Photo

I took this photo today on one of my favourite footpaths of my favourite things - HAY BALES :)


Running

In the last few months I have been practising taking photos with a new camera so I have been going for walks with my camera more regularly than going running.

I do still go running but it is a more enjoyable jog as I am now running on my own and not training for any races so I am not running as fast or as far or as often as I used to.

Sometimes I go for a short and fast run in our neighbourhood and sometimes it's a slow and long run/walk. Lately I have been going for more short and slow jogs.

When I go jogging on my own I use this time as a mindful practice now. Even when I go 'running' I enjoy walking part of the route now particularly when the weather is warm and the scenery is lovely. I love being surrounded by nature and this encourages me to run to experience more of it.

I rest whenever I want to and I can appreciate the peacefulness of countryside and the quiet villages, I stop to take photos with my phone or absorb the view which I missed doing when I was pushing myself to train for a race goal or keeping pace with my running buddy.

My running/fitness goals may change in the future but for now I am enjoying jogging this way as it is still beneficial for me and it does not put as much wear on my body and I find it is a more relaxing and enjoyable way to keep fit as well as swimming and the fitness classes I do.

I'm going to go for a jog in the countryside now for peace sake ...

Pics along paths around Shilton

 

 

Friday Fever

Following my wise words from my last blog post I decided to continue to take all my fitness classes but not challenge myself too much and rest when I need to. I coped very well through all three evening gym classes this week as well as a short jog, despite having hay fever.

I did another Vinyasa yoga class yesterday which I loved. I felt good and quite strong throughout this class and I was able to do so much with ease and joy. I am so pleased I decided to "keep calm & carry on doing yoga."

I have been wondering whether it would be best for me to stop doing a high intensity class that I have been forcing myself through the last few Fridays. I decided that I would give it another go today but take it easy doing exercises that make extreme changes in heart rate/blood pressure.

I found it difficult to follow my plan to take it easy today though and after about 10 minutes I could feel my heart racing and my legs shaking... I felt so dizzy I was battling to think clearly but I knew I just needed to rest and rehydrate to recover.

Today is the warmest day of the year so far...only 22C but it felt warmer while exercising. A few others in the class were also not feeling well today. I am feeling better now although I am feeling exhausted.

I could continue doing the class with modifying the exercises but I have decided not to. I will go swimming through summer instead which will also give me the cardio conditioning and upper body strength training. I think I will find swimming more enjoyable as I can do this at my own pace while keeping cool in the pool.

I want to keep on keeping fit to keep well but I want to keep feeling well while I keep fit.

JUNE

I feel frustrated/afraid that I sometimes get dizzy while exercising - even though I know its best to listen to my body and only do as much as I can. Today my yoga teacher reassured me that it is ok to rest whenever I need to... I am learning to give myself permission to do what is best for me.

When I get dizzy or if I rest I thought that I would:
•         disrupt others
•         start feeling worse
•         feel I am giving in
•         not be seen as strong enough

I want to learn to listen to my body and not listen to my ego.

I am going to try to:
•         keep calm & hydrated
•         take rests when I need to
•         not fear how I feel
•         not worry what others might be thinking

I am learning to live my life this way too :)

“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.” –B.K.S. Iyengar

Jumping with joy

St. Ives Bay Cornwall

Happy Easter

Classes

I have been attending various exercise classes regularly this year, mostly Pilates and yoga. I would like to have done blog updates on these classes about how I felt so I could reflect on the progress I am making. I notice some physical changes but more importantly I notice big improvements in how I feel. 

I decided a change in classes would be good for me and I tried three different classes in the last couple weeks. I feel I would benefit from doing these new classes which focus on strength training and aerobic exercises which I have not done much of before.

Sunny Sunday

 

 Carterton 10k - 57min

10k

I will run Carterton 10k race this Sunday but I will not be racing it. I have been running very slowly but surely as I have had a few aches and I feel tired ...

The weather will be sunny and dry on Sunday, so we won't be running in snow like we did last year. We still have not had any snow this season and it looks like Spring has arrived.

After the race on Sunday we are looking forward to taking our gas BBQ out of hibernation :)

Walkies

I went for a walk along part of the route of the 10k race today. I see a lot of people walking with dogs around this area as this lane runs alongside the country park next to farmers fields.

I saw people walking down Kilkenny lane towards me with their cat following them. This was the first time I had seen a cat in this area.

I said hello to them and stroked the friendly cat which rolled over - to be fussed or exhausted... I found out the cat had followed them a couple kilometres already and apparently it often does. 

They walked on down the lane towards a busy road so I worried about the cat heading that direction but the cat decided to followed me up the lane instead. They told me not to worry as 'he knows his way home' and they walked on out of sight. 

It was fascinating that this cat was walking with me up the lane. I appreciated the moment as there were no other people, cars or houses in sight.

I sent these pics to a couple friends and wondered if they would think I had taken our geriatric old Lady out for a walk. Ginger did ;)

I wondered how far this cat was going to follow me and I was glad no dogs were around while it was with me... fortunately after a few minutes I saw the couple walking back up the lane and they called the cat. I walked home trying not to worry about it's fate as they crossed the dog park.

 

Just say hello...

Just say hello:
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Rita-Wilson-Sings-Just-Say-Hello

Shilton Ford

Feb 2014

7 Feb 2014
Distance: 5.00 km
Time: 27:31
Avg Pace: 5:30 min/km

I been running 5km fairly regularly this year and taking a break from long distance running. I have done a few shorter but faster runs on the treadmill. I've been avoiding the muddy flooded fields. When I have run outdoors I have kept to the 5km loop of the 10km race as it is conveniently in my neighbourhood and not too many puddles en route.

 

There is a chance we might be in Sydney for Bran's business trip next month. It is likely to happen around the time of the Carterton 10k race but I still plan run 10k on the same day. (slowly in 30C+) I have already researched scenic routes to walk and run there. There are a few large parks near Sydney CBD as wells as scenic paths along the coast that I would like to explore if we get chance to go.

I have been doing more yoga and Pilates this year at home as well as doing more classes. I can see and feel the benefits of doing this when running as well as in general well being. :)

http://runbronwynrun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/pilates.html

Happy Anniversary

Next week will be one year since I became a member of the local leisure centre. Their tag line is 'better' and they have a banner outside "this way to a better you". It's corny but it made me realise I am feeling much better than I did this time last year. I put in a lot of effort to better myself last year and I am pleased and grateful that I am now feeling healthier and stronger both physically and mentally. :)

"Your life is not going to be the same this time next year. Your life is either going to be better or worse, but it will not be the same." Dr Phil

10 weeks to 10k race

At the end of last year I decided it would be good for me to set a new training goal and try to run my next 10k race in March in 55 minutes. This means changing the training I have been doing so far for the half marathon races.

I feel unfit at the moment as I haven't done much running since my last race in November. Now that the new year has started I have been committed to training towards my new goal. It has been a frustrating start to my training but I am making progress. I have battled to run more than I usually do but I'm pleased that I have been running short distances regularly this year.

These are my times completing 5km on a route which includes a large portion of the actual course of the race.

2 Jan
Distance: 5.00 km
Time: 28:53
Avg Pace: 5:46 min/km

7 Jan
Distance: 5.01 km
Time: 28:07
Avg Pace: 5:37 min/km

I have run a few times on the treadmill - the first few attempts I completed 5km in 30 - 33 min (with small incline). Today I did it in 28min (with no hills). I will need to run double that distance at a faster pace to reach my goal.

I am going to look for and try to follow a 10k training program which includes speed/tempo/interval training. I plan to do more training in a high heart rate zone and work on my mind and body's reaction to recovering from this.

I will need to include some long distance runs but this will be challenging for me now that my running buddy has moved away and the countryside is flooded and I don't feel fit enough etc. etc. but - I will see how it goes...and will hopefully update progress here soon.

Misty mornings

I had my first fall from jogging today - a full body slide down a slope on long wet slippery grass. No injuries (yet)

The last couple days have been very foggy. Wintery weather has been very mild so far though. I have loved seeing the changes in the countryside this year - the scenery has been alluring in all seasons and in all weather. I hope that I continue to feel this way through winter.

I have seen so much more of our surrounding countryside thanks to Jacki who I have followed on many scenic routes this year. I am going to miss my running buddy who is relocating soon.

I have never done speed training nor trained for a 10k race but this is my plan for training this winter as I will do most of my training on the treadmill. Yesterday (11.12.13) I registered for Carterton's 10k race (16 March 2014) I finished this year's race in 1h01m. In October I finished another 10k race in 56m.01s. So my goal is to run this race as faster ,hopefully I can do it under 55min. I can do it.

Deer en route

 

More photos: http://runbronwynrun.blogspot.co.uk/p/walk-with-b.html

Alpaca's en route

 

 

Shilton

Muddy...

It is very muddy out there now...

The Poppy Half Marathon 2013

Bexhill-on-sea, Remembrance Sunday, 10 November 2013

 

 

 PB Finish Time: 1:59:08:)

 

This was my first ‘destination’ race and even though it was only a few hours’ drive away and in the same country it was challenging enough for me making sure I packed everything I needed (wanted).

 

We spent the afternoon before race day in Horsham reminiscing about our time we stayed there 15 years ago. We then stayed overnight in a Premier inn which incidentally was exactly 13.1 miles from the race registration.

I found this blogger's review of the race useful http://diminutiverunner.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/rest-week-review-poppy-half-marathon.html

I had similar positive experience with no queuing for registration, parking, toilets. There really was ample parking which was free and close enough to registration and the start.

We were very impressed with how well the event was managed. I am grateful for the encouragement from the marshals on the top and bottom of the ramp from the sea front.

A recommendation I would make in any race but particularly because this is a lapped course it would be safer and helpful if all runners were encouraged/reminded to try keep left and pass right.

It was a later than usual start time of 12.30 so I had to adjust my pre-race preparation plan but it was good to attend the remembrance service that morning. I loved gazing at the sun shining on the sea. It was cold and sunny = my favourite weather for running.

I decided I would try run this race for sub 2hour since I finished the last HM race in 2:03. Before the race I worked out the pace I needed would be at least 5.40min/km. This pace was challenging to keep up in the last few kilometres but I finished in: 1:59.08 :)

I was pleased with my fastest finish time and I wonder if I will try beat this. I really like the medal I received as well as the chocolates and lovely poppy iced cupcakes that we were offered at the finish line. I was very impressed that I was able to get a print out of my finish time there too without any hassle.

I had a few more aches than I usually have after running but I did run faster than I had trained for. The long car trip back home with an extra hour delay on the M25 didn’t help.

Thank you as always to my Super Bran for being so supportive.  

We visited an English Heritage site near Bexhill-on-sea after the race

Routes in Oxfordshire - Web Links

Oxfordshire walks to download and print:
http://www.walkinginoxfordshire.co.uk/walks.php

'This map shows Public Rights of Way, access land and walks and rides in Oxfordshire. It allows you to measure distances and report problems':
http://publicapps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/content/publicnet/council_services/environment_planning/countryside/Map/ROW/row.html

Report an issue on a Public Right of Way | Oxfordshire County Council:

http://m.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/report-problem-public-right-way#public

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir

 

Surprise gifts for Sunday's race :)

 Gifts arrived from South Africa this week from Jenny for the competitor and the spectator :)

 

 

I was given these in support of the Poppy Appeal as I will participate in the

Poppy Half Marathon race this Remembrance Sunday. http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

 

And a T-shirt from my Super Bran:)

 

THANK YOU!!

 

Chocolate and wine also welcome ;).....

Blenheim Palace Parkland

Blenheim

I really enjoyed jogging through and around Blenheim Palace Parkland last Sunday. http://www.Walks_Blenheim_Palace_Park.html

I hadn't realised there are so many fields of sheep on their grounds. I had not planned a route but I found enough way markers to find my way around (a small part of the2000 acres) and I went out the park through part of a neighbouring village Combe. 

 

This was the first time I had run in this area apart from recently running the BHF 10K race there. I have been on a few walks in the grounds with B and enjoyed a few picnics there as it is such a lovely setting. We have made good use of our buy one day ticket and get 12 months free deal for £21pp.  I also recently discovered I can use £5 Tesco vouchers to get tokens for a day pass and then use this to get an annual pass which is best option for us. http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals

 

While I was exploring I was pleased to find there are public footpaths which allow free entry into the grounds. I found this AA walking route online http://www.theaa.com/walks/blenheim-palace-parkland-420818 which is a scenic route I have walked with B. You would need to find parking outside and can enter parkland without a ticket using the pedestrian gates on public footpaths. I look forward to doing this walk with our visitors.

I exited the park following the way markers over steps which had been built over the dry stone wall into a field where a few cars had parked. I re-entered the grounds at Combe gate through a turnstile pedestrian gate which had limited parking. Apparently there are four ways to enter the grounds which I had not known about and wonder how many people do. This blogger mentioned entering through gate no. 95... http://rodgers.org.uk/archives/34 

I had heard about people entering the park through back gates without paying but I had thought this was done on the sly but I realise now they are using a right of way. This link to OS map show the rights of way: http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap

 

Calves en route

We saw these very young calves in a farmer's field next to RAF Brize Norton.

I took this pic very quickly as I am very cautious on footpaths that are shared with cows protecting their calves. They were not very pleased to see Pip and they all moooved away from us.

Spinning

I finally decided to try out a 'group cycle' class for the first time as I want do more cardio/tempo training than I do. I am also pleased to be driving again after not driving for over 3 years so I was able to easily get myself to Witney Leisure Centre where they have a spinning studio. I am grateful these classes are included in my gym membership.

I felt overwhelmed when I walked in the studio and I resisted the urge to walk out. This feeling was soon replaced with joy when the party music and lights went on and I started cycling along with the group. I enjoyed the class and didn't feel intimidated. The bike settings and instructions were much simpler to follow than I thought they would be. It is class where you can put in as much effort as you want to.

I don't think I have ever sweated so much - I must remember to bring extra water and to wear less next time.  I will also bring a bigger towel, cycling gloves and disinfectant with next time so I can try avoid touching gym germs. Is there a mouth mask that I can exercise with in there too...? 
http://www.mensfitness.com/training/pro-tips/the-7-grossest-gym-germs

My head didn't want to stop spinning at the end of the class though. I felt the effects of the adrenaline surge but it settled quickly once I was off the bike. The lovely instructor Sophie wisely suggested that I start my cool down before the others do by lowering my heart rate during the last song. This makes sense and I will try to do this next time.

So before I get put off going back I have booked another class tomorrow... I will get back on the bike.

During the class I realised there are other things that I could really enjoy doing that I have been apprehensive to try.

"I thought of that while riding my bicycle." ~ Einstein
in reference to the Theory of Relativity http://www.theargonauts.com/bicycle-quotes/

 

Finish Line Photos

 Oxford Half Marathon 2013

Oxford Mail.com

Marathon-photos.com

13.1 miles on 13.10.13

Chip time 2:03:15 PB

"I'm not slow, I just enjoy the course!" 

 

This was the first time I had run a race in heavy rain. I was one of only a few wimps that kept a plastic poncho on for the entire race.  I was grateful that I didn't get too wet though (or chafe or cold)

 

Oxford Half Marathon Medal & Tech T-shirt

I realised how much better I felt running in cooler weather as I didn't get overheated/dehydrated/dizzy. It was a bit tricky dodging runners through mud and puddles on the crowded narrow paths though.

Out of the 5500 registered runners there are only just over 3000 finish chip times recorded. I am sure the weather put some people off participating but I saw a few timing chips floating in puddles that had soaked off shoes and mine had also started to peel off.

I am pleased that I finished 11 minutes faster than last year. I would be thrilled with a sub 2hour finish however that is not my main goal. The way I feel while I run is important to me as well as how I feel and recover afterwards.

I did not train properly for this race but I feel I did enough training. I felt I challenged myself with out straining. I felt pleased with my race preparation and happy with how comfortable I felt running. I know the cooler weather and mostly flat course also contributed a lot to this.

There was an unkempt man on a park bench who enthusiastically cheered on all the runners. I think this is the same man who cheered us on in the same place last year. He called out my favourite affirmation to me "you can do it!" :)

I thank all the spectators, marshals and bands for cheering us on in the rain.

I appreciate all the runners from all over the world who share their experiences and suggestions online. Thank you!

I am very grateful to super Bran for being so supportive and helpful. Thank you!

& I thank you! 

My next race is the Poppy Half marathon in Bexhill-on-sea on 10 November 2013.

Pilates

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

I have been going to Pilates twice a week almost every week this year as well as a few yoga classes.  I feel these classes have helped me in many ways. There are lots of sites online listing many benefits of Pilates for runners. Here are a few ways I feel it has made me a more efficient runner:

• I am now more aware of how my body moves and balances
• I feel my back and knees are stronger (old injuries don't affect my running anymore)
• I don't ache much when I run and my muscles recover quickly without much stiffness
• I am aware of my breathing and how it affects my heart rate (stress & energy levels)
• I have a much better posture when I run now  
• I am more comfortable and confident when I run
• I keep my mind and face more relaxed than I used to... :)

British Heart Foundation Race - Blenheim

I just uploaded my Garmin GPS data from yesterday's race at Blenheim. I hadn't realised until now that the route had a heart in it for the British Heart Foundation - I think that is very cool idea! It looks like a heart shape inside a real heart shape.

It was meant to be maximum of 18C but it felt much warmer especially while running up the many hills. The description of the route advertised that the 10k route is on tarmac paths so I was surprised to find that a section was on grass as I had not expected it. I see now that this grass section was making the heart shape.

This is my second 10k race I have run (well third as I ran a 10k race 20 years ago) The 10k race I ran in March I finished in 1h1m and yesterday's chip time is 57m01s. The course, the weather and size of race were very different for both races though. I am pleased I felt fitter and finished under an hour.

 

The event was well organised however as with most events a few improvements are needed. I think the following are important points that the organisers need to pay attention to:

•  Marshals are needed on the part of the route that is shared by people walking to and from parking lot to separate or allow runners through. (This is usually an unsafe road as it is normally shared by cars and pedestrians.)
• When we arrived we were very impressed with how well marshals were organising the parking. Unfortunately this was not the case when we drove out of the parking area and we waited in a bottlenecked queue for ages.

Another Half 2013

I have registered to run in 'The Poppy Half Marathon', on Remembrance Sunday, 10 November 2013. This will be exactly four weeks after the Oxford Half. I ran my first two half marathon races last year which were 5 months apart.

It will be my first 'destination' half marathon. It is near Brighton on the coast - Bexhill-on-sea. B & I will stay in a hotel half an hour away from there on the Saturday. We lived near this area, in Horsham for a few months, about 15 years ago. (wow!) We have not been back to this part of England since so it will be interesting to see the area again.

I will be thinking a lot about my Gran & Granddad G on this day as I always do on Remembrance Sunday (Armistices Day). It will be my super gran's 91st birthday on the 12th November this year.

Poppy Half is organised to raise awareness and donations for the Royal British Legion.
http://www.poppyhalf.co.uk/ 

30 years ago...

When I was seven I put a project together which I think was my own interpretation for a ballet assignment. My mother kept this book to turn to when she needed a laugh or to amuse friends.

 

I hope you enjoy it too: 

 

 

 (click square in bottom right corner to view full screen)

Thirteen

13 days until 13 mile race on the 13th October 2013

 

My tapering phase for the half marathon has begun although I don't feel as though I have need to cut down training that much as I did not run far enough on my training runs but I did run longer distances more regularly than I did last year. I will try to do more next year...

I do feel fitter and stronger than I felt for the last two races though. I think Pilates has helped me a lot. I will post more about this soon. 

 

I have been thinking so much about my school friend Jenny who now lives in USA as she will be running her first half marathon on the same day :) I like this statement from her blog below:

"I am so glad to find out a very good friend of mine who lives in U.K. will be running a half marathon on Oct. 13th, exactly the same day as my first half marathon in U.S.. How funny! How exciting!! Such a great way to cheer for each other when training for our half marathon! I know we will be thinking of each other when we run."
 

Barefoot on the Beach

Last week I went jogging on the beach while we were on holiday in Cornwall. It was a very quiet beach with a few surfers in the water and a few walkers with dogs on the beach, oh and two horses with riders. I thought a lot about the 'Zen of running' http://runbronwynrun.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/zen-of-running.html
I loved the experience so much and I wish we lived closer to the coast. It turned a grey day into a great day ;)

 

Bran took this pic of me ;)

Rolling Pony En Route

 

A group of very friendly Shetland ponies welcomed us into their field where a right of way leads to the peri track next to RAF runway. They seemed to be wanting affection but were probably looking for food. Pip the pooch, needed to be coaxed through them as they all ganged up at the turnstile. I am usually too nervous to approach horses but I enjoyed patting these little ones though. This elderly looking pony that I took photo of seemed to really enjoy rolling in the grass next to us. According to Equusite.com ponies roll 'for pleasure, for self maintenance or grooming, to relieve pain or discomfort, or for rest.'

 

Power of the Mind / Bondi Band

A couple days ago J & I went for a run and unfortunately I lost my bondi band: www.bondiband.com It is a head band made out of strong wicking material which holds my unruly hair back and absorbs sweat very well. I bought it in Toronto at the start of trying to get fit. That was almost exactly two years ago. So it has literally come a long way with me.

Photo: http://runbronwynrun.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/21k-in-218.html

I realised it was missing halfway into the run (as the sweat poured into my eyes and I wiped it away into frizzy hair.) I try not to be too sentimental or superstitious with things but it was very special and helpful to me so I was disappointed.

Today I woke up and I had a bad feeling, and it was not because I didn't have my headband. I started to wonder if maybe I should not go for a run in case something bad happened.  I was probably just feeling tired and not in the mood to run.

I then remembered a lesson that I had been reminded of the day before: the way we start a day and the things we say and think affects the rest of the day. So I decided to make my mental mantra 'its a good day - something good will happen' and....it was a good day and something good did happen....

I found my bondi band! We were trying to find a new route and got a bit lost and in doing so overlapped a small section of Wednesday's route. Someone had picked the band up and hung it on a gate post that we went through. (eek, it must have been soaked in sweat!)

It was amazing that we passed through this gate to find it as it was only the second time I had ever run through this area.

I was so pleased and grateful. I had a spring in my step and extra energy after that point. I know this energy was not from of the bondi band...well....it was because of it. I was so pleased I had found it that I had extra energy after that and I finished the run and the day feeling good. :)

“running is 90% mental, and the rest is physical.”*

Four weeks until Oxford half marathon race. I want to try focus on only feeling good about it from now on and hopefully I will feel good during it and afterwards too!


*I enjoyed this blog post: www.mind-over-matter-the-mental-game-of-running

Half Marathon

04 Sept
Distance: 21.20 km (plus about 2km)
Avg Pace: 8:28 min/km 
Moving Time: 2:41:40
Elapsed Time: 2:59:30

This is the furthest I have ever gone on foot! (...feet)

I only started recording after we had run about a mile and this doesn't count the 1km recovery walk home. We did walk at times along the way - mostly up the hills and when we were deciding which way to go as it is not a well marked route. I'm very grateful that Jacki has a very good sense of direction because I don't.

It was a very scenic route to a English Heritage site of Minster Lovell Hall ruin. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk We ran past lots of grouse, it was the first time I had seen one. Jackie spotted a woodpecker, kites and a buzzard and amazingly she saw a deer next to the country park in our neighbourhood which I missed. I would love to see one again and hopefully take a photo.

We went through farms with sheep, horses and cows.We also ran through a field which had a "beware of the bull" sign on gate. I regretted wearing my bright pink shirt but fortunately we didn't seem him or get attacked. (Adult bulls are not allowed to be kept in fields which have public footpaths on them.)

Most of the route was on very uneven ground and J and I were both aching a bit so we took it slow as it was also quite hot. It is going to get to 27C today. I'm not going to complain about the heat even though I do prefer to run in cooler weather. I will save my moaning for next week as it is forecast to rain every day and that makes all the routes very muddy and more difficult to run. (and it will dirty my new shoes!)

I'm going to rest my legs from running until next week. If my new running shoes arrive this week then I might take them out for a quick spin ;)

Pics I took en route today:

I have registered to run the Oxford Half Marathon on 13th October 2013.

I will run in a "Helen & Douglas House" vest and hope to raise awareness for the official charity partner: http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/

"Helen & Douglas House has the time and expertise to care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions and support their families. The two hospice houses offer specialist symptom and pain management, medically-supported short breaks and end-of-life care, as well as counselling and practical support for the whole family.
Our aim is to help every young person - aged from birth to 35 – who visits us from Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, live life to the full....even when that life is short."

Saucony Kinvara

I have recorded running over 800km in my Saucony Kinvara running shoes. I will measure the mileage more accurately when I use my next pair of running shoes and hopefully I can write a fantastic review that attracts the attention of those that offer free tester shoes for me to try out in future ;)

This pic is of my first running shoes which are now semi retired, they are over two and half years old. The side split in material upper was a common problem for this version this has been replaced by more durable flexi film in the next generations.

 

Kinvara 2 Canadian edition:

 

This link shows what they used to look like when they were new: http://runbronwynrun.blogspot.co.uk/2012-02

Here is a pic of my one year old Kinvara 3's:

I pimped my ride with neon laces but they do not tie up comfortably and I have been aching when I run recently. Fortunately my legs don't normally ache which is the main reason I am now hooked on Kinvara's. It may be that this pair is coming to the end of their running life and need to be replaced.

 

This link shows pic of what they looked like new: http://runbronwynrun.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09 

 

These are the good looking Kinvara 4's I have ordered: http://en.saucony.co.uk/store/kinvara4

I enjoyed this review: http://fastandfab.wordpress.com/2013/05/03

 

 

Cross Country Cycling

22 August- I enjoyed cycling in countryside with Jacki.

Distance: 31.06 km
Time: 3:03:28
Avg Pace: 5:54 min/km
Avg Speed: 10.2 km/h
Elevation Gain: 126 m

Moving Time: 2:33:15
Elapsed Time: 3:03:28

 

28 August - I enjoyed cycling to Abingdon with Rod.

Distance: 36.66 km
Time: 2:52:39
Avg Pace: 4:43 min/km
Avg Speed: 12.7 km/h
Elevation Gain: 58 m

Moving Time: 2:15:35
Elapsed Time: 2:57:53

 

 I am very grateful to Rod who cycled both directions on the same day and thanks to his excellent map reading skills we navigated a scenic route which was away from traffic using cross country paths most of the way.

British Heart Foundation 10K

Race kit has arrived!! :) I hope the excitement of receiving a race pack never wears off.
This will be for the 10k race at Blenheim Palace on 8th Sept. It will be the week before I run 'Oxford Half Marathon.'

Raising awareness and funds for BHF will be close to my heart as yesterday I went to JR hospital and had my heart tested and had a consultation with a cardiologist. The tests I had done show my heart is healthy and blood tests I had done were normal.

Apart from having low blood pressure with postural drop, he thinks that I have if I can remember correctly a 'slow heart rate response'. My recollection of his explanation is that my heart rate reacts to my body's needs slower than it needs to.
(I do wonder if he just used medical terms to describe dizziness)

I have just returned from cycling 32km with a friend in the surrounding scenic country side in such lovely sunshine and I feel fab! :)

Scenic Running Route

I took this photo yesterday on my phone - it gave me a good excuse to rest and enjoy the scenery along my favourite running route between Willow Meadows and the church in Shilton village, Oxfordshire. I'm grateful to Paul for telling me about it and to Jacki for showing me how to incorporate it in a circular route.
I met a very friendly elderly couple there, they were walking with their dog, George. They invited me back to their house for coffee, so I enjoyed a coffee break in their beautiful garden in Shilton village. :) Exercise in England can be so enjoyable...

“Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” Eddie Cantor
(www.thinkexist.com)

DOGS

PIP

JACK

 

I took these photos of friend's dogs that I run/walk/play with. Jack & Pip are very good natured dogs and a pleasure to exercise with. They enjoy being outdoors so much and this reminds me to enjoy it more and to appreciate being able to exercise in such lovely surroundings. I won't be persuaded to swim with them tho.