run for 30 minutes without stopping

Sorry for the silence – IT issues! Managed this nearly two weeks ago. Was amazing but sadly has spurred me on to sitting on my backside and getting lazy. Half marathon in 4 weeks – need to focus!!! All support gratefully received!

Made the 10k yesterday within my planned time in spite of having been to a wedding the day before and drunk entirely too much champagne and danced all night. Paid the price and have vowed to take my pre-race nights far more seriously in future!

Still it was my local village race and had loads of support and best of all was seeing my daughter’s face as I went by and her asking if she could wear my medal at the end!

Last night I tried to run and found my body and mind didn’t want to come along. So I ended up walking most of it! Hopefully will be getting a sports massage on Friday ready for the big race (10k – 6.2 miles) on Sunday. The good news is that I have a running partner for that one now. All I need now is a timer so I can do my intervals properly – though judging by the hills on the route I’m not going to be having much choice as to when and for how long I walk!!!

I did it – ran my first race and finished feeling great! It was a 5-miler and I did 10min run/ 1 min walk pretty much all the way round and finished in the amazing time (to me) of about 53 mins. I had such a blast and think I’m still buzzing. My legs don’t even hurt much though that might be down to my cycle ride after (see next entry for that…)

So now it’s all go for next week and my 10k – that’s the biggy for me before the real half marathon training kicks in!

with some horrible cold. Can’t go running tonight. Not a happy bunny. Still, got to start listening to my body. If it says do nothing today but sulk then I shall do nothing today but sulk.

Good news though is that I got my entry in on time for Sunday’s race – now have my first ever race number!!! Just hope to be well by then …

Today I went up to the next stage of my programme – run 12/ walk 1. I had a 4.2 mile run booked in and because I had been out and bought some new shoes and gear completely overshot my pace and had to walk more than was planned! Still, not all bad – made it round on 10 min miles which is my fastest to date!!! Am out on Thursday with a running group for the first time this week – will be really interesting to see how much that pushes me running in company and, of course, Sunday is race day!!!

... until my first race! I made it out yesterday after having missed a run during the week for the first time since I started this. Was feeling very down (part of which I realised was because I had missed my run and thus the exercise high) and like a failure but I bribed my neighbour with a bottle of wine and she and her friend accompanied me on my 6 mile route as planned and got me back on track. I am up to running 8 min/ walking 2 and feeling fine despite it being quite a hilly route.

Funnily enough the day began with me feeling low and like I should just quit the whole idea when the postman arrived with my new sports bra and copy of Runners World. It’s amazing what little things can completely change your perspective!!!

Sunday next is my first ‘race’ (or collective run as I am thinking of it – aint nobody I’m racing, not even the clock!!!) which is a 5 miler. I’m intending to be up to the next stage in my plan which is running for 12 mins and walking 1. And the goal is to make it round in less than an hour. Will be a very happy bunny with that. Shall keep you posted!

On Sunday I went up to London to watch my friend run in the marathon. I have watched it before on TV and gotten really choked up but this was the first time I have actually experienced it first hand as an observer. It was AMAZING! I cheered random people for nearly two hours and even after my friend went by I didn’t want to leave. I had such admiration for all these people and what they were doing especially given the fact that they were raising millions upon millions for charity. So as soon as I have achieved this goal (and I am getting closer – tonight ran 8min/ walk 2 for 4 miles and made 6 miles last week) I am going to aim for the big one!!!

Yesterday dragged my sorry carcass out of bed despite feeling very tired and very cold and completed my run 3 min/ walk 1 min circuit. Also tacked on an extra loop which took the circuit nearly up to 4 miles. Today went round in the car and worked out a 5 mile circuit that I am going to try tomorrow. It is feeling much easier than when I started but I still can’t imagine running for a whole 30 mins. Psychologically it really helps just knowing that I will be getting a chance to walk … we shall see …

Week 2 of the programme has now been completed and it is on to week 3. This involves running for 3 min and walking for 1 min round the 3 mile course. It is a little scary but I am also really excited about it as it is another step closer to my goal! Today’s run was a little tougher but I think that is because I hadn’t eaten a decent meal all day and then stuffed some rice cakes down about 10 mins before setting off. A good meal about 3-4 hours before I run seems to have the most benefit. It is also meant to be much better to eat within the hour of getting back, whereas I just like to lie in the bath. Perhaps if I could get this eating business down with the running I could attain my lose 20 lbs goal too …