Lyn's marathon

2 weeks later

2006-05-10T14:42:00.000+01:00

Well, it's now just over 2 weeks since FLM. I am back to running with my club as the play I was involved with has been cancelled (someone else dropped out). My knee has stood up to 1 hour sessions without any real pain, although I have been playing safe and wearing a 'pat strap' for support. Have not yet gone back to 3 sessions a week though, currently not doing a weekend run but intend to get back to that this week.

It has been lovely to get out onto the heath in the evening sun and run just for the fun of it.There have been a few puddles for me to splash through, which really adds to my enjoyment. During the latter stages of my marathon training I had slipped into the habit of plodding along at one pace all the time. I have really felt the extra effort needed to keep up with my clubmates.I'm sure that this is doing me good!

R+R

2006-04-28T19:22:00.000+01:00

Have enjoyed my week off work, catching up with friends and putting my credit card under stress. I now have some nice new clothes for our forthcoming cruise, but plenty of things still needed. I walked around the shops for hours yesterday so decided to forego my planned trot today - perhaps I'll do it over the weekend. I'm really missing my club sessions though, pity I won't be able to return for a few weeks due to other commitments.

Just about to settle down in front of the TV with a bottle of something - this is the life!

Marathon + 2

2006-04-25T10:50:00.000+01:00

Slept much better last night. My legs were incredibly sore before I went to bed, but felt easier when I woke. I went out and did a very gentle 25 minute recovery run and stretched out some of the knots.

It's taken me ages to catch up with my e-mails - so many messages of support from so many lovely peeps. Thank you, everyone.

Today I plan to pop into work and also see Mum - after all, I need to show off my medal, don't I??

Race report

2006-04-24T16:18:00.000+01:00

Hubby and I set off for London by coach on Saturday morning and arrived early afternoon. We found our hotel, had something to eat and then relaxed for a couple of hours - water ever present at our side. Early evening saw us at the Thistle Hotel in Trafalgar Square meeting up with people from the 'Runners' World' internet forum for drinks, then on for a pasta meal. It was lovely to renew acquaintance with old friends, and to make some new ones. We were away early though so that we could try and get some sleep. 'Try' was the operative word. I slept soundly until about 3.30am, then was tossing and turning until just before 6am. Up, dressed and down to breakfast. We were surprised at just how many other people in the hotel were doing the same thing. Was there anyone who wasn't taking part today?

The weather on Saturday had been very warm and I was seriously worried about getting sunburn during the run. However, Sunday dawned grey and drizzly, so that was one less thing to worry about!

We left the hotel at around 7.15am to make our way to the start. Hubby and I were starting from different places, so we said our fond farewells at Charing Cross station and set out to enjoy the day.

After meeting up with forum friends again before the start and hanging around for some time I decided it was time to join the queue for the loo (again!). Good job I did as there was then scant time to get my baggage on the lorry before going to the start. Wouldn't you know that the lorry corresponding to my race number was almost the furthest away from the start. I must have walked several miles even before the marathon started!

At the start I was chatting to a lady and discovered she was yet another 'forumite'. She'd been injured recently and wanted to start off slowly, so we stayed together until just after halfway. Thanks Jo!

Unfortunately, I started to get pain in my left knee after just a few miles. Very frustrating as I have never had this before and don't know what caused it. By halfway I knew that all thoughts of finishing in a particular time had gone out of the window. It was now about finishing full stop.

I knew that I would be able to get some ibuprofen from friends at mile 17, so I gritted my teeth and kept going. Muttering my 'mantra' under my breath 'When I get to mile 15 I will say........' etc. I was soooo glad to see my friends at mile 17, I virtually fell into their arms - demanding gels, jelly beans and ibuprofen! My knee really hurt once I tried to run again, but I stopped again about 200 meters further down the road as I needed the loo. Whilst queuing here, someone pointed out that the distance remaining was now in single figures. Thank you, whoever you are!

By this stage I barely knew who I was, never mind anything else. The knee wasn't so bad, but everything else hurt and I was getting really tired. I retreated within myself, but was grateful for the shouts of 'Come on Lyn' from the crowd - it was well worth putting my name onto my T shirt! The various bands along the route also lifted my spirits, and my pace, for as long as I was able to hear them. There was one band that was particularly good, around mile 23, and I rounded the corner smiling - only to spot hubby walking ahead of my. His hip had started hurting early on and he had been walking for some miles. We had a quick chat and I pushed on.

The next milestone for me was around mile 24 where my clubmates often stand. It didn't really matter whether anyone was there - it was the 24 mile bit that was important! I didn't see anyone I knew (well, it was raining quite heavily by then) but I recognised that I was in crawling distance of home. Along the embankment I heard someone on a mobile phone saying 'I've just run past the London Eye'. Typically for me, I wouldn't have noticed if I'd just been run over by the London Eye!

Finally! A sign saying '800 meters to go', probably the longest 800 meters of my life but 'This too must pass' and, eventually, I crossed the finish line in a time of 5hrs, 20mins and 35secs. Hallelujah! Having managed to remain dry-eyes for most of the day, I new felt like crying. I really wished there had been someone there to give me a hug and say 'Well done' as there had been in every other race I have taken part in. Usually hubby is there and a few club mates too. At that stage I felt very lonely. Finally met hubby at the appointed place. He was very tired and sore so we limped home.

There was another forum get-together afterwards but, having returned to our hotel to shower and change, we really didn't feel like going out again. We managed to hobble around the corner for a meal and a biiiiiig glass of wine, then back to bed.

I had expected to sleep really well, but had another disturbed night. Everything is stiff this morning, but the knee isn't too bad. I have managed to avoid knocking myself out with my medal, but I fully intend to continue wearing it for a few days yet!

I can truly say that was horrible, and it hurt a lot. I will never, ever do it again - well, not until next time....

2 days to go

2006-04-21T08:46:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I took the coach up to London so that I could visit the 'Expo' and collect my race number, chip, kit bag etc. There weren't many people there, which was good cos I didn't have to queue or worry about getting my toes trodden on. However, for the same reason it was also lacking in atmosphere so I didn't stay long.

In the evening I went down for a drink with my clubmates, everyone wanted to wish us well and give advice!

Today I need to visit Tesco, but that is about all. Otherwise I'll be found relaxing with my feet elevated and plenty of water and carbs to hand.

I saw this today and it reflects the way I try to think during long runs.

I will start
When the gun goes off.
I will run
For five miles
Feeling good.
I will run
To the tenth mile.
I will say
“Only three more
to the halfway.”
At the halfway mark
13.1 miles,
I will know
Fifteen is within reach.
At fifteen miles
I will say
“I’ve run twenty before,
Keep going”
At twenty
I will say
“Run home.”

Wishing 'Good Luck' to everyone else who is taking part in a marathon this weekend.

4 days to go

2006-04-19T19:36:00.000+01:00

I had a nice day on Monday, just a gentle stroll with some of our am-dram friends and lunch afterwards. However, I seem to have agreed to stand in for someone who has just dropped out of the next play with just 4 weeks to go before we open. The girls who dropped out is a ditzy 28 year old blonde, so I was an obvious replacement (those who have met me will be rolling around laughing at this point)!! So after the big day I will need to really concentrate on learning the part but for now I have other things on my mind.

Just went out and did 30 a minute run yesterday. As usual, the 1st mile felt awful, but I pushed on somewhat faster than I my recent LSR pace and was glad to feel the leggies perk up a bit. Have missed tonight's circuit session for fear of doing myself a damage. I frequently pull one muscle or another in the sessions and just don't want to take any chances at this stage.

I'm also trying to avoid sick people like the plague - which is fun as I work in a Doctors' surgery!

Tomorrow I will go up to London by coach so that I can visit the 'Expo' and collect my race number. I'm sure that the excitement will really start to build then!

Now that the day is almost upon us, people have been very kind as regards donating to my charity. Why don't you visit www.justgiving.com/lynsmarathon to see how I am doing?

Countdown - 1 week to go

2006-04-16T15:16:00.000+01:00

Got out onto the heath yesterday whilst hubby was at work. Unusually for me, I just went out with no fixed plan in mind and took random turnings as the fancy took me. The area isn't that big and I knew that I couldn't get really lost so I wasn't worried on that score. The legs felt really heavy to start with but I did go a bit faster than my usual slow run pace. In fact, I only did 50 minutes as I misjudged the path a bit and didn't want to do another loop. Was happy with that though and it was nice to get out on my own for a change.

Last night we went out for a Chinese meal with friends and tried out a new restaurant. The food and surroundings were good and we enjoyed ourselves.

This morning hubby and I went for a stroll along the quay, but it had become very cloudy so we didn't stay out long. I have some letters that I want to take round to our nearest neighbours asking for sponsorship. I originally intended to do a couple of hundred and hit the local area, but that seems to have been whittled down to about 20! No offers of help forthcoming from hubby or son, so it looks as if I will have to get out there and deliver them.

I can't believe that by this time next week the marathon will be all over (bar disasters). I wonder what I am going to do next?

Last club run - or was it?

2006-04-14T09:08:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was supposed to be my last club session before the London Marathon. Our usual coach is away, so hubby is taking our group on Thursdays. Now, I need at least a mile to get myself going and am reeeeely slow until then. 'Real' coach knows this and tends to go off slowly until we are all warmed up. However, hubby went off ahead, as is his want, towing the faster peeps along with him but leaving me trailing in his wake. I was muttering darkly under my breath and said to another of the group that I never want to run with hubby again! After about 15 mins he did stop for me to catch up but was very sarcastic and patronising - so I turned round and went off on my own. As hubby had the car keys I plodded on home and was watching a DVD with son before hubby dragged himself home from the bar.

Not a disaster though as I got a 45 min plod at my own speed (a little faster than mara pace and working hard up the final hill to home) and had de stressed by the time I got home. Kissed and made up so we are speaking to each other this morning. Just as well as it is our wedding anniversary!

Hubby is working tomorrow so I will out and do my designated hour on my own, which will probably be good for both of us! Then out for dinner with friends tomorrow evening and chill out for rest of weekend.

Club session

2006-04-11T21:15:00.000+01:00

Was in two minds whether to go down to the club tonight as our usual coach is away and I didn't want to risk injury through trying to keep up with the faster group. No problem though as one of the new coaches was asked to look after our little group. This is n older man who has been a member of the club for some years and he was careful to ensure that we were all OK. Had a steady trot out, then a few speedier circuits before a gentle jog back. Really enjoyed the session and am glad that I went.

Since coming home I have pigged out on some leftover toffee pudding. There are no calories in leftovers, right? Right??

Oh dear.....

Catch up - again

2006-04-10T06:37:00.000+01:00

Time has sped by and I've just realised that I haven't blogged for a week.

Have taken things very gently in that time really. No club session on Tuesday as I went down to support clubmates who were running in a local 5k. The plan was to go out and run afterwards but that didn't materialise. Circuits on Wednesday was cancelled as there was no instructor. At least that meant that I could go out with the girls from work without feeling guilty!

After all this rest, I was itching to run and enjoyed my club session on Thursday. However, it was slower than planned as one of the group was suffering from a sore calf so had to take it easy.

Saturday we did a 2 hour LSR. It was raining when I got up, then the sun came out and the day was all sparkly and new. Much of the route was off-road, including ankle deep mud which was great fun.

Yesterday we went out for a stroll and lunch - only the stroll ended up being nearly 1.5 hours in each direction! On the way back we managed to find more mud and had to endure a persistent hailstorm - no shelter available so nothing we could do other than keep going.

Time to get ready for w*rk now, so better get moving!

Bournemouth Bay Half

2006-04-04T20:52:00.000+01:00

I seem to have picked up another bug and had been feeling generally off colour for several days. Runny nose, irritating cough and generally achey. I think this must be due to the increased training as I had hardly a sniffle last winter. Mind you, I'm still bingeing on carp, so that doesn't help!

Having taken things easy on Saturday I still wasn't sure whether to do the half on Sunday or not. However, I slept well the preceding night and felt well on waking so decided to give it a try. I did this race last year so knew that the course did a small loop early on and came past the start again at 3.5 miles, so I promised myself I would drop out if I didn't feel right. Went off gently and took the first hill steadily. In fact, it's the only major hill of the course but comes very early on before you're really into things. I was trying hard to stick to 11.5 min miling and felt very comfortable so opted to carry on. The day was grey and windy so the seafront part of the route (almost half of it) wasn't as scenic as it could have been. Didn't really matter though as there were other things on my mind!

After about 7 miles we left the prom again and climbed up to a housing estate, then onto the overcliff and heading into the wind now. Still a gentle uphill climb for several miles, then a steep downhill section back onto the prom for the last 1.5 miles. The wind was directly in our faces here - as was the sand! I felt well and had kept to my plan up til this point so I decided to push for home as much as I could. I passed a few people along this section, which always feels good! My time was 2hr 26, which is about the same as last year (or even a little slower) but I'm happy with that as I had kept to my designated pace.

I must admit that I didn't feel too good for the rest of the day, but had recovered by the next morning.

Today is my usual club day but we had agreed to support out mates at the local ladies 5k, then those of us who had not entered would go for a gentle run afterwards. However, only 1 other person actually turned up to do this (and she's carrying an injury) so I only did about 15 minutes in the end. I'm sure this won't hurt me, but I am disappointed as it had been a lovely evening and I would have enjoyed a gentle trot around the park. Was too cold and stiff to want to do this on my own afterwards I'm afraid!

No circuits tomorrow and am looking forward to my night out with the girls from work.
Note to self - don't forget that you need to eat less now that you have reducd your training!

The blasted heath (with apologies to W Shakespeare!)

2006-03-31T14:54:00.000+01:00

After the usual work/rest on Monday, I was glad to get out with the club on Tuesday. Hubby and I were having a little disagreement on the way down. He said that it would be light enough to get out onto the heath in a couple of weeks. I said that it was light enough already and we would be out straight away.

Off we went in our separate groups. Hubby with the speedier peeps who played it safe and stayed on the pavements, me with the slower group which headed straight up onto the heath. We did some hilly circuits and stayed on there for most of the session, even though the light was fading fast towards the end. I couldn't resist a 'Told you' when we got back!

Wednesday was my circuits session. Our usual instructor was away and the girl standing in for her is a real taskmaster. She drove us hard all session and consequently I am still suffering from DOMS (delayed onset muscle stiffness) today. I am going to take my remaining sessions before London a bit more gently as I don't want to risk injury at this stage.

Club session again last night and back onto the heath. We ran steadily taking in up and down hills and uneven surfaces. Once I knew we were more than halfway through I started splishing through the puddles and trying to splash the other peeps. I think the words 'big kid' were mentioned. Then coach took a wrong path and the going got increasingly rough. It was raining by then and the light was going fast. We were having to push through the undergrowth and I was very glad that it was still too cold for the 'legless reptiles' to be about. Eventually we found our way barred by a 5 foot fence - repaired since last season. It was getting too late to retrace our steps so we had to climb the fence to get back. I'm not good with heights so needed a lot of help to get over. At one stage I had one leg either side of the fence and was having a little panic. However, not having any choice, I finally made it to the other side - with lots of apologies to my club mates for being such a wuss! I got back with very wet feet, muddy legs and lots of scratches from the gorse and brambles. Bliss!!

Rest day today and tomorrow as we have a half marathon on Sunday. Am looking forward to a nice meal and a couple of drinks tonight, and to spending some time with hubby!

Long, slow, wet.

2006-03-26T08:10:00.000+01:00

We did our LSR yesterday. The weather has undergone a transformation. Rather than cold and dry, it is now milder and wet. There are finally signs of spring which are better late than never.

We set off at 9.30, planning to run across the heath to meet up with a club mate, run with her for a couple of hours, then head home. It's usually a joy to be up on the heath, whatever the weather, but this time it was rather sad. There was a very big fire last weekend (started deliberately) and it caused lots of damage. As if the sight of all the blackened habitat was not bad enough, there was also a constant burnt smell to contend with.

As usual, hubby went off ahead leaving me trailing in his wake. Because of this I have suggested that we don't train together but he always assured me that this is supposed to be a slow run so he's happy to wait for me. Doesn't seem to happen in practice though! So, I trailed along behind, muttering under my breath and telling myself that I would go off on my own if he continued like this. Our clubmate is very much faster than either of us, so I was also a bit worried about that. However, when we met up she had her hubby with her. He is a bit faster than me at his best, but is just coming back from an injury so we stayed at the back and chatted. To be fair, the other 2 didn't get far ahead either and we were able to gossip as we went. Hubby and I have little to say to each other when we are out, so it was really nice to be able to chat and pass the miles. However, by the time we got back to their place I was feeling very tired, we all agreed that we had probably allowed the pace to pick up quite a lot in the last few miles. OK for them, but we still had to get home!My tummy was playing up a bit, so I had a quick 'comfort stop', then hubby and I set off home.

It seemed very hard to get going again and we had a 'challenging' section to come. Not only uphill, but also off road as we were back onto the heath at this stage. We both walked for some time, although hubby was able to get going again sooner than I. As we were so close to home I was happy for him to go on ahead, rather than getting cold. It was raining steadily and we were both becoming uncomfortable. After hubby had gone I was able to pick up the pace again (into at least a shuffle!) and happily splished through all the puddles on the way back! Arrived home, soaking wet, just before 1pm, a total of 3hrs and 20 mins on my feet, so am satisfied with that.

My legs felt very tired and stiff afterwards, in places that don't usually trouble me. Looking back, I think that some of this might have been due to my footwear. As it had been raining for about 36 hours, I anticipated the going being very slippery off road, so had worn my trail shoes. These have better grip than my usual shoes and are more water resistant. However, they also have less cushioning and we ended up doing more stuff on-road than we had anticipated so that could well have been responsible for some of my increased aches and pains.

Anyway, today is a rest day again. It is also Mother's Day so I am looking forward to spending time with our Mums, then going out this evening for meal with hubby and son.

Club session

2006-03-24T10:04:00.000Z

Had a relatively relaxing day yesterday and really enjoyed my club session. We ran steadily for an hour, but this took in the 'killer hill' that I struggled with so much last winter. At that stage it was a real achievement to reach the top in one go, and I needed 5 minutes at the top to recover. Yesterday we went up steadily, chatting for much of the way. At the top we turned left and kept going for another mile or so - not as steep but still uphill. I will admit that the 'chatting' was down to just a couple of words by that time! It was nice to be at the front of the group, rather than struggling to hang onto the back of the faster one, and to feel strong. It started to rain just as we started to run downhill. 'Soft refreshing rain' has never felt more welcome!

Today is a rest day. I have written my March newsletter, need to visit Tesco and then plan a route for our LSR tomorrow.

Another week finished.

2006-03-23T07:37:00.000Z

OK, I know that the week hasn't really finished. However, as I only work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I am ready to relax!

Mondays at work are always hectic, but at least this week was manageable. I have little energy for anything other than food and rest by the end of the day, so (unless I'm not at work) it is always a rest day.

Tuesday at work was fairly quiet and I felt ready to get out and run hard in my club session. We did a 'fartlek' session, sprinting for a while and then jogging slowly until the group was back together again. This is the slow group, but even then I'm far from fastest. However, I do notice that the faster runners have less stamina than me, as they become much slower as the session goes on. So it seems that I have lost some absolute speed recently, but have gained in endurance which is, after all, the object of the exercise!

Wednesday was hectic again at work especially in the afternoon, so I was glad to de-stress with circuit training. I am totally inept when expected to work with any sort of apparatus. I can't use a skipping rope, fall off the 'Swiss ball' and was useless when trying to 'shoot hoops' yesterday. It causes great hilarity amongst my fellow sufferers!

Am hoping for a quiet morning, then meet hubby for lunch. I usually see a friend on Thursday afternoons, then club session again this evening. Bring it on!

Eastleigh 10k

2006-03-20T06:00:00.000Z

Did my 1st 10k of the year yesterday. It was a bit of a funny day as the race was not until 2.30 but we traveled there in a minibus with clubmates and arrived at 12.30. Went and had a drink in the cafe at the sports centre, but still had too much time to spare and ended up hanging around for some time. Had breakfasted at 8.00, bread and honey at 11.00 and banana at 12.30 but probably didn't take on as much fluid as I usually do before a race.

The day was bright and sunny, but very cold in the wind which was strong at times. I'd worn 3/4 length tights and a top with 3/4 length sleeves and wondered whether I would be warm enough. In fact, once I got started I was a little too warm, although nothing too uncomfortable.

There were quite a lot of competitors and we all set off around the streets of urban Eastleigh (just outside Southampton). Many people were obviously quite inexperienced and had started too far forward (even though there were signs telling you where to start according to your predicted finishing time) so was having to try and pass them right from the start. My previous PB was 57 mins and I was hoping to be somewhere around that time. I looked at my watch after the 1st k and knew I was in trouble as it had taken me more than 6.5 minutes! Tried not to panic but to settle into a steady pace. There was just one significant hill at around 3k and I managed to steadily move past a few people there. By 5k I was starting to feel very uncomfortable and knew that I still had about 30 mins to go. 7k and I told myself that I just had to dig in for a little while longer but I was struggling to maintain my pace. Finally 9k! Just the push for home now. I was overtaken by 1 lady after this point, I really tried to go with her but just couldn't do it. However, I had overtaken quite a few people in the last couple of k so wasn't too disappointed. Turned a corner, just got to run through the field to the finish - I could see the big red arch at the bottom of the field and it seemed such a long way off. Stopped looking at it, just gritted my teeth and tried to keep breathing. Passed hubby and clubmates who were waiting to cheer me home - thanks guys! Suddenly the people in front of me stopped. What the **** did they think they were doing?? Then I realised that I had actually crossed the finish line which was some way in front of the arch!!

Final time was 61 minutes, so not terribly pleased with that, especially as I was working so hard. However, having spoken to clubmates and several other people afterwards, it seems that very few people were happy with their times, so perhaps that is a reflection on the course or conditions as much as anything.

I was hungry and very thirsty by the time we got home (no time to stop for a drink as the speedy peeps wanted to get off, having finished about 20-30 minutes before me). Son cooked dinner, which was lovely and then I collapsed into bed very early.

Long, slow, cold.....

2006-03-17T09:48:00.000Z

Well, the party went off OK in the end. We don't have much in the way of family, it was mainly Mum's cronies from church and the flats where she lives. Slugboy did the dutiful thing, then went off to get drunk with his mates.

Yesterday morning we did our long, slow run. Had breakfast around 8.00 and went out just after 10.00. Hubby had a new heart-rate monitor and was trying to keep his HR down to around 60-70% of his estimated maximum - hence did the whole session at a brisk walk! I have pointed out that he needs to find his true maximum if he wants to use the HRM for training. I have also suggested that this might be better left until after FLM rather than trying something new at this stage! Anyway, the outcome of this was that I had an incredibly slow run and we were both feeling rather cold. Fortunately, it stayed dry, and I really enjoyed my hot bath afterwards - even though I have to be careful not to make it too hot, otherwise I tend to faint when I get out!

Thursdays are usually club sessions, but it was lovely to snuggle up in front of the TV, smug in the knowledge that we had already done our bit for the day.

Hubby's car is now back on the road, so at least he's out and earning again.

My fundraising has recently had quite a boost, and I am delighted that I have been given permission to put up a poster at work. If you would like to see how I am doing, please visit www.justgiving.com/lynsmarathon

Back in the groove

2006-03-15T16:53:00.000Z

I enjoyed my circuits session on Monday but have sore tummy muscles again today. In fact, I felt them yesterday when I started to swim breaststroke. Nevertheless I really enjoyed my gentle swim, sauna, jacuzzi, lunch and - most importantly - time with my friend. Then I went to get my hair done as I had forgotten my appointment on Friday! I did feel a bit of a muppet when I turned up for my club run with nicely 'done' hair, and it certainly didn't stay like that for long once we had started.

We did a hill session and I resisted the urge to go sprinting off like everyone else. I took it much more slowly and made sure that I was in control for both the up- and down-hill sections. The hill was much too steep for it to really be 'Kenyan hills' and we did have a breather at the bottom, but it was the best I could do. I was certainly nearer the front at the end of the session than I had been at the beginning. I actually feel as if I have lost some speed recently since doing longer distances. We are doing the Eastleigh 10k on Sunday, so I will find out whether that is really the case.

Mum's 80th birthday today and she's having a party for about 30 family and friends. I can't say that I'm really looking forward to it, but needs must etc.

The best laid plans...

2006-03-13T15:30:00.000Z

What I was planning for Saturday was a 90 minute run, then friends round for dinner. What I got was a tummy bug, hence no run and no evening with friends. I was feeling a bit more human yesterday and had thought I might go out for an early run but, having discovered that it was snowing, I went back to bed. Later in the morning I went to marshal at our club's new 5k race in aid of a prostate cancer charity. Several of the men taking part have the illness, so it was quite a moving time and I was glad to be involved.

Mum, aunt and mum-in-law came round for dinner and we had a nice evening, even though I didn't want to eat much of what I had cooked.

Today dawned and I'm much better, although still feeling the need to be careful what I eat. I'm hoping this will help break me of the 'binge' habit I've got into again recently. As I'm not at work this week, I was able to go out and do the planned 90 minutes this morning. The weather was grey and cold, but at least it was dry. We were lucky to escape the blizzards that hit much of the country yesterday too.

I've done a bit of cross training around Matalan but only spent Â£20, so a bit of a feeble effort I'm afraid!

This evening I will go to circuit training as I'll have to miss Wednesday's session due to Mum's party. I think that will be enough for today!

Club session

2006-03-10T08:54:00.000Z

Having had a fairly quiet day at home yesterday I really enjoyed my club session in the evening. We started off nice and slowly and meandered around the local housing estate. Not the most scenic of routes, but it's still much too dark to get out onto the heath in the evening.

The roads were undulating, so I tried to treat the session as if they were 'Kenyan hills'. Uphill I concentrated on posture and technique, keeping the breathing under control, rather than thrashing up as fast as possible. Downhill I tried to lean forward, relax and let the incline take me. As I've been suffering from some neck pain recently I also made sure that I was running straight and tall, rather than slouching onto my hips and pushing my chin forward, a habit I seem to have developed since my mileage increased.

The last mile or so was flatter and a couple of us increased the pace as much as we could. My mate's hubby is much faster than us but tends to run in the slower group anyway. He came with me and pushed me hard - although he was kind enough to say that he was only trying to keep up, but I know that is not true!!

The session was shorter than it often is, but I'm sure that is what I needed after the weekend. It was great to get back feeling that I would have liked to do more, rather than being shattered!

Rest day today, apart from some domestic stuff, and looking forward to tomorrow's LSR.

Holiday!

2006-03-09T10:32:00.000Z

No, I'm not actually going away, but I do have some time off work. I'm feeling generally tired so will be glad of a quiet week. It's my Mum's 80th birthday on the 15th of this month and she's having a 'bit of a do' so I need some time off on the day to help her with that. It seemed logical to take the whole week as I have quite a generous leave entitlement.

I enjoyed my circuit training session last night but still found that my legs were reluctant to do as much as usual. Instead I worked hard on my abs and upper body in order to improve my overall condition. The schedule says just 90 minutes for our LSR on Saturday, so I'm hoping that will feel like a walk in the park - as long as I can convince hubby that this is still supposed to be done at slower than marathon pace, otherwise he'll want to go rushing off at 10k pace and we'll both be worn out! Having some running club friends round for dinner on Saturday evening, so am looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy ourselves.

Mad March Hare

2006-03-07T21:18:00.000Z

I had a quiet day on Saturday to prepare for Sunday's race - the Mad March Hare 20 miles. In fact, I was never planning to actually race 20 miles, but I was still going to need all my energy to get round. I had decided to treat the whole thing as my marathon preparation day, so tried to eat the same sort of foods, at the same time, as I would expect to the day before the marathon.

I was really nervous and woke quite early on Sunday morning - would I make the distance? Would my tummy be OK? Would I get blisters etc etc. Breakfast was toast and honey, and then into my kit which I had laid out ready the night before. As soon as we arrived for the race I joined the queue for the loos, just as well as I had to wait about 15 minutes! Then off to the start. I had promised myself that I would be sensible, and also that I would slow down considerably after 3 hours. The pace I wanted to do was 11.5 min miles, but that just felt soooo slow that I stuck with 11 mins instead. I ran with an older guy for the first 12 or 13 miles, but then he started to struggle so I went on. After about 14 or 15 miles I really started to tire, that 'faster' pace was telling on me and I was runing out of energy. I did 16 miles in just under 3 hours so power walked for a mile or 2, then went back into a very slow jog. At about 19.5 miles I picked the pace up again so that I could look as if I was finishing strongly! I was delighted with my time of 3hrs 43 minutes, just 10 minutes slower than hubby.

For much of the race I was completely on my own and couldn't even see the person in front. This seemed very lonely but I know it won't be something I have to worry about in London! I do feel more confident now that I have done that distance. I know that the other 6 miles will be very hard but at least the first 20 will be a known quantity. Of course, I could always do 6 miles first, then the 20, that will probably be easier!! However, I will have to start of even more slowly if I am to last the distance.

I had expected to be really stiff the next day, so was very pleased to find that things really weren't too bad. I did a club sesion tonight and felt OK, but my legs didn't want to do the hill work and I felt much slower than usual. Never mind, that's to be expected and I know it will be OK. We have a much shorter run planned for this weekend so that we have time to recover properly.

Cold....

2006-03-03T08:46:00.000Z

It's been bliddy cold of late. I listen to some of my friends who suffer really extreme weather conditions and I know that we are so lucky in Bournemouth. Nevertheless, it has been very cold here and I do hate it sooo much. I ache constantly from being scrunched up against the cold, and I just don't want to do anything even though I know that I would warm up if I got moving! It's been a real struggle to get out and train, and it was great to discover that last evening was milder than anticipated. The temperature was just around zero, but the awful cutting wind had disappeared. I'd worn my long sleeved top and a new running jacket and was actually a bit too warm! Thank heavens for the club sessions as that gives me a specific time to be out, no putting it off until tomorrow.

My last couple of club sessions have actually been quite gentle and I know that I need to be putting in some better quality training. However, the only way to achieve that currently would be to go out on my own and, realistically, that's not going to happen until the weather warms up a bit. So - club it is!

We've got a 20 mile race booked for Sunday. This is the one that the Trailplus coaches advised me not to do on the grounds that it would be risking injury and exhaustion. However, having entered and paid I really do want to take part. So, the plan is to go out slowly for the first 5 miles, do the next 10 at marathon pace and the final 5 very slowly indeed. The coaches actually said to walk the final 5, but we will see... Whatever, I am determined not to push myself too hard and will stop and walk, or pull out, if it seems neccessary. However, I don't think I'd have the confidence to do the 26 miles without at least one very long training run under my belt.

Today is a rest day. So it's a very slow start this morning before visiting Tesco. This evening we're going out for a meal with some of my drama club friends. Must remember to take my trusty sponsor form with me!

Speaking of which - yesterday I got a cheque from the school I visited. £20 towards the funds, which is about what I expected, so I'm pleased with that.

Rest day notwithstanding, it really is time I got moving.....

R+R

2006-02-27T07:18:00.000Z

Yesterday we had a lovely day of rest and relaxation. We had booked lunch at one of the local hotels and that included free use of the leisure facilities beforehand. We were told at Trailplus that there is no such thing as 'active rest' so I kept my time in the pool down to around 15 minutes and was careful to take it very slowly. Actually, I needed to be careful with breaststroke anyway as I picked up a groin strain on Saturday. Then into the steam room until cooked, finishing off with a lollop in the jacuzzi. Surely that was enough exercise to justify a 3 course lunch??

We spent the afternoon quietly reading and watching TV and it was an added bonus that I didn't then have to cook an evening meal.

We used to do this quite often as a family a few years ago, but now I insist that we are all home together for Sunday dinner, the only time in the week that we are neccessarily all there for a meal at the same time. Of course, that means that we don't want a big lunch though. However,son was playing at a 'gig' last night so had been given a 'dispensation' to be absent, hence our self-indulgent day!

Back to earth today as Mondays at work are always difficult.

Long cold run

2006-02-25T14:13:00.000Z

This morning was not pleasant. Knowing that we were planning to be out about 9.00 I was, as usual, awake early. After a breakfast of toast and honey I popped down to the shop for some fresh bread etc. Even with my coat on I was frozen! The sky was a dirty grey and the wind cut right through me. It did not make me feel as if I wanted to get out there and run! This is where it's so good having hubby training with me, I would have found it very hard to go out on my own, leaving him in a lovely warm bed!

Hubby had devised today's route, so I had the luxury of not having to think! Off we set across the heath, with me wondering why on earth I was doing this. About an hour later I realised that the sun had come out. It was barely any warmer but it was good to see a bit of sun, it always makes me feel better. We're not sure of the exact distance today, but we were out for just under 3 hours. Much of this was 'off road' which is nice. However, much was into the wind, which is not nice! Having missed some training recently, my leggies were complaining about the unaccustomed work from quite early on. Nevertheless I ran most of it - apart from a nasty hill up onto the top of the heath towards the end. I knew that, if I ran that, I would be absolutely pooped, and that is not the idea on the long runs! So I 'power walked' to the top and was then able to push on for home.

I've since had a nice, bubbly bath and some lunch. The plan for this afternoon is to do lots of stretching - that will just have to be done lying down in front of the TV. It's a hard life, isn't it??

DOMS

2006-02-24T16:33:00.000Z

Perhaps I focused just a little too hard at circuits the other night, cos I am now suffering ftom DOMS - delayed onset muscle stiffness. Various muscles are complaining, even my glutes (aka bum!).

I went with a friend to her sports club this morning and did a very gentle swim in a lovely warm pool, so that helped. It's years since I swam so I only did about 20 minutes, but the stretch was really what I needed. After all, I need to be fit for tomorrow's LSR.

After yesterday's excitement about the sponsorship my Mum had raised, today I discovered that she meant she had got almost £150 worth of chocalte orders for me, not that amount of sponsorship. It's still really good going, but I only get 7.5% comission on what I sell, so that means I will have to revisit my justgiving site and revise my total again - only this time downwards :>((

I'm not even going to remind you of the website address, cos I think the only people who read this are my on-line running friends - and you lovely lot have given already!

I'd love a nice large glass of wine this evening, but I can't have it if we're running in the morning. You wait til tomorrow night....

Back in the groove

2006-02-23T18:11:00.000Z

I went out and did a gentle session with the club on Tuesday evening, and really enjoyed it with no ill effects. Yesterday was circuit training and at each station I tried to visualise how the exercise would help me in the marathon. I might have overdone that a bit as today my back is quite sore! It usually eases up when I run though, so no excuse not to go out with the club tonight.

The weather has been horrid all day, lots of very wet snow that is not sticking, but still gets in your ears and down your neck! Mind you, I would rather be outside in this than use the treadmill - after about 10 minutes on the 'dreadie' I am bored to tears and ready to throw in the towel, so cold, wet club session it is!

Having moaned about lack of fundraising support from my 'nearest and dearest' I must admit that my Mum is coming up trumps having raised about £150 on my behalf amongst her friends from church and where she lives. Thats about ten times what hubby has managed. Thanks Mum!

To see how my fundraising efforts are coming along, please visit www.justgiving.com/lynsmarathon

Enforced rest

2006-02-19T16:15:00.000Z

Today was the Lytchett 10 mile race and I was keen to do it, as this was my first ever 10 miler last year. It's a challenging course and I wanted to see how much I had knocked off my time. However, lots of running friends told me that I would be foolish to go ahead with it as I was still not well. I had coughed little yesterday and was generally feeling better. Then last night was spent in the armchair again as I woke coughing and just couldn't stop.

Right up to the last minute I was so tempted to enter the race, but managed to keep my sensible head on! I saw everyone off, then waited to cheer them all as they came back round 10 minutes later having completed a short loop. The speedy peeps would come back into view about 45 minutes later, and hubby more than 30 minutes after that. My plan was then to go and do a very gentle 30 minutes, just to stretch the leggies. After about 15 minutes I knew that I had had enough so went back to the school and got myself inside in the warm. By that time it was pouring with rain so I wrapped up warmly before going back outside to cheer hubby home.

I'm feeling very frustrated at my enforced rest but am sure that it was the correct thing to do. I still needed an hours sleep this afternoon even without the excuse that I'd done a LSR. Mind you - the effect of several nights poor sleep can't be discounted, especially as I usually need at least 8 hours every night. Hopefully, I'll be able to go out with the club on Tuesday and put in some good quality training.

Lurgy

2006-02-17T08:16:00.000Z

I came back from Trailplus with a bit of a sniffle, but now have a streaming nose and nasty cough. Unfortunately, this has meant even more time missed from training which I am finding a bit worrying.

On Tuesday I did a good quality session with the club, managing to practice the 'Kenyan hills' training that we had learnt at TP. 'Kenyan' hills differ from 'ordinary' hills because they are done more slowly but without a break - the idea being to build endurance rather than just speed. The hill was really much steeper than recomended by the coaches and I was pleased to keep going up and down for just over 10 minutes.

Wednesday saw me sniffing and coughing a bit but I was still able to enjoy my circuit training session. I hadn't been able to go for a couple of weeks so it was good to get back into the swing of things. I tried to focus on how each station was helping towards my specific marathon preparations and to visualise myself running more strongly as a result. Being me, I did find some time for a chat and a laugh as well!

By yesterday my lurgy was in full flow, although I didn't actually feel too unwell. I was planning to go out with the club anyway. However, a good friend got very upset when I said that and remined me about the risks of developing heart problems due to exercising when you have a viral infection. By that stage I was starting to feel less than brilliant so, reluctantly, spent the evening at home. I'm really hoping that a couple of days now will save me having problems later on, and I do still have 9 weeks before the big day!

Have promised to take Mum to Tesco's today, but will then take it very easy - I might even be able to watch some of the olympics on TV....

Trailplus

2006-02-12T20:09:00.000Z

Finally got on the road just before 1.30 and arrived at Trailplus just after 5pm. Found my 'dorm' and time for a gentle couple of miles run before the light went.

The weekend was divided into talks and runs, interspersed with food. Not much time to relax until late evening as I didn't want to miss anything.

Gentle 3 miler before breakfast on Saturday, then a 5 mile 'threshold' session before lunch. After lunch we did a short hill session. Sunday saw a LSR - but only about 1hr 40 mins for me. This was for 2 reasons - 1) leggies were feeling tired from Saturday's exertions and 2) it seems that we are probably overtraining. The coaches reckon that anything over about 3 hours will have us 'banking' fatigue rather than endurance. It certainly seemed to make sense and we have agreed to cut back, at least for a while.

Said fond farewells just after 3pm and had a good journey home, arriving around 6pm. Hubby had dinner ready and son is currently washing up. My legs are a little sore and I am very tired (2 nights on a top bunk is not conducive to a restful night!)

This has really given my motivation a boost, but I'm not looking forward to rejoining the 'real' world tomorrow!

I'm so excited....

2006-02-10T09:52:00.000Z

Today I'm going to the Forest of Dean for a 'Trailplus' weekend. This is a marathon training weekend with talks about training, nutrition, kit etc and lots of opportunities to run in the forest. There will be a lot of people there and it sounds as if it will be very informative. However, the reason I am particularly looking forward to it is that I am meeting up with some of my 'on-line' friends. I have been chatting to the people via the internet for about a year and met some of them at Windosr last year. It will be great to get together again for a 'real' natter rather than a 'virtual' one!

I'm feeling the need for a bit of light relief at the moment, so this is timely. I have been absolutely shattered for the past day or so and feeling very stressed because I don't seem to have time to do everything. I'm still working a few extra hours per week and that does make a difference to my time management. The nurse practitioner meeting on Wednesday was interesting, but I really wish I'd gone to circuits instead - especially as I returned from the meeting with the grand total of £5 in sponsorshop! Yesterday I went straight from work to a local prep school to talk to the children about 'back care' and general healthy stuff as part of their 'Health week'. In return I had been promised a 'small donation' towards my marathon fund. I spent 3 hours there talking to children from the reception group and years 2, 4 and 6. Years 4 and 6 were very good, 2 were OK but I didn't do too well with reception as I don't really have much experience with younger kids. The head gave me a small box of choccies and said 'Thank You' when I left - and promised to send a donation in due course. I'm not going to hold my breath waiting....

Last night I was shattered so decided to miss my club session. I did genuinely need to keep my kit clean as I will need it all this weekend, but I still felt very guilty. I had a bath and was asleep when hubby came home from his run at 20.20! I've been bingeing on lots of rubbish again recently, and I'm sure that is partly to blame for my slump in energy levels. That is sopmething I must address, otherwise I'm not going to make it to the start line, never mind the finish!

So all packed now and ready to go. Am going to the hairdressers, having an early lunch with hubby and hope to hit the road around 1pm. Will let you know all about it when I get home.

Tired legs

2006-02-08T07:08:00.000Z

As usual, Monday was a rest day. Having had a hectic day at work I was asleep very early, although also woke early on Tuesday as hubby was up just after 5am.

My quads were feeling a bit tight and my legs generally tired during the day yesterday. I was very tempted to either miss my club session or, at least, go out with the easier group. However, I will have to miss circuit training tonight so I didn't want to slack off. The session never felt good. Last time I went out with this group I had to work hard but was happy to be keeping up with the rest. Yesterday I was working hard just to hang on to the back of the group! At one stage one of the other girls was also feeling tired, so we cut a corner and took the opportunity to get our breath back. Nevertheless, aprox 10k done at a speed a little faster than I am comfortable with, so it's all grist to the mill.

Tonight I have to go to a 'Nurse Practitioners' meeting. They are always on Wednesdays and I hate missing my circuit training, but they are only once every 2 months. I really feel that I need to go to the next couple as I want to be very obvious with my sponsor form!

Blackmore Vale Half

2006-02-05T18:12:00.000Z

After a lovely, lazy day yesterday, today I ran a half marathon around the lanes of north Dorset. The race started at 11.00, temperature -1 and hardly able to see your hand in front of your face due to freezing fog. Someone commented that the fog was actually a good thing as it meant that we would not be able to see the hills. Ah yes, the hills. We had been warned about them but were not sure how bad they would really be.

Well, the 1st mile went steeply downhill - and I tried to ignore the little gremlin on my shoulder that was reminding me that I would have to come back up it later on. Soon the course settled down into gentle undulations and I thought that it wasn't too bad. At around 3 miles there began a long, slow climb that seemed to go on for ever. Actually, it was probably a couple of miles all told. I was starting to get very warm at this point and realised that the sun had come out. The rest of the race took place under a cloudless blue sky. The view from the top of the hills was beautiful, it was almost worth having to run up them! I felt very strong between miles 5 - 10 and pushed on while I had lots of energy. The final mile [b]was[/b] as bad as anticipated, it was a case of gritting the teeth and battling to keep running. I did drop into a walk for a few paces but then realised that there was a group of spectators ahead and I was determined not to walk past them! Fortunately, the finish was only a few yards afterwards, so I was at least able to run across the line. My time was around 2hr 13 minutes, so I was delighted with that. Hubby finished about 5 minutes ahead and was, rightly, very pleased with himself too.

Our performance today has helped to restore confidence after last week's very slow 16 miles. It has also reminded me that 26 miles is a very long way!

We went to the local pub for lunch (jacket spud with mushrooms and blue vinney cheese for me), then drove home through more beautiful countryside. And to think - I used to live on the outskirts of Birmingham

2006-02-03T18:01:00.000Z

Had a lovely day with friends on Sunday. These are people that we only see once a year, so we had a lot of catching up to do - as well as Christmas presents to exchange.

Unfortunately, on Monday I was feeling quite unwell and left work late morning - went home to bed. Tuesday was no better and I spent most of the day sleeping. Felt generally very lightheaded and was feverish. I think that might have been brewing and partly to blame for Saturday's bad run and after affects. I missed Tuesday's club run and also missed circuits on Wednesday, even though I was back at work. I was soooo ready for a run yesterday and enjoyed a steady 7 miles with a few club mates.

Today I went into town with a friend and caught up with each other's news. It was supposed to have been 'coffee' but we stopped and had lunch as well. Then I raided Tesco's on the way home. It is so cold that I'm glad to be home and don't intend to put my nose outside again today! The sky has been grey and the temperature has hardly dragged itself above zero for several days. The cold doesn't seem so bad when the sun is shining, but this is horrible. Do hope that it doesn't last long.

Haven't had any energy to spare for fundraising, and hubby doesn't seem interested either. I have promised myself that I am never going to do anything like this again!

Too much, too late

2006-01-28T16:10:00.000Z

We had a lovely evening with friends yesterday, ate a huge meal very late and got home even later. Unfortunately, the food proved to be 'too much, too late' considering we had a LSR planned for early this morning!

As we were being collected at 7.30, hubby set the alarm for 5.30 so that we could have some breakfast. I have tried doing a long run without eating first but I seemed to have no energy in my legs. Toast and marmite at 5.30 was followed by a doze until 7.00, then up, into running kit and our lift arrived. We were ready to start our planned 16 miler just before 8am. Both of us were suffering from tummy problems even before we had started - not because there was anything wrong with the food (which was very nice) but because of the quantity we had consumed. Consequently I was finding it difficult to stomach even my usual drink and only managed about 200mls throughout the entire run. Now, it was incredibly cold, but even so we were losing fluid in sweat and I guess I must have become dehydrated. My tummy was cramping and I was not feeling good. The whole run took about 3.5 hours, which was much slower than it should have been, and I still felt terrible for several hours after we got home - nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness. Managed to force down plenty of fluids, warmed up in the bath and have had a sleep this afternoon - just thinking that I can eat something.

It's a shame that the week ended like this because I had been very pleased with the way I was running. Tuesday's hard session was followed by circuit training on Wednesday and a steady club run on Thursday. It has taught me a lesson though, so it can't be all bad - and I am very pleased because there was not one moment when I seriously considered giving in.

Life has been very hectic again. I'm finding it difficult to fit in the demands of my job (and I'm committed to working a few extra hours each week until the end of March if needed) with training, fund raising and still having some fun! I think that the pressure is psychological more than anything but it has been wearing me down. I think that socialising needs to take a back seat for a little while, until I have the energy to see it as something I want to do, rather than just something else to find time for. I'll start soon - after we have spent the day with friends tomorrow!

To see how my fundraising is coming along, please visit www.justgiving.com/Lynsmarathon

And again...

2006-01-25T20:49:00.000Z

Where do the days go? Again I've got some catching up to do here.

Sunday was a lovely day. The leggies felt a little tight after Saturday's run, but nothing untoward. Hubby and I went out for a pub lunch, then a couple of hours stroll along the Avon Valley pathway. We had thought that we might run some of it but it didn't really seem suitable for our needs - at least, not the bit that we saw. Nevertheless we had a nice walk in the sunshine, with the birds tweeting and practising for spring. The walk loosened up the muscles nicely, no problems at all afterwards.

Monday was much the same as usual - a long day at work and shattered by the time I got home, so early night for me.

Yesterday (Tuesday) was also a long day at work - by that I mean 8.00 - 6.00. Home in time to change and get back out for my club session. That coach definitely has it in for me! He always sets off at a pace that is really too fast for me, although I know that it is fine for the rest of the group. Yesterday we did a hill session - 9 times up and down a local hill - then on elsewhere for some sprints. I was pleased to be keeping up with the rest of the group, but I was having to work very hard in order to do so!

Back to work today, then off to my circuit training. It's been very cold today, so I was glad to be inside in the, relative, warmth. I've had something to eat and drink, now it's really time for a shower, then an early night for me. It's now almost 9pm, don't know what it says on the blog as that seems to be set to American time. If anyone knows how I can change that, please let me know!

Playing catch up.

2006-01-21T14:44:00.000Z

It seems that I've got a bit of catching up to do...

I did enjoy my club run on Thursday, as anticipated. Our usual coach was not there so I had the choice of going with the faster group (the one I go with on Tuesdays) or the slowest one. I decided to take the easy option and went with the slow one! There were several other people in the same situation so I had company and we simply ran back to the others if we seemed to get too far in front. It was nice to chat with people that I see less often and I was able to give one girl a couple of pointers for her University assignment. The only problem was that I got home feeling that I had wimped out!

Friday morning I worked, then saw a lady who is the local agent for 'Chocaholics', a company that sells choccies through catalogues. I am going to give this a try to boost my fundraising efforts, although I know it will not bring in big money. I'm hoping that it will appeal to people who don't want to give 'something for nothing' and also that it will reach a wider group of people than just my immediate circle of friends and family.

Friday evening was our running club's presentation evening and I was delighted to come home with a trophy for 2nd F45, and also an 'achievement' award. I stayed off the alcohol as I knew that I was doing my LSR this morning, and I think that alcohol the night before worsens my tendency to tummy troubles on my long runs.

This morning dawned bright and cold. We drove out to a local country park - mostly forest commission land. When we started out, just after 9.00, it was still frosty in places. It was dry, sunny and very peaceful. Hubby was supposed to have sorted out a route but got lost. However I think, from the time that we were out, that we must have done around 14 miles, which was our target for today. Hubby always wants to start off much faster than me and makes rude comments about being able to walk faster than that. However, I'm usually feeling stronger over the final couple of miles and am able to finish faster than him. We've got a half marathon race in 2 weeks time so will see what happens when he's able to go off fast. Will he finish in a faster time, or will he run out of steam part way round? Time will tell!

It's lovely to have the run behind us now and know that we can relax for the rest of the weekend.

Several people have asked about the activities of my 'Fundraising Manager' (aka Hubby!). He has a poster up in the taxi, which is generating some interest but little cash. I'm hoping that people will feel more inclined to give as the event gets nearer. Thanks for the idea of sending him out with letters to put through doors locally - that's a good idea and certainly sounds worth a try.

Is it bedtime yet?

2006-01-19T15:48:00.000Z

I'm really not enjoying these extra hours at work. There seems to be so much that I want/need to do at the moment and not enough time to fit it all in. Consequently I'm feeling a little tired and worn.How on earth do you people who work full-time find the energy for anything else?? I know that I always feel better after a run though, so looking forward to club night tonight. It's a steady run on Thursdays rather than speedwork so I'll have enough breath for a chat too.

As usual, I enjoyed my circuit training session last evening. I was working alongside a lad who is joining the RN next month and was amused to hear him say how hard he found the session. Admittedly, he was using heavier weights and working faster than me, but then again I am twice his age!

I'm still working at my fundraising and at least I've come to expect my efforts to be rejected so I no longer get so upset! I've put together a 'Backcare' leaflet that I'm going to print out and take round local businesses to try and sell. I have to say that I'm not looking forward to that in the least, but it's something that I have to try. First though I've got to get the thing into booklet, rather than A4, format, so I suppose I'd better get on and have a go at that.

Why does he hate me?

2006-01-17T21:39:00.000Z

I'm sure that our club coach hates me - why else would he be trying to kill me?! Oh yes, he says something about 'good training' but I'm far from convinced! First the rest of the group run off at about 1 min/mile faster than my pace, then he forces us to run up this nasty old hill. We were supposed to be concentrating on maintaining our stride length and pumping the arms. I'm afraid I was concentrating on keeping air going into my lungs, and not much else! I'm sure I'll thank him on April 23rd - when I'm around mile 20 I'll tell myself that it's not as bad as a Tuesday night club session.

Someone gave me some advice about the marathon that certainly sounds sensible. I was told to consider mile 20 (rather than 13)to be the halfway point as the last 6 miles will seem as far as the first 20. That seems to make sense but it's not particularly reassuring, bearing in mind that most training programs have 20 miles as the longest run prior to the big day.

Anyway, I was glad to get out and run after a hectic couple of days at work. My colleague is away this week, so I'm going to work a few extra hours on Thursday and Friday. I have decided to put half of anything extra that I earn into my marathon fund. Fundraising is still going slowly otherwise. To see exactly how much I have raised, please visit www.justgiving.com/lynsmarathon

Slip sliding away

2006-01-15T17:32:00.000Z

We usually like to do our LSR on a Saturday, but hubby was working yesterday, and I was still recovering from the alcohol I imbibed on Friday night, so yesterday was a rest day instead. In fact, I had a very lazy day which was very enjoyable! This morning our bed was soooooo warm and comfy that neither of us wanted to leave it. Thankfully, we encouraged each other to get up and out rather than stay where we were.

Hubby had bought himself a brand new bike last week, his excuse being that it would be perfect for sorting out new running routes for us. Out he went yesterday afternoon to find something around 10-12 miles. His heel is much better but he wanted to try and stay off-road as much as possible to prevent further injury. We drove a little way from home and started running just after 9.00 this morning. Quite early on hubby pointed out an alternative path but said that we wouldn't take it becuase 'it gets a bit dirty'. Half an hour later we were ankle deep in mud and sliding all over the place. I was seriously worried that I might fall and end up in the river! I asked hubby how he had managed to overlook the mud when he was out on his reccy - and he admitted that he had not actually cycled the whole route. That fact became even more obvious when the footbridge he wanted to use to cross the river turned out to be private property! That wasn't too much of a problem other than meaning that we didn't really know whether the new route was slightly shorter, or longer, than originally intended. On the way back hubby ran ahead and left me struggling through the mud. Believe me, his name was mud at that stage!

We regrouped and got back to the car together. However, my schedule said that I should have run 12 miles, so I decided to go the rest of the way home on foot. It was only a mile but hubby hadn't wanted to add a total of 2 miles onto the total distance, that's why we took the car in the first place. I ran for about half a mile, then walked the rest as a cool down. We checked on the website when we got back and discovered that hubby had done just over 12 miles, and I had done just over 13. I took 2.5 hours and was pleased with that considering the terrain. Fortunately we won't have much mud to contend with in London!

This afternoon we went for a gentle stroll, which seemed to be effective for easing some of the knots in my leg muscles. Looking forward to my dinner now, then a quiet evening in front of the television.

To rest, or not to rest

2006-01-13T16:51:00.000Z

Yesterday should have been clubnight. However, I had to miss it as I attended an 'awards evening' for work. This was held by the Primary Care Trust, it's supposed to show staff how much they are valued. I got a certificate in recognition of my BSc and prescribing qualification, both of which were achieved since the last such evening. We actually had a good time. The speaker was the lady who was the driving force behind the original 'Calendar Girls' and she was very entertaining.

I thought that I might be able to fit a run in before I went out but, in the end ran out of time and energy. I told myself that I was still ahead of the game so it shouldn't be a problem. An extra rest day would not be the end of the world.

Today I also had quite a lot to do, including an oral exam. The exam went well and I managed to get everything done by 2.00. The sun was shining and it seemed a shame to waste such a lovely day, so I got changed and went for a run on the heath. It was lovely to be out in the sunshine, and to be running on a surface other than the road - often difficult at this time of year. I also enjoyed the fact that I was running purely for pleasure rather than because my schedule said I should!

I'm still finding the fundraising a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. Someone gives me an idea that seems good and my spirits are lifted. Then something goes wrong and I'm plunged back into doom and gloom. I am going to visit one of the local schools and talk to the children about healthy living in return for a 'small donation'. Bearing in mind my deep antipathy to children, I only hope that the donation isn't too small! To see how my fundraising is going, or to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/lynsmarathon

Friends coming round for dinner tonight, but I'm afraid they're going to be served Mr Tesco's finest offerings as I don't have the energy, or the inclination, to cook. Nevertheless, it should be a good evening and I am looking forward to it. Think I'd better leave the long run until Sunday though!

And yet more hills

2006-01-11T08:40:00.000Z

Have had a hectic couple of days at work - as usual- so little time to blog. The old leggies were complaining somewhat after Sunday's exertions so it was a case of stretching at every opportunity. I decided to stick with the slow group at club yesterday as I was worried about possibly aggravating my previous hip injury. However, Tuesdays are usually speed sessions so I still work as hard as I can, whichever group I am with. We did 3 circuits around a local housing estate that includes a very nasty hill. The one way gives a steep uphill, then a long downhill, and vice versa, so we did 2x the short hill and 1x the long way. I was breathing pretty heavily by the end of each circuit but was able to maintain the pace each time. I like to finish by pushing hard for the last 1/2 mile as I feel this gives me an 'edge' in races - I know that I can finish strongly even though I am tired.

Last day of my 2005 annual leave today. I have to take my car in to get it fixed and have quite a lot of things which need sorting out here, then circuit training tonight. However, there is just a possibility that I might find a bit of time to do at least one 'Sudoku' puzzle during the day!

First, read the instructions!

2006-01-08T15:12:00.000Z

I arrived at Milborne this morning in time to collect my race number and go to the loo before an 11.00 start. Unfortunately, the race started at 10.30! There was no time to collect my number so hubby went of to do that while I joined the group of runners waiting to start. Certainly no time for me to go to the loo, would just have to hope for the best!

It was a nasty day, cold and grey with persistant rain/sleet. I had left my gloves in the pocket of my fleece, so my hands were really cold for the 1st couple of miles. Friends had warned me that the course contained a 'killer hill' that seemed to go on for miles. Whilst puffing up one such hill I asked another runner whether this was the one. I nearly cried when she said 'No'! At that stage I was not sure whether to push on while I could or save something for that hill. I decided to push on and was glad that I had as there were no other hills as bad as the one we had already done. The first couple of miles were slower than I had hoped. Nevertheless, I thought that probably wasn't too awful considering the conditions.

Mile 5, halfway!, came and it had taken me around 50 minutes thus far. That put me right back on target for 100 mins, with which I would be delighted. Still on target and feeling good at mile 6, but feeling dreadful at mile 7. However, my time had not dropped off much and I knew that I could push on for another 3 miles. In fact, I felt strong in the last couple of miles and would even have managed a 'sprint' finish if I could have seen the line! Unfortunately, rain on my specs had meant that I was able to see very little for the entire course. I really must think about getting some contact lenses for these situations! I'm not sure of my exact finishing time as I forgot to stop my watch (as usual). However, it was just under 100 minutes, and the race was just under 10 miles, so I was pleased with that.

All finishers got a hot dtink, Mars bar, hot dog and soup after the race, a nice touch that made it very good value. Hubby and I had planned to go somewhere for a pub lunch but I was wet to the skin so we came straight home. Didn't really warm up in the car despite the heating and heated seats.

A hot drink, bath and snack were very welcome and now I am all toasty warm. Time for a snooze before I start dinner, I think!

Rest day.

2006-01-07T15:16:00.000Z

Since I started running I have come to value my rest days all the more. Previously, every day was a 'rest day' so I didn't really appreciate it. Now I revel in being able to snuggle up in front of the TV, or play on the computer etc, as I don't do it all the time.

This morning hubby and I went out and did a few bits and pieces. This included ordering a hire suit for our holiday in July! Yes, we know there's plenty of time, but hubby is so tall that we know we will be unlikely to get anything to fit at short notice. As it is, the lady will have to order in the trousers specially, so she was glad of the extra notice. He looked lovely in the black trousers, DJ, bow tie and cummerbund, with a white dress shirt. The picture was somewhat spoiled by the casual brown shoes, but he has already bought a pair of dress shoes. We are both looking forward to the opportunity to dress up and show off!

Hubby is taking down the last of the Christmas decorations and I've just written my January 'marathon newsletter'. Must be time for a cuppa, surely?

What a difference a run makes

2006-01-05T21:27:00.000Z

Did 8k with the club and feel much better as a result - even though I was at the back for much of the way and seemed to be struggling. I chose to go with the slower group so that I could enjoy my run, rather than with the faster group and risk becoming demoralised, I thought that was the best option given the way that I was feeling. What I really wanted to do was curl up in bed with some choccy, but I knew that I would feel better, physically and mentally, after my run.

Onwards and upwards - tomorrow is another day!

Down in the dumps

2006-01-05T11:58:00.000Z

Despite having enjoyed myself yesterday evening, I'm feeling quite low today. Mainly because my fundraising efforts seem to have come to a halt with a long way still to go. I've had (or been given) a few ideas but seem to be running up against rules/regulations all the time. My boss is a stickler for doing things correctly so there is no hope of me getting away without having the right permission/licence or whatever.

To give an example. I had thought of running a 'tuck shop' at work (for the staff) once a week in return for donations. However, if money changes hands in return for food, the vendor is liable if anyone chokes, becomes ill, gets chocolate on their best shirt, trips over a crumb or anything else you can possibly imagine. Boss says that this would also implicate the practice and is, therefore, not permissable.

The people who know me least have been the most generous ), especially my Runner's World forum friends, with my 'nearest and dearest' currently leaving me feeling very let down (with the notable exception of the lovely French family). C'est la vie!

I know that this is not the end of the world, but it is why I swore that I would never take a charity place. Had hubby not got into FLM, I would happily have done an alternative marathon, but that option really became unworkable once he got a club place. Hence my current situation and the sneaky feeling that I should have left well alone!

Anyway, off for lunch with hubby soon, and will try to blag a meal for 2 as a prize whilst we are there. Looking forward to club session tonight too as I know that I will feel more postive afterwards.

First one of the year

2006-01-03T21:28:00.000Z

First run of the year this evening. After a tiring day at work, it was time for club session. The club really comes into its own at ths time of year. It makes it so much easier to get out and run in the cold and dark when you know there are friends to go with (although, in all fairness, it is unseasonably mild here at the moment).It was good to see everyone again and to wish them a Happy New Year'. I'm still going out with the faster group, and still having to work hard to keep up with them. We ran out for 2-3 miles, and then did some circuits around the industrial estate before running back again. I was struggling a bit on the way back but, as usual, managed to pick up the pace right at the end.

I'm not good at New Year's resolutions. However, I am determined to keep my weight within a few pounds either way of what it is currently, and to keep the running going even after FLM. This does mean that I have to stop eating rubbish and get back on the 'straight and narrow'. I have found an old 'before' picture that I think I might put on the fridge - that should scare me away from the naughty stuff!

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T14:49:00.000Z

What a great day I had yesterday.

We were up and out at 9.00 for our LSR. We went out and did a circular route from a local nature reserve (Hengistbury Head, for anyone who knows the area) starting with a mile or 2 around the head on a combination of tarmac cycle trails and sandy paths. The morning was mild and mainly sunny, although there were some dark clouds in the distance, and it was pretty windy. It was a very atmospheric view across the reed beds with the face of the priory highlighted against the dark sky. Next we ran through a small flock of lapwings, onto the golf links and alongside the River Stour. Some of the paths were very muddy and I was then too busy concentrating on not falling over/in to notice much of the view. After that was quite a long 'pavement' stretch. We saw an interesting looking building so stopped to read the blue plaque. Apparantly, it was built as a printing plant by Russian emigres and was the place where the works of Tolstoy were first printed. It has also won an award for sympathetic conversion of a historical building. I've lived in this area for nearly 25 years and never knew that the place existed! The route then took us along a couple of main roads and I started to feel rather negative. Due to stopping to check the map (having never done the route before), taking the occasional, unintentional, detour and stopping to look at things on route, it had taken us a lot longer to reach this point than I had anticipated and I was disheartened to think how much further we still had to go. This is when I was glad to be running with hubby as a bit of chat really helps pass time and lift the spirits. Along the side of a golf course and past the football club and I was feeling much better. Having run through town we were at the sea front and decided to go along the prom rather than stay up on the cliff top. The tide was high and the wind whipped the waves into a foam. There were some sail-boarders out, dancing across the surface of the sea and looking as if they were having fun. It's always nice to have something to look at, and seeing other people enjoying themselves made me smile. Knowing that we would soon be back at the car park, I increased the pace a bit and made hubby work harder. As the circuit was supposed to be about 10 miles, I had promised myself that I would be dropped off 4 miles from home and run the rest of the way. But it had taken almost 2.5 hours already and my legs were feeling tired...
In the end I ran the 2 miles home from our local supermarket whilst hubby did a bit of shopping. My leggies were not happy at being asked to start again at that stage and it was a real struggle to push on up the hill. I just tried to close my mind to the discomfort and get on with it. And boy, it felt good when I had finished!

Before I had even finished showering, the heavens opened and it poured. I was glad that we had gone out when we did. After lunch I had a little snooze as I knew that I would otherwise be asleep by 9.00, never mind midnight!

In the evening we spent an hour with sister-in-law, her husband and some friends of theirs, before changing venue and sharing a fondue with some of our friends. The food and company were top class and I smiled to myself as the foaming champagne reminded me of the surf earlier in the day. Fireworks at midnight, then more chat before falling into bed. It was really nice to stay over, rather than worrying about one of us driving home, or having to get a taxi (especially as hubby is a taxi driver!).

This morning saw a leisurely start and once home I had another snooze once hubby had gone out to work. I've spent some time working on my press release for my fundraising and soon it will be time to start prepearing dinner. Today we are going to have the turkey and Christmas pud that we didn't want last week.

An ideal end to one year and beginning of another. I hope that this feeling of peace and contentment lasts - for ourselves and those we love.

Happy New Year everyone!

White Christmas

2005-12-29T19:24:00.000Z

Well, we've actually had some snow here. It started to fall gently at around 3pm and carried on for about an hour. By the time it finished it must have been lying all of 1mm thick - that counts as extreme in Bournemouth! It seemed like a really good excuse to skip my run, after all, it is still Christmas......

However, then I remembered that marathoners don't quit! So into our warmest kit and off we went. It's all too easy to drop into a relaxed pace when I run on my own, so it's good to go out with hubby cos he's faster than me and I have to work to keep up with him. We did 6 hilly miles, him comfortably, me less so. Some of the quieter pavements were very slippery so we had to be careful in places. It's good to have the run under my belt, have had a hot bath and something to eat and still have the evening left to relax.

Back to work

2005-12-29T07:11:00.000Z

A long day at work for me yesterday but, fortunately, not too busy. Went to circuit training afterwards and was glad not to be outdoors. There was a surprisingly good turnout and it was nice to get back into the swing of things, especially as I will miss next week's again.

As my colleague is on holiday, I have to work today and tomorrow but should be a ble to get away a bit earlier than usual. There's no club session tonight so we haven't yet decided what to do. Hubby thinks it's too cold to run outside and fancies a session on the treadmill. I hate the 'dready' and would rather freeze!

I'll be glad when things are back to 'normal' as I really need to start putting some time and effort into my fundraising. Speaking of which, have you visited www.justgiving.com/Lynsmarathon yet?!

Boxing day and beyond.

2005-12-27T19:55:00.000Z

I acted as sweeper in yesterday's 10k race, hence pootled along and did a 'personal worst' time! Everyone was very supportive of the 2 ladies at the back, but I had to resist the urge to explain that I could go faster if I wanted to. The weather was cold and grey with some rain. I wore my Mrs Claus outfit and my legs were so cold that they were almost the same colour as the dress! Nevertheless it was a nice start to the day and a great way of getting us up and out.

Family came round in the afternoon for tea, cake and pressie swapping, then Mum, hubby, son and I opened our stockings in the evening.

Today we've been shopping for a digital camera. Mum gave us quite a lot of money towards it as we had said that we wanted one for our cruise next year. It was very cold today, and there were lots of crowds in town so we were only out for a couple of hours. I'm now very achy from sitting around, and I'm stuffed full of chocolate. It's a good job that I'm back at work tomorrow otherwise I think I'd put on the 4 stones that I'd lost over the past year or so!

Happy Christmas

2005-12-26T07:43:00.000Z

Had a lovely time yesterday. Unusually, we had decided to spend the day quietly rather than with hubby's family, and eat in the evening instead of lunchtime. For me that meant a leisurely start to the day with breakfast and TV in bed as opposed to the mad scramble to get everything ready for lunchtime. Hubby worked 9am - midday and son didn't even come home until 9.00. We had canapes and nibbles for lunch (as it were!) and opened some pressies after that. Hubby and son watched a DVD that son had been given for Christmas. I'm afraid that, at that stage, I showed the effects of too much champagne and went to sleep! A friend popped round for an hour or so in the afternoon and then it was time for me to get dinner. We had opted for duck followed by trifle as a change from the standard Christmas meal, and really enjoyed it. Son went out later, but hubby and I were ready for bed by then anyway!

Hubby bought me a great pressie - a voucher so that I can go and fly Harris hawks at the bird of prey centre. Thoughtfully, he also bought a 2nd voucher so that I can take a friend along to share the day. It's something that I've wanted to do for years, so I'm delighted!

Today we have a 10k at 11.00. Having got my PB at the Christmas pud race, I am just going to enjoy myself. If there's anyone who wants someone to pootle around with them I will do that, otherwise will take it gently on my own. Afterwards we will collect Mum and bring her back here for the rest of the day. Hubby's family are coming round after lunch for tea, cake and pressies and I have a chinese readymeal for dinner. Hubby, son, Mum and I will open our stockings after dinner.

Hope that you all had a Happy Christmas and are not TOO hungover today.

Whilst feeling in the festive mood, why don't you visit www.justgiving.com/Lynsmarathon

Done and dusted

2005-12-24T14:05:00.000Z

Nice LSR done this morning. A fairly flat 14 miles, mainly along the prom. We started at 9.00 and things were getting quite busy down there by the time we were heading back. It was a mildish, dry morning with little wind, so ideal conditions. The leggies were starting to tie up a bit towards the end, but we were glad to have been able to keep a steady pace throughout. The girl I have been training with recently is emigrating soon (I don't think it's anything I said!!) and I will miss her. It feels good to have the long run under my belt today, then I can enjoy tomorrow without feeling guilty!

Nothing much left to do around the house either. Shopping is all finished, pressies wrapped and trifle underway. Am planning to put my feet up for an hour or so this afternoon before collecting Mum and going to a carol service with my friends. For me, that is always a signal that Christmas has truly started.

So, in all, everything done and dusted. Let the good times roll!

Festive fun.

2005-12-23T18:40:00.000Z

Have had a very busy few days, one way or another. Wednesday was a full day at work, then off to a local restaurant for our work's Christmas do. As usual, we had a good time and I managed not to overindulge too much in either the food or drink department. I usually only work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but have had to do a full week as my colleague is on holiday. Another club run after work yesterday, much the same route as Tuesday to look at the lights. However, yesterday we all wore silly Christmas hats and attracted quite a lot of attention from passing motorists. Stopped for a drink in the bar afterwards and was able to chat to a friend who has not been running for a while. Today we had our usual Christmas lunch at work and swopped pressies. The afternoon was quiet so I managed to get away around 4pm. Have just done the last of the shopping so am ready to collapse in front of the TV for the evening - there's just a small matter of some dinner first!

LSR tomorrow morning with friend. We plan to run out and back along the prom, which we hope will be quiet at this time of year. Have done around 14 miles this week so far, so will need to take things slowly. Hubby has a sore heal so will not be joining us but might go to the gym instead.

Christmas lights

2005-12-20T21:26:00.000Z

Rest day yesterday. Mondays are always very busy at work so all I want to do at the end of the day is collapse into a heap. Today hasn't been too bad and I had really looked forward to my club session. We did a fast (for me), hilly 7-8 miles so that we could look at the Christmas lights. There is a cul-de-sac nearby where nearly every house is heavily decorated. It's great fun and well worth a visit. Besides - I got time for a breather while everyone was looking at the lights! Have just had a snack and am now ready for shower and bed. Another long day at work tomorrow, then out for our work Christmas party in the evening.

Rest day

2005-12-18T19:24:00.000Z

LSR safely out of the way, today was a rest day. It was good to have a lie-in without feeling guilty. Hubby watched footie on TV whilst I pottered around, then an early lunch and out to Stapehill Abbey, a local tourist attraction. We listened to a choir sing Christmas carols and had a look at some crafts. Outside, I had fun kicking up the leaves, several people laughed at me for doing so! Went and had a look at the animals and stroked pigs, goats and rabbits. Then had a singalong to a fairground organ, several other people joined in with 'Jingle Bells'. Still had plenty of time to try and get to grips with a 'Sudoku' puzzle at home. Hubby is good at them but I'm a novice, having previously been put off because of my poor maths. Sunday is the one day that I insist we all sit down together for a meal, so we enjoyed pasta and a pudding - plus a couple of glasses of wine. A nice end to the weekend, especially as I have a busy week at work next week.

Time and tide.

2005-12-17T13:32:00.000Z

Had a good time trial last night. The course is very flat, an 'out and back' along the prom. It was a mild, dry evening with little wind, ideal for running. Although there are lights along the prom, there's not enough to see to cause distractions. At aprox 27.37 my time was almost identical to last month. However, on that occasion I was being pushed to the limit by a clubmate and felt dreadful. Yesterday I was running within myself and felt good. Maybe a PB next time round. It was nice to stop for a drink and a chat afterwards and I even treated myself to a chip buttie. Don't remember the last time I ate chips!

This morning saw me up early in preparation for my LSR (long, slow run). I had some porridge for breakfast around 6.30 and we set off at 9.00. The route was about 10 miles, 'undulating' being the official term. Some roads, then down through Bournemouth gardens to the pier.A quick look at the sea before we turned round to come back. It's another nice day, dry and sunny but rather cold, and windy at times. The last mile or so was up a gentle, but long incline and into a head wind. It felt like climbing the north face of the Eiger! I had thought that I might do a few extra miles, but the old leggies had other ideas. Had a bit of a crisis of confidence - if I feel knackered after only 10 miles, how do I think I'm going to manage 26? A little pep talk from hubby soon had me feeling more positive. It's so good to have him training for the same event so that we can encourage each other.

I'm starting to get a few fundraising ideas, thanks to some very good friends, so will have to get on with things after Christmas. If you haven't already, please visit
www.justgiving.com/Lynsmarathon.
Thank you.

Christmas is coming

2005-12-16T15:45:00.000Z

After yesterday's successful shopping trip, I later had a great club run. It was a lovely evening, mild and clear, with a huge moon that, I was told, was the brightest it would be for the next 18 years. The usual winter run around the local housing estates was enlivened by seeking out all houses with lots of Christmas decorations outside. We ran for just under an hour at an easy conversational pace and I really enjoyed it. The hard speed sessions are neccessary if I want to see improvement in my times. However, runs like last night's are the ones that make all the pain worthwhile. I still find it hard to believe that, not only can I run, but I also actually enjoy it! It gives me such pleasure to feel my body moving as it is meant to and to know that it will repond if I ask more from it. What a difference from the couch potato of 18 months ago!

Today I've been busy getting some Christmas stuff organised. I've also had coffee with my friend and been to the hairdressers. A trip around Tesco was also needed before I could relax over lunch. Consequently I'm feeling rather tired and have a headache again. There's lots of things that need doing bit I'm going to spend some time quietly instead. After all, I want to be fit for tonight's time trail, don't I?!

2005-12-15T11:39:00.000Z

Another hectic day at work yesterday, then a quick change and straight out to circuit training. I really enjoy these sessions as they give me the opportunity to work on my upper body strength, and on my core stability which is essential to help keep my back healthy. We usually have a laugh - especially when I fall off the 'Swiss Ball' thingy. No co-ordination at all, I'm afraid! After that, another quick change and I went to a get-together with my Am. Dram. friends. It was great to catch up with everyones' news and I even managed to stay away from the food table (well, mostly...).

Have had a very successful x training trip today. I ordered some new specs, bought hubby's Christmas pressie AND bought a lovely evening dress for myself. We're going on a cruise in July and this will be perfect. £30 off too, so can't complain (although husband will, of course!).

Off to meet hubby for lunch soon, then spend some time with a friend this afternoon. Hopefully I'll still have some energy left for my club run tonight!

Hectic headache

2005-12-13T21:28:00.000Z

A couple of very hectic days at work left me suffering from a nasty tension headache this evening. I knew that I would feel better after a run, but wasn't looking forward to acutally doing it! It was a lovely crisp, dry evening and there were lots of Christmas lights to look at as we went round. It's always good to catch up with the gossip from club mates and it almost takes the mind off the pain! 8 circuits done tonight, alternating hard and easy but without stopping, then a steady run back to base. As anticipated, no headache on return but the poor old legs know that they've been working. Time for shower and bed.

Christmas pudding 10k

2005-12-11T13:26:00.000Z

Had a lovely 10k race through the lanes of rural Dorset this morning. It was a lovely morning with none of the freezing fog that we had driven through en route. The course was very flat, ideal PB material. I'm not sure of the exact time, but it was somewhere around 57 minutes, my previous best (2 weeks ago) being 58.29. Going to eat now, then spend the afternoon watching 'Narnia' at the cinema with the family.

Friends and food

2005-12-10T09:05:00.000Z

Rest day for me yesterday. Went to see some old friends in the afternoon, then out for a meal with other friends in the evening. We had a good time and it was lovely to catch up with everyone's news. Rest day again today as we have a 10k race tomorrow. After Christmas I will do fewer of these 'short' races and get back to the long slow runs which I will need for my marathon training.

www.justgiving.com/Lynsmarathon

Climb every mountain

2005-12-09T04:50:00.000Z

Had a good day today. Spent some time with a friend, then club session in the evening. Did an hour's steady run, including some hills. In fact, given the location of the club it's impossible to avoid the hills. I'm really enjoying the fact that I can see improvement in this area. Roads that seemed like mountains earlier in the year are now much more manageable and that's a real confidence booster. Mind you, I know that we only have sissy southern hills down here, not like those oop north!

Shopping and eating

2005-12-08T08:58:00.000Z

Took Slugmummy around a couple of local garden centres yesterday. Spent an enjoyable morning playing with Christmas toys and looking at the decorations! I had mentioned that I might like to run the Boxing Day race in fancy dress, so mum bought me a Mrs Christmas outfit. Don't think I'll be on for a PB wearing that lot!

In the evening we went out with plodpals for a meal at one of the local pubs. It was great to have time for a good chat rather than the odd gasped comment. Lovely peeps also sponsored me for FLM, so a good night all round.

Club session for me this evening but lots to do at home first.

www.justgiving.com/Lynsmarathon

The hill from hell

2005-12-07T01:02:00.000Z

Had a tough but enjoyable club session today. I think coach was trying to kill us for some reason as he made us run up the hill from hell. I'm struggling to hang on to the back of this group as they are all faster than me, so they all charged off like greyhounds whilst we slower peeps plodded along behind. I did make it to the top without stopping though, which felt soooooo good. I know that the ability to keep going even when my body cries out for mercy will be really important for my marathon, so this is really good training.

Tomorrow should be a circuit training session, but some of us from the running club are going out for a meal instead. I am taking Mum shopping though - surely that counts as cross training??

Lyn's marathon

2005-12-05T16:47:00.000Z

Rest day for me today. I feel fine after yesterday's exertions, although the tummy has remained a little sensitive. I did consider a short recovery run. However have spent the day shopping with a friend so have been on my feet for some hours. Am looking forward to a quiet night in, then club training session tomorrow.

The agony and the ecstacy

2005-12-05T01:37:00.000Z

After the ecstacy yesterday of securing a place to run the 2006 London Marathon for my chosen charity - Back Care- came the agony today of the long training run. 12.6 miles done but much of that was accompanied by tummy cramps. Perhaps that had something to do with the quantity of alcohol I imbibed last night! I was running with husband, but he felt very tired too so the last couple of miles were difficult for us both. At the moment, the idea of adding on an extra 14 miles seems very daunting, I'm glad that the 2 of us can train together for mutual support.

We went to my Mum's for dinner tonight but had to leave early as we were both very tired. Warned Mum that this is the shape of things to come over the next 4 months.

If you would like to support my efforts to help ease the misery of back pain please visit www.justgiving.com/Lynsmarathon