would be a quick one..just goes to show how much support we have had) with a ...

Thank you!

Clarke and Julie x

Thank you to the lovely person who knitted Harry's hat. It fitted perfectly, he looked beautiful in it!

One week to go until race number 1

With just one week to go until our first race for Harry's Helping Sands 203 mile running challenge, I thought I would give a quick update on my training and final preparations. 

This week I have felt great. I have found the cycling to work is complementing my runs and general fitness. My legs feel stronger and I feel that I am able to pick up my pace at times throughout the run. I have noticed that my CV is getting stronger, I am using some of my runs as fartlek training which is giving me a stronger aerobic threshold. I am lucky enough to have some challenging hills on my cycle route to work. The hills give me the opportunity to work on my power and speed. This will only serve to help me in building up my speed and endurance to help me through my races. 

I am really enjoying cycling to work. Being out in the fresh air not only wakes you up but also puts me in a great positive mood ready for a days work, everyone should try it! Being able to get on a ferry every morning and see the Liverpool skyline of course is a treat and helps make this journey to work a very pleasant one. There is a little community on the ferry mostly made up of cyclists going to work. You will always get a hello and smile which is nice and sometimes time for a quick chat with fellow passengers with a free coffee before boarding. As a newbie to cycling, I am enjoying learning all about the do's and dont's...I have just ordered my first ass saver! (and no this is not something rude!)

Like I mentioned before, this is a great way to start the day seeing as I would usually be sat in the car on my own in a queue. I get to see the countryside, whilst getting fit and saving money and the environment all at the same time, it's a win win! So anyone who has ever thought about cycling, running or walking to work, I say DO IT!!

1 week to go and our preparations are in full flow. Our Harry's Helping Sands t-shirts are in the making thanks to James for helping with the logo and Nigel from the Runners Hub for printing them. Looking forward to seeing them! Some light training next week...excited for our first race. 

Here's a video of my ferry ride to work.

Clarke.