runnersrambles-blog

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Repost from instagram @cat92alice After approximately zero training and recovering from the worst flu in my life, totally just boshed the ‪#‎readinghalfmarathon‬ in 2hrs 11mins. Life is a treat! ‪

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My zig-zag Tuesday route along the Thames with the Midnight runners and Under Armour

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Midnight Runners: Tuesday Easter Special

Tuesday’s have become a somewhat focal point in my weekly exercise regime with a 10km music run squeezed into my evening in addition to my daily 12.5 mile cycle commute. This Tuesday was no exception to my cycle/ run combination; however a twist was introduced in that Under amour had planned to commandeer the latter part of the usual Thames run with a surprise. 

Surprise it was when we got half way along the Millennium bridge and Richard Tidmarsh of Under Armour appeared accompanied by a troop of cameramen and a drone requesting the 200-strong group to jump together on the bridge (infamously known as the ‘wobbly bridge’). It was certainly just to its name when negotiating the weight of almost 200 runners jumping simultaneously, and I more than swiftly made my way to un-wobbly ground. 

Arriving on un-wobbly ground, we were introduced to the long-awaited surprise; aggressive drum and bass and a 30 minute hardcore workout to complement the 9km run (as if that wasn’t enough). It was indeed a great complement, some 200 runners squatting, planking and high knees-ing in front of the iconic St Pauls cathedral to intense bass lines. It was an exceptionally surreal experience and of course, drew attention from the public passing by, namely jaws dropping and complete disbelief at the rowdy and raucous brightly coloured mob of fitness enthusiasts. One of the great parts of running with this tribe of runners is its ability to generate a reaction from everyone it passes; some people almost freeze on the spot in bewilderment, unable to comprehend the number of runners and the level of noise that imminently follows, others embrace the craziness that is Midnight runners with a beaming smile and high fives; either way I’m certain they won’t be forgetting the group anytime soon and I certainly shan’t be forgetting the squat filled surprise evening from Under Amour - HAPPY TUESDAY!! 

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7.25 miler, 1hr 23mins

Here I am, Sunday afternoon, coffee in hand, and I thought I would update my blog with one of my runs. Having been bed-bound with the dreaded lurgy/flu for a week and a half my running regime has been somewhat stinted. With the Reading Half marathon looming and feeling slightly more human again I thought I would hit the ground running (pun intended) and set off on an ambitious 10.25 mile run from Clapham down towards Battersea park and along the Thames; there is something relaxing and calming about running along a river which almost encourages you to reminisce to allow you to completely forget you’re running. I found myself comparing my run to the running circuit I frequented in Budapest around Margit sziget (Margret Island) often at dusk; the sky an encapsulating melange of orange, pinks, purples and blues. Well, running along the Thames wasn’t quite as picturesque in March it being a gloomy, grumpy Saturday afternoon but come summer-time I can look forward to similar scenes. 

Being my first run in a couple of weeks after a bout of flu (which may have been exacerbated by an extravagantly wild weekend in Berlin, who’s to say? Might be possible?) I was still energy lacking, so a 10 mile run was indeed slightly ambitious, however I completed a 7.25 mile run which I was very happy with. Not my best time in the world, 1hr 23mins, however the good news is that my times can only get better. My legs are satisfyingly aching and I already feel energised and ready for the next run...

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Pre-midnight run with the #midnightrunners finishing under the London eye. GREAT way to spend a Tuesday night!!

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2016: Year of the Runner Bean

Getting back to my roots (and running along with the theme of vegetables) - I thought I would revitalise my blog which has been neglected for some period of time. However, as I am no longer a student with months and months of holidays (or reading weeks) to explore exotic lands, my blog is to become more of a journey exploring my running life. 

After a couple of half marathons, I thought for 2016 I would step it up a notch and take the plunge with the full 26.2mile marathon *sharp intake of breath*. So, without further ado, this year will be very special because it will be my marathon year. The location of said marathon will be in a city I seem to be gravitating towards recently: Berlin! 

To get into the spirit of the year of the runner bean, I decided to join a running group to meet fellow runners and I have found an absolute gem; London Midnight runners. SO. MUCH. FUN! And also slightly addictive; I have inadvertently signed up for a sneaky 10km around the Olympic Park, the Reading half marathon as a marathon warm up (what was I thinking?) and (wait for it) an ULTRA DUATHLON which consists of a 6m mountain trail run, 55m cycle and to finish a 10m trail run! Ohh, as well as a triathlon in Liverpool... Is that too enthusiastic? 

Either way, the year of the running bean has commenced...