Answer

According to an anonymous poster, it IS ok to run with a cold. But I'm not convinced.

And I didn't go this morning. I spent a lot of time worrying about Oscar (my not so fluffy ginger tabby with a neuroligical illness otherwise known as "wobbly legs") because he didn't seem able to put one of his back leg's on the floor. I sense a vets bill on the way.

And by the time I had finished worrying and following him around the house to assess his condition it was too late to go. Because I also had to take my punctured bicycle to the bike shop. I have also wrecked the tyre because I rode it with the puncture without realising.

What has any of this got to do with running the marathon you may ask?

A good question.

Question

If I have a cold, is it OK to run?

Very Proud

I'm very proud I made it out on my run this morning, as it was quite a battle to get there. I woke up at 630 am, 15 minutes before my alarm was due to go off. At this time, my brain told me that it was a very bad idea to go running because:
* It was freezing cold anywhere other than under my duvet
* I went running yesterday
* Surely it must be bad for me to go running two days in a row
* I could go Thursday or Saturday or any other time apart from NOW!

Luckily, Sammy (my fluffy ginger tabby cat) was not having any of it. Perhaps his motivation was his tummy. But I like to think that his not so gentle prodding with paws and nose was his way of encouraging me to run, and keep on taking tiny steps towards my goal!

I couldn't get back to sleep and realised I would only feel rubbish if I didn't go, so I jumped out of bed, warmed up, and dashed on to the street. Nearly falling over on the frosty pavement. But that is another story. In my head I am penning an entry about The Hazards of Running. Hoping it will be incredibly witty and win me a publishing deal.

Onwards and Upwards!

It's getting harder

This week the plan says I need to start running 4 days a week instead of 3. This feels a lot harder. And the distance is increasing as well. As it should. But it is hard dragging myself EARLY out of bed and out into the cold, dark morning.

The good news is that I have quickly adapted to running and no longer feel sick after ten minutes! The bad news is I am already noticing a sore achilles and a sore muscle. Both on my left foot. And I did spend time and money choosing my running shoes.

Yesterday I parted with some hard-earned cash and bought a milometer for my bike. So I can get on with some route planning. I think I will prefer running planned routes than having to check my watch. Time always goes a lot slower than I think it should!

Sponsorship has slowed down. Am going to have to beg in my Christmas cards this year.

Scary Stuff

Last night I got next year's diaries out and pencilled in my running schedule between now and the BIG DAY.
It was OK at first. 3 miles, 5 miles, 6 miles etc. But once I started writing 8 miles, 10 miles, 18 miles . . . I began to panic!!
I'm worried about my stamina. How to keep myself motivated and actually start the run. And how to keep going!
I definitely think it is time to enlist the help of lovely yoga man.
A friend of mine is also doing a life-coaching diploma and has asked me to be a client. (Hmm, I wonder why she asked me . . . because she thinks there is lots to get her teeth into perhaps!)
With both these motivating influences maybe I will be OK.
So, its all-out war on that negative self-saboteur type voice!
I can do it and I will do it and I will enjoy doing it.
Hooray!