Katie's London Marathon Journey...
First run of London this year completed...
Today was my first run in London for the year, taking part in the Big Half ahead of next months marathon!
After a couple of weeks of ankle & knee niggles I was just grateful to make the start line!
It didn’t go to plan but I did cross the finish line in a respectable 2:50!
It’s very scary to think I will be running double that when I’m back in London next month!!
A huge shout out to Pauline Valentine for running with throughout today, The Treatment Lab for your help this week & strapping my knee up, giving me a plan to ensure I could run & to Clean Coach Katie for simply being amazing with support, advice & encouragement!! With you guys behind me I know I can do this!
After a couple of weeks of ankle & knee niggles I was just grateful to make the start line!
It didn’t go to plan but I did cross the finish line in a respectable 2:50!
It’s very scary to think I will be running double that when I’m back in London next month!!
A huge shout out to Pauline Valentine for running with throughout today, The Treatment Lab for your help this week & strapping my knee up, giving me a plan to ensure I could run & to Clean Coach Katie for simply being amazing with support, advice & encouragement!! With you guys behind me I know I can do this!
Ouch that hurts...
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After the excitement of a 15 mile run I felt a niggle or two in my ankle & knee, after a days rest I took part in an interval session on the Tuesday & Core Class on the Wednesday only for Thursday to be hobbling...
Speaking to Katie we decided it was best to rest, so that's what I did, rest & ice... Monday came round & Rudi wanted to see me, he squeezed me in between clients as he could sense how worried I was, he strapped up my knee & told me to continue to ice after every run... Tuesday was PT day but I was tempted to run, after hobbling back from the school run I knew it wasn't meant to be but Katie invited me into the studio to do some stretching & strength work, it not only helped with my niggle but my mind too, having not run for a week I wasn't in the best place but after an hour with Katie & my strapped up knee I felt loads better... I had the big half on the Sunday so knew I needed to test it out so I headed out for a little 5K with my girls... It felt good, not brilliant but good! Now to rest it again to ensure I make Sundays half, well I can't let Mo down could I ;-) |
Did you say 15....
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It’s been a tough old week, today I needed to put on my positive pants & remember why I’m running this marathon...
Today I ran with 2 of my training buddies including joining the awesome Redway Runners for the Sunday morning club run! Today we managed our furthest distance yet... 15 miles!! Still at least it’s now over half way 🤣 9 weeks to go!! |
A day of mixed emotions...
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Quite possibly the hardest run yet...
Physically & mentally shattered! Mile 8 I sobbed! Mile 9 I thought I was never going to finish! Mile 10 rejoice I’ve made it!! I hope I NEVER have a run like that again, it’s broke me 😞 Photo of my at the back AGAIN with our wonderful tail biker! It’s good job he’s nice as he had to put up with me for most of the two hours!!😂 |
By the time I got home, I felt defeated, I felt like I wasn't good enough for this marathon & it was going to beat me, I honestly felt like a failure...
Then I got through a bucket load of notifications & messages, I had been chosen as "Client of the Week" by Clean Coach Katie, to say I was shocked was an understatement, I burst into tears when I read what she had written, then all the comments from my amazing running friends, kicked my butt right back to where it needed to be...
I CAN DO THIS, I WILL DO THIS!!!
Here is the wonderful status from CCK!
This weekend its my longest ever run... THIS GIRL CAN!!
Then I got through a bucket load of notifications & messages, I had been chosen as "Client of the Week" by Clean Coach Katie, to say I was shocked was an understatement, I burst into tears when I read what she had written, then all the comments from my amazing running friends, kicked my butt right back to where it needed to be...
I CAN DO THIS, I WILL DO THIS!!!
Here is the wonderful status from CCK!
This weekend its my longest ever run... THIS GIRL CAN!!
CLIENT OF THE WEEK - Katie Elmer
I'm literally in awe of this woman. Before Katie became one of our Sponsored Athletes, we'd barely spoken a few words. The first time I actually saw Katie, was when she was volunteering at a local race with her charity, Emily's Star quite a long time ago. Her infectious personality was apparent straight away and after the race I did some investigating into the charity and who Katie was.
Since meeting this lady and getting to know her on a personal level, I've loved her more and more each week. She comes to core every week with a bundle of energy, giving every session her all. She has been following her plan to the letter and fundraising at the same time. This week Katie hosted a fundraiser, a curry, quiz and bingo night and raised a whopping £802.50 towards her total. Only a few hours later (the next day) she was at parkrun volunteering!!!!
February is a tough month for personal reasons, but she's ticking each day off on the plan and although some days are tougher than others, she's not moaning, she's working hard and getting things done. I can see that she is continually learning and growing along this process. Marathon training is not easy, there are ups and downs, but she's taking it all in her stride.
Katie, don't ever doubt yourself, you are doing amazing and have the support of a huge network. We're with you every step of the way!
#ForEmily
#StrongerFitterFaster
#TeamCCK
Into double figures we go...
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It felt like I was never going to get passed my fear of running a half, unfortunately although I have two half Marathon medals I haven't run either of them completely & it was playing on my mind.
I am not built to run, I definitely don't find it easy, every step is hard work for me but the rewarding feeling at the end is like something else, I suppose that's why we keep going back for more... This week the plan said 12-14 miles, as tempting as it was just to go for 12 I knew I needed to push that little bit more & fuelled by Tailwind & ShotBlocx I knew I had to go over that half distance.. 13.2 Miles all before lunch on a Sunday... The face says it all really |
Do you want to build a snowman....? NO!
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Argh! Snow!!
We all knew it was coming but you still hold onto the hope that it wont! Unfortunately it ruined my running plans, a cancelled Interval session & a slow 5 miles instead of the planned 12 had me feeling extremely deflated! When you are so focused & planned your running week down to the second it can be so soul destroying when you cant do what you need to! However instead of beating myself up I spoke to Clean Coach Katie about it, she reassured me on many levels... That awful week, was put into a box & thrown into a river... Onwards & Upwards... P.S - Check out my awesome Sponsored Athlete top |
A record month...
I know with Marathon training the months will keep adding on the miles but I was amazed to see that throughout January I had ran an awesome 67 Miles over 13 hours & 15 minutes... What a great start to 2019 :-)
Foot problems...
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A few niggles are expected when your weekly mileage is rising but my niggle just had to be different...
A numb right foot, on every run, from about 2.5 miles lasting for up to 15 minutes. Fortunately it doesn't hurt or effect my times but it does feel weirdly uncomfortable Luckily we have a group chat for Mikey & I with our sponsors, after the 4th run with trying everything I thought it could be (socks, trainers etc) I spoke to the guys for some help... The following day I was booked in with Rudi so we concentrated on my right side which is much more tighter than my left, he loosened by ankle, knee & hip, I was also sent home with further exercises to complete at home. I then popped in to see Dionne with my running shoes, she re-laced the shoes to allow for extra room nearer the toes.. Testing time - The first two runs back after seeing Rudi & Dionne & unfortunately it was still there, although for not as long, I kept going with my exercises at home & finally a long run with no foot numbness |
January Blues
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Its been a funny old month, January seemed to last forever...
I have been so lucky so far & have had a great support on all my runs, I haven't had to go out alone yet, morning runs with Benny, Benny on a bike I might add, to running with my usual buddies & also some new ones. From 5K to 10 Miles January had it all... |
The year of the marathon...
As Big Ben chimed Midnight it suddenly hit me, I was running a marathon this year!! Oh Jeeze…
There were no midnight bubbles for me, as I had an early morning date with MK Parkrun!
Two nears days on the trot I have run, I beat 2018's time by nearly 7 minutes!!
As Katie had started my plan a little early I was enjoying the more gentle, shorter runs before the real stuff started.
2nd January it was Core Class time...
Core Classes.... Literally amazing! Painful sweaty sweary but amazing!
I am now attending a Core Class every Wednesday (Medbourne Pavilion 6pm or 7pm if yout interested - click here) Its 45 minutes of mini exercises, when I say mini I don't mean half hearted I mean they last for 30 seconds each which honestly is enough, you can hear the sigh of relief when the alarm goes off for a 30 second break... Its one of them good pain classes, you know you have worked hard during the class but also had fun in the process.
I have also met up with Rudi for my first sports massage, due to my slight hip pain he concentrated on that area & I have some lovely exercises to complete at home with my Spikey Ball & my foam roller... yes the dreaded foam roller...
I am now starting to say goodbye to my shorter runs & the longer runs are creeping in, this Sunday 20th will be last single digit long run for a while... bring it on...
There were no midnight bubbles for me, as I had an early morning date with MK Parkrun!
Two nears days on the trot I have run, I beat 2018's time by nearly 7 minutes!!
As Katie had started my plan a little early I was enjoying the more gentle, shorter runs before the real stuff started.
2nd January it was Core Class time...
Core Classes.... Literally amazing! Painful sweaty sweary but amazing!
I am now attending a Core Class every Wednesday (Medbourne Pavilion 6pm or 7pm if yout interested - click here) Its 45 minutes of mini exercises, when I say mini I don't mean half hearted I mean they last for 30 seconds each which honestly is enough, you can hear the sigh of relief when the alarm goes off for a 30 second break... Its one of them good pain classes, you know you have worked hard during the class but also had fun in the process.
I have also met up with Rudi for my first sports massage, due to my slight hip pain he concentrated on that area & I have some lovely exercises to complete at home with my Spikey Ball & my foam roller... yes the dreaded foam roller...
I am now starting to say goodbye to my shorter runs & the longer runs are creeping in, this Sunday 20th will be last single digit long run for a while... bring it on...
The Limbo feeling
After the Winter Half I was feeling a little lost, in limbo, unsure what I was meant to be doing, I explained all of this to Katie who was on hand to bring my plan forward so I didn't feel quite as lost...
Mikey, Katie & I were all at Up & Running meeting with Dionne to talk all things footwear & fuelling.
Dionne first checked over our Gait, watched us walk then run to ensure we are wearing the correct support trainer, I was happy to report that mine had not changed from the previous visit to Dionne 18 months earlier.
We tried on numerous pairs of trainers & took it in turns running down the centre of the shop, much to the amusement of Mikey who could not stop his jazz hands.
We both ended up leaving with a pair of Brooks :-)
Dionne also explained different types of fuelling & gave us some to take away to try... will report more of them later as my runs get longer & I start to use them.
The biggest piece of advise I have learnt today is that your running trainers should be the most comfortable pair of shoes you own, they should fit perfectly without any insoles.
Mikey, Katie & I were all at Up & Running meeting with Dionne to talk all things footwear & fuelling.
Dionne first checked over our Gait, watched us walk then run to ensure we are wearing the correct support trainer, I was happy to report that mine had not changed from the previous visit to Dionne 18 months earlier.
We tried on numerous pairs of trainers & took it in turns running down the centre of the shop, much to the amusement of Mikey who could not stop his jazz hands.
We both ended up leaving with a pair of Brooks :-)
Dionne also explained different types of fuelling & gave us some to take away to try... will report more of them later as my runs get longer & I start to use them.
The biggest piece of advise I have learnt today is that your running trainers should be the most comfortable pair of shoes you own, they should fit perfectly without any insoles.
The first leg...
Although my official training hasn't started yet, I am still getting out & running, last weekend, Sunday 9th, I took part in my second ever half marathon, I had completed a course through my running club & felt confident about the run itself, that was until the week before when I came down with an awful cold which had me side-lined for the week before...
Sniffing into my tissue, doubt started to creep in... your mind is your worst enemy..
Race Day... cold is still there but I am ignoring it, I am ready to go, I am excited, I love the feel of race day, seeing all my Redway friends its always such a buzz...
I started off with the aim of keeping to the 2.45 pacer, unfortunately they never took part which left me a little lost for sorts having thought about it all week, Pauline, Kerry & I have been training together & it seemed right to start together, we scooped up another friend Catherine early on & remained as a foursome for most of 8 miles, I could feel a pain in my hip but I tried to ignore it, believing it was because I had pushed myself a little early...
All my training runs I had been running around 12-13 minute miles, we were 6 miles in & every one had been under 12 so I knew I needed to slow it down to see this to the end...
9.63 miles & I felt lost, having watched my awesome buddies disappear off into the distance I only had my new headphones (thanks to Benny for my early birthday present) to keep me company...
It is sooooo lonely out there alone, I had never experienced it before, I usually have my running bestie Mairead with me but because of injury & alcohol fuelled Christmas parties she was my top cheerleader this time instead...
Luckily along came a familiar face, Andy, he had been helping at the course I had attended & he soon scooped me up & pushed me along... "its only a park run home" where the famous words he told me!
By 11.11 miles I felt like a let down, with my hip hurting & walking was getting more often I felt absolutely devastated I felt like a failure, I was so lucky that Andy was there to basically tell me off for being so negative & to keep reminding me just how far I had already come...
Came round the corner from Mile 12, Lottey was there, cheering so loudly, it was awesome to hear, then around the corner came my head cheerleader of the day, my running bestie, right there at the right time, she had come to find me & run me in...
So there I was with less than a mile to go pushing my body to keep going, telling my head I could I do it....
"Its literally round this corner then its all downhill" Mairead said, she is not a run lead so I knew she was telling the truth !
There it was the finish line...
2:49:11
A personal best of over 27 minutes...
I gave Andy the biggest hug, he saved that race for me :-)
Goals going forward:
* To not rely on a pacer - trust myself to pace myself before a run in case of another no show
* To complete the full 13.1 miles without walking
* To believe in myself more... 1st January 2017 I started as a non runner, even thinking about running made me tired, if I can start from nothing & get to where I am now, I can do anything if I just put my mind to it & work hard...
I am now looking forward to going to up & running next week to try out some new footwear then seeing Rudi at The Treatment Lab for my assessment...
If I feel brave I might even head along to the last core class of 2018!
Over & out...
Sniffing into my tissue, doubt started to creep in... your mind is your worst enemy..
Race Day... cold is still there but I am ignoring it, I am ready to go, I am excited, I love the feel of race day, seeing all my Redway friends its always such a buzz...
I started off with the aim of keeping to the 2.45 pacer, unfortunately they never took part which left me a little lost for sorts having thought about it all week, Pauline, Kerry & I have been training together & it seemed right to start together, we scooped up another friend Catherine early on & remained as a foursome for most of 8 miles, I could feel a pain in my hip but I tried to ignore it, believing it was because I had pushed myself a little early...
All my training runs I had been running around 12-13 minute miles, we were 6 miles in & every one had been under 12 so I knew I needed to slow it down to see this to the end...
9.63 miles & I felt lost, having watched my awesome buddies disappear off into the distance I only had my new headphones (thanks to Benny for my early birthday present) to keep me company...
It is sooooo lonely out there alone, I had never experienced it before, I usually have my running bestie Mairead with me but because of injury & alcohol fuelled Christmas parties she was my top cheerleader this time instead...
Luckily along came a familiar face, Andy, he had been helping at the course I had attended & he soon scooped me up & pushed me along... "its only a park run home" where the famous words he told me!
By 11.11 miles I felt like a let down, with my hip hurting & walking was getting more often I felt absolutely devastated I felt like a failure, I was so lucky that Andy was there to basically tell me off for being so negative & to keep reminding me just how far I had already come...
Came round the corner from Mile 12, Lottey was there, cheering so loudly, it was awesome to hear, then around the corner came my head cheerleader of the day, my running bestie, right there at the right time, she had come to find me & run me in...
So there I was with less than a mile to go pushing my body to keep going, telling my head I could I do it....
"Its literally round this corner then its all downhill" Mairead said, she is not a run lead so I knew she was telling the truth !
There it was the finish line...
2:49:11
A personal best of over 27 minutes...
I gave Andy the biggest hug, he saved that race for me :-)
Goals going forward:
* To not rely on a pacer - trust myself to pace myself before a run in case of another no show
* To complete the full 13.1 miles without walking
* To believe in myself more... 1st January 2017 I started as a non runner, even thinking about running made me tired, if I can start from nothing & get to where I am now, I can do anything if I just put my mind to it & work hard...
I am now looking forward to going to up & running next week to try out some new footwear then seeing Rudi at The Treatment Lab for my assessment...
If I feel brave I might even head along to the last core class of 2018!
Over & out...
The first meet....
Weirdly I was so scared, worried I would arrive & they would say "oh lord, we meant another Katie" & all my hopes of running this Marathon properly would dispapear but thankfully it went swimmingly.
We spoke about out current plans, what we want our of the plans & how things will work, it was already so exciting.
My 16 week plan starts on the 7th January...
Over the next few weeks I get to see Rudi for an assessment & Dionne to sort out some new footwear, will also start some core classes once the small matter of my second half marathon is completed this Sunday (9th December)
We spoke about out current plans, what we want our of the plans & how things will work, it was already so exciting.
My 16 week plan starts on the 7th January...
Over the next few weeks I get to see Rudi for an assessment & Dionne to sort out some new footwear, will also start some core classes once the small matter of my second half marathon is completed this Sunday (9th December)
What is a Sponsored Athlete?
Clean Coach Katie, The Treatment Lab & Up & Running Milton Keynes set about finding two athletes to sponsor for a 2019 Marathon, they wanted someone who has never ran a marathon before & someone who wants to improve, Mikey & I are both thrilled to have been chosen as the sponsored Athletes for 2019.
Mikey is taking on the Manchester Marathon (as well as VLM a few weeks later) & I am taking on VLM for my first time...
Finding out that I had been chosen meant so much to me, it meant that 3 other people believed I could do it, it meant that I would have the help & support of 3 incredible companies & also Mikey.
Both Mikey & I receive all the following from our sponsors:
Monthly Sport Massages with Rudi at The Treatment Lab with extra sessions leading up to race day
Monthly PT sessions, weekly core classes and a training plan from Clean Coach Katie
Gait analysis and a free pair of trainers up to the value of £120. Nutritional advice and race day nutrition from Up & Running.
Ongoing support from all three to achieve the best on race day including training advice, nutrition support and coaching throughout the process
Mikey is taking on the Manchester Marathon (as well as VLM a few weeks later) & I am taking on VLM for my first time...
Finding out that I had been chosen meant so much to me, it meant that 3 other people believed I could do it, it meant that I would have the help & support of 3 incredible companies & also Mikey.
Both Mikey & I receive all the following from our sponsors:
Monthly Sport Massages with Rudi at The Treatment Lab with extra sessions leading up to race day
Monthly PT sessions, weekly core classes and a training plan from Clean Coach Katie
Gait analysis and a free pair of trainers up to the value of £120. Nutritional advice and race day nutrition from Up & Running.
Ongoing support from all three to achieve the best on race day including training advice, nutrition support and coaching throughout the process
A little about me...
My names Katie Elmer, I’m 33 and mum to Emily & Jake. I live with my partner Ben & we’ve been together for 12 years.
I joined Redway Runners in January 2017 as a beginner not being able to run for 30 seconds, my aim was a 10K race in August which I completed.
Fast forward to October last year & I felt like running wasn’t for me, I didn’t feel like I was improving & in fact felt slower.
On the 1st January this year after park run I saw a photo of myself that changed the way I was thinking, I decided to concentrate on running more & eating healthy, before I knew it I was absolutely loving running & everything about it.
I completed the same 10K race this year & knocked 17 minutes off my time set the year before. I completed my first half marathon in May 2018 & I enjoyed every single step!
I had always said I would only ever consider running one marathon & that would be London.
After the 4th year of applying the charity I founded in memory of my daughter Emily won a place in the ballot & everything pointed at me to take that place & run it for her…
When I saw the applications open for the sponsored athlete program open I knew I had to apply, after seeing the help & support Sally got last year through the program I knew it was something that too could help me.
When I opened up the “congratulations email” I burst into tears…
Having their belief that I can do this means so much, it’s going to be hard work but also enjoyable to complete a dream for myself in memory of my daughter
Watch out London, I’m coming for you!!
I joined Redway Runners in January 2017 as a beginner not being able to run for 30 seconds, my aim was a 10K race in August which I completed.
Fast forward to October last year & I felt like running wasn’t for me, I didn’t feel like I was improving & in fact felt slower.
On the 1st January this year after park run I saw a photo of myself that changed the way I was thinking, I decided to concentrate on running more & eating healthy, before I knew it I was absolutely loving running & everything about it.
I completed the same 10K race this year & knocked 17 minutes off my time set the year before. I completed my first half marathon in May 2018 & I enjoyed every single step!
I had always said I would only ever consider running one marathon & that would be London.
After the 4th year of applying the charity I founded in memory of my daughter Emily won a place in the ballot & everything pointed at me to take that place & run it for her…
When I saw the applications open for the sponsored athlete program open I knew I had to apply, after seeing the help & support Sally got last year through the program I knew it was something that too could help me.
When I opened up the “congratulations email” I burst into tears…
Having their belief that I can do this means so much, it’s going to be hard work but also enjoyable to complete a dream for myself in memory of my daughter
Watch out London, I’m coming for you!!
Fundraising....
As this is my first (and probably last marathon) I am running for & raising money for Emily's Star...
Below is my fundraising link if you would like to sponsor me, thank you :-)
Below is my fundraising link if you would like to sponsor me, thank you :-)