How to run using lampposts.

Three and a half years ago I couldn't run for a bus - no lie.


Then we got a dog, who needed walking, who needed lots of walking, who had unboundless energy.


My problem was I did not have the time to walk said dog for long enough to wear him out.


I also wanted to get fitter so my clever little brain said running and dog exercising made a perfect combination.


To some extent it did as the dog proved very useful for pulling me up the roads and any hills, while making me look like I was still capable of running (I like to think that was the image I portrayed and not one of a sweaty mess being dragged along against her will).


2012 Edinburgh Rock and Roll half marathon


In April 2012, I ran my first half marathon.  My training for said marathon had begun with an aim to run from my front door to the end of the road without stopping (about 200 yards), once this was accomplished, I added running round the corner to the bus-stop without stopping, and again once accomplished I then added the next lamppost long the street.


This technique actually worked, and I taught myself to run using lampposts, anybody watching me probably wondered who the mad woman was who every few days ran past them and stood clinging to random lampposts for support while looking very elated. Probably thought I had some odd fetish.


Anyhow, the weekend of the half marathon arrived and saw myself, hubby and 2 kids in sunny Edinburgh. I had to register on the Saturday in Holyrod Park, and actually said to my OH that I wasn't going to bother and we should just have a nice weekend away. My training although going well, had actually only seen me walk run a distance of 6 miles in one go, once, so the thought of 13.2 miles was horrendous, plus no-one told me how hilly Edinburgh was - I mean serious hills!


My OH said ' don't be stupid, register, even if you walk/run it you can still say you have done it and you know you can walk 26 miles in 7 hours having done the London Moon Walk twice, so you will definitely complete this'.


I obeyed and do you know what, I completed that course and amazingly did it in 2.36 hours running the majority.


This experience taught me a number of things:

1. You are capable of a lot more than you think
2. Running a half marathon is a fab way to see a new town
3. Vaseline is an essential to stop sore nipples
4. Powergels are vomit worthy
5. I actually liked running

2013 Great North Run


2013 saw me complete the Great North Run with a cold in the time of 2.21 hours.


I did the GNR for my Uncle who had recently died of cancer and raised money for the local hospice.


Not only on this occasion did I do it for someone else, I also got a personal best and felt rubbish due to my cold.


For the GNR though I trained properly, I even did a 12 mile run in the lead up to it.


2014 Great North Run


And being completely stupid I am running the GNR again this year. 3 weeks after a 2 week all inclusive holiday, mmmm possibly not the best plan, where there is a free sweet factory and sweets are my downfall.


This year I would really, really like to get another personal best. If I am completely honest, I would like to run a half marathon in less than 2 hours, but is it possible to improve my running by a huge 22 minutes at least?


I am going to aim for it.


I have downloaded a 0-10k running app, and have gone back to basics. I am using it to try and run fast, so each running interval I am really pushing myself to have a much fast pace rather than my normal plod (where someone with a zimmer frame could quite frankly overtake me).


I am also planning on running hills, regularly to try and do some intensity training.


I would just love to do a sub 2 hours - is it possible though?