#jennysrundown

[jennys-run-down]

What A Plank

This month I have been trying planking as part of my pilates. Obviously it was a struggle to begin with, then I thought about timing myself and keeping a record. You know, just to see how I improve.

On the 21st March I planked for 15 seconds. That was hard. A week later it increased to 30, then 35.

And tonight?

60 seconds.

BOOM!

I'm not sure how I've managed it to be honest, but I'm looking forward to seeing the timing increase!

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #icanrun #pilatesforrunners #pilates #plank #planking #fitblr #fitness #thisgirlcan

[jennys-run-down]

New Record

Yesterday marked the first anniversary since my mum's death so I booked the day off work. Rather be a grumpy bitch at home than a grumpy bitch at work (although that wouldn't be any different to normal!).

I did plan to go for a long run though, with a stop at the bakers for lunch and then walk home. I didn't measure the distance when I planned it, I knew how far it was to a certain point, and then the extra I added on I estimated to be about another mile, mile and a half tops. So I was looking at 8.5 miles maximum. Haha.

Given the circumstances, I was going to take it steady. If I had to walk a bit more than usual, then I would walk more than usual. If I wanted to walk up the hills (there were going to be a few), then I would.

Well.

It turned out to be bang on 9.3 miles (15k).

I couldn't quite believe it myself. I realised just after mile 7 that it was looking likely to be 9 miles or perhaps just under.

I was starting to feel it. A quick breather and stretch at mile 7 helped, but the last half mile or so was hard and my ankle (the one that I broke) was aching.

My pace was pretty good too. Bearing in mind I was wearing a rucksack with bladder, as well as a few longer walk sections.

But yeah, that was an incredible achievement. Lunch never tasted so good!

Then I had a 4 mile walk home.

And today my ankle is as stiff as anything!

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #running #runners #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #thisgirlcan #icanrun #longrun #15km #15k #longestrun #dayoff

[jennys-run-down]

This Week's Update

Did my Tuesday 4 miler as per usual. Nothing much to report. I thought I might be able to get another 5k PB, but alas it was not be. I was close though! If I hadn't have slowed down on my second mile, I would have done it.

It also spontaneously rained halfway through too.

I've got another busy weekend ahead and I won't have time for a run so I will go for my short run that I have down on a Thursday in the past. It's usually 2 miles, but seeing how well I do I may up it to 5k if I think it worth it.

Life is very busy at the moment!

#runnerslife #runners of tumblr #keep running #run happy #runblr #runners #running #run #jennysrundown

[jennys-run-down]

Happy Anniversary!

Facebook kindly reminded me this morning that on this day 2 years ago, I went for my first ever run.

I remember it as if it was yesterday.

I pushed myself to run a mile, but my word it was hard! I used telegraph poles as markers, and I could barely run from one to the other without needing to stop.

But push myself I did.

And I never gave up.

2 years and 1 broken ankle later, 10k+ seems normal.

So if you're starting out with running, no matter how hard it is, don't give up.

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runnerslife #icanrun #runners of tumblr #thisgirlcan #anniversary #runninganniversary #2 years #nevergiveup #nevergivein #keepgoing #keep running #fitblr

[jennys-run-down]

Quick Update

Sorry for being so quiet recently. What with UK lockdown restrictions gradually easing, I've been going out a little bit more etc so that has taken up the time when I'd normally write a post. And when I get in from a run, I'm usually too tired to want to write!

Anyway, so where were we? Last Saturday - 1st May - I was able to run with some friends for the first time in a long time. It was great fun! And obviously a good social too. I planned a 5k route to accommodate all/most abilities, which involved some up- and down-hill sections. Also, because I'm weird, I went for a pre-run run on my own and did 2 miles. I'm now so used to a long run at the weekend that it feels odd not to.

That mentality will make an interesting summer alongside the rest of my hobbies...

Then came along Tuesday. The usual route. Which was fine from what I remember. Oh yeah, the weather was annoying. It would be sunny one minute, then pouring down with rain the next. Which, for runners, is a real pain in the bum when it comes to deciding what to wear. So of course, I prepared for rain and got none (well, a few spots).

I almost got a new 5k PB, but just wasn't quite quick enough.

On to this Saturday, yesterday. I ran the 7 mile route I did when I had to go and pick up a parcel the other week. But it was also raining.

The.

Whole.

Way.

And there was the occasional head wind for good measure, just in case I wasn't wet enough as it was.

It was a tough run, I expect heavy clothing didn't help. And trying not to run through ALL the puddles. I also stopped a couple of times to admire some wildlife - a heron, and swan with cygnets.

But according to Strava, I set 4 new segment PRs, so that helps explain why I was a little worn out. I very nearly got a 5k PB too, but again, was just off by a few seconds.

When I got home, I was soaked through. I literally had to peel my clothes off.

Next week's weather is looking better!

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #icanrun #run happy #thisgirlcan #runningupdate #runwithfriends #wetrun

[jennys-run-down]

Tuesday's Trek

Ok, it wasn't a trek.

It was, however, my first run in a week and half.

I also needed to pop to my local supermarket, so I did what all runners do, and incorporate this into my run.

Parts of the route were the same or similar to my usual Tuesday run, just with the added extra of the shop. I have to say, I was anxious about it because it was the first time I was running on some of the roads. Which was ridiculous because I was fine. Apart from when a woman nearly ran me over because she failed to indicate on the mini roundabout.

It was bloody hot too, I left a bit later than I usually would, but even so. And stopping at the shop didn't help with aching toes etc. You'd think the little rest would help, but personally I find it worse.

Despite all that though, I still managed my 4 miles in a reasonable time.

#runners of tumblr #keep running #runhappy #runblr #run happy #runners #run #running #jennysrundown #thisgirlcan

[jennys-run-down]

Mixing It Up

I hate repetition.

It's boring, and predictable.

So how I've managed to run the same routes for the past few lockdown months, and not go totally insane, is beyond me.

Today I treated myself. I drove to a local village, one I've regularly run in before, and went on a 7 miler. Ending at an historic house I love which is also serving take out food and drink. How convenient!

I filled up on hot chocolate with all the trimmings, and an Easter cupcake. Then ran the mile back to my car (fortunately I didn't throw up).

8 miles in total. I am also getting fitter. Friends are noticing it too. I set SIX new Personal Records on 7 Strava segments. I'm pretty pleased with that, considering there was a lot of hill work involved too.

However, I am exhausted. I didn't want to go on that run, really wasn't feeling it. No matter how much sleep I get, it never seems enough. I feel like I'm always busy, always on the go. Yet here I am flaked out on my sofa trying to find the energy to cook dinner.

(I also went on an 8.6 mile walk with a friend yesterday.)

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #icanrun #thisgirlcan #exhausted #exhaustion #permanentlyexhaustedpigeon

[jennys-run-down]

Saturday Slog

OMG.

Yesterday's run was horrible.

I didn't even want to go out. The only thing making me was that I had told a friend I'd take a photo of something for them. That was the only reason.

It was tough going. I decided to reverse my Tuesday route just to mix things up a bit, so only ran 4 miles. Which is fine. I should take things steady sometimes, especially as I seem to be struggling at the moment.

But yeah, I didn't like it at all. And when I got home I cried a little bit.

According to my Strava though, my average pace was still pretty good (I have certainly run a lot slower before now). So maybe it's parts of my body that have got better and faster, and the rest is struggling to keep up. Or the chocolate. Yeah, probably the chocolate.

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerslife #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #icanrun #thisgirlcan #unfit #strava

[jennys-run-down]

Running An Errand

Literally.

I came home from work yesterday and had been carded by UPS. My parcel was at a collection point in a corner shop on the other side of town.

When I looked up this shop on the map, I realised it's not far off the usual route I run on a Saturday morning. In fact, it would mean running some track/roads/paths that I had previously thought about running before. So this was the perfect excuse!

This morning I set off with my rucksack and all my usual gear. It's so sunny here at the moment, and it has lifted my mood somewhat.

I still struggled about 2 to 4 miles in, I think because I always start off too fast and wear myself out. My pacing has always been rubbish. But the detour helped make me feel better.

I collected my parcel, and bought some cake too. That will save me having to bake any for a couple of days at least and I can get on with other jobs 😆

Then I ran down a footpath which got me back onto my normal one. And you know what? It made it feel quicker getting home with this slight change of scenery. Enough to the point that I am willing to do it again to mix things up a bit.

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #icanrun #thisgirlcan #errands #runninganerrand #errand #change of scenery

[jennys-run-down]

A Marathon

Haha, not me. Noooo. Never.

The only marathon I'd happily participate in is a Netflix one.

Today a running friend of mine ran her first marathon, so I went and supported her.

As well as popping up along her route with funny signs to make her laugh, I then joined her for the last few miles.

I ok'd it with her first, and she was more than happy to join to help keep her going right to the end. I ran about 2 miles alone whilst I waited for her to get to part of the route I planned to meet her, then ran the last 3 miles together.

The weather was perfect, sunny but not too warm, at least to start with.

A few of us rounded off the day with fish and chips, yum!

She completed it, and 26.2 miles, and I'm very proud of her 😊

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #marathon

[jennys-run-down]

Terrible Tuesday

And every other run day for that matter.

I'm really struggling with my running at the moment. I'm not entirely sure what it is. I believe it to be my legs wanting to run very fast, but my body can't keep up with it so that after a mile I am absolutely shattered and then have to struggle through the next few miles.

I've also been running with friends a couple of times so it's not lack of companionship. Although their pacing is far better than mine, they are naturally faster which may mean that I am speeding up too. And again, I then struggle. It could also be the weather. It's been very wet for the past couple of weeks, and also a bit warm too.

Maybe I need to intersperse my running with other exercise? After all, it all benefits one another. Ugh. Either way, I'm just not enjoying running, which sucks. If you've any tips or suggestions, let me know. It's really getting me down.

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #icanrun #thisgirlcan #badrun #horriblerun

[jennys-run-down]

Worrying Unnecessarily

Another run I didn't want to do.

I just wasn't feeling up to it. Also, our pubs are now open for outside drinking, and my Tuesday run goes past right outside a pub so I had visions of there being a lot of people watching me run past. And this made me very anxious.

As it turned out, there was no one outside the pub. So that was a lot of necessary worrying.

I also swapped my vest top for a tee. I'm very self conscious, in case you weren't already aware of that, and I know I have flabby arms, so it takes a lot of courage, and very hot weather, for me to wear a vest for running.

What with the anxiety/worrying, I opted for the tee just so there was one less thing for me to get worked up over.

I didn't enjoy my run. Don't know why. Just felt tired I think. My timing was alright, all things considered, seeing as it felt like I was being really slow. Not my best, but also not my worst.

But hey ho, I did it.

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #icanrun #thisgirlcan #worrying #anxiety #anxious

[jennys-run-down]

Double Whammy

Had a crap day at work yesterday.

When I got home, my medal for the 45 miles Anne Boleyn challenge had arrived (there had been a delay in shipping). I had finished this within 2.5 weeks, ending on Easter Sunday so that was cool.

What with it being a Tuesday too, I was soon off out for my usual 4 mile run. And guess what?

GOT A NEW 5k PB!

I beat my previous PB by ONE WHOLE SECOND lol!

But I did it.

I have now signed up for the 167 miles Jane Seymour challenge. I've allowed myself the maximum 16 weeks for this, but I know I will/should finish before that.

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #runners #running #runner #runnerscommunity #runners of tumblr #runnerslife #icanrun #thisgirlcan #anne boleyn #jane seymour #secretlondonruns #5k #5kmrun #5km #personal best

[jennys-run-down]

Let’s Talk About...Broccoli, Baby.

Yeah, you read that right, broccoli! 

I have a love hate relationship with the little green trees. I don’t love it, but I tolerate it.

My family have always said, and still do, that I hate anything green. They lie. I like lettuce and cucumber! What more do they want?

This topic was requested by a friend of mine. So you have the pleasure of reading this post, and I have the pleasure of having to know them (just kidding, they’re great).*

>> FUN FACT: steak has more protein per 100 calories than broccoli << (only by 3 grams though, and I’m not saying it’s healthier overall...but I know what I’d rather eat!)

So as I said earlier, I tolerate it. I would eat a token few pieces if there ever happened to be any served with a roast dinner. And now I’ve moved out and live on my own, there is green stuff in my individual vegetable steam packs. Hey, it’s even in the stir fry mix I use!

There is a delicious Italian recipe another of my friends introduced me to waaaay back in the university days - broccoli and anchovy orecchiette (it’s literally what it says on the tin, plus oil and garlic).

When I broke my ankle last year (I’ll talk about that in another post), it was drummed into me that BROCCOLI IS GOOD FOR BONES. And I have never forgotten it since. 

It’s always on the back of my mind.

You think I’m kidding. I am not.

>> FUN FACT:  it’s a good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as vitamins A, C, E, K, and B. So cram that broccoli in! <<

I even broccoli-loaded before my first 10k (I made that pasta dish the night before). I panicked as I didn’t think one small broccoli head would fulfil the need of a dish that normally serves 3 or 4, so I went and bought another! I’m so crazy.

So if you are a runner, or even if you’re not, spare a thought for the humble broccoli. Is there enough of it in your life? If the answer is no, then slip some into your next dinner. If your answer is yes, you’re lying, eat some more.

It works well with noodles, pasta, as a side, fried so it’s crispy...

Your bones will thank you for it!   

* the reasoning behind this friend’s broccoli obsession goes back to a gif you may or may not have seen. It’s of a hamster who has stuffed tender stem broccoli in their mouth, and someone pulls it out, and has the caption ‘Someone’s daughter watching Netflix’. Yeah, it’s rude.  This has led from one thing to another. At a later date, their question on one of my Insta stories asked me how fast I can deep throat broccoli and then run in my new running shoes.  I proclaimed my innocence and called them weird. I told them to bring some along the next time we meet and we shall find out...

(I hope you got my song reference. It has now become an earworm.)

#run #running #runners of tumblr #runners #runner #runnerslife #runnersofinstagram #runhappy #runblr #jennysrundown #thisgirlcan #icanrun #fitness #broccoli #tenderstembroccoli #healthy #healthyeating #vegetable #vegetables #bones #bonehealth #healthybones

[jennys-run-down]

Saturday Switch-Up

So for yesterday's run, I decided to try out some 'new' footpaths that a relatively local to me. Once of course I studied the map good and proper.

This involved driving to a local country park and starting from there.

It made a nice change to the usual (I get so bored of repetition) and now I know of a few more variations and places for the future too. There was one part that was consistently uphill, although did always look it, but I was rewarded later one with a great downhill section on a road so I made the most of that!

I still struggled a bit. But it was nice to take it easy and stop to take some photos.

I did a little Pilates session this afternoon. Haven't done a proper one for a while, and I won't be able to any more for a while as my weekends are filling up with my other hobbies now that restrictions are easing. So I may have to squeeze one in on weekday evenings or something.

#jennysrundown #run #runblr #running #runners #runnerscommunity #runner #runners of tumblr #icanrun #runnerslife

[jennys-run-down]

Another Week Another PB

Again, another delayed post.

But I went out for my Tuesday 4 miles last week. It as a lot cooler than usual, thank goodness. And I managed to get another 5k PB, knocking 8 seconds off my previous!

I was relatively surprised.

I started off thinking that I might be able to get a new PB. Then as I continued, I wasn't so sure. There were a few times I struggled a little bit, particularly when my legs felt really stiff.

Then as I was on the last straight approaching the 3 mile mark, I realised that if I gave it my all, I might just do it. AND I DID! WOO HOO!

I very much doubt I will beat it when I go out tomorrow. I was away this weekend and ate FAR too much food! And all the bad food too. We shall see.

#runnerslife #runners of tumblr #keep running #run happy #runblr #runners #run #running #PB #5kpb #jennysrundown #thisgirlcan