Update: Fantastic Jantastic and my second half marathon

After a predictably sedentary Christmas, I knew it was time to get my arse into gear come January.

When I read about Jantastic, it seemed like the perfect way to motivate myself to ensure I kept at least three workouts in the diary every week. It's a really simple concept - set yourself a workout goal each month and then log what you've managed - but for someone like me who is the queen of excuses, it's been a great way to keep myself accountable.

I hit my goal for week one and I'm on track for a successful week two as well - we'll see how the rest of the month goes!

I've also been sorting some races out for the coming year. As I've said before, there's nothing like the gut-wrenching fear of knowing you've got to run in front of potentially thousands of people to get you training!

I'm really excited to have signed up for my second half marathon, the Vitality Run Hackney Half Marathon. It looks like a great race and I can't wait for May to arrive (although I guarantee you I won't be saying that in a few months) so I can get stuck in. A few friends of mine will hopefully also taking part and it will certainly be a little easier to reach than Liverpool! 

(credit)

Other race dates in the diary so far are the Cancer Research London Winter Run 10k and the British Heart Foundation Regent's Park 10k.

There's even been mention of possibly doing Survival of the Fittest later in the year...*gulp* 

So 2015 looks like it's shaping up pretty well. I've been having a little think about what I want my goals to be but that's a post for another day. For now, it's time to get back on 10k form!

Harris x

Did you run the Run Hackney half marathon last year? What races are you excited for this year?

Monday Morning Motivation

(found here)

It's an oldy but a goody. Everyone prefers to stay in their comfort zone. Your comfort zone is...well...comfortable. And right now my comfort zone is sitting in my bed.

Okay, okay, I'll go for a run now.

Harris x

Confessions of a running loner

Lonerrrrrrr

I'm a loner...when it comes to running that is.

In theory the idea of pounding the pavements with someone else is lovely. I've got a romantic vision of speeding along the banks of the Thames in the winter sunlight with a running pal. Nothing can stop us. We're encouraging each other and challenging each other.

But another part of my brain is convinced that it just isn't possible. What if we have different paces? What if I'm holding them back? What if they're holding me back? What if I get tired and want to stop? What if they get tired and want to stop? Do we have to talk? Won't I be too tired to talk? If we don't talk won't it be a bit weird? Or awkward?

Plus my mind always drifts back to one of my very first (and incredibly unsuccessful) runs with a group of friends when I was in my first year of uni. It was horrific.

I also find running great for de-stressing, letting my thoughts run riot and generally getting rid of some of my worries. With all the stresses of running with someone, what if that gets ruined?

But last week I was getting ready to pop out for a short and easy run when I realised my flatmate Iona was also lacing up her trainers. Turns out we were actually intending to run the exact same route. After much "see you out there!" we finally decided to try running together.

Begrudging running buddies

Iona is of the same view as me: running is a solo sport. No interacting. No faffing. NO TALKING. So that's how we did it. We ran side-by-side for the most part, with our own music in. The only interacting was me pointing out the route (it was Iona's first time).

It might sound antisocial but for us it worked a treat.

It was actually really nice knowing someone was there with me and at no point did I feel stressed about pace. We gave each other the option to drop back/carry on ahead if we needed to but we seemed to manage just fine!

Now that I've finally got over my fear of running with others I'm not really sure what's next. I've always wanted to try a running group but the worries mentioned above always stopped me. Maybe I'll even be able to TALK while running?! I know, I know, baby steps...but never say never.

Harris x

Are you a running loner? Would you recommend joining a running group? 

You used to be fun! Expert tips on keeping the enjoyment in running

Where has my running mojo gone? Why am I not enjoying this any more?

I've seen lots of posts recently about motivation and enjoyment - or lack of it (particularly check out Charlie's great advice on ways to get your running mojo back)! I think I'm safe to say that it's something most of us struggle with, particularly as the cold winter nights draw in.

While I'm not sure I have words of wisdom just yet, I thought I'd share these tips from Decathlon.

I can particularly relate to Simon Freeman on the pleasure of seeing progress. I'm amazed at how far I've come with my running and love seeing what else my body is capable of.

What do you think of Simon Freeman and Tom Williams' tips?

Harris x

See Harris Inspired: The Runners

Okay so I know this was released aaages ago but a friend sent this to me recently and it really struck a chord with me.

I've been properly running for about a year and a half now and while I'm always experiencing peaks and troughs with it, this video reminded me of the power that running can have: not just transforming you physically but also mentally.

It's not a fancy film and it's only about 11 minutes long, but I absolutely love The Runners.

Harris x

What did you think of The Runners?

Run To The Beat: 14th September 2014

After hearing about the debacle that was the Run To The Beat Half Marathon last year, I was interested to see how things would be done differently this time...turns out pretty much everything had been changed!

Post-race with my work colleagues

The race was run by Sure instead of Nike this year - I wonder if maybe Nike were trying to distance themselves from the race after last year? I've only done one Nike race (We Own The Night 10k earlier this year) and it was great - see my review here. But in fairness RTTB was really well organised this year - a good race village in the shadow of Wembley stadium with lots to see and do. I thought the stretching station, run by Fitness First, was a particularly good idea.

The course was also well organised but my goodness it was depressing. I've never had reason to venture to Wembley before and I can't honestly say I'll be rushing back. The course began and finished at the stadium, which was pretty cool, but the rest of the route consisted of residential area (lots of people waving at us in their dressing gowns) and a giant industrial estate. Considering it RTTB has been in Greenwich in the past, this was a bit of a let down.

Although this was only a 10k, it was a toughy - partially because of my own lack of preparation and also thanks to a bugger of a double hill. Just as you finished an awful long pull up, you round the corner to find,...another hill! There are several horrendous photos of me on the second hill - I was not a happy bunny!

It doesn't look bad but that hill was HORRENDOUS

As far as this being a 'music' race, I can't say I was particularly impressed. There were a number of sounds advising you that 'big beats' were ahead but it was more like someone with a set of iPod speakers most of the time. It may have been due to noise regulation since many of the music stations were in residential area but again this was a little bit of a let down. The party at the end was much more impressive and by the time I finished lots of people were already having a bit of a dance.

There were plenty of people already having a dance in the shadow of Wembley Stadium

I finished in 1:09:25 - not even remotely close to my PB of 1:02:14 but I had no expectations for a good race time since I was quite out of practice. I was pleased just to finish in under 1:10, having dropped back a wave to join some of my friends from work that I was running with.

I really enjoyed RTTB but I don't think it will really stick in my mind as a particularly memorable race...I'll definitely still sign up next year though!

Have you ever done a Run To The Beat race?

Harris x

Liverpool Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon: 25rd May 2014

Well it only took me four months but FINALLY here's the story of my first ever half marathon!

For those of you who have followed me from the start, you'll know how terrified I was when I started out running. The 5k was a big deal. The 10k was frightening. But now I am a HALF MARATHON RUNNER. YEAH.

Ready to Rock'n'Roll (joke had to be made soz)

In all honesty I probably wouldn't have chosen to do the Liverpool Rock'n'Roll as my first ever half, mainly because I live nowhere near Liverpool. Like not even remotely close. But when I won myself a place back at the Write This Run conference in November, I couldn't really turn it down.

So come May I found myself lining up at the start line near Liverpool Docks, with my usual "What the HELL am I doing?!" mantra preventing all rational thought about the race ahead.

Spot the (utterly terrified) Harris

But, as has been proved to me each time I've run a new, longer race, it was absolutely FINE.

I was worried about running the full half distance as the most I'd ever done in training was 15k - 13.1 miles translates as something like 21k so it was still a fair bit more than I'd ever actually run. Although I was knackered by the time I hit 11 miles, there was no point where I felt like I just wanted to collapse. I actually felt at the very end of the race that I had a little bit left in the tank.

I also took a bit of a chance by accepting a gel about three quarters of the way around the course. I've never used gels before and I know most people warn against trying them for the first time during a race. But I had a tiny mouthful of the gel every five minutes or so and felt absolutely fine. To be truthful I'm not convinced it even helped me particularly, although I don't really have anything to compare it to. It did, however, cover my hands in weird orange goo.

I (very inexpertly) had a bit of tape on my knee as I had been feeling a constant niggle in my previous few weeks of training. Happily it was no problem during the race and seems to have gone away now after plenty of foam rolling.

Running through China Town

Apart from the finish line, this was my favourite moment

It was really great getting to see a new city as part of the run - Liverpool is such a varied place and the route was great, taking us past the iconic Cavern Club, through the city's parks and dockland and some nice residential areas too. I'd certainly like to explore the city again...maybe on another run!

The route felt well-organised to me, although my only criticism would be that the whole idea of the Rock'n'Roll marathons is that there are lots of bands. I was under the impression that this was at every mile, but I only saw about 5. It was a lovely way to break up the run but I just felt like it would have been nice to see a few more!

I finished with a chip time of 2:21:51 - I'd been hoping for under 2:30 so was very pleased with this, although I do feel like I could have maybe done about 2:15, since I wasn't totally spent at the finish line.

Sweatiest post-race pic so far

Earned me some heavy metal

I'm really proud to be able to say I've completed a half marathon and am super keen to do another, hopefully in a slightly faster time. I had a few moments, particularly on the home stretch of the half marathon as I ran back along the banks of the Mersey, which felt completely surreal and I was half convinced I was going to wake up and find it was all a dream. But I did it.

Thank you so much to those of you who tweeted/emailed/texted me with support along the way - it makes all the difference. Also thank you to everyone who helped me with advice as I was training, you guys were so helpful.

Also a HUGE honorable mention goes to my friend Rachel. Rach was meant to be running the race with me but after struggling hard against an injury in the end she was forced to pull out. Rach also lives nowhere near Liverpool, but both she and her mum helped put me up for the night, fed me, looked after my big bag of race junk and then cheered me on at the finish line. Rach could have just stayed at home in South Wales but no, she supported me the whole way, What a mega babe.

I'm not convinced I'll move on to marathons yet but I'm definitely planning on signing up for another half! Any recommendations?

Harris x

Update: A thousand and one ways to worry about your first half marathon

AAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGHHHHHHHHHHH

That's pretty much all that's going through my mind now that the Liverpool Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon is almost here.

Looks like this is really happening.

That and a whole list of worries including:

• What if I just can't do it?
• What if my knee gives out (it's been giving me a bit of gip)?
• What if I fall over?
• What if I have a wardrobe malfunction?
• What if I have an explicable need to go to the toilet?
• What if I somehow miss a route marker and get completely lost?

And the list gets longer and longer the closer I get.

The first is definitely the most prominent - what if I just can't do it? I've done just over 15km in training and a half marathon is 21k. Maybe I'm woefully underprepared. Maybe I was lazy and slapdash with my training. Maybe I haven't thought nearly enough about my nutrition (last night's Domino's counts as good carbo-loading right?). Maybe I should have got my knee properly looked at. Maybe it's all going to go totally tits-up.

But enough of the relentless worrying, it's too late to turn back now. I travel up to north Wales tonight to stay with a friend before tomorrow's painfully early start and trip over to Liverpool. The day is almost here and although my primary feeling right now is simply sheer terror,  I must admit I'm also incredibly excited. I've read so many race reports of half marathons and now it's finally my turn. I'm running a half marathon!

So maybe it will all go wrong. Or maybe, just maybe, it will work out. 

Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Harris x

Nike We Own The Night Women's 10k: 10th May 2013

This was my first race in a good while and my first one with my little sister Bex, so I was interested to see how we would handle it, but all in all I can safely say that the We Own The Night 10k was GREAT!

Looking a little chilly ahead of the race

I've heard mixed things about the various Nike events that have taken place in London and the one that sticks in my mind most was the problem-laden Run To The Beat half marathon. So I was intrigued to see how We Own The Night would measure up.

In my opinion, the whole thing was really well organised, with proper bag drops, staggered start times and clear instructions. My only criticism (and this probably wouldn't be avoidable) would be the way that the start/finish line was such a long walk from the station, as by the time we got back to Bethnal Green tube we were freezing.

Bex is much faster than me and so she decided to go for the Blue funnel (under 1hr), while I stuck with Green (under 1:10) since my PB for 10k so far was 1:09:09 - I'm definitely more of a tortoise than a hare. I was happy to have chosen Green as I didn't feel like I was dragging at the back or like I was trying hard to get past people. Not sure how people running in other groups found it, but there didn't seem to be much issue with congestion or anything.

Ready to go in the Green funnel

The run itself was good, with bits and pieces like light tunnels and live bands along the way to make things a little more interesting. I was particularly loving the brass band that was playing and wish I could have found out what they were called. It's really nice to have stuff along the way to liven things up (it would have been even better if there were more live acts along the route).

Light tunnel (turns out I CANNOT take pics while running)

I felt strong all the way through the race and decided to push myself to see if I could PB and boy I was not disappointed - I SMASHED by PB time by nearly seven minutes, coming in at 1:02:14. It was nothing next to my speedy little sis' 54:49 but I'm so pleased.

I definitely feel like taking someone else along with you to the race is the way to go. Even though Bex and I didn't run together it was so nice to have someone there with you at the beginning and end. Bex even tried to get a shot of me finishing but it was too dark to get a decent shot - one day I'll get a snap of me running!

Lovely Alex Monroe finishers necklace in a Liberty Print box (credit)

Another huge plus was the finishers necklace, which we were given instead of a medal. Don't get me wrong, I love some race bling as much as the next runner but as someone who doesn't really own much nice dainty jewellery, it was really nice to get something that I feel like I could wear everyday. Well done Nike and Alex Monroe!

All in all this was a fab race, definitely worth a race price (which initially did seem a bit steep), considering the organisation on the day itself, Nike t-shirt, finishers necklace and goody bag. I'll definitely be taking part next time!

Did you take part in We Own The Night? Are you tempted to in future?

Harris x

Dear Running, I'm sorry I cheated on you

Dear Running,

I'm back. But I guess I should explain where I've been.

We've been having problems for a while now. I know you've felt it too but I didn't know how to address them. And so I cheated on you. With the gym.

I was seduced by those shiny machine, that loud music, those promises of a toned body (also the steam room...mainly the steam room). I forked out my money. And I really do like the gym.

I felt guilty about it, but I didn't want to face up to it and so I stopped blogging. You can't have a running blog without any running right? I've even been avoiding reading about you because it made me feel guilty.

But now it's time for a reality check. It's only nine weeks until the Liverpool Rock and Roll Half Marathon. And you and I need to be able to go the distance. 13.1 miles to be precise.

The gym is still important to me, and probably quite good for me. But it's time to focus on you and me now.

We've always had a love-hate relationship (often a lot more of the hate part) but I sometimes forget how much you've done for me. Without you, I'd be in a very different place right now. I'd be in a very different dress size too probably.

So I'm sorry Running. I'm sorry I abandoned you and cheated on you. Things are going to be different from now on.

Harris x

See Harris Inspired: Write This Run Conference, 23rd November 2013

Arriving at the Running Show at Sandown Racecourse, all I could really think about was one thing: when are they going to figure out I'm a fake?

The nagging doubts in the back of my mind got stronger as I made my way past rows and rows of lycra, electronic gadgets, protein-packed foodstuffs and foam thingies.

"I'm not a real runner," I thought. "I only ran my first 10k two weeks ago."

"These people run half marathons, marathons, even ultra marathons."

"WHAT AM I DOING HERE?"

What followed was a huge blur and it wasn't until I was sat on the train after the post-conference party that I realised maybe I'm not such a fake after all. Maybe I'm even...*whispers*...a runner?

The biggest shock of the day, however, came when I rifled through my goodie bag and found...a place in a half-iron man! Now I like a challenge, but as someone who is still very much a learner runner and has extremely limited skills when it comes to both swimming and cycling, this was a bridge too far and so I decided to keep an eye out for someone to swap with.

Lucky for me, Cathy was on the lookout for a half-iron place! One prize-swap later and I found myself with a place in the Liverpool Rock and Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. I had not expected to be in the running (crap pun) for a half marathon for at least a year but Cathy, along with several others all insisted it was absolutely do-able.

The blogger and brand relationships panel

Ultra marathon and 24-hour runner Robbie Britton's talk 'Suffering is just part of the fun' had us all giggling

I'm not 100% about doing it yet but the more I think about it, the more I find myself wondering if maaaybe, just maybe, this is something I really could do? Plus have you SEEN the medals? Talk about bling.

Anyway, the whole day was great fun and I learnt so much - definitely felt a little sad when it was all over. I'd been planning on coming back the next day for the 10k but unfortunately I had to miss out due to family circumstances.

The better blogging panel gave me a lot to think about

Some highlights...

• A chance for inspiration and a bit of perspective - listening to talks by Sophie Walker, Simon Webb and Jennifer Bradley really helped tto make me realise that perhaps I don't have so much to contend with after all.
• Tip on how to improve my blogging - Muireanne Carey-Campbell, Jody Raynsford and Johnny Muir all gave some great tips that I hope I can put into practice for See Harris Run
• An awesome goody bag (even if it did originally saddle with with a half-iron)
• Meeting all the awesome people behind the blogs and Twitter handles - hopefully all people I'll meet again as I continue to work on both my running and my blogging.
• A pretty darn blissful yoga-for-runners session with Emma Spencer Goodier

Massive thank you to Write This Run for the whole day. Liz and Laura have created something that they should be really proud of here. I had tons of fun and left feeling so inspired!

Harris x

Mornington Chasers Regent's Park 10k: 3rd November 2013

On the morning of my very first 10k race I woke up fresh as a daisy and fully rested after a blissful night's sleep.

Oh wait, no I didn't.

I can safely say I have now learnt that it is simply not possible to go to a party the night before a race, even if you are super well-behaved and drink nothing but Appletiser. Although I did manage to leave the party before midnight, there was of course then the fun of a night bus to endure. Or two as it turned out as I managed to get on the wrong one the first time round. Nice one.

By the time I'd got back to my flat and faffed around a bit, I didn't actually end up getting to bed until around 1am. Considering I was meant to be up at 6.30, this wasn't a great start.

I was SO prepared the day before...shame it didn't pay off on the day

But wake up at 6.30 I did and although I was still pretty knackered, at least I was hangover-free. It looked like it was shaping up to be a pretty nice day, so at least I wouldn't have to be dealing with my lack of waterproof coat issue (yes, I know, I still need to get this sorted).

I did all my usual things to get ready: PB on a bagel and a cup of tea for breakfast, same kit as usual, etc and yet somehow I still managed to end up running late.

By the time I'd made it to Baker Street station, it was five minutes until the start of the race and Google maps was telling me it was at least a fifteen minute walk to the start line. So rather than calmly strolling to the centre of the park, I had to prematurely get my run on. By the time I did make it to the start line, I'd already managed to build up a bit of a sweat.

Luckily for me, the race had actually been delayed by fifteen minutes. So after calming myself down, dropping my bag off, picking up and fiddling around with my chip and doing a few final stretches, I was ready to go.

The race course was three laps of Regent's Park - thankfully a nice flat course. It would've been nice to have a little more variation but Regent's Park is a great place to run, My favourite section was past the zoo and although I was a little disappointed not to see any of the promised tigers, I did get a good look at some camels. Better than nothing  I suppose!

Lovely weather for my first 10k!

The Regent's Park 10k is obviously a favourite for running clubs and those looking for PBs (probably due to the flatness of the course), so most people taking part were either in their running club vests or very swanky-looking lycra. I did feel like a bit of an amateur plodding away at the very back of the pack but at no point did it feel disheartening. The course was well signposted with plenty of marshals, many of whom were cheering us on and at points when I did find myself starting to feel a little tired this was a real encouragement, particularly as I didn't have anyone there for support.

I had been a little worried that since I'd never actually done more than 8k, I'd find the end of the race really tough, but aside from an increasing ache in my glutes and feeling understandably weary, I actually still felt like I was running fairly strongly.

Definitely didn't document this well - my one pic of the actual race!

Even though I was definitely in the last group of finishers, there were still plenty of people waiting at the end to cheer everyone on. I had visions of being the last one to stumble over the finish line while a tumbleweed blew across the park and I had to get a drink of water from the lake. But luckily all was well and there was plenty of water, bananas and chocolate biscuits waiting at the finish line.

Everyone was able to queue up to get their chip time straight away and I was really chuffed to have finished in 1:09:09. It may not sound like much to any of you seasoned runners, but considering Goal A had just been to finish and Goal B was to finish in 1:10, this was a really nice surprise. I had been timing on Map My Run but apparently despite having a certificate of course accuracy, a lot of apps and Garmins show that the course is actually longer (apparently due to the twisty-turny nature of the route. As a result I didn't really know what my time would be at the end of the race.

Overall I'm really pleased with my result. I wasn't even sure I would make it round the course and so to have finished in the time I did was really encouraging. But of course that raises the question: 'What next?' I already have another 10k lined up at the Write This Run conference at the Running Show, so we'll see what happens then, but I guess it's time for another goal after that - maybe cutting down my 10k or 5k time?

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who sent me messages of support or tweets on the day - it was so great to know you guys were rooting for me!

Harris x

Update: Three days to 10k!

Okay, NOW I'm scared. While it seemed like aaages ago back in September, the Regents Park Winter Series November 10k is now only three days away!

Having said that, I know I've prepared (although haven't actually run 10k in training but hey) and my fitness is light years beyond what it used to be. It's been a slow slog and my times aren't exactly inspirational but I'm happy with where I'm at so far.

So I may be mildly terrified of what awaits on Sunday, but I just have to remind myself that I should be proud of my progress so far. If someone had told me I'd be doing this at the start of 2013 I would have laughed in their face!

(credit)

I've done a few runs this week and am planning my last one for tomorrow - I figured it would be a good idea to have a rest day before the race, although if anyone has any wisdom on this matter I'd be very grateful!

I've not really changed my diet or anything like that in preparation for Sunday and I'm not planning on trying anything new out on the day. I'll have my usual breakfast (either porridge or bagel with peanut butter and a cuppa) and then a banana about 20 minutes before the start. It's not exactly high-tech stuff and I know there are all sorts of gels, tablets, liquids and what have you out there but they can wait for another day!

It's like they say: If it ain't broke, don't replace it with a high-tech alternative

I'm going to a Halloween party the night before and am determined to be strict with myself - no drinking! While I am the last person ever to turn down a drink, I think the thought of a 10k attempt with a hangover (bleugghh) should strengthen my resolve. And no staying up til the early hours for me...home and bed at a sensible time! Next thing you know I'll have my knitting out and electric blanket on...

I really have no idea what to expect when I arrive at Regent's Park but the one thing I learnt from the Race For Life is that I should definitely wear my glasses on the way there and then take them off for the race. My eyesight is terrible and I'm not able to wear contacts, so I normally just chance it without them when I run. However, for the Race For Life I had forgotten that I actually needed to find my way to the start of the race first and ended up having to ask all sorts of passers-by. Luckily it was easy enough to follow the pink-clad masses once I got close, but it's just a bit of extra added stress that's totally unnecessary on the day.

Looks like these babies are going to have to come with me

Looking at previous results for the course and doing my best at a little maths, it looks like I'll probably be one of the last to finish but at least that means there won't be too many people around to laugh at just how red my face goes when I run!

I've done the training (well, done my best) and I know I can do it...now the proof is in the pudding!

Wish me luck!

Harris x

Any words of advice?

A Tale of Two Trainers (one left, one right)

Until I started to take running mildly seriously, I definitely didn't take the shoes I wore seriously. I know, I know, classic beginner error. As I progressed my way through the Couch To 5k programme, I just continued to wear the same battered pair of trainer I'd had since I was in school. These babies saw me through three years of very reluctant PE lessons and three years of university, plus halfway through MA year. I suppose it's tribute to how little exercise I did that they lasted that long.

The only photo I have of my old friends

But the further I got through Alexandra Heminsley's Running Like A Girl, the more I came to realise that I really did need to get some properly fitted trainers for my running. Yes my old Asics had done me proud for years, but I had no idea about stuff like pronation or support. I'd sort of just assumed that those niggling aches and pains in my legs were just because I was so darn bad at running.

By the end of Running Like A Girl, however, Hemmo had me convinced that I needed some real trainers (and a hardcore sports bra, but that's a story for another day). I wasn't exactly running in my Green Flash (which I probably bought at around the same time as my first pair of trainers anyway...), but if I wanted to get any better I was going to have to treat my feet a little better.

So off I popped to Cardiff's Run And Become store. I admit I was suffering (as I still continue to) with that feeling of being a bit of a fake, but the staff there were fantastic. I explained that I was still very new to running and what I wanted to achieve and they recommended a few different trainers for me.

They also got me to jog along the street outside for a few metres to check my running style (which I later learned the swanky name for is 'gait analysis'). I was worried that this was going to be a bit embarrassing but it was honestly fine - my advice to anyone with the same worry is to head to the shop early at the weekend before all the Saturday shoppers turn up. It's also probably best to wear trousers rather than a dress!

Gait analysis done, I was presented with some a few different pairs to choose from. It turns out I slightly underpronate on my right foot and so they offered me trainers with a little bit of support .Obviously I first went for the prettiest, which sadly weren't a great fit, but after several different pairs and a few more jogs down the street, I found my perfect trainers.

And here they are, my Asics GT-1000s!

They were a bit of an investment (I've never paid more than about £45 for trainers in the past!), but I've definitely glad I bought them. I noticed that I didn't get that weird little niggly feeling in my right  knee once I'd finished my run - it turns out this was the leg that was underpronating.

I've now run about 100k in my lovely Asics and I could't be happier with them. It was a little bit daunted about spending a good chunk of money on a pair of shoes (yes I know, I'm a rubbish girl) but I'm really glad I did. As I've started to up my distances, it's nice to know that my feet and legs have the proper support they need. 

Harris x

Did you find buying your first proper pair of trainers daunting? Are trainers worth spending on?

Update: Getting my life back and my best run so far

FINALLY I have been able to reclaim my life from my MA! The final few weeks were pretty intense, as I was balancing finishing my dissertation with a job and moving flats, but I did it! Now I'm finally able to get back on track with my running and life in general.

Getting back into it: My first run along the Thames up to Putney Bridge

Firstly I've finally been able to actually eat properly: I was living off bowls of cereal and toast for about a fortnight as I never had a chance to make it to the supermarket to buy some real food. As a night shifter I've always had a bit of a problem with this but I really didn't feel like I had a moment to spare. Now the fridge and freezer are stocked up and I'm never taking real food for granted again!

My new flat also has a lovely kitchen so I'm really looking forward to actually trying out some new recipes. My old kitchen was pretty grimy and so I never really enjoyed spending time in there, but now I'm determined to expand my (admittedly pretty limited) repertoire.

I've also been able to get back on my running. My first 10k is less than a month away now and I'm definitely starting to feel a little bit scared. The most I've run so far is 7k, so I need to start getting used to upping my distance a little. I know that I can do it, but I'm just starting to get those little flutterings of panic that began to appear before the Race For Life.

I also treated myself to a few bits and pieces from Forever 21

Having said that, yesterday was probably my best run so far. I'm a very slow runner but I'm trying to work on my speed a bit and so I set out yesterday determined to run my fastest 5k yet. I've never managed it in under 35 minutes, but yesterday I got home in 33.08 minutes. It's still not fast compared to most people, but to cut nearly 2 minutes off my time felt like huge progress. Plus I am having to get used to a big hill at the end of every run which is a bit of a killer!

I'm really excited to see what sort of improvements I'll manage now that I'm getting back into a routine.

Is routine important to you? Does your running suffer when you're busy?

Harris x

Why blog about running?

This is a question I've been asked several times and, to be honest, have asked myself a few times. I'm only a beginner, I don't have all the pearls of wisdom that some more seasoned running bloggers do. So far the longest race I've run is a 5k (although that's set to change in November!). Don't even get me STARTED on my diet...

But so far I have no regrets about starting to blog about my fitness journey. Why? Here are some reasons!

1. Blogging about my running makes me accountable. So many times I have picked up a hobby, joined a gym or whatever it may be and dropped it a little while later. But now that I'm writing about my plans and my hopes for my running, I feel like I have to do my very best to see them through.
2. I now have a record of my journey. Already I'm hugely enjoying looking back at my progress and realising that I can do things now that I would never have dreamed I'd be capable of just months ago.
3. I have already learnt so much from other bloggers and I'm sure I will continue to do so. The more I blog, the more I find myself reading other running blogs and this has been absolutely invaluable for picking up tips and ideas for my running. 
4. I'm learning more about the online fitness community. I'm really looking forward to meeting some other running bloggers at the Write This Run conference in November and picking up some more tips on both running and blogging.

Do you blog about your running? Why?

Harris x

Update: Stress, stress and more stress

Well after a lovely two weeks of holiday, the stress immediately began to pile on once I arrived back in London.

So I have a lot of junk left to unpack

Firstly there seemed to be an endless list of problems with moving into our new flat - everything from rejected offers to missing paperwork - not to mention the stress of actually moving into the place. I still can't quite believe how difficult the whole process was, but all's well that ends well and I'm now installed in my lovely new place (which is at the top of a hill, so no more avoiding hills when I run!).

Add that whole nightmare to my fast-approaching MA dissertation deadline and night-shifting at work and things have been absolutely crazy. In fact another holiday to chill out again would be perfect right now. Oh well...

The obligatory legs/pool shot from holiday. This is what I try to envision as I'm slaving away on my dissertation.

But looking on the bright side my dissertation will be handed in (in whatever state it may be) by the end of the month and then I can at least take a bit of a breather.

My running has really suffered because I've been so busy and I've only been managing about one or two a week (I ideally like to aim for a minimum of 3, preferably 4). It actually seems pretty silly, since I always find I feel less stressed when I've been for a run! With my first 10k fast approaching I know that as soon as my dissertation is in I need to really get myself into gear with training.

I'm actually really looking forward to finding some routes in my new area and making some good progress in preparation for my 10k.

So onward and upwards, wish me luck with the dissertation and see you on the other side!

Harris x

See Harris Inspired: Ellie Goulding

Well here's a post I never thought I'd write.

Don't get me wrong, she's definitely got some good tracks out there, but I couldn't ever say I've been a big Ellie Goulding fan. I'm actually a little ashamed to admit that I'd sort of lumped her into the 'poppy young girls that I don't really want to listen to' group.

Ellie, just wanna say I'm sorry for refusing to listen to you...
(credit)

That was until I found out that Ellie is actually a kind of hardcore runner. After reading this interview with her on The Fader, I found out that she ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon (she actually re-scheduled a couple of her tour dates so she could do it) and she's actually pretty awesome.

Apparently Ellie always tries to find the time to run, even when she's on tour. And to think I try and get out of a run when I've had to stay late at the office!  I can only imagine how insanely tired touring and performing must be, so this girl is seriously inspirational!

Also check her out in this video for Nike+.

Wish I looked like this when I run...
(credit)

She's taken part in loads of races, from Nike+'s Run To The Beat to the Great North Run - maybe I'll spot her somewhere along the way?

I'll even admit that after giving her album 'Halcyon' a proper listen, I definitely stuck a couple of tracks on my running playlist - cheers Ellie!

Harris x

My Couch To 5k experience

So if you've read some of my earlier posts, you'll know that I first properly got in to running through the NHS C25K plan. I know a lot of people are interested in the C25K plan and so I thought I'd just give my tuppence on the whole thing.

I chose to use the NHS' C25K for several rather boring reasons. Firstly I was a skint student and couldn't afford to buy any other programme (sadly though my student status has changed, the skint remains). Also I was SO unfit that I thought that at least the NHS should know how to create an exercise programme that wouldn't make me keel over and die (this seemed like a very real risk).

So how did I find it? To be honest, it seems like my experience was a pretty typical one: some weeks were pleasantly easy, while others made me want to jump in the Thames. The first 20 minute run felt absolutely insurmountable when I set off and, although definitely a toughie, I really did surprise myself with my progress. For me, the key was simply trusting in the plan to help me improve - even though sometimes at the beginning of a run I was sceptical about whether I would finish, I always did. Sometimes barely. But still.

I'd be interested to try some other C25K plans to see how they measure up - since I've only tried one I guess I can't reaaaally consider myself an expert! But here are some pros and cons for you to weigh up:

Pros:

• There is absolutely no denying that my fitness drastically improved. Yes it was hard, but by the end of the programme I was able to run for half an hour, however slowly. This would've been an absolute pipe dream before I started.
• It's a good mix of music and talking - Laura chips in occasionally with updates on time and the odd helpful tip, but you also get plenty of (occasionally slightly questionable) music.
• I didn't die (despite sometimes feeling pretty close).

Cons:

• I wasn't actually running 5k by the end of it. I do completely understand the programme's emphasis on running for time rather than distance, but since I knew that the Race For Life was going to be 5k, I was actually left a little scared despite having 'graduated' from the C25K plan.
• The music is often a little but rubbish. In fairness I am a bit of a music snob, but sometimes it really was awful. Having said that, I guess it did spur me on because all I could think was "what the hell is this?!" instead of  "I'm tiiiired".

Thanks Laura!

Despite the cons of the programme, I would definitely recommend the NHS C25K (and indeed any C25K) to anyone like me who is a total beginner to running and is terrified at the though of running for more than 3 minutes. Simply setting off to run for half an hour without any guidance as a total beginner is asking for trouble (as I had found previously) and so this was a great way to build up gradually.

Have you tried a C25K plan? What did you think?

Harris x

Can I run on holiday?

I'm going on holiday! Finally, after an insanely stressful year, I am off for a two week break and I couldn't be looking forward to it more. It's nothing ground-breaking: I'm heading over to Ireland to see lots of relatives first and then off to the Algarve to catch a bit of sun (trying to make the transition between translucent white and beige), but I can't wait.

Now my primary aim for my holidays is to relax. Recently, particularly the last few weeks, I have been really feeling the pressure. I'm juggling a new job (night shift work) with finishing my MA dissertation, finding a place to live for September and (of course) learning to run. My MA year was also fraught with various dramas, many of which I have only just been able to leave behind.

And yet while I do feel that I deserve a break, I don't want to lose the progress that I've made so far. I've made it so far as to be able to run 7k and now that I've signed up to run the Regent's Park 10k in November I'm especially determined to continue to improve.

So my big dilemma is can I run on holiday? 

They make it look so bloody easy

The Irish hotel we stay in is in quite an isolated spot halfway down a road, so I really have no idea where I would go. I wouldn't really feel comfortable running on the road (I'm not really sure it's terribly safe). The hotel does have its own grounds (35 acres according to their website, although I've never explored this properly before), so could I have a go at running around there? Or would I look like a bit of a numpty?

Then we're on to Portugal. I've never been to here before so I don't really know what to expect, but what I do know is that I HATE running in the heat (just check out my Race For Life post). I've seen so many inspiring posts about running on holiday, but the idea of running along the beach in 35 degree heat just doesn't do anything for me.

SO, is it worth packing my trainers and trying to get a few miles in while I'm away? Or do I sack it in for two weeks and hope for the best when I return?

Harris x