I'm in the GNR 2014 !!!!
On hearing this news I had 2 trains of thought, 1 was really really happy as I loved the atmosphere and the event, the emotion of crossing the start line on THE biggest half marathon IN THE WORLD ( Jeremy Clarkson style) was epic, but crossing the finish line was the closest to crawling I have ever been. Then the 2nd one hit me.....Oh my flipping heck it hurt so badly, the pain, the cramps, the rain, the hailstones......what have I done ??????.
It has to be said that the 2nd thought process didn't last very long, as my Mum eluded to "its like giving birth, once you realise you are pregnant again it all comes flooding back, but you soon forget about it" . Yes Mum this analogy comes from someone who yes has given birth 5 times, but never run a mile let alone 13 !!!!. So having delivered 3 kids myself, 13 miles on comparison is about on par, I think ??.
My training took its usual winter off, but due to the unseasonable weather I was able to begin in January rather then late March. I was nervous about running a full 13 miles on my front foot, I really need to up my distance quickly so my muscles have time to adjust. Having already taken to quick jaunts out on 5kms, and trying to better my time, I simply couldn't pick up my pace. I decided to re-introduce my music to see if I could be distracted to increase my pace. I quickly discovered that the music that I ran with previously was now a bit too slow, which came as a shock although I take shorter steps I am quicker and more consistent. Having re-jigged the playlist with a little bit of playing about I have settled on my sequence and pace setters and cool downers. It seems to have worked a treat as my distance is now increasing effortlessly, I am easing off towards the 12km point but I am experimenting with some glucose tablets for energy. I have struggled with this side of my training from the very beginning, but as these glucose tablets are caffeine free then I have no side effects from them, hopefully this can improve my energy levels to allow me to keep momentum.
This year marks a few changes afoot, I am taking a course in Sports fitness coaching and nutrition, I am hoping to take this on as a career. I want to help those that think they can't, to prove and to show they can. I want to work on the ethic that a small change will make a huge difference. You don't need to turn your life upside down, but it can turn you life around. Having seen my Husband shed 5 stones in just 10 weeks and looking fabulous for it, will only inspire others to do it. Yes its hard work to do what my Husband did, but how much do you want it ??.
I have also had a peek of interest at a Marathon....eeeeek, I need to check out all the info before I divulge anymore but it will be in November 2015. As for running this year well the GNR is my only sponsored event, if I decide to take on anything else it will only be for fun, I am not sure I need to prove to myself that I can run a 10km, as I know I can. Yes I could challenge myself on times but is it something I really need to do ?
Have a good week people, stay happy and safe.
