Have to change the name of this blog now that the VLM is done and dusted, all charity donations in bar one (or should I just give up?) and I have been advised not to run.
Been treated by a new sports masseur (out of convenience/desperation, located in my gym) who was an ex-dancer and a fellow member (or veteran) of the PF Club. (Plantar Fasciitis for those who dont know it)
Perhaps there is a bit more weight on someone who has been there, done that.
you have to stretch! yes, the lower calf! (and everything related too)
you have to rest! stop running! (that was last week and so I thought, I'd start on the Barclays Bike, and go for a sunday bike ride around home...and then, I busted the fragile valve and have to wait for my mechanic to return to repair it for me. so it was the Spin class instead).
It wasn't getting better, I said this week. The advice: cycling although being low-impact, also mean I apply pressure to the pedals.
How else to stay active? Swimming , is the advice.
I feel like a reverse triathlete: instead of from running, to cycling and then to swimming as well...the first 2 sports have been crossed off. Despite the fact that I long to get back into my watersports, I find doing laps in a pool monotonous especially in a gym where you have to dodge other swimmers.
I've started accupuncture sessions again today, as this is the 2nd or 3rd person I've encountered so far who have told me this...and then, its the barefoot (technology) shoes.
Tonight my ankle feels tender after a session under the electric needle and cupping. Its normal, doctor says. Lets hope it will wake my PF and shock it to recovery.
I know Barefoot Ted is in town tomorrow, would a possible glimpse of him throw new light onto the situation?
Watch this space.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Prestissimo? Not quite..
The only Steinway piece that I own, and it's free.
It's the iPod app metronome.
My lunchtime run was an experiment on the optimal cadence of 180 steps per minute, as per marathon nation's 29 ways to transform your run.
I thought I'd start off slower, 170. Presto! Off I go along the Mall.
Felt good to be on beat, something not as easy on 170 even on the piano! It forces me to do smaller steps. After a while the sound of the beats do get stressful.
After a mile, I'd wanna up this to 180, prestissimo! During the wait at the traffic lights. No! No sound.
Another case of how not to run with gadgets. The iPods done it again!
I then went back to my kelly chen's BPM on randoms. Perhaps today's not the day. The plantar fascia is hurting, even, or especially after much golf ball massaging. I hope nothings ruptured!
One day, I'll crank it up to 180.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
VLM 2011 - as it happened..
April 17th is now a distant memory apart from the occasional tearing pain on my left plantar fascia.
They say, a day of rest required for every mile run...and its been, how many days? and how many times have I been running since?
Less than the number of fingers I can use on one hand. and it hasn't been 26 days yet.
Justification for not taking a complete break from running? To maximise photography time before the Royal Wedding, to lessen the guilt of having that extra brownie, or that big meal....hmmm.
The Marathon Blues? Yes.
On being questioned - when's the next race? My answer would be - I've signed up for the VLM 2012 ballot. (and honestly, I've missed the New York City marathon ballot, even looked into the package - which falls on my birthday this year! and also missed the deadline for my local 10k in a fortnight's time). I've been also frantically looking up another 10k to do in may or early june....after all, 10k compared to 42kms is a cinch....but read the first line of this post again.Am I ready to do this all again soon?
Anyway, the road doesnt end there (I know, and I hope). So to put VLM 2011 to rest for now (bar the purchase of MarathonFotos from the website - daylight robbery!) , here's an account as it happened...along the route.. on the Big Day.
[7ish am : on Twitter:] On the Marathon express (from London Bridge) to Blackheath, then it's my legs express to the Mall via #VLM #MyVLM GoodLuckAll! (the train was just a direct train, which ended up being really, really slow). Laughed at those tweets of people declaring their Pen numbers to retweet to find starting partners.
[08:15] admired the tranquility of Blackheath on my first ever visit, the big hill and giant balloons approaching the Blue start.
[08:30] Picture was taken, picture was posted on flickr, emailed to hubby. Tried to look for a normal toilet but it didn't exist. Had to resort to the female urinal and the p-mate, 3 goes, 2 successful attempts. Not a pretty sight within the fenced area and lots of female chattering.
[09:00] Said Thank you to volunteers manning water stations and those lifting our luggage to the trucks, I made sure I didn't give them a hard time.
[09:20] Mozzied way into Pen 8 of Blue start. They really did check our bibs! No sight of the Timex Pacers initially, when I saw the Pink lollypops (10 min/mile pacer) I meandered as close as I could to the end of Pen 7.
[09:45] Helicopters flying overhead....we slowly moved forward...I got ready, saw Seng's message on the phone before I pressed Go on Runkeeper, tears in my eyes? I think there was a little....as I went across the start, Timex watch started...go!
[Miles 1-2] peaceful, trying to set an easy pace, in the slight coolness of that sunday morning, in an unfamiliar part of London....this almost felt like the Watford/Reading Half Marathon all over again. I left the pink lollipops behind, knowing this is only normal. I'll worry if I see them again - hopefully not too soon.
[Mile 3] the red and blue starts merge on this bit when the road goes downhill...its only Mile 3? I was still behind my target pace...although there were slight improvements, bit by bit. the music starts to pick up all around us...
[Mile 4/Mile 5] just saw the brown lollipop (9 minute mile) go past me. what? no way...I didn't feel I was going that fast...could this be my day? a sub-4 perhaps? I couldn't bear this thought..
[Mile 6] and it's only Greenwich! Finally starting to recognise the park and the sights. Another few miles till my first milestone...
[Mile 8/Mile 9] just went past surrey quays, my first visit to this new area, still in good time I think....I think I saw brown lollipop past me again? how can that be true?
[Mile 10] finally...my first milestone was approaching. Was Nicola and Nick going to be home? I recognise their balcony from last year's party. Oooh. Aussie flag on display, and the words GO BONNIE. I waved frantically, yay! They waved back! so Happy!
[Mile 11-12] Bermondsey. I remember trying to cross the road here last year, it was very busy. So many people cheering and would I be able to find anyone I know? I tried to look. No. There wasn't time for stopping...
[Mile 12] and very shortly after that, a very quick right turn, and I see THE TOWER BRIDGE! excited, and the tears started....I kept my eyes on the right hand side of the audience....everyone can see my vest with my name printed, heaps of people shouting GO BONNIE, Go BONNIE.... there were interviews of fun runners on the bridge but luckily, I didnt get stopped.
[Mile 13] My eyes were glued to the right side of the road...looking for Seng or the Virgin Money Giving sign (which hasn't been drawn up yet by the time I left the apartment in the morning) and then I saw him standing there with the sign 'BONNIE, looking good'...he wasn't fast enough to take that picture. I had to slow down...he got me on video, and then I went on. Went across halfway at 2:07:01 , not bad. An easy pace half-marathon. Unfortunately the race doesn't finish there, it was only halfway.
[Mile 14] entering the Isle of Dogs, The Pride, Westferry Road. Yes, I've been there all before when Coach Lau and gang, we used to train around there...as I started to slow due to only one lane available, a funny sharp pain start to emerge on my right bum. Ouch! No...I can't stop...I need to slow down, and I slowed...not ideal. At the drinks station, I got hold of a bottle of Nestle water....the spout providing pressure to the right glutes, or just below. I thought I was using the glutes? Maybe it was overuse?
[Mile 15] the tunnel in Westferry circus. Heaps of people used the darkness of the tunnel to relieve themselves, to stop and stretch. Not me, not I. I soldiered on, but my smile is slightly gone...again, I've been there before (London Bikeathon), and I've had my first gel...
[Mile 16-17] Mudchute/Crossharbour. I was expecting Cath and Leon to be there...but I didn't see them. Oh well....I adopted the run-walk strategy by then..and didnt have a look good enough for the cameras.
[Mile 18] Canary wharf - crowds, wow. Some people calling Bonnie, Bonnie...did they have a familiar face? I don't know. near one of the HQ of the major banks, I cracked another gel...and all of a sudden, a surge in energy on Churchill street when I picked up my legs and ran....the crowd cheered, the crowd roared. It didn't last long - I saw myself on the big screen, and then slowed down after turning that corner
[Mile 19] Runkeeper and my iPhone on its last voice."...Mile 19"...and then silence, unable to be resuscitated. Again, proof that one shouldn't rely on gadgets in Marathons! I pulled my headphones off and stored them in my pocket and relied on the cheering crowds, and my inner iPod with all its powertunes. The quietness of Poplar returned...the outskirts...like Bercy (in Paris)? Another water bottle for accupressure on my right. Plantar fascia on the left? I couldnt feel a thing. weird...
[Mile 21] approaching limehouse. My 2nd highlight before the finish...Mission buildings. The sea of red, I saw them! Khoi, Fi and Lena on the traffic island....I smiled for the cameras...and who else, maybe by Limehouse DLR? I saw a crazy Jacque and Alden...with a sign! Wow! Where was Aurelia and Rohan? I shall find out...(later via the photos)
[Mile 22] Seng's words echoing: if at Mile 21 you are feeling good, just go for it! Unfortunately...that wasnt the case. sob sob...it was already around noon time, the day was getting warmer and warmer...and would I see him again on the other side? I wasn't counting on it. Luckily I did! Wanted a hug and more support...but, time is everything. I must press on - half expecting him to now start running west with me, and with fresh legs, being able to beat me to the finish, as always.
[Mile 23] the city has come and gone, and I know, its the home stretch. I imagined those after work runs, its only half an hour away (from the gym, which is another 10 mins away from the office, another 5 mins away from buckingham palace). I only needed to press on....any time now would make this a PB. Unless I do something very stupid. which I didnt train and come here to do.
[Mile 24] I started walking a bit...didn't look the greatest. The crowds were amazing, more and more of them on the embankment. I tried to look for orange vests, and even supporters from other charities were shouting...BONNIE, KEEP GOING! I know I couldnt just walk...I said to myself, Mile 25, I shall run again..
[Mile 25] as the sign came up, I slowly started jogging again...this is all familar territory. British 10k, Royal Parks Half Marathon, my normal lunchtime runs, Big Ben. Yes....the Birdcage walk. Yes, I wrote a poem on this street...the street by St James's Park, shady....we're almost there...just maintain the pace, and ignore those that were collapsing before the final finish.
[Mile 26....26.2!] Finally, that historic moment. I see Buckingham Palace. I turn, into the Mall. In my mind I had really wanted to bolt, but my body wasn't able to do it. I ran as well as I could. Conscious of the cameras around. I lifted my arms....and crossed the finishing line...
4:36:32 - I made it! in one piece!
The slow walk down the mall, I collected the Gold Medal, chip removed, finishing picture taken, goody bag collected. Luggage collected without much hassle. Munched on the Pink Lady apple. I cannot stop and stretch...I cannot think of a type of food that can satisfy my craving. It was a warm day, my phone wasn't working. I headed towards Horses Guard Forecourt , at meeting point D, I met my greatest supporter, amongst a sea of faces, and Dan from Deafness Research.
A smile, hug...and chatter. The end of a journey, and I'm glad I made it.
PS. Proud to have raised so far £1027.31 (incl GiftAid) for Deafness Research UK. If you are reading this and said you were going to sponsor, its not too late! Please click here...Thanks!
They say, a day of rest required for every mile run...and its been, how many days? and how many times have I been running since?
Less than the number of fingers I can use on one hand. and it hasn't been 26 days yet.
Justification for not taking a complete break from running? To maximise photography time before the Royal Wedding, to lessen the guilt of having that extra brownie, or that big meal....hmmm.
The Marathon Blues? Yes.
On being questioned - when's the next race? My answer would be - I've signed up for the VLM 2012 ballot. (and honestly, I've missed the New York City marathon ballot, even looked into the package - which falls on my birthday this year! and also missed the deadline for my local 10k in a fortnight's time). I've been also frantically looking up another 10k to do in may or early june....after all, 10k compared to 42kms is a cinch....but read the first line of this post again.Am I ready to do this all again soon?
Anyway, the road doesnt end there (I know, and I hope). So to put VLM 2011 to rest for now (bar the purchase of MarathonFotos from the website - daylight robbery!) , here's an account as it happened...along the route.. on the Big Day.
[7ish am : on Twitter:] On the Marathon express (from London Bridge) to Blackheath, then it's my legs express to the Mall via #VLM #MyVLM GoodLuckAll! (the train was just a direct train, which ended up being really, really slow). Laughed at those tweets of people declaring their Pen numbers to retweet to find starting partners.
[08:30] Picture was taken, picture was posted on flickr, emailed to hubby. Tried to look for a normal toilet but it didn't exist. Had to resort to the female urinal and the p-mate, 3 goes, 2 successful attempts. Not a pretty sight within the fenced area and lots of female chattering.
[09:00] Said Thank you to volunteers manning water stations and those lifting our luggage to the trucks, I made sure I didn't give them a hard time.
[09:20] Mozzied way into Pen 8 of Blue start. They really did check our bibs! No sight of the Timex Pacers initially, when I saw the Pink lollypops (10 min/mile pacer) I meandered as close as I could to the end of Pen 7.
[09:45] Helicopters flying overhead....we slowly moved forward...I got ready, saw Seng's message on the phone before I pressed Go on Runkeeper, tears in my eyes? I think there was a little....as I went across the start, Timex watch started...go!
[Miles 1-2] peaceful, trying to set an easy pace, in the slight coolness of that sunday morning, in an unfamiliar part of London....this almost felt like the Watford/Reading Half Marathon all over again. I left the pink lollipops behind, knowing this is only normal. I'll worry if I see them again - hopefully not too soon.
[Mile 3] the red and blue starts merge on this bit when the road goes downhill...its only Mile 3? I was still behind my target pace...although there were slight improvements, bit by bit. the music starts to pick up all around us...
[Mile 4/Mile 5] just saw the brown lollipop (9 minute mile) go past me. what? no way...I didn't feel I was going that fast...could this be my day? a sub-4 perhaps? I couldn't bear this thought..
[Mile 6] and it's only Greenwich! Finally starting to recognise the park and the sights. Another few miles till my first milestone...
[Mile 8/Mile 9] just went past surrey quays, my first visit to this new area, still in good time I think....I think I saw brown lollipop past me again? how can that be true?
[Mile 10] finally...my first milestone was approaching. Was Nicola and Nick going to be home? I recognise their balcony from last year's party. Oooh. Aussie flag on display, and the words GO BONNIE. I waved frantically, yay! They waved back! so Happy!
[Mile 11-12] Bermondsey. I remember trying to cross the road here last year, it was very busy. So many people cheering and would I be able to find anyone I know? I tried to look. No. There wasn't time for stopping...
[Mile 12] and very shortly after that, a very quick right turn, and I see THE TOWER BRIDGE! excited, and the tears started....I kept my eyes on the right hand side of the audience....everyone can see my vest with my name printed, heaps of people shouting GO BONNIE, Go BONNIE.... there were interviews of fun runners on the bridge but luckily, I didnt get stopped.
[Mile 13] My eyes were glued to the right side of the road...looking for Seng or the Virgin Money Giving sign (which hasn't been drawn up yet by the time I left the apartment in the morning) and then I saw him standing there with the sign 'BONNIE, looking good'...he wasn't fast enough to take that picture. I had to slow down...he got me on video, and then I went on. Went across halfway at 2:07:01 , not bad. An easy pace half-marathon. Unfortunately the race doesn't finish there, it was only halfway.
[Mile 14] entering the Isle of Dogs, The Pride, Westferry Road. Yes, I've been there all before when Coach Lau and gang, we used to train around there...as I started to slow due to only one lane available, a funny sharp pain start to emerge on my right bum. Ouch! No...I can't stop...I need to slow down, and I slowed...not ideal. At the drinks station, I got hold of a bottle of Nestle water....the spout providing pressure to the right glutes, or just below. I thought I was using the glutes? Maybe it was overuse?
[Mile 15] the tunnel in Westferry circus. Heaps of people used the darkness of the tunnel to relieve themselves, to stop and stretch. Not me, not I. I soldiered on, but my smile is slightly gone...again, I've been there before (London Bikeathon), and I've had my first gel...
[Mile 16-17] Mudchute/Crossharbour. I was expecting Cath and Leon to be there...but I didn't see them. Oh well....I adopted the run-walk strategy by then..and didnt have a look good enough for the cameras.
[Mile 18] Canary wharf - crowds, wow. Some people calling Bonnie, Bonnie...did they have a familiar face? I don't know. near one of the HQ of the major banks, I cracked another gel...and all of a sudden, a surge in energy on Churchill street when I picked up my legs and ran....the crowd cheered, the crowd roared. It didn't last long - I saw myself on the big screen, and then slowed down after turning that corner
[Mile 19] Runkeeper and my iPhone on its last voice."...Mile 19"...and then silence, unable to be resuscitated. Again, proof that one shouldn't rely on gadgets in Marathons! I pulled my headphones off and stored them in my pocket and relied on the cheering crowds, and my inner iPod with all its powertunes. The quietness of Poplar returned...the outskirts...like Bercy (in Paris)? Another water bottle for accupressure on my right. Plantar fascia on the left? I couldnt feel a thing. weird...
[Mile 21] approaching limehouse. My 2nd highlight before the finish...Mission buildings. The sea of red, I saw them! Khoi, Fi and Lena on the traffic island....I smiled for the cameras...and who else, maybe by Limehouse DLR? I saw a crazy Jacque and Alden...with a sign! Wow! Where was Aurelia and Rohan? I shall find out...(later via the photos)
[Mile 22] Seng's words echoing: if at Mile 21 you are feeling good, just go for it! Unfortunately...that wasnt the case. sob sob...it was already around noon time, the day was getting warmer and warmer...and would I see him again on the other side? I wasn't counting on it. Luckily I did! Wanted a hug and more support...but, time is everything. I must press on - half expecting him to now start running west with me, and with fresh legs, being able to beat me to the finish, as always.
[Mile 23] the city has come and gone, and I know, its the home stretch. I imagined those after work runs, its only half an hour away (from the gym, which is another 10 mins away from the office, another 5 mins away from buckingham palace). I only needed to press on....any time now would make this a PB. Unless I do something very stupid. which I didnt train and come here to do.
[Mile 24] I started walking a bit...didn't look the greatest. The crowds were amazing, more and more of them on the embankment. I tried to look for orange vests, and even supporters from other charities were shouting...BONNIE, KEEP GOING! I know I couldnt just walk...I said to myself, Mile 25, I shall run again..
[Mile 25] as the sign came up, I slowly started jogging again...this is all familar territory. British 10k, Royal Parks Half Marathon, my normal lunchtime runs, Big Ben. Yes....the Birdcage walk. Yes, I wrote a poem on this street...the street by St James's Park, shady....we're almost there...just maintain the pace, and ignore those that were collapsing before the final finish.
[Mile 26....26.2!] Finally, that historic moment. I see Buckingham Palace. I turn, into the Mall. In my mind I had really wanted to bolt, but my body wasn't able to do it. I ran as well as I could. Conscious of the cameras around. I lifted my arms....and crossed the finishing line...
4:36:32 - I made it! in one piece!
The slow walk down the mall, I collected the Gold Medal, chip removed, finishing picture taken, goody bag collected. Luggage collected without much hassle. Munched on the Pink Lady apple. I cannot stop and stretch...I cannot think of a type of food that can satisfy my craving. It was a warm day, my phone wasn't working. I headed towards Horses Guard Forecourt , at meeting point D, I met my greatest supporter, amongst a sea of faces, and Dan from Deafness Research.
A smile, hug...and chatter. The end of a journey, and I'm glad I made it.
PS. Proud to have raised so far £1027.31 (incl GiftAid) for Deafness Research UK. If you are reading this and said you were going to sponsor, its not too late! Please click here...Thanks!
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