Best of Brighton 2011

Check out my brother's blog for amazing marathon photos! Thank you so much Perry!
www.perrydyke.blogspot.com

4:56

Exactly two weeks ago I ran the marathon. Since then I've been working hard on fueling my body, indulging in delicious food, resting the left foot (possibility of a pinched nerve), and sleeping -- all in Portugal. It was definitely one of the best days of my life.

I had a frustrating night sleep...worried more so than anything else. I was awake at 2:30am wondering if I had done everything I needed to do in preparation for the big day ahead. I managed to get back to sleep at 4:30am to wake to the alarm at five...adrenaline was to the extreme! I was up eating oatmeal and talking to the hotel receptionist while the hotel was completely quiet. I prepared my toe with a toe sock to protect the area of the missing nail. Perry met Mark and I to walk down to the start...nerves settled in.

Thanks to the AL.E.R.T. which prepared t-shirts in support of me! It was such a big surprise. Mom and dad had them too and sent a photo wishing me luck in the morning. I loved the shirts!

The first half of the marathon was easy. I guess it was just like another training run which I had done so many times. The supporters on the sides of the road were amazing and having my name on my shirt was great! My eyes filled up on a few occasions when people I didn't even know were cheering me on.

The second half of the run was a mental and physical battle, at least from mile 16. The last 4-5 miles were most difficult as both feet were tremendously sore. Mark met me on the last mile and ran it along the other side of the barrier. The crowd were unbelievably loud, blowing whistles, and saying 'only one more mile!'. Honestly, I didn't want to know at this point that there was another mile... I was exhausted, hungry and hurting...I only wanted to know there was one more metre or just one more step.

Crossing the finish line I lifted my arms as I saw Perry at the finish line wearing his yellow shirt and pointing his camera at me. He walked with me to get a foil blanket, a banana, my finishers t-shirt, a banana, my finishers medal, my bag of stuff from the start, a banana, a drink, another banana and then to see Mark. I couldn't speak. I needed food and the four bananas I ate before seeing him were making their way up...I guess I ate them too fast. Luckily and happily I was able to keep them down. It was great having them both at the finish. I sat down in the middle of a busy crowd waiting for my body to get a kick of energy to walk to the charity tent. In the mean time, Mary and James called Mark's phone to congratulate me on finishing. They were there from the beginning to support me during the run but couldn't stick around for the celebrations as they had prior commitments. It was unbelievable to have them there.

Once I got to the Teenage Cancer Trust charity tent everyone was so welcoming and to see my supporting team Lindsay, Carolyn, Calida and Pete was definitely cool. I had lots of hugs from everyone. I settled in for a free sport massage while everyone else helped themselves to free food and beer. It was great a great day and it was fantastic getting the support from everyone near and far. The cards, text messages, e-mails and phone calls were overwhelming. Thank you to all of those who donated money to TCT. I raised a total of £646.91 = $1019.61 CDN!! (The account is still open and will be until May 10th).

Nearly 15 000 people were registered to run but with the hot weather warnings for the day just a little over 8000 people ran. I finished in 4 hours 56 minutes. It was longer than I expected but I was happy to get it done especially with an injury. I'm happy to do another one perhaps the Shanghai marathon in November 2012. It's not set in stone but it is an idea...anyone care to join me?

1 Day to Go!

I've just finished a bowl of Frosties for my breakfast and getting ready to head to the airport. I can't wait to see the faces of Perry, Lindsay and Carolyn. Mark is excited too! I'm feel good today - foot is good, toe with toes nail missing is good and I've just had a really good night sleep (exactly what I needed) It's just a little past 8am and its sunny and 12 degrees. I'm looking forward to this lovely weather in the seaside town. Thanks to all of those who are supporting me and cheering me on in places near and far. It has given me the motivation to get through the cold, damp evenings in winter and raise some good money for charity. Be sure to check back here tomorrow or Monday for an update and photos of the exciting day!

Has Anyone Seen My Toe Nail?

In February, I started to get some bruising under one of my toe nails. Gradually, it started to look mouldy...but more like a multitude of different browns and yellows. I compared my toe with Rosa's toe nail and we agreed that at some point we would both lose them. Sure enough, I was getting a glass of water to help the hydration process and I hooked it into the carpet. Thankfully, it didn't pull off with pain. Hooking it just gave it the push it needed to let go. Fingers crossed it doesn't affect the running on Sunday.

Two days of no aggravation in my foot! All smiles here. :)

Two more sleeps.

Pain Free!

Finally, a day without a pain in my right foot! YAY! I'm wondering if the little prayer last night actually worked. Whatever happened, I hope it stays that way for the marathon...2 days 10 hours! Its getting so close...I was so worried throughout my day yesterday because I had a new pain in my foot that one of my students said, 'Miss, are you okay? You look like you are thinking really hard as if trying to solve a math problem or something'. He made me smile.

Everything is ready for the trip to Brighton including my early morning breakfast for race day! Feeling anxious now but tired...

Running Top? Check.

Mom, I did it!!... Successfully too!

I had initially been given a top with my name on it but they sent it in the wrong size. The challenge this morning was placing my name on the top without burning it or messing up the entire thing. I think I was sweating!! So, I'm officially ready to go now...

One week minus a day and the cheering squad will be here -- I can't wait!

wish it. dream it. do it.

Waking up early this morning and clearing away wine glasses from last night, a buzz came to the door. It was the mail man, delivering a package to me from Australia. It is always fun to get surprise packages in the mail.

My future in laws sent a package of good luck. A wonderful card, filled with encouraging words and a key ring with the words 'wish it. dream it. do it'. How appropriate - I love it!

I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed with the support from family and friends and people I haven't even met. If I knew it would be like this, I would have done it a long time ago. Its amazing and what life should be about - helping and supporting others.

Thank you to Sue, Steve, Mick and Marcelle! I will think of those special words throughout my race next Sunday! xo

Travel

trav·el
–verb (used without object)

 

1. to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship;

 

If I were to write my own definition for point one it would say:

~ to go from one place to another with enjoyment, as by car, train, plane, or ship;

 

Whatever happened to smiling faces, small chat and comfy chairs for everyone? Faster transport would be effective as well...even better, going through our day to day without a clock, meeting deadlines, and moving by the sound of an alarm or bell. What I would like to know is why isn't there a Siesta in every culture? ...where no one travels...hmmm...now there's an idea isn't it? Yes, Transport For London, you really got to me today!!

 

2. to move or go from one place or point to another.

 

If I were to write my own definition for point two it would say:

~to move or go from one place or point to another by foot

 

One thing I have learned through all of my training from the marathon is that you can really go places with two feet and a heart beat and as a result we would have a much healthier society as well. Why do we always have to travel by car, train or bus? Why not walk or run?  Is it because we have all those deadlines and meetings times? Let's not forget that while in the fresh outdoors you can enjoy the sunshine, the chirping of birds and other sounds of nature and really appreciate what's around us.

 

3. to proceed or advance in any way.

...in any way. I love it! Let's run!

 

8 days to go!!

Single Digit Dance

WOW! I cannot believe I'm at 9 days and 11 hours until marathon day!! EEK!

The foot is on the mend...slowly but surely. I'm doing exercises that have been recommended by the physio and taking it easy. I'm hitting the gym tomorrow evening for a cycle to test it out. I'm trying to stay positive and with all the donations coming in, I can't help but think this is something I HAVE to do!

Thanks guys for helping me get through and giving me the support.  

Injury

The foot I've been resting and icing had a diagnosis yesterday. There is suspected ligament damage in the metatarsal of my right foot. I have been advised not to run until the marathon but to maintain my cardio by biking and/or swimming. I am also doing continued physiotherapy treatment to speed the heeling and strengthen my right foot. There is no bone damage.

With all the training I have completed, all the friends and family supporting me and the fundraising I have done I continue to remain positive. Yes, I admit, it does really suck that I have to stop running especially with the weather being so nice. I just need to eat well, stretch, cycle, and relax for the next 11 days.

I'm so excited for the arrival of Perry, Lindsay, and Carolyn and our resting vacation in Portugal. I can't wait!

Almost There

Saturday night and I'm on the couch with my foot wrapped in a an ice pack, reflecting on the past few months of training and reading about the details of the Brighton Marathon weekend.

I would like to thank Calida for her crazy night time training runs in Marlow, Buckinghamshire -- I only did this once! I finished 8 miles with mud filled shoes, possible manure to my knees as I did a lot of slipping and sliding on muddy hills and farm land..I even ended in a barbed wire fence and thorn bush. It was great fun and with moon lit pathways and with the aid of a head torch it was just the kick I needed to get my training in over drive.

I have had unbelievable support over the past few months from friends and family both near and far. My Americain friend and collegue Rosa completed a 17 mile run with me. Mark helped me finish a 20 mile training run by joining me on his bike for the last 9 miles. He was even my body guard against neighbourhood punks making fun of me or as the English say 'taking the mic'.

I have ran my first official half marathon in Lydd, Kent finishing in a time of 1:57:40. It was a challenging after the 10th mile...this is when my foot began to hurt. It's still not 100% but its definitely coming around.

The marathon seems more real to me today than it did a few weeks ago. I have over 300 pounds raised for Teenage Cancer Trust to which I have to send out a ginormous Thank You to all those who have helped contribute. I have my running number and charity top with my name on it so people can cheer me on by using my name. I have friends and family coming to watch and attend the After Party -- if I'm still standing. The nerves have kicked in more so than the excitment right now... Am I prepared for such an event?

Exactly What I Needed

The run tonight with my running club was exactly what I needed to get over my soreness from the 12 miler. However, I definitely could have done without the hills tonight...they were hard work! The girls were excited to hear that I completed the 12 miles in the time I did and were curious about entering the 17 miler at the end of February themselves. It looks like I have become a recruiter for the event as I have also talked a few people from my workplace to go. I will spend the rest of the week thinking about a longer 13 mile route for the weekend...hmmm, I wonder if there are any spaces available in the Watford Half-Marathon on Sunday?...

SOREness!

Wow! I honestly cannot remember when I have felt this sore after a long run - it's been a long time. This morning the spatula was needed to get me out of bed. Today, the motions of sitting, standing and walking had the added facial expression of 'help me!'. Having said all that the pain is not torture. In fact, its almost enjoyable to know that I'm sore because I've entered a new phase of my training. From now until the marathon every long run I do will be a half marathon or longer. I am filled with heaps of happiness knowing that I am that much closer to the big day and still having continued success with my training. Fingers crossed, it continues!!

12 MILES!!

I reached my January goal today of 12 miles with the help of a local running club - Gade Valley Harriers. Thanks to the organisers of the event, it was a huge success! The last Sunday of every month the club will be hosting training runs in the build up to the famous London Marathon. There are plenty of spring time marathons in the UK so anyone can participate. The road marshalls and the participants were encouraging and positive making the event very relaxed and enjoyable.

The run consisted of 3.5 miles along the canal and the remainder through narrow lanes along the countryside. My goal was to have it completed in two hours since I am planning to run 10 minute miles for the marathon. I beat the time by nearly three minutes... 1hr57min14sec! During my 11th mile I passed a lady who seemed be really struggling so offering some supportive words to encourage her along she said to me (with a smile on her face) that she was so thankful to be near the end because she began a half hour before everyone else. That's what I love about running...it doesn't matter how fast you are at completing a route its the attitude and determination to get across the finish line that makes it all worth while. Although I'm absolutely exhausted now I'm wondering if I will be able to get out of bed in the morning let alone walk...a spatula may come in handy when the alarm goes off.

Thanks to all those who offered supporting words over the past few days. A big thank you to Mark for getting out of bed early this morning to bring me to the event, check on me at the 4th and 8th mile and then again at the finish line. You're a star!

Just compleing the 6th mile

Longest Time Recorded

Another Sunday and another long run. I admit I am unsure of my distance but I can say that I ran for two hours and seven minutes which has been longest recorded time yet. I ran well and consistantly through mud paths and paved streets, up hills and down hills, near the canal, in the forest...I was all over the place.

I wanted to extend my run this week to 12 miles. Once I got to a well known park in a local community I noticed piles of runners and race marshalls too! I ended up joining in on a cross country race, I was being cheered on by people, getting high fives and I also found myself encouraging other runners up one hell of a steep hill. I ran next to one girl asking her if she needed someone to run with for a little support and encouragement. She picked up the pace with me until I left the course for the race and onto my own route. Everyone was lovely and running with the large group was very motivating.

Once I made it back to Ricky and onto the main road I heard a voice holler from the service station 'Come on Ali!' Leon later drove by with his lovely fiancee Claire who asked if I needed a lift. It was just the boost I needed as I was in my 124th minute of my run. They pushed me through to the finish line which was great! Thanks!

I have been told that its your support team that helps get you through the 26 mile run. After going for dinner with Leon and Claire last night to celebrate our engagements they decided they were also going to try to attend the marathon in Brighton to cheer me on! How cool!

Thank you to everyone who have sent messages of support and to those who are able to encourage me in person. You have no idea how much it means to me.

10 MiLeS!!

Well today is the day that I've successfully hit the 10 mile mark on my own and in the sun! I felt rested this morning getting out of bed and ready to attack a long run -- thinking I would stick to my usual 8 mile that I've been running for the last month. To my surprise I ran the longer distance keeping a very steady pace of 10 minute miles. If I were to maintain that pace throughout the marathon I would be finished in 4hr20min which would be a massive accomplishment. The goal for this marathon at the moment is to finish at 5 hours...anything less than that would be great! However, having said that just to finish would be fantastic! I'm so excited that Perry and Lindsay will be here for the big day and my fiancee too! This alone has given me the motivation to continue training hard.

Now to rest for a 6 mile run with the girls on Tuesday night...x

Number One Support Team

I believe it's the first Wednesday night that I have trained for the big day. I usually take Wednesdays off, especially after joining the local running club as we run every Tuesday evening and I enjoy the recovery time. However, last night I didn't go for a run with the club because I ran on Monday and completed my first day back to work after the holidays, and was exhausted!! I found myself in bed at 7 and asleep by 7:30. It probably came from the hectic but enjoyable Christmas holiday and of course the travel to and from Canada.

After attending a pointless meeting tonight on the other side of London, I got home late and was very cold. PJs, a blanket and the couch was all I really wanted. Mark was content watching Man City vs Arsenal on the internet (thanks to Alec). However, after a very exciting first half and still no score, Mark gave up his time to watch the ever so important match to get me to the gym for a well needed run. Then again, I guess we both needed it. Well done to my support team! And Thanks!

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!

I cannot believe we are into another new year, 2011! The holidays made training challenging however I did manage a couple of runs while in Gander, NL and one of those was with my brother Charles during some heavy flurries. That particular run was difficult as we found we were using more energy fighting the wind and snow in the face then actually lifting our feet while covering the distance.

I just completed my first run of the new year all while wearing my new running hat given to me by Mel to help with my marathon training -- Thanks Mel!! The holidays were fantastic although a little delayed because of 10cm of snow at Heathrow. Spending time with family and close friends was definitely ideal for the holidays.

Happy New Year to everyone! I don't have a New Year's Resolution however I do know that I am eager to complete this marathon and it will be my main focus from now until April 10th. I can't wait!