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!