Edinburgh marathon from yesterday. 3:26:50, a pb by over 5 minutes, which I am really happy with, but had wanted so much more. . The training went well, and had hopes of eventually getting a representative time for the marathon. After getting drenched on the start line, and for the first hour, the first half was good, coming through halfway on pace for 3hr10. . From about 22k though I just couldn't take any fuel in board, the gels just weren't going down. I did what I could to keep pushing on, but was slowing. By 30k I was still on course for goal B, a sub 3hr20, but everything was hurting, and I had no energy. . From 35k onwards I was done, a short walk to actually make sure I got some gel in me did help, but that was the longest 7k ever. . Had a day to reflect and I am happy with a pb, how can you not be, I just wish it hadn't hurt so much 😂. Thank to @carobrock for the photos, all the driving (especially through a bonkers thunderstorm), and for looking after me at the end. . #EMF2024 # #EdinburghMarathon # #SteelCityStriders #Marathon #UKRunChat #SheffieldRunChat #MedalMonday #RunHappy #Brooks #PB
Manchester 10k all done ✔️ Better time than expected, official 34.49 👌 Happy with the Sub35. Although an out & back course, fairly flat & straight is good for a PB attempt for anyone who has not done it. But great atmosphere, city centre start/finish, good vibes. First time for me & @clarek56 with a last minute entry making most of bank hol. Lucky with weather, forecast rain, was dull but the Sun came out. The Captain ran with Clare. And free fizz at the end, ripper 🥂👌 Top time so far. Fuelled by Pizza & cheeky Saturday beverages 😁 #teambirdseye #sundayrunday #manchester10k #instarunner #igrunner #weekendvibes #instarunner #igrunner #instarun #clubrunner #steelcitystriders #greenandgold
I was hoping for a better photo from this event but it seems I missed every single photographer… 🤦🏼♀️ Tuesday was the return of the annual Rother Valley Relays, so I did my usual trick of signing up and then instantly dreading it. I find 5k so difficult and the pressure of running as part of a team actually makes me really nervous 🤢 But…it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and the FOMO of not going would definitely (probably) have been worse, so off to Rother Valley I went. I had pretty minimal expectations of myself on the start line but was determined to do a better job of pacing this year (ie not set off like an Olympic 400m runner when I got the baton 🤣) so I focused on getting into my ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ place and staying there. It wasn’t comfortable *AT ALL* but I did hang on and was rewarded with a 21 second PB. Although I did then have the baton taken off me “before you’re sick on it love” so I don’t think I made it look very graceful…! 😳 All in all, it was another really fun club event very well organised by @hillsboroughandrivelinrc and well-attended by all the local clubs. There is room for everyone at these events and while there were some breathtakingly fast runs at the top end, there were also some very inspiring performances further down the field too. Did I say never again? Yes I did. Will I do it again? Yes of course I will. So 21:09 is the 5k benchmark for this summer. Maybe the sub-21 dream is alive after all… 👀 #runner #sheffieldrunning #clubrunning #rothervalleyrelays @steelcitystriders01 #steelcitystriders #runningmotivation #myrunninglife #runninggoals #5k #pb #ouchthathurt
Hopefully back to full fitness soon and posting some good times. #running #run #runner #runhappy #steelcitystriders #hillsboroughparkrun #parkrun #parkrunuk #runformentalhealth #runformotivation #runnersworld #runnersworldmag
💚💛 Rother Valley Relays 💛💚 and a shiny new PB for Laura!! This event is always a great one, with over 250 teams from local running clubs competing. Having focused on distance and running for joy over speed recently, knocking a pretty whopping 29 seconds off last year's time (a PB that's stood since, until this week!) was a huge surprise, handing over the baton in 24:02. Jim was on top photographer duty, not quite being back to race fitness just yet, but swipe to the end for an impeccable shot demonstrating Laura's speed 😂 fantastic night representing @steelcitystriders01 and thanks to @hillsboroughandrivelinrc for organising a fantastic night #raceday #racephotography #runnersofinstagram #runstagram #personalbest #peebs #beatyesterday #teamwork #relayrace #steelcitystriders
Great race today on the Run Greno trail race, came 13th overall on a very hot day. Took a wrong turning near the end and had to run back about half a km, ran the hardest I've ever done to regain some time. Thanks again to all the organisers, fellow runners and volunteers! 👏💪❤️🔥 #rungreno #steelcitystriders
Let go of the race you imagined and run the race you are in… 💫 I’ve had some time this week to reflect on the highs and lows of Boston. The highs were high but I’m not gonna lie, there were some pretty difficult moments out there too… 😵💫 Sometimes races just don’t go as you expect them to (for all sorts of reasons) but I really believe that being able to reflect on these experiences in a positive way gives you so much strength moving forward. So I’ve done the decent thing and written a nice long blog article about it 😁 Link in bio if you’re interested 👆 #bostonmarathon #boston2024 #boston128 #runningblog #marathon #marathonrunning #marathonrunner #runningthoughts #runningreflections #runnergirl #run #runlikeagirl #chasingtheunicorn #myrunninglife #steelcitystriders #mindset #pma #justalittlejog
It’s been a very long time since I got a medal, so it’s time for a #medalmonday post! On Sunday I ran Dronfield 10k, my first race since December. I entered at last minute after feeling fed up of missing all the fun races, and I just wanted to get out in my club vest with my @steelcitystriders01 friends. My back and legs had been feeling better, so it felt like a good time to start my comeback and see what I could do. It was freezing cold and pissing it down with rain and I felt really nervous, but I donned my carbons and gave it a good go. It felt really tough on the hills, but I managed to enjoy most of it, and was so chuffed to finish in under 45 minutes, and only 2 minutes slower than my last race on this course in 2022! Hopefully this is the start of better things to come ☺️ #medalmonday #roadrunning #roadracing #dronfield10k #steelcitystriders #comeback
Back at the @dronfield10k on Sunday. Nice to get a 30 second course PB (which dates all the way back to 2016). Some might suggest this is evidence that I’ve not run it well in the intervening attempts. #dronfield10k #steelcitystriders #running #runner #marathontraining #medalmonday
Don’t know why I’m smiling as that was awful 😂 3 1/2 minutes slower than 2 years ago. Big thanks to @gempind for running with me, calming my anxiety and ensuring I got to the start line. I may be the slowest @steelcitystriders01 on the course but the support was awesome from the faster runners as they went past and of course the main cheer lady herself @helen.smith1111 🙌🏻 #strider #steelcitystriders #running #runner #runchat #10k #dronfield10k #slowrunner #runningishard
Laura made a return to the @steelcitystriders01 Tuesday fell group tonight! Since Jim's accident it's been that bit harder to find motivation, especially on more challenging terrain, so it felt a little more out of the comfort zone than it usually would, but the group was so supportive and the route followed one of her favourites up Higger Tor. Beautiful evening and a little reassuring confidence boost 😊 #fellrunning #runstagram #peakdistrict #steelcitystriders #sunsetrun #fellrun #higgertor #headspace #runnersofinstagram #runningcommunity
Over to Heeley to join Steel City Striders 6ish in 60 ish 😊very enjoyable and definitely what the doctor ordered. #steelcitystriders #runforfitness #sheffieldissuper #greatoutdoors
Medal Monday!! After around 18 years of entering the ballot and failing I’m milking yesterday for all it’s worth!! Here’s that beautiful medal for my efforts. I also raised over £1500 for charity so thank you everyone who helped me smash my target! #tcslondonmarathon #steelcitystriders #leonardcheshire #runningat40plus #marathoner
Obligatory flat lay prior to tomorrow’s London Marathon! Excited is not the word!! 😬 Be weird not running in my Striders green and gold as in Charity vest for this one. I’ll be looking out for any striders in the red start at Greenwich Park! #tcslondonmarathon #leonardcheshiredisability #steelcitystriders #brooksrunning #runningat40plus
On Sunday we did the @steelcitytrailten at Whirlow. Gorgeous route through the Limb Valley on a beautiful day with plenty of ups and probably some downs too. Unfortunately Jim took a sizeable tumble around 600m from the end resulting in a large cut to the leg. He picked himself up, finished the race, stopped his watch and promptly (well, when Laura finished, about 10 minutes later!) was rushed to minor injuries... Who concluded it wasn't minor, and sent him to big hospital! 3 days and a surgical procedure to put his shin back on later, he's finally home! On crutches for a while but nothing broken so cross your fingers for him that he's back on both feet soon. (His tattoos are all ok, and he got a sticker for being a big brave boy.) Super grateful for the NHS, as well as to the race organisers who made sure he was safe and looked after both of us. #runnersofinstagram #injuredrunner #raceday #steelcitystriders #steelcitytrail #sheffield #trailrunning #runstagram
Oh Boston…you stole my heart and then tried to break it! I went into this one with the sole aim of enjoying it, and I really expected to. I was excited, relaxed, under no pressure at all and just ready to take it easy and soak up the amazing atmosphere. I assumed that by running comfortably and lapping up the crowds, the enjoyment would be guaranteed. And then the weather turned up… 🥵 Standing on the start line with the sun beating down and everyone frantically applying suncream was a huge change from the chilly winds the day before and I didn’t feel prepared for it. But spirits were still high and the start line chatter was optimistic. Then we started running and by mile 4 I knew I was in for a tough ride. My heart rate was through the roof and I couldn’t regulate my temperature. I spent the next 22 miles desperately trying to manage both so that I could finish! It was a very long mental battle that I wasn’t expecting and I had to dig deeper than I’ve ever dug in a marathon. What an INCREDIBLE experience though. I had more high-fives than I can count, more cheers than I ever imagined, and the most delicious and perfectly-timed ice lolly at mile 23 from a total stranger. The crowds were amazing and seeing my little cheer squad at miles 17 and 25 was the biggest boost of all. Boston really is as special and moving as everyone says it is and I feel so lucky to have experienced it. 3:48:16 - my slowest marathon for quite a long time but without a doubt the one I’m most proud of 🦄 💙💛 #bostonmarathon #marathon #marathonrunner #26point2 #runninggoals #worldmarathonmajors #bostonstrong #steelcitystriders #runnergirl #boston128 #justaverytough26milejog
A sunny morning on Boston Common doing a little shakeout run and soaking up the pre-race atmosphere…which was already electric ⚡️🤩 Goals for tomorrow: A) enjoy it, B) enjoy it, C) enjoy it. I haven’t come all the way over here to have a miserable time or come away with no memories of the sights and the crowds. I’ll run as well as I can but without sacrificing what really matters. Time goals are for another day! @bostonmarathon I am ready and so very, VERY excited 🇺🇸💙💛 #bostonmarathon #itsshowtime #marathon #steelcitystriders #marathonrunner #boston2024 #bostonstrong #bostoncommon #shakeoutrun #letsgo #justalittlejog
Boom! My goal was to get a good for age qualifying time for London 2025 since they lowered the times recently. Goal achieved! Over the moon! As always, massive love and thanks to my amazing family and friends that make it possible and the lovely @steelcitystriders01 Fab support on the course today and very well organised @manchestermarathon #marathonpb #marathonrace #manchestermarathon #steelcitystriders #runningmakesmehappy
It’s been a beautiful morning for standing in the woods pointing 😁 Today’s volunteering was marshaling at @steelcitytrailten at Whirlow. These races have a lovely community feel and are super friendly and fun. I was a bit worried about my marshal spot which required different instructions each time the runners passed me - my guidance began by telling me to ‘keep a cool head’ and that I required ‘great traffic direction skills’! 😭 After a bit of panicking I was able to get my head around what was required and used all my best pointing skills to keep people running in the right direction at the right time. Phew! Nice chat and a coffee afterwards, so an all round good morning. Well done to everyone who ran! ☺️ #steelcitystriders #steelcitytrailten #whirlow #limbvalley #trailracing #trailrunning #running #volunteering #marshal
Well done to all runners that did the Sheffield half marathon today @jillc_kenny @ian.walker333 @kjwong76 @leonie_c_runs @ashm0903 @about.ren @stustustufire_ @steelcitystriders01 Sadly I witnessed the worst road rage and aggression to the @jtrunforall Marshalls at the bottom of Harley road / Ecclesall road South. Grown men should be ashamed of themselves. Thankfully an off duty @policesouthyorkshire officer was there to step in and help with the situation #sheffieldhalfmarathon #running #cheer #cheersquad #steelcitystriders
10% off Award Winning Pizza 💥 SHEFFIELD 1/2 MARATHON RUNNERS Just show your winners medal & get 10% discount off your POST RACE RECOVERY pizza today 🥇 Good luck with your PB! Offer applies April 7th 2024 Sheffield Orchard Square & Broomhill restaurants. Not in conjunction with any other offer. #neapolitanpizza #proovepizza #orchardsquaresheffield #sheffieldhalfmarathon #sheffieldhalf #steelcitystriders #totleyac #cityofsheffield #hallamshireharriers #sheffieldtriathlonclub
10% off for Marathon Runners 🏃 Join us this weekend for a 'Carb Loading' Saturday or 'Recovery' Sunday! 10% off pizza when you show your SHEFFIELD HALF MARATHON race number or winners medal🥇 Proove Orchard Square & Broomhill April 6th & 7th 2024 #sheffieldhalfmarathon #sheffieldhalf #steelcitystriders #totleyac #cityofsheffield #hallamshireharriers #sheffieldtriathlonclub #neapolitanpizza #orchardsquaresheffield
The Trunce 1! Fantastic little race in Oxsprings near Barnsley. 6ish km of mud, steeep hills and three river crossings. Came 10th in my age category and got a bust up knee for my efforts 😁 Bring on the Trunce 2 in a few weeks time! #steelcitystriders
#steelcitystriders 💛💚❤️💚💛
Yesterday was a 2 race kinda day. Runner Vs Steam in the morning, and Trunce in the evening. . The morning was fun, racing with @tessabelle82, losing to the train, and getting a very nice soft flask as a memento. . Trunce is always fun, pushed it a bit more than the morning, maybe too far as went for an unplanned swim in the river 🫣. Not seen the river so high, or the paths so muddy. Drenched, but loving it, and so happy for Trunce to be back. . Two different races, two different levels of effort, but pretty much the same average pace 🤔. . #SteelCityStriders #UKRunChat #SheffieldRunChat #Trunce #PeakRail #RunnervsSteam #Matlock #Oxsprings #StravaRun #Spring #RunHappy
Congratulations to Joni and Jamie, who completed their first half marathon distance runs today. 🥳🎉👏👏👏 . For the past 8 weeks, coaches Steph, Ian, Zoe, Tessa and I have been hosting the first @steelcitystriders01 10km to Half Marathon course. There's a regular group of about 15, most of which are running the Sheffield half marathon next Sunday. However, two of the group are unable to race next week so, today they completed their first half marathon to become our first graduates from the course. . Well done, you both did amazing. . And good luck to the rest of the group next week, you're all going to be great. See you on Sunday. . #SteelCityStriders #SheffieldRunChat #SheffieldHalfMarathon #UKRunChat #StravaRun #HalfMarathon
Need somewhere to showcase your new ultra-lightweight running vest? Then look no further! Save the date for the return of the Steel City Mile, further details and registration to follow... #steelcitystriders #steelcitymile
Next up: Whirlow Woods. Sunday 14th April. 9:30 start. A lovely route through woodland old and new! This is a fabulous route for spring and the felled Rough Standhills plantation has been replanted with new broadleaf trees so you'll be able to see new native woodland slowly arriving 🌱 Meet at the first carpark as you enter Whirlowbrook Park (what3words best.apply.pencil) for registration. As always we're after volunteers for marshaling/timekeeping/course setup so please fill in the form on our highlights or drop us a message to let us know if you can help out! The cafe, The Shelter, is also now open for refreshments afterwards!! ☕ Hope to see you there! #steelcitytrailten #steelcitystriders #whirlowbrookpark #theoutdoorcity #trailrunningsheffield #10ktrail
Representing @steelcitystriders01 this weekend at @allypallyparkrun. A hilly, trail-ly winter course, with some great views across the city of London. #parkrun #steelcitystriders #parkruntourist #parkrunrourism #allypallyparkrun
Final long run done ✅ 20 miles ticked off this morning, after a fair amount of procrastination. I’d kind of convinced myself I didn’t really ‘need’ to do this run, but the sensible part of my brain knew that it was on the plan for a reason and that I’d regret not doing it. I set off with no particular route in mind (not recommended unless you’re quite good at judging distance!) and got back to my front door in 20.07 miles, so luckily that worked out well! 🤪 As I was trotting along in my own little bubble of running thoughts, I realised that this particular block of marathon training has been the first one that I’ve really felt on top of all the way through. Of course it’s been quite tiring but nowhere near as all-consuming as previous marathons. I’ve enjoyed the long runs and they haven’t wiped me out as much they used to. I’ve enjoyed the speed work and the variety of sessions. I’ve enjoyed the focused gym work with @thept_tom and how much stronger I feel for it. But most of all I’ve enjoyed the balance - getting the work done but not to the detriment of all else. Running can very easily become an obsession, especially with a big race to train for, but I feel quite happy with my approach this time. And that’s maybe due to the nature of the goal, too. Boston will be a celebration, a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the family. I don’t really care what the clock says when I finish, and that’s made the whole training process quite relaxed really! We always bang on about knowing your ‘why’. It helps you dig in when it gets tough but it also helps you maintain some perspective too. So, just the taper to navigate now (and let’s not forget that I have a history of terrible tapers, so we’re definitely not in the clear yet! 🤣) #marathontraining #bostonmarathon #bostonmarathontraining #roadtoboston #marathonrunner #whyirun #knowyourwhy #runnergirl #runstrong #tapertime #sundayrunday #longrundone #myrunninglife #steelcitystriders #justafewlittlejogstogo
In a bizarre turn of events I nailed the race pics, clearly 4.5km is my distance 😂 #northernroaadrelay #steelcitystriders #thisgirlcan #thisgirlcanrun #rungoals #runmotivation #ukrunchat #ukrunning #runnersofinstagram #womensrunningcommunity #instarun
Northern 6 Stage Relay 💚💛 Wind, rain and mud made it more like a cross country than a road relay but a fab day with a fab team! Can't wait to see the race pics, my stock of horrendous ones from last weekend is running low 😂 #steelcitystriders #girlpower #thisgirlcanrun #ukrunchat #ukrunning #runnersofinstagram #womensrunning #womensrunningcommunity #rungoals #runmotivation
Fun morning out at Wilmslow parkrun, puddles and mud everywhere, but a friendly launch of volunteers. After driving through the sleet, wind, and hail, it turned out quite nice for the run. That's parkrun 240, location 60. Not long before a new t-shirt. . #parkrunTourist #parkrun #SteelCityStriders #UKRunChat #Wilmslow #SheffieldRunChat #StravaRun
📍Home First race of the year done this past Saturday. Race on a Saturday? Yep! Wingerworth Wobble is 4.66 miles with a mixture of road and trail (mainly trail) oh and plenty of mud due to the weather we've had these past couple of weeks (or should that be months). Had lots of fun running around the village I lived in for over 25 years. One for next year's calendar.. Next up, Chesterfield 10k (another home run) this coming Sunday. #steelcitystriders
🏅 Hoodie Monday 🏅 (that’s a thing, right??) As always, no medal from Ashby but a lovely hoodie instead. And this year it is actually a colour I like too which is a bonus! Pretty tired legs today, as expected, but feeling really happy with how it went yesterday. I set off too fast but as the first couple of miles are downhill it’s very hard not to. And then once I’d settled in I was feeling good so I (stupidly) carried on at a pace that I knew was extremely optimistic. 10 miles passed and a 10 mile PB was clocked. 13.1 miles passed and a half-marathon PB was clocked. Then mile 14 arrived and I realised I’d made life difficult for myself 😬 There felt like a looooong way still to go and my legs were not thanking my early optimism. I was cross with myself, too. I know better than to go out too fast! But sometimes you have to speculate to accumulate, so I had another gel, got my head down and talked myself through each remaining mile. It wasn’t easy or particularly pretty but somehow I just about held onto the pace and had enough left at the end to get up the last horrible hill back to the finish line. A PB and 16th/600 women. The gamble paid off 😮💨 Could I have sustained that pace for another 6.2 miles? No. But is there maybe a bit more in the tank for future marathons? I think there might be… (Not Boston though - that is definitely all about the party! 😁) Overall, @ashby20roadrace delivered once again. It’s a brilliant race - well organised, well marshalled and such a positive atmosphere all the way around. Even on that last hill!! 😅 #ashby20 #steelcitystriders #runnergirl #runlikeagirl #marathontraining #roadtoboston #bostonmarathontraining #runninggoals #runninginspiration #endurancerunning #myrunningjourney
#STEELCITYSTRIDERS 💛💚❤️💚💛
Completed the Retford half marathon on Sunday in 1 hour 48 min. On the way home i had the phone call i never wanted to hear saying my grandad was dying. I had a second call while I was 10 minutes away from the hospital saying he had already passed away. My grandad always was proud of anything I did and my nan said grandad would have wanted me to go for the run. Cannot express my feelings or the cloud lingering over my head. Love you grandad this marathon is for you ❤️ #adidas #adidasmarathon #manchestermarathon #adidasmanchestermarathon2024 #run #running #race #sprint #runner #runnerthoughts #runnersofinstagram #runners #race #runningshoes #runningcommunity #amateurrunner #runforfun #halfmarathon #halfmarathontraining #10k #5k #race #retfordhalfmarathon #retford #sheffield #steelcitystriders
It was a pleasure to see Dot Kesterton at Millhouses parkrun on Saturday and present her with her club record certificates for 5 miles and 10k. Dot is such an inspiration to all of us, please join me in congratulating her on these achievements #steelcitystriders
Retford Half Marathon today was tough, finished in 90:07. Second time here and second time I've fallen apart in the second half. Still, 3 minutes better than last time, and always good to catch up with club mates. . Oh well, 11 weeks to get ready for #EdinburghMarathon, plenty time to turn things around, I'm sure it will happen. . #SteelCityStriders #MarathonTraining #InstaRunner #StravaRun #Garmin #Running #Marathon #Run #Brooks #Strava #RunLife #SheffieldRunChat #UKRunChat #Track #Reps #LongRun #HalfMarathon
#MedalMonday and first of the year... Leicester 10k yesterday, great weekend away, good explore, meander, few cheeky beverages, fox spotting & good food 👌 Tried the new Adios 8's, not bad, think I'll have to get used to the newer design of shoes nowadays, gone are the old flats.... Anywho, good to get a race in the legs, daunting at first having done one for a while, but good once going 😁 #Leicester10k #weekendrunning #raceday #igrunner #instarunner #fitfamuk #runner #racebling #myreasontorun #runninggoals #steelcitystriders #clubrunner
A few more pics from Saddleworth 10 Res Fell marathon, photo credits to Steve and Rob, what great day with great people. My kit was great, never got cold despite -5 degrees temperatures and my shoes were spot on for grip, even in the snow and bogs! #steelcitystriders #craggrunner #merrelleu #merrellshoes
Roll on Spring and Summer running. #running #run #steelcitystriders #runformentalhealth #runforlife #runnersworld #runnersworldmag #runner
Leicester 10k all done 🤟 35.30 chip time, better than expected to be honest. Thought maybe the 36-37min mark given lack of speed work and racing since last year. Cold morning but great for running in. A handy Spoons just by the start/finish was handy for a pre race brew & warm up 😁 New shoes were tried out, a good purchase from Matt & the team at @myracekit_north Always tend to stick to Adidas... models have changed so much over the years! Good catchup with clubfolk too, all in all a great weekend away in Leicester, good craft brews, food and a little run with Sunshine 👌 Happy Sunday peeps #sundayrunday #raceday #steelcitystriders #Leicester10k #instarunner #igrunnner #runwithothers #clubrunner #fitfamuk #justrun #myreasontorun #traininggoals #roadtobrighton #10k #awayday
We’ve had some brilliant social runs over the last few weeks and the numbers joining has grown, particularly given that entry numbers to the Steel City 60 has trebled over this time last year! Now that we’ve opened up a 30 mile option, we’re almost at capacity, so anyone looking to join us on May 4th should enter asap 👍 #steelcitystriders #kimberworthstriders #hallamshireharriers #hillsboroughandrivelinrc #teamvalleyhillrunners #stocksbridgerunningclub #barnsleyharriers #rotherhamharriers #maltbyrunningclub #killamarshkestrels #sheffieldrunningclub #sheffieldveganrunners #totleyac #darkpeakfellrunners #dronfieldrunningclub #rotherhamrunningclub #sheffieldforum #visitsheffield #ultrarunningmag #ultrarunningcommunity #trailrunningassociation #trailrunningcommunity
🏅Medal Tuesday🏅 (because Monday was too busy!) The Wombwell 5 is a 5 mile road race starting and finishing on a go-kart track 🏁, which is fun on the first lap and slightly less fun on the last lap 🤪 I’ve never actually raced 5 miles before but it was exactly as I was expecting it to be - somewhere between the lung-destroying effort of a 5k and the equally painful suffer-fest of a 10k. Would I rather run a marathon? Yes. But was it over relatively quickly? Also yes. I was aiming for 7 minute miles and came in with an average pace of 6:59, so in terms of race plan I was pleased with how it went (although the mile 2 hill gave me a LOT to think about…) But as it was my first ever 5 mile race I was guaranteed a PB anyway which is always a bonus, as was the bottle of wine I walked away with for being an old lady 😁 All in all, a fun morning out with running friends, a great medal and, once it was over, actually quite an enjoyable race. Back to the long ones now though… #wombwell5 #5miler #medalmonday #medaltuesday #clubrunning #racerecap #sheffieldrunners #runnergirl #steelcitystriders
My first time at Wombwell 5 mile race, and first time running on a go kart track (well at least for some of it anyway). Had come into it hoping for under 32mins, so was a little disappointed at 32:10, but struggling with achilles issues, and not done any speedwork in a couple of weeks. . National cross country next week, can't wait. . #SteelCityStriders #SheffieldRunChat #UKRunChat #StravaRun #Wombwell5 #MarathonTraining #RunnersOfInstagram #InstaRunner
Post Norovirus run - an empty soul destroying run. To graves and round from home feeling strong through this run. Slow run at marathon pace aiming 10 minute miles + up to 11 minute miles. Remember slow and steady wins the race. The difficulty of training for the marathon as im much more catered towards shorter burst activities with my pb 5k at 18 minutes and 10k at 42 minutes I’m used to shorter runs at speed. That has been the greatest challenge of adapting the mind and body for the muscles to work as slow twitch fibres. Difficulty: 6/10 Effort: 7/10 Snacks and drinks: Dextrose tablet 3 mile intervals and electrolyte tablet @appliednutrition in my camel backpack. @manchestermarathon @adidasrunning @newbalancerunning @garminuk @garminrunning #running #runningmotivation #runningcommunity #runningman #runninglife #run #marathon #marathontraining #uk #adidas #newbalance #appliednutrition #sis #race #10k #5k #halfmarathon #3mile #6mile #13mile #26miles #fitness #treadmill #treadmillworkout #treadmillrunning #sheffield #sheffielduk #uk #yorkshire #steelcitystriders #usa
The longest i have ever run on a treadmill. The treadmill cut off half way through was supposed to be doing 26km which i did on the belt speed at 10k/ph. However the watch reads 19 mile it calculates correctly. During the run i watched 2 episodes of the peaky blinders 😂😂 as you know the treadmill is very dull and boring and mentally challenging. Really proud ❤️ said a few prayers during my run as a time for reflection ✝️ Cannot wait for @manchestermarathon Difficulty: 9/10 Effort: 9/10 Snacks and drinks: @scienceinsport gels x2 dextrose tablets x4 and electrolyte tablet from @appliednutrition Feeding regime: gel - 6 mile interval gradual consumption over a mile. Dextrose tablet every 3 miles interval over 1 mile consumption. Im ready for you @manchestermarathon @adidasrunning @newbalancerunning @garminuk @garminrunning #running #runningmotivation #runningcommunity #runningman #runninglife #run #marathon #marathontraining #uk #adidas #newbalance #appliednutrition #sis #race #10k #5k #halfmarathon #3mile #6mile #13mile #26miles #fitness #treadmill #treadmillworkout #treadmillrunning #sheffield #sheffielduk #uk #yorkshire #steelcitystriders #usa
Parkrun no250 tee shirt framed. Thanks to Adam and Claire for a great surprise. #hillsboroughparkrun #parkrun #parkrunuk #steelcitystriders #steelcitystriders01 #runner #running #running
Parkrun no250 done. Great run with my son and his wife. #run #running #hillsboroughparkrun #runforlife #rungormentalhealth #runforlife #steelcitystriders #sheff #sheffield
Shirebrook Valley Nature Reserve Sunday 25th February 9:30 We love this one! A beautiful and varied course around an underappreciated area of our beautiful #outdoorcity Get down to our first run of the 2024 series! Only 6 this year so make sure it's in your diary. Don't forget your lifetime number (just write it on paper if you've lost it!) and £2 towards local conservation groups. Best 4 scores of the 6 runs count towards your total, so why not start off volunteering for bonus points?! We're always on the lookout for marshalls or timekeepers so let us know via the link in our highlights if you're able to help! 📢 Spread the word! Let's make this one our biggest yet! Remember all are welcome! Fast, slow, seasoned club runners and people just getting started. We are super inclusive and love to see new faces at our runs. Just remember they are approximately 10k and often involve a muddy hill or two! #steelcitytrailten #steelcitystriders #trailrunningsheffield #shirebrookvalley #urbantrails
Ok, so I've had some time to reflect on my shiny new PB gained at Dewsbury 10k yesterday and here's my thoughts. I am really proud to have got that time, and I know I was both capable of and deserving of a PB, but I didn't have a good run yesterday. It was a real mental battle and I am sure I can go faster. I didn't enjoy the training or lead up to this, and it's SO dependent on what happens on the day. Overall, I don't think mentally striving for this kind of PB is good for me. I put so much pressure on myself yesterday, the race itself felt so hard, I cried on the start line and the main feeling I had on crossing that line was relief. I'll be focusing more on runs that bring me joy & give me a different kind of challenge moving forwards. And if that means I get a bit faster - great! But if not, I choose not to be defined by my times. I'm still a runner. And you know what? I might not be the fastest, but I think I'm a pretty good one. Normal gal, busy life, chasing the good vibes. They mean more than what the stopwatch says. Now, back to the trails... I've got an ultra to prepare for! #dewsbury10k #raceday #roadrunning #runnersofinstagram #moveyourmind #mentalhealthmatters #newpb #getoutside #runstagram #runspiration #runlife #runhappy #personalbest #steelcitystriders
A few from today's Dewsbury 10k! Morning out on the @steelcitystriders01 party bus to run on a dual carriageway to Batley and back. It's not the most inspiring of races but it's a great PB potential course (aka pretty flat), and we both managed to come away with personal bests for the distance. Hard, horrible and ultimately very rewarding. We're now waving goodbye to fast road efforts for a while and moving back to the trails ready for the next challenge... And we can't bloody wait!! #runnersofinstagram #runstagram #steelcitystriders #running #raceday #racephotography #dewsbury10k #peebs #runhappy #MoveYourMind #personalbest
Parkrun no 249 the big one next weekend 250🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️ #hillsboroughparkrun #steelcitystriders #run #running #runformentalhealth #sheff #sheffield #keepthefaith #keeponrunning #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity
Northern Cross Country for @steelcitystriders01 today at Sedgefield. It wasn't hilly, there was only a bit of mud, but it was still tough. Not enough of us for a men's team, but our women's team finished 4th 😮👏👏 . Loving the lyrics dotted around the course. All to do with running too, nice touch. . On to Dewsbury 10k next week #BringItOn . #StravaRun #SteelCityStriders #CrossCountry #Sedgefield #SheffieldRunChat #UKRunChat
We've had such a great response about our Steel City 60 route, especially the second half, that we've decided to open up entries for a half distance...so welcome to the Steel City 30! 3901ft of ascent with the first 10 miles featuring Totley Moor, Burbage Edge and Stanage Edge, all offering terrific views and terrain! We've added a page to www.steelcity60.co.uk and entries are now open on Si Entries. We think this is a superb ultra route in it's own right! #goytvalleystriders #glossopdaleharriers #rotherhamharriers #rotherhamrunningclub #clowneroadrunners #worksopharriers #barnsleyharriers #sheffieldcommunity #trailrunnermag #ultrarunninguk #hallamshireharriers #trailrunningcommunity #teamvalleyhillrunners #killamarshkestrels #ldwa #hillsboroughandrivelinrc #stocksbridgerunningclub #sheffieldrunningclub #kimberworthstriders #ultrarunningcommunity #sheffieldforum #visitsheffield #dronfieldrunningclub #sheffieldveganrunners #veganrunnersuk #totleyac #steelcitystriders #theoutdoorcity #handsworthroadhogs #trailrunningassociation
Parkrun no247. Cold, wet and very windy. Perfect running weather 💨🌧🌪 #running #run #keepthefaith #runformentalhealth #runforlife #steelcitystriders #hillsboroughpark #hillsboroughparkrun #steelcity #sheffield #runforfun
Laura spent the morning at Snake Summit being @steelcitystriders01 Trigger cheer squad - it was absolutely glorious when we got up there but the fog soon rolled in! Jim was taking on the 38ish km challenge and absolutely smashed his goal coming in under 5 hours. Great day had by all, runners and supporters alike - was amazing to see the @spinerace runners at the start of their adventure too! #fellrunning #runnersofinstagram #trigger #triggerfellrace #runstagram #pennineway #peakdistrict #adventure #steelcitystriders
We both picked up a medal at last night's @steelcitystriders01 AGM for our achievements in 2023! Laura scooped the female "Long Distance Strider" award for miles raced across the year 🏆 (Jim was 3rd in the men's medal table 🥉) and Jim came 2nd 🥈 in the #fellrunning club championships! A great night, a top notch buffet and a brilliant way to round off a fantastic year off adventure and positivity. Well done to all our clubmates too! #steelcitystriders #runnersofinstagram #mentalhealthmatters #runningwithfriends #runstagram #runspiration
Thanks to everyone who came to the AGM tonight, we really appreciate so many people taking the time to come along. Here’s the pictures of our worthy winners and record holders Looking forward to another year 💚💛💚 #steelcitystriders
This means a lot. A memento of a year where I overcame a dreadful period of mental health, made myself proud, and had the absolute best time doing it in so many wonderful places. I begin 2024 feeling the most "me" I ever have - strong, confident and ready for the next challenge. Running has played an enormous part in that. Thank you to my amazing @steelcitystriders01 clubmates for being the best inspiration, cheer squad and occasional competition there is 💚💛 PS swipe for my running "Trophy Cabinet", which had quite the hiatus from 1995 to 2021 😂 #steelcitystriders #runnersofinstagram #runningcommunity #runstagram #sheffield #mentalhealthmatters #runhappy #longdistancestrider
2023 race mementos! (Plus a full packed lunch, long since eaten, and my Clowne hoodie which doesn't fit in the photo). 45 races, plus a looped endurance event and a time trial. Furthest distance raced by any woman in @steelcitystriders01 over the year. 2 and a half days spent and 1.5x the height of Everest climbed in races alone! Now, what will the next challenge be... #runnersofinstagram #runstagram #runlife #steelcitystriders #longdistancestrider #runspiration #runhappy #adventure
A first class way to end the year - the traditional @steelcitystriders01 training run from Fairholmes on New Year’s Eve attracted a great crowd this year. #running #runner #steelcitystriders #fairholmes #peakdistrict
2023 was simply marvellous. 🥰 Yes, there were a couple of setbacks along the way but the positives far outweigh them! Especially ticking off that major bucket list item 👆🏻. So much 🩷 for my running family too… it’s been great to see so many smashing their goals over the last 12 months and I can’t wait to see what is yet to come, for us all. 🙌🏻 HNY… Let’s go get 2024! 🎉🎉 #Running #sherunssheffield #runninggirl #sheffield #runner #runhappy #steelcity #steelcityrunner #runnergirl #yorkshire #seenonmyrun #sheffieldrunner #sheruns #run #runhappy #runsheffield #instarun #runningcommunity #fortheloveofrunning #runaddict #runnersofinstagram #UK #citylife #getoutside #steelcitystriders #hny
Today is the very last day we'll have the hats and puddings. Lots of people have come to collect, from farther afield than you'd think... 🌎 Thanks to everyone who came in to pick up theirs. We've enjoyed chatting to you. Hopefully you now know we're here and we will see you next time you need any bits of kit 😍 #sheffield #sheffieldrunning #sheffieldrunners #runnersofsheffield #sheffieldrunchat #steelcitystriders #percypud #percypud10k #runnersofinstagram #runnersofsheffield @steelcitystriders01 @upandrunninguk
Another enjoyable annual New Year’s Eve run from Fairholmes this morning! Happy new year all #steelcitystriders
Parkrun 2023. On to 2024 hopefully with more to come 🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️ #run #runnerscommunity #steelcitystriders #hillsboroughparkrun #steelcity #parkrunuk #parkrunning #runformentalhealth #runforlife #runforfun #beardedrunner