I just ran 10.5 miles- can I have my badge please??!

This was all one run. I did the week5 day5 training run, then saved the run and started the new one on the fly. Feet ache, bad knee is complaining a bit and it was hot and humid (23degrees), but I feel pretty good now.

Today I felt that feeling in the air that the year is dying. The first harvest is being cut and stored and we are starting the long slide into winter, which will thrill most of you, but I will miss the long hot days. There were hazelnuts down on the paths, and I passed a swathe of bright red crab apples, crushed by passing feet and smelling like a cider press. A wonderful scent of honeysuckle further on, then some very sweet smelling, creamy coloured jasmine. Sadly there was a kestrel dead by the side of the road, presumably hit by a car. It’s feathers were beautiful, all cream and gold and russet, with black bars.

I ran half round the perimeter of the town then up through the middle. The last 5k was quite hard. My calf muscles were cramping - I’m guessing that’s lactic acid - and I was tired. I could have kept going but it would have been tough. Hopefully, by the half marathon in October, I will be able to stretch to that last 4 or 5k.

I took a bottle of Tailwind and a naked bar (note to self: snip wrapper open BEFORE you take it on the run). I think two naked bars and the tailwind should get me round a half marathon. Apparently I burned 1110 calories.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Wonderful, Flick! Well done on your run - well on course for that HM, I reckon! Rest up well now, with a satisfied glow!👍😀

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you. I need a shower first! 😊

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Wow, great run well done 👍😀 I love your poetic descriptions of the landscape.

[Hidden in reply to skysue16]

Thank you ❤️😊

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon]

Well done. You are inspirational.

[Hidden in reply to HeavyFoot]

That’s very kind 😊

[Mummycav]

Wow Hidden ....this is truly amazing...I love your way with words too, i could almost hear the apples being crushed! Poor kestrel, beautiful birds. You will def nail that half marathon...you will be the most elegant woman there and I cannot wait to read about it, if I lived closer I would be there, cheering you on xxx

[Mummycav]

P.s.....I hope you get the biggest, sparkliest badge for this run xx

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

That made me giggle xxx

[Hidden]

Aw, thanks Bev. I’m very sore and stiff now! Those last 5k to make the half marathon seem huge. I’m running a hot bath with Epsom salts and Badedas now xxx

[Mummycav in reply to Hidden]

Oooo, badedas...I LOVE that smell!! Reminds me of being little! Fenjal too! Enjoy that soak...I am sure you are stiff now, that was an amazing run you just did...absolutely amazing xx

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Reminds me of my misspent youth 😂😂😂 and thank you xxx

[Duddles Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Brings back memories for me too!

[Hidden in reply to Duddles]

I’m still waiting for that flipping horseman to turn up!

[Xylem 10 Miles]

Wow, what a great run! Love the description

[Hidden in reply to Xylem]

Thank you 😊❤️

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

Yaaaayyy. Well done flic

. Fabulous 👌 👍

[Hidden in reply to Deals1]

Thank you. Wiped out now!!!x

[LoungeLizaard]

Great stuff Flick - well done, that was bloody warm out there today!!

[Hidden in reply to LoungeLizaard]

It was, but I did have a breeze on and off. And thanks 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

I snipped open my turon bars the other day but one upended in my pocket It was a right old mess as it melted. Nice though 😋. I scraped it outta there. Well, you do owt when you’re craving calories ☺️

So pleased you feel better today 😃👍

So sad about the kestrel. I saw a jay once, also hit by a car. These creatures are just gorgeous and you never see them so close do you. Although I did get hit up the butt by a sparrowhawk recently

Hazelnuts here too. I spied a tree yesterday with loads on. Not ready yet The brambles are though, so me and me and the pug are round there later. He snaffles the windfalls

Let’s make the most of the warm weather as. I love running and feeling the warmth on my back It’s such a luxury for us

Tailwind mixes up to 600 ml and should be ample if water is available on the drinks stations as well 😃👍🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Hit up the butt by a sparrow hawk??? Whatever we’re you doing? 🤣🤣🤣

Yes, I reckoned a large bottle of tailwind plus water from the stations if I need it. My bottle (about 18/20 fluid ounces) ran out at 15k

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I ran in it’s way mid swoop It had got a pigeon in it’s talons and was carrying it off when I ran out in front of it It was going to ground with the heavy bird It slammed right into my butt! I had only just left the house and hit the street. I thought it was my husband booting me up the ar*e It was a real thump. The hawk landed with the pigeon still into talons and proceeded to eat it. I clapped my hands at it and both birds flew off.

My 500 ml drink ran out on my recent 17.5 km run. It was scorchio though. I managed to eke out the same amount on my 18.67 k run at the weekend I take some Haribo’s which are quite good at moistening the mouth for a short spell if you do run out near the end Race day is ok as a rule as there’s usually an abundance of water

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

That’s quite a story with the hawk! And quite a mouthful for a sparrowhawk!

Haribo are not for me as they are gelatine, but the naked bars seem to do the trick. I might take some dates too. I’ve only done 10k races before, and they had ample water.

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Forgot to say, thank you for saying you’re pleased I feel better. I had to do something to remove myself from the Gerty Gloom’s, and today’s run was just the ticket 😀

I used to see jays a lot in Oxford. I’ve found their blue tail feathers twice 😊

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

We have to make the most of our running opportunities We ain’t getting any younger. Mind you I feel quite ok apart my toe nail hanging off I was dancing in my lounge yesterday to Old Grey Whistle Test. Roxette! 😁. I don’t want no more of your tricks. I’m gonna get some concrete mix and fill your back door up with bricks, and you better be there waiting when I get my business fixed 😁. A belter! 😃.

They don’t write em like that any more I was lucky enough to see them live Happy days 😃

I’m of running this morning. A 9k recovery run so nice and slooooow. Lovely jubbly. I might stop off at Lidl to replenish my nut supplies 🥜

Have a great day 💪👍🏃‍♀️😃

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Ah, Old Grey Whistle Test- those were the days. You have a good day too!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I will! Off running now 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Yesss Flick, well done! 💪👊🏃‍♀️😀🎉👍✅❤️

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you - bit of overkill there LOL! Love it xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

No such thing as overkill when referring to running achievements Flick! 😅😅

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

True - and much appreciated xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

You’re more than welcome - and by the way I love your beautiful shiny new badge! 🏅😍

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😍🤩I’m rather pleased with it too!

[backintime 10 Miles]

well done, that's amazing to read

[Hidden in reply to backintime]

Thank you. Love your name btw x

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Hidden]

It's cos I run so slow I go back in time

Can I ask what plan you are using? I am just finishing up the Bridge to 10K and will be looking to move on in distance in September or October after the chaos of holidays and back to school parents' meetings and stuff

[Hidden in reply to backintime]

I have a Polar watch. I use their heart rate zone half marathon training plan. It’s sent to the watch every day and all I have to do is look at the screen, follow the instructions and keep my heart rate down - which means some tediously slow running. But I would recommend a heart rate zone plan. I can see results

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Hidden]

OK, thanks - I don't have any "kit" yet so I have no idea of my heart rate - eeek

I can see I'm going to have to look into this a bit

[Hidden in reply to backintime]

It’s up to you. Lots of people swear by Abi’s HM plan, which I think might be among the pinned posts. I like having mine sent to my watch as it saves me having to carry it in my head 😊

[Equi-geek 10 Miles]

Wow! Well done Flick! 👏🎉🍾✅

[Hidden in reply to Equi-geek]

Thank you 😊❤️

[Duddles Half Marathon]

Lovely post again -

Nature Notes

Nutrition Notes

Physio Notes

Geography Notes

Running Notes

Just missing the leggings description to make it complete

Great achievement. Have you abandoned the Garmin 235?

[Hidden in reply to Duddles]

Thank you 😊 I had the Fenix 5s but my daughter (who actually did have the 235) has it now. I loved my Garmin but I found it difficult to read the screen without glasses. The Polar is much better for that, I find the hr more accurate ( well I don’t have anything to compare it with) and I like that I can have the hr plan sent to the watch. I’m really getting a lot out of the hr zone training. I have the Polar Vantage V. Oh, and the battery lasts forever, even with every second 24/7 hr monitoring.

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

Brilliantly done! Well done on your 10 miles Flick! I do hope this has given you the confidence you deserve for your Oct HM. 👏👏👏 xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you lovely- and it really has. I had to do something to balance out yesterday’s grumps!!! Xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Hey you!!!

That is looking so, so good...massive congratulations my dear friend... What a run... :)xxx

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. The joints at the tops of my femurs are feeling it now, though a yoga session has helped that 😊❤️Xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Wonderful... yoga will help and the warm glow from having achieved great things You are going to do that HM in style my friend!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

My watch tells me I was overreaching in those last two runs, so I had better throttle back a bit!

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Brakes on then

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes!

[SlowLoris in reply to Hidden]

They’re called hips.

[Hidden]

Haha, it isn’t my hips, it’s the joint, the femur end of things. I know what hips are - I’ve given birth 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Oh yes!!!!!!

[Aldlib Half Marathon]

That sounds like a lovely run. It’s funny how getting to 10 miles feels like a breakthrough in these plans. You can then say it’s only a park run to go to finish the HM. So much self talk required in running lol. Glad your Polar plan feels like it’s working. I am following your progress with interest and genuinely considering giving it a go if I ever do another half marathon again.

[Hidden in reply to Aldlib]

I did enjoy it, but the last 5k was hard. But not so hard that I wanted rest or give up, so something must be working. I will probably follow it again next year when I do the Blenheim half which I deferred this year due to injury.

[Katnap Marathon]

👍😁👍

That almost seemed to come from nowhere!

Well done Flick!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Hidden in reply to Katnap]

Well, I was a bit worried that my plan doesn’t really have any distance runs, so I’ve been mulling over extending the longer run every Sunday. I’m glad I did this, but I won’t go so far till nearer the race, as my watch is nagging me about over training- probably because the heat put my heart rate right up, especially on the second run 😊

[TailChaser Marathon]

Wonderful Flick! Congratulations on your run, I know how hard you’ve worked to get this far. Looks like you’ll be fine for your HM 👏👏👏

I feel the same as you about the year ‘sliding into winter’. I get so excited by the emergence of spring but as soon as things start looking messy, growing out of hand and the leaves start to change I can’t help but feel sad. Perhaps building memories of exciting autumn and winter runs will help take the edge off? x

[Hidden in reply to TailChaser]

Thank you xxx

I’m so unmotivated running in winter. I hate the cold. If you go out wearing enough to be warm for those first ten minutes, you end up either too warm later or having to stow buff, hat and gloves away. So I wear less, unless it’s seriously cold, and have a horrible few minutes where it’s like getting into an unheated pool.

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon]

Wow Flick today was hot! Well done you, that is one very long run and the slower pace will have made it feel harder in some ways. You know you can run distance now and run in a negative split too! You are so on track for October. 👊🏃‍♀️😊 xx

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

Thank you Claire - your encouragement is really valuable, especially as you know how the HR training works.

i had to do it, after my grumpy drama the day before. Though my heart rate was up in the orange band for most of the second run - the heat I guess; the moment I stop concentrating, I run just a bit faster and my heart rate goes up. I'm hoping I will be faster in the lower zones by October. Yesterday's total for the two part run was 2.59.33. I'd like to do a marathon one day but I don't think my knee would manage it xx

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Zone 2 is just for training so running in zones 3 and 4 for your half is fine, zone 3 for the first 10 to 12k and then zone 4 for the last slog. Because of this training your endurance and fitness will mean this is possible. It will be interesting to see where you run naturally now within the zones when off plan.

I'm wobbling majorly about my marathon. It is a huge distance! 🙈 I'm not sure why I didn't panic before this lol. I need to remember to just break the run into sections and trust in the training.... but looking at the route map gave me the wobbles! I also need to run flatter routes now!

You could do a marathon maybe Flick but with some plan for knee support. Do your half and see! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

I ran off plan for the 10k part of this run and was running almost entirely in zone 4, between 135 and 146 bpm, which makes me think I’ve brought my max hr down too low again. That was running at a comfortable easy (for me) pace.

I’m absolutely confident you can do a marathon. You did two halfs last year in quick succession, one of them very hilly, and your marathon will be flat, plus you’ve been training in the heat and it should be cooler by then. And there is no shame in walking parts of it ( though quite frankly, beyond a certain point, I find it easier to just keep running). You can do this!

I always support my knee. If I don’t, it swells on even the shortest run. I remember bouncing on a trampoline about 30 years ago and it swelled like a balloon. It’s just scar over bone and makes ominous clicking noises when I bend it (always has) so I hate to think what’s going on inside! Xx

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Yeah that is my zone 3 I think.... you could just be fitter though? And built up endurance.

Thankyou. I think my last run was a struggle in the heat and afternoon too, as well as looking at the route as a whole and not chunks. It feels overwhelming at the mo but it's just a run! One foot in front of the other and all that! I might end up with walk breaks but my plan is to run it all, I think I just need to try and not worry about time. Hard to do though. I was running the other day for nearly 2 hours so but because of zone 2 I didn't cover much distance. It messes with my head lol. But overall I guess slowing down is no bad thing. I can do it. I hope!

Ouch! You are doing well running on it. I need to remember to just enjoy running and stop worrying about speed! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

You’re a lot faster than this poor old 🦆 with dodgy knee. I bet you DO run the whole thing, but you know the walking breaks are there if you need them. Xx

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

Well done Flick! 10 miles is a great accomplishment. You’re well on your way to a half marathon. I love your description of the scents on your run.

[Hidden in reply to Lavender1962]

Thank you Lavender. It's really good to have done over 10 miles, because there is only 4 or so km left, so I'm confident i will be able to do it on the day. It was an unknown quantity before x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Brillisnt run Flick. You're nearly there niw and still have weeks left to prep for those last few km.

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda. It’s certainly given me confidence, so it was the right thing to do 😊

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Well done! Congratulations 👍🏽

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks Tash. Almost there, only about 4K short of a half marathon, so I should be ok on the day hopefully!