Cool Runnings

Think I should have worn my hat & gloves for this morning's run!....worth getting cold to see the sun in the mist though.
[ Yes, I do know I shouldn't be stopping to take photos]

Team complete

Paul finally secured a place - via Help the Hospices -so the Team is complete

Off on the wrong foot

The 'go-faster' socks arrived.
However, I failed to notice they are marked with a 'R' and a 'L' - maybe that's why I didn't run faster?????

Thunderbirds Are Go

Well I took Matt's advice...Zen breathing [difficult to explain and do] worked - as did running with Thunderbird hands.
AND-for the first time EVER workman shouted "Looking Good - Go For It Girl" - I know it's not 'PC'-but it felt REALLY good!!

More Advice

Advice from daughter-in-law; get some 'go-faster socks' = ordered

Advice from hairdresser; try Zen breathing and run like a Thunderbird - don't ask

Sadistic Trainer Makes An Appearance

AM; Received an e-mail from Ben 'suggesting' the Midlands Fun Run [June] for us to enter.
I looked at the route to see 'Cardiac Hill'...doesn't sound like fun to me? - but I entered anyway

PM; another e-mail from Ben - 'suggesting' the Lichfield 10k..the week before the GNR.
I enquire as to whether this would be wise - surely we should be resting?
I am informed that this is not the case-rather that it would be a good opportunity to check our race pace!!! - so I've entered

Thank You Ryan Air

I don't often feel the need to thank Ryan Air - but their limit on luggage for a weekend in Dublin meant I couldn't take my trainers - so a weekend off.
However, while on the open-top bus tour -I saw so many runners out there I began to feel jealous [this can't be happening to me!]

Keep Calm

Ben & Sue have secured places in the second ballot. While this is good - it does give me a renewed sense of the need to train - Ben is going to push me , I just know it!!

Thanks for the T-Shirt Rachel....It works

Get Your Act Together

Gave myself a good talking to...and clocked up 3 miles. It felt good and I felt better for getting off my but!!

Any Excuse

Winter weather - frost and icy paths hinder the training -or put another way...
it was a good excuse not to get out there. Plus my mum died and I've sort of lost my way

Running with Purpose

So with a place secured, the training has to start....and if I'm doing it, I will be doing it for more than my personal fitness....
I am Vice-Chairman of Birmingham Children's Hospital Charities [http://www.bch.org.uk/] - so the decision was easy...and as I start [or possibly finish] every training run I have to think about those poorly children - and suddenly it's all worth it.

Good and Bad News

Paul, Ben & Sue all received e-mails notifying them that they had not been successful in the first ballot. I heard nothing - but presumed I was in the same position.
Then I checked my credit-card statement...entry money had been taken.
A phone call confirmed it - I WAS IN!!

My supportive friends and hubby all promised to cheer from the sidelines [with drink in hand] thanks guys

Running to Diet - where it all began

It started when I decided to diet for my son's wedding [ so it's his fault then!!]

I hate gyms so decided to go running....

I wasn't going far at first - but built up to 3 miles x 3 times a week - and I lost the weight, got fit, and come the day of the wedding I looked and felt good.

BUT after the wedding - friends [Ben & Sue] suggested I set a new goal to keep fit...now wine may have been taken, and in fairness they did opt to enter the ballot for the Great North Run with me...so names [now including hubby Paul] were entered into the ballot