Flossy awaits the onset of DOMS!

DOMS, I almost enjoy them. That almost satisfying ache that settles into your limbs a couple of days post strenuous workout. In my case it was a Saturday morning of haring around between the local Parkrun and the gym for a personal training session with Jim at the gym. I loved it. Such a lovely day and such a great feeling having the energy, fitness and health to be able to do these things and challenge myself.

I was a little disappointed with my time at the Parkrun. According to my statistics, it’s been my worst so far (at Bangor Parkrun anyway!). Within a couple of hours I had my official time through on my mobile phone – 33:39. If only I could be as quick at completing my 5K as the Parkrun volunteers are at getting our times out! Hats off to them, they do a great job and I fully intend to volunteer at some point myself!

I met with my personal trainer for the first time in months. It was great to get a new programme with is geared towards improving my running and helping me get ready for the Belfast half marathon in September. I need to be able to finish it in under 3 hours which I know I can do at the minute but it would be nice to get in under 2:30 this time.

I’m really feeling very positive about my goals and am looking forward to a summer of training and getting to the gym. There is nothing like a good Zumba class to make you giggle, a good run to help you contemplate and 100 Turkish get ups to make you swear quietly under you breath and collapse in a sweaty, stinky mess! It will all be worth it in the end… (Keep repeating!)

Flossy gets her feet wet…

Hello again!

I normally like to leave a bit longer between posts but thought I would pop by to say hello and tell you about my day. Well, today is Saturday and that means more time for exercise, right? Of course it does! It means leaving out your running tights the night before along with any other necessities you might want, setting your alarm clock and checking final arrangements for the Parkrun of your choice.

I am feeling rightfully smug in saying I did all of the above. I not only set my alarm clock, I even responded to it, got up before 7:00am, showered, had breakfast and was on the road for 8:00 for my first ever Victoria Park Parkrun. (Sounds odd!). Victoria Park is a lovely park in East Belfast near the shipyards and right beside the City airport. I have been promising myself forever that I would get to one of these runs and, of course, the very day I live up to this promise, the venue is changed!

Belfast City Council are upgrading the footpath in the park and when it is finished it will be amazing and worth all the upheaval! I have to hand it to the Parkrun team and Belfast City Council, they did an amazing job of sorting out a new venue and creating a new 5K course for all the enthusiasts who prefer to get up early on a Saturday and make the most of their day off! We ended up in the Alderman Tommy Patton Park, a small park quite close to Victoria Park and one I had never been to.

Work happening in Victoria Park.

The Tommy Alderman Memorial Park

I enjoyed the route though parts of it were pretty waterlogged due to the heavy rain we have been having over the last couple of days. I seem to have taken a couple of minutes off my last 5K time and I think this was due to me teaming up with a lovely lady called Lorraine. I kept thanking her for making me going faster and she kept thanking me for making her go faster! Quite funny really. In the end she finished in front of me but I really didn’t mind as she had been so friendly the whole way round!

I’m in the teal-blue T-shirt hauling my tights up! Forgot about the draw string waist! Doh!

Details from Map My Fitness.

All in all I had a great experience and thought everyone was really friendly. I was a wee bit annoyed though when I finished the run with a migraine aura. I’ve noticed this a few times after exercise. Normally it does not result in a full blown migraine head ache but it did today along with the cramps and upset stomach. I won’t let it stop me training but I’d like to be able to prevent any further attacks.

So, has anyone else experienced exercise induced migraines? What did you do to control them? If I get a migraine after only 3 miles, how am I going to cope with 26.2? I’m trying not to think that far ahead but it is something I need to get a handle of sooner rather than later! I’ll be grateful for any tips or advice! Have a good day and happy training!