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?...