Moving home

A new year with new challenges yet to be revealed, so a new blog which not only will look better but has better functions and resources.

See you over at seasidestrider.com

Run to the hills

My first decent run since the 1/2 marathon last weekend, I figured that if I want to carry on with the trail running I'd better get out on the trails to increase my endurance, fitness and skills on the terrain.

After much discussion with Sorelimbs and my parents I thought I'd try out the hillside trail that is literally up the run from me and warned my lovely husband that I may be some time!

Now last night he forced me to drink copious amounts of wine so I wasn't in tip top condition, the start of the run is up hill past the nice houses the along a small road and through a gate following a sign saying Prestatyn Hillside. I was already feeling peaky but I persevered and followed the trail. Well it was great a proper trek up the hillside, lots of undulations and steep bits so I kept going until I thought I'd better head back down as I wasn't quite sure where I was.

As I headed back down the hill I eventually came out on to the main road at Meliden, so I headed back home to one kid with a bleeding nose!

Next Sunday I'm going to do the route again but stay on a bit further over Meliden Mountain (Graig Fawr), absolutely loved it and was giggling when I nearly fell over at one stage. Looking forward to the next one.

The end is nigh .....

In October I started doing the level 2 Gym Instructors course, unbelievably I only have 4 more sessions to go before I (hopefully) qualify. I have 3 exams to do - 2 theory and 1 practical where Mr Sorelimbs is dragging his sorry arse along to be my guinea pig!

It's been a brilliant course and I've learnt so much about the body and exercise, my own training has changed dramatically and this year I am working towards being the fittest ever!

So my lovely peeps I need some bodies, serious offer of support to train and achieve your fitness goals so I can get some experience of working with clients. I'm already a qualified Walk and Running Leader if that takes your fancy or wait until I've passed my exams for Gym work or programmes at home.

Looking forward to hearing from you x

Ooh by the way blog will be changing to new host in the near future should be better!

1 mile to go love - yes mate up the f***ing mountain!

On Saturday I complete my 2nd trail run event, the 1st being a nice 6 miles in Delamere Forest on January 2nd (very fresh). This one was a lot different, a 1/2 Marathon following the coastal path of Anglesey - now on the event website it notes that the run will be 'strenuous' if ever there was an understatement then this is one!

I arrived bright and early on the island and waited for a few minutes for my friend Angela as it was her fault, I mean I offered to run with her to raise money for her charity fundraising (see her blog) and we went to register and listen to the safety briefing.

The time soon ticked by and we were off! I really can't remember much of the scenery so if I went back I'd shrug my shoulders coz I ain't got a clue where we ran. We had to concentrate on where to put our feet so we didn't fall off the cliff and the amount of mud filling my trainers was not the most thrilling of experiences but it was brilliant.

We followed the path from Breakwater Country Park to South Stacks, down and round back up to Holyhead Mountain. So when the bloke said don't worry only 1 mile to go he was right, he just didn't say it was over the bloody mountain! Everyone was struggling at this point except the freakishly fit nutters that run up and down hills like they were climbing stairs.

Anyway as you've probably gathered we made it back, it took 3hrs and 26 mins but who cares? We certainly don't.

I have decided that I really like trail runs and will definitely be doing more, no events for me in Feb or March so I'll have to look out for April.

Ooooh I've also joined a running club called the Mysteruns who love doing off road running so hopefully I'll fit in well.

Well done to Angela on completing the first of her 12 mad challenges x

Conwy 1/2 and kit review

It was a chilly but dry day for the Conwy 1/2 Marathon today, I had decided not to run as I wasn't ready for it and didn't want to mess up my training as it's only 62 days until the Coastal 1/2. We went along to support some friends and they did really well. Inspired by the runners, I made myself get out for my run and glad I did as I felt really good. Only did 5 miles but can feel how much better it's getting. Time to build up the mileage on my Sunday runs.

I'm still cycling, doing weights (got some excellent advice from my Gym Instructor tutor) and the Shred DVD so going well.

Gym course is ace learning loads and really enjoying it.

So on to the kit review, a lovely lady from Debenhams sent me an email asking if I wanted to try out some new kit so what else could I say but YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS! She sent me a Grey Vest (racer back with support) and I have to say it does a good job. It has support in the bust area which really does support you well, still need to wear a sports bra of course but I felt comfortable wearing it. It fits well and gives a good shape to your body too.

I tried out the top during a DVD and weights session, I usually sweat buckets and this top's wicking ability from the mesh lining made sure I kept dry. I also tried it out during a run, it was quite chilly out... Baltic in fact... but I hate getting too hot so I just wore the top and a thin waterproof over the top. I was well toasty but never got overheated so again the wicking did it's job. The top is twenty squid which is pretty reasonable for a quality product, it was soft, comfortable and didn't irritate anywhere.

Perfect for a Christmas prezzie, go on you know you want one... it's available in different colours... go on go on go on!