2015 Training

So 2015 - Training for Silverstone Half Marathon 15th March, London Marathon 26th April, Bupa London 10000 25th May all for Macmillan (and even Jay is  joining me for the Bupa 10000)

Well training started in 2014, infact it didn't stop once I'd run the Southend 10K. I just wanted to increase the miles earlier this time to enjoy running the London even more than I did last time. At least I know how I'll be feeling - nervous, what not to change on the day - using vaseline not to get blisters (they caused them last time) and just learning to relax as much as possible and enjoy the moment and crowds.

I was actually running 13 miles before christmas so I was well up on the last time I was training, but I was worried about the winter weather. Mind you if I can train in what I did in 2012/13 then I could do anything thats for sure. So when I'm feeling down I just remind myself of that, most people would have given up, I nearly did but I made it.

I was also lucky to be chosen to run in London in December with the Adidas 26RS and Liz Yelling, Scott Overall and Steve Way who are all marathon runners of Olympic standard. Was an early Saturday start for me on the train - all for 2 hours, but it was worth it.  Little me ran with Scott Overall on the way to the park in Bethnal Green and ran back with Liz Yelling:-) I'm no good with intervals, I can't seem to get quicker and the training proved this, either that or everyone else was running to their max and there is no way they'd ever keep that pace up for the marathon - although saying that I'm not exactly quick thats for sure, but I can just keep going like a duracell battery:-)

So new trainers purchased from the London Marathon Store, still the same New Balance ones like I've been wearing for the last few years, so my running gait and style hasn't changed at all, now to see if I can run without blisters this time around?

So this year so far I'm up to about 15-16 miles so far, been doing that distance each weekend for the last few weeks to get better then plan is to increase this weekend if I can. I know I'm way ahead but just want to be better prepared this year.  Also Jay can't come out with me every weekend this time around, and its hard running long distances on my own, so every other weekend is my really long run with Jay and when he's at work I'm trying to split my long runs, so if doing 16 miles will do 8 miles one day and 8 the next. Still good training as I don't normally do too longer distances one day after the other, but if my legs are still good doing that then I know I have the miles in them to keep going.

Noticed this time around my legs aren't hurting as much after a long run, but my feet are. Not sure if its circulation or not but balls of feet are hurting and couple of toes, been going on NHS direct but could be a few things.  I know  my shoes are good, they are slightly big for me, I've been trying alsorts of different socks with padding and without so perhaps I've still not found the right ones?

Decided in Janaury to email my family and friends not on facebook and add to my facebook page my Just Giving site for Macmillan.  Not giving myself a total this year as found it disappointing in 2013 when certain circles weren't as forthcoming as I thought they may be - you certainly know who your friends are when it comes to giving to charities.  I know there are loads of good ones, and not everyone can afford to give even if they want to, but if all those supposed friends on facebook (I've now had a cull) gave just £1, its amazing how much it would add up.  I'm not worrying this year, I don't have to raise a certain amount, whatever I raise is a bonus as thats the good thing about a ballot place, you don't have to raise money if don't want to, but I think its a great opportunity and a great motivation to keep you going.

I will try to add some photos of runs/medals so far, but so far I've only just managed the blogging part let alone the pictures part.

I'll try now to add my training runs to here, I also use Bug Miles which is great, have a few running buddies I've never met but we all encourage each other, and amazing how many are doing either the Silverstone Half or the London Marathon.

Had last weekend off as went out and this week is bad so far (although did run last night after work for my short 6.5 miles). Hope to have another short run tomorrow night and then a long run either Sat or Sunday depending on the weather as Jay is off anc can shout (oops I mean encourage me) along.