Last week of maternity leave

Hello Fudgey friends,

How are you all?

Well last week was my last full week of maternity leave & today my last day - back to the world of the employed tomorrow.

Where have the last 10 months gone...just flown by....can't believe our beautiful baby girl will be 9 months at the weekend.


RUNNING UPDATE

A pretty poor & disappointing running week.

Wednesday - Got my run in before 8am as dropped little Miss Bug at nursery in my running gear & went straight from there 3.2km done.

Thursday - found out I'd been unsuccessful for the 3rd year in the vlm ballot - see my post here

Sunday - for a number of reasons had to withdraw from the Linlithgow 10k - see my post here
I did attempt a run on Sunday evening & I know I made the right decision re the 10k as it was just simply awful. Managed 5.2k but was wrecked.

I am now planning taking a week off from running as I settle back into work but I am hoping to maybe jump on the bike later in the week & start doing some core work again.

MUMMY & BUG NEWS

A strange week as we treated it as if I was back at work & the wee one started nursery........

Monday - swimming lesson, then young Bug went to Granny & Papa's & stayed overnight. Mr Fudgey & I went for a fantastic meal at McKirdy's in Edinburgh.

Tuesday - felt strange waking up without the baby monitor & the wee voice babbling away. I had a beauty appointment in the morning & then Granny, Papa & I took Miss Bug to nursery for her first official day. She went in no problem at all but when I went to get her at 5.30pm was shattered & had only slept 30 minutes.....the result....

Wednesday - nursery in the morning, Daddy Fudgey & I both took her & again she went in quite happily, hardly giving us a backwards glance. I got my run in & then after showering & having breakfast headed for the shops for some new work attire & new shoes. Granny & Papa picked little Bug up at lunchtime, she'd had a fairly good day & eaten all her lunch but was very upset when they picked her up...again had hardly slept....like her Mum she is too nosey. I collected her from Granny & Papa in the afternoon.

Thursday - haircut for going back to work & weigh clinic for the wee one. she is now 16 pounds 2oz.

Friday - baby group in the morning, & a really lovely lunch with Kat, Graeme & Matthew. Madam was off to her Grandparents again as I had a wee night out. Thank you again. It was not a late night for me - home by 8.30pm & I think I was in bed before 10pm.

Saturday - after picking up Buggy Boo it was just a quiet day at home, she had great fun making a new friend though





Sunday - a lovely quiet day at home just the 3 of us. Love my wee family so much.

And that was our week ;-)

Take care everyone

love

Fudgey x x x

Linlithgow 10k - Entry Withdrawn

Hello Fudgey Friends,

It's been a busy & emotionally draining week with little Miss Bug starting nursery & my imminent return to work, so I decided mid week that I was not going to run today.

Mr Fudgey was angry with me & told me I was doing it but by Saturday I was neither physically or emotionally in a state to run today.

I haven't been drinking any water at all so am quite dehydrated & definitely haven't been eating enough either.

My back has been niggling & I also haven't slept well all week.

I know 100% that I made the right decision to withdraw today, as I don't want to start back work on Tuesday completely knackered. There will be other races.

love
Fudgey xxxx

Virgin London Marathon 2014 Ballot Result

 

 

Unsuccessful in the London marathon ballot for the 3rd year in a row.

 

Pretty gutted as I really felt 2014 was the year for me, however I do have a place for the Edinburgh Marathon in May 2014 so shall concentrate on that.

 

 

 

lots of love

Fudgey xxx



Scottish Gas 10k Race Report

Hello Fudgey Friends,

As promised race report from Sunday's 10k

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED EVENT

Pre Race Preparation

This event was very different to quite a lot I have entered, it wasn't organised by a big money grabbing organisation (sorry Bupa runs / Nova International) It was organised by Edinburgh Athletics Club. There were 5k & 10k options available & entry was only £16. Unlike other events there weren't loads of pre race emails & no postage of race number & chip - this was collected on the day.

I got myself organised on Saturday night, laid out running kit, belt pouch, safety pins, gloves & cap. I also laid out little Miss Bug's clothes.

On Sunday morning I was actually up before Miss Bug & had her milk & breakfast made, my breakfast smoothie of almond milk & banana made & myself dressed & 95% ready to go.

Miss Bug woke & had her breakfast & then family Fudgey headed to Granny & Grandpa's house. Granny looked after our little princess while Grandpa took Mr Fudgey & I to the race.

Pick up for race numbers & the start of the race were at the Scottish Gas building at Granton, there was plenty parking provided at Telford college & was well sign posted as well as parking in the Morrisons right beside Scottish Gas.

I was dropped off & collected my number, it was really bright & sunny but very very windy, too windy to hang around for 40 minutes so we had a wee look around Morrisons, heading back over to the start about 9.45am for a 10am start.

The collection of numbers & chips was really well organised & moved really quickly & all the volunteers were friendly.

The Race

One of my first observations of the field was that there were no obvious fun runners & the general age of the field seemed to be young, though there were plenty of seniors too but everyone looked like a 'serious' runner. I therefore started right at the very back of the field.

10am sharp we were off, I knew I was running faster than I had in training but was conscious to hold back a bit, as it was quite a small event - about 500 runners, there was no congestion at all & the field spread out quite quickly.

The course was mostly flat & fast....apart from a wee incline at the last km.

It was pretty much a race of 2 halves. The first 5k was head on into the wind towards Cramond along the promenade & was tough going & I was glad I had chosen not to wear my cap it would be in the water if I had, a few times I wanted to stop & walk, more because of the wind than running ability but I pushed on. Through 5k in 33 minutes 44 seconds. (Edinburgh 5k in July was 34 minutes 56 seconds)

At 5.5k there was a water station, I had a 500ml bottle of water that I had from the start so declined the water.....also as it was in cups & I have still not mastered the art of drinking from a cup while running other than chucking it over myself!

At the turn back I expected the wind to be behind me..... NO the second half of the run was blazing sunshine & now I was wanting my cap. I ran really well & consistently till 7k & that was where I had to start digging deep, however I did realise that I was more than likely to be sub 70 minutes & my expectation had been nearer 75 minutes so that was a big motivator, my training & determination are paying off.

It was fantastic to see the finish line & see the Fudgey support team cheering.

Again the bonus of a small event you pretty much get your own glory finish without too many other runners around you & in my case on my own.

Official time 1 hour 9 minutes 25 seconds.

 

 

 

Post Race

 

At the finish area, there were volunteers taking chips & then I received a Scottish Gas bag which contained a sweatband purse, I also got a cereal bar & a banana, a t shirt & had 2 cups of juice. No banana in the photo I ate it immediately,  I'm quite easy to please give me a banana post race & I'm a happy girl.....though wee request to any race organisers , sponsors, donors.... some coconut water too & I would be in heaven :-)

Some people will look at that & think it's a poor goody bag, but it is probably actually one of my favourites. No leaflets promoting races, sponsors etc. No crap you don't want or need. The t shirt is a really good quality technical t shirt. Only criticism no small sizes by the time I finished.....but guess that just means I need to run faster next time.

 

Overall opinion & feedback to EAC

 

Brilliantly organised event, great start & finish venue, great parking facilities, km markers in the correct places, great marshalls out of course & volunteers making it all possible, great goody bag - all for £16 - absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend this event to any of my running friends.

 

If I was pushed really hard to give a negative on this I'd really struggle, the only thing I can think of is that it maybe isn't the 'friendliest' event but equally it isn't 'unfriendly' I think it is just that the vst majority of participants were serious runners & club runners .....however this shouldn't put anyone off, I am just trying to give a balanced opinion & my personal views.

 

I would certainly come back & take part in this again next year.

 

 

Again Thank you to my hubby and to Mum & Dad Smith - I couldn't do this without all your help & continued support.

 

 

lots of love

Fudgey xxxx

 

 

 

 

I did it :-)

Hello Fudgey Friends,

Yesterday was my 1st 10k run since having Baby Bug & I did it - yippee :-)
A full race report will follow later for those that are interested. This is just a quick post with a round up of another packed week for us.


RUNNING UPDATE

Only planned to run on Tuesday & Thursday & then rest ahead of Sunday's event. As usual didn't quite go as planned......


Tuesday - 5.3km run, was really not in the mood by the time the wee one went to bed, been feeling tired with so much rushing about the last few week & it showed in my run, it was a plod but I got it done. I think it may well be time to look out the base layer & running gloves as it is certainly turning very cold now.

Wednesday - no running but pain in my right ankle joint & leg :-( Thankfully chiropractor in afternoon so got him to try & fix me.....

Thursday - to run or not to run? I wasn't sure if I should test the ankle / leg ahead of Sunday but was scared if it was still sore that would be me out of Sunday & I would have been gutted at that. So just a short 3.3km but it felt pretty good - chiropractor fixed me :-)

Friday - no aches or pains at all but starting to get anxious about Sunday

Sunday - Scottish Gas 10k....completed 69 minutes. Full race report will follow but massive Thank you to the Fudgey Support Crew. Granny Fudgey for Bug minding services, Grandpa Fudgey for transport & cheering & long suffering Mr Fudgey for photography & generally putting up with me & of course can't forget Coach Bug!









MUMMY & BUG NEWS

Another packed week for us....

Monday - Swimming as usual, then rather than my usual rushing around in the afternoon when Bug was with Granny & Grandpa, I had a lovely massage, facial & healthy lunch at Houston House Hotel - this was a voucher from Mr Fudgey from March & I was finally fitting it in before it expired - Thank you very very much it was fudgeytastic.

Tuesday - Bug had her second settling in session at nursery & all seemed to go well, she was there from 10am & had lunch pea & ham soup, a roll & trifle & then I picked her up at 12.30....she didn't even seem that fussed I was there! Then it was off to St John's for a physio follow up appointment....back again November

Wednesday - Bookbug session at the library in the morning & then a visit to the chiropractor in the afternoon

Thursday - Trip into Edinburgh where we met up with Eva & Olivia for coffee & cake, did some shopping & then went to Daddy Fudgey's work & took him for coffee too before heading home.

Friday - our usual Friday morning baby group & then a wee visit to Granny & Grandpa.

Saturday - a quiet day at home.

Sunday - My 10k, followed by a quiet afternoon & a lovely dinner of roast duck.


And that was our week. It won't surprise you to hear that this week is pretty busy too, we are having a trial run for my return to work next week & Bug officially starts nursery tomorrow.

Hope to get the race report done asap while it is still fresh in my mind

Take Care all

lots of love
Fudgey xxxx

1 week to my first 10k post Bug

Hello Fudgey Friends,

How is everyone? What's the weather like where you are? It is certainly turning more autumnal here - leaves on the grass in the garden, darker evenings & cold wet & windy. Today I left the house without a jacket & suspect that will be the last time I do that this year, in fact later on I had a jacket & gloves.

I can't believe how quickly time is flying by, it is now only a week & 2 weeks to my 2 10k events and only 2 weeks till I return to the world of work. For these reasons its been a pretty packed week trying to fit everything in & see as many people as we can. I'm also not certain I have any photos for this weeks post but shall see what I can find as I think & type.

RUNNING UPDATE

It's been a brilliant week of running for me with 3 runs done & my longest so far this year & my fastest 5 miles this year, plus a significant increase from last week in distance but no ill effects what so ever. For the first time in 3 years I am running without taping on my feet - I am not sure if this is a result of the corrected alignment by the chiropractor or good shoes or a combination of both but long may it continue.

Wednesday - my first run of the week wasn't until Wednesday, I had hoped to do my long run on Monday but circumstances and lack of time meant this had to be postponed. I set out aiming for 7 miles even if I had to walk some of it but I ran non stop for 11.3k which is just over the 7 miles. It was tough going but I set out at a much slower pace so that I could maintain running for longer gradually increasing as I warmed up. It felt so good to achieve this. Now I now that I can make it round these 2 10k courses - OK so I may be last but I don't care someone has to be & just 5 months after the birth of Buggy I'm just delighted to be back running.

Friday - Treadmill run - nice easy 5.2k. I have well and truly achieved my goal of running 5k comfortably, again its not fast but my focus isn't on pace just now and I just want to build up some good quality base miles before marathon training starts next year.

Sunday - So not in the mood to run. Bug was very clingy all day she wanted Mummy to cuddle her & carry her around all the time - not so easy now she isn't a wee 6 pounder any more - I suspect she's maybe nearer 16. So I felt like I hadn't got much done all day but also felt physically tired, but I knew I really couldn't skip this run - not with the races looming so close......so much going through my head too with Bug starting nursery, all the appointments / dates / arrangements  we have and my return to work I just really wasn't in the right frame of mind....or so I thought when I started..... 8.3k done & actually the fastest I have run post Bug!

So 3 runs & a total distance of 24.8k (15.4 miles) - an increase from the 18.95k of previous week, so all heading in the right direction. No aches, pains or issues with the body, but still needing to practise drinking on the run. I was reassured though watching the Great North Run when they said that Mo Farah & Haile Gebrselassie both had challenges with fuelling and hydration when they stepped up to long distance so I'm in good company even if no where near the same league LOL.

MUMMY & BUG NEWS

Well if you are exhausted reading about the running, I suggest you take a break before reading about everything else we packed in this week.....just a tad busy

Monday - Daddy Fudgey was still feeling poorly so he was off work again, he saw the Doctor & turns out he had a sinus infection. We had our usual swimming lesson & then Bug went to Granny & Grandpas. I had a chiropractor appointment, & also did a lot of baking - vanilla traybake & chocolate nutella cupcakes for all our guests. My wee sis & oldest niece arrived just after Bug came home, they were here for an appointment in Glasgow on Tuesday so they stayed for Fudgey dinner bed & breakfast. Emily was very entertained by her big cousin & I loved getting a catch up with my sis & only 4 weeks I think till I see her again :-)

Tuesday - Daddy Fudgey back to work, our visitors off to Glasgow & little Miss Bug & I off to the nursery for her first settling in session. She had a great time playing with all the toys and slept all the way home. I think she'll settle in just fine, it's Mummy that is now having the emotional wobbles! Once we got home it was lunch for Bug & me & then  quick wiz round with the hoover & getting the cakes ready for our antenatal class friends - 6 mums & 6 babies in total - was lovely to see everyone and I think probably the last time before I go back to work.

Wednesday - Terrific Aunt Liz came through from Glasgow to visit in the morning & Miss Bug was in good form. In the afternoon we took a stroll to the shops & bumped into Elaine & Max so we had a lovely little unexpected natter and catch up. When we got home I was busy making my chicken and broccoli lasagne for delivery on Thursday.....

Thursday - woke up with stiff legs after my long run but they soon eased off once I was up & moving about. We headed in Edinburgh where we had a nice lunch & catch up with Lyndsey. It was the first time in town with the buggy rather than the car seat & I think I prefer the car seat as it is more compact & manoeuvrable but Bug seemed happy enough. We also delivered a chicken and broccoli lasagne to a surprised but grateful John. We also saw a few people in the office which was lovely though the heat in No 10 sent Bug to sleep!

Friday - West Lothian Birth & After Birth support group in the morning, was nice to see everyone as we'd missed the previous week. Lunch with Hannah & Kat & Dougall & Graeme, then a wander down the street & a wee visit to Granny & Grandpa

Saturday - after a busy week it was mostly a quiet weekend at home. We watched Star Trek into Darkness when Bug went to sleep - I thought the first hour dragged but then it picked up.

Sunday - it was a horrible wet, cold, windy & wild day & we never went anywhere. As I said early Miss Bug was in a funny wee mood very clingy to Mummy, most likely exhausted by all this weeks adventures!!!!!

And that folks is a round up of our week & yes I managed to find photos - I forgot I'm always snapping away on my phone, but Daddy Fudgey has some good ones on his camera & we will get them sent out to all the usual suspects when we have a chance.

Next week I should have a race report for you from my 10k.....wish me luck....


Take Care everyone

lots of love
Fudgey xxx

Cabin Fever all round

Hello Fudgey Friends,

How is everyone?

Unfortunately our week didn't turn out quite as planned. Buggy has had a few disturbed nights with teething & a wee cold & Fudgey hubby has been poorly too & turns out he has a sinus infection so his week's holiday was a wee bit of a wash out as he felt rubbish & as a result we have hardly been anywhere or done anything.

Though trying to be a positive Fudgey we are always rushing about, here & there, doing this & that, seeing this person or that person so maybe a week enforced quietness is not such a bad thing - even though we've been feeling a bit of cabin fever.

RUNNING UPDATE Been a mixed week as managed my longest run since the birth of Bug & pleased with the consistency of my pace, also loved my new shoes, however didn't run when I should have.

Monday -  After an indulgent weekend really needed to get my long run in & was aiming for 10k - was also desperate to try out my new running shoes. Ran 7km in my trusty old shoes, then stopped in at the house, refilled water & changed shoes & managed another 3.55km. New shoes are awesome, really light & that first km in them was super fast. Managed more than I hoped 10.55km (6.5 miles)
First 10k is in 2 weeks so starting to have belief that I'll get round the course, maybe not fast but I will finish.

 Friday - Fantastic run, 52 seconds off my 5k time from 8 weeks ago, so pretty pleased with that. Think it's due to not running since Monday. 5.1km (3.2 miles)

 Saturday - Feeling tired so just a short run on the treadmill 3.3km (2 miles)

So 3 runs & a total distance of 18.95k (11.8 miles) - an increase from the 17.3k of previous week, so all heading in the right direction. No aches, pains or issues with the body, but needing to practise drinking on the run.

MUMMY & BUG NEWS

Monday - Usual swimming lesson in the morning & then Bug was at Granny & Grandpa in the afternoon. When she came home she was a we bit sniffly & had me up during the night which is very unlike her.

Tuesday - feeling tired & the wee one wasn't her usual self so we decided to give Bookbug a miss & stayed at home all day.

Wednesday - Bug seemed better so the 3 of us headed off to Bookbug at the library. In the afternoon I had a chiropractor appointment so Bug stayed home & entertained Daddy. Another unsettled night saw me up for an hour and a bit with an upset wee Buggy Boo :-(

Thursday - Bug 8 months old today :-) She was much much brighter but Daddy choked with cold. We were home pretty much all day apart from a wee trip to the shops & a quick cuppa at Granny & Grandpa's where we also say Auntie Fay.

Friday - Granny & Grandpa took our mini munchkin for a few hours & I had a super productive time, got all her 0-3 month clothes put in vacuum bags & in the attic, bouncing seat put away in attic, spare double duvet in attic, brown paper and towels down from window and blackout blind up, Bug's room tidied, hoovered and all clothes put away, 3 bathrooms cleaned, upstairs hoovered, pork meatballs made, tomato sauce made, 3 additional servings of pork mince cooked to be frozen. So thank you Granny & Grandpa for the babysitting service.

Saturday - another day at home

Sunday -  a wee stroll down to Granny & Grandpa's. Granny watched Bug & we went for some shopping - more just to get out & about as the cabin fever had really set in, haircut for Fudgey hubby & then home. Watched the new Star Trek movie when Bug went to bed....I didn't enjoy the first hour at all, just felt it dragged but enjoyed the second half.

So as you can see we've not done much.

GOAL UPDATE

The below goals were set on 16th June........so 12 weeks in

 

Short Term Goals

 

Running:

• In 4 weeks I want to be able to comfortably run 5k......Done.
• In 10 weeks I want to be able to run 10k.......well I have run 10.55k, but not comfortably & not non stop but making good progress.....hard work paying off.

Diet:

Original post: I need to get my diet back on track, I was doing really well, but increased activity = increased appetite & I haven't made the right choices in the last week. I'm reassured though as I know exactly where mistakes have been made & how to address them. The aim is to lose a stone over the next 14 weeks -  a pound a week should be easily achievable if I keep focused. 

Update 12th August: So I weighed & measured on 1st July & not again till 1st August.....didn't work for me, my measurements stayed the same & I gained a pound. The hot weather really didn't help me either as I took a 2 week running break & spent a lot of time at home rather than our usual out & about & I just ate. I also need to be conscious of all these coffee & lunch dates & how many calories are in a seemingly small piece of cake. So I have started again with logging all my food & weighing weekly. I lost 2lbs when I weighed this morning. Just need to keep up the good work. So 8 weeks in I am down 1 pound from where I started but I am totally focused now & am completely with the programme.

Update 9th September: I've been logging all my food in my fitness pal for the last 3 weeks & been making some very positive changes to my diet. Pleased to report I've now lost 8lbs. It's unrealistic to expect that in 2 weeks I'll lose 6lbs to achieve my original goal but I'll certainly be lighter than I was when I set it & hopefully will be back at pre pregnancy weight.......

 

Long Term Goals

 

Running:

• VLM in 2014 if I get a ballot place
• Edinburgh Marathon in 2014 & already have a guaranteed place if I don't get into VLM

Thoughts starting to turn a little to my long term goals, as VLM ballot results are out early October.......

 

And that Fudgey Friends is an update on our week & the goals I set back in June. Busy week planned this week, lots of visitors to the Fudgey house :-)

 

Hope you all have a great week.

 

lots of love Fudgey xx

A Fantastically Fudgey Week

Hello Fudgey Friends,

How are you all?

We've had a really good week :-)

RUNNING UPDATE
It's been a great week of running, I managed 3 sessions and am actually about a week ahead on the training plan.

Monday - Squeezed in my run before my chiropractor appointment. 5.1km (3.2 miles)

Wednesday - 4.1km (2.6 miles)

Friday - Training plan said 4 miles but I was feeling good & ran 8.1k (5 miles)

Had planned to also run on Sunday but I wasn't adequately fuelled, plus I wanted to get out for a long run today so decided to save my energy for that.

So 3 runs & a total distance of 17.3k (10.75 miles) - just a wee bit more than 2 weeks ago when I ran 17.2k but that was over 4 sessions, this is over 3, so I am gradually building up.

It's still feeling pretty good too, my back has been great, though I did find I was developing a problem with my right shoulder & was dropping it quite significantly, but the chiropractor has sorted that out for me too :-)

I decided it was time I bought some new running shoes this week - at least 1 pair that I have need to be retired. I ordered myself 2 new pairs, one of which arrived on Saturday.


MUMMY & BUG NEWS

Monday - Bug's usual swimming lesson in the morning then she spent the afternoon with Granny &

Grandpa. After my run, it was a quick shower, a bite to eat & then off to the chiropractor, back from the chiropractor, baked courgette muffins & made a start on lasagne as well as writing my blog.



Tuesday - we actually spent most of the day at home. Finished making the lasagne and then had a wee trip to the shops & a quick cuppa with Granny & Grandpa.

Wednesday - A trip into Edinburgh, delivery of lasagnes, lovely lunch and catch up with Louisa & Hilary, wee visit into the office for a quick catch up on team stuff with my manager and hello to a few folk.






Thursday - I had another chiropractor appointment then we went to Granny & Grandpa's and had a lovely lunch with Bett & Nancy. Buggy sampled most of the feast too!

Friday - went to our usual Friday baby group in the morning then lunch & a catch up with Elaine & Max & Renee.

Saturday - Our 4th wedding anniversary ;-) We had dinner bed & breakfast booked at the place we got married, so the little one had an overnight stay with Granny & Grandpa - she was having a bad teething day & was super tired so there were some real tears, but she settled down & I think a great time was had by all. We headed into Edinburgh I hadn't told hubby that we were actually staying in the room we were married in as it is now converted to a bedroom rather than a function room.

We had a lovely afternoon looking at the shops & tea & cake, then a fab meal at the hotel.

Sunday - Breakfast at the hotel & then a quick look at a couple of shops before heading home & collecting Miss Bug.



And that pretty much has been our week. It's now only 4 weeks till I return to work so we are having a very quiet week this week but from the following week the diary is absolutely packed with catch ups, nursery settle in sessions and all the things we need to get done. It's going to fly by!

Well I have about an hour & a half till our girl comes home, so time for some relaxation I think...

Have a great week all

lots of love
Fudgey xxx