Putting Lapasa activewear through the run test - Gear Review

Firstly thanks to @theasthinkings for introducing me to Lapasa. 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 :).

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!

Lapasa describes itself as a customer oriented athletic brand that focuses on providing comfort, premiere quality, high-tech apparel & customer satisfaction.

They kindly sent me a sports bra to review along with the yoga pants that I won in the @theasthinkings giveaway.

One thing I immediately loved is that their sports bras and leggings come in a great variety of colours:

 

I went for some full length navy leggings and a multicoloured blue/pink/purple sports bra.

First things first what are the top 5 things I look for in running gear? 

1. The kit must be completely opaque & squat proof (still opaque when squatting)

2. Wicking (sweat evaporates quickly) & Minimal sweat patches

3. Enough support (keeping the wobbly bits comfortably stable)

4. Temperature moderation (warm enough for cool runs & not too hot for warm runs)

5. How well they wash

So how did Lapasa stack up?

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.

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.

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. 

On the leggings front I really like the support they provide. They have a nice high waistband that helped support any wobbly stomach bits.

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.

5. They've been through the wash and come out fresh as a daisy with no lingering workout smells.

Sizing

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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:Lapasa Capri Leggings, tech t's: Lapasa Performance Tshirt, and seamless underwear: Lapasa Women's Seamless Briefs, in addition to a similar range for men.

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! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don't fancy the giveaway but want to try out Lapasa for yourself use my discount code mindfree for 10% off.

Let me know if you try them out and what you think in the comments below!

Happy running :)

Please note this post is not sponsored.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

My 3rd 13.1 - Ealing Half Marathon review

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.

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.

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).

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. 

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. 

Pro Tip : 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.

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.

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 here.

Ealing Half Marathon Route

Ealing Half Marathon elevation profile

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Highlights: 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. 

What you get for entry: number in the post (my preference), water stops, chip timing, medal & water at the finish.

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. 

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. 

Entries are now open for 2018 : enter here.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

10 things running has shown me you might not expect

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.

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1. I left the house without make up 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 learnt not to care so much 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 (my legs it turns out aren't quite as trunk like as I thought)

2. You just look happy when you smile with your teeth (not hideous) so grin and bare them :)

3. I am capable of being fully independent and can brave massive crowds of people at races by myself - while still smiling

4. I gained the confidence to meet new people for the first time in years

5. There's a big difference between needing to stop and wanting to stop (the former is rare), when I acknowledge that during runs and keep going I feel strong, capable and in control, and that's exactly what I am (even if I feel like a phoney saying it now)

6. I don't love what my body looks like - but I'm learning to love what I'm discovering it's capable of for the first time in my life - while still working on the first part :)

7. I'm 100% not competitive

8. I can overcome fear - and run full pelt ahead straight into & through it,
it does not have to control me

9. You can choose to make yourself happier - just go for a run and 99% of the time it works

10. I am not alone

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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.

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.

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. 

My heart hammers in my chest, my feet hit the ground and my mind is calm.

A clarity that alone is worth every ounce of effort.

All the 10 above are just an incredible bonus.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

#try20 challenge weeks 3-5

So it's June which means National Walking Month is over for another year along with the May #try20 challenge. 

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.

To me that isn't a failure though. 

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.

If you've read the past posts about the #try20 challenge (Taking on the #try20 summer challenge,#try20 challenge week 1,#try20 challenge week 2) 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.

So here is what was on the cards for weeks 3-5:

Week 3 (15-21st May)   :

Tip #19 - Power Walk! 

Week 4 (22-28th May)   :

Tip #13 - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko

Week 5 (29-31st May)    

Tip #6 - Take the Long cut & discover new places.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Did you take on the #try20 challenge?

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.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourrmindfree

#try20 challenge week 2

It's the end of the second week of may,  the second week of National Walking Month and
the end of week 2 of the #try20 challenge!

My second week of the #try20 challenge went like this:

Monday - 20 minute lunch wander (gentle)

Tuesday - 20 minute lunch walk & 20 min run

Wednesday - 30 min walk to running track & 40 min track session

Thursday - 20 min walk to shops

Friday - another 20 min walk to shops

Saturday - 15km Rough Runner Obstacle Course Race (lots of walking, running & 20 obstacles)

Sunday - 30 min afternoon walk

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.

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).

Conclusion : Week 2 was another success. 

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.

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 here - take a look :)!

If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks check out my first #try20 post and you can catch up on week 1 here.

Are you doing the challenge?

If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?

Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.

If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?

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 :)!

Bring on week 3!

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

#try20 challenge week 1

It's hard to believe we're already a week into May & National Walking Month! 

Where does the time go?! 

So how's the first week of the #try20 challenge gone and how am I feeling about it?

My Week :

Monday - true to the challenge 20min evening walk

Tuesday - 30 min evening walk

Wednesday - walked 30 min to work (+ 20 min run before work)

Thursday - 30 min walk from work to the station

Friday - 30 min evening walk (+ 30 min after work run)

Saturday - walked around town & got a lot of errands done

Sunday - Ran a Half marathon & walked home (55 min)

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).

How has it made me feel?

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.

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.

Conclusion : Week 1 was a success! 

My Week 1 challenge was get snappy this weekend - so here is my compulsory half marathon pic from this weekend :D! 

If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks check out my last post :)!

Are you doing the challenge?

If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?

Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.

If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?

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 :)!

Bring on week 2!

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Taking on the #try20 summer challenge

I'm taking on the #try20 summer challenge organised by the charity Living Streets.

So what's the challenge?

It's simple.

Add 20 minutes of walking to your everyday for the month of May.

Why May? 

It's National Walking Month - the best time to start.

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.

I'm relatively active as a person but as many of us are it's not consistently on a daily basis.

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. 

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.

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.

Getting outdoors and active always helps me relax and reconnect and I'm always happier after I make the effort.
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.

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!

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.

To keep myself motivated through the month I'm going to be taking some #try20 tips from Living Streets and trying a different one for each week of the month. 

Here's my plan for the month:

Week 1 (1-7th May)      :

Tip #5 - Get Snappy Happy this weekend

Week 2 (8-14th May)     : 

Tip #15 - As it's going mental health awareness week - A Mindful meander.

Week 3 (15-21st May)   :

Tip #19 - Power Walk! 

Week 4 (22-28th May)   :

Tip #13 - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko

Week 5 (29-31st May)    

Tip #6 - Take the Long cut & discover new places.

Get involved and take the #try20 challenge yourself! 

You won't regret it.

To keep you motivated why not rope a friend in and get them to take on the challenge with you.
I've teamed up with theasthinkings so that we can keep each other on track.
Head over to her post to see what challenges she's decided to take on for week 1!

I can't wait to start on 1st May! 

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Stepping on to the track

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

(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.

So long and short. I've lived here for over a year, and I don't know anyone.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Here's to new acquaintances, great training and a great deal of running.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

My 1st 13.1 - Reading Half Marathon Review

I did it! I ran a half marathon, and guess what?

I loved it.

If you read my previous post you will have seen how anxious I was pre-race day.

I was apprehensive, lacking self belief, and kind of dreading it.

The event itself however was just incredible.

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.

(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.)

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.

We jumped straight on the bus and we were dropped at the Madejski Stadium next to the race village in less than 20 mins.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

Reading Half Route - You can see the Strava segment here.

Reading Half elevation profile

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.
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).

The stadium finish was just incredible.

 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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.

All in all Reading Half Marathon is an amazing race.
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.

I loved my first half coming in at a respectable 1:54:12 and placing 690/3596 women and 3927/9720 overall.
I will most definitely be back for more next year
& I can't wait for round 2! :)

I hope this review was helpful for someone and please come back for more :).

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Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Me & pre race anxiety

So I've got my first half marathon in two days.. seeing this on the website of the race.. not terrifying at all!

Ok so as of right now I have 2 days & a lot of pre race fear ahead of me. 

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.

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.

I'm dreading Saturday, I'm dreading Sunday, but in a way the thoughts from Saturday will get me through Sunday. 

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.

Again I say that..
but I'm still scared. 

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.

(Awkward 'aha!' laughs however, not too brag, but I've got that DOWN!)

Anyway so I have no one there to motivate me, it's just me & my feet.

So apart from motivation what else am I actually anxious about?

(Disclaimer even writing this down is making me sweaty!)

#1 - Getting there. 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) ).

#2 - I can't do it.

#3 - I'll be slow.

#4 - People I know will think I was slow (that's ok but I can't help taking most things personally).

#5 - I'll look awful.

#6 - I'll be super sweaty (hoping people don't wiff me on the run).

#7 - There will be SO MANY PEOPLE (I'm really not good with close proximity).

#8 - They've got Lucozade at the energy stops - I haven't ever had this on a run.

#9 - Am I going to get bowel issues?! I never have but that could add minutes on to my time and we're on the clock people! 

#10 - Will the queues for the loo before hand be huge?

#11 - Will I find my partner after the run?

#12 - It's not a flat course - are the hills comparable to my normal ones?

...

and the list goes on.

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.

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.

It's OK to be scared.

You're not alone.

You can do this.

Run.

(Pre-race mantra!)

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Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

How to get out there when your mind is saying 'no'

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. 

I love running, I know that. So why do I still struggle to get out? 

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. 

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.

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.

It has taken up to two to three hours 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.

When it comes to long runs I don't know what it is, but the self doubt and fear always sets in.

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.

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.

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So here is what works for me, and what might work for you when your mind is saying 'no'.

Ask yourself these three questions:

Q 1: Am I sad? 

A: Yes - Run; No - Run

Q 2: Am I Bored? 

A: Yes - Run; No - Run

Q 3: Am I injured? 

A: Yes - It's OK to take it easy, go for a walk ; No - Run

Plan your route.

If you're not excited about running your usual routes,

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.

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 dynamicwatch app which puts route maps on your Garmin - you can get it through the Connect IQ store.

Rope in a Friend.
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.

Get changed.

Sure that sounds simple but it doesn't always feel that way.

Wear your favourite stuff, your most comfortable stuff, or something new you've been wanting to try out.

Once I've got my gear on, normally I find it hard to find an excuse not to go.

Be easy on yourself.

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.

Ask yourself what's the worst that can happen?

The worst that happens is you stop and you turn back.

On the other side you could come back feeling a million dollars and a league away from all those worries and anxieties.. 

and it won't have cost you a penny :)!

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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.

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.

Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away. 

#runyourmindfree.

How to race with Flu and Bramley 20/10 Review

Piece of advice no. 1 - don't..

but if you're super stubborn and refuse to waste your money here's how it turned out for me.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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).

So to the race : Reading Road Runners Bramley 20/10
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.
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.

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.

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.

Tip 1: get in the queue for the toilets early. 
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.

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!'.

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.

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.

Bramley 10 route

Bramley 10 elevation profile

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 here for more details.

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 ;)!

photo credit: Barry Cornelius

Tip 2: Don't wear too much. 

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).

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. 

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.

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 - the perfect post race pack for me! I was really pleased with the additional bag too - a bit different to a T-shirt or other memento.

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. 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.

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.  

So after running with flu how was I feeling post race?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

I hope this review was helpful for someone and please come back for more :).