#runbmf

[benrunnerpants]

I missed throwback Thursday, however five years ago today I ran my first half marathon at the inaugural bournemouth marathon festival. Tomorrow will be my seventh. I was still playing football every Saturday back then. I’ve had time out injured. Perhaps I could have done a few more, however i do feel like a runner now. It was going to be a one off to raise some money and see if I could do it! I also ran my first marathon at Bournemouth two years ago. #runner #runnersofinstagram #lonelygoatrunningclub #runnerscommunity #bournemouthmarathonfestival #runbmf #rundorset #instarunner #homeevent (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bolakvlgo3d/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=k3jnwl83tfag

[benrunnerpants]

This mornings last long run before the bournemouth half marathon. Wanted to do it Thursday, but man-flu delayed it. Glad I waited as I felt half decent today. Perhaps a little to close to race day, but the confidence I have off the back of it is well worth doing it. Was out at 08:00 as had a busy day, spent on my feet around Kingston Lacey. I set off in a jacket as chilli, however had to strip it off 4km in and gave my new mountain fuel gel a go. It tasted good, but kept me going. However I was happy I was happy I’d joined the campaign to re-open the toilets on sandbanks. As I needed them at the half-way point. I cramped up a little & couldn’t run, I had to walk a bit. I’m not sure if the mountain fuel or the two beers and spicy food Saturday night. But a forced rest did me good. I had a couple of the stinger chews on the way back & felt fine. I kept my pace well including coming back over evening hill. I also tried my new squirrel nut butter. Nipples better than usual, the other usual chafed areas also better than usual, also used as a post run balm to ease as needed too. Happy with it. Just a week then until race day. A couple of light shuffles in the week as an attempt to taper and I’ll be ready. Busy week though as I have two interviews! A bit like buses nothing for ten weeks then two come along! #runner #lonelygoatrunningclub #running #runnerscommunity #runnersofinstagram #instarunners #instarunner #runstagram #instarun #adidas #adidasboost #ukrunchat #igrunners #halfmarathontraining #runbmf #bmf2018 #longrunsunday #poole #sandbanks #rundorset #rundaddyrun #slowrunner #runhappy #squirrelsnutbutter #mountainfuel #honeystinger #strava #tomtom #workoutsnap (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoW_61-gTY4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=j9me4rm2o54

[benrunnerpants]

First early morning run for a while. Bracing out there, but enjoyable. Didn’t take my phone so no pictures of the sunrise. Looked good from holes bay & the quay. Legs felt a little heavy after Sunday’s race. However better now for getting out on a recovery run. Pencilled in a long run Thursday or Friday, last one before the bournemouth half. Been looking at the trains for next Sunday & it seems with all the changes there now isn’t an early one on a Sunday. I’m sure before I’ve been able to get to pokesdown before 07:00 now the first train arrives at 07:16! Just about enough time to be okay, however not ideal! #running #runner #lonelygoatrunningclub #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #instarun #instarunners #runstagram #strava #adidasboost #tomtom #halfmarathontraining #recoveryrun #poole #rundorset #runbmf #ukrunchat #igrunners #runhappy (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoJChMeAZ5y/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kun98c1z7vbn

[benrunnerpants]

A run run in two halves, not because I planned it that way, but because I stopped my watch rather than paused it at my half way point at branksome beach. I need to stop and check messages as the phone had not stopped beeping at me all the way there! I also had 10miles planned, but just not got it in me today. I was very hot out there and I never felt comfortable. However more miles in the bag. The run home was very stop start I need to comfort break, then I had to take a call. Plus a walked a couple of times. Struggling with energy level when I run over 6-7 miles. I think it is time to took some proper fuel with me, although I’m not great at actually eating it until it is too late! Today I did have a @nakdwholefoods bar in my bag, but didn’t eat it until I had finished running and was walking home! Just a litre of water in my hydration pack & a @high5sportsnutrition zero tablet in a pint when I get home for recovery is not enough. I think a trip to @xmilesuk next week or over the weekend is in order. I want to try their new @squirrelsnutbutter_uk as these long runs can lead to a little chaffing. My @myoddballs are great, but not been over ten miles in them yet! #runnersofinstagram #runner #runnerscommunity #lonelygoatrunningclub #adidasboost #high5fuelled #longrun #runhappy #instarunners #runstagram #poole #halfmarathontraining #runbmf #sandbanksbeach #beachlife #rundorset #slowrunner #workoutsnap #strava #stravarun #ukrunchat #igrunners #benrunnerpants #lovewhereyoulive (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnYcL4sglSK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1q5ws4hhwedzk

[benrunnerpants]

Mixed bag of emotions this morning. I did get out this morning, which is an improvement in the past couple of day. However it isn’t just running motivation I’m lacking, but just getting out of bed at all is proving very difficult. As Yoda would say “anxiety high in this one is”. After Sunday’s long run I was always going to have Monday ‘off’ as a rest day. But more job rejections has made the pass couple of days difficult. Even though I was out running today, something which usually pulls me back out of a funk & back towards normality, I didn’t feel like I deserved to feel good and for the first time running has actually made me feel worse! The #strava map isn’t the full 20 minutes I ran because for the first time in a long time my watch took over 5 minutes to sync. It felt like I was running fast and working hard, but looking at the stats I’m not sure I was. I guess that tells it’s own story. The job search has been made worse by the number of online pre-interview psychometric/ corporate culture test I’ve taken & ‘failed’. I hate them, they are unscientific, I really cannot understand why some many companies rely on them. One of the reasons I was offered a settlement from my old job was the incorrect belief I was unhappy and as the company had grown I no longer was combat-able with their corporate culture & the direction they were moving in. This does lead to question how you approach the work and your personal ethics. I’m perhaps too open in my environmentalism, people over profit outlook that I no longer fit in the modern overtly money first at all cost capitalistic world & the companies who say they are not are just paying lip service to them. I had an underlying confidence I’d find something suitable, & I know it had been only six weeks of looking. The stress of it all is starting to take effect. #runner #lonelygoatrunningclub #running #workoutsnap #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #adidasboost #instarunners #runstagram #instarun #ukrunchat #poole #dorset #rundorset #slowrunner #halfmarathontraining #runbmf #itsokaytonotbeokay #benrunnerpants (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnGXnYVg4ez/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bqabbbltvy9g

[benrunnerpants]

Finally got out for my first run of the week. I planned to go Monday, but got waylaid with packing and sorting out what I needed for my trip. Tuesday I was in Dunstable saying good bye to me nan. Wednesday I was home early enough to go out but didn’t & yesterday I didn’t have the motivation. It has been a draining & difficult week. I’ve felt very, very low at times. I know running helps, but specially yesterday just couldn’t drag myself out. That said need needed it today and while I couldn’t get it of bed this morning I kicked myself up the arse this evening & went for it. I’ve also had another couple of rejections in the job front. I’m not desperate yet, but not nice to be told your not wanted. Admittedly a couple are a little junior & I’ve been told I’m over qualified. But a job is a job & I’ve applied then I fully under the role and the remuneration, bit still applied! As you can imagine Tuesday was tough, but I had them for a run and at 06:30 the weather was great. I really should have taken my trainers with me. Might have helped me cope better with what followed! Need a 10km plus run over the weekend to keep he training miles up, then I’ll attempt a 10 mile run before the end of the months. If i can manage okay, I’ll be confident for the bournemouth half at the start of October. A few stats on the second pic for fellow #rungeeks & the final pic is for me nan. #runner #run #halfmarathontraining #lonelygoatrunningclub #instarunners #instarun #instarunning #runstagram #strava #stravarun #tomtom #adidas #adidasboost #ukrunchat #igrunners #poole #runhappy #rundorset #runbmf #itsokaynottobeokay (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm3zpIqgCa3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=114koh75c80af

[benrunnerpants]

Bournemouth in October, had to pop out of the office & pick something up mid morning. You can see why we get so many visitors! I hope the weathers is as good for all the runners for this weekends marathon festival. #bournemouth #bournemouthbeach #blueskies #lovewhereyoulive #runbmf #instarunners #runnersofinstagram #injuredrunner #lonelygoatrunningclub https://www.instagram.com/p/B3HdlyZn4cM/?igshid=13q938muof3zp

[benrunnerpants]

Pre-race #flatlay as I sort out what I need for tomorrow’s half marathon. Going to be a cold start, but going race vest & sleeveless undershirt. Tracksuit sorted too. Decided against the long socks, I felt fine without them on last Sunday’s ten miler. I think I’ll cope again. Only one major hill at 8 miles & as after the water station the last two times I’ve run this course I walked it. I did run up evening hill last week which was at seven & half miles, so if I feel good I might attempt to run up. Tried relaxing this afternoon, finally watched Solo. Not the best Star Wars film, but watchable, not sure what all the negativity about it is. Looking forward to & nervous of tomorrow in equal measure. Gutted there isn’t an early train any more since the timetable changes last year which means I’ll not get to pokesdown until quarter past seven. Not quite as early as I’d like or what I’m used to I arrived before seven the row other times I ran it, but it is in plenty of time to get ready so might be good for me not to have loads of time waiting around for a change! I hope everyone one else running tomorrow ( either here in Bournemouth or else where) has a fun day. I’ll enjoy the beer & burger afterwards! #runner #lonelygoatrunningclub #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #bournemouthmarathonfestival #halfmarathon #ukrunchat #rundorset #instarunner #runbmf #runhappy #rundaddyrun #squirrelsnutbutter #high5fuelled #high5zero #smartwater #adidasboost #myoddballs #honeystinger (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/BomTb6ag0jK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16n7xv1rqx1yw

[benrunnerpants]

A slow gentle one this morning. Not ran since Saturday. I have tough, hilly 10km trail Sunday, so needed to do something! Sunday was a rest day after all the traveling Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Then I worked Monday & Tuesday. Not having a job at the moment is starting to get to me so I went around the agencies look for temp jobs last week and lined up some labouring for this week. Fair play to anyone who does that full time. I spent 12 hours Monday on my feet erecting a marquee, it broke me. I have shattered in the evening. I did the same Tuesday, but only for 10 hours! Yesterday I just needed to rest! I have another four months until money runs out, so won’t be labouring again if I don’t have too, just not cut out for it anymore. Hopefully I can find something office based and permanent. (Anyone who knows of anything supply chain based in Poole or wider Dorset area DM me, I’ll send my cv over). The run itself was okay, very windy on the baiter/whitecliff front, but not really a surprise. Heel not ideal, I’m starting to think my new trainers could be part of the issue, they are 50 miles in and heel only sore when I run in them! Can’t get another pair yet, might have to dig out an old pair for the bournemouth half marathon in just over two weeks. Sunday’s black hill 10km is a trail run so I’ll be in trail shoes. They felt good in Bangor at the weekend, so hopefully I’ll be fine in them. Stats in the third pic for all the running geeks & I enjoyed a post run smoothie. A little too thick as the forth pic shows, my straw was able to stand up in it! #runner #runnersofinstagram #running #adidas #adidasboost #lonelygoatrunningclub #poole #rundorset #happyrunning #runhappy #runnerscommunity #instarunner #instarun #runstagram #ukrunchat #halfmarathontraining #runbmf #blackhillrun #igrunners #strava #stravarun #autumn #tomtom #workoutsnap #postrunsmoothie #jobhunting (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn8VXq6AZNk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=jtt57kfj65q6

[benrunnerpants]

200th post 🎉 12km this morning, definitely hard work for the last two miles, but need to step up the distance. Slower than I wanted, but being out for nearly and hour & half a good thing. Not been sleeping well and after the poor 5miles at the weekend. High 5 zero, as usual in a bottle, but standard not no caffeine. I’m happy I felt comfortable for the majority. I picked a hilly route for the first half, forgot how steep they are, but since there are so many around seems wasteful not to make use of them! On track to get to 10miles before the end of the month. I’ll need some speed work to the time I ideally want for the bournemouth half marathon. Still I’m on an injury come back so time isn’t ‘that’ important. But can’t help judging myself on where I was before injury and won’t feel fully recover until I’m back there, if not improving on it. . . . Also a little message about mental health, I’ve said before I suffer, mainly from anxiety. That can be crippling. However I’ve learned how to cope, most of the time. Recently it hasn’t been great. Not working means I’ve had too much time to think about everything. My sleeping patterns are not healthy which is a side affect. Running helps, but not enough sometimes. I can feel the slip in to depression, I think I can spot it am lucky have support so while I’ll suffer, I have help. It is okay not to be okay. Talk to someone, anyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t suffer in silence or alone. #runner #running #lonelygoatrunningclub #halfmarathontraining #mentalhealth #instarun #runstagram #instarunner #instarunners #ukrunchat #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #adidasboost #adidas #itsokaynottobeokay #runhappy #poole #rundorset #runbmf #high5nutrition https://www.instagram.com/p/BmdF0Tng8RT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=h0k4fw2fgr50

[benrunnerpants]

Had a day off today, still can’t run so dug out my bottles to see which ones need throwing out and replacing. Didn’t realise I had so many! Looks like a Sunday league team collection. No excuses not to keep hydrated once back in the gym or out running & cycling. A couple do look ropey though, eBay search for new ones still needed 😂😎. #runner #injured #lonelygoatrunningclub #runnerscommunity #runnersofinstagram #mucoff #high5 #animal #runbmf #lucozade #bottles (at Poole Quay)

[benrunnerpants]

Well that wasn’t fun, I’ve done a lot of walking recently and my heal had been a little painful. I’ve put it down to the time on my feet and my ankle/ calf / Achilles. But this evening I’ve had to abandon less than 1km in. Pain worse than last couple of weeks & too much. I had planter fasciitis three years ago and it felt the same. So I decided not to push through. A lot of stretching tonight and the next couple of days. Fingers crossed it isn’t & just a little sore. I have planned to run parkrun in north wales this Saturday then the week after I have a 10km trail race! Followed a fortnight later the bournemouth half marathon! I can’t take a couple of weeks off! I knew increasing my distance could cause an issue, but I’ve had a couple of longer runs and was planing only one or at most two more ten miles plus runs before the half. If I have to manage another injury for almost four weeks before race day I’ll really not feel comfortable or enjoy as I wanted too! I guess the next couple of days will let me know I’ll try again Thursday. #running #runner #lonelygoatrunningclub #instarun #instarunners #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #runningcommunity #runstagram #strava #tomtom #adidasboost #weightlossjourney #ukrun #poole #rundorset #runhappy #injuredrunner #mandown #slowrunner #ukrunchat #igrunners #halfmarathontraining #runbmf #parkruntourism #failure (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnjg6VxgK9S/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hfgos1vpehvq

[benrunnerpants]

In the blue pen for the bournemouth half marathon, at the back again. Full of cold at the moment so think it is for the best. Just ten days to go and I really still need one more long run! Just a comfortable sub two hour 10 miles and I’ll feel a lot more comfortable. Also found my googles! Got them a could of years ago to get back in to swimming so I could attempt an triathlon. Been about twice I think! Going to incorporate some in winter training. If I don’t get a place in the London marathon ballot, I’ll still do a spring marathon, but will work a sprint tri in to my schedule too. I might do one even if I get into London, but it will all be about dates London doesn’t move. But a could find the right tri & marathon which fit well timings wise. I know not running is the sensible thing to do, but killing me doing nothing. Had far too many rest days over the past couple of months for various reasons. Need to get back in to a routine, but struggling at the moment. #runner #shamelessselfie #runbmf #bmf2018 #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #lonelygoatrunningclub #halfmarathonnumberseven #manflu #recovery (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoOfAtzAytn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1sgsvze0xuds8