Getting the mileage back up there!

I knew that these next few weeks were going to be quite tough, and probably the make or break of if I was going to run London Marathon or not. I needed to up my mileage, but gradually, the only thing is, I haven't got time for gradually, I need to get back up to double figures, and fast!
Monday I decided on spin class, I know I keep harping on about this but it is such a good workout and so much fun. I don't know how I think working out until I'm close to being sick and sweat is pouring out of me is so much fun, but it really is! The instructors are great and really push you to work hard, so after those intervals yesterday I better start running faster!
Tuesday as always is running with Regency Runners. The route tonight went straight past my house so I decided to run in to town with Jo to the meeting point at the Pump Rooms and then carry on with the group until we past my house again, which is 5 miles exactly. It was a good run, even though it was down the dreaded Myton Road which I seem to run all the time, as I live so close to it, at an average of 11.49 minute miles, so the pace is getting there....or so I thought!

Thursdays run came and it was an out and back. I don't mind saying that I'm not that keen on these runs, only as we run from Leamington into Warwick towards my house, so turning around and going back away from home is hard work! I decided not to run in tonight and went in to the Pump Rooms with my sister Helen as she had some paperwork stuff to do with the new runners so as she did this I took myself off round a mile loop to warm up.....it was freezing! During this run something didn't feel right, I couldn't get into it and I knew that it was going to be hard work all night! So I got back to the Pump Rooms and was given the route and instructions, 20 minutes run into Warwick, as far as you can get, hear the whistle and turn back, and beat your time back. Humph. I do this route all the time running in and out of town, so I know every bump in the road, every incline, which bits I find hard etc, so this wasn't going to be fun! I was right, it was bloody horrible. I couldn't keep up, again, and my hip started to hurt. I got back to the Pump Rooms and I felt so deflated, and close to tears. All I could think was that I wasn't going to be ready, this damn hip was going to stop me.
We had also been forecast snow over the weekend, so I was unsure about how I was going to run and what mileage to try. I thought I would ask Rachel and she made it clear that I needed to get into double figures. Ok, so could I do this on the treadmill, in case it the snow is bad and not safe to run? No, those cold February runs in the snow will put you in good stead for the marathon! So, 10 miles on sunday no matter what the weather.....ouch!

I met Helen at the gym on Friday after work, and for an unknown reason decided on intervals on the rower. Urgh! I'd not done this for months and now I know why, I was nearly sick and it was not fun! I did a minute hard, 250m, and then a minute off. Now, the last time I did this at my old gym the rower travelled across the floor! Luckily for me, and the guys on the cross trainers behind me, the rower stayed where it was supposed to be! So, I got those intervals out the way and realised that I hadn't got a drink, so went to steal some from Helen. The bottle was empty so I went to refill, great, the water machine was broken so took myself off to the squash centre to refill there. I really must learn where to place my feet, as when I stepped off the stairs something went wrong and I tripped over nothing and landed flat on my face, to a cheer from about 20 squash players, ok good. So I pretended nothing had happened and went to fill up the bottle, not before turning on the wrong tap and soaking my gym top and face, geez this evening wasn't going to plan!
So, I finished off the session with some weights. The session didn't get easier as for some reason I am now weak! One thing I always knew I could do was lift quite heavy weights, for a girl! Apparently not now, I was rubbish! I left the gym in a proper grump, then reluctantly finished the evening with some core work, bridges and planks, when I got home.

On Saturday I stayed at home and watched the snow come down, tomorrow was going to be fun, or maybe not so much! Regency Runners had no choice but to cancel their run, as it would not be safe.

Ok, so I was on my own for this, 10 miles in the snow, how was I going to get through this again??
I was really worried about two things, 1) falling over, which for me would not be unexpected and 2) my hip hurting. So, I had what I thought was a really good idea. St Nics park behind my house is exactly one mile, it is close to home just in case I manage to do something stupid, I'd just run that 10 times. Bloody stupid idea!
I realised after the first lap that this was going to be tough. I was only a mile in and my calves were burning, my pace was slow and I had come out without a drink. My house is 30 seconds walk from the park, but I knew if I had gone back home then I would have struggled to get going again, or get going at all. I don't know how I managed to keep going, if I wasn't running through deep, heavy snow its was wet slush. After the first couple of miles my feet were drenched and my feet were freezing cold. I'm glad that I had made the decision to wear capris, as my legs were getting splashed with ice but were able to dry quite quickly, rather than have material stuck to them getting colder and colder.
This was the slush :(

As I hit halfway, I didn't feel too bad. My pace was still slow, which I had resigned myself to by this point, I just wanted to get the distance in! The laps took me along the river for a short time, where the swans were hanging around. Now, I convinced myself they were bound to chase me like those two evil ones on the canal did! But they didn't, and they were actually a comforting sight as I passed them again and again. I even had the pleasure of two of them taking flight along side me which was a magnificent sight, that would have made a great photo, but as usual I thought that after they had flown off, typical. I had made some energy bites which I had with me and had one at 4,6 and 8 miles and they seemed to keep me going, the last few laps I actually felt quite stong and thought about doing another couple of laps......that though exited my head as quickly as it entered it! 10 laps and that was me done! I get back to find i was 0.12 away from the 10 miles, rubbish! But sod it, I was done! 9.88 miles in the snow was easily 13 miles in clear weather, right?!

Physcologically I think this was really good for me. All runners I know say that running laps is the hardest things to do, and I have always agreed with them. I tend to get defeated if I can't get my head right, so I was relishing this mental and physical challenge. The 10 mile long laps were so tough, but after 2 I think I just switched off and kept going. I mean, who else was stupid enough to be doing this on a Sunday morning in tonnes of snow??? Probably only the people stupid enough to enter the London Marathon??? So once I got back home smugarama set in and I felt great, and then realised, my hip was fine, after all those miles in the snow I had no pain at all!

Great news!!

Getting back into the swing of things

This week I was due back to see Cathy my physio on Wednesday, she had given me some exercises and stretches to do in the week between appointments, which I had been working on every day, twice a day. I also got itchy feet resting my hip from running so took the opportunity to get into the gym and work on my core and a bit of cross training.

On Sunday morning my sister Helen and I had arranged a swim at our gym. This is only a small pool, so suited me really well. I haven't been in a pool for years and was never a confident swimmer after a couple of near misses as a child so have been apprehensive about trying it out again. I didn't mention this to Helen, she would have told me to get on with it, so that’s what I did, I just got in and started swimming. Now, when I say swimming, I actually mean swimming like my mom, head out of the water and not getting my hair wet! So technically it wasn't really swimming, just moving slowly up and down in the water! One of my running buddies Jo called on Wednesday and asked if I fancied a swim, so off I went, crapping myself as this is a swim in the big pool!! I thought I might get a little bit of sympathy at least out of Jo, but when I freaked out after realising how deep the water was once I had swum into the deep end, I was simply told not to panic, it will be shallow when I swim back. Yeah, thanks! Another 40 minutes of Mom swimming, better than nothing though right??

Monday evening saw my second spin class in a week, I love this class, it's really easy to ease off during these classes without others noticing, but then what would be the point?? The class is only 45 minutes long, so is a good opportunity to really sweat it out and get my heart rate up. The class was brilliant fun, although there was a really grumpy women in there that barked at the instructor before the class had started.....RUDE!!
I also thought it would be a good idea to break out the Davina DVD again, it was not! Even though it was good fun and damn hard work, I couldn't walk properly the next day, and getting on and off the loo was, well let’s say interesting!!

My appointment with Cathy went well, well sort of. The pain in my hip had gone, so she didn't see the need to strap me up again, which was fine. She was also pleased at the progress that I had made this week as I had doubled the time that I could hold a bridge for without my hamstrings kicking in, although she was pleased she made it clear that I still needed to improve. I still had my target of 3x30 seconds to work on. She spent some time explaining how my glutes work and how my speed would improve by running through my glutes which was really interesting and gives me something to work on. Cathy also showed me some core training exercises and gave me some useful tips such as changing my car seat around so I don't slouch, but the most important thing I was waiting for was that I could run again. Now, she has told me to be sensible, not a word I am familiar with but I will do as I am told! Promise!

So, Thursday saw my return to Regency Runners, I had only had a week and a half out but it felt like ages, and was good to be back!! I decided to go with the 10k group as I only wanted to run 3 miles, and just see how the hip would hold out; the regular runners were doing 4.8 miles so I didn't think this would be a wise decision, so 3 miles it was. The good thing about this was that even though I was running with the group, I would be carrying on when they started their Indian file, so I could run 2 of the miles on my on, and give my legs a bit of a stretch out....for a slowie! I was so pleased with the run, no hip pain for the whole 3 miles, and an average speed of 11.20, which for me is good. It was also a little hilly for the first 2 miles, which anyone that I run with will tell you that I hate!! I got home that night very smug, then managed 20,20,24 with my bridges, so all in all a good day.

Saturday I managed to get those 3x30 seconds bridges in the bag, even with cheeky leg extentions for the last few seconds, excellent! So I thought I would then try out a plank. The last time I tried one of these I collapsed in a heap after only 3 seconds, which was only 2 weeks ago, so I was not expecting very much. I got 20 seconds, I was chuffed with that. Next week I'll be doing 30 seconds, and pushing for 40, I promise you that!

Sunday is usually long run day, but this week Regency Runners were doing the Jepherson Medley intervals. I had never done this session but thought it would do me good so I arranged to go down with Jo, we ran down and around the park which was 2 miles. The intervals were hard work, but good fun. Even though they were really hard, the hills were my favourite. This was where I could really feel the benefit of the work that I had been doing on my glutes, and was able to really push up the hills just by squeezing my bum, rather than my arms and shoulders going ten to the dozen and not getting anywhere!! Which is what usually happens!! In total I ran 4.6 miles this morning, so building it up slowly as instructed!

So even though this week has really seen my mileage drop down I can see a big improvement in my form, in fact both Rachel and Lina (Regency Runners Leaders) commented that I had got faster and my form had improved, which was a big mental boost. I am still being sensible so this week I thought I would try a 5 mile on Tuesday and then go from there, I'm keeping in the spin classes, swimming and of course the core work so I am hoping for further improvement this week.

Wake up call!

The hardest thing you can be told as a runner is to rest, right? Well this week that is what has happened to me, 9 hours ago to be precise, and I already have itchy feet. Today I visited a physiotherapist (Cathy Rogers at Platform Physio, www.platformphysio.co.uk) to get to the bottom of this hip pain that has gradually got worse and worse over the last few weeks after a fall. I have never had to deal with injury before, so this is all new to me. The good news is that it isn't serious....phew! The fall caused a bruised bursa in my left hip, so as I type I have pretty tape strapping my hip to help make me all better. It's made a difference already, so I'm guessing with the 7-10 day rest period and then SLOWLY build up to running again with support from Cathy, I will fix myself. Cathy is going to see me again to strap my hip up ready for running, and to give me massages as I build up to the marathon.

This support is going to be invaluable over the next few months. Already Cathy has been able to tell me how important core strength is going to be when running long distances, explaining to me so now I understand why my body fails me when I hit those long 12-13 mile runs, why my lower back is agony as I cant keep upright and my shoulders back when I start to get tired. It made it clear just how poor my core strength is by a simple exercise that a runner should be able to hold 3 times for 30 seconds, I could only manage 10 seconds, I have a lot of work to do! I never realised how important it was, now it all makes sense. It's no wonder I keep having these falls, I surprised I can bloody well hold myself up straight.What a wake up call!

So, now I have a week or so free from running, I have more time to get into the gym and work on that core strength. I bought an exercise ball a few months ago to use as my office chair when at home, that lasted two days cos I fell off.....wonder why, so I have got that out again and have stretches and some exercises to do twice a day from Cathy. And of course I'm hoping to get back into spin class again, my absolute favourite, gym has been so busy since the New Year that I have struggled to enjoy it so I'm hoping this next week will change that. I'm also going to teach myself to swim again, it has been years since I was last in a pool and I'm not confident in water at all so it's a bit daunting, but I think it will be good to do a bit of swimming on my rest days.

Its a shame that this has happened after a positive couple of weeks. I had started to pick up the pace and get into the miles relatively easily, and more importantly, I was enjoying the running. Sunday morning was a fab run, 9.6 miles on a lovely -5 frosty morning, along canals, through fields and up a gruelling hill. I ran 6 of those miles with Regency Runners, and felt very smug when I got home to find I had finished in well under two hours. Across the fields was so beautiful I'm cross that I didn't think to take a photograph for you all to see! Never mind, next time!! :)

A mixed bag this week!

It's been a bit of a mixed bag this week, it didn't start off very well at all!

So, New Years Day I was up and eating my weetabix with honey at 7am getting ready to get out the door running. Something didn't feel right, mentally I didn't want to go out, and started to convince myself I wouldn't be able to do it, I mean 13 miles is a long way. I had arranged to meet the girls at 9.30 for an 8 mile run, but I was going to run 5 miles before I met them so the plan was to leave just before 8.30 to make sure I was definately on time.
I set off on what was a pretty easy route, I like to run along the canal on long runs as its pretty flat and away from the traffic, plus it's a little softer under foot. After a mile or so I still hadn't settled down, and was struggling to get my pace right, I was also getting odd pains in my ankles up the side of my legs which was really off putting and it affected my pace, at this rate I would struggle to get to the meeting point on time so I pushed on a little. The pains in my ankles seems to go after a couple of miles, but as soon as that had gone my left hip started pounding again, great! Instead of going after a mile of so, it got worse, so when I met the girls I made the decision to bail out and run home. I know that I would have pushed through the whole 13 miles, but I would have really suffered for it so decided to be sensible, not like me at all!! I was gutted not to have stuck to the training plan, but figured it was best not to hurt myself in the process.

I was in a bit of pain Monday but not as much as I expected. I bough some Natures Kiss recovery cream and plastered my knees, ankles and hip which really helped.
Tuesday night is running night so as per my training plan I needed to run 5 miles. Perfect. I could run down to running group which is two miles, then run 3 miles with group before catching a lift home. I didn't have any pain tonight in my ankles or hip but I could feel it, how much of it was in my head I'm not sure but I was definately holding back, I know this because I couldn't keep up with my running buddies and was running at the back, this hasn't happened in ages. I found myself making excuses like I hadn't drunk enough and then telling myself it was ok as I was running 5 miles whilst they were running 3. It wasn't ok, and I can do better. I ran the same route a few weeks ago 4 minutes quicker. Time to have a word with myself!!
I went home that night and logged onto to the gyms website, damn it, they have moved all the classes about! I booked a couple of spin classes for next week, that should sort me out.

So Thursday came round and I decided again to run into group, 3 miles and then run home to make up the 7 miles that I needed to run that evening. Something felt different when I started running, I was enjoying it again. I'd hated the last two runs so this was exciting! I felt able to push myself a little and feeling breathless felt great (odd I know) so even running up the hill on the way onto Leamington I kept an eye on my watch and didn't drop my pace, I nearly collapsed at the top so was glad that I had to wait a few seconds at the top to cross the road. I decided at this point to split the run into three, so instead of running a 7mile run, I would run a 2, then and 3, then another 2, this should help me up the pace a bit rather than plodding on!
When I got round to our meeting point in Leamington I ran in and paid, then asked if I could carry on, being a slower member of the group I figured that I would be caught up before the three miles were up anyway! So off I went, this felt loads better than Tuesday and I was able again to push myself through this next three miles and get my heart rate up. About half way round my hip start to pound again but I put it out of my mind, I had this in the bag and I wasn't going to let it beat me! I carried on round expecting at any moment for the faster runners of the group to pass me but as I got further round they still haven't passed, wonder if I had gone the wrong way?? Just when I got to the bottom of the hill by the park I was passed, bum! Nevermind, might as well push on and finish before I see anyone else! I finished 3 minutes faster than Tuesday, hooray!
I hadn't noticed the pain in my hip again until I finshed, it was quite sore. As I had run well I decided not to tempt fate and got a lift home. Knowing me I would have fallen over or something stupid had I tried!
My training plan has a 14 miles run this weekend, but I have decided to do a 10 mile run (jog/shuffle!) with a couple of the girls from group. If I feel good then I will do a couple of extra miles at the end but I as I don't want to set myself up to fail so 10 miles it is!!

A busy Christmas week!

Well my plan was to blog again in the New Year, but I feel like I have too much to talk about to wait until then, and am also likely to forget stuff!

I knew that training would be tough over Christmas, but if you need to do something, you need to do it so there is no use moaning, just get out there and get it done! There is no running group for a few weeks, so this stuff I would need to do on my own and it's where the miles really are starting to stack up, so yet again friends from running group stepped up and in came the offers of running with me over the holiday period. I'm lucky that many of them are running Silverstone half marathon so they are looking to increase their own mileage.

So now I have my training plan it really is all systems go, its pretty scary and looking at the number of miles that I will be running is quite daunting. At least now I have something to follow and I can organise my runs around work, which really helps.

So last week I had 4miles and 5miles to run :) followed by a 12 mile long run :(. I was pleased that I had some shorter runs this week. I arranged to run the shorter runs with girls from running group and both runs were great, although again I noticed that my pace was slower than it had been a few weeks ago.....I need to get back to spin class, and fast!! I decided to get myself an early Christmas present, and bought a Garmin forerunner 205 watch to keep an eye on my pace and track my runs acurately. I have since found out that it was the best present I could have bought myself! I love it! I just need to work out how to use it properly!!

Christmas Eve was great. I took myself off to parkrun in Leamington to support the runners, I didn't really fancy a run and as my pace is slow at the moment I worried that I would just annoy myself by getting a rubbish time! There were loads of Regency Runners taking part so it was a good opportunity to see people before Christmas and cheer them on. It was a great atmosphere up there, and it seems a record turn out, with well over 150 runners taking part! I also got to meet a 'twitter friend' (@porcelinatweets) up there, always nice to put a face to a name and have another person to run with!

The runners setting off!!

Regency Runners Helen and Sharon finishing in 32 minutes!

I had planned to run 12 miles on Boxing Day. However, after staying at my Dads house where they have central heating I was full of cold and couldn't breathe, not good! I knew that I needed to go early if I was going to get the 12 miles in before the visitors started to arrive but there was no way I could get round 12 miles like this! So, I decided to take myself out for a quick 3mile run, and with my aces new watch, I was able to pace myself around and got close to a PB, brill!

I went out for my 12 miler the day after Boxing Day, along with running watch and running belt. This made such a difference as I was able to take out my phone, drinks, keys and jelly beans....rather than just leaving everything at home as per usual, plus it was really comfortable and I hardly noticed that I had it on so I will definately be buying myself one in the New Year. The run went really well, I was so pleased! Again I had company from Sharon and Claire from running group for 8.5 miles which was so helpful, especially over the last couple of miles where I was really struggling with pain in my left hip, something that has been niggling me since a silly fall a couple of weeks ago and that I am trying to pretend isn't there for the time being!

I was able to keep an eye on my pace during the run with the watch and tried to stay under 12.30 minute miles. My last long run was terrible and when I looked at my splits I was averaging on 13.30 minute miles.....far too slow! So, when I got home and looked through the data on the posh new watch my average pace was 12.30 minute miles! Ace! I was also quite consistant as each mile was between 12.25 and 12.45, apart from one at 12.05.

So, going into the New Year I'm really happy with how things are going, lets see how the 13 miler goes on New Years Day!

London Marathon.....all systems go!!!

So, now that 10k is out the way, its all systems go for London Marathon. Eeek!

I met with Rachel from Regency Runners at the beginning of the month, she is one of the leaders and as far as I know, is the only one that has had experience of a marathon. I needed help with getting a training plan together as I had no idea what I was doing! I felt that Rachel was the best person to ask, she knows what I can do and she also knows me personally. She was fantastic at helping me put the plan together as she was so organised, knew exactly what she was doing and was taking into consideration my limitations. All the leaders and runners at Regency Runners have been so supportive....more of that later on!!

So Rachel set me the task of a 10mile run on the following Sunday. I mapped a route and asked if any of the runners from group wanted to join me. I knew that it was going to be really tough as I hadn't run this distance since I ran Great Birmingham Run in October, so I knew the company would be great! I was really taken aback when I had offers from 6 or 7 people who wanted to run part of the way with me to make sure I had company all the way around, what amazing support??!! I finished the run - 10.5miles in 2h15minutes, I wasn't that pleased with the time but the important thing is that I ran all the way. So, a good start!

Since then I have been sticking to my training plan, I have kept to running my week day runs on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings with Regency Runners and running into Leamington to meet with them to add extra miles. I have found that the increase in miles has slowed my pace down but, as I was told the other day I'm not going to come first so who cares! I'm doing this for the achievement of completing the distance not to run 9 minute miles! (in my bloody dreams!!!) A friend of mine ran 5k in 22:57 the other day, I am more than happy to admit that I will never achieve that pace, I'll just keep chugging away at my 12 minute miles!!!

Last Thursday was Regency runners Christmas party. The leaders had done a wonderful job of decorating the room, music and some lovely food for us all to munch on. It was a great night and was great to meet up with everyone in normal clothes, even though I don't think we all recognised each other out of our unflattering lycra! I came away from the night with a lovely surprise. the leaders had given out awards to members of the group for various reasons......magnificent marshall, gadget girl and little miss giggles off the top of my head, and I received the "Be careful what you wish for" award for gaining entry to the London Marathon through the ballot (first time lucky?!?!)
It was also given to me by my sister Helen who is a leader so it made it extra special!

So now, with Chrismas this weekend, I have a 12 mile run to look forward to on Boxing day, and a 13 mile run to look forward to on New Years Day! I have mapped routes for these already and I think I have been clever and have chosen out and backs along the canal tow path to keep it flat. I have also borrowed a running belt off a friend to see how I get on with it and to carry drinks and gels along with me. So I think I have been well organised and clever, we will see how clever I think I have been afterwards!!!

Merry Christmas everyone, updates in the New Year!!!

Kingsbury Water Park 10k

This week I have overcome a huge hurdle and I'm chuffed! As I have said before I have never attempted a 10k race, I can run the distance, and have been able to for some time but as I have said before the competitiveness always put me off. I know that I'm not a fast runner, I am in fact rather slow and I always felt that the achievement of running 6 miles would be taken away from me for having a slow time.

I had done a practice timed 6 mile run with running group last week and completed it in 1:08, now in February I had completed that in 1:23, so although I'm a slowy hopefully you can see the improvement!

I didn't know much about the race itself, only that it was two 5k laps and that it was off road, thats preperation for you! Oh and I did find out there was only 500 entries into the race, something that made me rather nervous, the fewer people that were around, the fewer people there would be to hide behind, and fewer people that would be behind me!

As we arrived the wind had really picked up and it was quite chilly, but the sun was fighting to come out so I wasn't too worried as I would soon warm up when we set off. It had rained quite heavily overnight so I was a bit nervous about how this had affected the course. I did start to notice some pretty serious runners about, and started to think that I may just finish this race in last place and that I had bitten off more than I could chew! Well I was there so I might as well have a go, right?

As we set off the paths were quite narrow so finding space to run was quite difficult, add to that it was slippery upnder foot and I wondered how muddy it would get further around the course. I set off at quite a reasonable pace and felt comfortable through the first mile, the second mile was a different story! I lost quite a lot of time here as it was quite boggy underfoot and very up and down, I was actually sliding down the banks as there was little to grip onto!

As I came through the half way point the field had really thinned out and the clock was on 34 minutes so I was doing ok. I started to run with a lady from Birmingham, I was struggling at this point so it was nice to have someone to run with and we helped each other with pace. Again as we ran though mile 5 I was sliding about every where and by this point finding it frustrating as getting cross with myself so I was pleased to leave it behind but it had really slowed me down again and I was getting pain in my achillies so found it hard to make up the time during the last mile.

I tried my hardest to speed up and saw a lady in the distance that I decided wasn't going to beat me, so I started moving at a proper race pace. I think I had forgotten that I was actually in a race and that I wasn't just having a jog around the park! I remember my sister telling me that a 10k hurts and I had got too comfortable and wasn't trying enough. I soon passed that lady and then got my eye on somebody else to run down, if only I could run at this pace for the entire race?!?!

I managed a sprint finish (the one part of the race that I am actually good at!) and came over the line in 1:10, just chasing somebody down as we crossed the line. I wasn't that happy with the time but considering how muddy it was I don't think I did too bad. Looking at my data from Endomono I ran mile 6 in 9:15, that is huge for me and more than 3 minutes faster than mile 5! now, either this is wrong, or I did what it felt like and dug in deep to get to that finish line as quickly as possible.

I am a road runner and this race did nothing to convince me to turn to off road running! It's nice every now and again and it was really enjoyable and nice to be away from the traffic but I'm too girly to like getting muddy! I may enter this race again in the summer as it was really well organised and everyone was really friendly, apart from those few banks on mile 2 and 5 the rest of the course was quite flat so if not for the mud I dont think they would have caused too much of a problem.

I do feel now that I have got over my fear of 10ks, and will be entering some races next year. I just need to choose which ones take my fancy!