It's all over! or is it?!

It's Monday 26th April 2010. My legs ache, my right knee is sending constant shooting pains up to my lower back, I am grabbing onto anything within reach every time I need to stand, and thank goodness my flat has a lift!!! I'm also ecstatic! Yesterday I completed the 30th London Marathon! I did say completed! This is important, as there was quite a few periods during the run when I was uncertain of the end.

I got up at 615 yesterday morning, slowly and methodically got ready, ate my porridge and fruit (normally delicious, I felt like it was food being shoved down before an interview), and grabbed my kit bag. There was a quick stop for an encouraging hug from my cousin - definitely needed - before I headed off for the bus start the trek to the start line.

I met the other Rainforest Foundation charity runners at our official photographer's house for last minute reassurance from the charity organiser's and the other runners. I had met a few of the other runners at premarathon events, but it was great for us all to be together the morning of the big day. We were all smiles and appeared relaxed together. They were like instant friends. We all had different aims, but I think we were all equally nervous about heading into the unknown. I don't think we were even aware of what we were about to do. I wasn't.

I have been training properly since last August. I've gradually increased my weekend distances as suggested, and have been consistant with my midweek runs. I even cross trained, which is recommended. About 2 months ago I injured my knee, and had to take a little time off to heal... this hit me hard as it happened during the peak of my training. It was frustrating after all that training to find that I'd been held back. I took it easy, but then when I ran again my knee was aggravated, so I decided the best thing to do was to switch to swimming and not run much at all until the big day. So I haven't had any real niggles in my knee for a while and being super optimistic I assumed all was well. I hadn't really thought about what I would do if my knee went on the day, I was more concerned about hitting the wall.

Of course the weather forecasted a blazer, and therefore we were hit by torrential rains for about 15 minutes as we were checked out kits bags, peed for the final time, and headed to the start line. There were masses of people huddling under the few trees around, the face paint from the eccentric costumed runners was streaming down their faces, but everyone remained in high spirits. On the whole, rain would've been a lot better than the scorcher expected. The storm passed, and by the time the buzzer started we were dry again, if a little cooler.

Actually I seemed to miss the buzzer. I was in pen 5 (with the aim of finishing in 3.45), and the 'masses', as they keep referring to us normal runner, started moving forward. I followed and the next thing I knew I was running and we'd crossed the startline. What?! I tried to smile for the cameras and wave and listen to the commentary... it's all a blur now... I think Boris Johnson was there... possibly... :S

The pace was nice and slow, perfect, just as I'd planned. We started to meet the crowds immediately, they were lined along the road cheering us on. There were lots of children holding out their hands for high fives. Runners around me were chatting, and it was generally a cheerful, easygoing atmosphere. We ran past houses and pubs that had been fully decorated in theme to show support. I remember one pub that had been made up like a ship, full of pirated cheering staff. There were big bands, djs, little quartets, random squarks, all sorts to keep our ears busy. I felt fine for the first 6 miles I think. Then suddenly I felt the knee twinge. I was still doing slow 9 minute miles, so I don't think it would've helped to slow down... and I didn't. It was from there onwards that the pain gradually got worse, starting in my knee, and gradually working up my thigh. I knew I had 'fans', waiting to cheer me on around mile 14 and I wanted to be running then. I think around mile 12 it started to get quite painful, but there were too many other things to think about, and to preoccupy me. As I ran over Tower Bridge at around mile 13 I looked around and took it all in. It was such a view and such a symbolic marathon landmark. Apparently I reached the halfway mark at about 2hrs2min, so I had been running fairly well until that point. From then on I was looking around to see my friends in the crowds... but talk about needle in a haystack, there were so many people and the roar of cheers so was immense, it was impossible. I did see one friend, but only realised after I had passed, and I didn't stop. The Rainforest Foundation had a cheering group around 17 miles. At that point my knee was truly hurting, and I had to walk/run quite a lot. Luckily I was plodding along in semi-run when I suddenly heard cheers for me. Energy came from nowhere, I ran up to them, waving, and cheering, yelled "I'm dying!!!!" and continued. It made me smile, and then laugh... after being so exhausted I had no idea where that burst had come from. The same thing happened around mile 19... somewhere in Canary Wharf... when I suddenly heard "go, Aksinia!" from voices that I recognised... I turned and like an eagle found my friends. I had been walking, but went careening towards them, gave them massive hugs (I think I bonked a few other spectators out of the way to get to them), and went on my way again. Each time I was personally cheered I suddenly had energy to try a little bit harder. Somewhere around there I also came to the realisation that all the people walking (including me) weren't just in need of a rest, I think we were all in pain. It wasn't physically possible to keep on running. It would take a lot of energy to start running again; I focussed, slowed down, and then changed my stride. I don't know that it made me much faster. Actually energy is not the right word, as I wasn't particularly tired. I felt hydrated, energized, but in pain. I couldn't fight the knee pain. I felt it getting weaker, and more like I was dragging my leg along, I almost tripped a few times, and thought it might completely give way a couple times. I had to stop to get the pain to subside, before trudging on again. I missed the last few mile markers, but from the 24 mile mark I had started running, nothing was going to stop me, I knew I was going to finish. I limp/ran from there to the end. Every marker I came to I expected to be closer to the end, but instead was hit by how little ground I'd covered! It really was the longest mile. I think the crowds could see our pain, but between their cheers, and other runners support I made it down to Buckingham Palace and turned the corner to head to the finish line. There was no sprint finish. Not by me, not by anyone around. I had to hold back the flood of tears! I got my medal and met the charity again for lots of hugs, cheers, and champagne!

I wish that I hadn't injured my knee, and had been able to do the marathon in full health. It was a bit defeating. But then there were so many things that made me smile, and cry (generally from happiness) on the run. Runners were so supportive of eachother even when they were suffering from their on fair share of pain. People were running for important charities, in memory of loved ones, just for their own personal goals. Most of the people I ran with had raised at least as much money as I had. I was overwhelmed a number of times by realisation of being part of the London Marathon. I completed 26.2 miles. It's not just double a half marathon. It might have taken me just over 5 hours (just under if you take away the toilet break), but I completed it, and I have a medal to prove it! I will one day do another one... but first I'm going to give my knee some TLC.

Well done to everyone who took part in the London Marathon! Congrats!

What?! Only four days to go?!!!!!

I can't believe that the marathon is almost here. Almost all the training is over, and we're counting down through carb-loading meals, drinking lots (water my dears), and hopefully lots of sleep (the hardest one to control I think). I'm going to the expo tomorrow which is really exciting. I'm so happy that despite a knee injury I am at the point where I am quite confident that I will at least complete the marathon. I heard this morning that there are quite a few people who will be unable to do the marathon due to the flight chaos! Can you believe it? After all the training, it's not an injury, or dehydration that takes you down, but the bloody transport!? I would be so upset. I think even if they were able to get their flights today, jetlag would still affect them for too long for them to do as well as expected. This is the hardest thing to face with marathon I think. You can train all you want, and take the best care of yourself and your diet, but at the end of your year of training ( or couple months if that's all it's been) you don't know what might try to get in the way. Bring on that wall, if you make it to the start line I'm sure you can get through the rest. Sorry to all those who won't be able to make it this year - I can't imagine the anguish!

Another swim tomorrow :) And off to the expo! Woooo! xx

another generous donation!

As the big day closes in I am facing a mixture of feelings. I am excited and positive one minute, followed by anxious (failure, injury, not being able to finish, pee questions!), followed by fear that I might end up crying (it's overwhelming that I'm taking part in such a massive event, physically running the 26.2 miles, but also to be one of many who are raising lots of money for charity). I cried once while running, and then proceeded to start having the first asthma attack of my life. So it won't help. I think I will be overwhelmed and will want to hug lots of people. It has taken a lot of time and effort to train, and it will be such an accomplishment to finish. I am aiming for 3hours 45 minutes, but I have realised that I will be just as overjoyed at the end if I take 5 hours. Whoever finishes with me will need to be prepared for an attack of hugs and tears.

I received a large donation today from a great friend. Don't worry I am not judging the strength of my friendships based on who donates what! It took me solidly over the 1000 pounds mark. It's a good place to be. I plan on hosting another event after the marathon to raise the rest of the money. So that's why I was also very happy when I received a random email today from someone who manages two bars in London. She was wondering if I would like to organise another Great London Switch at one of her bars! Now I have not started to plan at all. I have not been looking for a venue. She found out about my event, and 'headhunted' (hehe... okay maybe that's overdoing it) me! Anyway it was such a boost to hear that someone thought my event was cool and wants me to repeat it. So we will see... will have to start planning again! :)

Alright. Off for a swim tomorrow. :)

Ciao! xx

last run???

Today walking hurt. My knee niggled all day... nothing too irritating. It didn't stop me walking or make me hobble on the stairs. But it was a constant dull ache. I had plans to go visit a friend this evening, but she got called into work, so instead I decided it was time for my final run. Well i didn't know it was my final run until it was over. I planned my 5 miler and set out with my trusty oyster card - just in case I hit any hurdles (ha... that would've been a funny obstacle to come across!). I ran fast. Suprisingly fast actually. It felt great aswell. Again the dull ache was there in my knee, but at about 2 miles it suddenly disappeared. I almost whooped for joy... that would've been the best result (Headline: Running cures knee problems!). Too bad, about 10 minutes later it was back again - short lived jubilation. I ran fast, I ran up hills, I ran down hills, I even ran on bloody cobbled pavements (my nemesis!!!!). Got home feeling pretty bloody good :)

It is now 10 days until D-Day. I think I've finished on a high note. Training will now consist of a hell of a lot of swimming... but no more impact sports! I think I can handle 10 days of swimming - any more than that and I would DIE of boredom! And 10 days of carbo-loading (tho I am also trying not to eat my usual intake of cadbury cream eggs - the seven I put away the other day are only making my blood run a bit thicker, but there are still five sitting on the top cupboard shelf shining their little foily wrappers at me, little teasers).

I think I'm ready. Deep breath. Lamas again.

less than 2 weeks to go!

I think I might cry! I think the gun will fire to start the race and I'll be so overwhelmed that I will cry! And then i won't be able to breathe so I won't be able to run! Then I will have to calm myself down so that I can actually start running!

So between crying (which is a definite!) and not being sure if my knee will hold out for the whole race, I am a tad nervous. Practise the deep breathing... take me to lamas??? you know the having a baby breathing exercise classes.

So I ran about 3 miles yesterday very quickly and my knee didn't hurt. WOO! Today I cycled to and from work, and went for a speedy swim. Will try to run about 5 miles tomorrow, but no more than that! YAH! It's exciting, and scary~!!!! Will have to get into a trance like state and just run... ignore the pain, just run!

Ciao! xx

Back from the holiday... back to the chase!

No need to worry... even though I was on holiday I did keep up the training. Not quite as much as intensly as before the hols, but enough to be happy with.

Today signals the start of my last two weeks of training before this 26.2 miler that I've been training so hard for begins. It's terrifying, and exhilarating! I've had nightmares about race day, and I've been struggling with a knee injury, but I have trained well and should be able to finish it in decent time. I want to finish in what ever way possible, and then if I crash and need to be taken from the finish line in a stretcher then I'll accept that! :P

I'm lucky to have another week and a half off work from now. So my plan is to run very short distances every day from now. And then go swimming every afternoon. I think it's a good training plan considering I don't want to make my knee any worse before the 25th.

Also I need to pick up the fundraising again. I'm a little over halfway there, but that leaves me with about 800 pounds to raise in 2 weeks!! Arck! I have to thank all those who have supported me so far... whether it's been by coming out to the Great Shoreditch Switch or by donating straight out... it's been great to have that support. I was intimidated by the large amount that I was supposed to raise, and I'm pretty sure that I can complete it. I will be planning another fundraiser after the Marathon is over to bring up the total :) I want to focus on the training for the next couple weeks tho.

Alright off for a run! Ciao! xx

Okay so I haven't actually run since Sunday....

.... but lots of walking instead. And my knee is still bothering me. I'm trying to take the meds 3 times a day, and not push my knee too much.

I'm at the computer in my Palermo hostel not particularly because I have much to write about running, but because I'm trying to avoid the crazy man in my room who speaks no English and keeps talking to me in Italian. I was happy to practise at first, but when he kept me up until 2am last night chatting away (and me repeatedly telling him "sono stanco!!!") I am sick of him!!! I had to get up at 650 this morning and was not in the mood to deal with his chatting. Finally I had to just ignore his questions. Anyway I did have a great day... it was a little trip out to Agrigento, a fairly normal Italian city loaded with mafia, but set besides a massive amount of roman temple ruins. It was amazing to see. I took lots of pics and hope that they will demonstrate some of the immenseness. Ended up coming back fairly early to find my 'pal' in the room still.... bloody hell get a life and go outside!!!!

Alright hostel life prevails... there is a queue for the internet building behind me! Ciao for now!

xx

17 miles followed by a slightt hiatus :)

I have now run 17 miles twice! I think it's a solid start and I think although it's not over 20 distance that I wouldve like to achieve in training, it is enough for me to be confident that I will complete the 26er. Unfortunately I pulled my knee again while running, but I think I felt the pain at around 3 miles and was able to continue for another 14 before my body said 'that's enough!'. Also it shows that when running those distances you have to prepare properly. I wasn't sure until about 30 minutes prior to going out that I was actually going to be joining 'the men' (the 3 men at work who are also running the marathon). Finally they said, somewhat chiavanistically, that I was allowed to go with them, as long as I didn't slow them down.... so having not drunk enough water in the morning, and having only eaten a bowl of porridge I left with them (lunchtime). My tummy was growling within about 10 minutes, and I had to eat my 'gel' before we reached the 6 mile mark. So really it might not have just been my knee. I know you might laugh... but not wanting to push it too much I stopped and got the bus at the 17 mile mark. Satisfied!

So since then I've been following doctors orders with ibuprofen 3 times a day, and running gently... only difference is I am now in Italy!!! It's quite hard to squeeze in a run into a nice relaxing holiday, especially when all the streets are cobbled! But Tuesday was my first run... turns out I went for 9 miles around Roma. It was gorgeous! I took 2 hours... which is ages, but I needed to be careful of my knee, and also I had to make some time to stop and take in the views (the river, a little sloped street with stairs leading to I don't know where, the colosseum, the vatican!!!!). It was actually a lovely way to see the city. I didn't get bored, but more awed by each corner I turned. I went for a very short 2 miler yesterday, and even around a rather less touristy central station locale I found myself stumbling across arches, and roman walls, and delicious smells.

It's been less than a week, and I am now in Naples. I hope that I will find somewhere to go for a third long run, but I don't want to end up in uncharted, pickpocket central. Somewhere between trips to Herculaneum, Capri, and possibly Sorrento I will bring myself to break a sweat. Ahh the life of marathon training while in vaca... sweet really!

PS. Apparently there's been snow in UK. HUH?

xx

Back to running :)

I finished my recovery week with a lovely swim with a friend yesterday morning, before walking into central london for some good ol' saturday shopping on Oxford Street! Picked up a pretty spring dress too :)

Today was my first day back at the gym. I was quite nervous about getting on the treadmill, and so opted for a quick 20 minute spin on the bikes first (almost no resistance, so easy on the knees). Then with a deep breath I found a free treadmill and gradually speeded up until I was running. I ran for over 40 minutes continuously with no pain, but just this strange feeling that something weird was going on. It didn't turn into anything, and now as I sit plonked on my living room floor there is still no pain at all. I suppose it's all good. I didn't run very fast today, but figured there was no reason to push things today. I'll wait for tomorrow...ha!!! Very happy. Still feeling a little anxious that I won't be able to recover well enough for the marathon to reach my target time of 3 hours 45minutes. But... not much I can do about that.

Alright. Off to bed... going for a swim tomorrow morning before work, and then back to the treadmill after work. Goodnight everyone!

humm... is swimming my thing?

So another day of injury treatment, another day spent in the pool instead of on the road. I got up at some unearthly hour to go swimming this morning before work, and after walking into a very quiet rec centre found the pool buzzing with activity! So much so that the fast lane, which does describe me for at least my first few lengths, was packed and either I was swimming into the person in front of me or the person behind me was trying to overtake me. I eventually moved to the medium lane for more space, but it was full of slow swimmers who didn't want to admit it... hahahaha!!! Yes I can be cruel sometimes :P Actually I think the problem was there weren't enough lanes for the number of swimmers.... the five other lanes were obviously occupied by the special people who like to pay an extra £100/month for the gym membership. HUMPH!
Anyway my knee is feeling weird... something is up, but it is not really hurting anymore. I get a bit of a twinge when I go up and down the stairs, but that's all. I'm going to take the docs advice tho, and continue swimming and strengthening for the next week, and start running (if all goes well) next week :)
It's not looking quite so tragic anymore!! WOOOO!
Until tomorrow.... xx

getting over the injury :S

The doctor did some strange test where she pushed my leg sideways, and apparently it proved that I hadn't hurt my tendons or ligaments. HUGE relief! So basically I've got a pulled muscle. Unfortunately the doctor also said that I can't run for at least a week, so will have to swim instead. I swam last night for an hour and wow! I had no idea how boriiiiiiiiiiinnng swimming could be. I even walked/treadwalked the length of the pool, which definitely wasted some time. I skipped going tonight, but will go tomorrow morning before work, and then thursday, friday and hopefully this weekend as well :)
I've had lots of support from school. Everyone has asked how my leg is (I think I encouraged it all by whining and crying on monday morning :P). Luckily we also have matron who has loaded me with ice and antiinflammatories.
Alright... wish me luck. I'm going to try to do some balancing exercises, and other leg strengthening exercises tomorrow. Hope it all makes things better in the long run.

Night! xx

... I need a doctor!!!

So today I was heading out for a extra long, but very slow 20 miles. I was taking it easy, forcing myself to go slower than usual, casually running up crouch hill (long bloody climb), followed by another killer up muswell hill, when suddenly there was a tweak on the side of my knee. A little, rather sharp, pain. I immediately stopped to try to stretch it out, but there didn't seem to be a stretch that would reach the actual area... so I ran on even more slowly. But it just got worse. It didn't hurt when I walked, but as soon as I jogged even slightly the tweak was back! So at this point I was probably about 6-7 miles from home... without a bus pass. So I walked all the way back to Dalston! I was on the verge of tears, thinking that this might be the end of marathon 2010 for me. Everyone's heard of pulled tendons and ligaments... and if that's it, it's going to be slow careful recovery... not a 26 mile run! And I can't WALK the marathon! BAH!!!

So I'm going to try to see the doc tomorrow or tuesday. Of course I've already google-diagnosed and have started some exercises to help, but I still need a prof. opinion! Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well, and that I'll be back to training within the week. I'm going to be swimming, weight training and stretching for the foreseable future :(

And all that.... the day after my major success of a fundraiser! Yesterday The Great Shoreditch Switch was great! I'd been able to get an ad in Timeout magazine... which was super exciting... and almost 100 people came :) I also had organised a raffle, which I realised wasn't neccessary and not many tickets were bought. Next time I'll definitely skip that... it took quite a lot of energy to arrange, and took in about 25 pounds. Otherwise the swap was a major success. Two journalism students arrived from City University to feature the event, and interview me! :P There were definite peaks during the day... we were flooded at 11am, and then it gradually petered off before a second rush came around 2pm. I also think most people went away really happy. Many people went away with more than they came with. We were also able to bag up 9 bags of well-looked after clothes to donate to the Oxfam in Dalston. I would've loved it if it had been even busier, but according to the venue, it really was a success :) They would like to have another one at the venue... so I might take them up on that! This will take me over the 1000pounds that I need to raise by March 30, so the pressure is off until the final 1800 due around marathon time.

Fingers crossed that my knee is better tomorrow :)

running makes me feel better... who knew!?

All day yesterday I was limping around, having ran a little to fast on the weekend without stretching properly. Anyway I needed another run, so decided a very slooooow plod home would do the job, and what do you know my legs feel a lot better today!!!

Side note: organising for the Great Shoreditch Switch is all coming together! Last night I got a call from The Vortex Jazz Club and they are offering a FREE MEMBERSHIP as a prize! It's an awesome prize! I jumped up and down on my friends kitchen floor when I got the call... wooo! That'll make someone very happy, and bring blissful music to their ears. I've also got to pick up a prize from Tina We Salute You today!! It's great how to local businesses are really pitching in :)

Just getting volunteers signed up to help on saturday...

And need to finalize a few plans with the venue! It's going to be an awesome event!!! :)

Great race... bring on that marathon!

Yesterday I ran an official 10 mile race in a shocking 82 minutes! WOO ME!!!

More event info....

I've been getting a bit stressed recently with the fundraising. My friends and family have been fantastic with sponsoring me, but I wanted to organise an event that's fun for all (even people I don't know) and then it's more about everyone having a good time, than me squeezing money from every contact I have.

So I've been organising a clothes swap. I've got a venue for free... and a gorgeous venue at that! Funny, I got really excited because it has massive toilets with big mirrors (perfect for a big changing room :P). There's an upstairs and downstairs... I think the downstairs will be for the swap and then the bar might open the restaurant upstairs so people can sit, eat, drink....RELAX!!!

It really boosted my mood to see the venue. Then I stopped into a wine shop on the way home, and got the managers to donate a bottle of something special for a raffle. WOO! So felt a lot better again. So I'm going to spend this weekend visiting local businesses and see if they will donate other things... tickets to the Vortex? Cafe Oto? More wine? Gift certificates to restuarants? Wah nails????

Finally just checked out Timeout.com to see if my ad had been posted, and.... drum roll please .... THE GREAT SHOREDITCH SWITCH... right there in print! So that's topped my night. Now to get the Shoreditch Sisters to blog about the swap and then I will be a very happy girl!

So a couple more things to think about.... I need to get clothes rails and hangers from local shops to display clothes on. Need some more raffle tickets. Need volunteers. Need signs etc for the day :)

Awww.... it's coming together :)

Another day... another missed run!

Thought number one - Can't believe how awful my grammar is when typing fast. Just reread the previous blog and realised it was full of mistakes like "there"... mistakes I judge other's intelligence by!!! OOOPS! So please excuse the mistakes, I will judge others less from now on :P

Thought number two - Can't believe how much cocaine use seems to have increased! I suppose everyone has their experimental faze, but I've heard of too many people actually addicted to the stuff to think it's okay.

Thought number three - Will run home this evening. Will then head to The Last Days of Decadence to put up posters. And then will head up to Stoke Newington to harass businesses for raffle gifts!! I've already had a couple donations promised, so very excited. A little stressed about the attendance of the swap, but the word gradually seems to be spreading :) I suppose I have to be happy with whatever number of people turn up... it's all money for the Rainforest Foundation. But I want massive success!!!! You know... a queue to get in and loads of happy faces!!!

Thought number four - Didn't run yesterday, but went for a swim, and cycled a tiny miniscule amount. Is that okay? At the moment I need to be the most dedicated runner on the planet and I seem to have slacked a little. It doesn't help that I haven't been sleeping well, but I think after a good early night I'll be better. That's got to be my aim for tonight :)

Ciao!

Fundraising... the other part of doing the London Marathon!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited to announce that I've found a cool venue in the centre of Shoreditch to host my clothes swap fundraiser. It's going to be at The Last Days of Decadence on Shoreditch High Street on Saturday, March 13th at 11am. The venue has been donated, so EVERY penny that is spent on the day will go to the Rainforest Foundation... and towards my grand total of 1800 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're going to have a massive clothes swap filled with lots of young fashionistas from the area and beyond... I've already got in touch with the Shoreditch Sisters WI (who I am happily hanging out with each month), and they are going to do add it to there blog and facebook page. I've also contacted timeout and various other london events publications to list the event.

Already there a girls saying they will be attending... and I don't even know them! This is awesome! I wanted to make sure that I did some fundraising through the general public, rather than just squeezing my friends for sponsorships and this is a great way to do it. It will be a fun, social, fashion and charity event!

Now onto the details of the day. I need to find a place to rent/borrow clothes racks and hangers, to display all the clothes. I need to print posters and flyers to put up around the area. I need to get together some volunteers. Easy enough.

I've had a very creative friend put together a few fab posters... very grateful! I will also use the one that I made, just because I'm proud of it :)

The next thing to think about is whether to have a raffle. Whether to sell drinks/ and will the bar let me? They said I can serve tea/coffee. I need to get donations from local shops/bars/alcohol bevie places. Saturday! BRING IT ON!!!! Also going to head to another swap to see if I can pick up a few tips :)

WISH ME LUCK! It's going to be a great event... just needs a few things perfected :)

Ciao babes!

Back in the game!

...I hope.

I cycled to and from work today, and went for a swim too! I almost added a run to that, as I was going to meet some random girl at highbury for a run, but I got home a bit late from work and would've missed her. Decided that I was exercised out anyway... that's not lazy is it???? :P

I love it when I'm swimming in the medium lane, and I race the guys in the lane beside me (without them knowing :P) and I beat them! WOO ME!!

Tomorrow I'll be running to school. Might run home... don't want to overdo it on the first day back, do I?

Diesel Days

Today was the first day back at work for a week. I felt so much better being there, as in I was hardly coughing :) NOT because I love my job... haha!
I decided cycling was the best way to ease myself back into exercise, and cycling to and from work today didn't irritate my throat. So good start.

Do you know when you're cycling behind big trucks, or a taxi and a mass of thick black smoke shoots out of the exhaust pipe into your face at each junction? Today was one of those days. Normally I don't notice it much... I don't even smell it most of the time, but today it was chokingly horrid. I wanted to cycle on a different route just to avoid being smoked off the road. I have one of those masks, but it's pretty slim, and I think it might be better at keeping me warm than keeping anything out. Didn't help that I wasn't wearing it today!

Alright... feeling better, hope I'm fully better by the end of the week :)

Exercise wardrobe

This is what I would've worn if I'd actually had the motivation to fight the rain and go to Italian today. Even marathon trainers get lazy. Just could not move. I've done some pushups instead, and hopefully will go for a run tomorrow afternoon :)


This is me with exercise gear: bicycle, shoes, and me :)


My poor feet... between these, my thighs, and my shins there is a lot of pain! Actually my shins aren't having problems any more, I've been stretching them regularly! Who would've thought that stretching helps!? But stretch after exercise, not before!!!!!

Watching the Olympics... update... Lindsay Vonn has won gold for Women's skiing. Pretty horrific races: one woman crashed before getting to the first gate, another did a finishing jump to match those of ski-jumpers, only to land excruciatingly! I felt like crying, watching these people who have trained so hard not complete their race! Such a massive let-down for them.

Another note: I sound so young! Can I mature my voice??? hehe actually it's alright, better that than man voice, or old lady voice! :D

clear upp cough... i want to run!

So I have a week off work... can't complain... but I'm in bed with a cough and feeling achy! This is not going to help my running! I'm going to see the doc this afternoon, but he might just say "it's a cough, get over it"... then what?! a week off running? two weeks? ACK!!!!
I suppose it might not be too bad, I went cycling yesterday... slight muscle usage... and I went for a 6 mile run on sunday. I'm going to meet new people for a run tonight. Hopefully going with people will motivate me while I'm not feeling in top form. But I don't want to get cold, wet, and sick... ewww!
Also there's two birthdays this weekend, and quite a few other things... but who wants to be the sicko at a birthday?! Go away cough, go away!

Keep fingers crossed that doc will give me something potent to cure all :)

Veeeeeeeeeeeery short run today. Then London made Vancouver jealous with on and off snow all day long! It was FREEZING!! I could've run home, but my thighs were more sore today than yesterday and I don't want to injure myself before Sunday. So instead I went shopping! I beelined to Primark (not my most regular stop), and treated myself to all sorts of lovely things... then I felt completely hypocritical for raising money for a charity that is based on such ethical principles while at the same time spending my own money at a company that is based on no principles at all! Unfortunately the guilt didn't last long, I tried everything on at home and was even happier with my choices. I got my first bikini in about 5 years without trying it on in the shop (have you seen primark queues?!) for 7 pounds. At home in front on the mirror I thought it was bright, funky, and pushed my boobs up to my chin! Whoop!
Random moment... I ran into a colleague on Oxford street... with a tall, mysterious man by her side. London has been so strange for that. You'd think in a city of how many millions??? that you would never bump into your friends, but it has happened to me quite a few times. Now I need to make more friends, and then I'll be bumping into them all the time!
BTW. bought 2 cakes in Selfridges (did it start out a a shop that sold fridges, or is there a blander explanation of the name?) I ate some at home this evening (just a little), and the other one I'm taking to school tomorrow to share (like the lovely girl I am!).
Night night sweet dreams... happy running!

Rainforest Foundation Meetup...

Today I was excited to meet the rainforest foundation's marathon coordinators, and some others running the London Marathon for the charity too. We had a great introduction to what the Rainforest Foundation does and it was really interesting. I knew that their effort was mainly was both for environmental and humanitarian impacts, but it was great to see more into where exactly the money raised goes and learn about the specific projects. They didn't give us loads of ideas for fundraising, but they gave us solid suggestions of things that we could actually put into practise. They also offered us loads of support for any events that we could possibly host. I would really like to host a Clothes Swap at a cool pub, and they said they would get their volunteers to come to help out on the day! That's such a massive life saver for me, as after venues, finding enough hands on deck has been the most daunting task. I know a few people, but I want to invite them to the invite, not make them work! One of the guys works in alcohol distribution (or something like that), and has offered his contact in help to get a sponsored event. He's particularly enthusiastic to raise a lot of money as a friend of his attempted to run the marathon in 3 hours 15 minutes last year... and although he was running strong at 22 miles, he somehow collapsed cold at 24 miles. So now 'Mark' is running in his place with obvious plans to raise a ton!
Turns out 'Alex' lives just up the road from me too... so since he's a 2.55 marathon runner I jumped at the opportunity to join him on a run. I really want to run faster, so hoping he'll be my rabbit in the dog race and I'll be on his toes. I am not calling myself a bitch! haha!
So six weeks away... I need to raise 700 pounds! Then I have to raise the other 800 pounds after that date. Ack!! But definitely feeling more positive about the whole thing now :)
Went for a swim today... and then didn't cycle home. Good enough I think.

16.5 miles too many...

I am now sprawled on the carpet in front of the telly, but just over an hour ago I was clutching my thighs and stopping at each traffic light to massage my legs and attempt to stretch them out. I missed my long run this weekend, so decided that it needed to be done today. At the end of work I also made excuses and got out of it, but had a little chat with someone from work, and suddenly I was ready to go!
I set out my route to run from Swiss Cottage, striaight south past Hyde Park, Sloane Square, Kings Road, over the Wandsworth Bridge, then along the south side of the Thames to vauxhall and then past the Houses of Parliament (I checked the time at Big Ben), Trafalgar Square, Aldwych (where I was past by a load of sprinting men!), to Angel, down Essex Road and home. It snowed the entire way! Lucky there was no snow already settled or it could've been really slippy.
So it was great... I almost was distracted by the fancy shops on the Kings Road... really nice dresses always get me! It was at about 8 miles that I was suddenly starting to feel the burn. My knee seemed to be acting up, and there was a sniggle in my thigh. I don't think I really slowed down until about 13 miles though. I did have to stop and have a little panic in Wandsworth. Remember in Love Actually Hugh Grant's secretary told him that she lived in the 'dodgy end' of Wandsworth? Well as soon as I stepped over the bridge into Wandsworth did two men come up from behind me and attack the asian man in front of me. I think they may have stolen his ipod or something, but it shook me up as it all happened so fast that I wasn't even sure who was the victim. I think I was more shaken than the asian man, asking him if I should call the police, if he was okay etc. He wasn't, but he didn't want any help, so I kept going... slowly... they'd run off in the direction that I was going, so I was scared that they would jump out on me next. They didn't. Phew!
The snow was harder for the second half of the run, and my legs just killed, but at the same time I didn't have trouble putting one in front of the other - it just hurt more than normal.
I almost got on the bus near Gray's Inn Road, but again pushed through it and then the cheap arse in me didn't want to pay for the bus for just 2 stops. And I was soooo close, I couldn't chicken out at the last minute!
Home! Roasted portobellos with garlic, cheese and with couscous... a hot bath, and some ibuprofen, I'm feeling a little stiff, okay very stiff. So I'm off to stretch!

Meet the Experts and a little hangover hiccup

Yesterday I was excited to attend the Virgin London Marathon Meet the Experts day. It was supposed to be a full day of talks to help you with training, nutrition, fundraising, injuries etc. from people who had experts. Anyway Sam Murphy was really informative giving us practical exercises to help build strength etc. - we even got up and did a group exercise. I got to talk to her afterwards and she answered loads of questions without saying 'oh ADIDAS does this, and ADIDAS does that!'... which brings me on to the rest of the talks. Lucazade someone, ADIDAS shoe sellers, Virgin website person... all trying to just advertise their product rather than give us any useful information. Actually I'm being harsh... the nutrition guy was interesting, but he didn't need to sell good nutrition benefits to a room full of marathon trainees for 20 minutes. I think we walked into the room sold. Of course I did get sold by the 2for1 deal on adidas shoes, and now on 2 identical pairs of shoes. I had my feet scanned for free as well, and it turns out that I 'overpronate', basically roll slightly. Sounds like I'm a bit of a gimp, but 70-80% of people in UK do this, so not to worry! :D

I left early, having had my fill of propaganda, and cycled home for a short nap. Then off out to dinner at a friends, followed by a gig, followed by another friends birthday... followed by kebab! I got a little generous at the bar and dropped too much on doubles for a group of people, who probably didn't need doubles at that time of night (sorry if their hangovers are just a little bit worse this morning), but otherwise didn't overdo it tooo much myself. But since I saw the clock read 4am at some point last night, I was in no mood for a long run today, and have postponed it until tomorrow (15 miles!!!!!).

Quickie in the AM

I had half an hour to get to work this morning by the time I left the house. It takes me 50 minutes to run in, and the train takes 35 min. How to get to work on time?
I jumped on the train for half the distance, then sprinted from the train to work (about 2 miles). To be honest the sprinting became more of a dragging my arse jog after just a few paces, but I was really was trying! It's also a slow uphill the entire way from the train station to work... I remember thinking "OOOO good hill practise... need to pump my arms a little more!", but I'm not sure I actually had the energy for any more arm pumping, so instead I slowly tractored up the hill. I made it to work in 25 minutes!!!! The bad thing about this is that now I know I can do it in 25 mins, I will start getting up at 7.35am. All I need is the bare minimum of time right? And the fact that I have to shower, brush teeth, eat breakfast once I get to work... humm... it doesn't matter that I do that on work hours right????

GOAL: Must get up earlier!

Cycle mania

Today I cycled to work, then into Holborn (which involves very scary roads), and then home (more scary roads). On the way to work I was stopped at some lights (like a good little cyclist... no running reds), when a guy walked past. I was halfway between home and work, so quite random that I would run into someone that I would know... amongst the millions of londoners... but yet there he was a guy from work! He came and said hi, then the lights turned green and I continued on my ride and he went to get the tube.

I got to wear my 1 pound dress today! It's the cheapest item of clothing that I've ever bought that I actually ended up wearing! I picked it up on a side street off brick lane the other day, from a man who had spoke like a fruit seller, and had hung the dresses on a single rail. Deal of the week! Bah to primark! HA!

Exercise makes a glutton of me!

I ran 10 miles today! 5 miles to work, a swim after work, followed by a run home. WOOOHOOO! I don't really feel sore yet either :)
Of course I made the mistake of going to Sainsbury's on the way home to get somee dinner. Crazily enough I've been craving salmon for the last couple days, so of course I got myself a nice fresh filet. I bought 2 packages of portobello mushrooms... so obviously going to be eating those for the next few days! HUmm... then I walked down to the other end of the shop and got myself a bottle of gin and a chocolate bar. Fair enough, I think I deserved it! Funny thing was I then went to the pharmacy, forgot that I'd just bought myself a chocolate bar, so bought myself ANOTHER one!!! The exact same bar!
Now I'm sitting here writing this... one chocolate bar has already gone (yummy), and the other one is taunting me at this second! I have broke into the gin, but I'm going to enjoy another weak one and then 'put a lid on it'? :P

Day off????

So today I decided not to do any exercise whatsoever - stairs at work and chasing after 7 year olds don't count! It's a friend's birthday tonight (which tends to mean - DRINKS!!!!). Anyway didn't think I could handle running home at 10pm, so thought I'd skip the workout altogether. I think I was also more sore than normal this morning... mornings are the best time for excuses!
When I finally did get to school I realised that my soreness and weariness was probably due to a cold that had swept in during the night! I thought I'd fought off the school sicknesses, but it's got me finally... hopefully it doesn't take me down too hard.
Anyway drinks tonight... though I am being VERY sensible at the moment. Friday I only drank non-alcoholic drinks, and I admit I had a few on saturday, but there was no hangover sunday morning so that must mean I was being good :P. It helps that I think we're going to a pricey bar; my tightfistedness will be all the self control I need.
And a proper exercise session tomorrow :) I think I'll run to and from work and go for either a swim (oooo that does sound tempting!!!!), or another weight session... hummm, if I remember my swimsuit then I'm heading for the water! WOOOO!

PS. very embarrassing to watch my video blog yesterday! I sound so young and shy!

The first little rant!

Today's workout was short, but pretty good (despite no attempt to sign me to the 'abs' class!). I cycled for almost 10 minutes, until my thighs were reminded of the brutal grilling I gave them this weekend. Then I rowed aggressively for 5 minutes, before moving on to a weight-lifting machine where, surrounded by juicy men (not necessarily the kind I wanted to squeeze tho), I struggled to pump my 5 pounds. Then I stretched on a special stretching machine that worked my hamstrings, and calves (which were desperately in need of stretching)... not something I'm very good at. Then I ran home. I was going to film my run home on my new ipod, but the battery was dead!!! #%@^& So now you get to put up with a belated after the fact video blog :)

Lazy morning....zzzzzzzzz

The plan this morning was a slow 5 mile run to work, but with a tired body I slept in and didn't have time to do a 5miler and make it to work on time. Whoops! So I rolled onto the train, and travelled halfway to work before getting off and running the rest of the way (a very feeble 2 miles max!). My legs are stiff and achy, but I was able to run so I didn't do too much damage yesterday.

Plan: Head to gym after work to make up for the slow start. Maybe do weights rather than bore myself on the treadmill. Give my poor legs a rest... and work on some popeye arms!

Almost made 12 miles today!

Today was a great day... my legs hurt (right thigh, left calf - possible lopsided run???), my ankle blister has come off and is now bleeding through my sock, and on a side note I got stuck on the train for 2 hours because someone had decided to off themselves and the 'cleanup' was taking a while. The upside is that I ran further today than I have ever before in my entire life. I had planned a 12 mile route on mapmyrun before leaving the house, but due to time constraints I knocked off about half a mile and ended up with approximately 11.5865 miles :P Very proud! My legs are sore, but I continued to walk around London (apart from said 2 hours spent idle on train) for the rest of the day, so they can't be doing too badly! Today was my day off and I went for a veeery leisurely cycle to spitalfields for some necessary girly shopping with a friend. Tomorrow will be a short 5 miler as part of my commute. It's going well so far. I should be well on my way to a 4 hour marathon (crossing fingers that it's actually less :))!