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Milestone run today!

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon
61 Replies

Today was a milestone for me - I have finally conquered 10 miles! 17.5 km in one sitting (or rather one running) was a real eye-opener. The weather was ideal, and I had great fun clocking the looks of the walking couple who I passed three times in the space of one and a half hours.

I first had to battle through hoards of people either on their way to the massive car boot sale near my house, or on their way back to the car, four-abreast, carrying piles of stools (the seating variety, I hasten to add), blankets, car parts and other paraphernalia that had been fobbed off on them by the local footie club mafia.

Off I scooted, leaving way too fast as I ran down the middle of the road to attain a bit of tarmac with no people on it. Then I settled into my run, up to the next village, with a little prowl around the finishing line for a 90km ride that my nutty neighbour was taking part in. Didn't see her family waiting though so plodded off on the next stage of my carefully planned itinerary. I was doing very well thank you, and grandiosely told Gary that he could can it because I was a mean, lean running machine and I would rock this HM, so he could jolly well shove his useless negativity where the gremlin sun doesn't shine, because I was f**king fantastic, so there.

However when I got to 14 km, half way up a hill en route for the final 3.5 km through hilly and secluded terrain, my body told me to get stuffed. Gary pulled his Y-fronts out of his bum, grinned and sang, "I toooold you so" before victoriously popping the top on a beer and asking with a malicious glint in his eye, "So, are we going home now, then?"

Various flashing warning lights and buzzers started going off, and I realised that 1) my breakfast was a long way behind me and that my pain au chocolat, bravely hunted down by Calculus at the break of dawn, had probably been pretty inadequate fuel for a run of more than 10km, 2) that my lips were dry, 3) that I was 24 hours into a course of antibiotics with sinuses full of snot, and 4) that I was starting to feel woozy on my way to relatively quiet and unfrequented terrain inhabited by not much other than small mammals and the occasional vineyard worker.

My biggest fear when running, as I have already said, is keeling over into a ditch and being found dead and frozen in a thick shell of sweat with my mouth wide one and my hand on my phone by a local hunter the following day. This scares me even more than the spectre of being abducted by The Man In the White Van, being taken for an over-sized boar by a local hunter after a glass of Pastis too many, or even tripping over one of those extendable dog leads. So I turned round and headed back to the route where I could faint and be found. Gary was informed that this was in no way, shape or form 'giving up' and we were going to finish this run as we had started it, and if I didn't finish it then my teenagers would roll their eyes and read me the riot act, so he buckled up and sulked.

The last 3.5 km were gentle. I passed a garden where people were drinking the apéritif, and realised with delight that once I had drunk my own body weight in water, a bottle of beer would be a very pleasant reward for my effort. I ran though the flea market people again, in circles, because I was now hell-bent on finishing the crazy mission that My Asics had asked me to do. (My Asics called it a "comfortable 17.5 km". I don't think they have ever heard of the term "oxymoron", maybe they should look it up.) As I blasted past the pizza guy for the final straight, he cheered me on. I felt like a super star. Result of the run: 2 hours for 17.5 km. And one delightfully refreshing bottle of beer in the garden.

Sorry it's so long. The gob on a stick is now going to John Wayne-it to the fridge for another beer. Happy running, folks.

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mfamilias profile image
mfamilias
Half Marathon
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61 Replies
JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyHalf Marathon

Phew, I did 13 today, I can't imagine doing 17.5 km, in a good time aswell. My Asics sounds like a bit of a taskmaster. Well done and a good write-up aswell.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to JaySeeSkinny

I couldn't imagine it either - I woke up this morning thinking it was Monday,, then realized it was Sunday and was all happy and snuggled into my quilt, then realized that not being Monday meant that I had a 17.5 km run to do for the first time. I have never indulged in so much pre-run faffage in my life...

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Well done Mfam - well on course for that HM now! When is ? I really do think that when you get up to these distances, mental belief is key. I know that my best runs when training for my HM were when I left the gremlins trembling in my wake! Oh, and I bet that bottle of beer tasted good too!🙂

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Sandraj39

Definitely. I wouldn't say that Gary was trembling, but at least he shut up until I got home :) And yes, the beer was lush. Tasted very different to when I don't deserve it! HM is on 25th June. Scarily real all of a sudden.

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon

Fantastic, mfam, don't you just love 'my Asics' a comfortable this, a slow that 😂...Who are they kidding? .........10 miles was a real biggie for me too, I thought my legs were going to fall off after the first one, honestly I did, now I'm actually looking forward to my next 'long' run of 15k+, crazy talk.....🤣

You'll be right on for that HM now, Gary must be on the verge of moving out, surely.......

Mx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Madge50

I'd got as far as 14k before, but the last few kms today were really a case of mind over matter. I hope that I'll get it sussed before the big day - the added complication is that the HM has hills in it...

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70Half Marathon

Thats a great pace Mfam ! Congratulations on a job well done, and that's well beyond 10 miles!! 10.874 indeed! and glad you had a well deserved beer! :)

And of course you ARE a superstar as the pizza man recognised! :)

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to aliboo70

I am quite pleased with the pace, although it is on the flat, and the HM is a hilly bugger so I'm worried I'm going to be much slower on the day.

The pizza guy has been watching me puff past more more often than he sees me in the queue for pizza now, which is a good sign :)

Dunder2004 profile image
Dunder2004Half Marathon

Well done mfam and aside from the obvious sense of satisfaction that it gives that type of run teaches us a lot too. Even if it is partly a mental crutch, I always take water for a run of more than 12K and sustenance for anything more than 14K. Have you tried the gels? Not everyone gets on with them but for those who do, they are probably the easiest solution (not as nice as Jelly Babies, though :) )

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Dunder2004

I am going to find myself some kind of water container that I can strap onto myself (can't stand holding things in my hands when I run). I was dreaming of jelly babies at km 15. I tasted one of those gel things - revolting. Real food or nothing for this girl.

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns in reply to mfamilias

No gels here either!

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumHalf Marathon

Absolutely awesome achievement Sweetie! Not only did you run a L O N G way in a stonking time, but you also put Gary firmly in his place *and* you did both of these things whilst dosed up on antibiotics for sinus lurgy. You are indeed La Wonder Woman du jour. Just need to sort your hydration and refuelling issues and you'll be unstoppable. 🏃‍♀️ Xx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to AncientMum

Thanks sweetie :D Yup, I am still grinning this morning, and nothing hurts, which is a good sign. Coughed my lungs up for a couple of hours at bedtime though and will be taking it easy today. Maybe I'll check out a few pocket-sized "real food" fueling options online.

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumHalf Marathon in reply to mfamilias

Let me know if you come up with anything edible/easy on the innards. I'll need to start carrying fuel too as my distances increase but I have a morbid fear of gels (or, to be more precise, I have a morbid fear of the effect gels can have on an unsuspecting gut!!)

mcgurranhouse profile image
mcgurranhouseMarathon in reply to AncientMum

Me too - tempted to try one on a short run (with facilities nearby) just to see what the digestive effect is.....

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumHalf Marathon in reply to mcgurranhouse

Suppose we could run a hard 15k, take a gel and then run on the spot really fast in the bathroom and see what happens....

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to AncientMum

I tasted one that was a freebie from a sponsor on my first official 10k, nearly barfed just from the taste of it. Not going back down that road, ta muchly... I may ask my parents to smuggle me over a couple of bags of Jelly Babies when they come over in May. misswobble makes herself mini-portions of date flapjack, if I remember rightly... I need stuff that's not too dry, easy to chew and swallow, and not too faffy. On the day of the run there is food and drink along the course so I know I'll be ok.

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumHalf Marathon in reply to mfamilias

Jelly babies do seem a popular option and, of course, misswobble is the queen of the homemade energy bars. Perhaps we could persuade her to post some recipes. As for fluids, I'm told rehydration salts are good but they taste meh. Decisions decisions.. x

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to AncientMum

Home made energy bars sound more reassuring to me; I don't buy much processed food. I reckon I'll be going for bog-standard water to drink - only water quenches thirst for me. Or beer.

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns in reply to mfamilias

I ate these during my HM. whitworths.co.uk/products/f...

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to PippiRuns

They look seriously yummy. I will put them on my wish list for when the parents swim over the Channel.

benwill profile image
benwillMarathon

Well I am not sure if a beer has ever been more deserved, well done!

with the myasics plan i always found the fast-paced run's harder then the long slow paced runs, but maybe that's just me!

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to benwill

I absolutely savoured that beer :) don't usually apply the my Asics speed advice - the slow is always too slow for me. And their "race pace" looks way too optimistic too. I'm just aiming to finish this HM, even if my ego would prefer it to be in a good time.

benwill profile image
benwillMarathon in reply to mfamilias

your be great, on your half. Just complete your first time, the 2nd time is about the time :)

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to benwill

Second? 😱

benwill profile image
benwillMarathon in reply to mfamilias

Yep your sign up straight after. Then we all know what comes after a half.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to benwill

Hmmm. We will see. For the moment it's about as possible as seeing me leap into a bathtub full of cockroaches.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to benwill

Post scriptum. I signed up for the Big Half not long after told you it was highly unlikely I'd sign up for another HM. Having a little break, then back to training we go :D

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon

What a great report! Congratulations on doing so well. Definitely mind over matter. As a fairly new member here, who's Gary?

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to C3PO

Gary is my Gremlin :) Old floss even drew him for me! He's a star now, and we have since discovered that he is one of an entire network of international running gremlins. More about him here if you have an urgent need to procrastinate this morning

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto....

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon in reply to mfamilias

Already done too much procrastinating this morning, but I'll definitely take a look.

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

Santé!

I was doing some hill repeats one time and kept seeing the same man. At one point he said "I've seen you before!" :)

Awesome report, and run - well done!! You have the most peculiar wildlife where you are ;)

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to roseabi

Thank you :) The poor people were embarrassed, as French protocol (at least here in the sticks) requires that you say 'hello' or otherwise acknowledge the people you meet. When you've been running for over 10k and you're bombing towards the same people for the umpteenth time, they think you've taken a shine to them.

The real locals you meet in the countryside here are winegrowers and/or hunters, they tend to shake their heads and grin as I shuffle past swearing.

poppypug profile image
poppypugMarathon

Woo Hoo ! Really Well done to you on a EPIC run ! This is when you really know you can complete the HM , very much a mental " win " as much as a physical one .

Youve got this in the tank now , its in the bank, Onwards ! :-) xxx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to poppypug

Cheers, Pops! Onwards and forwards... to more hill work, but on shorter distances until I've made some progress. What are your ideas, if any, for refuelling on long runs?

poppypug profile image
poppypugMarathon

I take raisins, chopped fruit ( tiny pieces ) protein bars chopped into small pieces and Haribos I put one of those Berroca type tablets in my water bottle and have a quick slurp on that . I only tried the gel once , it didnt have any adverse affect on me , but I prefer the fruit and jelly sweets :-) xxx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to poppypug

What on earth are Berroca tablets? How do you carry your water bottle? I like the idea of protein bars chopped into small pieces, I'm guessing they are moist? (never tried them either).

poppypug profile image
poppypugMarathon in reply to mfamilias

They are evervescent tablets that you put into water , they contain vitamins and minerals . I take a cheaper version , or a diaorolyte tablet . The protein bars are quite moist :-) xxx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to poppypug

I've found your Berroca doodahs, they are sold in France! They even do uni-dose sticks of some weird stuff full of guarana and caffeine. Think I'll give that a miss.

poppypug profile image
poppypugMarathon in reply to mfamilias

They are okay dissolved in water , promise :-) xxx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to poppypug

I will give it a try on my next long run. Now have to find a way of carrying water on my head, or stuffed down my leggings.

poppypug profile image
poppypugMarathon in reply to mfamilias

Ive got one of those little doughnut water bottles, took a bit of getting used to holding it all the time , but Im fine with it now :-) xxx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to poppypug

Oh, like the babies bottles? Maybe I could put my bum-bag strap through the hole. Thanks for the idea!

poppypug profile image
poppypugMarathon in reply to mfamilias

They have a hole in the middle where you put your hand through, Thats a good idea putting your bum bag strap through the hole though :-) xxx

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroid

I do love your reports mfam!

Congratulations on your 10 miles - very well done. I almost feel sorry for Gary. Only almost though.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to AnneDroid

Thanks, and thanks :) it's dangerous to feel sorry for Gary, he spots the slightest weakness and is onto it in a flash. He's calling your Gremlin as I type...

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroid in reply to mfamilias

Haha. My Gremlin has been very busy lately. He is not needing encouragement from Gary or anyone!

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerHalf Marathon

Oh well done - and a great time too.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to ancientrunner

Ta muchly, my lovely :)

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphHalf Marathon

Wow, fabulous run, well done! You are well on track for your HM and Gary will be left in a ditch, whining and covered in merde :D

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Anniemurph

Cheers sweetie! I hope so, I just have to bite the bullet with those bloody hills before they bite me on the bum. Gary would love that.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

Water with a tiny grain or three of sea salt, plus a tiny bit of orange juice if you like.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to misswobble

Ooh, salt. I hadn't thought of that. Good thinking, Batwoman!

Eatcakeandrun profile image
EatcakeandrunMarathon

Love this run report! Your telling off of Gary made me laugh! Congratulations on the long run, you will be smashing 13.2 miles in June.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Eatcakeandrun

Thanks, cupcake :) Coo, when did you start running marathons? I'm impressed! Don't know if I'll smash it, but I'm going to finish the bugger even if I do so on all fours.

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon

I use a Zikee running belt, it's got two water bottles, I can't stand holding anything in my hands for long, plus this has got a big zip pocket, big enough for a smart phone and snacks 😄

I can't seem to paste the link, but if you do a search on it you'll see what's available 😉

Hope that's helpful

Mx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Madge50

I'll have a look on line - thank you Madge :D I need something that won't jiggle too much. I've found some interesting supple water holders on line too, flat ones like the disposable ones for juices and fruit purée for kids. I did see things you could stuff down your bra with wine in them for concerts and nightclubs once... now there's an idea... extra cleavage AND drink for the run!

youtube.com/watch?v=-3YIMoY...

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Madge50

One Zikii running belt ordered. I will now look like John Wayne with during AND after my run.

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon in reply to mfamilias

Just don't run like him....😂.....I used to wear mine on my hips, as I've lost a bit of wobble (!) , I find it more comfortable on my waist now and have the bottles at the back.....I've found it really comfortable with its wide elastic belt.......hope you like it.....😄

The sound of water sloshing takes a bit of getting used to.....but you'll soon get used to it....😂

Mx

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasHalf Marathon in reply to Madge50

I'll be needing that water once the temperatures start climbing.... The sloshing noise will be music to my ears :) Kiddo thinks I've finally lost my senses running so far.

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Half Marathon

Wow, that is really fantastic, very well done! Very impressive:)

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