Giraffes Are My Favourite

So my Beeeyatch Beth asked me a while ago if I fancied taking part in the Marwell Zoo 10k in Hampshire – Sure I said, why not. A little while later I took a look at the course map – it looked a little hilly but hey, no worries I thought  Then I noticed another stinger. As the course is on the open road and you need to listen out for marshals and – erm, tractors – they don’t allow you to wear any kind of headphone. This sent me into a panic. Hills AND no Rocky Theme Tune for distraction – eek!!
We road tripped to Hampshire with Beth, her husband John and her Dad Mike who was also running his first race. From the offset, there was a lovely vibe. Everything was really well organised – Just over a thousand runners in total and there was a great atmosphere in the pre-race area. We collected our chips, tried to work out how to attach them, then started our warm up lunges beside the Tapir and Cheetahs.

The fist kilometer or so went round the zoo – we got to say hello to the giraffes and monkeys then headed into the beautiful Hampshire countryside.

Well, it would have been beautiful except for the fact that the first half was ONE GREAT BIG MASSIVE HILL!! Fellow runners told survivors stories of the course – “oh yeah, this is a very challenging course – the hills are pretty steep and go on for a long time” – bloody hell! The marshals and people at the water stations were great and gave out Jelly Babies with love. Marshals were  super supportive in mostly a non annoying way. One though who I picked out as a definite Keeno was shouting “Looking Good Ladies” to every female that passed by hmmmm – the sight of a red faced, overweight woman struggling up a hill is hardly ‘a good look’ in my books.

Thankfully the last half was mostly downhill or flat. As no headphones were allowed, I was able to chat to those around me. I made lots of new friends including one dressed as a parrot and one as a zebra. I crossed the finish line in one hour three minutes. Beth and her Dad both killed it, beating me despite it being their first ever running race. Beth wins the award for funniest finish photo as she tried to listen out for her time on the iPhone strapped to her arm.

We were disappointed with the race bling, or more accurately, lack of it. Instead of getting a finishers medal we got a crappy badge

I have to say though that this was the only disappointment. The race was very well organised and everyone was super friendly. I’d definitely do it again. One additional bonus was being able to go round the zoo afterwards – it was very cool – giraffes are my favourite….

I’m doing another 10k next weekend – the Bupa London 10,000. It was a boost for the confidence knowing I can actually run perfectly well without the distraction of music and I can cope with monster hills without totally dying. I would love to finish a 10k this summer in under an hour. Amazing to think it’s a real possibility when this time last year I couldn’t run for 60 seconds… Good times

Rock on with the Summer Races…..

Peace Out

Egg-citing Adventures

My usual sickeningly optimistic demeanor has been shaken. Some geniuses threw eggs at a friend and I as we walked home from a party this weekend. Just in case you’re wondering, it’s NOT fun to travel across London playing find the egg shell in your party clothes. The next day I was still fuming. Rather than stew in my own juices, I wondered how the situation could be transformed to a force for good. My solution

Using eggs in the best way I know – Banana Pancakes – a Hug on a Plate.

I also thought I would try a special weekend run. Purely by accident I came across some fantastic runs around central London on the Serpentine Running Club website. This one takes you the whole way would Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Green Park passing shameless London tourist spots on the way.

Start at Hyde Park

Head to Kensington Palace

Learn some interesting facts about trees

Swing by the Royal Albert Hall

Which overlooks the Albert Memorial

Head towards Green Park saying hello to Nelson on the way

Swing by Buckingham Palace to say hello to Liz to ask her how Jubalympics prep is going. Unf she wasn’t in

Check in on her son at Clarence House while you’re there

Duck under Wellington Arch

Head back to Speakers Corner in Hyde Park past the Joy of Life Fountain

And finish at the Animal War Memorial

It was a very pretty, but very slow seven miles given the many stops I had to make to orient myself and sidestep tourists -btw, is there ANYTHING more annoying than a bunch of tourists with umbrellas. Even though I’ve lived in this great city for about 4 yrs now, there’s so much I haven’t seen – could be a good excuse to work through the whole website ……

Until Next Time

Peace out

xoxo

The One Where I Go To The London Marathon

I spent today mostly looking like this

I know what you’re thinking – In the words of LMFAO – I’m Sexy And I Know It!!!

I was joining 200 other supporters with Macmillan Cancer at mile 25 cheering on runners of the 2012 London Marathon. I was joined by Team Awesome AKA my very good friends Ellie, Alan and Mickey and had a surprisingly fantastic day.

An article in the Evening Standard called the London Marathon a ‘ pure force for good’ with serious hundreds of millions of pounds being raised for various charideees over the years.  It did seem like the whole atmosphere was pumped full of positive vibes. Cheers were raised for the elite wheelchair athletes, then elite women and men – mind boggling how fast they go and how they’re able to maintain it for over 26 miles….

Then came the normal runners. Anyone from Macmillan, anyone with an unusual name, or anyone with a particularly inventive outfit got an extra loud cheer. My favourite was the dude dressed as an asthma inhaler – different, although I think it’s fair to say the 65 year old dressed in a mankini was less appreciated. It was one of those times when conventional British anti-social rules definitely didn’t apply – we chatted along with other spectators and cheered their loved ones – ‘Go Ed for Lifeboats’ and talked to elated marathoners on the tube home about their race experience.

Later I wandered near the finish line. It was genuinely touching to see people have medals put round their neck and to see how they would look upon them so lovingly – it was obvious how much that lump of metal meant to people. Also to see runners reunited with their friends and families – tears, hugs and love all round – nearly as  sickening my blog post last month.
Even if the thought of running makes you break out in spots, I would highly recommend going along to cheer – you’ll probably get given a t shirt as cool as mine and some inflatable sticks that you can play pretend fencing with if you get bored.

It’s all getting me excited about my next race – a less impressive 10K at Marwell Zoo in a few weeks – Bring It On!!

Until  next time Sportsfans

Over and Out
Xoxo

Swimming Ettiquette

I’ve been looking a lot like this lately in preparation for the Great North Swim in June

Last post I promised twisted and cynical, and here it is. I really do love swimming, always have, but there are a few pet peeves which are garanteed to push my buttons and transform me from a happy soul into a grumpy old woman. In my defence, these rules only apply when the pool is marked off for lane swimming so these are for people who have come specifically to do lengths, not to just mess around.

(1) Poolside Stop And Chats

When swimming lengths, THE most annoying thing is when two or more people commandeer the end of each  lane for chatter meaning you can’t swim the whole length of the pool and push off from the  edge. If you want to gossip love, feck off to the the cafe upstairs – a swimming pool’s for swimming, not discussing. Will do a passive aggressive ‘I’m displeased’ death stare at Stop and Chatters, but I think it loses effect through my pink tinted swimming goggles lenses.

(2) People Who Make Up Their Own Swimming Stroke

These people are usually also excessive splashers. The most unusual bespoke swimming style I’ve seen recently can only be described as ‘The Turtle’, a painfully slow flapping of arms and legs resulting in virtually  no momentum forward and a plethora of splashage. Particularly annoying one to get stuck behind

(3) People Positioning Themselves In The Inappropriate Swimming Lane

If you’re not a fast swimmer, there is absolutely no shame in sticking to the slow lane – none at all. What is not ok though, is kidding yourself that the fast lane is for you. People who do this are also likely to be Stop and Chatters – all manner of wrong. As an aside, I aspire one day to be good enough to go in the fast lane.

If you find yourself guilty of any of the offences above, be rest assured that that your other swimmers DO notice and they DO mind!

Until Next Time

Peace Out

xoxo

PS. Oh, and Happy Easter

The Heart of Life is Good

Warning: This post is sickeningly, nauseatingly upbeat

There’s a lot of rubbish we have to deal with in life. Every day we’re bombarded with sad news & stories of deplorable acts people do to each other. Sometimes it’s easy just to be cynical. However, when it comes to it – I think (in the words of John Mayer), The Heart of Life is Good. Here’s three scenarios from the past 12 months which will warm the cockles of your heart……

(1) Sport Relief

On Sunday I took part in the Sport Relief Mile in The Mall by Buckingham Palace. Over 1million people all over the UK took part in a one, three or six mile run to raise money for charities across the world. I was recovering from a 10 mile long run the previous day so I stuck to the one mile – well, that’s my excuse…. The day typified everything I’ve come to learn and love about running – people of absolutely all shapes, sizes and abilities coming together and doing their thing. There were people sprinting, walking as fast as they could and one amazing lady who took a few steps before resting for a while in her wheelchair before getting up and doing a few more. It took her ages, but she flipping did it. The buzz was great. I was shameless in my celeb hunting – among other things I’m proud to have achieved in my life, I can now say I’ve high fived someone from JLS and got my photo taken with Sir Steve Redgrave who stopped for a decent chat with everyone and is a thoroughly nice bloke. All in all over £54 million has been raised in the UK – who says we’re stingy…. Importantly, I got another medal

(2) The London Riots

Last summer, London went absolutely nuts. Buildings were set on fire, shops looted and people terrorised during a week of rioting. The day after a particularly bad night, I happened to be in Clapham, one of the worst affected areas. Following a post on twitter, Clapham residents came out in their hundreds with their own brushes & shovels and rather than wait for the council, set about clearing up the streets all by themselves. Messages of support were scrawled over burnt out shops and emergency scaffolding, children donated toys to other kids who had lost theirs in fires and people pledged to help shop owners whose buisness had been destroyed.

(3) Fundraising for the Half Marathon

Donations to the Brighton Half Marathon for the Alzheimers society have now reached £2030!! I’ve more than doubled my target and have received donations of huge amounts of money from people who I’ve never even met, but whose lives have been affected in some way by Alzheimers. On top of the very generous financial donations, people who I talked to about this endevour have been nothing but 100% positive about the most unlikely person in the world training and finishing a half marathon. The donations page will be open to May, so if anyone is still feeeling generous, feel free to click here.

So yes, there’s a lot going wrong, and but I reckon when we get to it, The Heart of Life is really is Good

Enough nauseating optimism – until next time when I’ll be twisted and cynical

Peace Out

xoxo

Foot Watch – The Sequel

Whenever I’ve seen friends over the past couple of weeks, before we even get to the hello stage, I invariably get asked the question – How are your feet?? This is followed up quickly with “By the way dude, your feet are gross – Who even puts pictures of their feet on the internet” What can I say – bite me… Three weeks post race and here’s how they’re shaping up

Extra cushioning for future races I suppose.

Life after completing such a big milestone is weird – you can’t help but feel there’s a bit of a void.  I’ve made a real effort to keep up with running 3 times and cross-training a couple of times every week. I’ve been going to a few of my local parkruns and can’t say enough about how good they are – free 5k races every Saturday all round the UK – super friendly people with absolutely all levels of running ability. I’m also seeing my 5k time come down nicely I’ve put my Half Marathon medal on the bedroom mirror – still smile every time I see it!

Next race is the Sport Relief Mile down The Mall in London which should be a lot of fun. 25th March baby – see ya there

Peace Out

xoxo

Foot Watch

If you’re squemish, you probably shouldn’t read this post.

One week since the Brighton Half Marathon. My legs are recovered, I’m feeling smug. There’s only one problem – My feet are Fuct.

I mean seriously

*WARNING – Grossness Alert*

I got properly fitted for running shoes on that running machine where they take a video of your feet and you watch it back with popcorn AND I got fancy running socks AND I even wore preventative blister plasters before I ran but as you can see, that didn’t work.

Wanna see another one

This is a direct quotation from one of the people I live with “Please don’t make me look at them again”

I’ve been advised a hot bath with Epsom salts is the way forward, but does anyone else have any top tips for dealing with blisters? It’s been a week now, they won’t go away and they hurt!!

In other news,  I’ve had a few requests to keep this blog going even though the half marathon is finished and I’m only too happy to oblige! I’ve realised that booking into organised stuff is the best way to keep me focussed and keep this fitness malarky going. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to turn into a Keeno (Click here to discover why I NEVER want to be a Keeno) but I’m feeling well, have had a blast over the past few months, so it would be silly not to keep it going. So, over the next few months, I have booked myself into

The Sport Relief Mile in March

The Bupa London 10,000 in May

The Great North Swim in June

The London 10k in July

and

The Great North Run in September which is the worlds BIGGEST Half Marathon (super excited about that one)

It’s gonna be great. I’m gonna get me so much free stuff!!

So until next time, Peace Out – next time I’ll try not to write something that’ll make you vom.

xoxo

 

Mission Acomplished

Every now and again, the universe pulls its finger out and things come together to make a near perfect day.

Perfect weather, a beautiful route, a city alive with supporters and my very own fan club made for an awesome, awesome day. I was running with my very good friend Amy and we both made it across the finish line. There was some controversy after the race finished – it transpired that someone put a cone in the wrong place during a turn around and we actually ran half a mile more than the 13.1 miles we were supposed to! Our times were adjusted so I managed it in 2hours 27 mins which isn’t exactly breaking any records, but I was chuffed nonetheless.

I heard of a really nice idea which Amy, and I tried out – we dedicated each mile to a different person(s) I’ve asked Amy to be a guest contributer on this post – I can’t guarantee that these are perfectly in order, but here’s a run down of our race….

Mile One -  We dedicated the first mile to each other – so mile one goes to Amy who was running her second half marathon and killed it despite being unwell all last week – we did it dude!!

Amy - Yooooouuu! Very proud of one of my favourite people and her new found running talents! I was very happy to share the day with you – and well done on your victory!

Mile Two – To Stephen who I work with who told me his Mum lived with Alzheimer’s before her death a few years ago

Amy – To your Nan – all the pain and hard work inspired by her, to a great cause too.

Mile Three – To Ellie – one of my top 3 favourite people – to her resilience for coping with a really tough year and her 100% enthusiasm and encouragement for this crazy idea I had last winter

Amy - To Geoff – my favourite boy, thanks for the support despite knowing my lack of training. Wouldn’t have been the same without your shouts at various time points, and of course the kiss at mile 6

Mile Four – To Barcardi Ali my crazy Auntie who put on an event in her home bringing in hundreds of pounds and who is recovering from a nasty operation this week

Amy - To Mummy and Daddy – for all their support in my daft escapades and always checking I’m alive and well at the end

Mile Five – To Chloe who let me stay with her and the family all weekend in Brighton and made me a good luck hot water bottle the night before. Also one of my most favourite people on the planet and who I won’t see for months as she’s traveling with work

Amy – To Grandma Love – what a rubbish couple of years and dedicating this warm up to the Great North Run which I am doing to raise money for the Stroke Association.

Mile Six – To Mum – the best role model a young woman could wish for – shining example of always putting family first

Amy - To Grandpa Love – for being a wonderful Grandfather and for all he does to look after a wonderful Grandmother

Mile Seven – To Grampa ‘The Don’ – this guy could write a book about the things he’s experienced. One of the most loving, gentle, charismatic people you could ever meet – plus, he’s 87 and can txt – legend!

Amy – To my legs! 2 miles of sheer torture followed this point – I should also raise a glass to lucozade and glucose at this stage!!

Mile Eight – To Dad who really excitedly got behind this whole endevour and for a whole host of reasons is truly a Dad in a Million!

Amy - To Philip – my wonderful baby brother!

Mile Nine – This is where things really started to hurt! This mile was for Granny – a remarkable woman who is living with this bloody awful condition of Alzhiemers with such dignity and grace

Amy  - To Lisa – my favourite little sister in law

Mile Ten – To my brother Dee – the most genuine person I know. Great Dad, great brother, great bloke!

Amy - To Stevie B – my wonderful big brother, for all of his big brotherly love and guidance

Mile Eleven – To Trevor – a guy I’ve never actually met but who is a friend of my aunt. His father has Alzheimer’s and gave me £100 for this cause

Amy - To Katie – My favourite big sister in law

Mile Twelve – To my sister Caroline who has raised a little star in the form of my niece Hannah. Don’t know how you find the time to do all you do sis – ’nuff respect.

Amy - To Grandad & memory of Grandma Baraniak – what wonderful Grandparents, Grandma is still very much missed

Mile Thirteen -  I ran out of miles to fit everyone I wanted to in, so the last one was for my whole family – I’m incredibly privileged to have grown up with such cool people around who only want the best for me – I’m truly blessed. At this point, I started crying like a baby and continued until the finish line

Amy - To Auntie Linda – well what can I say about her…for the laughter she brings to my life and her love of Lily the little border collie! Mile last .2 which was really a sneaky .7 … my fellow runners on the day who had to keep their legs going that extra half a mile!!

Additional good things about the day

(1) Beating Katie Price

(2) So. Much. Free. Stuff.

Was in a wall of pain the next day and have two feet full of blisters, but honestly, it was worth every last step.

Overwhelmed by the support I’ve received and will let you all know the final total in a few weeks time, but the Just Giving page is still open here if you want to drop by

Could probably write so much more, but for now, that is all.

Until next time

Peace Out

xoxo

The Final Countdown……..

So, one week until the Brighton Half Marathon- my first ever proper race. A few months ago running 60 seconds was a challenge so part of me can’t quite believe this is actually happening It’s been a mixture of emotions this week – doing fewer and fewer miles in the week before a race is actually really difficult.  You can’t help but worry that all the fitness you’ve spent months cultivating will wilt away during a week of sloth. I’m nervous, but really exited and really pleased that some of my favourite ever people are coming along to share the day.

I was very sad to wake up to the news that Whitney Houston has died. I’ve spent many happy an hour dancing along to Whitney in ironic 80s bars. I’ve added One Moment In Time to my playlist for next week in her honour. I’m hoping that will spur me along in addition to the good wishes and donations so many people have sent. I’ve been genuinely stunned by how generous people have been – ‘anonymous’ – you know who you are – I don’t, but thank you – that was amazingly generous and also people who I’ve never met – e.g. Stephen Griffiths – thanks for the dollar! The Just Giving page is still open so feel free to take a look by clicking here and chucking me a few quid if you feel able / inclined

I’ll let you know how I get on – Wish me luck!
Peace Out
Xoxo

Hey Everybody, Come See How Good I Look

Yesterday was a big day. I ran 12 miles. That’s the farthest I’ve ever ran before, and the longest before the Half Marathon which is TWO WEEKS TODAY!!!

It was also an exciting day because I got to model my new cold weather running gear, complete with sexy fluorescent pink gloves. The weather in the UK has decided to go a bit nuts so I was running in -3c. Still, it’s almost worth it when you get to look like this…

I totally wanted to shout out ‘Hey Everybody, Come See How Good I Look’ at the top of my voice, Ron Burgandy Style, but no-one else was around, so I contained myself.

Overall the 12 miles weren’t too bad. Although it was cold, it was a beautiful sunny morning and I ditched the hills for the river which meant it was nice and flat. A few things of note happened. I saw a rat towards the end – people who know me well know that I am properly terrified of rats – even writing the word is making me feel sick right at this moment. I saw it far off in the distance and thought about what I should do. I reckoned if I could run 12 miles, I could cope with running past it. Then it moved again and I totally freaked out and clambered up a hilly ledge to get onto another footpath. I think I kinda scared the people out for their morning stroll.

Although overall I felt ok, at certain points it was really tough – around mile 9 I thought I was going to die. Then something amazing happened – my itunes playlist shuffled to the Chariots of Fire theme tune, and right when I was looking at this

I actually laughed out loud – amazing how the right songs find you, just when you need them.

Unbelievable to think in two weeks time it will be race day. People have been incredibly supportive and have been asking how to donate – I’m running this for the Alzheimer’s Society who I know from personal experience are a wonderful charity providing support for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. If you would like to, you can donate to the Alzheimer’s society by clicking here – your generosity is genuinely, hugely appreciated.

So now I start tapering off which is basically doing less to conserve energy for race day – much harder than it sounds as I’ll probably spend the fortnight worried I’ll totally lose all fitness and forget how to run. Wish me luck!

Peace Out

xoxo