Posts Tagged ‘technique’
October 23, 2016 at 4:12
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Wind and torrential rain greeted runners taking on the Bright10 this year. But it didn’t deter Laura Marshall who ran her first 10 mile race…
I am not sure what persuaded me to enter the Bright10 mile race as previously, I had always set 10km as my upper distance saying I’d never run longer. A lot came down to the fact that it was not a half marathon (too big a leap from 10km in my mind), it was local which meant that I could walk to the event and the encouragement from the fellow Fitbitch community.
As the event neared and I was juggling commuting to London for work, setting up my own business and raising a toddler, I wondered how I was going to manage it. Then, the Fitbitch Learn to Run 10 miles course came along, that included trails, road, hilly and flat runs to help build mileage which also helped me keep to a plan and stay focused.
On the night before the race, I was feeling quite calm but then I awoke to the windows being thrashed with rain, and the wind whistling around the house. Not the weather conditions I really had in mind, cue the nerves. However, I stuck to my morning run plan; breakfast, running outfit, foam rolling, and it totally helped me to calm down. And thankfully, by the time I arrived at the race start, the rain had stopped.
The wind had not alas, and the first two miles were hard as we ran into the wind and it gusted sideways. But then the wind dropped and the sun came out! I ran with a fellow runner which worked well as we both had someone to chat to, which was needed when supporters petered out passed Kemp Town just when you needed them on the climb up to Roedean. Having said, that the coaching tips of “stand tall”, “shoulders back”, “small steps” and “use your arms” had been drummed into us and it helped me get up the hill.
At this point, I should say that it is an entirely road race and at times pretty unattractive if you looked the wrong way – coaches park one way but beautiful sea the other. But the marshals were great and cheering loudly as were the volunteers at the water stations (three in total).
As we headed west from Black Rock, I was familiar with the route and was counting down to the end. The crowds picked up again from the Pier to the finish, with one final double backing by Hove Lawns. “Sprint finish?” said Ness, my running partner. “SPRINT? I’ll go a bit faster,” was my response, although then I went a bit faster still when I saw familiar faces at the end.
It was a great race and I felt amazing to have achieved my ten mile race goal, even with poor weather. And the strangest thing is, that half marathon now doesn’t seem such a big leap!
If you wish to join our community in training for the Brighton or Worthing Half Marathon, our beginners training starts November 6th. Details here.
Race Goody Bag: Haul it or Hoard it?
Well, neither, as there wasn’t one. The medal is a beaut though and we were handed water at the end – I didn’t go for the sports drink on offer or the Clif Bar.
The Good
- Even with the road closures, it was easy to get to and with the Race Village on Hove Lawns, nothing felt cramped.
- Three water stations were ample.
- I thought the double-backing would frustrate me but I enjoyed seeing familiar faces a couple of times.
The Bad
I am glad I didn’t need the toilet as those queues were huge even with a few minutes until the start time.
The Ugly
There was nothing ugly. The day before, someone did mention to me that they no longer to pay to run in their home town/city. I can see their point as a lot of this was very familiar to me but it was the mileage that was my goal.
Labels: #thisgirlcan, beginners running course, brighotn half marathon, Bright10, empowering women, English Athletics, Girls run the world, guided runs, holiday, learn to run, mindfulness, nature, Run leaders, running, South Downs, technique, trail running in Brighton, trails, ukrunchat, Women's only, Women's Sport Foundation,
Categories: Blog - About, Reviews
No Comments »
June 3, 2016 at 1:23
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Running is one of the simplest and easiest ways of getting fit but learning new techniques and ways of running will help you to improve and keep boredom at bay. Here’s how…
When you first start running on one of our Learn to Run 5km courses or perhaps the Couch to 5km that you follow on your phone, it can seem like reaching that 5km is the only goal that you will ever achieve with running and you’ll be happy with it. Yet, little by little, that voice inside your head starts to say, ‘Ooh, it would be nice to run a little bit faster or further.’ Or, alternatively, ‘Why does this STILL feel difficult?’ or ‘If I run this route one more time, I’m going to go insane.’
Small wonder as while we like habits and routines to make us feel comfortable, as humans, we also need stimulus to keep us interested and most importantly to ensure we progress which is vital. Because whether you are competitive or you just run for fun, seeing yourself get faster or run further or simply run the same distance but for it to feel easier is the thing that inspires us to keep running.
So, if you are looking for something that will help you to improve your running, meet others not to mention get your pins looking tip-top for summer, why not try one of our NEW courses launching NEXT WEEK Monday June 6th.
Always wanted to see what it was like to run on an athletics track but been too intimidated to try? Well, now you can with our brand new, fun track sessions at Withdean Stadium.
The sessions are suitable for EVERY level from beginner to the advanced, the sessions will be a mixture of pace and interval work but in the usual Fitbitch style so they’ll have a little twist in the tale to make these sessions fun, innovative and super effective.
When: Mondays, 10am. Pay for the full course or single session drop in. On week one, please meet Tara in reception. Book here choosing courses or drop in as appropriate
Run for the Hills
Nothing gets you fitter or develops your running more than hill repeats. It builds strength in the legs and gluteal muscles and also mental fortitude, one of the most important elements for any runner. This course focuses on helping you to develop the correct technique for running up and down hills. And doing it in a group means it gets done!
This current summer course will also include yoga for runners after every session, weather dependent. This course in particular will get you ready for TrailBlazer 8km (July 30th) the Phoenix 10km, as well as laying the groundwork for any trail half marathons in September.
When: Weds, 7pm, Alternate weeks Hove Park and Preston Park, full course no drop ins
Labels: Athletics, Brighton, coaching, events, Fitbitch, get in shape, hill training, Hove, London, running, running courses, technique, Trickstar, Withdean, women's athletics, women's track sessions, yoga for runners,
Categories: Blog - About, Motivate
No Comments »
June 17, 2015 at 7:00
Posted by Rachael Woolston
For intermediate runners who can run at least 10km, this seven weeks course is part of our Performance segment, aimed at both men and women.
You do NOT need to that you have to be super fit, but it does mean that you need to already be capable of running 10km and run regulary. It does not matter what speed.
Over the course of the seven weeks, we will improve your strength and stability to create a more functional foundation, before progressing on to building speed, stamina and expertise on the up and down of road and off road trail running.
The sessions will be one hour long and will take place on Hove seafront and Hove Park. We won’t be running long distances, but it will include hill repeats.
Any missed sessions can be made up at Hiit SQUAD Uk.
Cost: £70. Book one space and you can bring a friend (who must be new to all of our brands) for free. You will need to book your place first, email us your friend’s name and we will provide an exclusive booking code.
Coach: Lou
Labels: brighton running academy, coaching, hill running, qualified strength running, technique, women's running,
Categories:
No Comments »