runveganwankerrun

[runveganwankerrun]

Sat 7th Jun '25

Lovely vegan fry up after barcode scanning at parkrun. I ran 4.5k beforehand. Felt fine for all of 500m, then was regretting my life choices 😆 It was only twelve hours since the race, so my legs definitely put up a protest.

[runveganwankerrun]

Sat 7th Jun 25

The five miler was last night, and it hung over me all day like the proverbial sword of Damocles. While I was mostly glad I hadn't pulled out, part of me desperately wanted to tell it to fuck off. TMM and I got a lift with another couple from club and were in Belfast early. We had a team photo taken and there was plenty of banter and laughs, but I was still so not looking forward running for an hour.

We got started at 7pm on the dot. It was a nice evening to run. The forecast had not been so clement, rain and lightning, so a balmy evening, with sunshine and a light breeze was lovely. Running along a river towpath would have been very pleasant if I hadn't been so conscious of constantly being overtaken by EVERYBODY (or so if felt) I was definitely in last place among my clubmates. My head knew that I wasn't actually last, but my heart and my ego were shattered. A few years ago I'd have been in the top half of those runners, not straggling round the back of the pack. It doesn't matter how much I tell anyone else that "it's finish lines, not finish times", when it comes to my own running, it's hard to take.

As I ran, going through km two, then three, then four, of eight, I envisaged crying when I saw TMM at the finish (that's not how visualisation is supposed to work!) and I swore to myself that I'd never put myself through this embarrassment EVER again. And how did I have the cheek to think I would face doing a 10k in August? Two more kilometres and even more chance of embarrassment? No way! My inner monologue was not pretty.

I thought I'd take about an hour to run five miles. I finished in 58:49, so I can't complain about my time. I also can't pretend that I'm not gutted and a bit scunddered that I was the last of my club to finish. As far as the race is concerned, I wasn't last. I was 462 out of 499. It could have been worse. And I did it. I didn't lap out. That's a win in itself. There's plenty to be positive about.

I genuinely don't know if I want to do the two 10ks I've signed up for as part of my club's race series, but I don't need to worry about them for a while. I have a couple of 5ks to do first and they are events that I genuinely love. There's also another 5 miler, a hilly one in August. Again, it's a nice event so the evening itself should be good (if it wasn't for having to do a stinky race) I'll keep training and see how I feel as the time draws near.

[runveganwankerrun]

Thur 5th June '25

I have a five mile race tomorrow, and up till Sunday, I was looking forward to it. After my fuck up of the 10k, i.e. the 10k that didn't happen, I wasn't so keen. Today I have been positively dreading it. I have a cold. Just a snotty nose and some sneezing. I've been seriously thinking of using it to pull out. I'd be so annoyed with myself if I did though. I can run 8k. It'll take me an hour, but I can do it. I need to suck it up.

I've run well, my last two sessions. There should be no need to be so nervy. I have a lift organised and TMM is doing it too. There are thirty-one of my club registered to do it. Hopefully it'll be a good laugh. The weather is due to be heavy rain and lighting. That'll be interesting.

[runveganwankerrun]

Tue 2nd Jun '25

Second run of the Runna plan today and it was a progression run. I was semi successful in as much as doing what it told me to do. I ran 1.5k warm up, though way speedier than the pace it gave me (over 8min/km) then I ran 2k at a faster pace, again faster than recommended, a 2min walking recovery, before 1k, supposedly faster again but actually a tiny bit slower than the 2k pace. Then 90 sec walking recovery, before a 1k slower paced cool down.

It was hard work, and I am totally shite at running to a specific pace, but I was happy with the run over all. This plan feels much more dynamic than the Garmin one. I've added two half hour strength sessions to it, using body weight. If I stick to that over the eleven weeks before the 10k, it should really help.

My mood has really lifted, re my running. Sunday was a blip! I am currently blip free!

[runveganwankerrun]

Mon 2nd Jun '25

That was much better from the start. Was it because I knew it was only 5.5k? Whatever the reason, even though I still feel like I slog through any run, today it was a comfortable slog.

I got my head out of my arse yesterday and looked at the Runna app. I signed up to an eleven week 10k plan. Free obvs! I'm pissed off enough about Garmin's new "Connect Plus" that is behind a pay wall. There's no way I'm paying for yet another fitness platform. No Strava, Runkeeper or Runna premium for me, when I refuse to pay for whatever Garmin have decided their customers can't access without getting more of our money. I've bought four watches from Garmin over the last ten years, but that sort of money isn't enough for them clearly. No loyalty from them to their customers.

[runveganwankerrun]

Sun 1st Jun '25

It's taken me all day to make this admission. Today's run was a big pile of steaming poo. I fucked up on the very last run of my 10k plan. It's the only session that I did not finish. I didn't even go as far as I've gone on my longest two runs of recent days. I stopped after 8k. My head was just never properly in the game, despite my earlier post. I finished up so pissed off with myself. I walked the final 2k. It took me about twenty-five minutes, when running would have taken less than sixteen.

I have no fucking clue what my problem was. I was okay when I started, and even felt quite fresh for the first km. After two though, I think I started to anticipate the boredom of running for seventy-five minutes, and I got into my own head about how hard it would be. I started doubting I could even do the five mile race I'm entered in on Friday, and I definitely told myself that there was no way I was doing the two 10ks I have signed up for, one in mid August and the other in late September. I got as far as telling myself that I didn't even want to do them. I only entered them so that I was eligible for the series tee-shirt that we can earn in my running club, when we complete seven out of a list of ten specific races. I haven't raced at all recently, except for once a year, on Rathlin Island, so I haven't earned a tee before, while The Main Man has. I really want that tee-shirt this year! So I do actually want to do the races.

My mood was obvious when I got home, so TMM asked what the problem was. I explained. He was great and got me to put things into perspective. This time a couple of months ago, 5k was nigh on impossible, never mind 8k. Give it a few weeks and 10k can become commonplace too.

I've downloaded Runna. I'll check out a 10k plan on that. I've eleven weeks, and I'm starting from a strong place. I'm not in need of couch to 10k. I'm starting at 8k.

First of the month, so it was weigh in day today. 181.8lb! That's just over 3lb off this month. A good, steady amount. I'll take that.

A day of highs and lows, but on the whole, not a disaster.

[runveganwankerrun]

Sun 1st Jun '25

I'm heading out in about half an hour to do 10k for the first time in a long time. I'm nervous about it, even though I won't be far from home, it's not a race and I can stop whenever I want. It's just the last session of my self-imposed 10k plan. I can do the final 10k at any time. I just want to be able to say I completed the plan.

Right! It's a lovely morning! I'm just going to stick on a podcast, take it easy and do it! One foot in front of the other, one step at a time, and all those clichés.

I'll write about it later. It's the 1st of the month, so good habits start again today. Regular writing and good food in sensible amounts would be a good place to start.

[runveganwankerrun]

Hello again, hello!

Fri 30th May '25

I can't believe it's been a fortnight! How does that happen? Tempus fugit alright.

I stopped, intending it to be for a few days, because I was fed up with constantly whinging on about how hard I was finding running. Yap yap yap. It's so ploddy, my legs are so heavy, blah blah blah.

None of that has changed, especially this week, when I've had a couple of "two steps back" sort of days, but I had to get back on the horse of talking about it. I've continued to make wee notes on my garmin activities, so I remember how each day has gone. I can see, for example, that last Saturday I had a great 7.2k run to parkrun. It took nearly 53 mins and wasn't easy, but it was doable. Also worthy of note is the fact that I started a twelve week garmin generated 10k programme, and there's only one run left on it. On Sunday, I'm scheduled to run the last run, a 10k. I'm a bit nervous about it. I reckon it'll take at least an hour and fifteen. Easy and slow and it'll get done.

Today was RED113. It was ploddy. There! I said it! It was still fucking ploddy, but I am coming round to the idea that I survive each run one step forward at a time. And it gets done. Here's a pic of a poppy, growing in a crack in the pavement.

My running club asked me to be featured member of the month, which entails answering ten questions about my running experience. I felt a little guilty, as I haven't been attending club training sessions, but I did it anyway. It made me remember what I love about running with the club and made me think of various things I've done though it. Also, while I'm not at training, I'm still attending committee meetings and I'm still very visible at parkrun. I'm also most people's first point of contact, as membership secretary. I am still definitely contributing. So yes, I was happy to be featured member of the month. I can't believe I've been a member for nearly eight years now.

The questions were

1. What inspired you to join our running club?

Believe it or not, it was a Scrabo Strider! I'd spoken to a guy through a FB running page, and he told me about a new club that had started up, right on my doorstep. I did Ards Half that year, 2017, and spoke to him in person. Of course, it took me a few weeks to get up the nerve to join, and then only when my partner came along with me.

2. How did you get started with running, and what has your journey been like so far?

It's been like a good race, undulating! It started as a weight loss thing, then I did Belfast marathon in 2015 and didn't run a step for a year afterwards. Got back into it, did Belfast 2017, and Ards Half. Then joined WPR, which changed things completely, giving me a taste for races and getting PBs. I’ve had times when I’m totally gung-ho, and times of absolutely no motivation. Running friends always help during the mojo-less times.

3. What do you enjoy most about being part of a running community?

I love that I can go to almost any race or parkrun, and I’ll know someone. There’s nothing like knowing loads of people during a race and having them shout for you as you run.

4. Can you share a memorable experience or achievement you've had since joining the club?

My favourite memory is of being in the relay of a 24-hour event in Victoria Park. We set up our gazebo and a camp for the overnight running. We each ran in two-hour stints, rested for six hours, then ran again. Each of the team had three stints. The gazebos were like a wee village, there were hundreds of runners constantly milling about, and there was all night music. What’s not to love?

5. What advice would you give to someone considering joining a running club for the first time?

I’d say do it! I love going for a solo run to get my head showered, but it’s great to add the chance to meet up with other like-minded people and all do the thing that we love together.

6. How do you think being part of a running club has impacted your motivation and performance?

It improved my performance without me even thinking about it. I went from a 4:22 marathon in 2017 to a 3:46 in 2018. It introduced me to types of running/training that I’d never have considered and even if I’d thought of them, I would never have pushed myself when I’m alone the way I would when I’m at a club session.

7. What are your running goals, and how do you think our club can help you achieve them?

Currently, I’ve no particular distances left that I want to do. With no races in mind, I just want to enjoy running. Running with my club mates will definitely help me with that.

8. How do you feel about the social aspect of the club? Have you made any new friends since joining?

It’s great when the club organises something extra, as well as training sessions. Along with get togethers that we have, to mark our club birthday, and special runs for Christmas and Halloween (when I enjoy the option of dressing up) we’ve had a formal dinner dance, a quiz night and drinks after races. I have made friends that I even socialise with, outside of running. Of course, we always end up talking about running!

9. What would you say to someone who is hesitant about joining a running club due to their skill level?

There’s no need to be hesitant. Clubs will have people of all abilities, and there are bound to be members there at your level. Even if there aren’t, the social side of joining a club makes training much more fun than running alone all the time.

10. Lastly, what is one thing you wish everyone knew about our running club?

Leading on from the last question, people should know that being nervous about joining a club is totally unnecessary. We really do have all ages and abilities and don’t mind why you want to join, whether it’s to get faster or to make your running more sociable. Don’t be like me and put off joining for weeks because you’re nervous. Failing that, make a friend/partner/child join with you!

Well, that was all a bit wordy. That's enough of a catch up. I definitely feel better when I blog about shit.

[runveganwankerrun]

Sat 17th May '25

RED 100! One hundred days of running every day!

Legs felt heavy from the start this morning, yet average pace was faster than normal. Weird when that happens. I'm hoping that despite running every day, the legs will get used to it and feel a bit lighter.

Knees felt good. Bearhug knee support today.

[runveganwankerrun]

Fri 16th May '25

I'm still wondering why my plan has me only doing a thirty minute run. Two light weeks in a row. My legs were heavy today. ~it was another hot morning. I'm not complaining! I never complain when we get a long spell of great weather. I'm finding that the older I get, the less I want to sit out in it, but I can certainly appreciate looking out at it from the cool shelter of my living room.

My knees still felt okay. today, even the right one, which was getting that odd, weak, watery feeling. I wore the Bearhug knee support.

To make a liar of myself, I've had white rice again. Honestly, I don't normally eat it that much. I was making a curry that both TMM and I could have, and I was going to give him chips, while I had either brown basmati or no carbs with it, but he fancied rice, and since he doesn't like brown, I just made white for both of us. It was lovely, especially with a good splash of tamari over it.

I also made some experimental dark chocolate and roasted hazelnut sweets for the Eurovision Song Contest party tomorrow night. They don't taste too bad. They are my "Terrero" Rocher 😆

[runveganwankerrun]

Fri 16th May '25

What a morning to sit on my bench with my tea and contemplate my navel. I sit here thinking about my run. I'll have another go on the loo in a few minthen, then head out for half an hour. I have the usual pre run jitters. Every single day. But I'll beat them into submission. For now, I'm gonna drink my tea and listen to the birdsong.

[runveganwankerrun]

Thur 15th May '25

My day in food. Matcha tea and a banana before my run. That's my routine these days, and pretty much the only caffeine I drink, unless I'm out for a coffee at parkrun.

Lunch: houmous, sauerkraut, toms and spinach.

Tea: sushi, pickled ginger, wasabi and chilli garlic dipping sauce.

All clean, whole foods, except the sushi rice. White rice is not a whole food, though it's not the worst thing in the world. I've tried brown sushi rice. It's just not the same. It's not as sticky. The texture's just not quite the thing. For all I eat it, white sushi rice won't kill me once in a while. That was a bloody delicious tea.

I was pretty pleased with my 5k today. I went up a bastard of a hill at about 3k and didn't walk any of it. I also didn't slow down too much. Slow down I did, but not wildly. Good work, especially as it was a warm morning again. My legs were pretty heavy for most of the run, but it's the way I'm used to my legs feeling every run. Perhaps this run every day thing isn't entirely sensible, but it's definitely helping me to stay stuck in. It's keeping me consistent.

[runveganwankerrun]

Wed 14th May '25

The weather is amazing at the moment. So good that I got a bit sun burnt at the marathon, supporting last Sunday, which has brought on a big cold sore on the left of my mouth. Attractive!

It's so warm during the day, that when it cools down at night, it's actually cold in the yard. I love that we have an outside loo in this house, as well as the bathroom. Seriously, for a household of only two, we both shit A LOT. The amount of fibre I eat certainly adds to the load. Literally. We really need the two loos.

Right, it's been a couple of days, so here's the round up. Bad news first. Food. I'm still eating too much, and worse, I've eaten a few of the wrong things, I had a Subway today. UPF, even if it's not the worst thing out there. However, once in a while (usually works out at about once a fortnight) that's not too bad. I have the plant patty, sometimes with the vegan garlic mayo. Today I also had hash browns. Nine of them! See? there are so many ways I could make this a more healthy meal.

That's not the real bad news thought. I ate a whole jar of cashew butter. With a fucking spoon, straight out of the fucking jar! I kind of hate myself a bit right now. I've been avoiding having shit like that in the house, even the high quality stuff. I know I have no restraint. If it's there, it's going in my gob. I bought some today to use in my chocolates that I'm making for the Eurovision Song Contest party that I'm going to on Saturday night. Even that would be okay if I hadn't bought two jars, a cashew and an almond butter. I might have told myself that it was to see which would be best, but I KNEW I'd eat the other one. Of course I fucking did!

Anyway. It's done now. It could have been worse. It was a smallish jar. 170g. Write the food part of today off as a bad job and move on. Eat clean and in moderation tomorrow. That's the aim. Ha! Moderation. I don't even know the meaning of the word. Greed seems to be my factory setting.

Enough negativity. My runs have been fine, the past three days. Two 5ks and a strides session. This evening I even started to think about going back to club. The runs on Garmin coach seem very short this week. This is week ten of twelve, so I don't know why it's such an easy week, and so far, the one workout I can see for next week is no longer. I'm considering just doing an hour on Suturday or Sunday regardless, even though the plan this week doesn't have a long run. I don't really need to. I don't have a 10k planned till August. But I really want to get comfortable with running for an hour again.

I made the mistake of looking at some of my runs from lockdown. Five years ago. How did that happen‽ Time has just flown! I saw a run I did, just for the Hell of it. A half marathon, by myself. And I did it in 1hr 57min! Fuck me. Without even the incentive of race day atmosphere. It was inspiring and depressing in equal measure!

Well, at least I'm running again. Today was RED97.

[runveganwankerrun]

Sat 10th May '25

Not surprisingly, the 4k to parkrun was sort of tough this morning. Legs were heavy from last night. It had only been twelve hours since I'd run. Still, I ran to the park, I wasn't noticeably slower and my knee didn't hurt as I stood for an hour to barcode scan. In fact, this morning, my knees were both fine. I'm finding that my legs aren't hurting as much as they did a few months ago. Fitness and health are both improving.

It was super busy. More glorious sunshine will always draw a crowd. It's so good to be part of the running community in general and the parkrun one specifically.

It's a real shame though, that in a massive crowd, even among runners, there will always be some who think the rules are for others. Parkrun HQ have a directive that runners with dogs use a hand held, short lead. No waist harnesses. Some woman today though, thought she was above all that, and her dog got in the way, tripping someone. That's why it's not allowed, you selfish bint! Is your run more important than everyone elses‽ It boils my piss!

Deep breaths. One dick head can't spoil such a lovely morning.

[runveganwankerrun]

Fri 9th May '25

OH MY GOD! How did that happen‽ I secretly hoped the race atmos would get me to 35mins. I didn't dream I'd break 34! Every split was well under 7min/km! No wonder it was tough! It's so weird, running on a completely flat course, as you'd fully expect an airfield to be. Flat is not necessarily easier. It can be dull and uninspiring. However, no complaints from me tonight!

The progression part of the run didn't come off. I guess I was going too fast the whole time to have anything left in the tank to go harder. I was a tiny bit quicker, especially for the first k of the ten minute faster interval, but then my supposed cool down was faster again. I did do a sprint for the line at the end, as my club shouted me in. That could account for that.

The weather was amazing. Not a cloud in the sky, but not too hot.

I can't stop grinning.

[runveganwankerrun]

Fri 9th May '25

How weird, not to have to run this morning. I'm keeping my powder dry till this evening's event. I'm trying to tell myself that I'm not nervous about it, and I think for the most part that I'm being successful. I have nothing to be nervous about. It's a 5k, with loads of my friends. Running friends, the best type of friends! GG gets out of work at 4pm, then we head over to the airfield for about 6pm. Race starts at Seven.

No, I lied. There's the wee frisson of nerves, as I write that. A small flurry of butterflies. It'll be great craic. I know I'll enjoy it. So suck it up!

[runveganwankerrun]

Thur 8th May '25

Wow! Well, that was unexpected. That's what I've said has happened before. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, my pace goes up a little. This was one of those "two steps forward" days. I felt good throughout. Comfortably uncomfortable and it reminded me of how I felt as I ran a couple of years ago. This is RED91, so it has taken three months to get to this point. That's not too bad. I fully expect that I'll have plenty of tough days, but it's great to get this feeling again. I feel optimistic about getting properly fit again.

Food's been all whole food again. Not bread! Only fruit after dinner I'm happy with today.

I have my first race in months tomorrow evening, a 5k on an airfield. The first time I did this race, I ran the 10k in 45 mins 46 secs. A year later, I did the 5k in 23 mins. I'll be very happy with 37 mins tomorrow 😆 I'm hoping race day atmos will give me a boost. It's the first time in a couple of years that the other half and I are doing the same race. I'm looking forward to the craic, as quite a few of the club are doing it.