Castle of Mey 10K - 12th May 2013

Please use menu, top-left, to navigate the Mey 10K web pages.

2012 Progress Entrant - Kirsty Mackay

Contents:- Intro - Race Report - Report 7 - Report 6 - Report 5 - Report 4 - Report 3 - Report 2 - Report 1

Introduction

Kirsty is 36 years old and was born and bred in Caithness. She works part-time at Playden Nursery and her family consists of husband Leslie, Emma (14), Sam (7) and Megan (4). She has done a 10k race before, but found it really tough, due to a hectic lifestyle and the struggle to fit in any running which many of us can relate to.

Kirsty would love to be able to achieve a time of around 65 minutes and to enjoy the race. She is up for the the challenge ahead and hopefully at the end of it being able to call herself a runner.

Final Report - Race Day

Race Day for me. I woke up and the first thing I did was look out the window, the wind had died down and it was looking quite nice and I thought that the weather man had got his weather forecast wrong, but an hour later the wind had whipped up again. Leslie had left early to help NHH set up for the race, so I left later with the kids, I was desperate to get out there so me and the kids set off and arrived at midday.

We found Leslie and I went and registered and got my number. We decided to go and get the kids pack lunches from the car and when I opened the boot my face was filled with horror, Leslie thought I had forgotten my running stuff but I had all that, I was obviously a bit distracted as I had left the pack lunch back for the kids back at home.

Due to the weather I was not sure what to wear, I had taken various items with me and once we were there I had decided to wear warm clothes due to the windy conditions. Willie Mackay had a chat to us and asked me what time I was looking for and I had said anything between 65 – 70 mins I would be happy with.

Before I knew it, it was time to get to the race line and wait for the start. The atmosphere was great, we heard the countdown and then we were off. I started too fast, like I knew I would even though I tried to slow my pace down, also the wind was unbelievable, it was so strong and it was a real effort running in it.

For me I struggled to get a good rhythm going due to being battered around by the wind and my breathing was a bit all over the place. I had to walk parts of it which I really didn’t want to do but at times I just had to to catch my breath. At around 3 - 4k I was really feeling as though I was going to be way off my time and was struggling mentally to keep my self going, but I tried to keep plodding on as best I could.

For me the best part of the race was when we were passing other runners who had turned, they were coming back and they were telling us that it was much better once you turned due to the wind then being on your back for a bit. At about 6K my number flew off due to how windy it was and I stopped to put it back on, (something that I now regret, I will know better for next time). Once I hit 7K I started to know in my head that I was nearly there and at last that wind was on my back and I could stop fighting against it and I dragged my self up the hill at Mey ready for the home straight.

I managed to get my speed up a bit and as I ran up the road towards the Castle I knew I was going to be really close hitting my 70 minute mark, I was determined to get in before my watch hit 71 minutes so I had to dig deep and as I got to the pipers I decided to go for it and run as fast as I could. It was lovely to hear everyone cheering me in and shouting for me as I came round the corner and that definitely helped me to put a spurt on and I managed to get in at 70minutes 30seconds.

I am signing up for some more 10K races and I am determined to get to my 65 minutes target and I will hopefully keep improving. I can’t believe that it is all done and dusted and I have enjoyed being a featured runner and I will be there next year at the Mey 10k hopefully with a PB.

Report 7 - Weeks 13 & 14

Training this week; what, where, when and with whom?

Week 13 - Thu 19 – 2 hours lifeguard training in the pool. Sat 21 – 3 hours lifeguard training in the pool. Sun 22 Apr – 8.00am 3 mile run out of Thurso on my own. Mon 23 Apr – 1 ½ hours lifeguard training in the pool.

Week 14 - Fri 27 Apr – 6 Mile run including lighthouse run on my own in the morning. Sat 28 Apr – 3 hours lifeguard training in the pool. Sun 29 Apr – 1 hour lifeguarding in the pool. Tue 1 May – NHH Endurance training on the Moors.

Has anything got in the way of what you had planned? Explain.

Week 13 - Where do I begin, lots of things have got in the way. Poorly children, work commitments, lifeguard training and revision, helping at a Duathlon, life in general. Just not enough time.

Week 14 - My lifeguard training is now complete thankfully so that is one less thing to try and fit in. The kids have smitten me with their cold bug, and on Tuesday night I really struggled running back up the hill but did the best I could. I decided not to fit another run is as I was feeling really tired from this cold and probably having such a hectic couple of weeks.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Week 13 - The run that I did manage to do I felt good while I was doing it and could have continued but unfortunately I didn’t have the time. Low has to be not fitting in any more runs.

Week 14 - For me my high has to be during my 6 mile run, I managed to run up Scrabster hill coming back up from the lighthouse, it has been a long time coming but I have finally managed to do it which I am thrilled with. Low - I am really nervous about the amount of training that I have managed to fit in over the last couple of weeks, I really wanted to do some more with race day just around the corner, but I would have needed another couple of days in the week to manage any more.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Week 13 - Hopefully this week will not have been to detrimental to my training, possibly a rest may help.

Week 14 - During my long run by breathing at parts felt really comfortable, and I could have kept on running but I had to get Megan from Nursery and obviously there is an improvement in running up hills.

Any injuries/concerns?

Week 13 – No worries on this front.

Week 14 – No thankfully.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Week 14 - For me at the moment I feel really tired but I know this is due to being so hectic for the last couple of weeks.

Any other observations, thoughts or comments?

Week 13 - Race day is fast approaching and I haven’t managed to do a long run this week but I will definitely be fitting one in next week.

Week 14 - I can’t believe that this is my last report before the Mey 10K, the time has flown in. I don’t know if I am going to make my time that I said in my very first report but overall I am happy with how I have progressed since January. It has been tough getting out and doing it but thinking back to my runs at the start of the year and looking now at what distances I can cover I couldn’t ask for more. I hope that come May 13th I can just go out there and enjoy my day, I know I have prepared for it so hopefully it will go well. I hope everyone who has signed up for the race has a really good day too. See you all there.

Report 6 - Weeks 11 & 12

Training this week; what, where, when and with whom?

Week 11 - Tue 10 Apr – NHH Endurance Training (The final week of running up and down the steps). Wed 11 Apr – 3.5 miles run through town on my own in the evening.

Week 12 - Thu 12 Apr – 2 hrs lifeguard training in the pool. Fri 13 Apr – 4 mile run at dinner time round the town on my own. Sat 14 Apr – 3 hrs lifeguard training in the pool. Sun 15 Apr – 6 mile run; NHH trail run at Loch More. Tue 17 Apr – NHH Endurance Training – Thurso Moors.

Has anything got in the way of what you had planned? Explain.

Week 11 - We went away for the Easter long weekend. I did pack my running gear with the good intention of going out for a run when we were away, but they ended up staying in the case. I think I was nervous of running somewhere I didn’t know, but also I had this little voice saying your on your holildays have a break.

Week 12 - No I have had a very good week with my training, including some cross training in the pool with the lifeguard training.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Week 11 - I felt tired on Tuesday night, but we had just got home on the Monday night from being away but I was glad that I had gone and done some training. I was really keen to fit another run in for this week as I hadn’t done any when I was away. So I decided to go out on the Wednesday night. My legs were really tired from the previous nights training but I was quite happy with the distance I put in for that run.

Week 12 - Cold & Wet. All three of my runs this week have either had hailstones or rain during them. But saying that, I felt quite good/comfortable during most of my training this week. My high has to be doing the trail run it was a lovely run due to where it was, even with the heavy snow/hail shower during it, and it was refreshing running out of the town as I haven’t done a trail run for a few weeks.

The Endurance Training was interesting, heavy rain for most of the day meant very muddy moors, within minutes my feet were soaking and it was demanding but again it was nice to do something different in my training. Running out for two minutes and then trying to get back in the same time, but having to run back up a hill (my favourite). I don’t think that I have had a low this week.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Week 11 - My pace is gradually improving but it seems to be a slow process.

Week 12 - As I said above I was happy with my time for my long run this week and going by the gadget that gets strapped to my wrist for my runs the computer said that my last mile was my fastest which I was delighted with and is proof that my training is paying off, hopefully it wasn’t a one off.

Any injuries/concerns?

Week 11 - Legs have felt tired after training this week and I need to really stretch out my left calf muscle as it feels really tight.

Week 12 - No feeling alright.

Any other observations, thoughts or comments?

Week 11 - I was worried about my training during the holidays and new it would be hard to fit it in but sometimes it can’t be avoided. I am starting to get a bit nervous now about race day I really can’t believe how quickly the time has gone and how close it is now and I feel that I want to improve some more before the day arrives.

Week 12 - This was a really hectic week for me and I had to be organised to make sure that I managed to fit in my three runs. Leslie was away for the weekend so I had to get my run done on Friday before he left and family were a great help in looking after the kids for the Sunday run so I could get my long run done. I was also really delighted with my run on Sunday, my time was better than I thought it was going to be so that has settled the nerves a little bit that I had during last week.

Report 5 - Weeks 9 & 10

Training this week; what, where, when and with whom?

Week 9 – Frid 23 March – 6 mile run round Janetstown in the morning on my own. For my long run I changed my route at the last minute as I knew once I had started it, I would have to keep going as it was out of the town. Three miles in I thought I had been a bit foolish but I kept on going and got back feeling pretty tired. Sun 25 March – 3.5 mile run round town on my own in the morning. Tue 27 – NHH endurance training night (Steps). I decided to go back as I survived my first week, just.

Week 10 – Fri 30 Mar – 6 miles with brother in law, I would say that I covered 6 miles not run as it was so windy. Tue 3 April – NHH Endurance Training night. (Back to those lovely Esplanade Steps on a particularly cold night)

Has anything got in the way of what you had planned? Explain.

Week 9 – No I have managed to fit in all three of my runs.

Week 10 – We had things on over the weekend so I could not get my run done, had planned to get my last one done on Wednesday but Leslie had a meeting and by the time he got home it was too late for me to go out, but I am happy that I got a long run done on Friday.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Week 9 – The weather was lovely this week, but for me it was a shock running in such warm weather, could not believe how warm it was, even though I ran in the morning or early evening. I much prefer running in cooler weather, so hope it is not too hot in May. I am really happy that I did six miles that has to be my high, but I still struggle with hills and have to walk up some of them, but I am hoping that the Tuesday training is going to help with this.

Week 10 – What a difference a week makes, I wanted cooler weather and boy did I get it. My long run/walk was challenging due to the weather conditions, had I been on my own I would have cut it short, when the wind was on my back it was great and I had a great pace but then you would be fighting with the wind in your face bent over double with gusting winds.

Tuesday training - I am really surprised that I am enjoying this training, yes it is hard but surely that must mean it is good for me!!! I am disappointed that I have missed a run but the only consolation is that it wasn’t my long run that I missed.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Week 9 – I am still managing to increase my distance on my long run of the week and my breathing is much better now from when I first started.

Week 10 – My speed is gradually improving but I am keen to get a bit faster yet before May and hope that this is possible. Also I can hold a conversation when I run with someone now, and I mean small conversation but there is no way I could have done that at the start of my training.

Any injuries/concerns?

Week 9 – My knees were still a bit achy but I have been making sure that I stretch my legs out a bit more and this is helping with this.

Week 10 – My knees feel much better this week, I think they have got used to the running up and down the steps now.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Week 10 – I definitely notice a difference if I am out walking that I feel much fitter and I am feeling a bit more energetic and I know that this is the fittest I have been for while.

Any other observations, thoughts or comments?

Week 9 – As Graeme mentioned last week, away from the training I have had people asking me how I am getting on as they have read my report in the paper, this is always unexpected but it is lovely to see that people are interested and that spurs me on and is keeping my on track and keeping me motivated.

Week 10 – Next week is a concern for me, the school holidays have started and my routine will be completely different so I am worried that I may not get my runs done and May 13th is fast approaching.

Report 4 - Weeks 7 & 8

Training this week; what, where, when and with whom?

Week 7 - Monday night run – 4 miles. NHH Monday night run I wanted to run a bit further this night so ran around the caravan park before heading down towards the lighthouse, and I would like to say the encouragement that people give you as they run past you and when you finish is lovely and really does keep me motivated.

Wednesday - 3 mile run. Leslie had a meeting and I thought I wasn’t going to get this run done, but thankfully a friend said that she could come and sit with the kids for me, which I was extremely grateful for as I wanted to go out for my run as I had already missed my run at the weekend.

Week 8 - Friday Morning – 5 ¼ mile run on my own around Thurso; Monday Night – Masters swimming; Tuesday Night – NHH Endurance Training night

Has anything got in the way of what you had planned? Explain.

Week 7 - Had planned to run early on Saturday morning as we were going out in the evening, but it was really windy and as I lay in bed listening to the wind I convinced myself that I would really struggle, so I pulled my duvet over my head and didn’t go out. I am not a morning person so I didn’t need much convincing. We had a lovely evening catching up with friends and had such a good night that running wasn’t even an option on the Sunday.

Week 8 - Missed Sundays run, Leslie was away for the weekend and did not return until Sunday evening, so by the time we spent some time together, there was no time left for a run, but that was more important than my run.

Was going to run on Wednesday night but was broken after Tuesday nights training.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Week 7 – On both my runs again I would say that I felt comfortable when I was doing them. My run on Wednesday I tried to run it faster than I normally would and I was puffing for most of the way round and by the time I was on the last leg home, I was feeling a bit sick, so maybe I had pushed myself a bit too much.

Week 8 - On Friday I got Megan to Nursery and headed out for my run as I knew the weekend was off the cards for any runs. I felt that I had a good steady pace throughout the whole run. Now that I am going further I really have to make sure that I know my route before I go out and I break it down into sections when I am running it as I find this is the best way for me to get through the run, taking it stage by stage.

Endurance Training – Well what can I say about this. If you had said to me in January that I would be running up and down the esplanade’s steps with a running club I would have laughed and said No Way. But here I was right enough doing just that, it was hard but it was strangely good fun, due to the lovely atmosphere. Will I be back next week, we will have to wait and see.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Week 7 – I never got my long run done this week, but I am now trying to build on my speed work to see if I can get a slightly quicker pace, but I think it is going to be hard work.

Week 8 - Hopefully the Tuesday night training is going to help with building up my speed.

Any injuries/concerns?

Week 7 – No I am injury free.

Week 8 - I have been feeling my knees after Tuesday but I think that this is down to doing training that I have never done before.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Week 7 – I find this question really difficult to answer as I am not seeing any real physical changes, for me I think it is still about how I feel about myself and I think that I am building my confidence in what I can now do compared to at the beginning of the year.

Any other observations, thoughts or comments?

Week 7 – I was speaking to a fellow runner about when you start to enjoy your running, I can say that it has taken me up week 6/week 7 before I can say that I have not questioned myself as to why I am doing this when I am out running. I can’t say that I enjoy my runs the whole time that I am running, but as soon as I get home and in the door I am delighted that that is another one under my belt.

Week 8 - If I miss any of my runs I get disappointed now as I am keen to fit them in, I can’t believe that we are halfway through our training for the 10K it is going in so fast and I know it is going to be here before we know, which is a scary thought and I want to be as prepared as I can be and this means getting my runs in.

Report 3 - Weeks 5 & 6

Training this week; what, where, when and with whom?

Week 5 - Sat – 4 mile morning run (9am) on my own out of the town. Sun – 5 mile afternoon run around town on my own. Leslie took the kids down to the boating pond while I ran down to meet them. Sam gave me some company half way round by cycling up the river with me. I don’t know who was more delighted, him because he was like my coach or me as he kept me going. Tue – 4 mile evening run on my own through the town. A new route that left me short of just under a mile which left me running round the block a couple of times, which is frustrating when you know your front door is just round the corner and you could easily stop.

Week 6 - Thurs – 4 mile run out of the town, own my own to start with but bumped into someone and we ran for 1 ½ miles together which was really nice and kept me going. Sat – 5¼ mile run, another new route. The wind was in my face for 1 mile of run but once I got that part out of the way got into a good rhythm and felt like I could have gone further, but I didn’t have enough time to run any longer. Mon – NHH Monday night run (4 miles), missed this run for last few weeks so I was looking forward to see how I got on.

Has anything got in the way of what you had planned? Explain.

Week 5 – No I am pleased to say that I have managed to do what I had planned this week for a change.

Week 6 - No another week of three runs under my belt.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Week 5 – On my first run I coughed for about the first 15 minutes due to a head cold that I had been smitten with but it settled down. I would say that I felt comfortable with my efforts on my first two runs of the week but my last run of the week I found really hard and I was quite despondent when I finished it. I still find my runs hard and don’t think that they are going to get easier. Leslie was lovely and told me that I was doing great and that I should keep doing what I was doing and reminded me that I was still recovering from my cold and lack of sleep.

My high for me is extending my run again and achieving the 5 mile distance.

Week 6 -. I think that this is the first week that I have felt comfortable or dare I say it enjoyed all three of my runs. I pretty much always run on my own and it was really refreshing to run with someone even if it was only for part of my run. Although I have run at the NHH Monday night run, people normally are running past me but on this Monday night run the lady who I bumped into on my Thursday run was there and we ran to the lighthouse together, it was good having someone beside me for most of the run, Fiona is better at hills than me and managed Scrabster brae without stopping. But I would say that I pushed myself a bit harder on this run, so thank you Fiona for running with me.

High – Think this has been the best week for me since I have been back running.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Week 5 – I am still managing to increase my distance covered during the week and once I get some more miles under my belt I will be looking into speeding up.

Week 6 - I have felt comfortable during my runs this week, mainly due to my breathing being easier I think. Parts of my runs were hard but at times I was running along and I realised that I was breathing really well and I was delighted with how I felt at that point even if it was for a short time.

Any injuries/concerns?

Week 5 – Since going over 4 miles I have noticed that my trainers have been rubbing in the arch of my feet and it looks like a new pair is required. Luckily I still have my last pair of trainers and I am using them at the moment until a new pair are purchased.

Week 6 - No, feet are feeling better in my old trainers.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Week 5 – I want to say yes but it is hard to say as tiredness is still a factor for me at the moment. But I would say that when I run, it is my time to totally tune out, I don’t think about anything else apart from my run and it is my little pocket of time totally by myself.

Week 6 - I definitely am feeling better in myself and know that my running is making me fitter and healthier.

Any other observations, thoughts or comments?

Week 5 – I was starting to get anxious about not getting out for my runs and was keen, (not sure if that is the right word) to get out. Sleep has been an issue or the lack of it due to Megan being uncomfortable with the chickenpox, but I managed to get a full nights sleep for the first time in a while on Friday night so I decided to run on Saturday morning. Leslie went out for his run first and when he got back I went out for mine. I am not a morning person and it was a thought putting on my running gear but due to running in the morning I could do a different run and ran out of the town, I quite enjoyed running a different route.

Week 6 - Sophie reminded me this week that I should leave a space between my runs and not run two days in a row. I did take her advice and I think it did make a difference to me during my runs, but to allow me to manage this we had to juggle a few things as Leslie had a meeting in the evening, so when he got in from work I went out for my run at dinner time. I know that it is not always possible for me to do this due to everyone in the family having clubs, meetings, work etc and sometimes I just have to take the opportunity when I can for my runs.

Report 2 - Weeks 3 & 4

Training this week; what, where, when and with whom?

Week 3 - 12 Feb – 2 mile run on my own around Thurso. 3 Feb – NHH Monday night run, 4 miles. I actually managed to get to the lighthouse this week, I was delighted. 15 Feb – 3 mile run in the evening on my own in the evening.

Week 4 - 16 Feb – Thurso Swimming Club – Masters Training, first time in the pool for a few weeks. I normally train on a Monday and Thursday night but have only been going on a Thursday due to NHHs running club on a Monday. I really felt my ankle when I was swimming but think it helped it loosen it out. 20 Feb – NHH’s Trail Run – Camster (4 mile loop). 21 Feb – Masters Swimming Training.

Has anything got in the way of what you had planned? Explain.

Week 3 - Yes, I had planned to run on Friday morning when all the kids were at school, so I could run in daylight instead of in the evening, but unfortunately my youngest Megan ended up not being at nursery as she had an altercation with a couch and the floor, which resulted in a trip to A&E on Thursday night and confirmation of a fractured arm.

Week 4 - Oh yes, I have had childcare issues this week so have been working in the evenings which has meant I have not been able to get out for my runs and on my last day to top it off Megan now has chickenpox so is not at nursery. Since keeping a log of my training I am now seeing how easy it is for training to slip when you have a family.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Week 3 – I have been really tired this week, due to Megan not sleeping great so my runs were put off until the end of the week. I was also nervous on my first run this week as this was my first time out since going over my ankle. It still feels a bit stiff but was actually alright on my run. On my last run I was really windy and for the first mile the wind was in my face and I really struggled with my breathing, then on my last half a mile it was back in my face, this was when I started questioning my sanity and wondered why I was doing it.

My high was getting to the lighthouse, I was absolutely delighted.

My low is HILLS, they are my nemesis, I have yet to run up Scrabster brae without stopping and walking between a couple of lamp posts. I think before I have even start going up a hill I convince myself that I cannot do it, this is something that I am going to have to work on.

Week 4 - 1 mile into the Trail run I seriously considered throwing in the towel and turning back, due to the never ending hill AGAIN and the fact that my calf muscles were screaming at me to stop, so I had to walk up some of the hill. I really wanted to run further than 4 miles but it was a tough course and couldn’t run any further. I think I might have to request some flatter routes.!!! I then changed from running on the Monday to swimming due to my legs feeling tight. I hate not getting my runs in as I worry about my progress.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Week 3 – My distance is gradually improving every week. I try to push myself on one of my runs to increase my distance that I am covering.

Week 4 - Have not done enough this week to comment.

Any injuries/concerns?

Week 3 – Ankle is still not 100% but doesn’t cause any problems when running.

Week 4 - Again I still feel my ankle when swimming but thankfully not when I am running.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Week 3 – I am feeling a difference on the tops of my legs (quads I think) that they are more toned than before.

Week 4 - This week has been so hectic for many different reasons and I have felt really tired, but this is due to other things rather than my training.

Any other observations, thoughts or comments?

Week 4 - I am disappointed with my training this week. But a new one is just around the corner.

Report 1 - Weeks 1 & 2

Training this week; what, where, when and with whom?

Week 1 - 30 Jan - NHHs Monday night run. I ran just under 3 miles down towards the lighthouse and back. 1 Feb – Wednesday night I ran just over 3 miles on my own around Thurso.

Week 2 - 5 Feb – NHH Trail Run at Reay on Sunday morning, I ran the short loop of 4 miles. (Long loop for me.) 6 Feb – NHH Monday night run. I ran three miles towards lighthouse and back. 8 Feb – Wednesday night I planned to do a 3 mile run on my own around Thurso, but actually ended up being 1½ miles.

Has anything got in the way of what you had planned? Explain.

Week 1 - Yes I have missed a run this week, we had to go South for a couple of days for a funeral and I was also helping at a Swimming Meet in Inverness on the Sunday.

Week 2 - Yes on my last run of the week my 3 mile became 1½ miles due to falling as I went over my ankle. I got myself together after a couple of minutes of panic wondering how to get home and wondering what I had done. The pain eased off and I limped home feeling very sorry for myself.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

Week 1 - I felt my runs hard this week, probably due to being tired after being away and then Sunday was an early start.

My high this week was running over 3 miles, I have been putting off trying to run over the 3 mile mark as it has been over three months since I have run that distance and I was convincing myself I couldn’t do it. Low for me was missing a run but it couldn’t be helped and it was just one of those things.

Week 2 - I really felt good after I had completed the trail run, due to the distance that I covered on the run. Yes it was a never ending hill but at least I got to run back down it and the satisfaction afterwards of doing it was great.

The lighthouse run was tough, but it was a beautiful night for a run, it was a cold clear night and the moon lit up Thurso Bay. My legs were tired after that hill on Sunday but I managed to run a little bit further on this run than I did last week.

The low obviously was going over my ankle, I was actually quite enjoying my run in the pouring rain and was really disappointed that I didn’t get to finish it.

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

Week 1 - Yes with distance, gradually increasing it. Each time I go out I try to run for a little bit longer, even if it’s just for one minute.

Week 2 - I was feeling quite good on my last run until my mishap, so I am hoping that I am starting to find breathing a bit easier, we will wait and see.

Any injuries/concerns?

Week 1 - No happy to say injury free.

Week 2 - Sprained ankle but iced it as soon as I got home and hoping it will be alright by the next time I am planning to go out.

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

Week 1 - Eh not yet, I have tired legs, but I am probably feeling better in myself as I am out running again.

Week 2 - No not at the moment but I am feeling a bit fitter but no real changes yet.

Any other observations, thoughts or comments?

Week 1 - For me on a Monday night, I am enjoying running with groups of people, although I didn’t run with someone all the way, there are always people passing and just as I was about to wimp out running up Scrabster hill another runner came by and said they would help me get up it, she got me two thirds of the way up before I had to walk. Had I been on my own I would have stopped much sooner.

Week 2 - I would say that I am getting to a point where I can say that I am starting to enjoy my running.