Ouch!

Some runs just seem to hurt a lot more than others. I put today's pain down to yesterday's extra speed! My right calf was complaining loudly for most of the eight miles. I don't think the hills helped. My route took me around Hampstead and Highgate, so it was hard-going. I was running for an hour and thirty five minutes, so maybe I ran a little more than eight miles. Now I need to concentrate on resting in preparation for Sunday's 16 miler.

Picking up the Pace

Went out with the running club last night. It is only a 3 mile route, so I made it my aim to keep up with the leaders! There is a big hill on the run. By the time I got to the top I was finding it almost impossible to get my breath, but my recovery was quick, and I managed to carry on. It was a good feeling to really push myself. I ran a lot faster than I usually do. I ran the 3 miles in 27 mins and 22 seconds. It is weird that putting a lot more effort into the speed doesn't seem to make that much difference in the time. I suppose it would over a longer distance. I made sure to have a good stretch afterwards as I think running faster used different muscles, or certainly used them in a different way. But what do I know! 8 miles later today. I'm hoping not to be as stiff as last week.

Weight Loss

I am finding that one of the most common questions people ask me when talking about running the marathon is whether I have lost weight. We certainly live in a weight-obsessed society. Unfortunately I am part of it, and am disappointed not to see the pounds dropping off. However, there are so many other questions that could be asked - how do you motivate yourself? What do you enjoy about running? Are you noticing any changes in your mood or mindset? . . . but people hardly ever ask these things. I am trying to focus on all of these aspects myself, and have noticed several things about putting myself through this training program.
* Taking it step by step really does work
* I can do a lot more than I think I can. Realising this is relevant to my life outside of running.
* Positive thinking really does work. My energy levels are affected by my thought patterns. Negative thoughts are a big depleter of physical as well as mental energy
* Physical exercise definitely lifts the mood, but doing too much exercise with insufficient recovery can lead to a big dip. Recovery and self-care is important to sustain the feelings of well being.
* Support is so important. I can support myself as well as I can but the support of others really helps too. Sometimes when I don't feel like running, or am running out of energy on the run, I think of all the people who have sponsored me and imagine them cheering me on. On the day, I am hoping lots of those lovely supporters will be there.

I ran five miles yesterday, and it was relatively easy and enjoyable despite the rain. I'm looking forward to running club tonight, and challenging myself to increase my pace and see how it goes!

16 Miles: an epic adventure

Sunday's run really did take up the whole day, as well as having an effect on the previous night when I went out for my sister's and mate's birthday and kept the alcohol to one bottle of strawberry beer(yum)because I wanted to be well hydrated.

On Sunday I left the house by 10am to go to Hermione's house in Tooting Bec. Arrived there at 12 midday and set about mixing up my Lucozade sport, applying vaseline and adjusting clothing. It was then a 20 minute or so walk to Streatham Hill, and a train to Clapham Junction then Richmond. Except we didn't get off at Richmond because we thought we would be clever and get off at North Sheen (closer to the park), but somehow ended up in the wrong place.

The station we got off at was called St. Margaret's - a very small station with no taxi rank and very few buses. When we called the taxi number advertised at the station, the operator did not even know where St. Margaret's was. After many frustrating phone calls etc. we got a bus to Richmond and a cab to the park, finally setting off running at about 3pm (5 hours after I left the house!!

All went well from then on. Herms ran with me for the first lap and it made a real difference to have company. I couldn't get quite so much of a rhythm but it was really great to have someone to chat to, taking my mind off the pain. And the park is beautiful. It was lovely to feel that I was running in nature, through woods, past ponds etc. Unfortunately we didn't see any deer. We did got lost at one point and end up climbing up a near vertical slope and over a fence to get back on to the path, but it all added to the sense of adventure!

After the first lap I left Hermione with her book and embarked on my solo lap. I am amazed that I can honestly say it was not too bad! I enjoyed the light. The sun was just going down and the sky was many beautiful colours. There were a few clouds, meaning that the sun was coming through in rays, making lovely patterns. It beat running on the roads. And I finished feeling strong, with energy to spare!

Afterwards, I stayed at Hermione's and had a lovely warm bath while she cooked for me. A perfect way to recover. I was so exhausted that I was fast asleep by 1015pm.