Orsii – Page 61

2 year anniversary of my first race – The Berlin Half Marathon

Post author By Orsii
Post date April 1, 2014
No Comments on 2 year anniversary of my first race – The Berlin Half Marathon

Two years ago today I embarked on one of my lifes biggest challenges – to run the first ever race of my life.

I was incredibly nervous and I had no idea what to expect from the race (would I make it!?) and from the first ever Bridge The Gap event that gathered many running crews from around the world to run & party.

I did everything by the book, and I had great difficulties going to sleep the night before so I decided to have two nightcaps to calm my nerves. Not sure what it was, but 2 whiskey sours later and they resulted in me accidentally pouring one all over me… Clearly thats not pictured here, but lets just say that I was happy I brought extra running tights with me!

I wish I could describe all the thoughts and feelings that were hidden behind that smile. Some are too personal to talk about here, but I remember telling myself that due to my knee issues, I would just run the race with no expectations and try to enjoy it and savour the moment.

I know I have posted that picture a million times on the blog, but there’s been very few moments in my life where Ive been so genuinely proud of myself and what Ive accomplished.

That’s the first run I ever made. I thought I was going to cough up my lungs and the thought of running 13.1 miles seemed impossible. But I did my best, put in the training and despite injury and self doubts, I completed it! And looking back on all the pictures, I looked really good whilst doing it too! (Im jealous of my past self…!)

These were the total miles that I had run on the exact day of the 2 year anniversary of the race (which was a few days before the actual anniversary this year). If you’re counting in KM that is the same as 1448,7 KM! In March alone this year I did 115 miles (that’s 185KM) which is more than double of what I used to run per month in the past 2 years!

So all in all, it’s pretty damn incredible! Especially if you think about the fact that Im not “built to run” – it takes me a lot of effort to do it – just look at my first ever run and how slow I was!

I’ve been a bit sad and disappointed about the fact that Im still around a stone and a half heavier this far into my training, compared to my weight 2 years ago – despite running double the amount. But when it really gets me down and I feel super insecure, I try to look at how far I’ve come and not lose faith in the fact that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to. Whether that is a degree, or running a marathon, or losing weight and getting leaner.

So thanks to everybody who have helped, supported and inspired me along the way. With only 6 weeks left to both my marathon and my final MA deadline, Im starting to feel the heat, but Im really trying to keep my cool and focus on my journey and how far I’ve come since that first run on the 10th December 2012.

I never thought or dreamed about running a marathon in my life, and with the miles still increasing in my training plan, I think it’s safe to say that the journey to race day has so far been much more challenging on both my body and mind than the actual race day. Mind you, that might change once I actually have to run the damn thing!

MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 12: Food matters!

Post author By Orsii
Post date March 31, 2014
No Comments on MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 12: Food matters!

Week 11 of training felt a bit all over the place if I’m honest. I bought a camelbak in hopes that it would aid my overheating and hydrate me more during my runs, but it has caused more annoyance than help so far.

Tuesday saw my speediest run to date. I felt tired but optimistic and with slightly chillier weather I knocked out 4 miles at a sub 9min mile average. Very difficult but I tried to really push myself beyond my comfort zone.

My camelbak arrived on Wednesday so I decided to take it on a test run with Cata. We had 8 miles planned and after about 2 miles I got a stitch on my right hand side that refused to go away. We had to stop around 2-3 times because it spread to my entire right side of my upper body. Very uncomfortable to say the least.

On Thursday I was determined to give the camelbak another go and whilst I didn’t get a stitch, it still felt like I was being trapped and couldn’t breathe properly. Not one of my best runs and I had to stop twice, literally crawling the last mile (or so it felt anyway).

No strength training all week as I was too tired to get up and with my in laws visiting over the weekend, my usual swimming session got skipped as well (and replaced with lots of uphill walking!).

The long run was meant to be 16 miles but with Cata in Stockholm and a very unenthusiastic Sam, it didn’t quite go as planned. We over indulged at the weekend and I ate way too much too close to the long run, resulting in basically burping & throwing up in my mouth for a good part of 8.6 miles.

Gave the camelbak a last chance but it just wasn’t working. It was hot & muggy and I got overheated 2 miles in. I took of my jacket, but 0.5 miles of carrying the bag with only a tank to on my neck & arms started chaffing, so Sam was kind enough to take it from me.

All in all we did 8.6 miles until Sams ankle gave up. He is a trooper and I am pretty sure that under different circumstances, he would have powered through. But I could tell that he was in a lot of pain, and I didn’t want my ego to be the cause of permanent damage and him potentially missing the marathon (or more training runs) so I decided throw in the towel and accept defeat.

I guess you need to pick your battles and I felt like this one was not worth fighting.

Learnt a lot from last weeks mistakes though and for the next 6 weeks of training I am determined to get the food aspect right – especially the timing of when I eat what!

This is what I have to concur this week:

MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 12

MON: REST – Done
TUE: Strength training & 5 miles – No strength and did 4.6 miles instead of 5 miles
WED: 4 miles – Did a 45 min spinning class instead
THU: REST – Done
FRI: 8 miles – Done
SAT: Swimming – Done
SUN: 12 miles – 16 miles in 2:49!

Life could be worse…

I baked a big batch of cinnamon and apple buns in preparation for Mother’s Day

The new colourful cushions and the pineapple print really adds a splash of happiness to our living room, I love it!

Bought some nice tulips for Mother’s Day to go with the colour scheme of the room, they are definitely in my top 3 favourite flowers!

And of course no big celebration can happen without some traditional Swedish princess cake – it was a Mother’s Day hit!

I somehow managed to get my in-laws to put up our new mirror during their visit. Felt very cheeky but they did an amazing job and we are so happy with the result. It has really made the entire room feel lighter and more spacious!

The extra daylight and the flowers and all the small pops of colour has really made it feel like spring has sprung in our livingroom – which makes working from home a bit less depressing if I’m honest…!

Despite the stress and pressure that comes from marathon training and MA project, I have to say that overall, I haven’t been this happy with life for a very long time (and that even includes the mini breakdown I had the other week!). Feeling extremely grateful at the moment!