tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17463177980063438822024-02-19T03:17:03.124+00:00runyourmindfreeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-4524474998043121232018-05-13T18:33:00.001+01:002018-05-13T19:08:37.763+01:00My 1st 26.2 - the highs lows, and everything in between<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't written a blog in a while, and my life has moved on quite a bit since my last entry - I've moved home, finished my PhD (officially a Dr. Price!), I've started a new job and I've run my first marathon, so I thought it was about time I wrote another blog. I've missed writing down my ramblings more than I realised.</div>
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So it's been three weeks since<span style="color: blue;"> I RAN MY FIRST MARATHON</span>(!!!) and I still can't quite believe it. I signed up for the ABP Southampton Marathon on the 15th October after receiving my commiserations email from London. I thought if I was willing to run London - then I should take on the challenge anyway. So, without any idea of where I would be living, if I would have passed and finished my PhD, what job I would have (if any), I had in my head that at least I would know where I would be on the 22nd April 2018 - running my first marathon.</div>
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One of the reasons I had decided to take on the challenge of the full marathon was to mark 5 years since loosing my beautiful mum to Mesothelioma in November 2012. When she passed I had just started the final year of my undergraduate and in all honesty I wasn't in a great place for a few years after (but that discussion is for another time), now, looking back, running really helped me find myself again after a couple of years of numbness, and I will be forever grateful for what running has done for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GggyUG5rp19LnVZxjCyqjwAUSLICOWjFZFVSgFh-FxxhCPEn-cIrqWKgPn5td343Zre7jdyS955qIHuy7u5PLTGdRxiS632Y0WxUu35Dr_q3rCnqFq-54463gVECf1VO1vEk8XPH1KCf/s1600/IMG_5367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GggyUG5rp19LnVZxjCyqjwAUSLICOWjFZFVSgFh-FxxhCPEn-cIrqWKgPn5td343Zre7jdyS955qIHuy7u5PLTGdRxiS632Y0WxUu35Dr_q3rCnqFq-54463gVECf1VO1vEk8XPH1KCf/s400/IMG_5367.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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After deciding to run in memory of my mum I decided to raise some money for Mesothelioma UK. Whilst I was thinking about fundraising I realised that a lot of the time diseases become alienated by their name. People may not have heard of a disease, and it almost immediately becomes impersonal. <span style="color: blue;">I think frequently we forget that behind every disease and illness, there are people.</span> People that should be remembered. Not remembered as being defined by their disease but remembered for the incredible fight the disease put them through and their courage and determination to keep going.</div>
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For one, my mum was given 2 weeks when she was finally diagnosed and fought for 5 months. The will and determination for life that she expressed, even in her last weeks, was something I could never imagine. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I decided I wanted to start a campaign - the people of mesothelioma - to honour and remember all of the past and present mesothelioma warriors. </span>The idea was that I would carry all of their names on my running kit while I ran Southampton Marathon.</div>
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I didn't expect much of a response but was over whelmed by the response the campaign received.<span style="color: blue;"> I carried 32 names of past and present fighters over the finish line</span>. A moment I will never forget.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">In the lead up to the marathon, in all honesty I was just terrified</span>. Terrified I couldn't do it. Thinking I was stupid for even trying. Scared of failing, scared of the heat expected on the day having trained in winter, scared of not fuelling properly, scared of the crowds, scared of the hills and if I'm honest, scared of pooping myself (not the most graceful first marathon appearance). The one thing that got me to that start line was the support from all of the people that put names of warriors forward. I can't thank them enough for the support they gave me. </div>
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The night before the marathon I sat in a hotel room with one of my biggest supporters (my sister), and looked through photos that people were tweeting me of the people I would be carrying the next morning. I couldn't help but well up, <span style="color: blue;">how much this all meant to me was hitting me right in the chest in a way I could never have imagined. </span></div>
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The morning of the marathon I woke up, feeling incredibly tense and terrified but I put my Mesothelioma UK vest on covered in the names of #thepeopleofmesothelioma and was taken over by an intense feeling of determination. <span style="color: blue;">There was no way I wasn't finishing. </span></div>
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With fear in my stride I walked to the race village in silence with my sister and partner along side me chatting. I couldn't deal with that now. My way to deal with anxiety is to become silent and as still as possible (minus the shaking ;)). As I was about to go into the baggage tent to drop my change of clothes off,<span style="color: blue;"> a woman approached me and asked if I was Eugenia</span> - I had her dads name on my top. She thanked me, along with the people that were with her.<span style="color: blue;"> I couldn't speak.</span> I can't at the best of times due to my social anxiety, but this was even more intense, I said thank you for coming up to me and held in the tears. As soon as she left I just looked at my sister, and we both cried -<span style="color: blue;"> I needed this</span>. After seeing the family of people I was running for, I was more determined than ever. I dropped off my bag, went for one last loo stop and went to the start line.</div>
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The wait for the gun to go off felt like a lifetime, I was surrounded by people, and they were all getting closer and closer, squishing me. I tried to just keep my breathing calm and kept looking at my hands where I had written 'you've got this' and 'yes you can' - <span style="color: blue;">something to remind me that I was capable when my mind started faltering</span>.</div>
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6 minutes or so after the first wave of runners I finally crossed the start line and I was off! Around 1/2 a mile in to the run I saw a running friend, Jonathan. We've been friends on social media for a while but never met in person. I saw him and my nerves almost got the better of me, but I shouted 'Jonathan!' and I'm so glad I did. We had a friendly chat (and of course a sneaky selfie c.o. Jonathan) and this gave me a boost of positivity I carried with me throughout the run.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg9pa_6Mp10v04DKtp8sMuLnTDtLunvrUHHyOH67DHvvpnyuG0ql9KC-q85SpvdhrbWsEEYuCgxZyKEiNEfwUipUrD0ECkYF94iwCmHaumATvTSxOdXwHg30bPDLafA2qzY-0MR2iPibg/s1600/Southampton_route.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="982" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg9pa_6Mp10v04DKtp8sMuLnTDtLunvrUHHyOH67DHvvpnyuG0ql9KC-q85SpvdhrbWsEEYuCgxZyKEiNEfwUipUrD0ECkYF94iwCmHaumATvTSxOdXwHg30bPDLafA2qzY-0MR2iPibg/s400/Southampton_route.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Southampton marathon route. Find it on strava <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1524897055" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlKjyu4izG_3f2pZ_A6oGxxmDBZbJdEO_kU_CMI2aZgQ0Pwjd0lxFIVSlKdsJqHL71LcVJEPso7BipIOGbu0JprV7BwC2kPtCNFSaeQIma3rsbjzHFv0Amlctbs6cpcsDxNBvYslo7ZQm/s1600/Southampton_elevation.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="1112" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlKjyu4izG_3f2pZ_A6oGxxmDBZbJdEO_kU_CMI2aZgQ0Pwjd0lxFIVSlKdsJqHL71LcVJEPso7BipIOGbu0JprV7BwC2kPtCNFSaeQIma3rsbjzHFv0Amlctbs6cpcsDxNBvYslo7ZQm/s400/Southampton_elevation.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southampton marathon elevation profile. Find it on strava<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1524897055" target="_blank"> here</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">The route was fantastic</span> - although a two lap course I have to say this is one of my favourite races so far, and despite all the horrors I heard about the Itchen bridge prior to the race, it really wasn't that bad (until you're going up it for the fourth time XD!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8g5qxdjM2P-ofOeSLuEfgxNxvoyB3ng6WTOL3pX8ZJeChPPaVe41SYmkVc9f2pXzzhHZbj9-2C3bvGXb7nY3NfPw-KkoPAuI7LpnrDXH9SM_gHNoCDETq6CuT_vhDoN-QNwyXuB4DC6q/s1600/SSP_SGo_E503800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8g5qxdjM2P-ofOeSLuEfgxNxvoyB3ng6WTOL3pX8ZJeChPPaVe41SYmkVc9f2pXzzhHZbj9-2C3bvGXb7nY3NfPw-KkoPAuI7LpnrDXH9SM_gHNoCDETq6CuT_vhDoN-QNwyXuB4DC6q/s400/SSP_SGo_E503800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The course takes you through the town, over the Itchen Bridge, around the seafront, through a bit of housing, through the stadium, past the harbour and through parks. The course features really diverse scenery - just what you want to distract yourself. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwtaqKuAU9KsIWp1CtNmsq5QIgo1c7X6FGkV0jHoeEVQk23kIWJ8798l05cidT5OZuNsyasjT4l0X8T4Rvu0hgpiJeWRJK5yg3sqRydo6d77iXtl3ztTxU8Awg48x0qCd308zSQPM7zzJ/s1600/SSP_JH_B217969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwtaqKuAU9KsIWp1CtNmsq5QIgo1c7X6FGkV0jHoeEVQk23kIWJ8798l05cidT5OZuNsyasjT4l0X8T4Rvu0hgpiJeWRJK5yg3sqRydo6d77iXtl3ztTxU8Awg48x0qCd308zSQPM7zzJ/s320/SSP_JH_B217969.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="color: blue;">The run was going surprisingly well until the second loop, just after the half way point.</span> At the start of the loop I started laughing hysterically at a woman next to me asking 'are you regretting doing the full now too?!' having already endured the heat and hills for 2 hours. </div>
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At this point I saw my supporters for the second time and they ran a little bit with me<span style="color: blue;"> cheering me on like I was Mo Farah</span>. At first I thought all was going well - over 13 miles in and I was still doing OK. This lasted until I went up over the Itchen Bridge for the 4th time.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I had to walk.</span> Something I never did in training and didn't intend to do on the day. But it was the only thing keeping me going. I was pooring water over myself at every station, soaking myself, but I was still way too hot. As soon as I was a hundred meters away from the water station I was roasting again. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I had to keep going</span> so I convinced myself that if I ran for another 10 minutes I could walk for 30 seconds. This went on from miles 19 miles to 23.5.. playing a to and fro mental game with myself to keep going. Around 19.5 miles I started crying, I couldn't contain it, I don't know why. I was hot, I was tired, but I was OK, I just couldn't stop the tears. I managed to keep it in for a while and then I saw my sister and boyfriend again at around 20 miles. This would be the last time I saw them until the finish, and unlike the first time I saw them at the same place (at 6 miles) where I flung my arms up in a peace signs, I couldn't even properly look at them. I tried to smile but instead floods of tears came out. What I was managing to keep in was suddenly an open dam. The thought that I had over an hour left to run was tearing down my defences. I ran on with huge shouts of<span style="color: blue;"> 'DO IT FOR THE PEOPLE OF MESOTHELIOMA' </span>behind me egging me on for the final 10km as I wiped the tears from my face. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS9VXXljPvIxxAJK1O-B2_VOI-0q9lG4EY19P8bLN5JfCH0LJ_7WetpDper2JqKLS-8cBZwonOqDSmCph0ZT3eNy8lLZCFdkKCgforbBlldQhHgESZcflvzMmYTTLMfpi0_Bq85FmNhfs/s1600/SSP_PT_C329857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS9VXXljPvIxxAJK1O-B2_VOI-0q9lG4EY19P8bLN5JfCH0LJ_7WetpDper2JqKLS-8cBZwonOqDSmCph0ZT3eNy8lLZCFdkKCgforbBlldQhHgESZcflvzMmYTTLMfpi0_Bq85FmNhfs/s400/SSP_PT_C329857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">When I got the 38km mile mark I knew I could do it</span>. I had 4km to go and the managing director of the company I work for was waiting with her family at 25 miles to support me. Knowing that this final boost of support was a mile or so ahead and that there was half an hour left I had a new lease of life. I put one foot in front of the other, grinned and waved as I passed Elaine and her family, and just kept running, I passed the 25 mile marker, the 26 mile marker and suddenly I was in the finish tunnel madly searching right to left so I didn't miss my sister and boyfriend. <span style="color: blue;">I needed to see them, to know they were there with me.</span></div>
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It wasn't until I was steps from the line that I saw them - my sister shouting her lungs off and martin grinning and cheering next to her.<span style="color: blue;"> I threw my arms in the air and was filled with a huge surge of pride, like something I had never felt before in my life. </span></div>
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I was done. I had ran a friggin marathon! Thousands of steps, breaths, tears, heartbeats and 26.2 miles in 4 hours 39 minutes. <span style="color: blue;">I carried 32 names across the line and I'm sure that all of them were there with me.</span> I had no doubt my mum was looking down on me with so much pride (I hope so anyway).</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">All I can say, is a marathon is another beast compared to any other race I've run.</span> I had emotions I have never experienced before while running, and it's something I will never forget. People told me that it would be a few weeks before I wanted to run another, it was a few moments. I will be back marathon - you're a beast I can't wait to tackle again - and maybe next time, I can be mentally stronger and run every single step. </div>
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Looking back now, one thing I want to say is <span style="color: blue;">if you want to run a marathon DO IT! </span>I have incredible amounts of self doubt at the best of times (I'm working on it), and <span style="color: blue;">if I can do it - so can you</span>. Hell or high water, if you want it enough you can do it and I will be with you every step of the way.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The fighting force that the warriors of every disease carry with them in their spirit is something we should all strive to embody. </span>I truly believe that if people like my mum can fight a disease for 5 months, fighting for every step, every breath and every moment, any of us can run a marathon. It may be a fight, but it will be nothing compared to what many people are fighting every day behind closed doors.</div>
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This has been a long one - so thank you for reading and finally, thank you to everyone that has supported me, through donations, sharing my posts, spreading the word and getting involved.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> I couldn't have done it without knowing so many people were willing me to finish.</span></div>
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Live strong, live happy, live free.</div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-6868736844035326402017-11-17T07:30:00.000+00:002017-11-17T10:07:39.259+00:00Putting Lapasa activewear through the run test - Gear Review<div style="text-align: center;">
Firstly thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/theasthinkings">@theasthinkings</a> for introducing me to <a href="https://twitter.com/Lapasainc">Lapasa</a>. I won a giveaway on her blog that put me in touch with the company and now I'm doing my own! Read to the end to find out how to enter :).</div>
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My pet peeve with running kit is when I buy some new gear that looks great but just doesn't pass the run test. So I've put Lapasa through the test!</div>
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Lapasa describes itself as a customer oriented athletic brand that focuses on providing comfort, premiere quality, high-tech apparel & customer satisfaction.</div>
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They kindly sent me a sports bra to review along with the yoga pants that I won in the <a href="https://twitter.com/theasthinkings">@theasthinkings</a> giveaway.</div>
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One thing I immediately loved is that their sports bras and leggings come in a great variety of colours:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LETSIPO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B01LETSIPO&linkCode=as2&tag=runyourmindfr-21&linkId=c32dbccb04023c13f5f7e33ca32f8106" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=GB&ASIN=B01LETSIPO&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=runyourmindfr-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=runyourmindfr-21&l=am2&o=2&a=B01LETSIPO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01HZL4KOS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B01HZL4KOS&linkCode=as2&tag=runyourmindfr-21&linkId=28119261b893146013812868f596c712" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=GB&ASIN=B01HZL4KOS&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=runyourmindfr-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=runyourmindfr-21&l=am2&o=2&a=B01HZL4KOS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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I went for some full length navy leggings and a multicoloured blue/pink/purple sports bra.</div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">First things first what are the top 5 things I look for in running gear? </span></div>
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1. The kit must be completely opaque & squat proof (still opaque when squatting)</div>
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2. Wicking (sweat evaporates quickly) & Minimal sweat patches</div>
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3. Enough support (keeping the wobbly bits comfortably stable)</div>
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4. Temperature moderation (warm enough for cool runs & not too hot for warm runs)</div>
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5. How well they wash</div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">So how did Lapasa stack up?</span></div>
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1. The material is just the right kind of thickness and 100% opaque. Despite this I would probably opt for seamless underwear if you don't want an underwear line.</div>
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2. I had no visible sweat patches! This is a massive positive for me. Wicking also seemed quite good - nothing out of the ordinary but standard.</div>
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3. Here I felt like Lapasa was lacking slightly on the sports bra front. Although the support wasn't awful I definitely think this is more suited to low intensity exercise as I didn't feel 100% supported even when just jogging. Not a deal killer though, just something to be weary of if you're mostly doing high intensity exercise. </div>
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On the leggings front I really like the support they provide. They have a nice high waistband that helped support any wobbly stomach bits.</div>
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4. I've only had the chance to wear these for coldish runs but I've had no issues. I often overheat and didn't experience this at all with these and didn't feel as though they were too thin either.</div>
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5. They've been through the wash and come out fresh as a daisy with no lingering workout smells.</div>
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I'm a size 10/12 (medium) leggings normally and I followed the Lapasa sizing charts and went for a medium that seemed to fit me quite well. I would say they were possibly on the slightly larger size than normal but nothing that would make me change my choice.</div>
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For the sports bra I chose a small, again my normal size. I have to say that I think I could have gone down a size and this might have improved the support. For a 5k run the support was fine and I was comfortable but I would have liked it to be a bit tighter.</div>
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In general I would say go for your normal size but if you're in-between sizing definitely go for the smaller of the two.</div>
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In conclusion the Lapasa kit is definitely some of my go to run wear now - especially the leggings as the colder nights are drawing in. For the sports bra though - in future I will only use this for lower impact sports and will have to try going down a size if I want to wear this for high impact sports such as HIIT.</div>
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As part of this review Lapasa has also offered to giveaway an item from their range to one lucky person! The Lapasa range also includes capris:<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01HZBLNH0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B01HZBLNH0&linkCode=as2&tag=runyourmindfr-21&linkId=82da35c2f332670bdba6f2bc25244feb">Lapasa Capri Leggings</a><img border="0" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=runyourmindfr-21&l=am2&o=2&a=B01HZBLNH0" />, tech t's: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0723F54HP/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B0723F54HP&linkCode=as2&tag=runyourmindfr-21&linkId=cb1a7d391637e9c8ac534d5f77ee1775">Lapasa Performance Tshirt</a><img border="0" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=runyourmindfr-21&l=am2&o=2&a=B0723F54HP" />, and seamless underwear: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071SDV2T3/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B071SDV2T3&linkCode=as2&tag=runyourmindfr-21&linkId=8b3d4f87a3a40668fd7103504cc67171">Lapasa Women's Seamless Briefs</a><img border="0" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=runyourmindfr-21&l=am2&o=2&a=B071SDV2T3" />, in addition to a similar range for men.</div>
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To enter the giveaway follow the rafflecopter instructions at the bottom of the page. Remember to do as many things as possible to give you the best chance of winning! <span style="color: lime;">Good luck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="37944ac81" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/37944ac81/" id="rcwidget_0dqeo5lb" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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If you don't fancy the giveaway but want to try out Lapasa for yourself use my discount code <span style="color: yellow;">mindfree </span>for 10% off.</div>
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Let me know if you try them out and what you think in the comments below!</div>
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Happy running :)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note this post is not sponsored.</span></b></div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com12United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-41489759949750867452017-09-26T19:00:00.000+01:002017-09-26T19:20:21.093+01:00My 3rd 13.1 - Ealing Half Marathon review <div style="text-align: center;">
The day started the best way it could have - smoothly. I got the tube to the recommended stop, Northfields Station, that was a supposed 10 minute walk from the event village (actually more like 5 minutes). There were no delays on the tube, I was running on time, and I got to Lammas park, the location of the start and finish, by around 8. Plenty of time before the 9am start.</div>
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The immediate atmosphere was awesome from the moment I stepped into the park. The event village was full with so many people with smiley faces, warming up in the luscious greenery of the park. It seemed really relaxed and laid back and despite my ever present nerves, the atmosphere definitely didn't make my nerves any worse. As starts go, this has to be one of my favourite locations I've had so far. There was no long walk to the start line, no rushing, and no horrendous queues for that essential pre-race I'm terrified loo stop.</div>
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There was a pre-race warm up at 8:30, but I chose to miss this for a second panicked loo stop before the event (as anxiety goes, not being able to find a toilet quick enough around any race is top of my list).</div>
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Around 8:45/ 8:50 I wandered over to the start area and slipped in to where I would normally put myself for a half, between the 1hr50 and 2hr pacers, and before I knew it we were 30 seconds from the count down to the start of the race. </div>
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Here is where it started going down hill for me. Moments before the whistle blew I wiped my eye, and my contact decided to abandon ship, luckily I managed to get it back in in a mad panic, but not before putting it in the wrong way first. </div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Pro Tip </span></b>: don't risk wiping your eyes before the race - it's not worth it when your contact isn't dedicated to remaining in your eye.</div>
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Anyway, post contact near disaster, the gun went off and we were off! The support was great in the first few miles, especially the church group at around mile 1 with their loud music, cheering and happy faces.</div>
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Ealing half marathon is described as undulating and the hills seemed to start right from the beginning. Despite the hills the route is lovely and takes you around the streets and parks of Ealing with a couple of loop back sections. You can find the Strava segment <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/13296814" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAVb_kBn9RAETzAFaKh6IOyt-0g1OeK4-jxGkZkdhGNGiz-SQXyXxWgqBDiBpTu9FY5LqZWLNSwCYNy6N4MsqVucGHvB0D1D_4dwxFoh1JD7h26PDGrOqcPGhoAzS4D8Fa_uTDTUe366H/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+17.13.39.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="785" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAVb_kBn9RAETzAFaKh6IOyt-0g1OeK4-jxGkZkdhGNGiz-SQXyXxWgqBDiBpTu9FY5LqZWLNSwCYNy6N4MsqVucGHvB0D1D_4dwxFoh1JD7h26PDGrOqcPGhoAzS4D8Fa_uTDTUe366H/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+17.13.39.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ealing Half Marathon Route</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8shnrIBaaNP2WzzUUnFuO17V6O6mL2RPc9i3fS3pUHjxcFeOOMWNmgQLr_tvv8yN-v4axYJeDlWgRAyBIM7T2HR2PoBxe6_CQMSwkWOvJ32pEc3RPDwogQpw3oeuzT4TOm14IkMtwexC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+17.14.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="789" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8shnrIBaaNP2WzzUUnFuO17V6O6mL2RPc9i3fS3pUHjxcFeOOMWNmgQLr_tvv8yN-v4axYJeDlWgRAyBIM7T2HR2PoBxe6_CQMSwkWOvJ32pEc3RPDwogQpw3oeuzT4TOm14IkMtwexC/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+17.14.58.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ealing Half Marathon elevation profile</td></tr>
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For the first 5 miles or so, before I was over taken by a guy pushing his child and running in flip flops (yes you read that right - running in FLIP FLOPS), I was doing OK. Not my normal pace, but OK. After mile 5, I was over taken by the 2 hour pacers, the hills got the better of me, and I really started to struggle with the combination of hills and hotter weather than I was hoping for (it was around 19/20 degrees). Even so, I kept going and pushed through.</div>
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One thing I didn't know about ealing is that it is beautiful - we went through a couple of local parks on the route and for me they were a definite pick me up. At around 15km we passed through a park and then had about a 1km section where we rejoined an earlier part of the route. Normally I don't like loop backs, but there was something about seeing such a vast quantity of runners (there was around 7000 entrants) that really gave me a boost. I had been mentally struggling to keep going but after this section I knew I was going to make it. </div>
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Despite the struggle, I felt the entire way around that I was in it together with the other runners, sure people over took me, but there were also other people struggling, and I felt as though we were at least in it together. This is not something I always feel in races and really appreciated it.</div>
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The final 3 miles were mostly flat/ decline and this was a life saver. At around 18km we passed the awesome drumming church group for the second time who gave me a shout out and gave me the last boost I needed.</div>
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1km from the finish you enter Lammas park for a final lap of the park to the finish. Normally this last km is hellish, but I'm so glad to say that the immense support along the entire loop in the park made it fly by quicker than any last km in the past. I loved it and had an amazing sense of relief as I crossed that finish line knowing I'd just completed my 3rd half marathon.</div>
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Yes - I was slower than ever before. Yes - I even walked a bit (for the first time ever). But most importantly, Yes - I had finished and I was proud. </div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">Highlights:</span> Orange slices being handed out along route, the numerous seamless water stops (with small perfect sized bottles), all of the locals standing outside their homes to cheer us on, the scenery, 'eye of the tiger' being blasted outside someones house, the enthusiastic church group, a great medal (coming from someone who isn't a massive medal fan this is a big deal!).. and the list goes on. </div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">What you get for entry:</span> number in the post (my preference), water stops, chip timing, medal & water at the finish.</div>
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It's worth noting that yes this is described as an undulating marathon and lives up to it, but, had it been any other time I wouldn't have struggled so much on the hills. They're definitely not as bad as they sound - it was just a bad race for me. </div>
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Hopefully next year I'll come back & show those hills what I'm really capable of! Until then - thanks Ealing Half Marathon CIC - you were awesome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8lASc5yy5JoPemR4Sn1BxW2ItOI764phmXgNlpikQ5Q8rjZeqBAi2BlRWY8QkRiTpP9vESm9t2o-FBQm2dP93gaprj8yEhkOv62FrJ6mI7izfhE-Zeou2mSIn7p0HR1y-MSRoV8WXqsY/s1600/IMG_9281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8lASc5yy5JoPemR4Sn1BxW2ItOI764phmXgNlpikQ5Q8rjZeqBAi2BlRWY8QkRiTpP9vESm9t2o-FBQm2dP93gaprj8yEhkOv62FrJ6mI7izfhE-Zeou2mSIn7p0HR1y-MSRoV8WXqsY/s400/IMG_9281.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Entries are now open for 2018 : enter <a href="http://www.ealinghalfmarathon.com/main-race-2017/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-84997079585137277842017-07-18T19:29:00.000+01:002017-07-18T19:29:22.463+01:0010 things running has shown me you might not expect<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't blogged in a while but recently I've been reflecting a lot on how running has changed me, my life and my outlook. I think sometimes people just concentrate on the fact that they don't want to have to exercise because all they see is the effort you have to put in, and believe me, that bit doesn't get any easier. So I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on my own journey and a few things that running showed me that people may not be thinking about when they're struggling to motivate themselves to start, and that in the end, make all the struggle and effort worth every ounce.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1G4g5eOuo_Z-kjIAMdMDlGcuIHIMZP9HJdC1IsymZEsogkRITAJXMJuihEBQZEOXGFROhC7u7OVRmpLZ79rLV3JOGFpy1CRBc5bdzB7erzfFLI9XIj_TDh4GsCGFRWrU4GN9Y8zo8ShX/s1600/35439517956_2718a98ea2_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1G4g5eOuo_Z-kjIAMdMDlGcuIHIMZP9HJdC1IsymZEsogkRITAJXMJuihEBQZEOXGFROhC7u7OVRmpLZ79rLV3JOGFpy1CRBc5bdzB7erzfFLI9XIj_TDh4GsCGFRWrU4GN9Y8zo8ShX/s400/35439517956_2718a98ea2_cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1.<span style="color: cyan;"> <span style="color: cyan;">I left the house without make up</span></span><span style="color: cyan;"> </span>for the first time since I was around 13 when I was told people don't wear make up to a Tough Mudder and didn't want to look weird.. and now I've <span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: cyan;">learnt not to care so much</span> </span>and do so regularly. Running also encouraged me to wear shorts (because I didn't want to melt) and I have worn them for the first time since I was made to for sports class in school (<span style="color: cyan;">my legs it turns out aren't quite as trunk like as I thought</span>)</div>
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2. <span style="color: cyan;">You just look happy when you smile with your teeth</span> (not hideous) so grin and bare them :)</div>
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3.<span style="color: cyan;"> </span><span style="color: cyan;">I am capable of being fully independent</span> and can brave massive crowds of people at races by myself - <span style="color: cyan;">while still smiling</span><br />
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4. I gained the confidence to <span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: cyan;">meet new people</span> </span>for the first time in years</div>
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5. <span style="color: cyan;">There's a big difference between needing to stop and wanting to stop</span> (the former is rare), when I acknowledge that during runs and keep going <span style="color: cyan;">I feel strong, capable and in control</span>, and that's exactly what I am (even if I feel like a phoney saying it now)</div>
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6. I don't love what my body looks like - but <span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: cyan;">I'm learning to love what I'm discovering it's capable of for the first time in my life</span> </span>- while still working on the first part :)</div>
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7. <span style="color: cyan;">I'm 100% not competitive</span></div>
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8. <span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: cyan;">I can overcome fear</span> </span>- and run full pelt ahead straight into & through it,<br />
it does not have to control me</div>
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9.<span style="color: cyan;"> </span><span style="color: cyan;">You can choose to make yourself happier</span> - just go for a run and 99% of the time it works</div>
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10. <span style="color: cyan;">I am not alone</span></div>
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That last one is a big thing for me. When we're struggling and feeling a bit lost in any part of our lives, at least for me, there is always a feeling that I am alone. Realising you're not and there's always someone there with you, maybe even running for the same reasons, is liberating. It makes it feel that it's OK to not feel OK, because you're one of many people just trying to get through something, through running. The running community is an amazing thing to be part of. No one cares what your job is, how much money you earn, what music you like or who your friends are. You are a runner and that's all that matters.</div>
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My favourite moments running to date has to have been when I have ran with people without any goals in mind but to run. Be a part of a group and soak in the atmosphere of a collection of people gathered together to all do something so inherently natural without any other goals at the end but to enjoy living in that moment and finish the run.<br />
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Running provides such an amazing clarity of mind that I've never achieved anywhere else, where I can forget my day, the problems in the world, the anxieties in my head and everything that makes me sad, just run and clear my mind of everything. </div>
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My heart hammers in my chest, my feet hit the ground and my mind is calm.</div>
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A clarity that alone is worth every ounce of effort.<br />
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All the 10 above are just an incredible bonus.</div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-61589791941127143212017-06-05T17:14:00.001+01:002017-06-05T17:14:26.869+01:00#try20 challenge weeks 3-5<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">So it's June which means National Walking Month is over for another year along with the May #try20 challenge. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Along with thesis writing making sure I stuck to the challenge has been just that, a challenge, and I'm going to be entirely honest when I say I missed a day during the 3rd week.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">To me that isn't a failure though. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Only not walking for 20 mins on one day in a month? That's no failure. To be fair on myself I had just done a Rough Runner event the day before and covered 15km and many many obstacles and my body was in some serious pain (if you've never done an obstacle course race you would not believe how much of your body can hurt all at once without you realising the strain at the time). So considering that was the only day I didn't manage to get out I'm so pleased I managed to keep it up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">If you've read the past posts about the #try20 challenge (<a href="http://runyourmindfree.blogspot.com/2017/04/taking-on-try20-summer-challenge.html" target="_blank">Taking on the #try20 summer challenge</a>,<a href="http://runyourmindfree.blogspot.com/2017/05/try20-challenge-week-1.html" target="_blank">#try20 challenge week 1</a>,<a href="http://runyourmindfree.blogspot.com/2017/05/try20-challenge-week-2.html" target="_blank">#try20 challenge week 2</a>) you will know each week I tried a different way of making sure I got my walks in and to make it a bit more interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">So here is what was on the cards for weeks 3-5:</span><br />
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Week 3 (15-21st May) :</div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-19" target="_blank">Tip #19</a> - Power Walk! </span></div>
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Week 4 (22-28th May) :</div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-13" target="_blank">Tip #13</a> - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko</span></div>
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Week 5 (29-31st May) </div>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-6" target="_blank">Tip #6</a><span style="color: cyan;"> - Take the Long cut & discover new places.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">My favourite of these had to be taking the long cut. Beautiful places are everywhere and I love finding new places that make me feel calm that I've never experienced before. It makes me feel so much happier knowing that hidden behind so many concrete streets are patches of green, where nature is still taking over and holding back the endless concrete miles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Lunch alfresco is also always lovely, but unfortunately not something that's always possible with the incredibly changeable british weather. Making the effort to get outside on the rare sunny days though is really worth every ounce of effort allowing you to ground yourself a bit more than sitting at your desk or in the office cafeteria.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">All in all I'm so glad that I took part in the #try20 challenge and made the extra effort for some time in the fresh air, and in all honesty, just taking an extra 20 minutes for myself without the constant distraction of modern technology.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">May may be over along with the #try20 summer challenge but I for one will be trying my best to get out and get those 20 minutes of peace from the hectic fast paced life that modern life has become.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Did you take on the #try20 challenge?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">I would love to hear how you found it in the comments below & if you have any tips that helped to get you out on the tougher days.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">#runyourrmindfree</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-20399663021532960352017-05-14T17:00:00.000+01:002017-05-14T17:00:31.280+01:00#try20 challenge week 2<div style="text-align: center;">
It's the end of the second week of may, the second week of National Walking Month and<br />
the end of week 2 of the #try20 challenge!<br />
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My second week of the <a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-summer-challenge" target="_blank">#try20 challenge</a> went like this:</div>
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Monday - 20 minute lunch wander (gentle)</div>
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Tuesday - 20 minute lunch walk & 20 min run</div>
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Wednesday - 30 min walk to running track & 40 min track session</div>
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Thursday - 20 min walk to shops</div>
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Friday - another 20 min walk to shops</div>
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Saturday - 15km Rough Runner Obstacle Course Race (lots of walking, running & 20 obstacles)</div>
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Sunday - 30 min afternoon walk<br />
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This week seemed harder than the first when it came to making myself get out. I don't know whether it's because it's getting to the middle of the challenge or because it's just been a down week for me, which isn't uncommon, but I still managed to get out - and I'm proud of that.<br />
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Ending my week with an awesome time at Rough Runner with friends on Saturday definitely has left my week ending on a high (even if my entire body hurts today).</div>
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Conclusion : Week 2 was another success. </div>
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My Week 2 challenge was to include some 'mindful meander' walks and get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week. So during some of my walks I tried to think about the positive things in my life right now & tried to soak in the beautiful scenery and truly appreciate the world around me.<br />
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For #MentalHealthAwareness week I was also asked to be part of a blog tour for the book 'Loving the Life Less Lived' a raw account of one woman's struggle with severe anxiety and depression and how acceptance changed her life. A Q&A with the author Gail Mitchell as well as a short review are <a href="http://runyourmindfree.blogspot.com/2017/05/q-with-gail-mitchell-author-of-loving.html" target="_blank">here</a> - take a look :)!</div>
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If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks <a href="http://runyourmindfree.blogspot.com/2017/04/taking-on-try20-summer-challenge.htm" target="_blank">check out my first #try20 post</a> and <a href="http://runyourmindfree.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/try20-challenge-week-1.html" target="_blank">you can catch up on week 1 here</a>.</div>
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Are you doing the challenge?</div>
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If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?</div>
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Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.</div>
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If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?</div>
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You could still make the rest of may or if you want to take on a full month just carry the days you missed over into next month! No excuses :)!</div>
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Bring on week 3!</div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-28583677619562868772017-05-11T11:50:00.000+01:002017-05-11T12:15:18.515+01:00Q&A with Gail Mitchell Author of Loving the Life Less Lived for #MHAW17<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">When I was asked if I would like the chance to read 'Loving The Life Less Lived' by Gail Marie Mitchell as part of a blog tour for this years Mental Health Awareness Week I was thrilled if not a bit wary to get involved.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">'Loving the Life Less Lived' is a narrative self-help book for people struggling with mental illness and anyone else that wants to read it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The wariness I felt came from my past experience with self-help books. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Although I am a full supporter of self-help books, in the past many I have read I've never completed, finding the majority patronising and un-helpful.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">From the first page of 'Loving the Life Less Lived' I knew this was unlike any previous book I have read and was hooked.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Gail shares here personal journey with anxiety and depression in an extremely raw and true portrayal of how it has effected her life and how acceptance is allowing her to live again. I found this raw approach strangely uplifting, reading the genuine struggles of another human in a way that is not often shared in such an open fashion. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px;">Throughout the book Gail never downplayed how she felt throughout her experiences and truly made me feel that it is OK to feel the way we feel, and be honest about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px;">As well as sharing her story Gail builds an extensive 'toolkit' of methods that have helped her deal with anxiety and encourages her readers to develop their own with a good foundation of how to do this in place</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Society has a habit of shying away from uncomfortable topics, even when broaching them not trul</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px;">y giving honest accounts of what a huge effect things such as mental health has on many lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">In truth it's a shame that we shy away from the topic of mental health to such an extent that I believe many people that have, and do, suffer from mental illness almost ignore it to the point that they genuinely believe they have never had a mental health issue. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px;">In my experience most people, if you speak them through difficult parts of their lives, will realise that they too have experienced depression, anxiety or some kind of mental health issue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">It's true that not everyone has a life long battle with mental </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px;">ill </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px;">health, but through enabling people to acknowledge their own feelings from past experiences, I believe acceptance of others struggles is just around the corner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 14px;">In my opinion 'Loving the Life Less Lived' could be a huge eye opener to many people and an invaluable tool to anyone dealing with a mental illness. I encourage anyone and everyone to pick up a copy if you can. It's well worth a read.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now to a Q&A with the Author of 'Loving the Life Less Lived', Gail Marie Mitchell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">I love the title - did you always have this as the title or did you have any others that nearly made the cut? Why did the final title make it and if there were others why didn't they?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>It was literally a flash of inspiration when I was feeling particularly fed up and hiding under the duvet. I don’t know where it came from but there were never any other titles up for contention. I knew it was perfect and summed up exactly what I wanted to say. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;">What question do you wish you had been asked in your time of deepest struggle? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>Probably ‘what can I do to help?’ I wouldn’t have known how to answer but I would have appreciated the question. I think more than any question I just needed people to accept me as just the person I was at the time, even if that person was troubled and imperfect. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">In your book you encourage people to cut ties with people they consider to be 'toxic'. What advice do you have for people who have close family that are toxic (and they can't just walk away from them)? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>That’s a difficult one, and one I struggled with it when writing my book. I always say you don’t need toxic people in your life but sometimes you love toxic people, and/or are related to them and cutting ties with them isn’t realistic and isn’t always the right thing to do. The ‘toxic’ person may be on their own journey and it may not be that they are toxic at all, just not helpful to you at the time. You can give yourself space, while still maintaining the relationship. Either physically taking time away from the person, or mentally by not giving too much weight to the things they say and the way they act. It’s hard work but you can create barriers and boundaries to protect yourself. Sometimes a course (or a book) on assertiveness might help, to ensure your needs are being met whilst still being close to the person. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">Do you regret cutting ties with any of the people you considered to be 'toxic'? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>No, I must say I don’t regret anything. I do sometimes regret the way I did it (which so many times was just to run away and hide!) Life is short and there are any number of people who need your time and attention. That’s not to say I surround myself with ‘perfect’ or ‘together’ people, far from it! I love people who are mixed up and messy and struggling to make it through life, but I look after myself first and I don’t have time for people who are spiteful, judgmental or ‘toxic’. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">Have you found any old 'toxic' friends have tried to re-contact you since you broke ties and if so did you stay away? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>No one has ever contacted me! They probably thought I was toxic too, and it’s true in my worst days I must have been hard work to be around. If someone did contact me in good faith I’d probably reconnect but I’d be wary. I genuinely believe people change, nobody is completely toxic and I’ve changed so the way they react to me would be different. Having said that I’d keep a definite distance between us… just in case. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;">Isolating ourselves is something very common in people with anxiety. What's your no.1 tip for getting yourself to step out of the house? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>Small steps. That’s how I did it. At first I’d just walk to the post-box and back, or I’d go out with a friend or my Dad so I wasn’t alone. Then when I felt up to it I’d go a little bit further, say to the swimming baths which were just around the corner, or I’d go to my friend’s house because I felt safe there. Also congratulate yourself for your progress, it’s all too easy to focus on what you can’t do, or give yourself a hard time if you have a setback. It helped me to have a list of ‘steps’ which I ticked off as I achieved them, this way I could see how far I had come. Even now I have phases where I’m tempted to hide, it doesn’t last long but I am quite gentle with myself and just stick to ‘safe’ places like our local country park. I don’t avoid going out now when I feel like this, because I know where that leads, but I am more aware of my anxiety and I know when to go easy on myself. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">It appears that you've always excelled in academia and professionally despite your anxiety. Did it not affect your self confidence in that area of your life? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">What advice would you have for someone with impending exams or assessments? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>Just do your best. That’s all you can do. I was very lucky that my Dad always encouraged me just to do my best. Remember you are not being judged as a person, failing an exam doesn’t make you a failure. It might mean you have to change your plans or adapt but sometimes that can be wonderful and liberating. Do your best today, by taking time to work, but also to rest and play. I always found that the people who did well in exams were those who knew when to revise but also knew when to stop. Exams never gave me anxiety, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet of sitting writing! However if they do give you nerves I would recommending practicing mindfulness in the run up to the exam period. If you read the question and panic take 2 or 3 minutes to concentrate on breathing slowly and listen to the sounds around you then look at the paper again and do your best. Panic is great when you are being chased by a tiger, not great when you are sitting your A levels, it takes all the blood from your brain so you can’t think straight, so just slow down, breath and just do your best. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">Do you have any tips on standing your ground when you see a GP about getting help if they are dismissive and just offer a website and no further support? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>Oh that is such a nightmare. I always encourage people to visit their GP knowing full well that some GPs will try to fob you off with a website or a library book. You really need to be persistent and go back if you’re not happy or go to see a different GP. If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression though just visiting the GP once can be a herculean task, let alone going back if it didn’t go well the first time. I would advise writing down what you want to say to the GP, if all else fails you can just hand him the piece of paper, even better take someone who you trust who can advocate for you, and be more assertive than you feel able. Just be persistent. You could also ring 111 for more advice, sometimes it’s easier to speak to someone on the phone and you can speak to them immediately. They will probably tell you to visit your GP but they might also be able to give you advice on what to ask for. Remember we have a wonderful NHS in this country which is there for everyone to receive support and treatment, just because your illness is mental rather than physical doesn’t mean you have any less right to support. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">Did the process of writing the book re-open thoughts about parts of your life and make you re-think the way you processed events at the time? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>In parts, some of the more recent events especially the ending. I do tend to reflect and think about my anxiety a lot (too much?) so I had processed a lot of the events already but certainly looking at them from the distance of time, and trying to describe them to someone else, tended to put a lot into perspective. Sometime now if I’m tempted to panic or over-react I do think ‘how will I write about this in a book five years from now?’ It helps me realise that things always pass. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">If yes - do you think people should reflect on certain parts of their life that were difficult and how should they approach it?</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #14171a; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;">Carefully, and for most people with the help of a counsellor or therapist. I don’t think we learn and progress without looking at our failures and disappointments but it isn’t an easy process and there is a risk of opening old wounds. It’s really important to be gentle and kind with yourself and recognise that everyone makes mistakes, has weaknesses and goes through bad times. It’s human. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="color: cyan;">Will you be writing another book? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal;"><i>I’m finishing the first draft of a young adult fiction novel which has the themes of self-harm and suicide (cheery!) I think child and teenage mental health is a huge problem in our society, I have toyed with writing a version of Loving the Life Less Lived for young people, I may still do that, but for the time being I am turning my hand to fiction.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-stretch: normal;">I for one will be keeping my eye out for the next book!</span><br />
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<span style="font-stretch: normal;">Thank you to Gail and RedDoor Publishing for the opportunity to read the book and get involoved with their #MHAW17 campaign with this Q&A.</span><br />
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If you'd like to see a full response piece about the book, head over to <a href="http://www.theasthinkings.co.uk/2017/05/loving-life-less-lived-response.html" target="_blank">@theasthinkings</a>, she's also running a giveaway as part of the blog tour!<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-stretch: normal;">This Mental Health Awareness Week remember, it's OK to not be OK.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-stretch: normal;">Don't stand alone.</span><br />
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-63653850513613793792017-05-07T17:00:00.000+01:002017-05-07T17:00:20.939+01:00#try20 challenge week 1<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe we're already a week into May & National Walking Month! </div>
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Where does the time go?! </div>
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So how's the first week of the <a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-summer-challenge" target="_blank">#try20 challenge</a> gone and how am I feeling about it?</div>
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My Week :</div>
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Monday - true to the challenge 20min evening walk</div>
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Tuesday - 30 min evening walk</div>
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Wednesday - walked 30 min to work (+ 20 min run before work)</div>
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Thursday - 30 min walk from work to the station</div>
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Friday - 30 min evening walk (+ 30 min after work run)</div>
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Saturday - walked around town & got a lot of errands done</div>
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Sunday - Ran a Half marathon & walked home (55 min)</div>
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So I'm pleased to say I managed to keep up with the challenge! I also didn't take my runs as the 20 minute walks for this week. Running and walking for me have a completely different feeling (physically and mentally), and so I wanted to stay true to the challenge (at least for this week).</div>
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How has it made me feel?</div>
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The things I've enjoyed most about this is getting outside & getting fresh air every single day of the week. I never normally do this and it really helps me unwind, even if only briefly, while I'm out walking.</div>
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One thing I really liked too which I guess I wasn't really expecting was that nearly every walk I went on there was some people that said hello in passing. I really like it when this happens, as it really doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes I smile and say good morning/afternoon and get no response or even looks of slight disgust. I get it that I'm a stranger, but what happened to saying a friendly hello to your neighbours?! So anyway, I loved that there was a few friendly hellos thrown in and it made me feel a bit lighter and uplifted.</div>
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Conclusion : Week 1 was a success! </div>
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My Week 1 challenge was get snappy this weekend - so here is my compulsory half marathon pic from this weekend :D! </div>
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If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks <a href="http://runyourmindfree.blogspot.com/2017/04/taking-on-try20-summer-challenge.htm" target="_blank">check out my last post</a> :)!</div>
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Are you doing the challenge?</div>
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If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?</div>
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Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.</div>
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If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?</div>
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You could still make the rest of may or if you want to take on a full month just carry the days you missed over into next month! No excuses :)!</div>
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Bring on week 2!</div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-64423330546672713062017-04-28T17:00:00.000+01:002017-04-28T17:00:10.727+01:00Taking on the #try20 summer challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm taking on the <a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-summer-challenge" target="_blank">#try20 summer challenge</a> organised by the charity <a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/who-we-are/our-organisation" target="_blank">Living Streets</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPauK5pEwBUSubibkCfoSAL-GnhVPvuntz3WgMZS7AHLBZ6DYQ0SdIuNE6XTz6h_Baximte-jWTZyHyfNziDs7c1qQaaCA6z9alVuW6eHx-jcB-NLTIwnYYJBUOzUIK7NnIF-eZEiLjgb/s1600/ive-taken-the-try20-pledge-green.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPauK5pEwBUSubibkCfoSAL-GnhVPvuntz3WgMZS7AHLBZ6DYQ0SdIuNE6XTz6h_Baximte-jWTZyHyfNziDs7c1qQaaCA6z9alVuW6eHx-jcB-NLTIwnYYJBUOzUIK7NnIF-eZEiLjgb/s320/ive-taken-the-try20-pledge-green.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what's the challenge?</div>
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It's simple.</div>
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Add 20 minutes of walking to your everyday for the month of May.</div>
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Why May? </div>
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It's <a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/campaigns/national-walking-month-2017" target="_blank">National Walking Month</a> - the best time to start.</div>
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This may sound like a simple task, and the important thing to remember is that it can be & I believe it can be hugely beneficial for both your general and mental health.</div>
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I'm relatively active as a person but as many of us are it's not consistently on a daily basis.</div>
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I normally run 2 to 4 days a week but on the other days, sometimes when I'm working from home I don't leave the house and in all honesty I can get a bit stir crazy. </div>
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I think most of us have at least one day that we don't move much - maybe for you it's your Pyjama sunday, or maybe that's your normal work day. You drive to work, you sit at your desk, you drive home and then you relax on the sofa.</div>
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I'm not saying this is a bad way to live but just getting 20 minutes of walking in, either to work, at lunch, or any time you feel you can could make a big difference to your life.<br />
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Getting outdoors and active always helps me relax and reconnect and I'm always happier after I make the effort.<br />
Even on those days when I don't want to, or I'm finding it difficult to leave the house, I always feel better when I do.</div>
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So I'm taking on the challenge to try and add 20 minutes of walking a day to my EVERYDAY routine, and I'm dedicated to it!</div>
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I'll be posting weekly updates about how I got the twenty minutes in everyday, how it's making me feel & any thoughts I have along the way.</div>
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To keep myself motivated through the month I'm going to be taking some <a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips" target="_blank">#try20 tips</a> from Living Streets and trying a different one for each week of the month. </div>
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Here's my plan for the month:</div>
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Week 1 (1-7th May) :</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-5" target="_blank">Tip #5</a> - Get Snappy Happy this weekend</span></div>
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Week 2 (8-14th May) : </div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-15" target="_blank">Tip #15</a> - As it's going mental health awareness week - A Mindful meander.</span></div>
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Week 3 (15-21st May) :</div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-19" target="_blank">Tip #19</a> - Power Walk! </span></div>
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Week 4 (22-28th May) :</div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-13" target="_blank">Tip #13</a> - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko</span></div>
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Week 5 (29-31st May) </div>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-you-can-do/try20-tips/try20-tip-6" target="_blank">Tip #6</a> - Take the Long cut & discover new places.</span></div>
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Get involved and take the #try20 challenge yourself! </div>
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You won't regret it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ_Y_lBQa4K_K7Q2BdvE7NqFxUWbpq_jMAllDiaU-9kY3OgEZ5fLd9-iaeRgQYK6ZCIpgD0s2eV5kjrQ8xvXGcDFeI04Gtfh4Bgs2AzFXb8CGMrl9_OpeHvZU95z3bkPQhWIOg1lqDCde/s1600/feel-the-burn-pink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ_Y_lBQa4K_K7Q2BdvE7NqFxUWbpq_jMAllDiaU-9kY3OgEZ5fLd9-iaeRgQYK6ZCIpgD0s2eV5kjrQ8xvXGcDFeI04Gtfh4Bgs2AzFXb8CGMrl9_OpeHvZU95z3bkPQhWIOg1lqDCde/s320/feel-the-burn-pink.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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To keep you motivated why not rope a friend in and get them to take on the challenge with you.<br />
I've teamed up with <a href="http://www.theasthinkings.co.uk/" target="_blank">theasthinkings</a> so that we can keep each other on track.<br />
Head over to her <a href="http://www.theasthinkings.co.uk/2017/04/ive-pledge-to-try20.html" target="_blank">post</a> to see what challenges she's decided to take on for week 1!<br />
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I can't wait to start on 1st May! </div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-27176073755176921392017-04-12T17:00:00.000+01:002017-04-28T16:52:00.618+01:00Stepping on to the track<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I moved just over a year ago I wanted to join the local running club. For the last year I've been living in one place with my partner and working in another (a 3 hour commute away). I don't work here so the only people that I know that live here are my partners work colleagues and some of their partners. Until a couple of weeks ago I I've literally met no one. I don't have children so I haven't met people through other parents, I don't work here so I haven't met local colleagues. I've literally made no friends. </div>
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Don't get me wrong I don't want sympathy, it's just the truth. I know no one here. Luckily my partner is my best friend and sometimes we both almost feel as if we don't really need anyone else because we have each other. But deep down I know that it's healthy to have friendships outside of your relationships and to socialise, even if I am slightly inept when I try. </div>
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My first attempt at meeting people was around a year ago, when I tried my local parkrun. I thought it would be a good way to meet people and maybe my partner would come too. The trouble is I turned up that first time (to this date I've only been twice), and there was just so many people! On average there is around 200-300 people at my local parkrun. So I turned up and everyone already had their groups and their friends. So both times I went I just ran around the course and then left. I just didn't know what to say. </div>
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I know parkrun is supposed to be a friendly local thing, but having to interrupt one of the already established groups of friends just seemed strange. I was pretty sure I would just come across as rude or weird as I'm not the great at sounding casual at the best of times. I probably would have come out with something a bit unusual to ask, or something deadly obvious, that clearly I didn't really need to ask.</div>
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(Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong I think parkrun is great, and I encourage everyone to give it a go - just if you're going to make friends maybe it's not ideal for everyone.</div>
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So long and short. I've lived here for over a year, and I don't know anyone.</div>
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That is until a couple of weeks ago. I finally made the decision to send a message via facebook to the local running club and ask what would be the best day for me to come and join in a session. I nearly didn't go, but I arranged it all and when it came to it I just made myself leave the house, and as always, that was the one thing that once I'm out, I can't turn back. To me it takes more willpower to give up once I've set my mind on something than if I just don't attempt it in the first place.</div>
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It was recommended I went to the local track session as it's one of the main club nights. One of my goals of joining a club is that I want to get faster, and to me that means track is probably going to be the best thing for me. Having structured training rather than me trying some random speed intervals myself I have no doubt will be a great benefit, so this sounded perfect.</div>
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So my first track session was on the 27th April at 7pm for around an hour, and I'm so glad I went. I'm not going to lie that first day I spoke to two people for around 10 seconds, and that's the best I did. It was awkward, I don't even remember their names (not because they weren't nice people, it's just that my memory tends to suffer a lot when I'm anxious) and they haven't tried to speak to me since, so I didn't do too great that first day socially.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ByL1Y7vy8iKzSV4R8XCdikeYHRZo7x0PVsHEjBC2l3FeOn8fRXK-Eq7GJsJik941Y8Bjr7aKEGFdPzYaPeNhhzx5FsL2dJxpJA3A80hLSHgzGNB3lEyQt6WY5oB6OuBYCGAPrXeKjZuQ/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ByL1Y7vy8iKzSV4R8XCdikeYHRZo7x0PVsHEjBC2l3FeOn8fRXK-Eq7GJsJik941Y8Bjr7aKEGFdPzYaPeNhhzx5FsL2dJxpJA3A80hLSHgzGNB3lEyQt6WY5oB6OuBYCGAPrXeKjZuQ/s320/image2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just 2 weeks on though and I've now been to two road runs & another track session and I'm speaking to more and more people each time I turn up. Sure I'm not doing great at the conversation yet, but a few people already know my name & say hi! Progress, and for me a giant leap into social situations that make me terrified, but also elated, knowing I'm getting there. </div>
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Here's to new acquaintances, great training and a great deal of running.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEOJ6X1WOCQ2Y5SObQOgjznWcigEv8-z8Itig9vUiQAdMdpCWe8Alhi1K9m-r0qPMJkOWJj0YlrPQ-tewaZRCL_FSuVb3UIJkyk67esXOEoT5AViAfisfzDNcJh-XyvkWbVf6lkyy5MNs/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEOJ6X1WOCQ2Y5SObQOgjznWcigEv8-z8Itig9vUiQAdMdpCWe8Alhi1K9m-r0qPMJkOWJj0YlrPQ-tewaZRCL_FSuVb3UIJkyk67esXOEoT5AViAfisfzDNcJh-XyvkWbVf6lkyy5MNs/s640/image5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-77619354371787648392017-03-26T12:57:00.001+01:002017-03-26T14:01:11.148+01:00My 1st 13.1 - Reading Half Marathon Review<div style="text-align: center;">
I did it! I ran a half marathon, and guess what?</div>
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I loved it.</div>
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If you read my previous post you will have seen how anxious I was pre-race day.</div>
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I was apprehensive, lacking self belief, and kind of dreading it.</div>
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The event itself however was just incredible.</div>
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Luckily my biggest worry was getting there and once that part was ticked off I was able to relax & soak up the atmosphere pre-race.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Note: this did mean I was at the race village over an hour earlier than I needed, but if that meant I could relax, what's the harm? Better safe than sorry.)<br />
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We parked in Reading centre at the Queens Road NCP car park (£6 for the entire day), arriving at around 7:15, and then walked the ~8mins to Reading Station where there was shuttles already waiting for us.<br />
<br />
We jumped straight on the bus and we were dropped at the Madejski Stadium next to the race village in less than 20 mins.<br />
As we were so early we decided to sit in the stadium and watch the runners of the Green Park challenge run in and then at around 9 we started walking over to the start line. I recommend going to the bathroom in the stadium before you head over as the queues for the loos near the start line were HUGE.<br />
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Note: the start line was ~ 25 min walk from the race village so I really wouldn't recommend coming in last minute as the race set of bang on time.<br />
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Sign posting was clear to the start line and I just followed the flow of people. The race was separated into colour pens depending on expected finish time. I headed for my allocated pen (green - sub 02:00:00) where I left my partner and beelined straight for the 1:55 pacer. Spectators can follow around the outside of the actual start line pens but are separated at this stage.<br />
<br />
10 minutes or so before the race started there was a warm up which I could hear over the speakers but I was too far back to see anything. Even so me and some of the surrounding people tried to keep up and join in. The wheelchair race was set of at 10:00, the elite runners at 10:15 and the remaining pens let off in waves of relatively quick succession. I was in the 6th wave and set out at 10:28.<br />
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The first couple of miles near the race village was packed with spectators and it was great to have so many people there to get you off to a good start. My aim was to stay with the 1:55 pacer but after a little while I decided I wanted to just ran at my natural pace so ran ahead slightly and just tried to settle into the run.<br />
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The course was completely closed to traffic, taking you firstly through green park followed by an industrial park and then through some residential areas where there is a considerable climb between 2 and 4km. The race then takes you through a section of the Reading University Campus. From here you head into the centre of the city where the crowds explode & the energy increases 10 fold. You hit the heart of the city around half way around (6 or 7 miles) and this is a great boost mid race.<br />
Coming out of the centre you hit your second incline - although smaller than the first, due to the position in the run around mile 8, this hill feels pretty substantial. From there on out though you're in for steady sailing home passing through some more residential areas before turning on to the final straight stretch back with a view of the Madejski Stadium at the end of the road.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzfwrZNY8E79nybDH7T5sVoBz8Dl2E-qx7hvVUnrz8-EX151SePcHPhJJYTzmxz9qieqGdvRQ58nIiY0ywPwxtQsYeK0fTt9VbRjXX6JR_6u-g7SSlvTcu0i4w7dyhL1uVGgablu_79KQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-25+at+20.27.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzfwrZNY8E79nybDH7T5sVoBz8Dl2E-qx7hvVUnrz8-EX151SePcHPhJJYTzmxz9qieqGdvRQ58nIiY0ywPwxtQsYeK0fTt9VbRjXX6JR_6u-g7SSlvTcu0i4w7dyhL1uVGgablu_79KQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-03-25+at+20.27.21.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Half Route - You can see the Strava segment <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/14400555" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXgWim7hHTC3ewIquf01sBMq9a1aEIIv832Ii7I6KeG2IfVnoXQ3DwaTudTnn7hGt1mekBPs73ngNPT-3MqKwXMDTLUQ2tMFmTjhyphenhyphenpRk7czSrWUJFUqGTfqymid1-qfdtBh5KX5TPV-Z2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-25+at+20.27.37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXgWim7hHTC3ewIquf01sBMq9a1aEIIv832Ii7I6KeG2IfVnoXQ3DwaTudTnn7hGt1mekBPs73ngNPT-3MqKwXMDTLUQ2tMFmTjhyphenhyphenpRk7czSrWUJFUqGTfqymid1-qfdtBh5KX5TPV-Z2/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-03-25+at+20.27.37.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Half elevation profile</td></tr>
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I have to be honest that that final stretch for me was one of the harder parts of the race - it lasts about 3k where you're just staring at the Stadium which gives you the 'so close but so far' kind of feeling.<br />
Despite that it was perfectly flat which was good & meant you could power down that last stretch with your goal insight (if you've got any energy left at this stage).<br />
<br />
The stadium finish was just incredible.<br />
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I managed to pick up the pace coming in and I don't know whether it was the adrenaline, the crowd or maybe I just had enough energy left in me but I felt so strong! The sprint felt natural and was a truly amazing feeling running across that line with the cheering crowds knowing I'd ran a half marathon, enjoyed it, and wasn't in the slightest bit broken.<br />
<br />
One thing I definitely have to say about this race is that the support & entertainment along the route was amazing and definitely kept my spirits high the entire way around.<br />
For me the highlights were the live music groups including the drumming group in Reading centre in the underpass (which I clapped as I ran past which may have gained me a couple of strange glances from fellow runners & spectators), the incredibly loud tunes coming from the Reading Family Church group and the random shop owner handing out clementines around mile 7.<br />
<br />
Thanks to the many shout outs of 'come on Gen!' especially to the woman at miles 6 with a 'looking really strong Gen!' and the woman at mile 9 while I was having a gel with the 'YES! YOU EAT THAT GEN!', you gave me a couple of extra boosts I really appreciated.<br />
Also an extra thanks to the woman who was chatting to their friend on the second & last hill saying it was all downhill from there - I had NO idea of the race profile and felt a massive mental boost knowing that all I had to do is power up that last hill & the half was in the bag.<br />
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Fuelling wise I would definitely recommend taking your own gels or whatever your booster of choice is. There were ample water stops (3,5,6,9 & 12mi) with the addition of bottles of Lucozade at 5 & 9 miles and although I did take the Lucozade and appreciated them I just couldn't take much on due to the amount of liquid and not wanting to have to take a toilet break. If Lucozade/ energy drinks are your usual choice then this will be great for you but for me I felt like having the lucozade was bordering on too much liquid & not enough energy.<br />
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All in all Reading Half Marathon is an amazing race.<br />
The support throughout was incredible, from the constant cheering, Jelly babies galore, people handing out extra water, a beer stop on the last hill (for those inclined) the organisation and the stadium finale everything was smooth from start to finish and an all round pleasure to be a part of.<br />
<br />
I loved my first half coming in at a respectable 1:54:12 and placing 690/3596 women and 3927/9720 overall.<br />
I will most definitely be back for more next year<br />
& I can't wait for round 2! :)<br />
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I hope this review was helpful for someone and please come back for more :).<br />
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Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
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#runyourmindfree</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0Reading, UK51.4542645 -0.9781302999999752551.375102500000004 -1.1394917999999752 51.5334265 -0.81676879999997531tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-37073419259163789452017-03-17T17:03:00.000+00:002017-03-17T18:53:41.477+00:00Me & pre race anxiety <div style="text-align: center;">
So I've got my first half marathon in two days.. seeing this on the website of the race.. not terrifying at all!<br />
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Ok so as of right now I have 2 days & a lot of pre race fear ahead of me. </div>
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I planned to keep myself busy this weekend anyway - tomorrow is a hard day. It's my mums birthday who is no longer here to celebrate it, and that sucks.</div>
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So this weekend is a good weekend to distract myself anyway.. I say that but I've been trying to 'distract' myself all week keeping busy with work etc. but my mind hasn't really stopped.</div>
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I'm dreading Saturday, I'm dreading Sunday, but in a way the thoughts from Saturday will get me through Sunday. </div>
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My mum fought with restricted lungs (Mesothelioma) for a whole 5 MONTHS when she had originally been given 2 WEEKS. So I'm pretty sure I can run a half marathon with my 100% functioning lungs for just 2 hours. She'll be with me & I WILL get through it.</div>
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Again I say that..<br />
but I'm still scared. </div>
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I'm running solo and so I keep thinking I can maybe try chat to someone on the way to keep me motivated, make a friend, but small talk is definitely not on my list of talents.</div>
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(Awkward 'aha!' laughs however, not too brag, but I've got that DOWN!)</div>
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Anyway so I have no one there to motivate me, it's just me & my feet.</div>
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So apart from motivation what else am I actually anxious about?</div>
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(Disclaimer even writing this down is making me sweaty!)</div>
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#1 - <span style="color: #e06666;">Getting there</span>. This is stressing me out so much - I planned to get the train and now there's diversions and my partner has offered to drive me instead (I'm now aiming to get there HOURS early.. that guy deserves a medal to be coming with me! (thank you) ).</div>
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#2 - <span style="color: #e06666;">I can't do it</span>.</div>
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#3 - <span style="color: #e06666;">I'll be slow</span>.</div>
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#4 -<span style="color: #e06666;"> People I know will think I was slow</span> (that's ok but I can't help taking most things personally).</div>
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#5 - <span style="color: #e06666;">I'll look awful</span>.</div>
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#6 - <span style="color: #e06666;">I'll be super sweaty</span> (hoping people don't wiff me on the run).</div>
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#7 - There will be <span style="color: #e06666;">SO MANY PEOPLE</span> (I'm really not good with close proximity).</div>
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#8 - They've got <span style="color: #e06666;">Lucozade at the energy stops</span> - I haven't ever had this on a run.</div>
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#9 - Am I going to get <span style="color: #e06666;">bowel issues</span>?! I never have but that could add minutes on to my time and we're on the clock people! </div>
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#10 - Will the <span style="color: #e06666;">queues for the loo before hand</span> be huge?</div>
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#11 - <span style="color: #e06666;">Will I find my partner after the run</span>?</div>
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#12 - <span style="color: #e06666;">It's not a flat course</span> - are the hills comparable to my normal ones?</div>
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...</div>
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and the list goes on.</div>
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I'm an over thinker so I know this isn't necessarily normal - but I imagine more people have these fears than they make out.</div>
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Despite all this I'm still excited (I think) and I can't wait for my wave to start off (maybe) but either way I WILL run it and I WILL be OK and I WILL finish.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">It's OK to be scared.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">You're not alone.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">You can do this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Run.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">(Pre-race mantra!)</span></div>
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Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#runyourmindfree</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-71278887929860442542017-03-10T17:00:00.000+00:002017-03-14T14:31:14.131+00:00How to get out there when your mind is saying 'no'<div style="text-align: center;">
Considering I manage to persuade myself to lace up and run a minimum of 3 times a week you'd think I have no problem with motivation. That's almost true. But when it comes to that moment when I'm supposed to be getting up, ready and out that door, there is something more over powering holding me back. </div>
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I love running, I know that. So why do I still struggle to get out? </div>
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I think this is something that the non-runners don't always get. They see this image of us presented on social media where we're always pumped, enthusiastic, happy, and raring to go. They see the completed runs, the excitement at our next run, our happiness in all of the above, and sometimes, just the joy of talking about running. </div>
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What they don't see is that at the end of the day we're still like everyone else, struggling to stay motivated and sometimes just wanting to stop and say no.</div>
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My biggest challenge of the week is not the shorter runs I do during the week, even though they too are sometimes a struggle, its the weekend long run.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It has taken up to two to three <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">hours</span></i> for me to just get changed and start getting myself ready for a long run. This isn't irregular either. The quickest I've probably ever got myself out the door is probably 30 minutes, and that was impressive for me.</div>
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When it comes to long runs I don't know what it is, but the self doubt and fear always sets in.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Why?? I mean I've never not completed the distance I set out to do. I've never felt like I was going to collapse because I have pushed myself too far. I've never been severely sick, passed out, or had to dive into a bush to relieve myself (crossed fingers that streak continues ;)..), and I've never truly hated any run I've set out on.</div>
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At the end of the day I think the reason I find getting out on that long run so difficult is just pure simple fear that I can't do it. I can, and sitting here now, I know that. But when it comes to that time when I need to tell myself I'm going to do this, I'm going to get ready, I'm going to step out the door. That fear is there and is always blocking the exit, until at some stage something clicks and I can break through that barrier.</div>
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So here is what works for me, and what might work for you when your mind is saying 'no'.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ask yourself these three questions:</span></div>
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Q 1: Am I sad? </div>
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A: Yes - Run; No - Run</div>
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Q 2: Am I Bored? </div>
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A: Yes - Run; No - Run</div>
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Q 3: Am I injured? </div>
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A: Yes - It's OK to take it easy, go for a walk ; No - Run</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Plan your route.</span></div>
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If you're not excited about running your usual routes,</div>
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try planning a new one and make it interesting. Can you run through a park you haven't been to before? Can you run a road you've never been down? Can you find a trail? Can you run somewhere you're fond of? Anything that sounds appealing - give it a go.<br />
<br />
Tip : So I don't get lost I use a free map app on my Garmin and plan the route online then follow the route when I'm out. I use the <a href="http://dynamic.watch/" target="_blank">dynamicwatch</a> app which puts route maps on your Garmin - you can get it through the <a href="https://apps.garmin.com/en-GB/" target="_blank">Connect IQ store</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Rope in a Friend.</span><br />
Sometimes it's easier to get out if you're meeting someone. The pressure of not wanting to tell someone else you don't want to go is sometimes just enough to get you to step out.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Get changed.</span></div>
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Sure that sounds simple but it doesn't always feel that way.</div>
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Wear your favourite stuff, your most comfortable stuff, or something new you've been wanting to try out.</div>
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Once I've got my gear on, normally I find it hard to find an excuse not to go.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Be easy on yourself.</span></div>
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Acknowledge that its OK if you can't do what you planned earlier in the week. Getting out there is getting out there, and that's awesome in itself. Sometimes I just tell myself to run around the block, see how you feel after 5 minutes, and if it's awful, go home. And hey, you still did that one loop of the block. You didn't have to.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ask yourself what's the worst that can happen?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The worst that happens is you stop and you turn back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the other side you could come back feeling a million dollars and a league away from all those worries and anxieties.. </div>
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and it won't have cost you a penny :)!</div>
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I hope this helps some of you get out there on difficult days, and if you didn't get out today, don't worry, because tomorrow is a new day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have some go-to things you do to get motivated and out that door leave a comment below - I would love to hear from you.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#runyourmindfree.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0Berkshire, United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-76401537610927006652017-03-03T21:28:00.000+00:002017-03-03T21:39:26.457+00:00Running book shelf: #1 What I talk about when I talk about running - Haruki Murakami<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm a die hard fan of Haruki Murakami's work and so after I had been running for a while and remembered that he had written a book about running I knew I had to read it.</div>
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This is the first non-fiction book of his that I've read and I have to say I was not disappointed.</div>
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The book centres around his life and how running came into it, and as such it is a cross between a running diary and a memoir style piece. I loved getting to know a bit more about the author himself - the man behind the eccentric, fantastical writing rather than just the stories he creates.</div>
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I don't know what I expected him to be like, considering his writing I thought he himself must be slightly eccentric, but to my surprise he seems more like your every day person. Just one that happened to start running as a means to keep fit while writing and happened to enjoy it enough to keep going.<br />
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I don't want to give too much of the story away - but I read it over a few commutes, it's a quick read but within it is packed so much that many of us runners will be able to relate to, and seeing the life of Murakami, for me, was really interesting. It made me think that maybe if he can do some of the things he has, I can too, and I think anything that can inspire you to do bigger better things is invaluable.<br />
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After reading the book I was surprised to see that Runners World had mentioned many of his quotes in an article, and since I've seen a few scattered around. I don't know why I found this surprising as there are some brilliant quotes throughout the book that I think would strike a cord with most runners, but as I came across Murakamis book from the point of a fan of his fiction writing for some reason I thought it would be less well known.<br />
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There are so many quotes in the book that I love but my favourite two quotes that resonated 100% with myself have to be these:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"I'm often asked what I think about as I run. Usually the people who ask this have never run long distances themselves. I always ponder the question. What exactly do I think about when I'm running? I don't have a clue."</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Say you're running and you think 'Man, this hurts, I can't take it anymore'. The 'hurt' part is an unavoidable reality, but whether or not you can stand anymore is up to the runner himself."</span></i><br />
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To find more of the quotes, I guess you'll have to read the book ;) (or just google them, but risking not getting the most out of them - your choice).<br />
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Long and short - if you're a Murakami fan, a runner, or just someone that's intrigued by the world of runners you won't be disappointed. 'What I talk about when I talk about running' is an honest portrayal of a man, who acknowledges the fact that he is ageing, not in a necessarily negative way, but without glossing over any of the truth of the fact. He talks about his writing, his career, his love for running and his need to strive, like many of us, to push himself to test what he's capable of.<br />
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In that sense, it is a very relatable memoir of life, running, the inevitable ageing process and the passage of time that we all must face.<br />
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Who knows, even if you're not a runner, I think this book might have the potential to even spur you to start lacing up yourself.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-46955142113228806462017-02-25T21:15:00.003+00:002017-02-27T21:23:40.198+00:00How to race with Flu and Bramley 20/10 Review<div style="text-align: center;">
Piece of advice no. 1 - <b>don't</b>..</div>
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but if you're super stubborn and refuse to waste your money here's how it turned out for me.</div>
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First of all lets get my symptoms clear. I hadn't been to a doctor to confirm I had flu, but compared to just a cold, this came on pretty rapidly and I had a fever 2 days before the run, which to me says flu.</div>
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To get into the gory details my nose had been streaming for 3 days, my sinuses were very sore and on the day of the race my chest just hurt when I woke up with a feeling of constant compression and acheyness. </div>
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Despite this I woke up knowing I probably shouldn't run but knowing I still would. That's just who I am unfortunately and often won't give up, even though that's definitely what would be good for me.<br />
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I started making sure I was hydrated the day before the race as this is crucial when you're healthy and running and even more so if you're a bit under the weather.<br />
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So pre-race, around an hour and a half before running, I had around 600ml of smoothie consisting of banana, mango, berries, two handfuls of spinach and some water. I also necked a double espresso before hopping in the car to get to the race.<br />
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When I woke up I had a couple of ibuprofen and around half an hour before the run I took some cold and flu caps with some water (again I know you shouldn't take pain killers before a run but needs must).<br />
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So to the race : <a href="http://www.readingroadrunners.org/bramley.html">Reading Road Runners Bramley 20/10</a><br />
The race was held on Sunday 19th Feb 2017 and is a road race around the small village of Bramley in Hampshire. The race is a 10 mile loop and has two distance options for the race; the single loop at 10 miles, or you can opt for two loops for 20.<br />
The longest race for me before this was a 10k and I had regularly been running 10 miles for over a month prior to this race but no further, so I signed up for the 10 mile. Here's me at the beginning - smiling but inside just super anxious genuinely thinking I might not make it around a run for the first time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL1lVuVGRYkl_iWw2bCFpwtPZx9f4oIXpzwV-0tOfM96ELJDHGLaw0Phmt-_FZd3x_9kJ-q8O5Oh5MrnlPjkdeU7GaM19G39MAq9eZid0HHl0GMTLjczo7pHQw2WlO_t9HlR86iqQESFx/s1600/16880351_10155108423487502_660854470_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL1lVuVGRYkl_iWw2bCFpwtPZx9f4oIXpzwV-0tOfM96ELJDHGLaw0Phmt-_FZd3x_9kJ-q8O5Oh5MrnlPjkdeU7GaM19G39MAq9eZid0HHl0GMTLjczo7pHQw2WlO_t9HlR86iqQESFx/s320/16880351_10155108423487502_660854470_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Arriving at the event was really straight forward. Directions to the parking was very easy, we pulled into the parking area handed an attendant £2 and were directed to pull into our spot. We arrived just after 9 and had no problem getting a space but I imagine it was pretty packed when everyone had finished arriving.<br />
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From the parking area it was a gentle 10 minute walk to the race village and we just followed the steady stream of runners already on the way over. The atmosphere on arriving to the race HQ was friendly with what seemed to be a large amount of club runners. I thought I would find this a little intimidating as I'm not affiliated to a club but felt none of this on the day.<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><u>Tip 1</u>: get in the queue for the toilets early. </span><br />
There was a really good number of porter loos for the amount of people around but the queue still took around 10 mins to get through before the start.<br />
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The race started off really promptly at 10:30, for some reason taking me by surprise as I thought 'what was that noise?!' swiftly followed by 'aaaah.. I'm meant to be running!'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSMgQRYDG21MfA1m6x7cM8Eg11-cCQNyl0GB_PuMBH7rkBjbBN4sFtSuUXpws2AUFgg0-U5zHGz546AmGnqvwq9ndlZ-7oqgHbsP6_jzlZSKYOQkhTjaraBURTuQ9EjSBMqn5_Y3EbMb3/s1600/16833054_10155108423632502_1133103998_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSMgQRYDG21MfA1m6x7cM8Eg11-cCQNyl0GB_PuMBH7rkBjbBN4sFtSuUXpws2AUFgg0-U5zHGz546AmGnqvwq9ndlZ-7oqgHbsP6_jzlZSKYOQkhTjaraBURTuQ9EjSBMqn5_Y3EbMb3/s320/16833054_10155108423632502_1133103998_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The entire run was around narrow picturesque country roads with the odd busier road. Although not closed to traffic the amount of cars was really small and management was great when there were any crossings or cars trying to get past. The mass of runners was so dense that for most of the race I don't think any cars would have got through anyway. For the 20 milers the field reduced significantly so I imagine for the second lap cars may have become more of an issue.<br />
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The drink stations were a good distance apart for me. There were three water stations at 3, 5 and 8 miles with an option of an isotonic drink at 5 miles (which I gladly took as by mile 5 I was definitely starting to feel light headed). There was also another water station with isotonic drinks just after 10 miles for the 20 milers. The water & isotonic drink were served in cups which I still haven't mastered drinking from while running which resulted in my throwing a lot of water over myself... but lets put that down to experience :P.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc-myNi4ts_wZkzv38KzwaqAT5UIFLcx4D4vs_Wkao_l17r20doRyZAcKsmt_zF_eqZExw4_JMrwHiTJzqGGJHLZYnK8-9hEpzL6ZYqLelAL-wjWTfy7McGS7EFCIzrm-HCVS32YqPCRr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+20.05.40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc-myNi4ts_wZkzv38KzwaqAT5UIFLcx4D4vs_Wkao_l17r20doRyZAcKsmt_zF_eqZExw4_JMrwHiTJzqGGJHLZYnK8-9hEpzL6ZYqLelAL-wjWTfy7McGS7EFCIzrm-HCVS32YqPCRr/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+20.05.40.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bramley 10 route</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKNQUnHJK0jgUZeeTfA-9RL06AkU8Lj2GlqcPwPQ5GZcE7lF0pKBz23RVgmmh6df42D737JpEKDAVXa3zu5QnxA3-4qcACfYFJxaiVm1OGPuCE7AJ3qDF2xCRfPvqGHsmgvkN6GDtTXWy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+20.05.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKNQUnHJK0jgUZeeTfA-9RL06AkU8Lj2GlqcPwPQ5GZcE7lF0pKBz23RVgmmh6df42D737JpEKDAVXa3zu5QnxA3-4qcACfYFJxaiVm1OGPuCE7AJ3qDF2xCRfPvqGHsmgvkN6GDtTXWy/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+20.05.55.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bramley 10 elevation profile</td></tr>
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There were inclines at around 6 & 8 miles on the course. I wouldn't call them considerable inclines but I imagine for the second loop the second hill at 8 feels a lot bigger than it does the first time around. I was slightly concerned the inclines were going to be a killer, but weren't really anything to get too upset about. You can find the Strava segment for the Bramley 10 <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/3450202">here</a> for more details.<br />
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There was an official photographer there on the day but also an additional photographer who provided free photos for the race. This snap was taken at 8.5 miles, just after throwing my 3rd cup of water over myself. Definitely a good look. I knew at this point that I could finish the race so almost even mustered up a smile ;)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uDNvhIGuwGlOGiVL-XCZaTrDEMPwNDKcrI0Iv0KE6rMOaLvSMXAbzNbDj307xGq5-_JMKr0pwt_j-p2Rt-E4gBoJEIzSRhQLez-Ah5_51cXkx8jztrPpRC-gTlzrt2qYG6CizAGRCdU3/s1600/32840082852_24e2034ea0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uDNvhIGuwGlOGiVL-XCZaTrDEMPwNDKcrI0Iv0KE6rMOaLvSMXAbzNbDj307xGq5-_JMKr0pwt_j-p2Rt-E4gBoJEIzSRhQLez-Ah5_51cXkx8jztrPpRC-gTlzrt2qYG6CizAGRCdU3/s400/32840082852_24e2034ea0_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: Barry Cornelius</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tip 2: Don't wear too much. </span></div>
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On the day it ended up being a bit chillier than I had expected so opted to run in a thin hoody. This was a big mistake and I felt like I was over heating from around 2 miles. Although it was chilly waiting at the start line I think the mass of bodies running closely together means when we set off it warmed up considerably more than on normal runs by myself (and I'm a living radiator).</div>
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The last mile seemed to drag a lot, but I imagine if I had been 100% that it wouldn't have felt quite so bad. There were markers every 1/4 of a mile for that last mile, and for me I think that made it worse, not a criticism as I'm sure it's good for some people, but every time it marked another 1/4mi I just felt like I should be further than that. Coming into the finish there was a nice crowd and two funnels, one to the left for the 10 milers finishing and the 20 milers keeping to the right and going off on their second lap. </div>
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Chip timing was provided by reusable chips secured either to your shoe or around your ankle with velcro that had been provided with the chip. These were handed back immediately to people waiting at the race finish. Provisional chip results were up the same evening.</div>
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After handing back the chip I went to pick up my race memento & medal. We were handed a draw string Bramley 20/10 cotton bag which contained the medal and just a load of snacks including pistachios and a mars bar - <u>the perfect post race pack for me</u>! I was really pleased with the additional bag too - a bit different to a T-shirt or other memento.</div>
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<u>Despite feeling my worst ever during a run I still completed the race in 1:28:46 which I was happy with considering how I felt on the day.</u> It was my slowest 10 mile and I was hoping for 1:25:00 but in all honesty I was just happy to complete it. During the race I knew I was running slower than my normal pace and tried to push it a bit back to my normal 10 mile pace but when I tried this I immediately became light headed and just couldn't do it. This was a completely new sensation for me as I normally just run at my comfortable pace and have never felt that kind of barrier before.</div>
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All in all I think this was a great race - I wish I had been concentrating less on finishing and had taken in the scenery a bit more as it really was a nice village to run around. It's quite a calm, remote run that seemed very friendly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCi9naKDP82V7LNB1_I4LZCuSyWDCMxlQ2u0lKvM1J97bRGoJgv6xs4unKCsjKy7T7cElHrnftlPUxnEc_xZG9alNMHpJNzYQvWEw3gq0P-9mfEgXOoObTSJ4lSfg04kBok5W0zwItU7D/s1600/16833519_10155108423702502_453543830_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCi9naKDP82V7LNB1_I4LZCuSyWDCMxlQ2u0lKvM1J97bRGoJgv6xs4unKCsjKy7T7cElHrnftlPUxnEc_xZG9alNMHpJNzYQvWEw3gq0P-9mfEgXOoObTSJ4lSfg04kBok5W0zwItU7D/s200/16833519_10155108423702502_453543830_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8FqGHiDxi7raxA1ZCu41jb78VnF0N11Bgcb29Vf-bC2-Jss6oNy6ZET_yop-LOrjC4O0MA4oUnJFLUm-a31PemCc1R8uaw05zfgAL4CJVCj83WtwFo37hUq2GfOj_CW6kwv1a18IOkml/s1600/16833289_10155108423842502_233834087_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8FqGHiDxi7raxA1ZCu41jb78VnF0N11Bgcb29Vf-bC2-Jss6oNy6ZET_yop-LOrjC4O0MA4oUnJFLUm-a31PemCc1R8uaw05zfgAL4CJVCj83WtwFo37hUq2GfOj_CW6kwv1a18IOkml/s200/16833289_10155108423842502_233834087_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVisFyw2Jk6TW1Lwg8EGNYyBGFOTczHgY2mXWatRe-yyH2IimuVgCW2hF_bz6ffe7gFjvFsR3822B5yA5i85IniT9b6y-ebyXOA2iWswvHzHODjfNsWFgS7rogjOhYbEZB12YUWoGPtXUo/s1600/16833180_10155108423767502_1466215185_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVisFyw2Jk6TW1Lwg8EGNYyBGFOTczHgY2mXWatRe-yyH2IimuVgCW2hF_bz6ffe7gFjvFsR3822B5yA5i85IniT9b6y-ebyXOA2iWswvHzHODjfNsWFgS7rogjOhYbEZB12YUWoGPtXUo/s200/16833180_10155108423767502_1466215185_o.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<u>So after running with flu how was I feeling post race?</u></div>
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Initially when I stopped I felt pretty faint and went straight over to the water table to have a couple of glasses. After cooling down a bit I felt a bit better but probably just from the adrenaline of the race. I then went into Reading to have lunch, at which point I just rubbed my neck and realised my glands were huge - I mean you could see a ball sticking out of my neck from across the table.</div>
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While sitting at lunch I felt fine but around half an hour after leaving the restaurant started feeling really, really, really rough (around 2 hours post race). I felt like I was going to pass out and felt very queasy and like I was going to have to run to a bathroom AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. I quickly got my hands on a lucosade and some flu caps and shortly afterwards started to feel a bit better, luckily with none of the above happening.</div>
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For the rest of the day I was just very tired and still felt worse for wear for about 48 hours after the race. A week on though the flu has now passed apart from a slight cough. I have to admit that I definitely think recovery took a lot longer than it would have had I not raced but in the long run I don't think I've done any long term damage.</div>
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In summary, I ran the race with flu symptoms, it was significantly harder than normal, I was slower than normal and I definitely couldn't enjoy the run as much as usual, but I still completed the race and my overall time was not drastically worse than I was hoping for.</div>
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My advice would be to really assess how you're feeling on the day of the race if you're concerned you're not well enough. If you have any sort of fever don't run. If the symptoms are above the chest I think you're probably fine to run, but take it all in your stride and don't hesitate to drop out if you need to. </div>
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I hope this review was helpful for someone and please come back for more :).</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0Bramley, UK51.326449399999987 -1.066137099999991751.247062899999989 -1.2274985999999917 51.405835899999985 -0.9047755999999918tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746317798006343882.post-9167365061819905362017-02-16T19:00:00.000+00:002017-02-27T21:24:24.626+00:00#runyourmindfree<div style="text-align: center;">
So here it is, my first blog post.</div>
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I should probably start at the beginning, with the title.</div>
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What does it mean to #runyourmindfree?</div>
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For me it's simple. It all started one summers day in 2015 when I realised I needed to make sure I can run when I had been convinced to sign up for a Tough Mudder a few months away. I had no idea if I could even put one foot in front of the other continuously for a reasonable interval of time (hopefully not at snails pace) and not die.</div>
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At the back of my mind before that first training run was regret at signing up for the Tough Mudder (the reason I was having to start training in the first place), a complete lack of faith in my ability to run, climb and conquer and a general apprehension at even attempting a first friendly 5km run with my friends. Luckily the person that had convinced me to sign up was a regular runner, knew what they were doing, and had no doubt that that first 5k run to start training was just going to be a definite. I don't think she ever even considered I wouldn't be able to do it, and that kids, is the kind of confidence we need sometimes.</div>
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It might sound a bit dramatic. All I was planning to do is meet two friends and go for a run for around half an hour. That was it. But it seemed so much bigger than that.</div>
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At this point you may think starting a fitness journey is difficult and daunting and everyone feels like this at the beginning. The thing is, I wasn't 'unfit' I did several hours of power yoga a week and cycled 15 minutes too and from work everyday as well as walking everywhere else (I still can't drive at the age of 25) and having a favourite recreational sport of hiking means I was definitely at least your average fitness level. I enjoy sports. I enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy being active. So why the anxiety?</div>
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Anxiety is my crux, my enemy, by unrelenting demon, my oldest friend and my biggest foe. </div>
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I don't think I ever remember not being anxious. I was always a bit different, a bit weird, awkward and generally the odd one out, so just daily communication, socialisation and getting on with things has always immediately brought me anxiety. Will I make myself sound stupid? Will people like me? Will people want to hang out with me? Will anyone make rude comments? Will I have anything to talk about? Will I stumble on my words, say the wrong words, or say something to be funny that's just a bit weird? </div>
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All of the above probably happened the majority of days in my younger life. The anxiety just exacerbated my slightly unusual way of thinking and communicating.</div>
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Although now in later life I've managed to contain my weirdness, I'm still awkward, say the wrong thing and people don't really get me, but now at least in adult life it's more accepted and rather than being rejected I guess people just accept that I'm slightly odd. </div>
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Despite this the anxiety is still there, and controls a considerable portion of my daily mental capacity. I think I'm quite good at concealing it - but it gets very overwhelming and causes me to have a short attention span and I'm constantly in my head over thinking. </div>
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That is until I run.</div>
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My mind quickly becomes focused and calm, almost emptying itself of the build up of thoughts tumbling around, and genuinely becomes free, open and spacious (imagine a new white unfurnished room, or a grand empty cathedral, or a peaceful meadow in the dying light of day). </div>
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Running is my safe place, and I am always happy there. </div>
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I never expected to find anything in running. I'd never found solace in anything else, so why would I think pounding the streets would do any actual good? I expected to hate it. It is after all pretty hard work. The key for me I guess is from that first run, and increasingly on every run since, once I start running, once I manage to persuade myself to make that step out of the door, it isn't really work anymore. The serenity and freedom I get from running is unbelievably liberating for me. Allowing me to relax and return to me. That freedom outdoes any negativity, any muscular twinges, or breathlessness caused by running to the point that compared to the cage of anxiety, running is childs play. </div>
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I think I almost forgot who I was and running helped me find <u>me</u> again - and its a good me. A happy, healthy, smiling, grateful and ultimately <u>free</u> me.</div>
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And that for me is the meaning behind #runyourmindfree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy_AbJ0hyT3W7A6atRhouN8JRhhz4MVqD03gMo_SMq6dRLgCTkdLozEVhJVSFQOxz-0QWqa2bZlqVKSR0X4Zj8Br6vI4zKBz5ZbSGYtB5SinGDyA6IDcOgOljyB82XAVkP0a2hzRnVK_F/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy_AbJ0hyT3W7A6atRhouN8JRhhz4MVqD03gMo_SMq6dRLgCTkdLozEVhJVSFQOxz-0QWqa2bZlqVKSR0X4Zj8Br6vI4zKBz5ZbSGYtB5SinGDyA6IDcOgOljyB82XAVkP0a2hzRnVK_F/s320/image1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've started this blog in the hope to share my experience with running, what it has done, and continues to do for me, and share a bit of myself (which has never been my strong point). </div>
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I'm not miraculously anxiety free. In truth I'm far from it. But, I want to use this space to share what I learn with you. I'm currently training for my first half marathon and I hope to be writing regularly with my running goals and endeavours. Talking about how I approach my challenges and what my weekly training has looked like, as well as race reviews from the point of view of a pretty average amateur runner. I will also be reviewing other new techniques I hope to try and use to further develop my running and what I gain from it both physically and mentally. </div>
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I hope you've enjoyed this blog, and please come back for more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYaHV3spnvJXFveKzJP7G8PW3nBE493npmX3aJdtKOaLioKNkwAKw83POnbELb5kdi9x36ZpJ2HF530yJKunpd9OccHtnVZh_I44W3hjnJt7anE-IifrKzayw54pnvFxHfHjDt3taGZfd/s1600/14067759_10207042066873656_2576950028314591559_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYaHV3spnvJXFveKzJP7G8PW3nBE493npmX3aJdtKOaLioKNkwAKw83POnbELb5kdi9x36ZpJ2HF530yJKunpd9OccHtnVZh_I44W3hjnJt7anE-IifrKzayw54pnvFxHfHjDt3taGZfd/s320/14067759_10207042066873656_2576950028314591559_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Share your stories of how running, health, fitness or anything has liberated you and helped you find yourself again in the comments down below and use the hashtag #runyourmindfree on social media. I would love to hear from you.<br />
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You can follow me on Bloglovin to stay updated with my posts. :)<br />
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18498415/</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03971822071743043402noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001