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?

Great North Run Training

I am trying really hard to be dedicated and train properly for the Great North Run which as I have mentioned I am running in aid of St Gemma's hospice in Leeds in memory of my late Uncle.

I ran the Edinburgh half marathon last year and although I tried to train, illness and time were against me and truth be told my longest run before the event was 5 miles, so I amazed myself when I got round the full course in 2.36 minutes and ran the majority - it is amazing what a crowd, atmosphere and adrenalin can do!

This time though I would like to better the 2.36 and improve on it all so I set out with a proper training plan - well I say a training plan it was all in my head, but I knew what I wanted to achieve and my timelines.

In the last 2 weeks I have increased my distance from 6 miles to 8.5 miles which is the most I have ever done (other than the half marathon last year of course).

I am running 3 times a week and going to the gym or swimming on days inbetween with either a Friday or Sunday off as my day of rest.

Truth be told, I am struggling initially. I set off and find the first 3 miles really touch, I try and always run uphill to start with and always end up having to interval (walk 1 lamppost before I can set off again), but then I seem to break a barrier and can keep on going.

I recently invested in new running shoes from Up and Running which are very nice (at £95 I should hope they are though!), and hubby said to me on Saturday when I achieved my 8.5 miles
'How do you feel, you are a proper runner now'

That was a real realisation - I am! I love it as well!

Anyone who knew me at school and saw my pathetic crawls round the cross country track, I was always one of the last would not believe it, I hardly do myself

So tomorrow I intend to go for 9.5 miles, wish me luck!

A to Z Blogging Challenge - R is for

R is for Running

I think last year, I may have don R is for running as well, but I am seriously addicted to it now!

18 months ago, I was not capable of running to the end of our street (about 200 yards) - seriously. It wasn't a lack of fitness really as I could easily jump in a pool and swim 50 lengths or walk over 10 miles, it was simply an inability to run.

Anyone else had/have that problem? I use to dread those horrid miserable, drizzly school days where they didn't know what to do with you at PE time so would send you on the dreaded cross country death run.

Where I live my senior school is on the side of a massive park and you've guessed it, we use to have to run round that park. I never made 1 side, let alone all 4 (in total about 1.5 miles) and that inability to run has stayed with me.

18 months ago I was challenged to a half marathon and being one to never turn my back on a challenge - I decided to overcome my running phobia.

I got decent trainers and set off under the cover of darkness with only the dog and music for company.

Initially that first 200 yards was hard enough but then I started setting myself new lamp post goals - 1 lamp-post further each run and then I suddenly seemed to break a barrier and I was off.

To be perfectly honest, the mad hound trying to charge ahead of me who is completely untrainable on a lead possible pulls me along rather than me 'running' but it all adds to my distance!

This time last year - I entered my first race, I don't do things by half so did a half marathon which was an amazing experience and I stunned myself in completing it in 2.35 hours - i don't think I have ever been more proud of myself.

Yesterday I got an email through to say I have been awarded a place through St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds who cared so lovingly for my Uncle and his family last week for - wait for this only The Great North Run!

I am both excited and scared witless about this! But bring it on!

A-Z Challenge R is for.....

Running

It had to be done I am afraid. I couldn't resist the opportunity to mention one of the biggest achievements of my life again - sorry!

This time last week I was nervously making my way to Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. I had left t'hubby and the boys packing our belongings and checking out of the hotel. I was glad of the down time alone, to collect my thoughts. My main thought was 'what the hell am I doing?'.

I was about to embark on a huge challenge for me - a half marathon. The Edinburgh Rock and Roll half marathon to be precise.

I am no runner, never have been. I hated running at school. I have tried to run in the past and always given up. I am not sure what was different but 6 months ago I decided to give it another go. This time though I was realistic, I didn't expect much, I increased by distance by 1 lamp post at a time and soon surprised myself with an easy 3 mile run. That's was a huge confidence boost. From there I gradually built up to 6 miles. I learnt to control my breathing and pace, I learnt to push on and push through the stitches or hills. I was very proud of myself.

Then came a spate of illness 5 weeks before the actual event. 5 weeks prior to the event I ran about twice and struggled with 2 miles.

I was therefore not confident about the half marathon. I was starting it thinking I would not complete it and knowing I would walk the majority.

I had to run to the toilet in the train station due to nerves. I almost turned round.

The waiting at the start line was nerve racking, especially hearing people chatting about what distances they had been doing and what time they were aiming for. I was aiming for the maximum time, I simply wanted to complete the course one way or another - maximum time was 4 hours I think.

I set off running, I kept running. At 2 miles we turned onto the sea front and I saw a friend who does alot of running. I used her as my pacer and I kept up with her - I bloody kept up! That gave me the biggest boost, forget the sports drink I was supping and the gels I was swallowing - I was keeping up with someone who does triathlons. At mile 8 I was on a high (possibly due to the sugar and energy things!). Then we hit the hill to Arthur's seat, but everyone was slowing to a fast walk, so I did the same, once near the brow I set off running again. next thing I know it is mile 10. Flipping heck, how did I get here? how can I still see the 2 and a half hour pacer? But I could and I kept going. Yes by this stage I was walking up the hills, but I made it across the finish line in 2.36.13 hours.

I am so proud of myself. Now for someone who does alot of running that is probably quite slow but for someone who expected to cross the finish line on her hands and knees and around 4 hours, it is bloody amazing. And my maratrhon/triathlon friend crossed the line with me and was 35 seconds slower than me!! (OK we ignore the calf injury we had).

I now have the running bug. I am resting myself for a week or 2 but can't wait to get out and do another run. I am already looking for the next half marathon to enter - why? I want to better my time! Mad I know!

A-Z Challenge K is for.........

K is for KNACKERED!!

For the last 4 or 5 weeks I have been truly exhausted.

In 2 days I am running a half marathon. Actually let me rephrase that more realistically - I am 'meant' to be running a half marathon. In reality I am attempting a half marathon and am under no illusion it will be walked, run and crawled in order to complete it.

I set about my training months ago - October I think and did really well. I am not a runner, never have been and I literally started by trying to run to the end of my road and each run made myself run 1 lamp post further. it worked and I got up to being able to run 4 miles comfortably without stopping/walking and I was amazed at myself.

I then started trying to build on my 4 miles. At 5 miles I did something to my knee and it was not pleasant so 3 weeks passed of resting. I then tried to get back into it, got back to 4 miles comfortably and got a cold, still I tried. I reached 6 miles but on this 6 miles run, within 500 yards of setting off my stupid dog tripped me over and I fell flat on my face, really hurting not only my knee and hip but also my pride. I made myself carry on but I really pushed myself to reach that 6 miles. It was a proper struggle.

Since then, I have hit a huge barrier. Not only have I been run off my feet with work, I have had another cold, a sinus infection and now have swollen glands and am exhausted or as my blog title says Knackered.

I think I have overdone things. I am constantly trying to keep on top of my work which as a freelancer I have no choice in so often work very early in the morning before everyone else is up for a couple of hours or late into the night. I have also done a fair amount of travelling and running about. Put training on top of that and a lot of personal stress and feeling very low into the mix and I have overdone things and my body is in shut down mode.

As a teenager I was pretty ill with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/yuppie flu whatever you want to call it. It went on for 5 years. At its worse I didn't even have the energy to get from my bedroom to the bathroom on foot and use to crawl, my Dad use to have to carry me up the stairs, eating was an effort. I was one  of the very lucky ones and came through it.

I am now so exhausted that I am petrified it is coming back. I need to take a step back and take things easy but if I don't do the half marathon I think I will feel I am giving into myself. In my mind by even attempting it I am sticking the 2 fingers up at feeling ill and not letting it beat me. I need to sort my head out and get into a better place emotionally and I need to catch up on sleep. I also need to get a handle on work and stop wasting my days away feeling low and sorry for myself then panic working until the wee hours or getting up at 4.30am.

I know what I need to do but it is actually doing it that seems to be the problem!

Grooving Tuesday well Saturday!

I am really late joining in Finding your Groove Tuesday with Kate over at Kate on Thin Ice.

I love the idea of this blog hop and when Kate started it, I swore it would be one I took part in each week without fail, and I am still determined to do so even though I am about 5 days late this week which is simply through work commitments and not enough hours in the day.

So anyhow back to the idea of Getting your Groove back.

It only takes a mere 30 minutes a day to take time out. For me I have started running which has had a brilliant effect. Not only do I feel better for it - more alert, less tired, I can also actually feel the start of me toning up so I am feeling more comfortable about my body, and I am enjoying the challenge.

Failing getting 30 minutes for yourself, there is always the simple things in life like a little treat - your favourite breakfast, a shopping trip etc.

Kate has been setting a weekly challenge and this week's was to buy some new underwear. On a walk through M&S looking for something for my Mini Man I noticed there was a sale on and I was right by the underwear and I do desperately need some new knickers.

Now buying bra's is a much dreaded process for me (I will do a seperate blog post about my traumas in this department), but in M&S there were some really pretty bra and knickers sets and I love matching sets and rarely get any. So I thought what the heck. There wasn;t much choice in my size but I went out of my comfort zone and instead of the normal skin coloured ones, white or black, I settled on a dual pack, yes one white but the other in 'hot pink' (apparently). Now I havent got the confidence yet to post a piccy if myself sporting the new underwear like Glasgow Mummy but maybe one day. Mind you if I were Glasgow Mummy I would be showing my fab figure off as well!

I tried the pink ones on and t'husband walked into the room, and his reaction was fantastic and he went off to work telling me he was really cross with me as he wouldnt be able to concentrate all day knowing what I had on which just made my day! Talk about a confidence boost and I have got to say when I wear the pink ones, I do walk around feeling really good about myself. Best of all it cost me £12.00 for both sets in total.

The second suggestion was to visit a volunteering website but I simply have not got the time. All week I have been up by 4.30-5.00am just to catch up on work and I have a list as long as my arm of things I need to try and catch up on when I have time such as reading schemes for kids with ADHD, learning website for special needs, ASD info, support groups, and not to mention my family history.

I started this and have been in contact with  very elderly relatives, one known to me, another who has found me through the research - both are distantly related but one is an old family friend and up until me doing our family tree none of us, including her knew how our families were related and if infact they were. I have now traced her mother. This lady is 83 and I still have to get my research in some kind of decent written form for her, and I am very concious time could be against me. The other lady never knew her father and he is a direct ancestor of mine and my mum remembers all his sisters but not him sadly, and I have been able to provide her with photos she never had. This lady is in her 70's and there is more I can tell her but it is so tme consuming, I need time to sit and do it. Priorities, priorities. So volunteering is something that is going to be added to the list. I have just filled my CRB form in though to help at the school so don;t know if that counts?

I also wore a pretty short skirt for the first time in a long time, not for a special occasion but just because I felt like it, and again a complement from t'husband made it all worthwhile.

Finally just for me I stole t'husband's ipad and ran myself a hot bubble bath and soaked with a glass of wine while catching up on strictly come dancing which I throughrily enjoyed.

 And so onto next week (which in reality is only 3 days away) but I am certainly thinking of me first at times now, and feel so much better for it, thanks Kate.

Mumentum start of week 1 Closer Diets

Well I am still going with this mumentum, although I think the link has fallen by the way side but it is helping to keep me focused so I will keep on writing it!

Last Thursday I joined Closer Diets - Kick start your body back into shape in 8 weeks. It cost £22.00 which I think is pretty good going. This is a summary of the blurb they give on the Closer website about the diet (please note these are my words).

This is an 8 week diet to help kick start you into a healthier lifestyle. It is meant to help you lose weight and feel better, healthier and happier. Over the 8 weeks there are meal plans, each day includes 3 meals and a snack all of which are fresh. They are meant to be full of goodness and nutrients and lower in calories to help that weight loss.

You start by entering your current weight, what you would like your goal to be and you food likes and dislikes. They then send you your meal plans and you get online support. I am looking forwards to the results!

So far the first day was a bit hit and miss for me due to me needing to go shopping so my cupboards were a bit bare so I just looked at the other meals for the week and substituted ones in that I could make with my minimal ingredients. I tried the cous cous which sounded really nice, however I think my cous cous was off as it had a distinctly musty taste (and has been in the cupboard for longer than I care think about or admit) so that meal was a it of a disaster.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were wipe outs which was really disappointing but Friday I was ill - well I woke up and thought my head was being crushed and every time I moved my stomach lurched. After a full mornings extra sleep and strong painkillers, I began to feel better but needed food and didn't fancy much. I was good though and although i did not stick to the diet plans as my body was craving carbs, I didn't just eat crap although it was alot more calorie loaded than the diet would probably allow. Saturday and Sunday we were celebrating my Mini Man's birthday. The party was pizza hut so I stuck to a bowl of salad minus the pasta and potato salads, hubby decided to be nice and surprise me with a takeaway curry on the Saturday night (unaware of this diet), but I only ate half where I would normally have the whole portion and resisted the poppadoms. I had the other half Sunday. So I feel quite bad about not sticking to the plans, but I am back on track today and really looking forwards to weighing myself and inputting my weight on the tracker on Thursday.

On the exercise front, t'husband and I have signed up for the half marathon in Edinburgh which is a joke considering I am not a runner. We have just got a dog who needs lots of exercise so I have been trying to run with him every other day. On Saturday night I managed to run 2.5 miles without stopping. I was so chuffed. When I slowed to a walk I was debating whether I could continue a little further but I was close to home and wanted a bit of a warm down I regret stopping now as I recon I could of made 3 miles at a push.

I have NEVER run 2.5 miles in my life and I am so chuffed, I am chomping at the bit to get out tonight and see if I can push it to 3 miles. Only another 11.5 miles to go but hey its a start.

I am hoping this will have a huge impact on my weight loss as well x

MumenTum week 1

Last week I decided to become involved in MuMenTum to try and encourage myself to tone up and lose the excess pounds I am gaining and to prevent me gaining anymore. So how has it gone?

Well I have decided I will weigh myself every Monday so last week i did just that> My main problem is I am beginning to put weight on and want to stop it, and I am in desperate need of finding my fitness again and toning up, so I was semi happy to see I only had 8.5lb that I wanted to lose to feel better.

My Davina DVD has arrived in the post this morning (my friedn swears by them so I thought what the hey and if someone sees me flinging myself around the front room as they drive up the road, then they shouldn't be looking!). I intend (please note the intend) to do this 3 times a week.

I have also decided that I will get into running. me and running don't mix, never have done. The town I live in is surrounded by a horseshoe of park called The Stray. it was left to the people of the town by some rich gentleman 100's of years ago so can never be built on as in theory every resident owns a certain percentage of it. My secondary school was built right on the edge of it and on those horrid miserable rainy days, the bastards use to make us run round a portion of the Stray, I never even managed to run one side of it, let alone the other 3. The other night I was driving by that bit of Stray and have set myself a challenge - One day I will run it!

On Friday my Avon lady also delivered my tummy trimmer - lets see if one I actually use it and two if it does anything for me!

Food-wise i have been really good all week, watched what I ate, made sure I had slightly smaller portions and hadnt snacked on biscuits etc. Thursday night though I ended up working through the night to meet a deadline and hit the biscuit tin about 4.30am as I was starving. Then all ay Friday I was so tired, I felt like I was having an out of body experience and reached for every type of crap you can imagine and down the gullet it went. I finished the day off with a curry and wine.

This is why I should not be surprised that I now have 10.5lb to lose but I am gutted! I feel really angry with myself about it, and am so busy with work that I don;t even really have the time to write this but want to keep up with it, so god knows when I intend to do my Davina DVD, run, tummy trim and work!

I WILL get there and I WILL lose those 10.5lb, Hopefully the rest of you ladies have had a better week and here's to hoping I can do better for next week!

By the way Dianne at Working Mum of 4 and a few others, I am not ignoring your blogs and have tried more than once to comment but I am having blogger issues. Whenever I try and post as a google account I can't so I apologise, I do read, i do want to comment but I can't.