Tuesday 30 April 2013

Club Run!

Hello blog lovers!

Well, its back to the routine now! No more "Ooo, I can't run too far, I did a marathon" No, its man up and get on with it.  And maybe start thinking about another challenge or race to do.  But before I did the group runs I helped out PhysioMike with the new beginners group. I felt it only fair as I have brought along some people I know. My sister in law and a friend. Not only that but they brought a couple of friends along too, and my sister in law brought her son along as well!  That was good. It's nice to see the beginners from their first classes and then to see them at their first Park Run! Smiling and feeling proud of themselves. That is a good feeling.

After that I stayed on to the usual group runs. Just because I am a marathoner though (ooo that does sound good) I am still not quite ready to move up to group 2.  Group 1 is where I can run along comfortably, a nice steady run. And anyway, today even if I was in group 6 I think I would still run in group 1.  The tops of my legs were killing me! Just where my legs join my body (in the groin area)  My legs were only just forgiving me from making them do less than 2 miles on Sunday, and now I am taking them on a club run.  Well, we can't let the grass grow under out feet.

Our route was a nice flatish route, and I was so grateful for that.  Illustrious Leader is leading the group to the Cinder Path. This route is a very gently slope upwards, even though you don't even notice it.  I know this because on the way back, we go down Crofton Lane.

I was at the back, as usual, I offered to sweep. I knew my legs were going to hurt, they did when I did just a little bit of jogging on Sunday! So I was quite comfortable at the back. It was a pleasant night, but the chill seems to be back. The wind has a little bite it, just when we think the weather is going to be fine!

Jogging along, I could feel every step. I was wondering how long it will take before those 26 miles were finally shaken from my body. I know some PWR's have taken at least 9 days, but I know that I was getting too comfortable, too chillaxed. I needed to get out. So the best thing is to treat myself like a newbie. Just take it easy.

I was chatting to another lady, she is doing the Edinburgh Marathon on the 26th of this month.  It makes me smile to think that in our club, all abilities, through all the running groups, have the same opportunities. The marathons are not just for the fastest runners, and if a group  1 runner decides to run a marathon, then they get all the support and encouragement possible. Fantastic!

The end of the run was coming up, I checked behind to see that our Illustrious Leader was chatting to the last runner and then I took off. I needed to push myself a little bit harder than I have done so far.  Sunday's run was ok, but I just enjoyed myself plodding along, and even allowed myself to take a short cut! And today, at the back again, although I like being at the back, and to be honest, I don't think I could have kept up with the front runners anyway, I need to just gently remind my legs, that, actually I am a runner now, and I will remain a runner until the day that I can't run anymore!

I pushed a little harder along Tudor way, and the crossed over to the last little bit up Crossways. I started my sprint! No stopping, just keep going. I saw one of the faster runners up ahead and 'chose' her to be my 'race'. I wanted to catch up with her, and maybe even overtake, before we got to the sign!  I think she was just a tad ahead of me when we got there. But still, not a bad effort for a first club run since my........dare I say it again.........oh darn it! I will!.....My marathon!

geeky stats



Sunday 28 April 2013

First Post Marathon Run!

Hello blog Lovers.

What a beautiful morning it was! My running club were having the members 10k race. I, however, was on catering duty, in charge of cake cutting and safeguarding the hotwater boiler from little people!  And, it's only just now that I was glad I didn't actually run it! (Apart from the fact that I loved being at the end of the race as the first runner came in!) 

All groups took part, and we even had a 'get me round' group to help get people around that have never done a 10k before, or there is always the 'bus' for those who want to do it in a certain time! It's all great fun.  And to see Johnny come in, running silently through, and then around the green followed by his pursuer was just brilliant!

 I was quite missing my running after watching them all come in and after thinking about what the other PWR's marathoners had done about getting back to their running, I thought I would try and get out for a short run at some point today. 3 miles or so I had in mind.

I deliberately chose the route through to Turpington Lane as it has quite a few 'short cuts' that I could chose from if things were not quite ready to get moving!  So with that in mind I got changed into my running gear and started my Garmin looking for satellites, lets see if this Old Girl can still run!

The weather had cooled at lot since this morning so I donned long running pants and a short sleeved top, then I was ready to go.  Straight out of the door, no hanging about, and start running.  Straight away I felt my ankles complaining. If ankles could talk I'm sure they would say "Hey, whats going on, haven't you had enough" and the tops of my legs, in the groin, well, that was complaining even more! And I had still to get to Faringdon!

I carried on running, just ignoring the little aches and pains, I am presuming this is quite normal after a long run. I know some people have taken even longer to go on a run, and I know that some others have gone out and run a 3 or 4 miler just after a couple of days! I guess it's just a case of 'get out there and see'. My breathing settled down quite nicely, but the little aches and pains were still there, then my knees decided to join in with the complaining.  "Ok, that's it" I thought to myself, "I am a woose when it comes to pain and discomfort, so I shall just do a very short recovery run today"

I was compromising with my body! I was saying to my self, "Ok, so if I cut the run short, 'you' limbs promise not to hurt anymore than you do right now" Which at the moment, on the scale of 1 - 10, is about 1, (1 being a slightly annoying 'trapped wind' type ache and 10 being, ouch, call the medics, give me morphine now!) But I also thought "If I do go home early then there is no stopping, what so ever!" So the shorter route it was.

I was glad I chose that route! If I had gone with my heart and not my head, I would have gone through the  Jubilee park and the woods! But running  to the Harvesters and then turning left to go through my local park was the most sensible thing to do.

Even so, I was thinking to myself that I could always extend it a little further, if I felt like it, once I get to the other side of the park. Knowing me, though, I knew that wasn't going to happen. 'Keep my running/cycling fun' that's my motto. I don't want it to become a chore, I don't want to ever lose the love of running and cycling. So far both activities have been good for me! Very occasionally I chuck in a challenge, this year it was a marathon........and earlier in the year, a half marathon! But that's by the by. It has all been kept, as fun! (apart from my new found animosity towards the A21) Which is the way it should be.

So, my run today is 1.76 miles,







Monday 22 April 2013

The Virgin London Marathon

Me, just before leaving
Hello blog lovers.

This is the blog that have I have been waiting to write up for months now. It is finally here! So, grab a coffee, turn your phone off, put the closed sign up and chill for a few minutes. After months of training, in freezing weather, having to put off some days training when the weather had been just too awful to go out in. And then having the back injury two weeks before the marathon, I am pleased that I am now writing this blog. This run is dedicated to my mum and dad. I can't believe cancer claimed both my parents. My beautiful mum. She would be very proud of me.

After a not totally restful sleep I got up feeling very excited. I showered and headed to the kitchen to grab some porridge.  then back up stairs to get into my running gear. Everything pinned into place, my race number, 3215, my black ribbon and a picture of mum on the back. I checked again how secure the tag was on my shoe and then sat and waited for the off.

The Old Boy was driving me there. He tried to get as close as possible so that he could walk some way with me, but he had to leave me just outside Blackheath station.  I wasn't going to get lost or go the wrong way, as there were hundreds of people heading to the Blue Start.  I was chatting to one lady as we walked up, she said that she had tried several times to get a place in the VLM but without success.  I was beginning to realise how fortunate I was.  I said good by to her and then took this picture as I made my way to the runners enclosure. The organisation was superb! Everything was signposted, you knew where to take your kit bags, it was just perfect.

Blue Start Up Ahead.

The butterflies started in my belly, I was glad I arrived early so that I could find the loos.  I saw a queue of ladies and joined in, only paying attention to part of the sign! As the queue got smaller I noticed the ladies grabbing a cardboard .... erm....chute (although I didn't quite realise what it was for) I presumed it had loo roll in, or maybe wipes. How wrong was I!  I got to the 'peeing' area and there were urinals, thats right urinals and the cardboard chute thing was for you to stand and pee! I wish I could have been that posh bohemian woman, but I am not. I like my comfort, and I like my privacy (although on bike rides I have been know to use a bush....in private though!  Still it was an eye opener, and maybe something I should 'practice' with. If all ladies carry something like that in the handbags on a night out then we too can use the erm, public facilities! Next time, remember to note, Ladies Urinals are exactly that!

Ladies, will know what this is!


I me up with a couple of other PWR's before we went to our start zones, they were in the zone 6, I was in zone 9. I stood chatting with them, and then said goodbye as they went to their zone and I went to mine.  As I was walking along I heard my name being called, it was Spider! He had spotted me heading for my zone.  A quick chat with him and then I continued to my zone. Apparently Mo Farah is also somewhere in the Blue Start, but I am guessing he is probably in zone 1, (and he is also only doing half!)  The atmosphere is extraordinary, everyone is excited. Although our thoughts are with those in Boston, not one person mentioned the terrorists. They had no part in our run today, they had instilled no fear in us.  The crowds went silent at the sound of a whistle. Thirty seconds before the start of the race, there was hush as we remember the those killed and injured only last week.

A few moments later the mass moved forward...then stopped! Then moved forward once more, slowly at first, slowly walking to the start. It seemed ages before we eventually stood on the mats that says 'Your race starts now'  You couldn't ask for a more perfect day. The sky was clear, the sun was shining, the crowds were happy and cheering.  It all seemed so surreal that somewhere on a t.v. screen people are watching all this go on. I saw a camera and just waved at it. Maybe my daughter Jenna will see me in Australia!

The first mile went by in a daze, "Go on Donna you can do it, only 25 more miles to do" was the fav chant for that section, but it was all said in a good humoured way, and I am sure they are all in wonderment of it all, I know I am!

I kept up a steady pace, and took in water. The weather was brilliant for spectators, but not having really trained in hot weather, I am using the advice from everyone to keep sipping at water. The Old Boy even made sure I had water in my kit bag that he told me to sip until race time! So it was no surprise to me then that I needed to use the loo. Being an Old Girl, I thought it best to use the first loos I see!

I saw a sign saying loos this way at around mile 5, I slowed down to see where they were. I looked over to my right and saw some chaps facing the billboards, I then saw a lady run over and squat next to them! Well, I'm sure VLM would have provided better loos than that, so I carried on running, and hoping, to find the next loos! Which I did, by the way, at mile 7.  Also at mile 5 was the Lucozade fuel stop, I grabbed a bottle of this to get some sugar into me. I don't have the Old Boy with me now supply me with chocolate! I tried to spot some people I knew in these first 5 miles, but the weather has bought out everybody to cheer us all on, and it was just impossible to spot people.  I was hoping that I was going to be able to spot my family and fellow PWR's on route. But at least I would know roughly were they will be.

The next 5 miles I kept up a steady pace, not the pace that I had trained to do, I think the weather is really affecting me and so I was slower.  Although the sun does put a smile on every ones faces, to run or workout in the heat is something else!  There is water every mile, I grabbed a bottle of water and kept it with me as I jogged along.  Again something that I have not been training with, although I did have a go with Spiders 'Hydration' system  on a couple of training runs, with the bottles on the hips, which I didn't like anyway.  But I soon got used to having the bottle in my hand.  I didn't take a bottle at each station, it was a very warm day, and there are going to be a lot of warm thirsty people about.

When I came running around the corner and saw the Cutty Sark, I just smiled! What a lovely ship she is!  The last time I saw her, (well apart from last Wednesday when I went to the expo) she was in bits, some of the bits were at Chattam Dock Yard.  It's such a shame she has now been shrouded in glass because before hand she looked magnificent. 

I kept running through Deptford and into Surry Quays, when I was young it was know as Surry Docks! But I suppose Quays sound a bit posher! That is where I got my first phone call. It was the Old Boy asking where abouts I was. I told him I was just entering Surry Quays. He then said he will see me at Tower Bridge.  I was looking forward to seeing someone I know, even though all the way round, so far, I had a smile on my face. Well who wouldn't when thousands of people are calling after you 'Go Donna, you can do it!"  The crowds really do spur you on.

The next five miles are where I should start to see people I know, unless some of them have gone to the next cheering spot. I am still jogging along, but not as fast as I wanted to. Maybe I should have trained in a sauna wearing a shell suit!  I was very glad of the water stops (every mile), and of the Lucozade fuel stops (every 5 miles). I was getting slower, but I was taking dextrose to try and give me extra energy. But what with the warm wheather they seemed really dry and very hard to eat, I only ate a few of them.

Getting to the 12 mile marker was exciting, because I knew that I will be seeing Tower Bridge, and hopefully family members and PWR's. And I wasn't disappointed. There at mile 12 were the PettsWood Support Crew! There was a massive cheer from my right. I turned around to see where it was coming from, it took at few seconds to focus my eyes on the faces in the crowds! I saw Singstar Jo and Illustrious Leader! There were others, but my eyes would just not focus in time! I really wanted to go over and have a hug, but I had only just got myself jogging along again.

Me at mile 12


 When I turned the corner and saw the bridge, I just smiled! It looked beautiful. I have been to the bridge numerous times, but today the sight of it took my breath away. It had taken me 2 hours and 43 minutes to get here, with still a bit more to do to get to the the half way stage. I won't be getting a PB for a half marathon time! The cheering from the crowds was ongoing. I felt like an athlete! I had to check up the road to make sure that it's not Mo they were cheering, but that it was me 'Donna! Donna!"

There was I, me, The Old Girl, Donna, running over Tower Bridge, running in the most famous ionic marathons in the world, and I was feeling every bit proud! So what if its not the fastest marathon in the world, it's my marathon, I'm pacing at my own pace. Mo Farrow will have stopped along here somewhere! He is a DNF. When I got to the other side of the bridge, we turned right. I could see the faster runners running on the other side of the road. I was in total awe of them, they only have to run another few miles and they are home and dry! Yet here I was just finishing the first half, and feeling very achy!  I then heard my name from across the other side of the road, where the faster runners are. I looked over and there I saw Naggy Neighbour! "Go on Donna, you can do it, you have done so well" I felt totally lifted by tha.  I was still looking out for my family, I know they are on their way, but maybe they missed me or I missed them. It's that difficult to spot people!

The next couple of miles I was feeling a little warm, I plodded along as best as I could. At mile fifteen the lucozade fuel station was handing out gels. I thought I would grab one of these. I thought it would be ok as the lucozade drink had been ok so far.  I found it difficult to rip open the packet as I had greasy hands from the vasoline I used to stop the chaffing on my arms.  I ripped it open with my teeth, I must have looked like I was really hungry as I greedily tore open the packet! The flavour and the texture of this gel seemed at lot more agreeable to me. It wasn't as nasty as some of the other gooy stuff I had tried.

But I was needing the loo again.  I saw the sign say 'Toilets here' and joined the throng of people. Not only were the runners using these but there were plenty of people with plastic cups of beer in the queue! I was talking to a young girl as we stood waiting, but then all of a sudden I felt very unwell indeed. I became all light headed, and I felt as if I was about to pass out. My stomach cramped up and I wanted to throw up! I had to leave my place in the queue and go and sit on the kerb with my head down.  After running this far, this particular Old Girl found that  very difficult to do! Getting down there was not a very ladylike manoeuvre at all. It was all ass up, hands down for support! Not a pretty sight!

The mashalls came over and asked if I was ok, I mumbled that I would be fine, but I just needed to sit for a while and get my head clear.  Eventually the dizziness went and the nausea passed. I felt I just needed to get going and try not to let it affect me. Just then I had a call from my family. My daughter rang me, she then passed it around to the rest of them. I told them about my little moment. And my brother told me to stop, and not to continue. I assured them all that I was going to be fine.There is one thing that I don't want, and that is to go home without my medal! The loo stop will have to wait until the next time. If I have to pee the I am going to have to try the whole bohemian thing again, but without my 'pee-mate'

The next few miles was very tough going. I'm afraid I cried! For just a split second doubt crept into my head. Have I really over reached my mark! Is this an impossible dream for me? Just for one second, I thought that. Then I remembered why I am doing this in the first place. The answers are No! This not the end of the run for this Old Girl! I am going to finish, even if I am the last person to finish. And the medal, well that would be good, but finishing has now become my aim!

At some point before the 20 mile mark, I can't quite remember where, a lad of about 9 and his little sister was offering out jelly babies, I was walking along "Come on you, you should be running." I said "I will soon"
"What if we run with you, will that help you"
"I will in a minute" I replied
"Come on, you can do it, we will run with you"
And with that they started to run along. How could I not run next to him, the pair of them just melted my heart and gave me a little boost, more that any gooy gel or sports drink could ever do. A chap walking along next to me laughed sweetly at them. "Don't run to far from your mum with me, " I said to them, and they said "No, we shall leave you now, you going to be ok now" Again my heart melted.

The last five miles! Can you believe that I have made it to 20 miles! It was touch and go, and it still is! My tummy is cramping up something awful now! The sun is making a glorious day, and my shoulders are soaking up every sun ray. I chuckled to myself as I looked around at everyone. My thoughts were "What does a British person do when the sun comes out? Why, they get their kit off and soak up the rays!" I don't think anyone running today thought about suncream, or maybe that is just me!  Typical Brits, come back from a day out frazzled and lobster looking! 

At some point along here I spotted someone I knew! It was Julia and her husband Snail (Brian) with the family, Jonathan, James and Brians mum Helen, who is a totally inspiring lady. She runs the park runs, and she cycles her bike, up and down hills, she is 75 years old and has hip operations! She has run several marathons, and inspired her son to run  marathons. And he had to enter another one, because he couldn't  his first effort, he couldn't beat his mums fastest marathon! Of course on seeing them, the tears just wouldn't stop falling from my eyes! It was just so good to see them. I gave them a hug. And walked on. "Keep those arms going" Helen said. I waved goodbye to them.

I was heading for another tunnel, and I noticed people up on the top of the bridge and I decided to wave. Just then I heard my name called out again. "Donna, hey Donna!" I focused my eyes and I say my friends Pat and Paul! Paul is the pastor of my church, and they did just what they said they would do and came along after the service to cheer me on! I waved and smiled as I saw them and then they disappeared from view as I went under the tunnel.  I came out and looked back, but I couldn't see them. I'm not sure how the road system works up top, if they could have gone over to the other side. Still it was good to see them. But they I heard them as they came along side. "I'm catching up" Pat said. And I stopped for a quick chat and hug.

With renewed spirit I power walked towards my final few miles. Passing the mile 22 marker I was wondering when I would see my family. I welled up again as I thought about mum and dad. How I had been with them in their final days. Both were still fighting to the very end. Dad was over the moon that the operation he had had seemed to have worked. The 're-wiring' of his tummy and tubes meant that a tiny bit of food he had eaten finally had made it out at the right end. Mum insisting that her internet not be turned off. The pain they both had been suffering was nothing to what I am feeling right now, and mine will be gone with in a couple of days. Tears came rolling down my face. But I held back the sobs.

I managed to pull myself together. I power walked my way towards the next marker. Just before i got to the 23rd mark I heard my little brother "Don, Don" I saw him,  he had is arms opened wide. I ran towards them. He was sobbing and I was sobbing as he hugged me "I'm so so proud of you, so proud"  is all he could say. I saw the lady standing next to my family, she was wiping a tear from her eyes too.  I looked down the line and I saw my family and Karin (Naggy) was there as well, 18 of them! All cheering me, I was in tears as I hugged and kissed each one  "See you at Admiralty Arch" The Old Boy said.

Here is a couple of pictures they took.



With my heart bursting and a wet, teary face I JOGGED onwards to the final 3 miles. Just before I got to the marker I looked at my right hand side as a particular loud roar got my attention. The PWR crew were still there! Mrs Hippo was leaning over the fence, I saw Jogging Hippo waving. I was still jogging, I was still smiling from seeing my family, I so wanted to stop and hug them, but I thought I wouldn't be able to jog again if I stopped right there and then. I waved at them, I was just so happy that they was still there!

This picture was taken by Ray aka Jogging Hippo! I think he captured the moment very well at mile 23!



The last mile marker. I could see it. I had gone back to a power walk again. I tried to pick it up, I tried to jog the last mile. I just couldn't do. I told myself off! "Just do it Old Girl" I said. But my body was refusing to do any more than just power walk. I heard the chimes of Big Ben. "Is that clock showing 4  or 5 o'clock" I just couldn't fathom it, maybe it was even 6, I just couldn't get it. Running down Great Goodge was just amazing. The whole crowd seem to be chanting my name! I picked up my pace again and jogged along, the crowd cheered even louder! Is this really happening? I was amazed that there were still this amount of people waiting to cheer on the marathoners! It was just the most amazing situation ever, I was overwhelmed, and I'm afriaid more tears!

My family moved me, my friends moved me, the crowds moved me and the bands, marshals, St Johns brigade, all moved me to tears.I was blown away.  The 800 meters board showed. Ahead of me I could a donkey. I remember someone telling me not to be overtaken my teddy bear, or mole, or anyone in a suit.  That had happened. But now I have a race on my hands. I am going to over take the donkey. He had overtaken me a couple of miles back, but now I am going for it. I urged myself to get going. I cried again because I wasn't going fast enough, but this time I didn't hold back the sobs, every step was tears and sobbing. "Don't worry, you're nearly there, keep going" a concerned runner said. 400 meters the donkey just a head of me now, I can do this! I can over take the donkey. 

I did it! I over took him. But now to get to the finish. I looked a head I couldn't see it. It turns to the right! I went through some more mats, I made sure I was running on them, I wanted my chip to register. I can see the end now, running towards the end. The men and ladies in their yellow jackets at the end of the tunnel with the the medals! I can see the time, it was reading 7 hours and something. Have I really been that long. I can see the mats, the mat that will record my time for the final time. I stopped. Just before I stepped on the mats. I looked up at the clock, I looked at my Garmin, I couldn't see the seconds ticking away on my watch as the 'low battery' was covering it. I looked up at the clock again, "How long had I stopped so far. This last minute is for Boston. I want to give the people who had died, and had been injured my last minute of my first marathon. God bless you and keep you.

My medal, A very proud Old Girl!



My geeky stats. (oh and by the way, Mo Farrow, I heard, didn't even complete the half!)


Thursday 18 April 2013

Total R and R

Me at the Expo yesterday!
Hello Blog lovers,

I know I usually only write blogs after I have done some form of exercises but I can't help it. I am getting very excited about Sunday's big race!

I have my number, which is still sealed in the envelope with my shoe chip, ties, pins and black ribbon. I don't want to unseal it until Saturday night, when I pin it all on to my shirt!

But I did want to share this with you all, it was something that Spider put up on my Facebook wall/timeline or whatever Facebook creators are calling it now. It made me smile, it gave me a huge boost of confidence, and I just know that I will be among some great people on Sunday, some doing their umpteenth marathon some, like me, running it for the first time. But, all of us, its a personal challenge, maybe, like me, motivated or inspired by loved ones.

In my last blog I said that there were many who has encouraged and helped me to get to this point, and I wanted to share with you something that Spider put up on my Facebook timeline, this is the kind of encouragement I have had the good fortune to be receiving

Sorry Spider, not sure if these were your words or not, but just too lovely not to share,

.
Quote

So there are millions of people who want to run a marathon. They have dreamed about doing it. Imagine their training, how good their bodies will look, how great to cross the line. But they are dreaming, you are doing it.

By getting to the start line, you have already placed yourself in the top echelons of athletes. You may not be in the top tier of the race, but you are a long distance athlete, f
itter and more disciplined than 99% of the population. You are no longer a dreamer but a doer.

Thousands started a training programme with the same (or more?) enthusiasm than you, they had no more or less reason to be successful. But somewhere along the way they lost their ambition, the rewards weren't worth the effort, excuses got in the way.

You didn't. You've accepted the challenge, beaten your demons, you've gone further, got stronger and become tougher - mentally and physically - than you ever imagined.

The miracle is not that you will finish, but you had the courage to start. :)

.

unquote.

A message from the Old Boy, can you spot it?
 

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Club Run - Last Club Run

Hello Blog Lovers.

Ok, so not quite my last run with the club, I'm sure you all knew that, but this is the last time I shall be running with them before the big race, the last time I shall be running as a 'Marathon trainee', The next time I will be a qualified, bonafide, marathon runner!

Today there seemed to be an increase number of our group 1! The ranks seemed to have swollen, and it looks as if we are an entire club just in our, very popular, group 1. We looked quite formidable!  As I have already said, this is also the last club run for me before the Marathon, my last run in fact, because now I want to really totally, rest and meditate (not the enforced one I had last week!), and keep safe, no twisting ankles or back muscles again. Maybe I may go for a very short jog on Thursday afternoon,  without the Garmin, just for fun. I will just see how I feel.  I don't want anything to happen between now and Sunday!

A whole year has gone by since I put my name on the ballot box for a place in the VLM, months of waiting silently, for confirmation or commiseration of my application. And then days keeping it all quiet when I received my 'Congratulations, You're In' magazine! I think I was in shock and denial! If you remember, I didn't actully tell anyone of my mad cap scheme to become a marathoner!

All the months of training, the miles and miles of pounding the pavements, some tears of sadness, some from pain, one blackened toenail, aching limbs, blood, sweat and more tears.  And now I have come to this, the last club run before the big day.  It seems incredible to me. I never expected that I would do anything of this magnitude, in one of the worlds iconic marathons, I never expected that there would be little old me, a 50 year, ex-couch potato, jogging along with thousands of others in THE LONDON MARATHON! WOW!

My run today felt like all the runs I had done before with the club. It felt as if I had never hurt my back at all, just over a week ago! So I must say thank you to Physio Mike, and all else I badgered, asked and who offered help and advice (especially going to see magic hands P.M.) for helping me get to this stage! And to everyone who has encouraged, nagged, and who ran along with me, in His wonderful creation that we here, call PettsWood. Running in the cold, the heat, the rain, and the snow just to get this far. And a huge thanks to my lovely Old Boy! The nagging has been superb! If he couldn't run along with me, because of his housemaids knee, then he took to his bike, carried my drinks and produced chocolate just when I needed it.

Can I thank my hair dresser, my make-up artist my personal shopper,......ok, so I am going on now. But seriously, you all have helped me get this far!

Well, thats all I am going to say for this blog! I need to rest up my fingers for the mega blog to come, sometime next week!

And one more thank you, and thats to you, my blog readers.

My geeky stats.




Monday 15 April 2013

My Prayers Are For Boston.

Hello Blog lovers.

I really don't know what to write. After hearing the news this evening, before I have even put a word on the screen,I am shocked and very saddened by the news from Boston.

Two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, There is just no understanding, no words that I can say, or anything I can do that can help  to comprehend as to what those terrorists did to those innocent men, women and children amassed at the finish line of the marathon, ready to cheer on their loved ones over the line!

My thoughts and prayers are for the families of the three who died there, and for those that are injured and affected by the bombs. I pray you all find peace and comfort from each other and in God. God bless you all, and your families. And may those who did such an evil and wicked thing get the justice that is theirs!



My stats.


Tuesday 2 April 2013

Club Run

Hello Blog Lovers.

Well, this is a turn up for the books. After Sundays LSR and the way I was feeling yesterday, I really didn't think I would be able to walk, let along run today. Yet I woke up this morning, and I could move! I could move easily, without aches and pains and niggles! Incredible. Yesterday I was letting out involuntary noises (from my mouth I might add!) every time I moved, nay, breathed, and yet here I am writing up a blog and feeling like I have just come back from a gentle short jog, which, by the way, it was.

Surely that can only mean that I am actually getting fitter, it doesn't take me that long now to recover from long runs, just a day and half to recover from a 16 miler. To be honest, I'm not sure if that is good or bad, but I am quite pleased with that recovery rate. I was looking forward to todays run, but I also know that I will still have to take things easy, no good undoing all the good work a rest day has done me. 

I felt a very slight discomfort in one knee when I was warming up, as I ran down the hill to the rec.  I thought I would have a bit of trouble keeping up with the group, but I shall see as the run develops.  We have a few new faces today, a work colleague of the Old Boy recognised me. He is already a PWR, but he bought along a couple of friends who had never been running before, and also Brian The Snail, (his nickname is only because of his Facebook profile picture honest!) The Snail is a friend of mine, he goes to the same church as me.  He is an avid reader of my blogs which, apparently has inspired him to come back to running.  But I feel his mum is probably his biggest inspiration, over 70 years old and still running and cycling, (even cycling up hills).

It is really good to see our numbers swell at our club, I think, one of the best and friendliest clubs around!  The snail, and this doesn't reflect his running, by the way, decided to try out group 1. He doesn't usually track his pace, so wasn't sure which group to start off in. So I suggested to start at no.1 and work his way through. The other two newbies seemed very comfortable in the group and kept up with the main group.

I was doing the sweeping at the back, and keeping anyone else, who is improving through the group, company.  Wendy is a newbie too, she came along last week after talking to some of our beginners at the local park run.  She is challenging herself a bit this week, and she was at the back with me.  I jogged along with her and Janet, encouraging all the way.  When she walked a bit, I walked along too. But she has these long legs, and I couldn't keep up with her unless I jogged along beside her!

The route was quite a nice flattish route today, led by SingStar Jo. I was quite grateful of that! Maybe posting my blog on the club's FaceBook page can bring about sympathy from our leaders and then will go easier on those of us who have pushed extra hard over the weekends!

It was a very good run today, and it was nice to see some new faces join our ranks. By the way Brian the Snail will deffo need to move up a group or two, but it was nice to have him for a while in our group.  It's nice to run with people you know, but our group is just so friendly he would have been at ease anyway. Todays geeky stats.