Before we knew what was coming. Photo by Owen Fern
My second marathon ended up being nearly six hours of running up and down hills, through smelly ankle deep mud, and around neighbourhoods in Totterirdge and Barnet. Trust me, I earned that medal!
I took a taxi to the start line, which gave me an hour to get organized. My co-worker, Lucy had signed up with me and we have been training together on our lunch breaks. I gave Lucy a gel before the race and packed 4 in my Fleetfoot 3 Max waist bag, along with my phone. I sipper my The Protein Works iSurge as pre- drink while I waited and just before we headed out the door, my Energy Bits. I tried the iSurge once before but at a more diluted concentration. I was worried it would be raise my heartbeat but I didn’t feel out of control (if that makes sense) at the recommended concentration. Overall, I averaged 1-2 gels per lap with Haribos and squash at check points. Somehow, we didn’t warm up properly as we were worried about what to wear and how challenging the course would be.
Here is a very brief recap of the race: Lap 1- Sunshine, laughter, and a quick realization that this was going to be a tough race. Hill climb within first 10 minutes on a small gravel path.
Ready, set, go! Photo by Owen Fern
Lap 2- My friend, Pattie, who lived locally, came and kept us company. We discussed running the Loch Ness Marathon for 2017. Unfortunately, Pattie could not be convinced to join us for lap 3
Lap 3- Lucy’s calves started hurting her and she got a stitch, so we slowed down. My left piriformis and hamstrings were starting to play up a bit too so I didn’t mind. It was a dark place mentally but we got out on the other side. James, his brother, and his brother’s girlfriend were at the check point with more gels and Lucozade. I didn’t plan very well and we needed some electrolyte replacement.
Lap 4- The last one brought us to a happy place mentally but Lucy still struggled with her calves. We met a stallion meters from the finish line who was checking out his new neighbourhood. Rather than a sprint finish, I had to stop to say hello so as to not spook him. Lucy did the same but then his trainer got a bit chatty. But we both finished in under 6 hours.
In the end, we endured. Probably one of the hardest races I will ever do, and it was lonely too. With only about 70 runners, we quickly spread out. The route was a lap without any hairpin turns to see oncoming runners. There were various signs marking the trail, but I got distracted by dogs twice and would have gotten lost if I was on my own. Luckily, Lucy was paying attention. We did get lost once while chatting with Pattie, which lead to a short detour in a residential area. This probably added a half mile to the 26.6 mile course. At one point , I was so delusional I considered aiming for 30 miles so I could call myself an ultra runner but I quickly came to my senses.
Thank you everyone for you tweets & well wishes. I finished just under 6 hours. It was muddy, hilly & beautiful pic.twitter.com/g5nPuSuuaQ
Thanks to my friends for braving the hail, snow, and rain to watch me run by once or twice: Jamie, Miranda, Matt, Pattie (she came back after a hot shower), James, Michael and Lee. The group of runners and organizer’s were smiling and friendly the entire day. This community spirit was fantastic. If they re-route the race to be flat next year, I might consider signing up. If you like trail running, I would definitely recommend this race. The first finisher crossed the finish line in 3:29 so it is not for the faint-hearted.
I was back to work the next day and am still struggling on stairs 2 days later. I have 2 spinning sessions his week and will volunteer at Park Run on Saturday. I will try to get a longer run on Sunday as the North London Half is not far off and I haven’t run much because of my cold (which still lingers). No rest for the weary.
One of the things I miss most about living in the USA is having space for all my stuff. We visited my mom and step-dad at the start of January and I am pretty sure my flat would fit in their basement. Don’t get me wrong, I love our flat and am excited to be putting decorations up that make it ours, but I do wish it had a bit more storage. For example, our galley kitchen has limited counter space, which means I can’t invest in every kitchen gadget I see. I couldn’t even bring my pink Kitchen Aid mixer with me when we moved (I did bring my hand mixer, which blew up the first time I used it so it was probably best that I left my stand mixer with my mom).
Aside from spiralizers, juicers seemed to be the hot Christmas gift this year. I was aware of the Vitamix Total Nutrition Center Blender from my studies at Institute for Integrative Nutrition, but the NUTRiBULLET Pro 900 Series Extractor was new on my radar. There are lots of kitchen appliances aimed at improving your health, but they all involved a financial investment and coveted space in my kitchen. Plus, would I use it? (After uni, I really wanted a bread maker. My step-sister lent me hers to try out. I used it once and watched it sit unloved for a month before returning it).
I was super-psyched when my friend, Elle, told me about her new business venture, Borrow My Blender (BMB). For a low weekly fee, you can rent a Nutribullet, Vitamix, Kitchen Aid or MagiMix anywhere in the UK. London-based folks can arrange in-person delivery and pick up or Elle can ship to you if you live farther away. I had the Nutribullet, complete with several cups, handles and a recipe plan book. Elle also provides a bunch of recipes to customers. There is a required security deposit, but this is promptly refunded once you return the appliance. First off, I didn’t realise the Nutribullet had a lifestyle plan. It was really interesting to read what they recommend in terms of ingredients for smoothies, shakes, and soups. I made the following cholesterol busting recipe off of their website and it was really yummy!
Nutribullet Cholesterol Crusher Blast Smoothie- before
After! Yum.
I also experimented a little with flavours I like and things we had in the cupboard. The book gave inspiration too. I would have never considered adding whole nuts or dates to my smoothies. The Nutribullet is so powerful, it chopped up everything I threw in in less than 1 minute! The handles made it easy to blend and go without too many extra dishes to wash. A few mornings, I brought a smoothie to sip on the train with me instead of having breakfast at the table.
Improvising with what I had in the house.
BMB was really helpful to me as I could rent the Nutribullet without having to buy it first. I learned it wasn’t as big as I thought it would be and I found it easy to clean. I could also see people using BMB if they want to kick start a healthy habit of smoothies for breakfast or if preparing for a big event, such as a wedding, beach holiday or family reunion. BMB also can come to your London event and prepare smoothies for your guests, which is a nice touch after a group run or yoga class.
I am very proud of Elle and encourage you to support her small business. Like the BMB Facebook page to stay in the loop with her latest news. Or contact BMB to rent one of their appliances.
I received a complimentary loan from BMB of the Nutribullet. All opinions are honest and my own.
Long-time readers will know that I am a fan of British sport accessory brand Workplay Bags. Over the years, we have supported each other on many campaigns and it has been fantastic. It has been great reviewing their bags, which are specifically designed for the female figure, as well as testing prototypes. The Fleetfoot II I reviewed in 2012 and I have nearly worn it out. If I am running a short distance and don’t require a water bottle, I throw my keys, phone, & Oyster card in my Fleetfoot II. Technically, it could carry a small water bottle in the mesh bit, but I never liked how it felt on my lower back. The bag might also hold one small pack of Haribos or a gel, but that was it.
Introducing the Fleetfooot 3 Max in a new colour range.
Based on feedback from customers, Workplay Bags have released the Fleetfoot 3 Max. It has a slightly bigger pouch which means there is now room for your iPhone6 and inhaler. The bag also comes in new colours- black, berry, and luminous yellow. Even though it is bigger (and therefore can hold more stuff), the bag is still incredibly comfortable. The adjustable strap means you can wear it where it fits best for your body shape. I wear it on my natural waist and for me, it doesn’t bounce no matter how full (or empty) it is. Having a little more room means I pack a few gels without a problem. The interior now has three sections- a soft pouch for keys and change (to prevent your phone from getting scratched) and then a divider for the rest. There are also gel loops on the strap, which is a new feature. The mesh external storage pouch and elastic straps for holding a jacket have remained in the updated design, which allow the user to carry even more.
The bigger pouch also means a greater reflective area to maintain your visibility on early morning or late night runs. The larger size has not compromised the female fit however. The Fleetfoot 3 Max still is hardly noticeable when you wear it (no bounce and it stays in place).
Check out the high-vis. Safety is key!
It you are looking for a comfortable bum bag, please do check out Workplay bags. Support a British small business that designs for a women’s body shape and you will not be disappointed.
WorkPlay Bags graciously gifted me the Fleetfoot 3 Max for review. All opinions are honest and my own.
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