Sunday, 22 May 2016

Running with two left feet - what I learned from my first Half-Marathon






  


     

    I began 2016 feeling extremely low on energy, de-motivated and in serious need of uplift. Despite my usual cure for winter SAD (a condition for winter fearing individuals) comprising of excessive chocolate eating, lush baths and Bridget Jones’ Diary viewing. I decided to sign up for the Hackney half marathon (Having now run it, I fear I should have opted for the former).

    However, despite feeling emotionally, psychically and mentally exhausted by the end of 2015, (too much turkey indulgence c. December) for the majority of 2015 I spent the year focusing on myself; mind, body and soul. I was determined to kick the poor eating and [lack of] exercise habits I had inherited from my teenage and university years and instead, lose weight, get fit and cleanse my mind.

    I can now happily say that I exercise 3-4 times a week, and for the most part, maintain a healthy diet (with the odd beef burger AND glazed donut thrown into the mix). Most importantly, my exercise and eating regime has not only helped to ditch the excess university flab, but has enabled me to become fit, and happy with my body. My new lifestyle has not only transformed the outside, but has also enhanced the inside. Exercise is a great stress reliever and escape from my hectic professional life in the city. A healthy diet keeps me radiant, well nourished, and bursting with energy (Can’t ya tell).

    However, even though I like to regard myself as a physically fit and healthy individual, the prospect of training (and actually having a run) a half marathon was still daunting. My weekly fitness regime consists of boxercise, pilates, swimming and spin but as of 9 weeks prior to the half marathon included absolutely ZERO running. Therefore, I began my running programme from scratch. During my training, I tried different running patterns, different pre and post run snacks, meals and smoothies, as well as playlists, post run bath remedies and injury saviours – FYI deep heat has saved my bacon (as well as my knees).

    Whilst, I could relay my training programme outlining routes, timings, splits etc. Everyone has a different regime that works for them and I recommend starting slowly and increasing distance overtime. However, here’s a summary of my training survival tips and I hope will be useful to those wanting to start training for a marathon, fun run or to merely sweat out their hangover through the medium of cardio:

  • Wear a sassy running outfit. It makes you far more likely to drag yourself out of bed at dawn for a mammoth run, if you know that you’re going to look cute doing it (or attempt to)
  • Make sure your fit bit is charged before you embark on a run (made this mistake on week one).
  • Apple slices with peanut butter, eaten 15 minutes before, and hydrating properly, gives you the firepower you need for a run.
  • Recording your runs using a running app, not only tracks your progress, but also makes you feel guilty for causing a hinderance to your training regime, after hard evidence of all those attempted (and failed) hangover runs.
  • Identifying a training plan, and giving yourself an adequate amount of time to train, and build up strength - is key. (I'll remember this for next time)
  • Carb loading around 3-4 days before the race is necessary, and gives you valid excuse to consume copious amounts of Pasta. Bellissimo.
  • Pre half marathon breakfast of champions = A Bagel lathered in peanut butter and topped with banana for breakfast, three hours before you're due to race. 
  • Injuring yourself during training, and then proceeding to run 20k with not one, but two 'Runner's kneeS' has dire consequences. DO NOT try this at home.
  • On that note, never underestimate the healing power of frozen peas.
  • Post workout baths with Epsom salts is another natural remedy worth taking full advantage of.
  • No matter what your jelly bean preference was pre-half marathon (strawberry and blackcurrant) by the time you've conquered 6 miles, you'll consume any flavour of jelly baby you're given (and that includes the yellow ones).
  • Lucozade, although sugary and full of preservatives will become your key source of energy for the entire race. You will not give a hoot about rotting teeth and your daily sugar allowance, when you're 2 miles in and already in need a boost..
  • Suncream and a hat is a NECESSITY. The post race lobster look is not a cute one.
  • An uplifting, and fast paced playlist is key to your success. Bootylicious by Destiny's Child aided my final trek from mile 12 - 13.
  • The supportive chants, banners and water gun sprays from the crowd, will help you to power though straight to the finish line.
  • Once you've finished the race, all of your hard work and dedication makes it so worth it (even if you're inclined to slice both of your knee caps off).
  • Your heightened sense of achievement post race, spurs you on to plan your next half marathon/triathlon/tough mudder/Mount Kilimanjaro hike, trek from the north to South Pole, and ACTUAL marathon (in that order).
  • Whilst training is tough and the race is even tougher, the focus the challenge gives you, is well worth going through it all again and again (and again and again).
  • As well as mental benefits, your booty is looking damn fiiiiiine after all of that hard core training.
  • Finally, after all your hard work and running that distance, you are well within your rights to consume 1000000000000 worth of calories and still have the ability to burn it all off (if that's not worth running 20k for, then I don't know what is..) 
  • Onto the next challenge..