Burning lungs and a rising pulse

With a medal round my neck and wrapped up in warm clothes lying on my bed, its time to think back over the past few hours! My blog, the place i like to document things like this... even if you might not find it interesting, i like to do it for myself. Because in a few years i might look back and read about my first "Tjejmil" 2015 and then i can read about my thoughts and how i felt during the race, compare to how it is then!!

If any of you do find it interesting, you can also follow my snapchat Izzy-m1 where i have documented a little today. And also do random viddeos of daisy and other things in my life. So you have 24 hours to see those race photos/videos :)

Onto the actual race.... i got there at 12pm and my starting time, the first group wasnt until 13pm. So it was just to queue to the bathroom... then go sit down, then get up and queue again. Then do a little warm up and then it was time to start walking to the race entry and start line!! With 30 minutes to go i stood there, in roughly the first 200 women and felt excited but also tired. Should have eaten something before the race such as rice cakes or something to give me that extra energy, would have kept me from getting cramps during the run as well!! Ohh well, that was just bad planning from my side!!
   One of the things i hate about races is when you are standing there by the start line and you know you have 20 minutes until the race and you just sort of have to stand there. Many people feel excited and happy at that stage, but i just want to start running, i dont want to stand there and jump up and down!! Hahah, i sound so bitter!!!

Finally at 13.00 the horn went off and it was time to start running and right from the beginning my legs felt heavy and slow. I felt a bit like this:



The first 3km went quickly but after that it felt extremely hard to breathe. Try running with a straw in your mouth and breathing through that straw... thats exactly how it felt. My muscles not getting the oxygen needed and my heart began to seriously hurt - beating very fast as it tried to keep up. By 5km i had to 1) run into one of the portaloos because nature was calling and 2) walk a few hundred meters because my heart was hurting so much. It actually terrified me alot so i had to slow down my pace and keep pushing forward. Then sometime by 7km i had to stop and slow down because i was so warm that i had to unpin my number bib and pin it to my shorts and then run in my sports bra, But i got a little rest there and let my heart beat slow down! Then from 8-10km were just a  pain and i wanted it to be over. No more running, i wanted to lie down on the ground and refuse to ever run again. Though once you cross the finish line and you get your medal you feel so proud, so happy and you know that you want to do it again and dont regret a second of it. Even if there were times during the run that you wanted to lie on the ground, cry and refuse to get up and move. Running isnt always easy and whoever says it is, is lying.... There are runs you enjoy less than others, and some runs dont go as well as others but in the end it is still something you love and want to do again and again!!! Thats what makes running so special :)

I didnt think that my run went so well but i finished with a time of 51 something... so not so bad, but time doesnt really matter. I finished the race in one piece and thats what matters and i enjoyed it somewhat, hahah XD

Also, while walking to meet my mum after the race a follower of mine came up and said "hi". I felt so shocked but it was so much fun, also being told im an inspiration. Put a huge smile on my face :):) Makes me want to continue with eveyrthing i do and all my social media, to get feedback and to meet readers/followers is so much fun!!! :) So to any of my swedish followers/readers, if you ever see me.... dont be scared to say hi. I do have this "resting bitch face" but trust me, i amnt a bitch... or i dont think so anyway!!! It is just fun if someone who reads my blog or follows me on IG recognizes me and wants to say hi!! :)

I also had luck with the weather because as i was walking to the car it began to rain, but it had been lovely weather while i ran! I felt bad for those who hadnt even started running yet and it was rainy and cold. But i am sure they will have lots of fun anyway! There is no bad weather, just bad clothes. I have always hated this quote, but it is true... i have realised this myself, that running in the rain isnt so bad as long as you are wearing the right clothing!

Anyway, now i need some physical and mental rest before i see what my plans for the evening are!!!

Hope you all have a lovely Saturday!!

^^When i had fininshed, the skies didnt look that great.

The midnight run 2015

Some might be wondering how my race/run went last night? Or maybe not, because this isn't a running blog... but i am going to write about it anyway :) I like to document my life on here and one day i will look back on this post and remember how it felt when i ran the race!! One of the things i love most is looking back on all my race photos.... the midnight run 2014, the colour run, the tunnel run, my half marathon, my 5km cross country races and all the other races i have run!! The pictures hold a whole story behind them and all my feelings... that's why i love pictures.

However, that was not my the topic of this post!! Even if it is just a 10km race i usually load up with something like chocolate or Ben and Jerrys. Not that it is necessary, i used to run 10km fasted several days a week no problem, and it still isn't a problem. But when it comes to races then there is so much nerves, waiting, stress beforehand and all that takes energy so to get that extra boost of energy i believe a little sugar kick is good. It works for me anyway, and that is what is important :) So with some ben and jerrys in my stomach i was ready to go.

I was there an hour early - so i had 40 minutes before i was going to be let into the gate. And so 2 bathroom breaks (i.e queue 10 minutes, go to the bathroom, wait a few minutes and then the pre caffeine and water intake mixed with nerves begin pressing on my bladder and it is just to stand in line again!! XD)

Then it was some warm up, the "runners vow" & a song before it was time to start running!!! As there were thousands of people running there were many times it got crowded and you had to slow down, a little irritating as its much harder to try to run slow than to run at yor normal pace. But it was just to do some type of obstacle sprint between people to get some more room. The race went quickly and there was a very good atmosphere the whole time - that is what i love about this race/run!! However the course had alot more hills than i remember XD But with quick feet and sort of jumping on my toes (that is the tactic i use) and it was easy to keep going up all the hills... all with the mantra of "it is soon over" haha XD

And finally i made it in with a time of 52.44. Considering how many people there were and how i had to slow down so many times i am happy with that time, of course it would have been nice to be under 50 minutes, but it is hard to do that if you arent one of the first groups where it is those who actually run all the time. But i know next time to take one of the starting groups :) Last year i ran it in 58minutes - though then the crowding was even worse and i had just about recovered from my sprained ankle, but improvement anyway :)

All in all, a really fun race/run!! If you enjoy running, then i do suggest you sign up for some runs... even if its 5km, it is alot of fun and you most often do alot better than when just out running on your own. You get carried away with the music, with the atmosphere and with all the other runners. You also know you have people infront of you and behind you... and when you see the finish line, then it is just to start sprinting with a smile on your face :) But one of the important things with all races is to pace yourself. There will always be people who sprint in the beginning only to lose all energy after 3km, but if you pace yourself and kick it up a notch as the course continues then you will pass so many people who get tired because they went to fast in the beginning!!!

Running photos & running posts (masterpost)

While we were out on the island my step father took a few running photos of me. Though as it was kind of dark at the time the pictures turned out a little blurry i.e 98% of them, and when i look at 99% of the pictures i just cringe at them. hahaha. It's not always easy to see photos of yourself, and trying to look good while running... not easy. But a few turned out ok, so i thought i would share them here :)

Below are a bunch of links to old runnings posts and helpful/advice running posts for those who want some advice regarding running. Such as how to find the right running shoes, how to run in cold weather, how to run 5k/10k, how to run distance etc :)

And how i look when just messing around infront of the camera... i.e the "Behind the scenes"

Running tips and resources
How to find the right running shoes
Intervals, hill intervals, HIIT
How to run long distance
Tips to run 5km or 10km
Running in cold weather
Runnig music tips (read the comments)
How to run your best 5km
Stretches to do after running
Proper running form
Workout/running music (from 2013)
Fitness for beginners
10 mistakes you make when running
Breathing right while running
Beginning to workout again after an eating disorder
Running mistakes
How to make progress with your workouts
Tips for new runners

Running - sometimes you love it. Sometimes you hate it. (Duvnäsloppet)
Running photos - from my half marathon
Talking about my first half marathon
Running is a form of therapy
The freedom of running
The midnight run 2014
Exercise and how i built up strength
Running vlogg

How to find the right running shoes

As you all know i love running and an important part of running is having the right shoes. Trust me... if you have the wrong shoes you can end up with injuries as well as feeling slow and heavy while running. But when you have the proper shoes, that is like half the run!

My suggestion if you want to get more serious with running, go get your running checked to see how you run, how you can improve if necessary and what shoes are best for you. It may be a little expensive, but it is worth it  :) I got it done and got told that i needed special insoles which i needed for both my running and daily shoes. At the time i didnt really have the economy to buy the insoles as they had to be made specially for my feet. But once i start earning my own money i am going to invest in those because i know that i need the insoles and without them i will just be causing damage to my feet, knees and hips and eventually even worse back pain.

So... check out this guide below and if running is something you like and want to continue with, then know that proper shoes is very important!!!

How to run long distance - My tips and advice

The important thing with running long distance is 1) giving yourself enough energy 2) training - doing both long distance (and challenging yourself to run a little further) as well as doing intverals and OFCOURSE 3) rest and recovery time.
 
Dont think that you can run long distance everyday, eat some protein and be able to keep making progress. Or who knows, maybe you can, but i wouldnt suggest it.

I have been running since spring/summer 2012 when i was finally allowed to exercise after roughly 2 years of bedrest. At that point i couldnt even run 1km without having to stop. I had lost all strength, energy and stamina. But after a few months i was able to run a whole 10km, however i also began overexercising and doing too much cardio everyday so i just felt tired and overworked and instead of getting faster and stronger i got weaker and slower and felt unmotivated to run. Then in the beginning of 2013 i began to focus on strength training and cut down on cardio. Focusing on strength training and building muscle in my legs helped alot with my running - when i finally began again - as i was stronger and had more endurance. From summer 2013 to autumn 2014 i wasnt running so much, i did alot of intervals which helped alot and when i had time and motivation i would run. It was in autumn 2014 where i felt all my running motivation come back and i had alot of energy and strength so i then began running longer and i remember when i first ran 15km outside! It felt awesome! With a mix of running distance between 5-15km, doing intervals to increase speed and stamina and leg workouts to increase strength it helped alot with my running. And with the proper fuel i found myself able to run longer and have the energy for it. Since the start of 2015 i have made alot of progress with my running. Eating enough, doing HIIT and getting enough rest and recovery as well as having the ENERGY AND MOTIVATION - those two things are important.


When it comes to running and running long distance there are some important things to think about

1) Your shoes... make sure you have the proper shoes for your feet, otherwise you can just cause pain and injuries.
2) Check your running technique - sometimes you use far more energy than necessary and so that tires you out quickly
3) Practise running outside - running on the treadmill is NOT the same as running outside.

I would suggest doing short runs and HIIT on the treadmill as its good to do variety and then focus on also running outside as that is harder than on the treadmill.

Set up goals for yourself such as tell yourself you will run 5km without stopping and keep that mantra and goal in your head when you run. Though running is also dependant on your form that day... somedays your legs are heavier or breathing is harder and thats ok. Its ok to stop and walk, i still do that some runs. But try to challenge yourself such as take 2-3 more steps when you feel tired, or run 100m more. Keep pushing yourself to build up endurance (HIIT is highly recommended to do this and increase your speed).

Remember to NOT compare yourself to others, everyone starts somewhere and do the best YOU can at that moment. Because somedays are tougher... somedays i cant even manage to run 5km, while other days i could run 25km without problem. So dont forget to also be kind to yourself :)


REST - Key to results. I suggest taking magnesium as that is good for recovery time as well as eating enough carbs before and after your runs. Stretching and foam rolling are great as well. Also massage :) (Running gives you an excuse to get massages from your significant other/family or go to a masseuse)

Nutrition and fuel: Very important things in seeing results. I run in the mornings and dont like to eat alot before i run so i suually carb load the night before meaning that i eat alot of oatmeal, fruit, dried fruit, bread etc and then before my run i eat something light like dried fruit, nuts or some dry oats. Often simple carbs to give me the energy i need during my run. This is my OWN personal preference. It is suggested to eat a proper meal 1-2 hours before you run and if you feel you need it then a snack 30 minutes before your run. But for me, carb loading the night before a long run is what works for me.
   Make sure to eat enough before and after your run as well as getting enough rest so that your body can recover. If you feel that you cant eat enough to run long distance or to run then i would cut down with the running or maybe think about buying some protein powder or a gainer, as that can help you to get enough calories in. Otherwise eat things like oats, bananas, dried fruit, full fat yoghurt, oils, nuts, bread etc
  Remember that FOOD IS FUEL and if you arent fueling your body right then there is no point running - not really anyway. Dont be scared of eating, you wont see the progress you want to if your body and muscles dont have the energy source they need.


How to stay motivated to run?

Good music.
A mantra and goal. If i have set myself the goal to run 20km, then i will be damned if i dont reach that goal... i keep repeating it in my head. Though of course there are times i need to just be honest with myself and realise that no... today i dont think i can run that distance or today i should just rest even if i had planned to run a certain distance. But usually having your goal in your head will motivate you.
Run with someone else.
Think about other things.

DONT think about the distance or time you will be spending running. If i think about 20km as a distance or think about running for 2 hours in a row, then my body and mind just say  no.no.no.no but if i dont think about those things and just think about how awesome it will feel to run and how awesome i will feel afterwards and then enjoy my run then the time just sort of flies by.


Also Find a pace that works for you. You need to pace yourself, there is no point running super fast in the beginning and then having no energy at the end... i know it can be tough to run slower than you want to when you have loads of energy, but it will benefit you. Whenever i run races i always pass loads of people because they run super fast in the beginning and then cant manage that pace and get tired, while i keep a constant pace and then at the end can usually sprint!!

Do hill intervals -  This will help you tremendously with 'hills' when you are running outside :) Also youtube videos on how to run up hills - there is a technique... i sort of jump/run on my toes and so dont feel tired. However some hills it is better to just walk up to save energy, because what goes up must come down... and usually after the hill it is either a downhill or just straight and those are easy to run. And if you walk up the hill you have saved energy so you can run faster :)


Warming up, cooling down and stretching are also important and helpful. It is even more important to warm up if you are running when it is cold outside, otherwise you can cause injuries. And stretching as well as cooling down after a run can help prevent injuries and stiffness the next day.

Also foamrolling is great... its a love-hate relationship and i should do it more often because it is very helpful :)

Also have the proper running clothes, if you are planning on running long distance. The proper running clothes can keep you warm, not be all over the place (i.e baggy) so that they slow you down or weigh heavy as well as they dont cause friction.

Also believe in yourself. Try running several times a week and combining running with yoga/strength training/circuits will help your running even more :) Remember that running is qvery mental, if you think you cant, then you wont be able to. Believe that you can and let your thoughts wonder, dont think about that you hate running or that you arent strong enough, because then those thoughts will affect how you perform. Tell yourself that YOU CAN!

Morning run

Starting off my Sunday with cuddles and kisses followed by a morning run is just about the best thing i know! It is super sunny today and it feels like spring is on its way! Every muscle in my body was calling out to go out for a long run.  To be out in the sunshine and soak up some D vitamin and move my body.
   For the whole hour i ran i was just smiling, it was so beautiful and sunny and wasnt so cold at all. I wanted to run further, just keep running but the road ended so then i had to turn around and run back again!! XD
 
Many people comment that i am a fast runner, i dont personally feel like i am so fast... infact i feel a bit like this:




Hahahha. But running is something i have done in phases since 2012, so 3 years and also doing HIIT helps improve speed and stamina as well as endurance. Running goes in phases for me... at the moment i wish i had time to run several days a week, because then i definitely would. But other times it can go a whole month where i barely run or do HIIT because i just dont feel like it.... but running is something i believe that as long as you do it somewhat regularly then you wont really lose so much stamina or such. But enough rest as well as fuel is important if you want to see results as well as pushing yourself during some runs!!!
   But i absaloutly love running, so its not a pain to take myself out and run. Its a form of freedom and feels so great, both before, during and after!! Hahaha XD

Running isnt for everyone, remember this. If you dont enjoy running, then dont do it. There are other forms of exercise!! Just because one person or 1000 people enjoy running doesnt mean you have to like or do it as well!!

So beautiful!!! Makes it even more fun to run when its a beautiful scenery :)

Now its time to write on my philosophy essay and later i think we're going for a walk in the sunshine or something :)