The Great South Run 2013, October, Portsmouth and Southsea

At the end of October I completed the Great South Run again. 

Having caught the running bug nearly two years ago I felt an enormous sense of achievement crossing that finish line as I ran the complete 10 miles on my own, with great support from the crowd.

For anyone unaware the Great South Run is the premiere 10 mile event in the UK and attracts thousands and thousands of runners each year (25,000 this time).

There is a great buzz and you run through the streets of Portsmouth and Southsea through the dockyard, past the Spinnaker, and along the seafront. 

All the way through I felt fine a lot more confident than last year and paced myself to make sure I didn't burn out quickly. However, it would seem the weather had another plan for the runners, the evening of the run a massive storm was predicted.  It didn't hit when we were running however coming through Eastney was fine but turning right onto the seafront it felt as if someone hit you and running along was a constant struggle and felt as if someone constantly had their hands on your shoulders pushing you back.

It was brutal and by far the hardest two miles I have ever run, there was a point that I was concerned that I would not be able to finish, I kept running whereas others walked. The only thought going through my head was if I walk I won't be able to run and with the need to beat my time again kept pushing through.

Last year I completed the Great South Run in 2 hours 9 minutes, this year...1 hour 58 minutes. To say I am over the moon is an understatement I was overwhelmed and so proud that I had done it. I also raised £260 for Mind which was phenomenal.

I did say I wasn't going to do it again next year, £41 is quite a lot, so I am looking at getting a charity spot again. My thinking well first it is the 25th anniversary and second if it's not windy how fast could I run it?

In other running news not long to go until the Brighton Half Marathon in February, little nervous 13 miles so this week going to up my training to nail it! Just hope my couple of weeks off doesn't impact on it all.

After the Great South Run

My treat after the race

Running challenge - Marwell 10k

My running crazy-ness still continues. 

The weekend just gone I took part in the Marwell 10k, which is 6.2 miles. The weekend before I had run 8 miles so I knew I could do it and I think I was taken by idea of running around the zoo.

The reality of the run isn't quite the same. You probably run about 1.5k around the zoo and then leave to run around the village of Owslebury a really pretty little village.

However, it is really, really hilly. I have trained on hills, around where my boyfriend lives but between 4 and 5k was killer, really steep and just goes on forever. 

You then may relax into thinking that hill is it, but at 6k you have to climb another one.

It is a little confusing though as you feel as if you are running away from the zoo and then you are running back into it.

That bit is good though as you come back in the zoo and then you are near the finish line.

I did it in one hour 15 minutes, which I was pretty happy with as it was really hard and I 
thought that time before I knew how bad the hill was.

I would say if you want a challenge do it, but if you just want to tick off another 10k don't as 
it is hard. I'm glad I did it but I won't be doing it again any time soon.

My only run now is the Great South Run again, but I am already eyeing up some 10ks for next year.

What can I say I have the running bug.

And forgot to mention you get to have a look round the zoo after which was good fun, it has 
been years since I visited the zoo and it is great way to cool down.

2013 - unlucky for some ?

Sorry for the lack of posts, work has been hectic.

So 2013 got some gigs planned and a lot of musicals.

Going to see The Courteeners, Pink, and McFly.

Going to Priscilla Queen of the Desert, 9 to 5 which I cannot wait to see and Ghost. All coming to the Mayflower in Southampton I can't wait.

Also Jamaica this year and I am now a bridesmaid! I cannot wait, so honored to be asked and can't wait to go dress shopping on the weekend.

And I am crazy enough to be doing the Great South Run again! I know! I am running for Mind again but got one of their charity spaces so got a minimum amount I have to raise.

So this blog will be full of wedding comments, running moans and gig and musical reviews.

Roll on 2013 I think it is going to be my year!

The Great South Run, Southsea, Portsmouth - Sunday, October 28 2012

Yesterday I ran the Great South Run. The largest ten mile road race in Europe, I was one out of 25,000.

In my training I got up to ten miles so I thought it would be fine, however, I found it really, really difficult. It didn't help I needed the toilet from the start but held it until six miles and ran into the Tenth Hole tea room to use the toilet.

The atmosphere was fantastic among the runners and the crowd, hi-fiving kids who were cheering and clapping. Just really, really good.

However, by mile eight I was finding it really difficult. We were in Eastney and I knew where we ended up at the swimming baths but I couldn't figure out how we got there so I did start to feel a bit disheartened and did wonder if I would finish. But I missed the eight mile mark so it did feel as if it was going forever so I was relived when I got to nine miles.

It was cool running through the dockyard and past the navy boats but there was minimal crowd in there.

The best part was getting round the corner by the Pyramids and seeing the finish line I got my sprint on and pulled away from the boyfriend, but I did it too soon and he soon caught me up.

I think I got quite caught up in the moment to start with as the first five miles I did running between 5.1 and 4.9 miles an hour, far too fast for me. I was doing 11-12 minute miles! Crazy! The eight mile I did in 14 minutes, that was my hardest mile.

It was a great feeling afterwards though knowing I had just completed the Great South Run, at points I was really doubting if I would do it. The crowd support from friends and family was really needed and appreciated.

Doing it for charity also gave me that extra push as I had more of a purpose to do it.

As much as I hurt today it was really worth it and I would recommend it, the buzz was amazing. I feel so proud of myself as in May I couldn't run for five minutes without stopping and yesterday I ran 10 miles in 2 hours and 9 minutes!

Now hopefully I will be doing a 10k Santa fun run!

I ran for mind to donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun

To sign up for next years run visit the website: http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=12

Proof I did it...

Mainly quiet on the homefront

October has been fairly quiet some work and personal issues but apart from that not much else, hence the lack of posts.

However, on Sunday I have the Great South Run. Who knew I would be able to run ten miles, 'You haven't done it yet' I hear you cry well actually last Sunday I did run ten miles! So all being well Sunday should be fine!

Coming up I have that, in November I'm off for a week and plan to cook and bake, it is the boyfriend's birthday, we might see the new Bond film 'Skyfall', then the latest Twilight film and the Twilight marathon before...well you knew it was going to happen.

Also my anniversary in London and a visit to the film costume exhibit at the V&A, two gigs- Jake Bugg and the Rifles. I have it all going on in November, in December got Viva Forever the Spice Girls musical.

Also got lots more planned for next year - musical 9 to 5, Warhorse and Pink so never fear this blog will be back to normal before you know it.

Run Charlie Run less than five weeks to go

With less than five weeks to go to say I am nervous about the Great South Run is probably an understatement.

I have been running quite a bit with my boyfriend running partner. The other weekend we did nine miles, which was hard but I did it and was really proud of myself, the Great South is ten miles.

We have been running every other day, which has not been ideal as I haven't had time to recover. I do think I have it in my legs and body to do ten miles, but the fear has set in.

Everyone says the crowd will carry me through, I don't mind what time I do it in as long as I finish.

I am enjoying running and aim to do the Great South Run every year to keep it up. It will be nice though relaxing my running schedule. I do like my weekend early morning run though, having the whole day to do what I want, so will probably keep that up.

What is also helping my drive is that I am running for a worthwhile charity - Mind.

If you would like to donate you can here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun

Run Charlie Run! Training

I never thought I would say this but I am fast becoming a runner,.

I used to think the only good reason to run was if you were being chased, which at the time wouldn't of been great for me as I would get out of breathe quickly and have to ask my chaser to hold on a minute while I get my breath back.

However, as you will know if you have read this blog before I have been signed up for the Great South Run, which I will be running for MIND.

I have been running pretty much every other day, I have been feeling a lot better running with a plan in mind, I know how long I have to run for and when.

Over the past week I have been doing 20 and 30 minutes run, I did a 50 minute one the other day and actually surprised myself. The only time I walked was when I got to a hill, which was practically a vertical climb (I'm exaggerating but near the end of a big run jumping up a kerb would be a challenge).
I did surprise my boyfriend though who didn't think I would be able to do the 50 minutes, but then again I didn't either.

I have had a couple of bad runs where I didn't have any motivation and my legs have felt like weights. I wonder if my body has adapted to a certain distance and now as I push further it is changing again which can only be a good thing.

I have also been using a running app called Runtastic, which is just great. It maps where you have been, gives you your average speed and everything so you can see where you have been and if you have been improving so a great push on those tough runs.

But, on Friday I went out for a 60 minute run with the boyfriend, I was up for it, set out and a dark cloud appeared over my head, which meant I was in a foul mood for no apparent reason. It was strangely warm as well, this is the first time in a while that I haven't been running in the rain!

I was just not a happy bunny and would of thrown in the towel if I was on my own but my boyfriend knows I can do it and pushed me forward. I just admit defeat far too easily.

I am starting to panic slightly I still have six months and at the meant I am running about 12 minute miles so would do the run in just over 2 hours, I'm sure I will be ok, I hope so anyway.

Got three runs this week. Wish me luck!

Keep on running

My training for the BUPA Great South Run in about six months is going ok. I think. I'm certainly noticing a difference in my fitness and I'm losing a bit of chubbyness here and there.

I went for a 30 minute run the other day and a 20 minute pretty fast run and I managed to do it without stopping, now a month or so ago I never would of thought I would of been able to do that.

I am doing a training scheme that was in The Times a couple of months ago, interval training, running fast for a minute, then slow then fast.

I think I have found my comfortable speed, so if I can rack up the miles at this speed I should be able to do it.

The only thing is I tend to eat more when I run, but at the end of the day I don't want to lose loads of weight just get fit and be able to accomplish something like a 10 mile run. Although I looked at the route and I do think I have underestimated it all, as it is quite far...

I am running for the charity Mind, one close to my heart which helps people with mental health issues and it a very worthwhile charity. If you would like to donate my page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun

Also if you fancy getting your running shoes on and joining in the Great South Run there are still spaces:

http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=12

So I think I am doing well, but still got 180 or so days to go. Wish  me luck!

Run Charlie Run my Great South Run challenge

So due to New Year I was going to run marathon, however, I thought this would be a bit too much and would probably kill me.

Also I found my boyfriend didn't actually sign me up for a marathon so instead we are doing the BUPA Great South Run, 10 miles. I think I will be able to do it.

I am doing it to raise money for the charity Mind.

Mind helps people take control of their mental health, so if people suffer with depression, bi-polar or other mental illnesses then this charity helps them.

I haven't set a target but want to raise as much as I can so give a little or give a lot just please help me raise money for this worth while cause.

If you would like to sponsor me please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun