Tuesday 24 April 2018

M-Day!

The day finally arrived and it was a scorcher!!   The hottest London Marathon on record and my early morning bed head pretty much summed it up.


I can't say I had the best sleep which is hardly surprising, such was my excitement but I forced the free sample of porridge down me from the goody bag the previous day, stuffed a banana in for good measure and finally forced a piece of toast in just to make sure.  It was only 06:30 but I had to last until at least 1030 before I was likely to cross the start line.

Here is the evidence of my arrival at the Red Start area.



To avoid the 26.2 mile queue for the toilets, I decided to trial out the Female Urinals and a P-Mate.

I followed the instructions, marvelled at the ability to walk into a lovely peaceful area that did not stink of pee or poo and was feeling ever so smug about even having a little privacy to use the following cardboard contraption.


And it worked!!!   I was so in shock however at peeing upright that I neglected to control my flow and point the funnel area down enough, resulting in a lovely warm feeling in my pants and shorts which looked and felt really attractive.     On reflection, I should have gone to the toilet again before leaving the house, as my full bladder would have needed a bucket size cup to have held the weekend of "topping" up liquids which I had successfully managed.     

The upside was that I took a good handful of the free things and will certainly practice again as they really were such a welcome alternative to the dreaded queue. 

To counteract any potential chafing as a result of early moisture in that area, I slathered on some good old Vaseline and then headed off to my starting pen in Section 6. 

The atmosphere was incredible, the sunshine was relentless and the temperature was already near 19/20 before we even started......and I finally did at 10:32.   I WAS ON MY WAY!


Early on even- my trusty stalkers back at home were monitoring my every step!


The crowds were awesome and I don't think there was a minute where someone did not shout out my name and provide encouragement.....honestly - I felt like a celebrity ALL the way around the course and for many parts, the music and party atmosphere really did make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.   Going over Tower Bridge in particular was noteworthy as I was pretty much able to run straight down the middle and take in shouts and whoops from either side - plus I knew I was nearly half way there.


I was over the moon to see my wonderful family at the 18 mile mark and they handed out my trusty bananas which were a planned godsend as I do not work well on gels.....I will say no more but it would need more than a P-Mate to assist in that crisis

I saw them again at the 21 mile mark managed to stop and give each of them a hug and a kiss.   This was a normal feature of the run for so many and it was so heartwarming to see how humans gain strength from this simple and effective form of love and support. 

The mileage between 22-24 were certainly brutal as the warmth continued to take it out of my legs.  I regularly sipped water when I felt the need and found after the generous offers of jelly babies and sweets from the crowd that I perked up a bit for the last 2km towards the Mall.   

One of the memorable moments was hearing someone shout out my maiden name along the Embankment and I turned to recognise an old school friend who now runs for Fulham Running Club.  Many thanks Rich! - it was great to see you and seeing a home face really spurred me on :)


And I did it!!   


I cannot describe how exhilarating this event was. From start to finish I basically had a ball and felt like I was at rave on times!    Coming over the line and realising that everything I had trained for had culminated in this achievement and I was quite emotional, especially as I had run the race in memory  of my Uncle.   

I have smashed my fundraising target for St David's Hospice Care and cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity and support over the last 4 months.

I have also discovered something else.......I want to do ANOTHER MARATHON!   

Cheers Peeps - hope you have enjoyed my little adventure.   I will be back :)💪

Monday 23 April 2018

Collecting the Race number!

Like the Von Trappe family, we headed off  bright and early to the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London to go and collect the coveted Race Number and timing chip. 




I felt like a child in Willy Wonka's Factory - all those lovely things to try, browse and buy - my poor suffering family smiling in confusion at how I could enjoy such "STUFF" to look at.    Loads of really interesting "other" marathon destinations to choose in the future, bits to eat and drink and the usual merchandise to purchase and keep the little ones happy :)

My youngest however had a nasty shock when she knocked back a beetroot shot thinking it was  a blackcurrant juice....I cannot post a picture as it would be unfair and cruel as the poor thing was NOT HAPPY!  Needless to say she would have blended well into a vampire party as a result.

After speaking to my friend J9 who called to wish me well on Friday, I bought a Visor which made me feel rather American and be wielding a golf club, but dear God, how much would I value that purchase with what I now know was to come.   A brilliant piece of kit at a reasonable £15.


However, my highlight of the morning was meeting up with my Ab Guru - the man himself......... 
Mr Joe Wicks!   Considering the amount of people who were keen to have the obligatory pose with the man himself, he really was very down to earth and personable - pretty much as on his Body Coach TV series.

I thanked him for his 10 min Ab sessions which I have been doing regularly, as it really has helped to strengthen the areas I have previously always neglected.   I am convinced it has helped me in avoiding the risk of picking up major injuries as part of my marathon training.


As you can see - I was a bit pleased with myself and even managed a cheeky "cwtch" of his torso!

A brilliant start to a fantastic weekend. 😀

Thursday 19 April 2018

Preparation for runner #48396

Well - have most of my stuff ready and packed for my weekend away.

I popped to see my buddy Julie for a bit of last minute massage work on my calves....booff!

Beautiful weather today but the thought of running 26.2 miles in it is not particulately appealing but hopefully the temp gauge will come down by Sunday.   Seriously, the weather has gone from the ridiculous to the sublime and it still would not surprise me if there was another ICE warning!

I was getting my daps out ready for the bag tonight and this little fella ran out over them...For many, this is enough to run, but I carefully removed the little lovely outside..at arms length with a slight shiver.


I cannot put into words how excited I am about limbering up and getting ready to finally put all the training into practice and get this challenge done.     Careful water intake will be essential along the route and running slower in the heat but I am READY!!   Lets DO THIS!!

I am #48396 should anyone wish to follow me on the Spectator app that you can download from the VLM website. 

Sunday 15 April 2018

Last Sunday training run

The last Sunday run before the big one has been completed....IN THE BLOODY RAIN!

It was positively tropical yesterday by comparison but such is life.

I had planned to go for a longer, 60 min run at a steady pace with some faster miles but on Friday, during the end of a morning run, I experienced a rather nasty pain at the bottom of my left shin.

Bloody typical that literally a week before the mega one, I might have the onset of a pain issue rather than a niggle/ache one.

Anyway, given the area a massage with my thumb tip (oouucch), slapped on my ice pack throughout the weekend and eaten a few Ibuprofen and it appears to have helped.   Fingers crossed its just a matter of REST REST REST this week before I head off to the Big Smoke. 



CANNOT WAIT ........its nearly here!!!!

Thursday 12 April 2018

Tick tock tick tock!



I cannot believe that race day is approaching so quickly!   Sunday will be my last "run" run  and then I will be pretty much relaxing for the remainder of next week.

Typically,  whilst I have avoided all the nasty bugs and flu through the winter period, I have since last week (blaming swimming with the children!) picked up a really irritating dry cough that is really bothering my sleep.

I purchased a basic cough remedy from Lloyds Pharmacy today and was amazed after swigging it at my desk in work this afternoon that it contains ethanol along with all the really nasty E-numbers.   As expected, it has done little to alleviate the symptoms but at the very least it could help me stay awake if I was able to swig it around London on the 22nd.

Did an interval training session with two club members from Parc Bryn Bach yesterday afternoon around the Beechwood in Llangattock and whilst it was hard work, I have since felt really energised. So much easier to run with others who are better than you as it raises your desire to keep up - big thanks to Sian and Phil for the encouragement!

Right - am off to have another Tumeric tea in an attempt to rid this pesky cough before bed...wish me luck.




Saturday 7 April 2018

Fundraising update

Last night I held a Sweetie Cocktails evening in the Book-ish Loft with the help of the lovely Adele Nozdar who kindly gave up her time to provide us with an entertaining recount of her national "research" tour of traditional sweetie making in the UK, which she undertook a few years ago.

I had bought the book for my Dad a few years ago as not only is he the biggest sweet demon in Wales, but I had previously enjoyed an evening of cocktails with Adele and felt I just had to do it again - this time with the aim of raising a few extra £'s for St David's Hospice.

The book is available in Bookish and all other good booksellers and it really does provide a nostalgic dip into the past, along with much to look forward to whilst recreating the old delights in your kitchen (possibly with the aid of dentures and a few new fillings but its all about moderation!)


There were 14 of us in total and we experienced the "Parma Violet"; Pineapple Cube and Kola Kube  concoctions and finally a slam shot of Turkish Delight topped with a Giant Chocolate Button.  My frayed muscle endings thoroughly enjoyed the sugar surge to the system and with the anecdotes of Adele's tour provided in her inimitable humorous style,  a thoroughly "sweet" evening was had by all.

We also managed to raise over £200 towards my fundraising target which I am overjoyed to report I have now exceeded! 






Wednesday 4 April 2018

Tapering.....and a new watch!

I must be honest, I am using this term with a sort of embarrassed look as it makes me sound like some sort of elite athlete and I definitely AM not!

I have however looked at the plans and listened to those who have had plenty of experience of running marathons and will admit that part of me is over the moon at the knowledge that I don't have to fit another long run in before the 22nd April.

SO - I am now "tapering".....did some interval work earlier and left a lung somewhere in a hedge but must say that the quicker shorter bursts were an interesting change to the general plod of late.

My trusty Forerunner 15 was no longer keeping its charge and threatening to dismiss my training record around the 22 mile mark (the thought of this happening in London was terrifying as everyone knows that if you don't upload to Strava, the run never took place...) so I have treated myself to a upgrade ready for the big day and am now in possession of the Forerunner 35. 

As usual, my geek interest is not remotely bothered about what the watch can potentially do but at least the new screen layout means that I can pace myself a little better....and I like the colour which daughter #2 says goes better with my leggings!


Sunday 1 April 2018

Last long training run completed

My incentive for getting out of bed early was not limited to just eating chocolate for the rest of the day...although this was appealing.

The weather first thing was beautiful and crisp, blue skies and just the birdsong chorus.

My preparation of the water carrier overnight was not a sensible plan however as no sooner did I start running but the sloshing started.....air had clearly decided to sneak back in.   After a quick stop to sort this out, I was on my way.


A steady run with not a huge amount to really report on.   I would love to say I saw a few Easter bunnies but I would be lying.... (Sorry Kids).

My playlist was on shuffle and at Bridge 137 I was a treated to Black Lace - "Do the Conga!" - a classic disco anthem which made me laugh out loud.  Such a ridiculous song and so incongruous to my surroundings at the time -  I was staring at a huge hills to either side and the muddy tow path ahead.   Also - imagine doing the Conga around the VLM?....I suspect someone already has.

Did have a stop and walk briefly at mile 20 as my left outer knee was feeling particularly tight....hopefully not the start of the dreaded IT Band issue again but after a good stretch out and a gentler pace, I made it home in one piece.

My darling #2 had made marshmallow Krispy cakes yesterday so I smashed one of those into myself upon entry home, had quick bath and then straight back out for Easter lunch and the Egg hunt. 

Pleased with my morning effort and now really looking forward to the challenge of completing the biggie in 20 days time!


Saturday 31 March 2018

Running number is through!

It's official!   My running number for London has been confirmed, along with the details of how to get to the ExCel in London and collect it.   After which,I pretty much have to guard the thing with my life, as it sounds like I will then feel like I have won the last GOLDEN TICKET....

A relatively easy week of runs - did an 10 km trail on Wednesday which I loved but two days later my little calf muscle on the left decided that it did not. 😟

I have rested it since and also massaged it with the odd squirt of gel, ice pack and a few ibuprofen tabs and it has improved to allow a gentle 4.5km run this afternoon.


Went for a lovely walk up towards the Darren yesterday instead of a run and met up with a few friends...

then spent the rest of the day finalising and baking the dough that had been proving since Thursday night.    Worth it though - the kitchen smelt divine.


Being the elite athlete I now am, I tested one with copious amounts of butter and in the evening, popped out to see friends and re-hydrate with Gin....    A good days work :)


Monday 26 March 2018

Hangover 20.....

What I forgot to mention in my last post was how rough I felt upon waking up at Jans, after the successful fundraising event on Friday night.   A night of sipping gin and going to bed at 2am was not the best preparation for a long run on Saturday.   (I even had to go back to bed for 40 winks at Jan's before feeling well enough to drive home...)

Anyway, once home, my nearest and dearest (who without his support and understanding I could never achieve my training goals) kindly took the children off out and I headed out for the PUNISHMENT run.   I figured that the poor sleep (which I am likely to experience the night before the big race anyway) would act as a good measure of how I might react on the big day...not to mention coping with dehydration.

Water pack filled....I headed out.


I had a sheepish audience on the way.....much how I felt at the Mile 5 mark :(


Later, in my hangover haze, I noticed some signs saying, "FOOTPATH CLOSED - DO NOT PROCEED - DANGER OF DEATH" around the Llanfoist area but at this point, I was buggered if I was going to add extra miles to my route home by being forced to detour back on myself so I carefully proceeded whilst looking up.....


Sure enough - the danger was pretty real as electricity cables were being reeled in on these huge suspended wheels.....I sped up to get past quickly and tried not to look more stupid than I already felt as at one point, I do recall thinking about the chances of being fried by a rogue wire.

Mile 17 - probably the nearest I have ever been to try running and vomiting at the same time but I ploughed on and nibbled on a banana and carried on sipping gentle amounts of water which seemed to help.

Ended up doing 33 km (I think just over 20 miles); tired but still able to move and much easier run than last week in the snow.   



A Good Friday before Good Friday!

Friday 23rd was a fab day of fundraising!

First off a cake and Easter egg raffle in work where BGCBC colleagues again donated their weekend pocket money, helping raise a total of £107.75.





Later that night, my dear friend Jan kindly hosted a Bingo night and between the "house" shouts, raffle prizes, homemade cards and sales of free range eggs, we managed to raise an additional £268 so a total of £375.75 raised on the day which has helped me get ever closer to the magical fundraising target of £2,000.

I have been humbled by the sheer generosity of those who have been able to contribute towards my funding target and can guarantee that every penny donated really does spur me on when the legs start their screaming! (usually around the 18 mile mark).

At last check - the total now stands at £1,702.73 :) 


Sunday 18 March 2018

Beast from East v Chick from Crick

I was disappointed but not surprised to see the decision to cancel the San Domenico 20 mile race yesterday and the weather forecast was again correct.

VLM training stops for no woman however, so at 0830 this morning, I roused myself out of my lovely warm bed and pulled back the curtains to view the street and again the white stuff was covering the road and swirling around in windy puffs.

I had to try and get a long run in today and my mission was to hit the 20 mile mark so after a quick banana and a glass of water and getting my stuff ready, I was prepared.

The wind chill was offering a free skin exfoliation which was a nice touch I felt...





It supposed to be Spring......god knows what weather to expect on the 22nd April this year.

I started to flag considerably towards the end of my run back which given that I didn't really have breakfast, is no surprise but after smashing another frozen banana into me, I started to feel a little better.


Finally made it home and even better, my lovely in-laws had booked a table at The Bear for lunch so after a hurried stretch and quick bath, I was back out to walk into town for roast dinner and a G&T.  20 miles in the bag done.  👊

Wednesday 14 March 2018

Springy morning run

It is probably rare that one wakes from sleep and actually looks forward to a 50 min run but I must admit that this strange phenomenon did occur this morning!   I usually have to peel myself away from my drool infested pillow and dress with my eyes closed but I think the brighter mornings are finally starting to make a difference.


 This little lot were having a right old party when I jogged past - again, I did stop to have a little chat.


Its a shame my camera has no zoom but the lamb in the middle is actually air-borne!



The joys of finally seeing some colour.   

Lovely slow recovery run after my longer miles on Saturday - my legs and joints benefited from a few days rest too.

Saturday 10 March 2018

Six weeks tomorrow!!

I cannot believe how the weeks are now on serious countdown until April 22nd.

I have been back on track (not literally as I am not a fan of the circular nasty) but I have managed to follow the plan this week for my morning wake up calls and run sessions. 

This morning was a long 19 miler which I started at Theatre Brycheiniog thanks to my lovely nearest and dearest dropping me off and I was sporting my blinged up training vest too.



As I set off, it then decided to hammer down with rain, pretty much for the duration of my journey.


I felt I connected with the forlorn solitary swan just after setting off...the rain drops were huge and the canal was more like a XC course. My poor new road trainers were NOT happy.


Coming in towards Pencelli - the River Usk below the canal was loud and rising fast due to recent snowfall and thaw.


The canal just outside Talybont resembled Wonka's Chocolate lake...again due to huge amounts of muddy run off coursing into the waterway.   


Some ickle twin lambs....I had to stop for a quick chat.


From previous experience, the above walk in Talybont is worth doing, especially when Spring is under way.  


Llangynidr Locks around mid way in the run.

 

I stopped at the above point to try the peanut stuffed dates I had made and packed into my rucksack....sadly they resembled small pellet turds by the time I fished them out.   They tasted good and didn't create havoc with my stomach but note to self - leave these in the fridge at home for next post-runs.

Nearly home!!!  My legs laughed at the speed sign....


River Usk at Crickhowell looking like Wonka's Chocolate Lake too by the time I crossed back over.

Finally made it home.



Sunday 4 March 2018

Weekend of enforced rest!

I have almost come to terms with probably a sensible decision not to go out and do a long run in the slushy, icy snow today but have to admit that its making me feel very irritable.

I keep hoping that every time I look out of the window that the snow will have miraculously disappeared but to no avail...the road is still pants and the pavements even worse.

Also - following a day of sledging and trudging through snow yesterday, I am feeling quite tired and a bit tight in the lower back so I think I might as well concede defeat and do some home based yoga and strength/core on the floor sessions today :(

Here are some shots of the snow yesterday and the drifts in places were spectacular.





This is the drive up towards a farm by the Table Mountain.....

Thursday 1 March 2018

Baltic run - is this what Botox feels like?

With the help of my running buddy, we braved the elements before the worst of the storm came in.


If Botox work is like numbness - then I cannot understand why people would pay to make their skin feel like this!    

Really exhilaring jaunt out though.

Today was a rest day.  Not prepared to risk an injury with London so close.   If necessary, will do a day of yoga,  work with my friend Joe Wicks  and basic strength work at home in front of the fire!


The joy of snow and marathon training!

Well, I have managed to get some of the runs in this week but decided not to go mental and do the interval ones at pace over glassy iced roads and canal tracks.

Here are some shots of the week so far...


Crisp morning recovery run on Tuesday with Llangattock Escarpment in the background.


Up on the canal as the sun came up!