Tag: 10k

Running in the Rain

Running in the Rain

by TartanJogger ♥ 26 Comments

When I was in Dunoon today, I watched the storm clouds brewing:

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And my first thought was, urgh!

You’d think I’d be used to it. I live on the West Coast of Scotland. Rain is something you’d expect me to be used to running in. But I’m not!

In the past, I’ve always been a ‘fair weather’ runner; I’ve skipped any runs that would involve running in the rain.

Yes, I know, I know.

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But over the past 18 months, I’ve run in all weathers, and I really do love it, but I still find that I need to drag myself out there when it rains. When I’m actually running, I enjoy it- running in the rain is great! It’s refreshing, it keeps you cool, the roads are generally quieter, I get to splash in puddles…… but why do I still find it hard to get myself out the door?

Tonight, the rain was torrential, and the wind was quite strong. I didn’t really want to run. But I did. And I LOVED it! We were pretty speedy (well, for us, that is). We only did a two miler, since we’re, ahem, lazy ‘tapering’ for Sunday’s 10K, but I’m really pleased with the run 🙂

And, I found another heart!

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Here’s a heart I found a couple of weeks ago, that I forgot to share….

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Run: 2 miles

Time: 18:44

Trainers: LunarFly GTX

Weather: very wet, rainy and windy

I listened to a Jillian Michael’s podcast again today, instead of music 🙂

Today’s Life Lesson: am I the only person who leaves their reusable bags in the car EVERY time I go to the supermarket?

How do you feel about running in the rain?

Newsday Tuesday

Newsday Tuesday

by TartanJogger ♥ 5 Comments

Today, I have a news round up for you, from the last 24 hours.

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The main news headline is: I GOT COMMONWEALTH GAMES TICKETS! Hurrah!

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@TheWelshWookie and I submitted requests for six events, and were allocated tickets for our two top events! 😀

We’re going to see the judo all day on Saturday, 26th July 2014: it’s the heavier weight categories, men and women’s and features all qualifying, right up to the repechage, but not the medal matches.

And, on Friday, 1st August 2014 we’re going to see Mo Farah run the 10,000 metres! I’m so happy! 🙂

We’ll also see triple jump, javelin, steeplechase, 4×100 heats, 4×400 heats for men and women, pole vault, women’s 800m, 100 hurdles, high jump and discus.

It’s so exciting!

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In other news, our Super Saturday race packs arrived today, for the Great Scottish Run! We’ve already received our packs for Sunday’s 10K:

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But the packs for the Family Mile, which my four oldest nephews are running along with the ‘big’ boys (i.e. their dads, and @TheWelshWookie) arrived today. They each get a proper race bib, and a tshirt, so it’s a great introduction to running for kids! I’m looking forward to taking lot of pictures!

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And finally, did you notice my new address, tartanjogger.com? I’ve had the domain name for while, but since I’m not very tech-savvy, it’s taken me a while to get it set up! If you’re having problems viewing my blog, please let me know!

That’s tonight’s news headlines; now for the weather.

It’s cold and windy, so I haven’t run. I’ll definitely need to head out tomorrow! 😉

The Cheerleader

The Cheerleader

by TartanJogger ♥ 7 Comments

You know what it’s like. You have a tough day at work. You trail around the supermarket. You head home, and the last thing you feel like doing is going out for a run. But you don’t sit down: you pull on your kit, lace up your trainers and head out of the door. And you have a great run. You know?

Well, that didn’t happen today. My run today sucked.

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I moaned for the whole four miles. @TheWelshWookie was a proper cheerleader, keeping me going and making helping me get it done. He even had me laughing at one point. Thanks, Wookie, I owe you a tough run! 😉

We finished just after 6pm, and the lights along the harbour were on, for the first time this autumn:

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Here’s hoping that’s my last tough run for a while!

Run: 4 miles

Time: 42:20

Trainers: LunarGlides

Weather: cloudy, and definitely much cooler today

I listened to a Jillian Michael’s podcast again today, instead of music 🙂

Today’s Life Lesson: Sometimes, running sucks. Fortunately, not always 😉

When did you last have a rubbish run that someone helped you out on?

Reading and Running

Reading and Running

by TartanJogger ♥ 19 Comments

Today’s run was a bit of a disaster. We set out to do a half mile warm up, a fast mile, and a half mile cool down. When we reached the half mile mark, I set off like a hare out of a trap (well, for me. Normal speed for most), thinking I was doing some sprints. After 30 seconds, I remembered that I was supposed to sustain my pace for a mile- not. a. chance.

I’d set off so fast that my heart rate was crazy, so I had to do a short walk to bring it down. And to shout at myself for being so daft! I set off again for the last 3/4 mile, at a more sensible speed!

@TheWelshWookie had a great run- he ran a great mile!

This arrived in the post today:

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I’m so excited! This year’s Great Scottish Run has only two start waves: green and pink. We’re in the green wave, which goes first. I wonder if that’s because us slowbies need a head start? Surely I’m not in the faster wave?

Tonight, I’ll be delving into this:

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It’s the long awaited sequel to The Shining! I re-read The Shining on Saturday, so I’m ready to get stuck right in 😀

Today’s Stats:

Run: 2 miles, 1 mile run in the middle

Time: 19:45

Trainers: Lunar Racers

Weather: cloudy, and still warm. Might be my last vest run of the year!

I listened to a Jillian Michael’s pod cast again today, instead of music 🙂

Today’s Life Lesson: Spread sheets are sources of pain and torture.

What are you reading?

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

by TartanJogger ♥ 14 Comments

I don’t know where it has come from, but I had one of those runs today: a great run! 😀

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@TheWelshWookie and I headed out tonight, and I’ll admit that my head wasn’t really in it. But I got my trainers on, and headed out the door. Despite still having a cold, I managed to run with only two stops. Once at mile two to use a tissue (I can’t run and blow my nose at the same time- too much co-ordination required!) and once to take a picture of this wee guy:

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@TheWelshWookie told me it’s a slow worm. It isn’t slow, and it isn’t a worm. Every day’s a school day! 😉

Tonight, I’ve been thinking about potential runs for next year, as we only have one half marathon booked so far for 2014: the RnR Madrid. So far, I think I might sign up for a Spartan Sprint, and maybe a Tough Mudder. We’ll see how my trail run and zombie night run go first, though!

Meanwhile, I’ll content myself with reading my mag, that arrived today:

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Today’s Stats:

Run: 5 miles, slow but with negative splits 🙂

Time: 53:25

Trainers: Lunar Racers. These felt great!

Weather: cloudy, but surprisingly warm

I listened to a pod cast again, instead of music today!

Today’s Life Lesson: never argue with an idiot. People watching can’t tell the difference.

Have you booked any runs for 2014 yet?

Sunday Sessions

Sunday Sessions

by TartanJogger ♥ 2 Comments

It’s been a much more active day here than it was yesterday.

Today, we’ve been to church, done the grocery shopping, been for a run and spent time at the Harbour for the Music Festival. So, we’ve enjoyed both a Sunday running session and a Sunday music session 😉

After our lazy day yesterday, I thought I’d better pull up my big girls (running) pants and head out the door. The run was not pretty: I kept stopping to blow my nose, my pockets ended up stuffed with used tissue (yuk) but, I did it. I ground those four miles out!

After a spot of lunch and a shower, @TheWelshWookie and I walked back down to the harbour, to enjoy a couple of beers, and listen to the bands playing at the quay today. It was a great afternoon: it stayed dry, and the music was brilliant. Are there many villages with free music, cheap beer and street parties this weekend?

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Tonight, we have a dilemma: watch football or the new Series of Downton Abbey: which should we tape?

Today’s Stats:

Run: 4 miles, easy run

Time: 42:25

Trainers: Lunar Fly GTX

Weather: cloudy, but surprisingly warm

I listened to a pod cast for the first time in months, instead of music today!

Today’s Life Lesson: just do it, as they say…!

Football or Downton Abbey?

Welcome to the Weekend!

Welcome to the Weekend!

by TartanJogger ♥ 2 Comments

Now, before reality bites, and I realise that I’ll have to spend some time doing laundry, housework and other domesticated stuff this weekend, let us revel in the joy that is Friday evening:

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Amen. Thanks, I’m sure you know who you are…. Meanwhile, here’s this weekend’s format:

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And heres’ my brain’s repeat track right now:

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This is what I’m looking forward to, on Saturday Sunday morning:

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Have a great weekend, all. For those of you who have races, I’m looking forward to reading your reviews! 😀

Rainy Run Road Test

Rainy Run Road Test

by TartanJogger ♥ 10 Comments

I’ve been waiting all day, to road test some of the new gear I bought over the weekend. I decided to try out my cool stripy tights 😀

We’ve had dreadful weather here, with gale force wind and really heavy downpours, but nothing was going to stop me from trying out these babies!

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Instead of heading to the harbour, we turned left, and ran along the Campbeltown road. @TheWelshWookie suggested running up the hill on the main road, instead of running to the West Loch: a suggestion he later regretted when he realised how steep the hill was! It was tough, but I’m really feeling the benefit of the hill training paying off.

You can see the elevation 🙂

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The hill gave me a chance to put the tights to the test. OK- so I know these are workout tights, not running tights. I know that I’ve gone for style over substance. BUT they are really comfortable to wear, and ideal for short runs. They did slip a little, so I probably won’t wear them on longer runs, or to races. But I do really like them.

@TheWelshWookie liked his new gear, too, including the new knee support, which is for his oldmanitis!

We were absolutely soaked by the time we got home, but I felt great! Autumn has definitely arrived, and I might have to dig out my running gloves soon…. my fingers were a little cold; it was around 10C/50F

On another note, the ticket ordering for the Commonwealth Games 2014 closed tonight: I hope I get some of those I’ve requested!

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Today’s Stats:

Run: 2 mile, hills

Time: 20:26 pretty good!

Weather: Rainy, and quite cold

Trainers: Nike LunarFly GTX

Today’s Life Lesson: Why do socks always come out of the washer in odd numbers?

What is your favourite running outfit?

A Weekend Round Up

A Weekend Round Up

by TartanJogger ♥ 6 Comments

Evening all, have you had a good weekend? I’ve had a blast!

My shopping spree yesterday went better than I had anticipated (although @TheWelshWookie was driven bonkers by other shoppers barging in front of him 😮 ). We popped into the Nike store, only to find that they had a SALE on! Yes, that’s right, I accidentally walked into a sale. In the Nike shop. Oh. My. Goodness.

And so, I was very controlled went a wee bit crazy, but at least I stocked up on some winter running gear, and not some frivolous stuff!

I bought two pairs of full length tights, one pair is a funky blue stripy number, and I also bought the dri-fit knit long sleeve top that  I have been coveting for months, since it was on SALE! Yay!

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@TheWelshWookie also got some gear. including this rather bright number:

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And, as it was the day before the Great North Run, I made @TheWelshWookie take my photo with the picture of Mo, in the Nike Store. Yes: I have no shame….

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I then had a great night celebrating my god daughter’s birthday, which included a shedload one or two glasses of vino….!

This morning began with some more shopping (grocery shopping, bo-ring) and then we settled down to watch the build up of the GNR. I might have mentioned once or twice (or maybe more) to @TheWelshWookie that I really want to run it next year. It looked brilliant! I’m sure everyone will have seen the final couple of miles of the elite race, with Mo Farah just losing out on first place by one second: his sprint finish was just not enough. It was so exciting!

Congratulations to everyone who ran: I hope you enjoyed it, and are celebrating tonight.

We’ve been to a family Christening, and are now home, watching football. My team, the Jaguars, are facing @TheWelshWookie’s team, the Raiders, so tonight is going to be fun!

In other weekend news, Carolyn and Dougie have successfully completed the Beatson Challenge! They are so amazing, and I’m in awe of what they have achieved! We drove past them on our way to Glasgow on Saturday, and they managed a wave and a smile: they were looking really strong!

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You can see their photos here

I’m looking forward to running tomorrow, road testing a pair of my new tights 😀

Day off Work = Day on Running

Day off Work = Day on Running

by TartanJogger ♥ 7 Comments

I have a long weekend off! Woop Woop!

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And so, I’ve made use of my day: I’ve been a domestic Goddess, been shopping in the village, (and on the internet), packed for our weekend trip and gone for a run! Today is the first day that @TheWelshWookie has been for a run since our trail run on Sunday. We did a pretty solid 5K relaxed run, which I really enjoyed.

As we were heading home, the kids were having sailing lessons. By the sound of their whooping and laughter, they were having a great time! 😀

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We’ve been healthy kids, and had a lovely salmon salad for dinner:

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Beatson Challenge Update:

Day two of their three day challenge is over. Today’s section included running up (and down) The Rest and Be Thankful: a big hill which marks the half way point to Glasgow. It’s called The Rest and Be Thankful for a very good reason 😮

The report is that they even managed to run a little further than they had planned today, which must be a really good sign. They are doing absolutely brilliantly!

It’s likely that we’ll drive past them tomorrow on our way to Glasgow, so we’ll give them a wave from you all!

Today’s Stats:

Run: 5K easy run

Time: 31:12

Weather: Cloudy. It’s definitely getting cooler

Trainers: Nike Lunar Glides

Favourite Running Track Today:

Today’s Life Lesson: When you switch on the dishwasher, remember to check that you’ve put the tablet in properly 😉

What are your plans for the weekend?