2010 Progress Entrant - Linda Claxson

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -Look Back 1- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -Final-

Report 12 extra (look back) - Week ending 04/04/10

Wow, it's been 12 weeks since starting out on this 10k venture and the journey so far has been an adventure to say the least. I think I've learnt more about myself these past 12 weeks than I have in the past 12 years.

I'm surprised by how I've managed to drag myself out there even on the days when I really haven't felt like bothering. I always used to feel as though I had a decent amount of willpower when I was younger but my addiction to chocolate as an adult really had me doubting that I had enough willpower and motivation left to get myself through the training for the Castle of Mey 10k, hence my reason for putting myself up as a featured runner. Letting myself down is one thing but the thought of letting others down just isn't even imaginable.

At the start of this training I gained an unhealthy attachment to the treadmill (or dreadmill as I now call it), it let me train in the comfort of my own home and meant I didn't have to face the embarrassment of being seen in public. I really did feel like a cross between a Weeble and a Hippo in those first few weeks.

Now though, things are completely different. The dreadmill has its use and does have it advantages but it's something I will only resort to using if weather conditions mean I really can't get outside. Having said that I have found myself enjoying early morning runs in snow, sleet and rain, the dreadmill is now most definitely a last resort for me.

Getting some decent trainers and some proper running tights made all the difference to my motivation and confidence as well. It sounds like a silly thing to say but there is a huge difference between running in billowing Yoga pants and thin soled Puma trainers to running in All Condition Gear and a pair of Asics.

Over the weeks I've rekindled an enjoyment in running that I'd pretty much forgotten about. I used to enjoy running as a teenager at school and would do really well at the long distances but life kinda took over and running became a distant school memory. I'm also surprised by how I prefer early morning running to midday or evening running - hmmmmm, that's going to help the afternoon 10k I'm training for huh! NOT!

I love to be out the door by 6.30am as it sets me up for the rest of the day and gives me energy. I do have to fight my body's stiffness so early though. I have both Narcolepsy and Fibromyalgia and while the medication for Narcolepsy gives me the mental motivation I need it's counteracted by the body stiffness caused by Fibro. However it's a battle I'm learning to control and the exercise definitely helps give me a better nights sleep which is a bonus for anyone who suffers from either Narcolepsy or Fibro.

The training programme has been a brilliant basis for me to learn how to train, I've adjusted it to suit my mental attitude toward running as I seem to be more motivated by distance achieved as opposed to time but it's certainly given me a good foundation to learn from. I then pick up loads of tips from Runners World or Womens Running magazines - I've subscribed to both as I'm now totally addicted to running and aim to keep it up after the Castle of Mey.

I'm still running alone as I find it less distracting. I've tried running with a partner but I get put off if I can't keep up to their pace and I've also tried running with dogs which had its benefits but ultimately was off putting for me.

I've not really suffered badly with injuries (touch wood). I've had the odd niggle but a day of rest always seem to put things right again. I do suffer with calf cramp sometimes when running but I can almost guarantee that if it happens it'll be due to either not warming up enough or not stretching properly after running the day before. I've also had the odd numb feet when running which travels up as far as the knee, it's a most peculiar sensation trying to run when you cannot feel your feet and from the looks I get sometimes I'm guessing I look like someone trying to run in flippers or great big clown shoes. Mostly I can put it down to doing my laces up too tightly but when it's caused simply by the impaction of running a wiggling of the toes usually sets it right.

Over the next 6 weeks I'm hoping to improve my speed a bit as I'd like to complete the 10k in an hour or under (there I've said it). It's a completely doable time but I have to find out how to make up the time I lose in the first 10 minutes of running due to the stiffness. I'm tackling hills and inclines as much as I can now whereas I used to avoid them. I'd like to improve my time running up the hills but at least I can get up them without stopping or walking now so hopefully I'll improve enough over the coming 6 weeks to be of benefit on the actual 10k day. Here's hoping!