I have now decided to run the New York Marathon in November 2005. To follow my progress and other things I will be writing about please go to http://livealittle.squarespace.com/
... is more difficult than finishing it.
Once you have reached D-day you will be ready to go and nothing and nobody is going to stop you. Making the decision to run the marathon, sticking to it and staying injury free is actually the hard part. But, I persevered and ultimately I reached April 17 2005 with my running number, in Greenwich Park, ready for the start.
I could give you the whole run down of how I prepared, where I stayed and what I dreamt of the night before. But I won't. I can tell you that I was very relaxed and wasn't nervous at all. The last two weeks I reached the point of realisation there is nothing more I could do about it. Show up, one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles and finish. That was my strategy.
I was dressed as per the weather forecast. Long sleeved shirt under my Barnardo's vest, gloves and hat. Before the start I was already hot and got rid off the gloves and hat. It was a glorious day and, like many others, I positioned myself on a plastic bag in the sun. I was so relaxed that despite the noise and the thousands of people around me I fell asleep for a couple of minutes.
Unfortunately I didn't manage to meet up with Clare, Caroline or Rob because the mobile network was rather overloaded. We couldn't get hold of each other so I was out there 'on my own'.
In the starting pen it became real. I was running the London Marathon. I had completed the months of preparation, pain and determination and was now waiting for the final whistle. O well, just stick to the strategy. One foot after another...
The first miles I run on automatic pilot. The crowd didn't allow you to run any faster or slower than you did and I was sucked in by the group. Just as well really because it meant that the first 4 miles were dead steady, exactly the same pace. By mile 5 is was melting and decided to get rid off my shirt. There was no other way to do it than just take everything off and put the top shirt on as only shirt. Because there were no supporters just runners at that part of the road, I don't think anyone noticed or cared that I stood there in my bra alone.
One of my plans was to take a jelly babe at every mile, even if I didn't need one. From mile 1 I stuck to that plan, munching away at these sweet little but useful monsters. I also used every water and Lucozade station, taking in 3 or 4 sips and getting rid of it again. This plan fell foul when they run out of water at 3 stations but because I was properly hydrated it didn't affect me too much.
It may have been great for the supporters and I'm sure it looked nice on the television but it was far too warm to run. I'm not used to these temperatures and there was no way of escaping the relentless sun. Luckily the light didn't bother me because I was wearing my sunglasses but I understood from others that they had headaches because of the bright light.
I can't remember where exactly but I bumped into another blogger EvilPixie. She had the name Pixie on her shirt and I recognised her from one of the pictures. We chatted for a while and then went our separate ways. Later on the same happened with Maureen, MarathonMum. Her name was on the back and as I passed her I looked in her face if I recognised her. She then recognised me so we started talking. We stayed together for about a mile and then carried on with our own race.
Husband Wim managed to cheer me on at two different locations. Despite the deafening noise I could hear his shouts over everything else and it was great to see his supporting face. I now know that he was grateful that he saw me still running by mile 17.
At mile 16/17 I realised I wasn't going to make the 5 hours so I gave myself a new goal. 'Keep running, no walking until the 4 hours'. Once I managed that I convinced myself that 4.15 is not that much more than 4 hours. Later on the same applied for 4.15 and 4.30. By 4.30 I had only 4 or so more miles to go so I just decided to keep running until the end.
That sounds easier than it looks not only because I was getting really tired. From 15 mile onwards more and more people, certainly at the back 10 thousand runners where I was, walked instead of run. I spent a lot of time just trying to get past people, having to run around groups of talking walkers, manoeuvring myself between people, having to speed up, slow down and speed up again. The only good thing about that was that it got extra cheers from the supporters and the last couple of miles the ongoing 'nearly there Laura, go on Laura, you can do it Laura' really made all the difference.
During the race not once did I 'hit the wall' or suffer from any aches or pains. At my previous long runs I suffered from back pain and all sorts of other aches probably from sloppy running. Because I really wanted to enjoy the atmosphere and experience all that was happening around me, I run much straighter than I would normally do once I'm tired. All that I ended up with were two massive blisters on the top of my toes and under my nail. Unfortunately I lost my nail when I burst the blister but that is a small price to pay.
At mile 25 I became tearful. Not only was I about to finish the marathon, I actually done it without stopping. I had done it! (well almost but I wasn't going to give up at that stage). The last stretch was amazing and I even managed to 'sprint'. Crossing that line, receiving that medal, what a fantastic feeling.
What made this whole experience so magnificent were the fantastic supporters, the many mad and wonderful runners in their wacky costumes, the inspiring people who were really struggling but run for charity or in the memory of loved ones. The camaraderie amongst the runners, the electric atmosphere, amazing, incredible. It was the most unforgettable experience and one I would love to repeat.
On that note, I'm probably entitled to a free place, trip and stay for the New York Marathon in November this year. Watch this space!
In 5.11. Full account of the day will follow.
and on my way to London.
Also packed my one and only signature scent which I have been wearing for 15 years now. Stood by me at many good times. Weddings (twice actually), birth of children (so they would always recognise their mummy), exams and everything else. I have to wear it tomorrow albeit very very light. Don't want to scare the other runners.
I'll report back on Monday with my time.
Cramped in a London commuter train it was easy to spot the male runners on their way to the marathon conference. Slightly too skinny, weathered faces and carrying bottles of water. Some women gave it away by carrying a runners magazine but very few were actually dressed head to toe in running gear. We female folk are just to vain for that.
Once at the centre it was clear that the London Marathon attracts all sorts. Yes, there were many skinny men and women but I have seen every size, shape and age, all equally excited about what was about to happen in three days. There was a definite buzz, we all passed the point of no return. When I was handed my number and timing chip I couldn't help being slightly emotional. O help, what had I let myself in to?
On one of the stands I entered a draw for a nifty bodyfat/hydration meter. It looks like scales but once you stand on it with your bare feet (with painted nails I remind you) it measures something that calculates your percentage of body fat and water in your body. There are 'perfect for normal people'-readings and 'perfect for marathon runners'-readings. I am neither.
According to this gadget I am clinically obese. They couldn't believe the reading so did it again but there it was: seriously obese. Now admittedly I am not skinny but curved and round where, if I may say so, women should be curved and round. No matter how many marathons I will run, I doubt whether I will ever become skinny. But OBESE? And for the readers who have never seen me, trust me, I'm not in denial.
Got my Barnardo's vest with my name on it. I hope to hear lots of 'Go Laura, Go!!'. All in all, I'm ready to go. Got my gear, jelly beans, blister plasters, Immodium, Nurofen, drinks, raisins and drive. Bring it on!
Not everyone agrees with that though. Ten reasons not to attempt the London Marathon
Today is going to be real exciting as I will be picking up my running number, final instructions and my Barnardo's running vest. All runners have to go to some mega conference centre in East London which also has the largest running exhibition in the UK. We can listen to last-minute tips on nutrition, training (not), try on shoes and all of that.
I'm going with Claire so we can both act like silly excited school girls. It is all happening!
Yesterday I had a gentle gym session on the bike and treadmill followed by 20 minutes of stretching. My body feels heavy and lazy but apparently that is normal with all the tapering. I feel like I've gained a stone in a week!
My other preparation was more of the mental kind and is surely something you won't find in the running manuals. I painted my toe nails red and tried to make my feet look pretty. Well, one can try.
We all have doubts when we start a venture like this. Some overcome the doubts and go on to do whatever it is they set themselves.
My doubts didn't involve my running. Not that I consider myself a good runner (rather the opposite I would say) but I was, and still am, quietly confident that I have the determination to finish it off.
My doubts were about the fundraising. To get a place in the most popular marathon in the world I had to secure a Golden Bond place. Luckily I got one via a charity I truly support and belief in. Of course that also meant I had to raise funds for them.
Being several months down the line I can honestly truly say that I'm overwhelmed by the reactions from people. Even people I haven't spoken to in years, customers (suppliers I could understand...), guys in the pub that I only speak to for 1 minute once every 3 weeks, friends of friends, other school/rugby parents, members of a same board I sit on but don't speak to from one month to the next, people I only met once at a seminar....
Amazing, fantastic, inspirational.
I know I will raise more money as I cross the line. But already, thanks to many of you we have been able to turn 'Miles Into Smiles'. You don't know how much that means to me. Thanks!
This time next week it will be all over. Someone asked me today what I will do with my gained time. 'Catching up with all the things that I postponed in the last couple of months' I said, because it has been time and energy consuming.
My emotions are all over the place. Not sure whether to be glad that it's almost over or anxious that it's almost there. There is nothing I can do about it now and it will all come down on my strength on the day, physically and mentally. The moment I cross the line will be momentous; the 'do the marathon' has been on my list for over 20 years now and I can finally tick it off. I won't think about my next challenge yet, I just want to enjoy the finalisation of this one. Note that I don't even allow myself a DNF. 'Did Not Finish' is not an option on Sunday.
Today's run was lovely. I ran with Claire and Caroline in the woods for a steady 35 minutes. Some nasty hills but otherwise easy pace. I ran with my sunglasses for the first time because the sun was out in full glare. They didn't give me any problems so I can use them next week if need be. If the weather is going to be anything like this I'm in trouble though because it is too warm! I'm not used to running at 13 degrees with sunshine. I want overcast, slight drizzle and around 8 degrees. Not nice for the supporters I know but they have the easy job anyway.
No, not me yet and I doubt whether I will.
My brothers run the Rotterdam Marathon today in 3.55 and 4.12. The latter one apparently after his legs had given up at 20 miles.. I give my left arm to run that time with my legs still working.
Well done I&S, trots op jullie!!
My twin brothers are running the Rotterdam Marathon tomorrow. Serge has done New York before so knows what to expect. Ian is in the same boat as me; just hoping to finish.
Maybe we can persuade my sister Barbara to join us some time and run a marathon with the four of us.... one day...... possibly..... if I still want to after next week...
Broertjes, heel veel sterkte. Ik denk aan jullie xxxxxx
Less than 10 days to go. As long as I stay safe, sane and injury free I should be fine. Or so I keep saying to myself.
This morning I went for a very gentle run, so gently and short in fact that it hadn't even registered with my family that I had gone out and returned. My right feet was hurting and that is becoming a bit of a concern. I'm obviously not designed for long runs because it only started to ache after the long ones. If I get injured now I most definitely will not stay sane so I decided to run a short loop and put my feet up.
This afternoon I went to a sports clinic to see if they could loosen me up, sort me out, and get me going. Let's be short about this one: I nearly killed the guy. The pain was excruciating and he highlighted quite a few issues with my legs.
For a start, my body is rotated. I know that because I had 3 car crashes in 2 years, two of them gave me whiplash that lasted over 6 months (none of them my fault I hasten to add!).This has an effect on quite a few things, including the way I use my legs apparently. The other nice thing to hear was that I use my feet different from each other and have an imbalanced run. I shouldn't wear heels but instead should use specialist shoe wear. Mmm, podiatric shoes, fun shoes, imbalanced run, normal life, podiatric shoes, fun shoes. Decisions, decisions. OK, I have decided: I give the podiatric shoes a miss this time....
Over the weekend I will go for another short run see how my body is reacting to the massage. I will definitely take it easy!
When I first picked up a marathon book (Marathon running for Mortals I believe) I started at the last chapter. Agree on what you want to achieve and start with the end in mind, that's my approach to many things. From day one I visualised myself crossing that line, still alive, with a faint smile around my lips (well, you can dream).
My other favourite chapter was the last but one about tapering. Although I hadn't put in any training I could imagine that these last 10 days would be sweet. O how sweet they are.
I'm afraid I'm taking this tapering just a bit too serious and not putting any running in. I couldn't on Tuesday and Wednesday as I was at a British Fertility Society conference. The only exercise I did there was dancing on Abba (did I just show my age?) and other timeless classics after the dinner. Good fun!
I should have run today but I can't be bothered. What difference is it going to make now {she said letting her head down in shame}? Anyhow, I've done something running related today; I've booked an appointment with a sport masseur tomorrow. Not once during my preparation did I need any sort of expert so I just booked this one for the sheer experience. Not that I'm suffering from any aches or pains but I'm sure it can't be harmful to be loosened up. Time will tell...
Give me serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Give me strength to change the things I can
Give me wisdom to recognise the difference
After last weeks' long run I was in doubt what to do next. Run another long one within 14 days of the marathon and possibly risk an injury or give myself some extra confidence by doing another long run, maybe even over 3 hours?
Whilst enjoying the gorgeous weather and seeing our sons getting down and dirty on the rugby pitch another rugby parent Colin asked about my progress. He has run the marathon about 10 years ago so talks like a pro. I shared my doubts about the last long run with him and he was adamant that I should give it another go. He even said: "Blame me if all goes wrong". Nice thought, but wouldn't get me anywhere. Nevertheless, I decided to follow his advise and scheduled a run for today.
I have been psyching myself up since last night as I was really dreading it. That pain again, 3 hours of boredom, the twinges and aches that lasted for 36 hours... I thought I had it all planned but when it came down to the crunch my preparation was terrible. I scheduled to hit the street at 10 so had a proper carb loaded breakfast (bye bye Atkins..), had a proper drink and did the right preparation.... Followed by a phone call, an email demanding immediate attention, another call. All in all, it was 11.45 before I finally left. Forgot to top up the carbs, forgot to visit the toilet, didn't take my usual drink with me.
After 10 minutes I realised that I had a full bladder, after an hour I realised that my new drink didn't work as well as Lucozade, after 1.15 I wanted to go back home and by 2 hours I hit the infamous wall. Major hit, big problem, didn't know how to break it. By 2 hours I felt worse than I did after the previous run and I was feeling very sorry for myself. I reminded myself that this was going to be the last long run so 'only another hour and a bit'. Never was an 'hour and a bit' so long. I swore at Colin, swore at the marathon, swore at basically everything. Had to use all my NLP visualisation techniques to keep me going.
After 3 hours 5 minutes I had to call Wim. "Please, can you get me?". By now I was convinced that any more running could be damaging and could result in an injury. I continued to run until I saw the car. All in all I run 3 hours 10 minutes on an empty stomach with inadequate fuelling. I still feel confident that I will finish but I have learned another vital lesson. O well, better now than on the 17th.
Time to taper and 'take it easy'. O yes!
Last night GMTV did an item at my house and the interviewer Angela and I talked about other things as well. And guess what, Angela is also doing the marathon. We compared some notes, both thought that we were really mad but both also said: 'Even if I have to crawl backwards, I shall finish this thing.'
Angela, if you read this, good luck and you will be fine. Get that £100 from your other half!
PS
All aches and niggles have gone. Pfffeeh...
GMTV is coming to my home tonight to film an item for tomorrow's breakfast television. That's my excuse for not running sorted out 
Also tomorrow, for those of you who pretend to be interested:
GMTV recorded, not sure what time
Radio 4 Today debate at 7.50. Promises to be interesting because I'm against a controversial Prof. Nice one..
Radio 5 Victoria Derbyshire, between 9-10.00, doing the phone-in
Live TV BBC 24 News at 10.30
ITV news
Live Channel 5 news at 11.45
This sounds all pretty scary (and it is in a sense) but I'm more anxious about the Marathon.
On a running note, tried some insoles but they weren't in my size. Apart from a funny feeling in my right ankle and foot, all my niggles, aches and pains have disappeared. There is hope!
It almost looked like it wasn't going to happen this week. I had planned my long run (2 ½ hours) for Tuesday but fate determined otherwise. I know that some now think: 'yeh right, you are just a lazy cow. Stop blaming fate'. But it's true. Because of a serious accident on the M3 I wasn't home before 20.00, very hungry, rather tired. A long run takes planning and preparation and eating only 20 minutes beforehand is neither. Dinner at 20.30. Could I have gone out at 21.15 to run for 2 hours? I don't think so!
But, there is always another day so yesterday was going to be the day. I left for work at 6.15 and during the day I realised that it was going to be another mental struggle. But, like with everything in life, if you wait for the perfect moment it is never going to happen. You have to create your own moment so I pulled myself together.
My business partner B (who must be getting fed up with my going-on's about my latest adventure) let me off the hook early because I had to do some other bits and to go running. Thanks Mr P 
Still, everything went wrong in the preparation phase. A phone call I was waiting for happened an hour later, my music player refused to work, couldn't find my bottle so had to use Sam's rugby bottle. Unfortunately that one was leaking which I discovered 5 minutes into my run so I had to go back.
Finally, on my way. I couldn't think of a suitable route, simply because I'd never done a 2.30 run before but I figured that if I move away from my house for at least 1.15, logic dictates that it will take the same time to run back. My logic didn't work because it turned out that I actually run in a loop. Never realised that a particular road leads into that other. Interesting...
When I hit the 2 hour mark the first niggles and aches started to appear. My breathing was absolute fine however. I was cruising on heart rate 155-158 which is perfect for me. I done 2.21 2 weeks ago but had to walk at some stage and I wanted to see if I could do it running. I did. So what if I try 2.30? I managed. By now my legs were hurting, my knees were wobbly, my right foot was killing me. Still, could I try 2.45? Yes I could. By now I was on the home straight. Shall I take another small loop to see if I can do 3 hours, non-stop running. I did and I managed. Very happy, very tired.
The morning after. Legs are stiff, knee is dodgy and right foot still hurts. I will find out today if I may need insoles or something. But, I've done it!
Yesterday was all about indulgence, something we all deserve every now and then. My indulgencies are relatively simple and bring to light what a boring person I really am.
It started by waking up in my own time. Stumbled downstairs to switch on the coffee machine, picked up two Sunday newspapers that were left at the door, crawled back into bed next to a, by now awake, husband and read in silence for almost 2 hours. 3 treats in one go. By the way, we both love our solitary moments, even when in the same room, so there is no need to feel sorry for him.
Much later that day there was The Boatrace, Oxford vs. Cambridge. One massive pleasurable treat. I realise that rowing is boring to watch but I used to row competitively in my University years and I have fond memories of that time. It was a delight to watch the rowers before the race. Fit, tall, muscular man. {big sigh} The fond memories have a lot to do with the fact that I was an extremely fit 20-24 year old student in Amsterdam, flat sharing with 3 girls and was at the rowing club every day with equally fit man. What more can I say? I still have a soft spot for men over 6ft 3"...
Something positive for my running came out of that as well. It was said that rowing is one of the most gruelling physiological sports. Well, I can relate to that. No matter how bad the running, how tired I am or how much pain I feel, it's still absolute peanuts compared to sick I could feel or how painful rowing was. I owe my confidence that I will finish the marathon, even on lack of training, to the knowledge that I've experienced worse, much worse. And survived.
Later that day I did all sorts of 'things in the house'. My home is one of my other extravagances and it gives me great pleasure to just enjoy whatever it brings or whatever I take. Sitting in the garden watching the spring arrive, jumping 10 minutes on the trampoline, using the steam cabin (that's real decadence and what fun it is!), not cooking, watching ER in front of the fire... Bliss
And the best bit of it all, in the morning I made the conscious decision not to run that day. So no running, no feeling guilty. Just an unadulterated pleasurable self-indulgent day. Mmmm
... during my run today. No no no no no, I haven't given up on the Marathon; I'm too close now.
Today's run was meant to be 1 to 1 1/2 hour but within 5 minutes I lost the will to do anything. It didn't feel right, I felt sorry for myself and my two internal advisors were in constant debate. In the end I struck a deal with myself. If I would do an hour run today, I didn't have to run tomorrow. So, I continued.
After 20minutes my other voice started to reason. If you run against your will your running deteriorates, possibly causing injuries and you will detest it. I am already coming closer and closer to the 'detest phase' so I didn't want to get that far. So this weakling turned around and run home. 30 minutes run today. And shall I tell you something? I don't care.
It's a holiday, children are in Holland for a week, no alarm clock.... and I'm still awake at 6. So what does one do? Check on the other FLM bloggers, read the Runners World forum and read a runner's magazine. I must be going mad.
I realised that a lot of the fellow runners that were/are preparing for the FLM are either injured, have dropped out altogether or are nowhere near target. Or it could be that the real runners don't keep blogs or don't use the RW forum. I shouldn't say that really. We are proper runners! I am a runner. Just not in the Paula league..
All of a sudden I don't feel that bad anymore. I am on track to finish and I shouldn't be bothered about breaking records. I will break my own record and that is all that matters. Happy now.
Run 1.20 yesterday and it went really well. Only one week ago that same round was 1.27 but somehow I managed to shave off 7 minutes. I don't know where it came from, it just happened. I started running faster and was expecting to crash within a couple of minutes. Somehow I kept up the pace for a longer time and it felt alright. My legs hurt a bit today but that's all part of the fun apparently.
I must, I shall, I will.
As it only three weeks away people start to realise that I may just you never know 'could she have it in her' finish the London Marathon. I'm still running, so far injury free, and it's getting nearer and nearer. I think it is time that I do another 'friends, please sponsor me and dig deep, you do the giving and I do the running'-email.
However, some didn't need prodding so thanks Pip, my colleague at the NGDT for your donation and kind words. Both mean a lot to me.
When I read Pip's CV for the first time she noted that 'one day she would run the marathon'. Needless to say I liked that comment (although that wasn't the reason that we recruited her) so I asked her to join me in my plan to run the FLM some months ago.
Wise as Pip can be, she decided against it after we discussed how much time it would cost and it didn't fit in her life at that time. I'm sure that one day Pip will run her marathon and I will be supporting her!
Just had long days (out of the house at 7.30, back in at 8, feeding the troops, doing all sorts of Mum/wife things > which brings me to: why is it always mums/wives who have to think about laundry, food, library books, social calendar (that must be for the others. I don't have a social life...) school money, new laces, presents for others, thank you notes, easter eggs, laundry, shopping, more laundry, even when she is working full-time!???!), fed up with running, fed up with compromising, fed up with being fed up. No time to keep up the blog, little time to run (but did some) but hey, only 3 more weeks to go.
WHAT... THREE MORE WEEKS TO GO??!
The overriding positive news after yesterday's race: It will be so much easier to set a Personal Best next time.
On race day I woke up with a stiff and painful back. Did some stretching but that didn't help. Had to take 6 nurofens to kill it which is too much but I didn't want that pain during the race.
I was picked up by an old friend of mine whom I've known since I was 15 (and innocent and all of that). We lost contact when in our twenties, he moved to London some 3 years ago and now we're back in contact. After a bit of persuasion he decided to run the London Marathon as well so every now and then we compare notes.
Caroline and Claire run another 20 mile race so I was glad to have someone else for the company. I can hardly be accused of being shy but even I don't like talking to complete strangers in preparation for a run. So it was good to have him there!
He very kindly decided to stay with me although from mile 3 onwards I tried to convince him that he should run his own race. Because he'd never run over 2 hours he didn't know what to expect and was quite happy to follow my tortoise pace. At the 10 mile marker he set off and I was struggling on my own. He on the other hand flew and made up his lost time with an impressive finish. Well done and thanks for your support R!
Ok, to cut a long story short, I finished in 2.21. Some months ago I thought I could do this under 2 hours but that was before real life and flu kicked in. I probably should be happy with this considering all of the above.
I have become painfully aware that the marathon is going to be long hard struggle and I'm nowhere near completing it feeling half-way human. O boy!
Tomorrow is my first half marathon and I'M DREADING IT!!!
When I started my plan to run the marathon I scheduled to do plenty of training so I would be well prepared. Marathons (but I think any race) come done to grit and determination but I wanted to rely on strength and stamina first, determination second.
For a variety of reasons, it now looks like it is all down to determination. How much do I want to finish? Just how much do I want to prove that I can, shall and will do this?
Tomorrow is my first test of this kind. Is my ankle really dodgy or am I looking for an excuse. If the sun is too bright, how will it affect my vision and possibly my running. Or is this (another) excuse?
Same time tomorrow I will know... I'll keep you posted.
Some people's support, generosity and kind spirit never fails to amaze me and it's one of the lessons I've learnt at this journey. I can't thank you enough.
As a result I most definitely will reach my fundraising target. I'd just wish I had the other target under my belt as well!
This training is not going according to plan...
The last two days I was out of bed by 5 and back home late in the evening. I may need to run but I also need to stay sane and I couldn't get one foot in front of the other, let alone running. The worst bit is, I don't feel guilty. Hey, I may be slower than 35,000 other runners that day but I'm still a lot faster than the millions of people who are just watching it!
Today I did some other exercise as well although I'm pretty sure it wouldn't qualify as cross-training. I'm starting to get complaints from the other half that I'm either not at home, or at my desk, on the phone or running and that he has to make appointments to talk to his own wife. To be honest, he has got a point.
So, to make up for that (a bit) I've played golf with him today. Gorgeous weather and a beautiful course, nice and gentle, plenty of time to talk about some light-hearted subjects (ISA's, Brown's budget, stemcell research, tax returns...) and quite some miles of hill walking. And oh yes, playing golf.
Had a 75 minute run tonight and all sort of aches and pains are starting to appear. Nothing too serious, just irritating. Surprised actually that I got away with it so far because I've already had two knee operations (torn ligaments and cartilage disc partly removed).
Nevertheless, it was a good run but didn't come back home before 10 pm. Can't wait for this marathon to be finished. Why o why did I start this!??!!
£5
As little as this provides books for 3-5 year olds.
£5
Buys clothing gift voucher for a child from a deprived area.
£20
Pays for a trip to the cinema for a young carer desperately needing a break.
£25
Provides special toys and books for a family with a severely disabled child.
£30
Buys a young homeless person food for a week.
£40
Pays for a child to receive bereavement counselling.
£60
Runs a multi sensory room for an hour for a child with special needs.
£100
Will buy toys for children with special needs.
£100
Takes 10 children from a deprived area on a trip to the zoo.
£200
Pays for 10 young carers to have a much needed day trip out.
£250
Covers the weekly cost of running five community youth clubs for children living in deprived areas.
£500
Buys a Snoozlan soft play centre for disabled children.
£600
Provides a lightweight wheelchair for a disabled child.
Dank je wel lieverds voor de financiele steun voor Barnardo's en jullie support voor mij. Ik zal een ere rondje lopen vanavond (wordt wel een klein rondje omdat ik maar een uur ga lopen). Zal aan jullie denken!
Dear Gwen, James, Ted and maybe others at the Department of Health. Thank you for your support for Barnardo's and myself. Much appreciated!
Although I should be on a 5/6 times a week schedule, I have got a real life...
Attending a conference in London today so need to leave the house at 7.30 and won't be back before 11 at night. I shall not be doing the same stupid act as I did some weeks ago and take the lifts or elevators instead.
I'll do some virtual running if I'm in the train. Will that help?
I've changed my running routine as from today. From now on I will, whenever possible, run during the day. Safety issues aside (yes, yes, I know, it's not advisable for a woman to run on her own at night) I prefer running in the dark.
Firstly (admission time...) because I'm actually rather self-conscious in my tight outfit, with bright red face and running like a elephant with a sore foot. Running in the dark is quiet and anonymous. Secondly I can't cope well with the changes in light. Recently it has been diagnosed that I have 'Adie Syndrome' which is a (rare) neurological disorder affecting the pupil of the eye. It means that my right pupil hasn't got proper reflexes so it's dilated most of the time. It feels like looking into a light with eyes wide-open so I'm constantly squinting causing headaches. Now you know why I wear sunglasses a lot, even in the winter.
As the Marathon is run during the day I'd better get over this self-conscious nonsense so I decided to change the routine. That and the fact that I may be able to spend some time with the other half in the evening who is starting to complain that he has to make an appointment with me otherwise he doesn't see me. He's got a point...
Run itself was terrible. The plan was to go out at 9.15 after the school run. I drank one coffee, two glasses of water and had one banana and a peanut butter sandwich. Before I left I just had to check my emails... Two hours later I finally left but without fuelling up. Because I drink 2 ½ litres of water every day it's not that important if I drink right before I leave. There will be enough 'in the system'. Today, in my new routine, it was a different story and I completely forgot to adjust my eating and drinking. After 10 minutes I had my first stitch, after 15 minutes my mouth was dry and by 30 minutes I was ready to go home. I never make that mistake again!
Run my scheduled hour, done some stretching for the sore back and am happy that I've got today's running sorted.
I did run this weekend albeit with sore feet.
On Saturday night we had a big gala party in London organised by the Friends of Colombia Social Aid. One of the objectives is of course to raise loads of money and the other is to look at the beautiful dresses, full glam women and salsa the way salsa should be.
This is the only event in the year that I can wear whatever I like and I won't be overdressed. For those of you who know me, I rather warm to that concept. So full glam it was. I'll spare you the details but high heels, salsa dancing for some hours and being in bed at around 2.30 do not make for good running. My feet were killing me!! To squeeze size 8 (1/2 sometimes) in elegant shoes is a struggle at the best of times so I compromised on fit and went for looks instead. Somehow a long sexy (or so I'm told ) gown doesn't go well with preformed flats...
Hope it will be better today.
Thanks Bill, Bob, Ron, T., Alexander, W., Bill, B., H., Alan, Cliffe, Pat, Mike, David, Bob, Nick and Peter, regulars at the Queens Head in Heston, for sponsoring Barnardo's and me.
Multiplexx is around the corner from this pub and Bernie has been sponsoring this watering hole for at least 9 years. Every now and then I join him and have a quick chat with the other regulars who practically live there, sit at the same round table, every day... Last time, after hearing all the usual niceties which comes with being a blond woman in a pub, I decided to strike while the iron was hot and pulled out my sponsor form. Today they had a pleasant surprise and handed me a brown envelope with cash (so Fayed..) and a completed sponsor form + attachment. Fantastic guys, I really appreciate this!
So, tonight I run a fast and ferocious one, especially for my sponsors at Queens Head. Just for the record guys, it was tough, fast, sweaty but satisfying. Now there is something to talk about
I'm proud to say that I've done what I said I would do. It was a just over two hour (2.06) run last night, pavement plodding in dark Camberley.
The first hour was horrible, dreadful, terrible, you name it. By 36 minutes I was as close to giving up as I have ever been and was actually calling for my mother. That bad, yes, pathetic isn't it? I decided to go for at least an hour and then go for a Plan B.
By 57 minutes I realised that I was acting like a wimp and if this was going to be my attitude I was never going to run the FLM. I had a firm go at myself, done some soul searching and promised a better second hour.
By 1h15 I vowed to make it count as it was already an important day. Bernie and I had a meeting that could change the future of our company quite significantly. Cross our fingers....
By 1h20 I rang Wim to say that it was going to be over 1h30. Because I run in the dark, on my own, I always carry my mobile with 999 and home on the 'blind speed dial'. Not that it helps if something was to happen but it's the thought that counts.
From then on it was easy breathing, heavy on the legs, brain on auto-pilot and just doing miles and minutes. 36 minutes later I was back home. Tired, very tired but also very satisfied. Still behind on schedule but I did do some catching up at least in the last week.
No running today as I've got some other commitments and a teleconference tonight. Mind you, I don't think my legs would approve anyway. Still sore and stiff!
Different plan for Friday as I run with Claire and Caroline. They both do the Reading Half Marathon this weekend so wanted to do an easy run. Suited me well as I'm still not 100%. Rather annoyingly I have to admit that their 'easy run' was an uphill struggle for me but that, I now know, also has to do with my preferred running ground.
We run in the woodlands of the Sandhurst Academy, mostly around the lakes. Ice on the lake, little snow flakes darting about, stunning scenery. Absolutely beautiful and to be 'one with nature' felt fantastic. Claire and Caroline were chatting away, discussing the pending race, children, running techniques etc. whilst I was desperately trying to stay in their slipstream. Frustrating!
The last 5 minutes of our 50 minute loop was on tarmac and that's when it all came together for me. Finally, sturdy underground, not having to look where I put my feet, bliss. It's official. It may be boring but I'm a tarmac tiger, a pavement plodder.
After that we used the fantastic gym to do some proper stretches, especially important when it's so cold as it was yesterday. All in all, good run, good training, not as long as I wanted it to be but I'll keep that for tomorrow.
Noticed during my run tonight that the song 'A crazy little thing called love' in the Michael Buble version has the best rhythm. For running that is, you dirty mind! Of course it could also be that I like the lyrics of that song but it really gets me in the right step.
I needed that tonight because it was horrible. To start with it was freezing. I run with a hat for the first time so just as well it was in the dark. I looked like a Beanie person, not really mykindalook. However the hat and the gloves kept me warm.
The worst bits were my legs which literally froze and became very heavy and slow within 15 minutes. I set myself to do 1 hour 15 so I was in for a real struggle. Managed to complete my set task but I'm feeling stiff and heavy. Not a good feel.
Tomorrow running day off and Friday going for the 1 1/2. I need to get back on track soon!
As the day before yesterday was my first medication free day yesterday had to be my day of return to Camberley tarmac. And it embraced me in it's cold arms. It obviously had forgotten what a heavy footed runner I am...
I'm surprised with how well it went... considering the last weeks that is. It was a steady 50 minutes, just my legs getting heavy at the end and my chest didn't like the sub-zero temperatures.
Will try to do 1h15 tonight, 1 1/2 on Friday and back to 2 in the weekend or on Monday. Have decided NOT to do the Reading Half Marathon but prepare for the Fleet in 2 weeks time. I don't want to be any more demotivated than I am now and of course I want to stay injury free. If I push myself too much this week I probably only make matters worse.
So what do I do now?
I have a half marathon in 5 days, I haven't run for two weeks and I'm not feeling up to it at all. But I don't want to give up this race!!
Had to speak at a seminar this Saturday and was out and about all day. Propped myself up with painkillers, decongenstants, uppers, downers, the works so managed to stay half way sane during the day. Apparently even managed to look healthy but that is down to Estee Lauder! But, in hindsight, that has set me back some days. On Sunday my headache was even worse, my breathing was not normal and there was no way I could go running again.
At the start of today I felt OK but that quickly changed. I really really want to run but I have to be sensible. If I go out with these sub zero temperatures I probably aggrevate it. So, still at home, frustrated like nothing else, growing lazy and fat.....
So what do I do now?
I know my dear readers, this is getting boring. When am I putting on my running clogs?? I don't know is the answer. All I can say that my flu/whateveritis is not shifting, I will go back tomorrow for another course of antibiotics and I still can't breathe properly.
But, on a running note, I have registered for the Fleet Half Marathon on March 20 so if I collapse during Reading on the 6th, at least I can do another race before the BIG one. Right now, all I can do is look at my shoes, read another runners magazine and gain weight.....
As I was getting dressed to get to the airport I made a horrible discovery. I must have gained half a stone in the last 10 days. Whilst 'others' lose their appetite and therefore weight if they have flu, none of this occurred. The unfairness in my life is that food is far too important for me and stress, illness etc will not affect that. That's one of the reasons why I run, or do sports in general. I cannot have a meal and pretend that I'm eating, moving the lettuce on my plate, leave the desserts untouched...
No, those who know me will confirm that I love food, take second or third helpings, don't shy away from the triple-layer chocolate cake and probably pinch from your plate too. I never had a problem with my weight. Which is not the same as saying that I was never overweight, I just never had a problem with it .
Anyway, I prefer not to feel my clothes too much so I will have a couple of 'big-clothes-days'. Lots of black, elasticated waist, that type of work. I need to go back running!
The antibiotics are working, children are back today, half-term is over tomorrow so it's time to get back into a routine again. That's what my head is saying.
My body is still lagging behind but I'm slowly but steadily getting better. About time.... Can't make any predicitions when I will be running because although I want to (or should I say NEED to), I don't want to overdo it and start too early.
Just put the phone down to Barnardo's and advised them I won't be there tomorrow. If all goes well today and tonight I could possibly drag myself over but I wouldn't be able to train.
However, it wouldn't be fair on any of the other runners because I may infect them. I can't believe I'm this sensible but as they say: don't do to others what you wouldn't want them to do to you.
I just have to call Daley one day and explain it to him. I'm sure that will work 
It seems that people use the log to see how (or if) I'm recovering because I'm not even on the phone these days. So, just to let you know how I'm getting on.
My major achievement of the day was getting dressed and going to the GP. Had an appointment at 11.30 and was there early out of desperation. GP was early as well so was out by 11.33.
Have some antibiotics, luckily the right kind. The surgery has one of these new superdeluxe computerised systems which took them 8 months to build from all the paperwork they had. Unfortunately, as it now turns out, it failed to make note of the fact that I'm allergic to penicillin so my first prescription was exactly that. Just as well I'm used to checking it...
It should now clear up within a couple of days and needless to say, I can't wait. I want to run, I want to catch up with life, I need to catch up with work (both ones!!) but more importantly, the children are back on Sunday and I want to be with them and enjoy it.
Made an appointment to see my GP tomorrow because this is becoming unreal. Surely one can't be expected to be feeling like this for a week????!! Or am I not used to feeling miserable and therefore just a tad impatient.
My head is killing me and I'm suspecting it's more than the flu now. Some sort of *ivitis is larking about which can't be killed with triple doses of ibuprofen. I need stronger stuff!
Daley, wait for me...
The thing I'm most upset about is my pending training with Daley Thompson, one of England's greatest ever athletes. If you don't know who he is you are either too young, not interested in sport or ignorant. To be able to perform at top level at 10 (ten!) sports is amazing and on top of that, if you are as charming as Daley, need I say more...
I was 16 when I watched the Olympics and made sure that I didn't miss anything of him. A proper teenage crush. Maybe even more because my first husband was a similar type guy (without the moustache though). Obviously that wasn't enough to maintain the marriage but hey, you life and learn...
Anyway, why this going on about Mr T. Well, he is the running patron of Barnardo's and coming Saturday they are organsing a training advise day with him for all Barnardo's runners. Even if I were to feel up for it I also have to ask myself if it would be fair on the other runners if I would be there, possibly exposing them to the flu virus.
I am feeling slightly better today, proven by the fact that I can actually sit behind my PC but I'm in no fit state to run, take the hike to London and be generally entertaining. Having said that, it is Daley Thompson. I might just drag myself up....
Fourth day in bed now. Can't even think of running. Would be glad if I managed to crawl up and down the stairs without having to hold on..
Yes, it's that bad...
So that's why I'm sick now. Children are in Holland and rather than enjoying the freedom I'm in bed. Can't remember when I did that last time...
I will listen to my body and restrestrest.
How boring.....
Woke up in the middle of the night feeling lousy. Feels like a cold (or worse, flu) is developing. Couldn't get myself out of bed this morning but had a run scheduled with C&C at Sandhurst and was actually looking forward to that. So, propped up with Beecham and the likes and set off.
Sandhurst is great for running and I envy them for being able to run there in the woods, around the lake, use the grounds, gym and swimming pool, all safe and protected. Today I was able to join them. We had planned to run over to the grounds, do 3 x 400 speed sessions on the track, run around the lake and head back.
Let's just say that I nearly died during the speed sessions and I never recovered. I wasn't even fast but the body could not take it. Boy o boy did I feel &$*£&($*£. Even during the slowslow run after that (Claire's blister burst... auch) my heart rate stayed at 171 which is ridiculously high.
I'm back home now, shivering, feeling lousy, cold, warm, the works. I better kill this with water, vitamins and sleep because I was planning to catch up with running next weeks. Plans hey... what do you do with them?
{shivers, takes another Lemsip and feels sorry for herself}
Shall I be courageous and announce the football match England v Holland just a formality because we are going to win anyway. If I were to do that it would mean I have officially become British by osmosis. It's funny to see how my family deals with a match like this because the children are Dutch nationals but born and bred in England. Their first language is English and they speak Dutch with an English accent (which makes a chance from their Mummy who still speaks English with a Dutch accent, even after 12 years!). Yet during sport tournaments they support Holland.
I'm unquestionably very Dutch in looks and nature but England is my home. I get annoyed if I see that Holland plays in black/white and not in orange. Why for &£(& sake? What is the logic in that!??! But if England plays in any tournament I support the English just as well. So, for all of us it's bit of both (but I really want Holland to win )
But, no football for me tonight. In fact, I went out running with Claire and Caroline. They have been very active over the last couple of weeks and it was noticeable. Caroline is a TA-er in her spare time and Claire lives on the grounds of Sandhurst Academy. Surely that makes you fit just by breathing that air?!
It was a faster run than I would normally do and far too hilly for my liking. Again, I'm Dutch, I don't do hills.... My legs are still recovering from my stupid stairs escapade.
Anyway, AHR was almost 160, run for 65 mins, just over 10K. Happy about that. Tomorrow we are doing some sprints on the tracks on Sandhurst which will be a first for me.
I feel so bad for not running last night
In between meetings and interview I decided to go to Lillywhites to buy a running hat. It is rather cold at 9 in the evening and for whatever reason yesterday was the day to sort it out.
Lillywhites promotes itself as the 'has everything on sport"-store so, as I was on Piccadilly, I gave it a go. The running department was on the 5th floor, which meant 15 stairs, no elevator. Sporty me decided to run the stairs...
In the winter I wear this long thick dead sheep. And don't give me the evil eye on this one, it's not fur, it's a sheep!!! Anyway, imagine that with my usual high heels (sorry I may be 6ft-ish but I do love my heels). I must have looked like an absolute idiot, even in a sport store like that. By the time I reached the 4th floor I was dying but did drag myself up. Finally upstairs I got the strangest looks. Groomed woman in work attire, sweating buckets in a long coat... And for the record, they didn't have the hat. In fact, their running department is lousy!
An hour later I was in the Elephant and Castle underground station, which is one of the deep line stations. There are stairs for emergencies but you should really take the huge lifts. In fact on the stairs there is a sign saying "these stairs have xxxx steps. You are not advised to take the stairs". Guess what I did...
I really don't know why I did it. I really don't know what point I was trying to prove. I can't imagine what possessed me to do all this. All I do know is that my legs are killing me and they feel very heavy, worse than any run has ever done to me.
So, today my dear readers, I'm having a pancake day...
