Calling all computer nerds

I'm trying to work out how to have my fundraising website as a link. I've tried following the instructions on help with no success. Surely it can't be that hard? Anyone got any suggestions of the "Computer skills for dummies" variety?
The link I want to post is
www.just-giving.com/ellabullingham

Now I am really feeling it

Hooray, this computer lets me choose pretty colours and change the font size!

I did a 12 mile run yesterday. Pedometer said 11.5 miles. It took me 2 hours and 6 minutes. And it completely finished me off. I had to use a lot of the mind techniques to keep going, because my body was screaming at me to stop!

The route I chose went through Highgate, Hampstead, Muswell Hill and Alexandra Palace, so it was pretty hilly. But I think it was just the length of time running that made it so hard. By 9 miles my legs just wanted to stop. I had enough air in my lungs, it was my legs that let me down.

Well, they didn't let me down, because I made it, but felt like I was hobbling by the end and found it hard to walk for the rest of the day. Luckily, I'm fine today, and was careful to stretch well afterwards.

Yesterday I started encountering some problems. A blister on my right food and chafing underneath my bra. It is time to get the vaseline out, I think.

And I think I need to be careful to eat enough. A 2 hour run must burn at least 800 calories, and yesterday I was definitely low on energy. Had a large bowl of porridge with banana in the morning at about 10am. Then went to a yoga class. Then the run. It was 315 by the time I got home and I hadn't eaten anything else. I had drunk a lot of lucozade sport. By the time I got home I didn't feel like eating, I just wanted to sleep. I ate some toast and pretty much passed out! Woke feeling very groggy and a little feverish, which I understand to be a possible effect of dehydration so I need to be careful.

Now the mileage is increasing all of this becomes more important.

Route-Planning

Yesterday, I planned a route using the london cycle route planner. It was great. (Thanks for giving me this idea, Chalky!)Made the run more interesting because I didn't really know where I was going, and by the end of it I KNEW I had run six miles rather than having to rely on my pedometer. As it turns out my pedometer is pretty accurate since I reset it. So I can use it with more confidence from now on.

I am trying to feel happy with my progress but there is another more critical voice that comes in. It took me an hour and six minutes to run six miles, which is over 10 minutes a mile. I wish I was faster, and feel a bit disappointed with myself that I am not. Also, I think running slower might actually make the marathon harder. After all, it means more time running.I'm not planning on giving Paula any competition but a 9 or 8 minute mile might feel more satisfying.

However, the book I am reading says just to give yourself the goal of GETTING ROUND the first time you run a marathon. If you set yourself a time goal, you may end up feeling you have failed when you have actually completed one of the biggest challenges of your life.

I know this makes sense, but I think I am a little bit addicted to that critical, perfectionist voice!!

Another day, another run . . .

Didn't make it out this morning. Had an earlier start than usual as was at Hepatitis C training all day. Luckily finished by 4 and had my running stuff with me just in case. I planned to do six miles but pedometer said about 5. It is so hard to tell. Ran for 55 minutes anyway, around Parliament Hill, past the Royal Free Hospital and through Belsize Park. It was a nice evening for it, and I found it relatively easy. But it feels like a long time to go, with lots more training days, until the marathon. I suppose I just need to take it a day at a time, because if I look too far ahead then I can't imagine I will be able to keep the motivation up.

Working late tonight, so back at work now. A good way to avoid all the nauseating couples. (Not that I am bitter or anything.)

Eleven Miles

Can you believe it?? I ran eleven miles!! Well, roughly, anyway. I was running for one hour and fifty minutes. Did have a quick toilet break, but apart from that was pretty much running continuously!! I used Lucozade Sport this time, as this is what is going to be given out on Marathon day. Drank it before and during, and it seemed to help. I just wish they didn't put all that artificial sweetener in it.

The final two miles were tough. Not so much aerobically, it was my legs that felt it, and I started feeling achy and stiff. But I made it!! Used some positive affirmations and visualisations to keep me going at the tough moments. I must deserve an A* for effort anyway!!

Got home for a stretch and bath, and then had a sleep. Both times I have done the long runs I have felt the need to sleep afterwards and woken up feeling pretty awful. Maybe I need to take more water and carbs following the run to avoid burn out.

OW!

On Saturday I got up early. The plan was to go to a 9am yoga class and follow this with a speed training session on the treadmill (to make up for the session I missed in the week).

Arrived at the gym in plenty of time for yoga. So far, so good. But on the way into the yoga studio managed to trap my fingers in the door. It was seriously painful. One of my fingers started bleeding and the other nail went black. I was reduced to laughing hysterically to avoid crying in public.

I felt quite shaken, and was advised by the yoga teacher to go home, so I did!!

So, the training session was a non-starter, which means this is the second week in a row I have missed a session.