The #KayGoesUltra Diary: Weeks nine and 10

It's been a while since I've posted again, and this one is a bit of a tale of two halves. 

The first week was dominated by finishing off my five additional minutes each day in February challenge. I ended up with my highest mileage month ever (by quite some way) and really pushed myself more than I ever have before.

Finishing that challenge, or more specifically the runs I did in the final stages, really changed my mindset to running. Something strange happens when you know you're committed to it. When I took away the choice to say no, or the decision of how far to go, I just went out there and got on with it each day until it was done.

Don't confuse that with it being easy, it definitely wasn't! And I was absolutely helped with some decent weather conditions considering it was still winter. While cold, there wasn't too much rain and barely any ice, so on a practical level it made it much more simple.

But in terms of the act of lacing up and getting it done, I just went and did it. 

The first week of March has been a bit more tricky. Despite not suffering too much with aches and pains in February, once I drew the mileage down a bit, I've felt absolutely shattered and sore in equal measure. So I didn't feel too much guilt several times last week when I had a few extra snoozes on my alarm instead of getting back to the gym as planned. 

I especially didn't feel guilty because, with the Ashby 20 rapidly approaching, I knew the weekend would need to see a big number on the board. Despite all the miles I clocked up in February, I'm conscious that having 20 miles to do in one go is a tall task. Especially on the undulating two-lap course which makes up that event. 

So feeling somewhat rested and recovered, I set off at 7am on Saturday morning for a long run, with the plan to meet the rest of DOrunning for our monthly parkrun social at 9am. Feeling more nervous about it than I'd liked to have been, I was glad to have a bit of company in my running pal as we set off in the gorgeous spring morning sunshine. 

Luckily, the miles melted away and we'd managed to get 10 in ahead of parkrun. Surprisingly, I felt pretty fresh for the next 5km section and was pleased to tick off a decent time before finally carrying on to complete my target 16 miles alone. 

The last few were a slog, but they were always going to be. Rationing what tiny bit of drink I had left, I took off along the river to make my way home, spurred on by sunshine and soaking in a bit of the pre-match atmosphere by the City Ground.

In good time, I'd duly completed it, my longest run since this time last year, feeling relatively unscathed and fairly comfortable. 

I wish the same could be said for the rest of the weekend... celebrations for the long run, a fabulous Forest win, my friend's birthday and generally associating the sun with a need to drink wine means that this morning's 6am alarm came all too soon!

But I feel like I needed a bit of a weekend like that to mark the end of phase one of my training. Now it's time to move into phase two. 

I'm going to reset and wrangle that motivation I had back at the start of January. Me and alcohol are taking a break, and I'll be getting back to the gym to pick up the strength side of things again. It's light in the mornings now so I've got no excuse not to be up and at 'em...and I proved to myself I can do it with how many early morning runs I did in February when I had no choice. 

Because I don't have a choice! Ashby, Belfast and of course the London Ultra are coming round bloody fast and I'm determined to give each everything I've got, to achieve the ambitious targets I've set myself.

As a wise man I know often says "We go again!" 

The #KayGoesUltra Diary: Week seven and eight

This week is a bumper update. I never managed to fit in an update from last week, partly because I was out until 9.30pm last Sunday getting my run in, then I've spent too much time running in the evenings since that I just haven't been able to find the time!

February has been dominated by my five minutes per day challenge, I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn't realise quite how much I'd be running more than ever before! Despite the huge mileage and some really difficult mental battles knowing I've got a chunky run to do every day now that I'm really into the crux of it, there's been some lovely runs over the last couple of weeks. 

While week seven started with more of the dull grey runs I was so fed up with in week six, a trip to London gave a much-needed change of scenery and some really fun adventures! First off, we went along to visit the Pub Run Club, it was bloody brilliant!  Although me and Des were both a bit nervous being the newbies at a running group when we're used to leading it, we didn't need to be! A lovely warm welcome met us and we enjoyed their 5km with so much energy, born from a couple of huge back-pack speakers, loads of flashing lights and even a few smoke flares as we ran through the streets of Kingston. 

Finally the sun came out on Friday, and we spent the afternoon exploring Hampton Court Palace and Bushy Park, enjoying each other's company before diving into Wetherspoons for a couple of pints as a reward for our 14km for the 14th February run. 

On Saturday we did a parkrun sandwich, heading back over to Bushy Park to complete the ultimate parkrun pilgrimage, visiting where is all began back in 2004. Breaking the 15km into three five 5km made it seem much more manageable, and I was pleased to pull in a respectable time for the parkrun section in the middle. 

Sunday was more of a challenge! Opting for a lay in after taking full advantage of a day at the football and the Kingston nightlife, then a busy day of travelling, meant we didn't start our run until 7.30pm. And with 16km to do, it was never going to be easy. But we set out together and promised ourselves a pint at the end as a little reward, the thought of that definitely helped to keep us going!

So now into a new week, the cold, dark, miserable runs around Nottingham were well and truly back! The only slight respite for me was that, having ramped up my efforts for the last few days to join Des on his 1km a day challenge, I could drop them back down (a little) and pick up my five minute commitment back up. 

That being said, it wasn't easy! Knowing I was past the mid-point of the challenge in days, but nowhere near in time and mileage was really difficult to get my head around. But I kept chugging on and, in time, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening's runs were all ticked off. 

Opting for a change of tact, I decided to get it in early on Thursday with a run to work. While it was nice to be running in the morning light for a change, this was one of the toughest runs so far in the challenge. Less than 11 hours since I'd finished Wednesday's run, the quick turnaround was really screaming at my in my tired legs and generally fatigued everything. The first half was a real scrape and the first time I started to really doubt whether I'd be able to complete my challenge. 

Thankfully, I must have just been under fuelled, because taking a gel did me the world of good! I put on an upbeat playlist and felt like a new woman in the second half. 

Friday went by without any real dramas, and all of a sudden it was the weekend again. This time, we took a very unusual (for us) decision to give parkrun a miss. Afterall, we had no other plans for the day, so it seemed a bit daft getting up and out first thing when we were both completely shattered from all the massive hard work we'd been putting in.

So a lovely lazy morning followed until eventually, we decided to get out into the unseasonably warm and sunny Saturday afternoon for a long run. Struggling somewhat with his massive undertaking, I was joining Des for his extended version of the challenge, so it was 22km on the plan. 

While it's always lovely to get out for a run together, even listening to all the sports coverage on the radio couldn't take our mind on how hard it was and we both had to really dig deep to get the miles in. Out for exactly three hours, it was a bit of a whopper so no wonder we were shattered and didn't really do much for the rest of the day! 

Finally today, and another fairly simple and successful run catching up with a couple of friends. Firstly heading out on one of our favourite routes, me and Dawn chalked off seven miles, then I topped it up with a 5km with Ali to take it up to a total of 10 for the day...and a massive 67.5 miles for the week! 

This is by far the most I've ever ran in a week, and hitting the 100km in seven days marks is a milestone I'm really proud of! Tomorrow is the start of running for at least two-hours every day and I really don't know how my body's going to take to it, but I know I'll give it everything I've got...time to finish off February!

Weeks seven and eight

🏃‍♀️Runs done: 7

👟Miles ran: 67.5!!!

✅Highlight: Getting some lovely bright daylight runs in

🤔Biggest challenge: the massive mileage with no rest days

🎯Plan for next week: complete the February five minutes challenge!

The #KaygoesUltra diary: week Six

It can't be an exciting PB week every week, and the last seven days have been categorically dull.

With the exception of a lovely trip to London for some parkrun tourism yesterday, every run has been fairly mundane, making use of routes I do regularly, either in the dark or in grey, drizzly conditions.

So it's been a very average week, but that's absolutely fine. My February challenge is well underway, and over the next couple of weeks it's going to get pretty bloody epic, so a mundane, bog-standard week of running is probably busy what I needed!

Week six

🏃‍♀️Runs done: 7

👟Miles ran: 32.8

✅Highlight: Doing a solid 10 miler on Thursday evening

🤔Biggest challenge: staying motivated in full, dark conditions

🎯Plan for next week: keep going with the Feb 5 mins challenge

The #KayGoesUltra Diary: week Five

What a week!!! 

We've finally made it though the 87 weeks-long January, Forest had their best Premier League since result the 90s with a 7-0 win....and I broke my 5km PB!!! 

I set out on Saturday morning planning on giving parkrun a good go. I had a good run in the summer of shaving my times down week on week, but haven't seen those numbers for a little while, so I wanted to prove to myself I still had it in me. I wanted to try and get something in the 26 minutes range, and I certainly didn't have any thoughts of breaking my all-time PB of 25:59, which I set way back in October 2021.

Pushing my imposter syndrome into overdrive, I headed further forward towards the start line than I felt comfortable with, conscious of the narrow start on the route. After that there were no particular tactics, I started off quick then just clung on for dear life until it was over! 

I was so bloody pleased with myself when I stopped my watch at the end to find I'd completed it in 25 minutes and 46 seconds. The quickest I've done a parkrun in my life...ever!!! 

Naturally, that's just been a small part of this week's total running. Other highlights have been taking part in the first ever DOrunning end of month pub run and kicking off a new challenge for February, which I'm sure will feature quite a bit in future write ups this month. 

After a very quiet and un-sociable January, things get a bit more exciting over the next few weeks, which means I'm going to have to carefully plan where and when I get my runs done some days. But I'm up for the challenge and looking forward to getting out of Nottingham for some miles!

Week five

🏃‍♀️Runs done: 6

👟Miles ran: 34.99 (wish I'd realised 🙈)

✅Highlight: it's probably no surprise...that PB! 

🤔Biggest challenge: being up and out at 6am one day to get my run in

🎯Target for next week: make sure to get two gym sessions in (didn't manage it this week) 

The #KayGoesUltra Diary: Week Four

The #KayGoesUltra diary: week four

By some miracle I'm still riding the wave of feeling motivated, positive and strong! 

A rare day working from home on Tuesday meant me, Des and Stanley just about got the last light of the day for a spin around the river. Despite my positivity at the minute, I can't bloody wait to see the back of the dark nights!

Correcting last week's mistake, I made sure I got a 10km on the board by assembling a little squad on Wednesdays DOrunning session. A really lovely run chatting all the way.

Thursday I felt a bit ropey, so I wasn't massively excited for DOdaily coaching, but duly went about it and banked another 4 miles.

Despite Friday's rest, the 6am alarm on Saturday stung a bit. But I had a mission to complete, by 7.30 I was out of the door and on my way to parkrun...on foot. Bestwood is notorious in Nottingham for being a bit of a beast. Enjoying the lovely bright morning and oiled up by my (also very hilly) eight mile warm up, I was ready to tackle what's known as "heart break hill" plus a couple of other sharp inclines on the route. It was my third time at Bestwood and I was chuffed to manage a course PB despite the miles already in my legs. 

Finally, today was the classic long Sunday run. A big part of my plans for training is to double up on big weekend miles, so this was my first go. Broken into two parts, first with the coaching group and afterwards with the DOrunning lot. This was a real scrape, the last few miles took a lot of digging deep and perseverance but there's no way I'm giving up on the first attempt. Another 10 miles done to make 21 in total across the weekend. 

I'm entering the final week of the month feeling as strong as I've ever felt. Really excited to get January ticked off and move on to February!

Week four 

🏃‍♀️Runs done: 5

👟Miles ran: 36.21

✅Highlight: A course PB at parkrun despite a tough warm up route

🤔Biggest challenge: getting out on Thursday when I wasn't feeling 100%

🎯Target for next week: make sure to get two gym sessions in

The #KayGoesUltra Diary: Week Three

There's not a huge amount to write about this week. It's been almost a carbon copy of last week, just with the mileage upped a bit and a new location for parkrun.

However, showing up for myself for two weeks in a row and completing every planned session isn't to be overlooked or sniffed at. So I'm taking that as a massive win and planning more of the same again for training week four. I did forget last week's 10k target though, whoops!

Oh and I dropped in a half marathon this morning, I suppose that's worth a special mention! 

Week three
🏃‍♀️Runs done: 5
👟Miles ran: 32.3
✅Highlight: Getting half marathon distance on the board
🤔Biggest challenge: the 6am and 7am weekend alarms
🎯Plan for next week: (Remember to) include at least one 10k along with the long weekend runs

The #KayGoesUltra Diary: Week Two

The #KayGoesUltra Diary: Week Two

After last week's starting in earnest, this week the hard work really began! I'm a big lover of routine and order though, so despite the tough effort it's felt good to get into it properly after all the chaos of the last few weeks.

Monday is generally going to be rest day, but I'm always going to make sure I still get my 10k steps in, so I did a few walks throughout the day to get them in.

Tuesday was double day, making use of the daylight by going for a lunch time run, followed by an hour in the gym in the evening. It's been ages since I did any proper strength and conditioning training and I'm really enjoying that side of things too! The run was decent, despite facing all weathers over four and a half miles...rain, wind, glorious sunshine and even a hail and sleet storm 😱

It wouldn't be Wednesday without our Trent Bridge DOrunning session. This was the first absolutely bloody freezing session of this horrible arctic blast that's hung around all week. Wrapped up against the elements, a run with friends is always lovely ❤️

Thursday's run was definitely character building! Starting out at our DOdaily coaching session at -2°, we were actually given the option to call it quits due to the conditions. Everyone in the group is marathon training though, so we decided to take it very steady to get some miles in. In almost 10 years of running, I don't think I've ever seen the paths getting more frosty by the minute like that before! 

Onto Friday and a rest day from running. No rest for the wicked, though! Up and in the gym for 7am for another session, followed by a gorgeous bright but chilly two mile walk around the country park at lunchtime. 

As Friday wore on, it started to look like Saturday's parkrun was in real jeopardy. Across the city (and country) events were announcing cancellations. Luckily for us, Rushcliffe was good to go for the first of this year's DOrunning team parkrun roadshow. A whopping 850 participants and the brilliant volunteers braved the sub zero temperatures to take part under the bright winter sun. 

Today was the first proper 'long Sunday run' of the training block. Setting out with the rest the DOrunning group then branching off onto my own little adventure, I managed to plod out 10 and a half miles which I'm really pleased with! It wasn't my favourite run ever but I definitely didn't hate it either. The same as last Sunday, I just took my time, stopped and took a few photos and enjoyed a good podcast then playlist. I've never seen Holme Pierrepont flooded and frozen before, it looks like something from a film. 

I know I'm not always going to be as motivated as I feel this week, and ticking off every planned session isn't going to feel quite so straightforward. So for now, I'm making the most of it and pushing myself forward... some would say I'm #justDOingit! 

Week two

🏃‍♀️Runs done: 5

👟Miles ran: 25.74

✅Highlight: Being able to enjoy parkrun

🤔Biggest challenge: being bloody freezing on every single run 

🎯Plan for next week: Include at least one 10k along the long Sunday run