Hello!
Welcome to my personal blog about running, mostly marathons, and life in London as an American. I’ve been living here since July 2022; I was previously pursuing the 50 states marathon goal (a marathon in every state), but since moving to London, I have switched my focus to seeing as much as I can through marathoning through Europe. Next up is the Barcelona marathon on March 10th, which will be my 44th full marathon. I feel like my training has gone pretty well, but I’m not chasing any time goals in Barcelona- just want to run happy and healthy!
This was the first week of the taper, after last week’s big week (recap HERE.) Here we go!
Monday: Rest day from running, pilates reformer class at the studio near my office
Tuesday: Run commute with my friend Tina, 4.5 miles, then an office run 3.1 miles. 7.6 miles on the day.
Wednesday: WFH day; I woke up to pouring rain, but it didn’t look like that would change, so I forced myself out the door for a longer workout.
Warm-up, 2×24 minutes moderate with a 3 minute jog in between, cool-down for 11 miles total. A bit miserable in the cold rain, but I got it done.
That evening, I took a Heartcore pilates reformer class at the Hampstead studio.
Thursday: Easy 5 mile run before work, more rain. Another Heartcore pilates class in the evening.
Friday: Finally, some sunshine! Dustin, Ruth, and I ran 7 miles together. That warm sunshine felt amazing after such a rainy week.
All the rain keeps the grass green all year!
I took my 4th pilates class of the week at the studio right by our place. It was an easier class, particularly compared to Heartcore, which I find to be the hardest, but an easier class with more stretching was a nice way to end my pilates for the week.
Saturday: Long run! I had hoped for 15-16 miles, and the WMN Run group had a 10 mile run planned, so I ran to where they meet at London Bridge, which was about 6 miles, then did the 10 mile run with them before taking the tube home afterwards, 16.3 miles.
It was sunny too! A lovely group though I’ll be honest that I do feel a bit old. Most of the women are under 30; they are all lovely, but there’s a difference between being in your 20’s and your 40’s, you know? I do generally find running to be an equalizer, but there were moments during some chatting where I felt my age. But I will continue to join them as I had a nice time and enjoyed the company for a long run. This group keeps the pace between 9-10 min/mile; I think my average was 9:40 min/mile.
Sunday: Recovery run with Ruth and Dustin, 7 miles.
Summary: 4 pilates reformer classes, 55 miles of running; my more significant taper will start in the next two weeks. Less pilates and less mileage.
That’s a wrap! A relatively uneventful week of training, but some fun in there as well.
I’m linking up with Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner; check out their blogs to connect with other fitness bloggers for workout ideas and inspiration!
And hello as always from Ruth and Matilda!
Gosh, it’s hard to imagine you feeling “old”, but I get it! Since I only joined “Moms Run This Town” after my kids were grown, I felt out of place, even though the group is very inclusive.
That sounds similar! This group was friendly, it is just that a few times I realized that we are at different points in life. Usually not having kids allows me to live a “younger” than some, but it is still a significant age different.
Ha ha, I feel you on the age thing! My take is that as long as I continue to “feel” young, I’m gonna keep acting young, LOL.You’re lucky to have so many options for running groups and friends there 😉
That’s a good motto Kim!
44!!!!
LOL that you feel old. Go to Florida, even I feel young there.
Aren’t running groups the best motivator?
Haha, interesting take on Florida but makes sense!
I understand what you mean about running with younger runners. I am in my late 40’s and the two girls I ran the most with before I moved were in their mid 20’s! One seemed like that was her age and the other seemed much more mature and wise, so I guess it all balanced out! Ruth and Matilda are looking cute!
So true! I ran with a few gals in their 20’s back in Minneapolis and one was very mature for her age! It varies. I also run with few women in their 50s/60’s and we have just as much to talk about. Age doesn’t always really matter, but occasionally it is noticeable.
Oh, hi Ruth and Matilda! Ugh- that run in the rain is giving me PTSD about my race. But I like all the sunshine you had the next day! Sounds like you had a great week. I do know what you mean about the age difference- but just congratulate yourself on the fact that physically, you’re probably healthier than most 25-year-olds!
You must be getting excited about Barcelona- it’s close!
I like that way of thinking Jenny!
I am glad that you have found new running friends. It is so important to feel part of a community . I am enjoying adding in more Pilates classes to my routine as well. Have a fab week
Thanks Deborah.
Yay for new running friends! I need to find some here, but I also feel the same way – I am much older (and in a different life point) than it seems those in the running groups here when I’ve gone.
It’s hard to find the perfect fit, but I’m willing to keep going even though I’m the old lady runner 🙂
Hi Matilda and Ruth, and happy tapering to you!
I hear you on feeling your age around your new running group. At 66, most of my running friends are 40-55 years old. We were running tons of training miles and race together about 10 years ago when they all had babies or teens and I was already an empty nester.
I suppose that’s also the good thing about running, is that it keeps us “younger!”
I can’t believe your marathon is just 3 weeks away! You are definitely ready! I had to laugh when you said you felt ‘old’ with your running group, but I do agree that there is a big difference between 20 and 40. I always feel old now but I have to admit that it is easier to acknowledge it than when I was in my 40s. I don’t have many peers that run anymore, so I end up running with a lot of women who are quite a bit younger than me. I can definitely hold my own, so there’s… Read more »
That’s awesome Wendy! I’m not surprised you can hold your own. You are so fit and strong!
Yes, I can relate to what you say about hanging out (in whatever way) with people who are younger than you. I don’t usually think about people’s age but it does become evident sometimes when you talk about certain things! I had a lot of those moments when I worked nights with younger nurses.
Yep, exactly! Generally I don’t care about age, but occasionally in certain convos I can feel a bit older than those in their 20’s 🙂
It’s great that you’re putting yourself out there trying near things and meeting new people. Showing up to a new run group can be intimidating.
Thank you for the support as always Erin!
Oh, those gorgeous girls! Do they have any idea how pretty they are?!
I always feel old when I am with networking or social groups around here. It’s just me that feels it, I imagine, but it can be hard, too.
Sounds like once the rain moved on, things were quite lovely for your training again. You’re going to do so great!
Aww, thanks Jenn! I’ll share the compliment with the ladies, ha!