Week One

One of the things I love about running is the I DID IT feeling that it gives you, every step of the way, from the beginning being able to run for minute, to running in the snow like I did this week.

I have had a couple of these moments this week. On tuesday I took the bull by the horns and went off to Petts Wood Runners running club. You get a couple of weeks free before you join but to be honest I am happy to pay the £15 annual fee now. I joined group 3 this week. There are about 7 groups I think, 1 being the slowest. So we ran about 5.5 miles (as usual I forgot to switch my Garmin on at the beginning). We ran a very easy 10.15 mile pace which suited me perfectly, made me realise that hey yes, I can do a longer run! Going at a slower pace will be the way forward for my half I think, if I am to achieve my goal of doing it without stopping.... So basically loads of mad people meet in a park, the group leaders for that week go to the front and you join the group you want, and run! Chatted with a girl most of the way, nearly fell over a recycle bin on the pavement and managed to keep up at the front of the group the whole way. And didn't feel too self conscious.  Apart from the recycle bin moment maybe....! So I will go next week. If I can get the go ahead from my lovely family that is.

Wednesday was the normal Queen Bees training session with my running buddies in Norman Park.  We met in the car park as usual and went off and did some hills. Hate hills but gotta be done.  I put all my effort into these sessions, Mick normally gives 2 options, one for the faster and fitter and one for the rest. I always go with faster group and am always at the back/end but I don't care, at least I can say, I DID IT every week!

Only one session of core exercises this week, during which I did about 4 half press ups and my arms nearly died. Suffered all week they did! No cross training at the gym cos I had to work 9-9 on thursday and on Saturday morning. And of course The Snow came. I did still however manage to get out for a quick run in it in Friday, it was truly beautiful in the woods, took a couple of pics but they make it look darker than it was.

This snowy running has convinced the girls and Andy, that yes, I really am crackers. Can't imagine why they think that....

Week Zero

This has been an exciting week, the half marathon is rapidly becoming a family affair!! My lovely soldier boy nephew Mike and his friend are doing the 10k with me and now also the half too. Then next thing his equally lovely big brother's gorgeous fiancée announced she was joining us!! They will all stay the weekend with us, it will be a hoot. Andy instantly started planning what he would cook for us! Lots of pasta on the Saturday evening please. Lots of wine on the Sunday evening please.

So the big day is 12 weeks away on Sunday so the proper training starts next week, but because I am so keen, or such a nutter, I have drawn up a plan made up from all sorts online, and to fit with my life hopefully and I have been busy this week making my legs (and arms?!) ache. More exercises on the lounge floor, serious hills with running group on Wednesday and 30 minutes on the cross trainer last night in the gym. Oh ok then, 26 minutes, I just couldn't keep going! And some running at the crack of dawn,well before that actually, on tuesday. I do ache. Parkrun tomorrow. And not had a drink since last friday. When we had masses with some good friends.  Camomile tea is the future of Friday nights!!

Committed...

OK so I have gone and done it. Signed up for the Paddock Wood Half on April 7th 2013. OMG. Whilst I am excited about the prospect, of course I am terrified too. Terrified I wont be able to fit in the training, cope with it, do the distances etc etc. But also I look forward to proving to myself that hey yes, I can do this! Crossing that finish line will be amazing. I hope!! So its 13 weeks away, I have a 12 week plan but I am starting this week really. Call this week Zero. I have also treated myself to a weekly delivery of a Graze Box at work. All nutritious and healthy of course. Watch this space for what that is like.

Tonight me and the girls did some exercises at home, "core strengthening", hahaha, more like rolling and groaning round the lounge.

Also signed up for the Ashford 10k, 4 weeks time.