For some reason, October seemed to last for what felt like months. I’ve no idea why. Although I love autumn, I’m not a huge fan of the dark evenings and tend to go into hibernation mode. At least now the clocks have changed the mornings are slightly lighter. Anyway, that’s enough pointless waffle for one blog. As you know, I’ve been producing monthly summaries of my training since the beginning of the year. I’ve also written about some of my experiences as a running blogger – I refuse to use the term ‘influencer’ – currently based in Four Oaks, Birmingham.
What worked well? What – if there were any – were my running related achievements? What would I do differently given the opportunity? I then like to look ahead to the new month.
The greatest disappointment of my running career
One event – the Great Birmingham Run – dominated the first half of October. In my September review I concluded my post with the following “Hopefully I won’t let myself down on October 16th”. Guess what? By setting out at a ridiculously fast pace and by not eating enough on the morning of the Great Birmingham Run, I feel that I did let myself down. Hopefully, I won’t make the same mistakes a second time.
Although October was a bit of a disaster from a running perspective, I didn’t pick up an injury, and after a week’s rest I felt refreshed but not quite ready to run. This feeling unfortunately ended up lasting for two weeks in total!
According to my Strava statistics I completed 8 training runs during October, covering a distance of approximately 72 kilometres – a bit of a decrease on the 130 kilometres I ran during September! I successfully completed the majority of the final two weeks of my half marathon training plan, and maintained my love of foam rolling and ice packs.
Running costs
October was an expensive month! I spent £89 on race entry fees (Birmingham International Marathon £55 and Cambridge Half Marathon £34) and £19.95 on a set of really dubious race photographs.
I also spent £60 on a third pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS trainers. When I find trainers that don’t destroy my feet, I like to stockpile as many pairs as I can.
Finally, I spent £58 on a so-called anti-stink lululemon running top. The top was subsequently shredded to pieces in places by my running number and safety pins after one run. To add insult to injury, I washed the top – because it stank – and after only one wash my black coloured top morphed into that horrible washed out dark grey not quite black colour.
Blogging experiences
Throughout October, my blogging mojo was slightly intermittent. Although I continued to write my weekly half marathon training updates, it took me almost a week to write my Great Birmingham Run race review. I had loads of ideas for new content and drafted out several posts, but never made the time to complete and publish them. Blogging wasn’t very high on my list of priorities.
On a more positive note I was sent a couple of amazing products to review and was provided with entry into a local race next month. Hopefully these opportunities will reignite both my love of running and writing…
Looking forward to November
I’m looking forward to hopefully getting back into some sort of running routine. I’ve got a training plan that will take me right up to the Cambridge Half marathon in March, I just need to rediscover my running mojo. I also need to remember to retire my purple Brooks trainers as the cushioning is now nonexistent. Thanks for the memories…
In other news, I started a temporary job at the end of October, so I’m looking forward to working again, getting away from my desk and meeting new people. Spending the majority of my time sitting alone hasn’t done my mental health any favours and I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone.
If you’ve had a really bad race, how did you move on? For some reason I’m really struggling and can’t stop thinking about all of my training and race day mistakes.
What has been your most disappointing running related purchase? Obviously my lululemon top is quite high up on my list, what’s on your list?
Member adidas Blogger Community
Top 10 Running Blog 2020
Top 10 Running Blog 2019
Top 10 Running Blog 2018
Decathlon Bloggers Community
Myprotein Award Winner 2017
Member UK Fitness Bloggers
Proud to support #RunEqual
Can you take the top back? That’s very poor quality- I would complain about that as it’s very bad- I’ve only bought leggings from them, but they have always been good quality in my opinion. Also, get yourself some event clips, they are amazing- no more holes in tops. You have to put a little hole (or slit) in the corners of the race number, and then they clip on so easily.
After a slight delay, Lululemon have finally provided me with a customer services email address. They want me to send some photos – I’ve discovered that getting a decent photo of a black(ish) t-shirt is slightly challenging. I’m not so fussed about the holes – at the end of the day I was stupid using safety pins – I am annoyed that a running number managed to damage the fabric. The fact that the black top is now dark grey after one wash is also slightly frustrating. I’m in London on Monday and may just return the top to the store in Marylebone.
That’s awful about the Lululemon top. I have a pair of Lululemon leggings that have mesh along the side (well, very delicate lace) and I’m terrified of ripping it every time I put it on. It’s a nightmare…but they’re so pretty.
Usually a bad race for me (as time generally doesn’t bother me as I rarely actually go out with a time in mind) is when I end up in injury. The worst time was after Bournemouth marathon last year. I was so bitter and angry with myself about it as I could have stopped and made it a whole lot worse. But I try and focus on other things than running so I don’t drive myself mad.
After my not so positive experience, I don’t think I’ll be including any Lululemon running gear on my Christmas list. I guess deep down I’ll always be a fan of cheap and cheerful running clothes. Their leggings are really nice… I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve hobbled across the finish line of races. Looking back, I should have pulled out of the 2006 London Marathon at Tower Bridge when I had the opportunity. I should barely walk and every step was painful. My left foot has never fully recovered and my stupidity that day impacted far more than my running.