No Stopping Nessie!

Marathon Number 2 of 3!!!! Edinburgh 23rd May 2010

2010-05-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Again a cuppa may be needed before reading this!!!! Sorry for the lapse in posting between marathons I will keep posting between now & my final marathon in October so please keep visiting!!!

Marathon Number 4 – Edinburgh - 23rd May 2010 – Running Number 13327
Well exactly 4 weeks after running the London Marathon 2010. There I was on the start line of the Edinburgh marathon….. Training between the marathons was very minimal so I was going for the well rested approach & hoping that when I started running my legs would get a flash back from 4 weeks previous & just keep going….. There was one thing that I really hadn’t accounted for….freak weather!!
The previous day was a completely glorious full on summers day in Edinburgh, the Princes gardens were filled with hundreds of sun worshipers & there was I, praying that very soon it would cloud over so we could have a cool Sunday for the marathon……..didn’t happen!
The morning was cool & even misty/drizzly for a few moments. I went for porridge this time for fuelling & went down to breakfast with my sachet & milk & asked them if they would heat it up for me. There were other runners at breakfast tucking into bacon & eggs and I was thinking….am I missing out on a trick here?? Anyway my porridge arrived back as warm milk, they didn’t know how to make instant porridge & they didn’t have any on offer so I got some special K & tipped it into my warm milk & went with that!!!
Andrew & I got a taxi to the start. There were two starts & typically I was at one & Andrew at the other. We got our bearings & had plenty of time. Andrew walked up to my start line with me so I didn’t get lost…quite hard to do when there are 15000 runners around you!! We said our good byes & good Lucks & he went off to his start with the “Elites” !!!
I wandered into the runners & head towards the toilets as I knew I’d have to queue so thought I best get it over with. I saw a guy I recognised sitting on a wall & I approached him praying it was who I thought it was!!! Neil (Nellymack) was one of the runners on the running forum I use. Luckily he recognised me & I instantly felt calm as I knew someone & we chatted away. I realised that Andrew had gone off with the rucksack I was putting my tracksuit in so Neil kindly let me put my things in his bag. We queued for the loo & then headed down to the start pens to see where we had to go. We were then joined by Ulen another runner we had got to know & we chatted nervously about our preparation & weather & strategies for the race. I was in the purple pen…..basically the back! So I headed over with about 15 minutes to go & joined the thousands of people all waiting for the gun to go off. I felt great & was really looking forward to the race, had heard good things about it so didn’t feel nervous & thought I knew what I had to do & was hoping for a good outcome!
In the distance I could see a pink number 2 helium balloon & I went to the barrier as I thought I’d know its owner. I was right, it was Mandy. The girlfriend of John (yes another runner I know) he is also doing 3 marathons this year & this was his number 2! Mandy carries the balloon to be spotted & it was so nice to say Hi & have a good Luck hug! Back in the pen the heat was rising but the sun had not shown itself yet! I got chatting to a lovely young girl who was running her first marathon. She was so sweet & nervous & thanked me for talking to her as she was on her own. Hopefully I helped settle her nerves! Then it was time….the countdown began….10,9,8 etc BANG……masses of cheers & excitement erupted……and with comedy timing out came the sun!
10 minutes later we were still standing there waiting to get over the line but we gradually started moving. I was telling myself…mind over matter…yes it will be warm like London but just pretend it’s a nice sunny day & all will be fine…….Hmmmm need to rethink this strategy!
The first few miles are very pretty & also down hill, always a bonus! You run past Arthurs seat & through a little park before getting back onto the streets. There were pockets of supporters clapping & cheering but I was merrily listening to my finely tuned playlist & was trying to get into the “zone” I chose some quite chilled tunes to start with just to get me into the swing, building into faster more banging tunes when I was in full swing later on…..well that was the idea.
I soon realised that I hadn’t really studied the course very well, all I knew was that it went from the city centre & out towards the seafront, along the seafront & back. After a few miles I needed the loo & the porta loo queues were still long so my normal trick, I popped into a MacDonalds & 3 minutes later I was back on the course but there were very few runners so I was right near the back, I think I tried to push it too quickly to catch up where I left off…bad Idea. We soon turned onto the seafront, the sun was beaming down at full pelt, it was approx 11-11.30 the sea was dead calm & glistening in the sun….how much did I want to jump in there! There were people walking along the seafront with Ice Creams & this was the first time that I thought, I’m feeling the heat & I’m only at about mile 6…not to worry…I’ll get into the zone in a minute….. As I continued along the seafront with the sun beaming down I started to get a headache. I was squinting a lot with the sun as it was right in my eyes & I don’t run with glasses. I stopped at the next St John Ambulance & asked for some paracetamol. I wanted to stop the headache before it started. The lady made me fill in a questionnaire & promise I would not take anymore tablets & I was thinking…yes yes whatever, you are eating up my time woman!!!! Hee hee So she gave me another bottle of water & I felt better knowing that hopefully I’d stopped the headache before it started. So then again I was playing catch up & passing all the runners I had previously overtaken the whole stop starting wasn’t doing me any favours & I was beginning to realise I wasn’t getting into the swing of it.
In the next mile (7) the reality of the weather conditions was being made clear, there was a rush of emergency services vehicles & when I got up to where they were stopped there was a guy on the floor being resuscitated. Terrible. I sadly found out later that the guy died. He was doing the marathon relay and was only 1 mile away from his change over point. 52 years of age. Very sad!
This kind of put me off my swing a bit & I was beginning to feel like what I was doing wasn’t fun & I certainly wasn’t enjoying it & just couldn’t get into my stride. Normally by mile 6 – 10 of a long run I get right into the run & your legs sort of take over for you…not today. I carried on & in the distance I could hear a lot of noise & hustle & bustle of people. I realised that we were running past the finish line, I felt totally gutted that I was then having to run past it and complete another 17 miles……it felt like I had already completed 20 & I was only at mile 10!!!!!
This was the first point where I felt I wanted to call it a day. I couldn’t figure out in my head how on earth I was going to run another 17 miles in the heat & scorching sun. Luckily not long after I had this thought we came into quite large crowds & I realised that the road was divided into two. Within minutes I saw the race car & realised that I was about to see the lead guy & then see all the runners coming the other way to the finish. This was good news as it occupied my attention away from the fact I was feeling half dead with a long way to go. When I saw the lead guy at mile 25 the time on the clock was 2:21 which is a fairly slow time for a fast course, so I realised even the elites get affected by the weather too!! The front runners are awe inspiring. They were practically sprinting & I kept thinking I wonder what they think when they are at the finish & they see people still running at mile 10!!! So for the next few miles my eyes were planted on the on coming runners to see if I could spot any of my friends who were doing quicker times. This really did help distract me for a while. I was literally putting one foot infront of the other. I must have looked like a crazed woman staring at everyone. A few of the runners must have felt my pain as I got a few shouts of encouragement telling me I was doing well & to keep going etc. That cheered me up that they were kind enough to give me a little shout out as I was obviously struggling…..it got to a point that I thought, if I actually stop my momentum of watching the other runners I will probably just fall over. I saw one guy who was totally delirious, he was running all over the place, badly wobbly legs, saying out loud to himself (and anyone else who was listening) “I’m just going to keep going, just keep going, I’m ok am just running over here” about 10 of us around him were poised to catch him as he was imminently going to drop. We all notified the ambulance guys...I hope he was ok….on I carried.
My head at this point was calculating what I should do…..I’m only just coming up to half way and it felt like I had already run the full distance….I feel like death & I need to do what I have just done again….. I cannot tell you how much I wanted to give up…I was having a fight with myself inside….this is a very weird & annoying argument to have!!! My thoughts were, I give up, call it a day, what is the worst that can happen…I wont get a medal, I wont be able to say I have run 4 marathons, I will have not completed marathon 2 of my 3, which other marathon could I do to replace this one? How disappointed everyone would be……but mostly how disappointed I would be in myself for giving up. I couldn’t face meeting up with my running friends afterwards & admitting that I hadn’t managed it. So then my brain switched to……. Why do you want to give up so easily, why have you not got the strength to kick in & get on with it…..and so the argument in my head continued!!!!! All the time I am putting one foot infront of the other & staring at the other runners to see if I can spot my friends.
Out the corner of my eye I spotted the Number 2 pink balloon & thought, Yes! Mandy! So I stopped to say Hi & get off my chest how rough I was feeling. Mandy was great! Really encouraging, just what I needed so I carried on.
At this point you can see for miles in front of you along the shore where you are running to, you can figure out in your head the distance & push yourself along. I remember running in the shade for a bit down a long hill….but quickly realised that they guys running the other way were in the sun & running up hill….I had that to come…oh joy! I know I am not alone when I say this but the biggest thought running through my head at this point was…….there are no barriers to the other side of the course…….all I would have to do is stop on the other side of the road and maybe stretch for a few minutes & “accidentally” start running the wrong way back to the finish….knocking off a good few miles of hell….I didn’t!! I know that nobody would know but one person would know….ME….I couldn’t cheat myself, I’d rather give in than not go the distance!
I managed finally to spot a familiar face…well a white baseball cap, red shirt & black shorts….it was John! I crossed over to the middle of the road to get his attention. His head was down & I could feel his pain! I waved frantically & he looked up & luckily recognised me! We gave the thumbs up & smiles… this made me laugh afterwards as I know that we both were not feeling at all in a thumbs up & smiling mood but it was a mutual sign of how our days was going! I then very quickly saw Ulen & I told him that I wasn’t going to make it…as at that very point I really didn’t think I had anymore in me. I was thinking there was no way I could get to the point ahead as I could still see runners for miles & what I didn’t realise and I was very soon about to find out, was that not only did you have to get to the turning point ahead, you also had two little loops to complete going off to the right. When I turned into the first loop it was quiet & I stopped to walk. Mile 15 & half…..still 10 bloody miles….10 miles that I knew would feel like 30! I was confused, I was upset, I was hot, I was hurting, I was annoyed with myself for being defeatist, I felt sick, I wanted to be anywhere but there…..when all of a sudden from nowhere a big shout of “NESSIE” came from the other side of the road. I looked up to see “Big Sam” (a runner I have seen in 3 of my 4 marathons!!) with his arms held out & a big smile. He gave me the best bear hug EVER!! Just what I needed! I cannot remember what he said or what I said but all I know is that it helped & I knew I had to keep going. Everyone around this point were walking, I needed to speak to someone so I rang Kim. She stayed on the phone with me and just kept me going. I know I must have looked like a plonker but I needed a familiar voice & for someone to tell me common sense and that’s what she did…she pointed out that I was only 9 miles away & I’d have to walk back anyway so even if I walked so what!...good point!! So I plodded on. Its very hard as I kept thinking to myself, I am not ill & I am not in physical agony, I am just out of steam. It felt like I had no power in my body & I was like a car with a burst radiator with steam coming out!!!!
The run then takes you into the grounds of Gosford House which FINALLY is your turning point to go back to the race ground/finish. I was walk/running & I heard a lady behind me say “I’ve come to the conclusion that I am running slower than I’d walk” I turned & said “I know exactly where you are coming from” We started walking together & chatting about the race…..her name was Claire & it was her first marathon, she was running for Melangitis UK. We talked about the day & she said she would never run a marathon again & I was telling her not to judge marathons on today as it was freak weather & conditions. We decided we’d power walk as we would be going at a good pace & still covering ground & this seemed to work. We covered a fair few miles & Claire’s husband was ahead with some cream for her legs as she was feeling her knees quite badly. We managed to get into the shade as much as possible & it calmed me down & was actually beginning to realise I was going to get to the end with my new found friend. When we got to the top of the last hill and back into a bit of civilisation we decided it was time for running! The end was in site & although we had power walked a lot our time wasn’t that horrific & I could see us getting under 6 hours….even though it felt like I had been on the go for about 10!! The residents of the rest of the course were absolute legends! Hoses spraying onto the road for us to run through, cold cups of water to drink as all the water stops the water was boiling where it had been sitting in the sun. yuk! We spent the rest of the course running as much as we could. We kept overtaking & being overtaken by some guys pulling tyres, they were training for an Antarctic adventure as much as I wanted to beat them, they put in a final burst & got in just ahead of us! Claire spent the last mile saying “C’mon Jo, I can hear the finish line, we are so nearly there & I am not leaving you!” I absolutely owe getting to the finish line to her, she was ACE!! Even though I kept telling her she had to run her own race as I didn’t want to hold her up she just kept saying “I’m not leaving you!”
The LONGEST 500 yards I have EVER done! I remember a lady saying to me, hold your head up & look ahead you will get there quicker……so I did…she was right…. We ran onto the plastic matting of the race course & there it was…the finish line…Andrew was shouting at me to get over the line & I ran as fast as I possibly could, we threw our arms in the air & Claire burst into tears! We had a big hug & FINALLY I could stop running!!!!!!
The worst thing I have ever put myself through….I honestly don’t know how I got to the end as at many points of the race I didn’t think I had it in me to finish.
Would I do it again……………………………………..of course!!!!!

Marathon Number 1 of 3....LONDON 25/04/10

2010-05-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

You might wanna get a cuppa before reading this!!!

London Marathon Number 2! Sunday 25th April 2010 – 5:50 – Run Number 42987

Well two years down the line I didn’t think the same marathon could be so different!
So with the snow over winter & then a calf tear & twisted foot my training took a massive nose dive!! Only managed to run the maximum long distance of 15 miles before the day…far from ideal!
Still, the morning was cool & overcast, good start! We decided to walk from the hotel to Charing Cross & get the train from there, so after having an argument with the hotel who was trying to charge us £15.00 for breakfast when we bought out own porridge & milk!! We headed through Green Park to find that they completely closed off the Mall & we couldn’t get through to the station!! Grrrrrr…. So back through Green Park & got the tube to London Bridge & just followed the massive stream of red bags all heading for Blackheath, we managed to get on a train fairly easily & I even got a seat! The train as usual was a buzz of nerves until at one point the train stopped & out of the mad bank next to the train came 3 fox cubs!!! Bless, the whole train dissolved into fits of “Ahhhhhhh’s” & “Oooohhhh’s” it was so funny how little fox cubs deleted the nerves of us all for just a second!!
Anyway from Blackheath we made our way over the heath to the start line, a different route to last year but we got to see the big hot air balloons! My friend Suke rang me as she was at the Green start with all the celebs & filled me in on all the goings on!
At the start enclosure we did all the usual things, queued for the loo, took in the atmosphere & all the different running shirts/costumes etc. I went over to the water stand to meet up with my running forum friends & one of them very kindly gave me some tablets as I had a stinking headache! Not the best as I was about to run 26.2 miles!! Unfortunately the heavens decided to open & we all got completely soaked!!!! Urgh!!!
We packed up our things & took our bags to the lorries & went to the start pens. As Andrew is a lot quicker than me he was in Pen 2 & I was in the back, Pen 9. I took myself off into the crowd to mentally prepare myself for the task ahead & was listening to all the excited conversations around me. At this time last year the thought of running 26.2 miles was exciting but I have to say that I wasn’t feeling the love!! I was soaked through, nervous & just didn’t know if I was going to be able to make it!
BANG! There we go! The crowd erupted but we still stood there for ages as the 30,000 runners piled through the gates! 20 minutes later I was over the start line & into mile one!!
I knew I didn’t have to go far before seeing my mum & dad at Charlton. I was ready to hand over my gels & wet jacket to them. The first few miles were solid with supporters and its always so nice to hear them shouting your name & telling you that you can do it. I got to mum & dad & handed over my stuff & said hello to my family supporters & carried on, I felt good & a lot lighter for handing over all my stuff. Off I went on my marathon journey…….
About mile 2-3 there is a pub, I remember this pub from last year, they make such an effort with everyone in fancy dress & the pub all dressed up, this year it was a pirate & sea theme and they gives you tons of shouts of support! Then a little further on you have bell ringers, it was all flooding back from the year before.
The next thing I knew I had 2 ladies pop up either side of me & say hello fellow superstar!! They were two lovely ladies running for MS as well both wearing orange tutu’s as I was!! We had a little natter & they were hoping for about 5:30! On they plodded & so did I. I then ran into Rainbowbear (Michelle) a runner from the running forum I use. She was running for Victa & was wearing a rainbow tutu & rainbow wig with flashing bunny ears!! She got loads of shouts which was excellent. We ran for a while together & I saw my family at their next cheer point approx mile 5. Its nice to have people to spot along the way as it gives you a point to get too! Me & Michelle ran together for about 5miles, I spotted my friend Ulen supporting us at Greenwich & the I looked out for my cousin at the Cutty Sark but didn’t see him! But before long we had run about 10 miles!! The first bit does seem to go fairly quickly! At this point I really needed a wee & I found the MacDonalds that I popped into last year!!! So I said my goodbyes to Michelle & she carried on. Coming out of the loo there was 3 ladies running towards me with the same idea, I was about to tell them where the loo was & I realised I recognised one of the ladies….it was Nadia swahalia (sp?) from the telly!! I got all star struck & said “oh, Hello” She smiled & laughed & said hello!
So back to the course and I stuck my head down & got myself to Tower Bridge, this was where my next lot of supporters were! For these 3 miles you run though a residential area & the crowds are there but they are not very raucous so I plugged in my Ipod & got my pace going with some familiar tunes! This worked & got me through. Tower Bridge is such a wonderful sight & its roughly half way. There is normally cheer groups for the charities on the bridge & the noise is just incredible! Its hard to even describe! I saw my friends & went over to say hello & I remember telling them that running is a really bad idea!!!
So after Tower Bridge its into canary wharf…..this part of the course goes on & on & on & on & on…ok you get the gist! As you turn right after the bridge there is the stream of runners coming the other way at approx mile 22 when you are still at mile 13…gutting…. But you soon have the London Pride bus playing banging tunes really loud, this is my favourite part of the course as I love the loud music! This year I got “Sex on fire” by the Kings of Leon & I got a shout from the DJ :o) As I plodded on in the stream of runners all going the other way I instantly spotted Andrew & he spotted me! Wow, he was doing well! 2:50 at mile 21!! We met in the middle & we had a quick well done/good luck hug & he told me he had been sick twice & was not well!! Not good!
I knew it would be a little bit further & I would see mum & dad again at approx 14-15 miles & that was my next bench mark to get to. I was starting to feel the miles & wanted to walk, the temperature was also getting warmer. This part of the course I remember people having BBQ’s & it was the same this year…when you have run 13 miles you are starving & smelling BBQ is just sheer torture!!
Exactly where they were last year Mum & dad & my Aunt & Uncle were waiting for me & I stopped for a quick natter & some refreshment in the form of chocolate raisins……Mmmmm, the best choc raisins EVER!! That gave me a little sugar boost & onwards I went to battle the rest of the canary wharf & I knew once I got to the end I was nearly there………..or so I thought!
Throughout canary wharf I was stop starting, I had over whelming urges to stop & walk so I was doing this on & off but trying to keep up the running momentum. I saw James, Vicky & Simon again a few times & stopped at one point just to have a breather & say hello. This actually helped as I felt stronger when I started running again.
Eventually I got through canary wharf & came out the other side & I remember thinking 20 miles….only 6 to go, I have run 6 miles loads of times, I can do this.
I saw my mum & dad again for the last time at about mile 22, I was on a good time & knew that I wouldn’t beat my PB but would beat my London time from last year. So I plodded on & tried to run as fast & as much as I could! The noise from this point is completely deafening. The crowd know you are feeling pain & scream at you so much & are so encouraging!! The London Pride bus was again playing a banging tune of “I wanna give you devotion” one of my fave all time tunes so that was another boost!!
I then met a lovely lady who I started chatting to & it was her first marathon. She had lost her mum a few months before and was feeling quite emotional. We ran for a few miles & spurred each other on. We were running at a comfortable pace so we said we’d keep going to the end & she had family up ahead…………..Just a few miles to go, running along the embankment the crowds are crazy. They know you are nearly at the finish line…… Mile 25…..something just happened……I drained…..it felt like my energy zapped from the top of my head to the tips of my toes & I felt awful……….AHA….this must be “The Wall”
The lady I was running with looked at me & I could tell by her face that I didn’t look good. I stepped to the side & held onto the barrier & took deep breaths…..either I was going to pass out or be sick. Anyone who knows me well will know that being sick wasn’t an option!! (sick phobia!!) Everything was completely swimmy & I remember thinking, this isn’t the wall because my legs work, yes my legs did work but I had zilch energy!! I drank some water & my friend had to carry on as she had family ahead so I just gave myself a few minutes & then started to walk. I only had a mile to go & everyone was screaming “Cmon Nessie, you can do it” its so brilliant but I just wanted all the noise & heat to go away coz quite frankly I felt like poo!!!!!
I haven’t really a clue about the last mile I just shuffled along in a weird kind of running, limping stance & just wanted to see the Mall!!!
THE BEST 200 yards of your life!! I threw may hands in the air & got to that line!!!!!!!!
The most lovely thing was, just over the finish line was the lady I had been running with. She waited for me to check I was ok, how nice was that???!!!
I stood & got my medal & I can honestly say, I bloody well deserved it! Ok so I didn’t beat my London time from last year but only 3 minutes out and I absolutely don’t care. I still managed to run my 3rd marathon & I am pretty proud of myself!!!
Bring on Edinburgh :o)

Marathon Number 1.......DONE!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

I did it!!!! 5 hours 50 minutes. Ok so not the fastest time, Infact its my slowest but with everything that happened in training & injuries I am delighted with that.
Full race report to come but here are some pics to keep you going!!

One very happy Nessie..... if not a tad sore!!!

Final Fundraiser

2010-04-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Sorry its been a bit quiet on the western front. It has been for a few reasons.....

Firstly I have been busy getting things ready for our final fundraiser which was on Saturday night. Our quiz night. We raised another £525 which has got our joint total so far to £5500!!!!!! Good times!!

Have been spending so much time on fund raising this time that I almost forgot I have a marathon to run.

And Secondly.........

I have been slightly pre occupied with the fact that I am unfortunately injured again.

When I started this blog I really wanted to be able to show the full trials & tribulations of training for a marathon. I have managed to do this from an injury & things going wrong perspective but I have not been able to demonstrate exactl how much training & miles should go into a normal marathon training plan as I didnt get anywhere near it this time!!

Still, advice & volcanic erruptions aside, I am going to be on the start line of the London Marathon on Sunday. I will just have to see how I get on & pray that my ankle holds up & I can just get to the end!

Initially I wanted to aim for a sub 5 marathon but this is HIGHLY unlikely now! Doesnt mean I wont try though! I probably shouldnt be starting this race really BUT I feel if I dont give it a go then I wont know if I could have done it or not. I would rather try & have to pull out than not try at all!!!

I am going to see my physio tomorrow & hopefully she will have better news on my injury for me!!!!

Over the next few days I will post a pic of what I am going to be wearing so you can try & spot me on the telly!!!

Speak soon!!

Great Fundraising day!!!

2010-04-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please.....................

£314.20.............. Lovely Tesco customers!!!

We spent 6 hours in Tesco today collecting money for our challenge. We were so lucky that the sun was shining outside & people were feeling generous!! Brilliant day & so worth it!

Next event.......Saturday night....Quiz night!! Please come if you are Inverness based if not keep everything crossed that we have a bumper fund raising night!!!!

Of course I will update & again hopefully with pics!

Not this year......

2010-04-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well unfortunately I was unsuccessful in the New York Marathon ballot :o(

Nevermind, it was a long shot but you never know when you may just get lucky & get in. I have now got 1 rejection behind me & after 3 rejections if I am not lucky in the next few years then you automatically get a place.

I wasn't too suprised but now I have to decide where & when my 3rd marathon will be. Now the easiest option will be Lochness & probably the more probable but I am going to have a look about as there is quite a few I'd like to do & if they fall in the right timescale then I may change it.

Either way I am not giving up on my triple just because I didn't get into New York! Oh no way siree!! 3 will be completed, just 3 different ones!

Ok, so tomorrow doesn't see me running another 15 miles, I will have to do that in a few days time as tomorrow I am spending the day fund raising in the local tesco store. Hopefully it will be a successful day! I will of course let you know how I got on & hopefully a pic :o)

Infact I have also had delivered my new dayglo orange tutu!!! SO I think I need to post a pic of what I will look like!! Lets just say you will see me coming ;o)

Bye for now x

15 miles & an ice bath!!!

2010-04-06T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my lovely blog readers,

So after a very upsetting & unsuccessful run last weekend I have picked myself up, dusted myself down & got back to it!

I managed 2 gym sessions through the week running an hour on the treadmill & doing some cross training. I am actually getting quite used to the treadmill, if only I could stop watching the clock it would be great!

I also did my weekly circuits training.

Spend most of the weekend psyching myself up for a long run. No as you know from my bleetings, I should be up to about a 19-20 miler at this stage of the game & then you have 2-3 weeks of what is known as "Taper" this basically means not so much running to give your body a bit of a rest before you put it right through its paces come Marathon day! But because I haven't been able to run as much with my injury I don't need as much taper. So yesterday I headed out to get some miles on my feet, I was feeling alot more positive & thank fully I managed to get to 15 miles :o) very happy indeed! If not a little tired!!

It was a pleasant day & I motored along until I turned at 10 miles & got hit with a strong head wind!!!! Doh!!! No wonder I had been motoring along with that wind behind me!! Still I got back home safe, sound & most importantly with NO PAIN!!!! yipeeeee!!

So what better way to treat yourself after running such a long distance & it took me 3 hours, but a nice dip in an ICE BATH!!! oh yes!!!

I have never done this before but have been told by many that it is a good thing if you have done a long run. So I ran the old water, yep it was cold!! VERY cold!! I got in & thought it wasn't too bad..... then my feet were agony, felt like they were burning. I sat down quick & dipped my legs under & popped my toes out. Once I started breathing again & stopped panting like a woman in labour it actually wasn't that bad! And I managed to stay the distance of 10 minutes.

When you run you get little tears in your muscles & ice baths give them a chance to heal properly & it is also meant to hekp with your soreness the next day. I can happily say I think it has & I will be doing it again......maybe I do have a sadistic streak in me?????

So, I am currently deciding whether i am going to do another 15 plus run before the day or just lower my mileage now & begin taper.... I'll soon let you know.

Can you believe its less than 3 weeks away, its just hit me how close it is!! Yikes!!

Dont forget to sponsor me PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE www.justgiving.com/nostoppingnessie

Will update again soon........

If only it was easy........

2010-03-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all well & thank you for checking in with me!!

Yes.....as the title says.....if only it was easy......

Yesterday I was meant to cover 15 miles. At this late stage in the game with only 4 weeks to go till marathon number 1 I am WAY, WAY, WAY behind. This time last year I was at 18 miles & I am currently at 13. Ok, so I know I have been injured & I have had 5 weeks of bloomin snow tha kept me behind but I am finding this running lark EXTREMELY tough at the moment.

This is where I am realising that my "challenge" is actually going to be much more of a "Challenge" than I antisipated!!! Thats ok though as thats what challenges are all about and as the title says.....if only it was easy....well if it was easy then it wouldn't be much of a challenge would it???!!!!

I suppose I want people reading this blog who maybe don't run to realise that actually its flipping hard work this running lark! So much time & effort goes into going out & running 15 miles you just wouldnt believe!!! for example....

For starters you have to make sure that you are properly hydrated & fuelled for the run. This is known as carb loading, you get your levels of carbs up so your body has lots of energy for what its about to undertake. Also with the hydrating, making sure you are well oiled basically. Your muscles & organs need to be well hydrated as believe me I sweat alot over 15 miles!! Mmmmm nice!!

You need to make sure you are well rested.

You need to have everything ready for the run.... so checking weather so think about what you are going to wear so you are not too hot/cold etc etc... not just how big your bum is going to look in lycra...its much more indepth...honest!!! ;o)

If you take gadgets with you, they have to be charged....ie IPOD - my essential piece of equipement, I would die if some one stole my IPOD!!!! My running watch.... this tell me how far I have gone & how slow I am!!! hehehe

You have to think about when is the best time to go...for me it needs to be middle of day as it does actually take me 3 hours.....yes 3 hours to run 15 miles so that is a massive amount of time!!!

Make sure that you fuel properly before the run, not too much so you feel bloated & full but enought to give you energy!

You have to pack a little bag.... I use gels for energy so they need packed & a few sweeties..any excuse....mobile, incase I die/or need ambulance.....

You have to sort your head out too..... This may seem a little odd but its probably one of the biggest factors as to how my run will go. I need to feel positive & tell myself that its going to be a strong run & I am going to feel great etc etc........

This I think is what went wrong yesterday. I didn't want to run 15 miles even tough I HAD too! I wore comepletely the wrong stuff & got very hot & over heated. I didnt fuel properly & generally kept tellng myself I couldn't do it....so what did I do...... I didn't do it!! RUBBISH!!!!!!!!

Felt/feel extremely disapointed as I dont have time for missing runs. Still, onwards & upwards. Don't think for a second this will stop me! So many people say to me "you are doing so well with your running I dont know how you do it" and I smile and say thank you but really sometimes I dont know how I do it either!!!!

I have been to see my lovely physio today, why I still call her lovely I'm not sure as she inflicted mucho pain my way!!!! But am hoping that I will stop hurting while running soon & that will be a big bonus!

See pain & suffering I am going through..... if you haven't sponsored me yet, can you at least feel sorry for me & do it now!!!! hehehehehehehehe

Will update you very soon on how I intend to drag my sorry butt back into training :o) x x x

What a weekend!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

Hiya Everyone.

Sorry its been a little while since I've updated my blog but its all been a bit manic. A little bit of running involved which is good as I have London creaping up so quickly its rather scarey!!!!

Ok so this weekend I travelled down to the lovely sunny Sussex coast to take part in the Hastings Half marathon. Having not done the Inverness half due to coming back from injury I was really looking forward to giving it another go.

Wow, what fantastic support I received! Firstly Urszula joined me by doing the run with me....THANK YOU... She kept me going until the very last step over the line! We may have done a quicker time if we hadn't talked solid for the whole 13.1 miles!!!

Mark, Joe & Jenna, my lovely marathon friends from London 2009 came over from Brighton to be our cheering squad & also Nuala ran the half too!

Not forgetting all my lovely family & friends who made the effort too come & see me & cheer me on! SO VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!! Really made my day as it was also my birthday! What a way to celebrate eh??!! Can think of more relaxing ways!

Anyway, we got around in 2:36. 5 minutes slower than last year but I did walk the hilly queensway. I did this purely as not to push myself too much with coming back from the injury & I really wanted to finish without pain!!! So for the sake of 5 minutes, I'll take that!! :o)

At the start of the race the organisers sang Happy Birthday to me over the tannoy which was both embarrassing & lovely all at the same time!!

I have posted some pics for you all to see of me before, after & during! I am fairly worried about the lack of training I have done this year. This time last year I had just done 18 miles & I am 2 weeks away from that & 5 weeks away from London, yikes!!!!!

Still, this weekend I am aiming for 15, will be glad to pop the Ipod on & dig my heels in & hope again its another pain/ Injury free experience!!

Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fundraising FUN...

2010-03-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovely blog readers :o)

Well last week was slightly busy, lots to do & arrange for different charity events etc! Not to mention getting some training in too, whilst also juggling the guest house & poorly dog!

Anyhooooo, I'll start with training.... I went back to circuits this week just to give it a try & it was ok. Steered clear of sprints & anything that would put massive pressure on my legs but all in all ok which is faberoooney!!

Friday I took myself off for a little jaunt along the canal & managed to fit in a nice wee 10 miler!!!! :o) Ok so I wouldnt call it pain but I did feel a few niggles along the way but nothing to make me stop or worry, probably just my legs way of getting used to the mileage again & I have had no pain since! Get IN!!!! So all lookng ok for Sundays little jog round the seaside of Hastings! What a birthday present I have given myself!

Saturday Myself & Andrew spent the day in the local shopping centre with a fundraising stall. We made a very decent £180!! It was a fun day but my god some people are strange......... I did remember as we were dismantling the stall to take a picture! So the pic above isnt in its full orange glory!!

Yesterday I went along to support Andrew & friends taking part in the Inverness half marathon. I decided against doing this just to give me one more week build up to the mileage. I was gutted just standing on the side line whilst all the runners warmed up & were all excited but clapped my little heart out for them all when they run past! I will be the excited runner warming up on Sunday...... am just praying for a nice day with not toooo much head wind along the seafront, its a killer!!

So this week I am doing my usual body balance, circuits, short run & also having a check up with my leg with Lisa to make doubly sure that all is well for Sunday. Hopefully then I can give you a good reace report & some more piccies!! Will be wearing my bright orange MS top so hopefully easy to spot & my number is 1873 so give me a shout if you are supporting. Am not going for any particular time at the half, I am just getting from start to finish without any injury hopefully!!!!!!!

Good News & Bad News

2010-03-07T04:47:00.000-08:00

Well at least there is both kinds of news so it equals itself out!

So on Wednesday, like I said, I attempted a 3 miler on the streets for the first time since my injury. It was ok, not that I was expecting it to be my best ever run but I just felt exhausted & it was only 3 miles. Feeling very demotivated & a bit fed up I then made the decision to pull out of the Inverness Half marathon on 14th March.

This really gutted me but I know its just not the best idea to push myself too soon as I will end up back at square one & injured with no time to recover pre marathon! Not where I want to be. So, once I made the decision I have changed my plan around to still fit in some pretty long runs before the first big day.

Yesterday I attempted my first longish run of 7 miles. I started very cautiously but by the end I was motoring along & feeling good :o) Pheeeeeeweyyyy!!!!!!!!!

Feeling much more confident now & today I am not in agony which is such a bonus!!!

I am now planning to not get myself upset next week when I cant go & play with all the Inverness Halfers ;) & am planning a 10 miler myself before doing the Hastings Half the following week which I am really looking forward too. Especially now my friend Urszula has signed up & is doing it with me for moral support. How fantastic is that :o) I am not going for a pb or pushing myself at this stage I just want to complete every run I do injury free!! God, I can be sensible sometimes, amazing!!

So although I have had to pull out of my first race, bad times! I have achieved a good 7 miler & am on for Hastings Half, good times :o)

On the fundraising side of things, this week sees yet another opportunity as myself & Andrew have a stall at the local shopping centre where we are holding raffles etc so that should be good fun & hopefully it will be a successfull day. Photo's to follow of course.

Fame!!!

2010-03-03T03:49:00.000-08:00

I'm famous at last ;) Well if you can call an article in the local courier fame!!

Still I am chuffed to bits with it and its great publicity for our challenge! If you would like to read the full article click on the picture & it will bring it up full size for you to read.

Ok so back to training......

Sunday I managed a full 30 minutes pain free running on the treadmill! I was so delighted & am really hoping that this is the point where I am turning a corner!! I also did some cycling & rowing for good measure :o)

I went to see my lovely physio Lisa on Monday & had my leg checked over. It is a lot better but its still a case of test it & see & keep up the cross training in the mean time.

So, today I am planning my first run back out on the streets. Am aiming for a 3 -5 miler to test the waters & am just praying that it will be pain free & ok!!!!

If so, on Sunday I will aim to do a fairly long (ish) run of about 8-10 & this will give me an idea as to whether I am going to attmept the Inverness half or leave it till Hastings the following week.....either way this is a very crucial time for me & my injury so I need looooooots of luck & positive vibes!!

Will keep you updated!

Little bit of progress

2010-02-26T02:58:00.000-08:00

Well, last night I took myself off to the gym again & had to tear myself away from not going to circuits :o(

So I decided to do a really hard work out & then attempt a run on the treadmill.

3000m rowing
20 mins bike - really pushing it though!!
10 minutes on a machine that I don't know what its called!! Basically its the action of running without the impact - pretty handy in my current situatio!!

Then...the treadmill....... managed 15 minutes of painfree running :o) yipeeeee

I could have carried on but didnt want to push my luck and I did start feeling a little niggle so left it at 15. Very small steps to progress but progress all the same! I will do the same in a few days & maybe attempt a longer run.

Am not feeling confident for the Half marathons I have coming up....... this is very hard for me to accept that I may not be able to do one of them or even both. but if it means being on the start line in London then I have to do what I have to do. I may well start them & see how I get on.

Please keep EVERYTHING crossed for me!!! I need ALL the positive vibes being sent my way right now!!!

Fantastic Fundraising :o)

2010-02-24T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well what a successful evening! I am so delighted!

Want to say a BIG thank you to all of you reading who came to the curry night! It was a great night & I hope you all enjoyed the food.

We made an amazing £550 !!! Brilliant :o)

The photos are a bit dark but the night was very orange! The Cinnamon Indian Restaurant was decorated in lots of MS orange balloons.

So even though I am currently still inujured I was cheered up VERY much by the support & encouragement of everyone who came. Now onto arranging the next event...... its the return of the quiz night.

Injury update..... ok so after my pathetic running attempt Sunday, I went to Body Balance class on monday & had a good stretch. Last night was out with the curry night...promise I didn't eat loads of curry, I was too busy selling raffle tickets!!
Tonight I am simply exhausted!! So am going to rest my bones & take myself off to the gym tomorrow for a bit of a rowing beasting session!! This is good cardio which takes me out of my comfort zone but it an all over work out & as I can't go & play circuits yet, this will be my challenge to keep me as fot as possible untill I can run again!!! I may try a little treadmill run to see how I get on.........

I can't tell you how much I want to be writing to you all about my running progress but I am trying so hard to get back into running as fixed as possible so as not to incure any further injury before London.

Will update again soon, maybe after my rowing torture.....if I survive ;o)

SLOWLY but surely!

2010-02-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

I think SLOWLY is going to unfortunately be the name of the game with recovery for my injury! And I am possibly THE most impatient person when I want to get cracking on with something.

So Thursday I managed to stay away from my beloved circuits class even though a little devils voice was in my head shouting "Do it, do it, do it" hee hee hee

I went to the gym & did 30 minutes cycling & 10 minutes rowing all pain free so was feeling happy.

Today, I thought was a good a day as any to attempt my first run. So off I toddled to the gym & I cycled for 30 minutes & rowed for 10 to warm up my muscles. I then did some light stretching... I sound like I know what I am talking about here but I don't really I just thought it would be good to do! I went down to the track as its a nice soft surface, took a deep breath, plugged my ipod in & turned my tunes up loud & off I plodded!!

Plodded being the main word!!! I managed to run for 3 laps of the track before I had to stop. I wasn't in agony but my shin was sore & when I stopped it felt even more sore so as not to do more damage I went home.

ICE ICE BABY!! Yep ice out & on the leg! Has made it feel alot better already so I guess its going to be a very gradual return :o(

2 days to my curry night, so am busy getting things ready for that!! I really hope it is going to be a success!!

Will report soon, hopefully with some pictures :o)

Injury update

2010-02-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all well & thanks yet again for checking in with my progress & sending me some lovely messages of support, it really really helps so much :)

So, whats new in injury corner..... Well its not all doom & gloom, so appologies for feeling so sorry for myself in my last post!

I have been resting for a whole week now & as much as that is utterly frustrating, especially when all your running friends are out there putting in great mileage, I am hoping I have done myself some good for not doing anything! The last few days I have been pain free...yipeeee!!!

I went back to see my lovely physio Lisa yesterday, its a shame that wasn't pain free but its well worth it! She has allowed me to basically go back to doing anything as long as it doesn't hurt!! So today I will go back to the gym & do some cycling as this is non impact. In a few days when my leg will have calmed down after its physio attack I am going to attempt my first run. It will only be a small short run & it will be on a running track so it is a soft surface but even the thought of being able to do that is REALLY exciting :0) :o) :o) So I am feeling so much more confident.

It would be SO much easier with an injury if you can say, I did a certain thing to make it happen so I know not to do it again. But there are so many factors that its hard to find out how it happened. All I know is I DO NOT want to suffer pain like I did when having the tear/muscle damage massaged out! Yikes!

So I have been putting my resting time to good use......sitting on the sofa watching deal or not deal......NO!!!! ;o) I have been making numerous phone calls & writing numerous letters to arrange some fundraising events to get me to my £10,000 target!!

So, next Tuesday I am hosting a curry night in a local indian restaurant, yummy!!! & am trying to arrange another quiz night as that was such a success last year!

More news.....today I have also received my running number for the Hastings Half marathon 1873. I just now need to work on getting myself fit & back to getting the miles in! AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

INJURED!!!!!!!

2010-02-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody,

Well I am writing today with very sad news & I feel very down about it :(

Ok, so maybe its not the end of the world but it feels like a large set back for me.

I was so excited about reaching my half way mark on Sunday & this only echoes what I have written in my blog previously. No matter how good your plan looks on paper, something can so easily appear & bite you on the bottom!..... for your information that isnt' how I got the injury, no bottom biting accured ;)

Anyway, after Sunday, it took me a few days to realise that the aching in my legs wasn't normal muscle fatigue & something didnt feel right. So I booked an appointment with my sports therapist Lisa & had a sports massage, now this sounds lovely doesn't it....its not! It can be extremely painful as the massage is very deep & generally feels like you are having the persons fingers inserted deep in your legs! Still it normally relaxes tight muscles & stops soreness. Weirdly I have got quite used to the whole pleasure pain thing as its so worth the pain to your muscles feeling looser & fresh legs etc.

Anyway, it transpires that somehow I have managed to possibly get a small tear in my musculo-tendinous junction calf into achilles.....technical speak. Basically at the back of my leg between my calf & my heel on my right leg. How I have done it I am not sure there can be many reasons. Aaaaaanyway, I now have to take 7-10 days rest, Ice my leg & go from there. Basically the more I rest it the better & quicker it will heal but that is such a hard thing to do when you have a plan worked out & you desperately want to keep going.

I know that a few weeks out wont kill me & will do me good but its very scarey at this late stage of only 10 weeks to go.

I will NOT let this get to me, ok so maybe depending on how I heal I may be slower & I may not get as many miles in before my races but I have to be positive & I have to give my leg time to heal.

So, all in all feeling a little bit low & sorry for myself, but you wait till I am back. I will keep posting progress, I am allowed to cross train, if it doesnt hurt so maybe I will try cycling next week or some swimming.

I'll keep you posted :o)

Half way there :o)

2010-02-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

Hello & good afternoon!

What a good afternoon it is too!! I have just returned from a very sucessfull long run & I am feeling very happy with how it went. I ache from my head to toe but happy all the same :o) !!!

So this week.... I have completed all the training on my shedule this week so I have done the following

Mon - Body Balance class (if anyone knows the scorpion position, ouch!)
Tues - 7am spinning, yes I manages to get to another early spinning, brilliant!!
Weds - 5 mile run - first decent run in a very long time, just went for it!
Thurs - Circuits class
Fri & Sat rest
Today - 13 MILES!!! Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

I can't tell you how much I needed the run to go well today. Not for fitness but to get my head in the right place. After wanting a sucessful run last week & getting blister problems I was really worried about getting behine my plan. So I made sure I hydrated well, carb loaded (beginning to hate pasta already!) & told myself that I WAS going to do it today no problems! I even made a new playlist on my Ipod & this really helped. This is the longest distance I have run since October & its still 5 weeks till my first hal marathon so I am very happy! Half way there :o)

So next week sees me doing the same except I'll be upping the distance on my long run by 1 or 2 miles. Just now praying the white stuff doesn't return!!!

On another good note, I felt whilst I was running today that all the work on my core I have been doing (pilates & circuits) has actually started to take effect. Its hard to describe but its almost like being able to hold your body up by a strong core so that your legs can work smoother. God I sound like an idiot now, but I know what I mean & I hope the runners who read this understand!!

Ok......BIG DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....milometer..... 110.9 miles, I've broken the 100 marker :o) Good news all round today!!

Oh & while I'm on a roll, don't forget you can always sponsor me if you haven't yet www.justgiving.com/nostoppingnessie As you know I'm not doing all this madness for nothing! thank you so much x x x x

Welcome to February!!

2010-02-01T04:05:00.000-08:00

Hello to all my lovely blog followers, especially the new person following as I now have 16...not including all you secret readers!! Thank you all for following me!

Right, sorry its been a bit on the quiet front but I have been sunning myself in Egypt for a week :o) Yes, yes, yes, I did pack my trainers & I did sweat it out in the very very hot non air conditioned gym!!!! I only managed a few sessions but still it kept my legs moving, infact it was quite a scary experience as the gym was full of Russians pumping iron... and that was just the women!!!

Anyway, holiday over & back to serious training! ONLY 12 little weeks to go till London! It flies round now, I remember from last year! I was hoping to come back to Inverness & see all the snow having disapeared......no such luck!!! We still have about an inch or so fo slippy stuff but I was so raring to get out yesterday I braved it!

As I havent run outside since before xmas because of the snow I was aiming to do a very steady 10-13 miler. I set off & it was freezing but eventually I got into my stride about mile 4. For those non runners reading, for some strange reason the first few miles are always killers!! Your legs feel like lead, you head constantly tells you to stop! Sounds like such fun doesn't. I really don't know why I put myself through it ;o)

Anyway, sadly just after mile 4 I got a blister. Now I have never suffered with blisters before, ever. So i didnt know what to do. I tried all sorts of things to make it more confortable, like, loosening my trainer, tightening my trainer, running with my foot in a different position.....all to no avail :( I took the decision to turn back. I ended up doing about 6-7 miles, the last bit very speradic run/walk as my foot was sore. Very disapointed & very disheartened. You see, when you write a training plan it all looks so simple on paper. Then you get a day where something doesnt go right & you dont reach your intended mileage & it puts you back!! So I was feeling very glum yesterday.....but......today :) back on the horse & get on with it!!! I have body balance at the gym tonight & I may sneak in & do a light cardio session to make up for my rubbish attempt yesterday! So my week looks like the following

Monday - Possible Light cardio session at gym & Body Balance Class
Tuesday - if no guests then will go to 7am Spinning :) if guests, gym session in Eve
Wednesday - run 5 Miles
Thursday - Back to circuits :)
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Attempt number 2 at 10-13 miles!!!

Wish me luck :o)

Mileometer - 5 miles from last week while away & 6 from yesterday takes me to......92.9 miles......So I'll reach 100 miles by next week...BRING IT ON :)

Good weeks training!

2010-01-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Well I can proudly say that this week I have put in a very good weeks training!

So where did I get to....

Yes 7am Spinning! Mental! Still at least that was my cross training session done for that day & all by 8am which meant I didnt have to brave the gym with all the new year resolution goers in the evening! Phew!

Wednesday was my short run, I checked my plan & this should have been 4 miles for the last 2 weeks but I have been doing 5 :o) Ok they have been on the treadmill but 5 miles all the same!

Thursday night saw the last of my circuits class for a few weeks so I worked as hard as I could! It was a toughy & saw people leaving to throw up at the end but I felt great! SO much so that stoooopidly I decided to get out of bed early on Friday and do an extra spinning class!!!! Just to make sure that I did really like it & it wasn't just a one off!!

Well, I found it a bit more tough than on Tuesday but that could be down the amount of training I have done this week & also not long after circuits the night before. When I sat on the bike I could feel where the saddle was from last time! ouch! Still I did it & enjoyed it & although I wont be able to do this on a regualr basis as if we have guests then it my breakfast prepare time so I won't be able to go I will see if I can get into the Tuesday night spinning class & go then as part of my x training.

So to today......

Walk the dog along the canal yesterday & although the snow is FINALLY thawing its still very icy & extremely slippy! for the sake of one more long run I decided to hit the gym again instead. I just dont want to risk slipping & breaking, twisting or pullin my ankle etc!!

So I ramped up my session (or tried too)

45 minutes bike, increased resistance by 1 & managed 16k
45 minutes x trainer increased my resistance by 1
But only managed 30 minutes treadmill, found it bloomin hard today! I had a sports massage on friday & my shin was still sore & I just couldn't get into it but still 2 hours solid work out is equivalent to 10 miles running so that cannot be bad hey!? better than sitting at home eating pizza which I owuld have much rather done!!

So adding my hypothetical miles from the week my milometer now reaches the dizzy heights of..........drum roll please..............81.9 :o) Thats a bit better!!!

So this week sees me jet set to Egypt but no doubt I'll check in here first........& yes I am taking my trainers!!!!!

I created a PLAN B

2010-01-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...... Just a special mention to the people who have been reading from Realbuzz! Thank you & I will also be checking out your blogs too! Good luck with the training......not long now!!!

Ok so where am I at...... Good weeks training last week dispite this white stuff that WILL NOT go away!

So Friday & Saturday I rested & on Sunday my plan had me doing 12 miles.

Ok, with it being minus 6, still a foot of snow & very very icy I decided against a nice run along the canal! Plan B kicked in which was to train in the gym for the time it would take me to run 12 miles (which is roughly 2:15) There was no way I was going to manage that whole time on the treadmill so I managed

30 minutes on the bike (10k distance)
30 minutes on x trainer
1 hour on treadmill (also 10k distance)
50 sit ups

I cant believe that I would ever spend 2 & a half hours at the gym in my life but I felt good after & it wasnt that bad! I played my new Ipod playlist which I have named "Joy" its got all my all time favourites on there & it so worked as every song that came on I thought "ooohh I love this song" & it made me run that little bit faster!! Bonus :o)

Monday is supposed to be my stretch day & I was looking forward to going to body balance again! Got to the gym & the class was cancelled!! Grrrrrrrrrrr!!!!! So annoying when its part of your plan & I really needed a good stretch, I went home & stretched but its not the same!

Because of my disapointment & the fact that we are pretty quiet with guests I decided not to lay in this morning & take myself back to the gym to do the 7am Spinning class. Yes, I did say 7am!!!!!!

BRILLIANT!!!! I loved it, I really got into it & pushed myself. I have only done one spinning class before & wasn't that keen but left today wishing that I could go more!! Really set me up for the day so while the B&B is quiet if I get a chance I will be attending that class either Tuesday or Friday. Also having attended that this morning it meant I had done my cross training for today so have a night to myself to update my blog for you lovely people!!

ok so I'm adding my hypothetical 12 miles from sunday which makes my mileometer 66.9!! Going up up up!!!!

Very happy with the week so far :o)

2010-01-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

Hiya peoples!

Well I am glad to once be telling you that I am really happy with my week so far!!

Ok so after Sundays little snow cut short run, on Monday, I managed another 5 miles snowy walk with Branston & my friends dogs! It was as tough as running as the snow was welly high, my calfs were killing me!! Plus it started snowing heavy half way through! FREEEEEEZING!!!!
Monday night saw the return of Body Balance with my favourite instructor Nicki :o) Brilliant, am so pleased to be back to it. I have lost a lot of my flexibility that I had whilst training for London but give me a few weeks & I'll be back to it again! Oh did I mention I got to the class early so I did 15 minutes on treadie just as a little warm up!

Tuesday - This is normally my gym day but with the 5 mile run, 5 miles snow trudge & body balance I decided to have a rest day as my shins were beginning to feel it & I dont want to go there with my shins! One days rest now will put me in better stead for the rest of the weeks training.

Weds - should be a short run - not a chance outside so went to the gym & ran for an hour on the treadmill. Yep a whole hour running on the spot!! Mind numbing but got quite into it after about 45 minutes!! Just had my Ipod pumping loud & fast tunes in my head & I was good to go :o) Finished off with 50 sit ups just for good measure

Thursday - first circuits class of 2010 & no falling flat on my face!! yipeeeeee!! It was a VERY tough class of muscle endurance. Lots & lots of reps of abdominal exercises then lots & lots of reps of leg exercises, finished off with overload of press ups......why o why o why do I put myself through it???!!!! I think its coz I really love itm just wish I could do the exercises justice!!

So today, is a rest day but am really feeling my circuits exercises everytime I move a muscle!!

This weekend I am supposed to be running 12 miles but there is little chance I am going to do this in the snow so plan B will have to take place........ you may have already guessed but plan B hasnt been created yet!!!!

Watch this space.....................

Mileometer 54.9 :o) slowly slowly rising!!!!

Happy 2010!!!!!!

2010-01-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone & welcome to 2010!!!

Firstly I'd like to wish you all the very best for a happy, healthy & fun 2010!!!

Wow, its here already & now the serious stuff needs to start happening! And I'm talking training.

It would of course start happening alot quicker if I didnt have a foot plus of snow to contend with!!! I went out for my long run today, was aiming for about 9-10 miles but had to cut it short to 5 miles as I was getting nowhere!! You can't run on the pavements because its far too deep or if its crushed down its far too slippy! And the canal was exactly the same! I have put a picture above of what the canal currently looks like. One minutes its fine then the next minute you slip & twist your ankle. I'm just not prepared to risk an Injury now.

Thank god that option 2 is back open tomorrow....THE GYM!!! Yipeeee

As I didn't finish my whole run today I am going to hit the gym before my Body balance class & do a few extra miles to make up for it!

The only problem will be the onslaught of newbie gym goers!! I expect the place will be packed to the rafters!!! Oh the joys!!

Still 44.8 miles todate & expect this to now start increasing at a much higher rate than it has been over the last few months.

Of course with it being new year I couldn't start it with out a few resolutions.....

1. In my battle to become a tonned athlete (yeah right) I am aiming to reach my 5 a day every day.
2. I am going to increase my water intake & aim for 2 litres a day by April when I am running much longer distances.

There are a few more but I am not going to tell you everything now am I ;o)

Today I have hit my 5 a day for the first time & I am on about 3 pints of water so far, which is why I am going to sign off now coz all I keep doing is needing a pee!!!!!!

Speak soon :o)

There's snow stopping me!

2009-12-28T02:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, I'll stop with the snow references but we still have tons of the stuff & its showing no signs of going away!!!

I got to a point yesterday when I thought if I don't go out & do some exercise I am either going to die of over eating or kill someone! So on went the trainers & the Ipod & I went to the canal path as I had been advised it was ok.

Wow!!!!! I only wish I had taken my camera. It was like running in my own little Narnia. Thick, crisp, sparkling white snow & bright sunshine! Luckily there were 2 tracks in the snow as it was about 6 inches deep. Once I got over the first few horrid warm up miles I was cooking on gas! LOVED IT!!!!!

Had banging tunes pumping through my ears & it was really enjoyable! I felt very alive. Managed a cheeky 7.5 miles & feel SO much better for it!

39.8 miles totalled so far, yep still sounds crap but watch this space. Am completely fired up & once the gym is back open 4th Jan & everything xmas & new year is out the way I am on mission training plan!! as its only 3 months & 27 days to go till marathon number 1....... yikes!!!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful christmas & if you want a challenge for the new year does anyone fancy running a half marathon or 10k for MS to help me raise some funds???!!!! If so email me, I will support you 100% of the way to achieving a goal for 2010!! :o)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2009-12-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who reads my blog a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

I have been blown away by the amount of people who have sent cards & have said they are tracking my progress on my blog (not that there has been much lately, promise there will be soon!!) I didn't think anyone read my ramblings at all! So thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading & I wish you all a fantasic festive time!!!

Jo x

Ps Went for a walk today and the show is still thick & Icy!! Am missing running dreadfully and cannot wait to go for a blast! It may have to be soon & just risk the snow! Update ya soon x

Its Snow Fun!!!!

2009-12-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

Was all revved up for my 8 miler today until...... a lovely foot of snow arrived!!!

Never fear, change of tact & I'll have to suffer the treadmill...... oh no I won't the gym was closed! Doh!

Oh well, a walk in the snow with the dog just had to do!

Snow, if not Icy is a good base to run on. I ran in snow last year and really enjoyed it so when it isn't as deep as it is at the mo I will get out!

So even though you write a plan and get all ready to tackle it there is always something that can crop up! Am not going to panic just yet but I REALLY REALLY need to get some miles on these feet!

Annoyingly my gym is closed for the next 2 days so I can't even get in there, I may have to risk the snow.

Hope you are all ready or getting ready for a lovely Christmas!

Will post my snowy progress in the next few days!!

Its a Plan Stan!!

2009-12-15T12:22:00.001-08:00

Evening All,

Well I have finally sat down & tried to write my training plan until London. I have now realised how bloomin soon London is! 4 months 9 days & 13 hours to be precise. Ok to you that may seem like quite far away but I remember once I hit January last year it absolutely flew by!

So the basics of my plan are this

Monday - Body Balance Class - This is Yoga & pilates combined. Very good for your core strength & flexibility. I am going to be using this class as a good stretch after my long run which will take place on a Sunday.

Tuesday - Gym - This will be an hour plus of cross training ie, Bike, cross trainer, rowing machine, treadmill - This is good for cross training so you are not just constantly pounding the streets.

Wednesday - Mid week shorter run - This initially will start off from now as about 4 miles but will probably increase as I get closer to the marathons.

Thursday - Circuits class - This is also for core strength & some speed work too if it includes sprints.

Friday - This will be a rest day - Yipeeeeee

Saturday - Another rest day Unless I want to change my long run day

Sunday - This is my LSR day - there are still arguments as to what this means.... Long slow run, Long steady run, Long sunday run....... This is basically the long run of the week and where you build up the miles so your body gets used to doing the mileage. On this sunday I am doing 8 miles, generally you only build this up 1-2 miles a week.

So there you have it this will be the basics of my week, Obviously this will change from time to time with races & other commitments etc & will be swapped around but its the base to work on! Sue will be looking my attempt at a plan over & no doubt she will tell me I have not included enough miles on my feet so it'll possibly get changed! If it does I'll keep you updated!!

Things (like life as I have said before) can get in the way & like the weekend Sundays run sort of went out the window as I had the Circuits xmas night out on Saturday....... Sunday was completely cancelled for me in all forms! But I am not going to be hard on myself as Monday I picked up straight off and did a very strong & dare I say it enjoyable 3.4 miler & tonight I did a great session in the gym including another 50 sit ups.

I'll keep ya posted :o)

Mile o meter 32.3 miles - This means that so far I have run the equivalent of from my house to Aviemore High street!

Special People!

2009-12-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

Evening Everyone!

Well as I promised here is my first update of the week not a huge amount to report but progress all the same!

After my 3 miler & self butt kick on Sunday I knew Monday would be a right off as we were hosting a "Drinks & Nibbles" party for B&B friends. Cleverly managed to slip on our back door step & fall flat on my backside with quite a thud...... NO I hadn't been drinking! Infact at least if I had I'd have an excuse just to randomly fall over! Lump & cut on my knee & a cut hand, but mostly my pride that was damaged!!

Didn't put me off though as yesterday I took my self to the gym for an hours cross training session. I did the bike, cross trainer & treadmill & then treated myself to 50 (yes 50) sit ups/crunchies (not of the chocolate variety!!) to finish off with :o)

SEE... I told you I was going to get right into it again.... and there is a reason why.... you wanna know??!! Well have a seat & I'll begin...............WARNING... I do go on a bit but there is a moral to my story I promise!

When I started running (1st Jan 2008) it was a new years resolution to basically get fit. I remember so clearly running round the block & getting home nearly on deaths door, breathing like I was having an asthma attack, coughing like I smoked 40 a day and generally feeling mortified at how unfit I was. I couldn't let this put me off, I had to do something about the shape I was in! Every other day I ran around the block until it got easier and from then on I added a bit to my route to make my runs longer. At the time I was working at Nationwide still & my colleague Andrew (who is an annoyingly superb natural runner!!) was very supportive & encouraged me continue & helped me with running related questions etc. I remember so clearly the day that I went into the office & was SO proud of myself for running 2 miles! I thought I had this running lark sussed & it sparked a conversation about my dream of always wanting to run the London Marathon. It was that day that I decided that if I worked hard enough & I knew it would be tough, but with Andrews belief in me I could do it or at least give it a bloody good go!!! So I got myself a charity place & because it was his fault I dragged Andrew along to do it aswell!!

It was amazing once I started to tell my close friends & family that I was doing the London Marathon how many people were excited for me. Some of them knew what a big deal it was to me as I had mentioned it before & some of them were just generally excited for me that I was rising to the big challenge of running 26.2 miles. But I was overwhelmed by the support & encouragement & the sense of no doubt from people that I was going to do it. This alone is one hell of a massive motivator!

It got the the October 2008 & I had only managed to raise my mileage up to 6 miles, I had experienced shin pains & niggles & my confidence was dropping. At the time of the Lochness marathon I met alot of runners who were staying with us at the guest house & when talking to them I told them about my story & my training & they were polite & chatted to me but I could see that they were thinking "ammature runner wanting to do a fun run" I was quite disheartened & realised that there are some elite runners out there that don't have an ounce of encourgement for people to take up running unless they are quick/natural athelete types & I swore on that day that I would NEVER ever discourage someone for taking up running/jogging how ever slow they were. I remembered how the support from people like Andrew, who told me to keep going even when I felt I was doing naff helped like you wouldn't believe! And thats when I met Sue.....

Sue came to stay with me a few days after the marathon & we got chatting. It wasn't long before I found out that she has just run Lochness as her 50th....yes 50th Marathon!!!!! WOW!!! I simply could not stop asking her questions & advice & she chatted to me with passion about running & training plans etc etc I was utterly inspired! 50 marathons & she treated it like it was no big deal & one day I could say the same. Not a hint of "I'm an elite runner" but lashings of encouragement & enthusiasm. I was struggling with a training plan & Sue said when she got back to Canada she would email me some information to help. How nice of her, I thought, but I didn't think she would.......True to her word she emailed me & not only did she offer to basically mentor me to Marathon day she emailed me a tailor made plan after asking me loads of questions & emailed me every week to get progress & help me through my run up (excuse the pun) to the big day. I am delighted to now class Sue as one of my very dear friends & cannot believe my luck that she came to stay with me that day. We still speak as often as we can & she has now moved the encouragement onto kicking my butt when it is needed....& boy am I grateful!

There is a point to my ramblings.... There is so much more I want to say on this subject & could go on forever but really my point is I need to be fired up again to complete my massive challenge ahead in 2010 & the reason I am feeling fired up again is because, how can I not be when I have had the level of support that people have shown me since I started running??!! I know I have only picked out Andrew & Sue as examples on this post but there have been SO many of you who have supported, encouraged, comforted, inspired, motivated & most of all believed in me. And quite frankly I simply could never thank you all enough, so I am going to think of all the things I have just said when I am at mile 3 of 7 and want to give up & make it give me fire in my belly to carry on & this will be one way of showing you all that I appreciate all you have done for me!!! :o)

Apologies!!!

2009-12-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!

I'm so sorry I haven't sent an update for a while, well a week in fact! It really has been all go!! And not a great deal of training has been done to be totally honest! You must be thinking....how on earth is this girl going to run one marathon, let alone 2 in 4 weeks!! Well you just watch this space................

So, last week I had my lovely friend Sarah come & visit me & we did have the terrible misfortune of a pamper day to suffer ;o) Oh, it was awful having to lie there while I was massaged with lovely scented oils & then if that wasn't enough to endure I had a facial & head massage.... I hope you realise I am doing all this suffering for you guys! I won't mention the afternoon spent in the sauna, steam room & jacuzzi as that may be rubbing it in a little...... Never fear, when I start racking up the miles & I have to go for a sports massage...believe me... you will get your revenge as that is painful stuff!!!!!!

I did however attend my Thursday night Circuits class & I REALLY tried hard this week and I am not joking. I did as many of the press ups in the proper stylee not the girly way! And how delighted was I that I left the class without feeling like I was going to be violently sick...BONUS!

I did go out today for my first run in a wee while. I did 3 miles at an average pace of 12 mins per mile which isn't rocket fast but to be honest I was so pre occupied with all that I have going on & needed to do today I cut the run short. Come January, this WILL NOT happen as I can't afford to do it but for today it was best for me not to carry on. Apart from tomorrow, when I am hosting a little get together for B&B friends, the week is looking a bit clearer so I really am hoping to get back into the swing of my training properly & may even go for a few runs & the gym....go steady... it may be like proper training ;o)

This brings my mile 'o' meter to 28.9 miles & you know what I am actually quite embarrassed to even type that at the moment & feel I have let you all down by being so rubbish! Excuse me while I kick my own butt..........

I'll keep you updated a bit more too!!! Thanks for reading, I love it when people tell me they have ready my blog & have been following what I have been doing. Thanks so much for taking the time to read!!! Please feel free to post a comment or send me an email via my website to say 'Hi' I love hearing from you all x x

Successful Day :o)

2009-11-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

Well a successful day was had yesterday selling my hand made cards for charity at the local shopping centre! I managed to raise a very decent amount of £190!! This now takes my total raised so far to approx £500!!! Brilliant :o)

My friend margaret kindly took a picture of me at my stall for you all to see.

So that ends a VERY busy week of card making although the orders are still coming in which is great & will help me a huge amount towards my goal!

AND...I didn't just come home & put my feet up after standing on them all day at my stall, I dragged my tired self to be beasted at circuits :o) A very good session last night of static mat exercises...basically you get 5 exercises (press ups, crunchies, squats, 1/2 sits etc) & you start by doing 20 of them & after a lovely 1 minute rest you then do a round of 18, then 16 etc etc...... all I can say is....OUCH!! I have today what is known as 'doms' .... no thats not a lovely 6 pack, I think it means...delayed onset of muscle soreness.....lovely don't you think?! and the worse thing is it normally gets worse tonight so I have a bit of aching to put up with!!
Because of my card making efforts, running has taken a bit of a back step since my 7.5 miler.... I fear not... I am aiming to get a fairly mediumish run in over the weekend before my lovely friend Sarah comes to see me & we spend Monday afternoon being pampered in a spa............hang on...........you really didnt expect me to do all this training & fund raising with out a few treats did you???? Will update my training very soon, bye for now x x x

Its been all go!!!!!!

2009-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hello my loyal followers.

Firstly, so sorry for not posting for a wee while, as the title says its been all go!!

Unfortunately all the go hasn't been as much on the training front as it should be!!

So, the news is, I have a stall at the local shopping centre on Thursday this week (26th Nove) to sell my hand made cards for my marathon fund! So since last week I have been spending most of everyday making as many cards as I can!! To date I have managed to make 88 so I am hoping to sell them all & maybe get some orders!!

I have also had my friend Urszula here so we did actually manage to drag ourselves away from wine & chocolates for a wee while to do a nice steady 7.5 miler along the canal. Longest run since the marathon & it went well! We even managed to chat for most of the way!!!

That bumps up my mile 'o' meter to.....25.9 including my 4 miler I did last week that I havent included yet!

So, mainly I am concentrating on Thursday & once that is over and hopefully I'll be a few pounds richer in my fund, I can then concentrate on my running again!

Sorry its a quicky but I'll report again soon :o)

Plodding along

2009-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

First off today I just want to say thank you to all the people who are reading my blog. It really does help to know what people are behind you & supporting you. So a special mention to my brother, Chris, who was most peeved that I hadn't updated my blog with how my 7 miler went & was even more unimpressed when he found out it didn't happen! Even though he was giving me grief down the phone I was secretly happy that he'd remembered & had been following my blog.....don't tell him though ;o)

So yes, my Sunday run didn't happen. After my Friday run in my new trainers I got sore shins which unfortunately I suffer with for different reasons. I am now being sensible in the earlier stages of my training & listening to them as if I carry on not bothering it will be harder to fix later on. So I rested another day & ran on Monday. Of course to try & make up for missing 7 miles I ran a bit of a longer route & did a nice 4 miler. I wore my new trainers again & this time no blisters! Felt very comfortable & dare I say that I actually enjoyed my little plod!!

I decided that music definately helps me disapear in to the thing you hear about called the "Zone" If i get into the musicality/beat of a song & enjoy what I am listening to you actually forget you are running! Yep, its true! & then after a while you think, jeez, I'm already nearly home & a minute ago it felt like miles away!

I remember the song that stood out for me during the Loch Ness marathon was Britney spears "Womaniser" (yep, I do admit to having that on my Ipod & infact there is alot worse!!!) & now everytimg I hear that song I remember running along the shores of Lochness & just wanting to stop & dance for a bit!!

So my question to my blog followers is....... name me some good funky tunes to keep me running & they don't have to be running related!!!

Shiny new trainers :o)

2009-11-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Its the same as the smell you get when you get a new car :o)

All sparkly & new & lovely...... then you go out for a run in the dark & generally don't see that great big muddy puddle or pile of dog poo & they turn instantly into just a pair of trainees. hee hee hee

Still as you can see by the pic I now have my new pair of trusty old faithful asics & tonight I went out for another sneaky lil 5k to give them their first few miles. All cool except a weenie blister but thats expected when they are brand new. Unfortunately they didn't make me run 6 minute miles but I suppose thats possible a bit much to expect!!!

So a good week getting back on my feet & into the start of my training! I went to circuits last night & boy am I feeling it tonight (which also means tomorrow will be even worse) we did core endurance last night and I have to say by the end of the class I don't know what was stopping me from being sick!!!!! Why oh why, do I put myself through it?? ...... I think its coz I actually enjoy it....yes I'm obviously a bit weird!!

So, happily that puts my training miles up to 14.4 now & Sunday I am hoping to get in a long run to get my body back into increasing the miles each week & doing a long run of a weekend. Maybe a nice canal run if I can manage 7.5..... what do you reckon????

Naked Running.

2009-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Right....... thought that might get your attention!!!

Don't panic, I havent been running the streets of Inverness with my bum hanging out you will be delighted to know!! BUT.... I have finally started my miles to the marathons!!!

Last week I was feeling so rough. I had a cold & sore throat that woudn't go away & didn't even want to venture outside let alone run!!!! Half my face was covered in coldsores......very unattractive! And I was really down in the dumps.

A new week & a healing face, it was time to get my trainers on! It is absolutely freeeeezing up here at the moment, we have had our first frosts of the winter and whilst walking the dog today I just wanted to go home & stay in the warm. Instead I got ready & set out just for a little pootle, nothing too much but just to get me back on my jogging feet. I normally wear a running watch that tells me how far I have gone, how quick (or slow) I have done the run & at what pace I am running at. But I decided to run naked tonight & just go with the flow, just me & my Ipod for company. Yes, that was the naked bit..... sorry to disapoint!!

Wanna know how I did.....do ya? Do ya?

Well I ran 5k which is 3.2 miles & I did it in 32 minutes which is probably the fastest I have ever run it!!! :o) Happy times, Happy girl !!!!! So thats 10 minutes per mile which for me is pretty fast!!

I ran my river route which is a loop around the river ness, I'll have to take some photos to add to my blog to show you all where I run! Tonight the river looked like it was steaming it was so spooky but quite cool!!

So to start my mile 'o' meter, I now have 3.2 miles under my training belt.....hang on.... did I mention that I did an 8 mile walk with the dog last week??!! Ok maybe not a run but miles in training I think!!!! So I'm upping my progress & in the style of Gordon Ramsay........11.2 miles......DONE!!!!!

Life / Training Balance!

2009-11-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

Well all I can say is life sometimes gets in the way! But then again I suppose when you are in the crutial part of training, training gets in the way of life sometimes.

Not making excuses!!

Have had a busy weekend, which was also very lovely! (Thanks James for coming to see us!) & also I've been suffering with a sore throat! Shame it didn't stop me eating the mountain of crap I managed to cram in my mouth!! But it got me thinking about through out your training you have parties, friends visiting etc and sometimes you have to be realistic & have some treats. Only problem with this instance is I haven't started properly training yet! Oooops!!

You're probably all thinking, cripes this training lark is so easy..... Don't be fooled, I'm currently lulling you into a false sense of security & I promise that soon I will be slogging the miles away & moaning about my aches & pains etc!

Talking of which.....miles...... another thing I am going to start is a mileometer! As, of the day (which will be soon I promise!!) that I start road running again I will clock the amount of training miles I put in up to my first 2010 marathon which will be London. It'll will be quite interesting as I dont think it will be as high as you'd expect!!

And this week I intend on going to the running shop to have my feet checked again as I am currently not happy with my trainers & for those of you that don't know, its MASSIVELY important to get the right gear when starting to run seriously (anything to spend money eh?!) If I was brave enough I would take a picture of just how bad my toes are looking right now and you would know instantly why the right gear is imperative!

Ok, so although not much to report thanks again for reading & soon I promise to actually start running!!!! ;o)

I've been tango'd

2009-10-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovely cherished blog followers!!! I now have 10 of you & you don't realise how exciting that is for me! Feel free to get anyone else to have & look & follow if you think they'd enjoy my ramblings & of course be inspired by the rigorous training schedule I am about to attempt ;o)

Ok, lots of news today! So after my attack class on Tuesday I rested on Wednesday, most of the day I was like a starved wolf, exercise really makes me hungry, I do really need to sort out my nutrition properly!!!! Anyway, last night it was circuit training. The class consisted of 15 different exercises & you spent roughly a minute on each. Doesn't sound a lot but it feels like forever sometimes when you are doing hard exercises! Plus you do the 15 exercises 3 times round & then, as if you hadn't done enough, we do the "overload" session which can be rounds of abs or press ups..... Yeah, its ok, I know what you're thinking!! I suppose I can gradually introduce you to the world of my circuits exercises as I go along & by the time I run New York you should all be toned gods & goddesses...... well, thats if you do the exercises & not just read about them, hee hee hee

So today I'll introduce you to the exercise called the "Burpee" ...... Yes it is called that & don't ask me why as I havent a clue. The Burpee is my nemesis of all of the circuits exercises, I bloody HATE them with a passion!! As far as I am concerned.... pointless! But still I battle on & this is how you do one.

Start in a standing position & bend down so you look like a frog, hands on floor in a squatting position, then kick your legs back and basically do a bunny hop keeping your hands on the floor & come back to the squatting frog. Then jump in the air & do it all again!! Hateful, hateful things!!!!! & I expect from my description you are none the wiser.....maybe I'll film my exercises & post them in full glory for you to giggle at... what do you think?!?!!

Anyway, exciting news...... Today I have been Tango'd!!!!!! I have received my running vest from MS. Ok its BRIGHT orange, skin tight & seethrough.... oh how attractive!!!! I have posted a pic for you to see & laugh at! Actually I am wearing it whilst typing this post & its growing on me! Plus I am feeling happy vibes by the rays that are beaming up from the illuminous orange!!!! Tell me what you think of my sexy new vest! Any fancy dress ideas you can think of for me?

Lastly, I just want to also make you all aware of my friends website who is like me being a total nutter & attempting the triple next year!!!! Please give his site a visit & make sure to watch him doing the twist!! Its genius! http://www.triplemarathon.com/

Gym Bunnies

2009-10-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yes my body was attacked! No doubt about it.
I stood nervously outside whilst all these young fit things queued up with their perfectly matching gym outfits on & full faces of make up.......???!!! I mean I was sweating like a P.I.G by the end, how did they all not look like frankinsteins wife??!!!

I was really up for the class & I knew I'd find it hard but possibly not as hard as I did find it! Half way through the class I was thinking.....give me a marathon anyday!!! I also thought I had pretty good co-ordination as well but when you don't really know the routine & everyone else does...boy do you get glared at by the bunnies!!! hee hee

I kept telling myself you can do an hours class, you have run 2 marathons!! Bet none of these girls have run a marathon..... but I still felt out of place, extremely overweight & unfit! How daft is that..... maybe I need to invest in matching lycra in pink ;o)

So, I have therefore decided that I am built for endurance not speed!! (or jumping jacks for that matter)

Think I'll stick to the gym for my cross training or go to Body combat class (which is kick boxing) & a class I enjoy & if one of the bunnies glares at me I can pretend its her I'm punching or kick boxing during the class.....meeeooowww, saucer of milk for Nessie!!!

Ok, so maybe Tuesday is a good day to start ;o)

2009-10-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

How excited am I....... 4 followers!! Thanks guys, I will do my very best to keep this entertaining for you! No pressure then, though I'm sure that won't be hard with how my training goes normally!! Talking of which...... yeah, you know that comment I made on my last post about Monday is a good day to start training..... well that sort of went a bit wrong! Oooops!

I spent the whole day yesterday playing with my new website & trying to get it finished that it was gone 7 before I knew it, none of the guests had checked in, I hadn't even thought about eating & so it sort of went out the window. I mean Tuesday is really a much better day to get out there & get training isn't it ;o) & I won't even mention the pizza I ended up troughing for dinner!!

So today I am doing some form of exercise even if I end up doing it at midnight!!! I haven't yet sorted a plan for the marathon(s) so I am just enjoying doing some fitness & will start building in some runs. Before I started running I really loved going to aerobics classes & I tend to stop going to them when I am running as its hard to fit them in & I am also scared of getting an injury. But tonight my aim is to get to a class called Body attack.......doesn't sound good for starters!! Its a high impact, high energy, throw yourself around to loud music type class..... I cannot wait!!! Will update you all tomorrow no doubt..... Now the question is, do I attempt a run aswell afterwards...................................???

Hello & welcome along :o)

2009-10-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone & welcome to my new training diary and all round general blogging thingy :o)
I am very new to all this so it may take me a while to get into the swing of it but I'm hoping you will find it an entertaining read whilst you dive into the world of my marathon training!

So initially I suppose I should set the scene.............

As most of you know I ran the London Marathon in April & loved every single step of it!! And recently I completed my second marathon at Loch Ness. In 2010 I am aiming to do a marathon triple, London, Edinburgh & (hopefully) New York!! Oh & not forgetting the "Monster Race" as well, plus all the 10k's & halfs & LONG runs inbetween!!! So I thought with most of my family & friends being so far away from me I would create a training Diary/Blog for everyone to follow & see what I put myself through. How nice for me to offer the chance of following a marathon training plan without you having to shed a single bead of sweat ;o)

So today really marks the start of my official training, why not, Monday is always a good day to start something!

I am hoping that because I will be "Blogging" away to you guys it will give me the kick I sometimes need on the days when I should be "Slogging" and don't really feel like it, to get out there and get the job done! So I will appreciate ALL of your comments to my post and any shouts of encouragement, support & even the sarcastic abuse..... well sometimes.... unless its about my spelling or grammar, because if it is I shall ignore it (Joe, Rob & Mark if you're following ;o) )

I am also currently putting together a website that will have my blog, Just giving site details, pictures, info etc so watch this space as I am very excited about it... infact I'm worryingly more excited about my new lovely blog & website than I am putting my trainers on.... this could be a slight hiccup!!

And finally...... I should really mention that I am aiming to raise in excess of £5,000 for the very deserving MS Society! Well, did you think I'd put myself through this madness for nothing?? I am going to be holding loads of events & things along the way, so if any of you can help me with any of these I will be eternally grateful!!

Right, I am now going to email you all to tell you that this exists and then I may just put my trainers on & go for my first run since the Loch Ness marathon..........watch this space :o)

xxx