Not been here for ages, thought id pop in to update my lists.

 

Ive added my monthly mileage to the list and im creeping closer to my target of 300 miles for the year.

 

Ive also updated my race list and added my recent Birchwood 10K time which is my new era 10K pb.

I have a confession...................

 

I hav'nt been running

 

so your all sat there thinking..."She cant even stick it for one week"

 

Well actually I have been rugby training instead, 3.5 hours a week of intense body conditioning exercises

 

1hr on a tuesday and thursday and an 1.5hrs on a Saturday, this is my second week and I can already feel improvements.

 

I decided to make the switch from plodding to body conditioning because I need to fitter and I need to be faster.

 

As you will know I do some refereeing and Touch Judging at the weekends but its off season at the minute so there isnt much action, but I did some 360 feedback on myself on my performance over the last season and it was obvious that there was room for improvement with my fitness so I have decided to do something about it.

 

I did decide to run shorter distances but faster but changed my mind in favour of the rugby training after watching the boys do it one day and I thought "Thats exactly what I need, something structured to help improve fitness", so I asked if I could join in and I love it.

 

We always start off with a half mile jog around the field as a warm up, and even after one week there are noticable improvements in my speed, today I managed 10:30 min/mile pace without it feeling uncomfortable which is fantastic.

 

We then do a series of

 

1 min of sit ups (proper ones not crunches)

1 min of Press ups

1 min of sit ups touching opposite knees with elbows

1 min of squat thrusts and jumps

 

All that with only 20 second rests between each set

 

After that we do a series of agility tests which involve stepping through ladders and jumping hurdles, hitting the deck and bouncing up again between markers on the field about 10 meters apart.

 

A series of shuttle runs collecting cones 10, 20, 30 and 40 meters out

 

The a series of 'Set  ins' - We sprint forward for 10 meters (we have to do this in under 2.5 secs, which is hard when you feeling tired) but then have to jog backwards for 10 meters and continue, think we did this for about 5 mins tonight.

 

Then I finished off with a half mile cool down around the field.

 

Its hard work and the first time I did it I will admit it was hard to keep up with the lads, I did keep up but I was panting by the end, tonight when I did it I could keep up no problem, an obvious sign that the fitness is building.

 

I have my rugby league fitness tests in January, I have the pass criteria and thats what I am aiming to do, still got quite a way to go but I am encouraged by my own performance so far, and thats only after a short time at it.

 

 

There is one thing though, ill be unsure of my total mileage for this month, the only mileage I am recording are the half mile warm ups/cool downs, I have not been recording all the running in the sets and shuttle runs, its hard enough trying to concentrate on the moves as it is without adding the complication of switching the garmin on and off every two mins.

I will come out at the start of the rugby season fighting fit and ready to go.......and I cant wait

 

 

So after the moonwalk which was absolutley amazing I attempted the Sandstone trail 34 mile challenge the following week.

 

My friend and I set off with the rest of the nutters from Whitchurch heading for Frodsham, the weather turned nasty, very nasty and after nearly a weeks worth of torrential rain the trail was very muddy, at one point we were in it up to our knees.

 

We climbed 600ft up to mile 13 where my friend was really struggling, she suffers with severe Kidney problems and the trail had begun to take its toll on her back, so for safety reasons we pulled out at mile 13.

 

Its a shame really because I was really up for it but my friends health and safety was paramount especially in deteriorating conditions.  If  I had continued ans she got worse and required an ambulance no one would have realised what was up with her as we dont wear numbers where we can write our medical info on them so I stayed to make sure she was going to be ok.

 

Mr Viking walk/ran the event and was having a stormer and at one point was in 28th position out of 188 but they had changed the trail from previous years and he took a wrong turn which set him back 2 miles and 14 places...but he still finished in the top half of the field.

 

Loads of people dropped out the event or were pulled off the course for safety reasons, the conditions were definately not the best and I will have to go back next year to attempt the challenge again.

 

It was my first ever DNF but it was with good reason and it couldnt be helped.

 

So today after a week of complete rest (no planned training) I started running again, ive not run for 2 months now so it was good to be back out there even though it was hard work and very hot.

 

I passed all my touch judging exams recently so my new focus is to get through the fitness test in Januray so ive written myself a full body conditioning schedule to help me get through that and to increase my base fitness.  I am also training on a regular basis with other rugby league refs so exercising for me has now taken on a different focus... I have an aim, I have a fitness conditioner and I have a development officer and training plan.......its all good stuff.

 

Mileage starts small with the emphasis on intervals and hills, and also includes strength training and cross training for now but I will need to start including flexibility exercises and agility techniques to help me pass the RFL fitness test.

 

But as the title says im back up and running and it feels great!

 

 

WOW what a fab event!

Ange and I and both of our families trundled down to London for what was going to be  a mad weekend.

 

We arrived on Friday and set off shopping and sightseeing, then out for a lovely meal.

 

Ange and I were really excited about what was ahead of us, with it being my first marathon distance event and Anges too I was surprised we didnt feel apprehensive about the challenge ahead.

 

Ange has been a star all the way through, from a self confessed couch potato to someone capable of silly distances - I am so proud of her!

 

Anyway we spent Sat afternoon trundling through Covent Garden and the delights of the shops around Charing Cross, had  some relaxation time in the afternoon while the boys all dissapeared to the rugby and we got ready for the main event.

 

We headed out towards Playtex city around 7:15pm, it was all really exciting.

 

A huge pink marquee had been erected in the grounds of Hyde park, a sight to behold I can tell ya!

 

So we were set to go on the Pink start that left at Midnight so we made ourselves comfy and ate the pasta provided, which if im honest looked awful but tasted fine.

 

The entertainment was fab and kept us awake till the final moment when it was time to go.

 

So midnight came round and off we went, the first nine miles were a struggle if im honest, couldnt put my finger on it but it was awful, it didnt help that we had to queue to get across bridges etc as the route was only wide enough for a  few people to pass at once so we were stopped/shuffling for 40 mins, legs sieze and body chills, I wasnt happy.

 

I waited for the half way point knowing that I could count down the miles once I hit 13 miles and it was a welcome relief, things seemed to get easier from that point in and when it started getting light it was easier still.

 

So we trundled away stopping only a few times to adjust my feet which were starting to protest but once we hit 21 miles we seemed to be possessed because the pace picked up and we flew, not one person overtook us in that last five miles, the feeling was fab.

 

We saw the family at 24 miles which was nice, the kids giving us hugs and kisses spurred us on more

 

When we got to the finish it was so emotional, we were both shattered but so happy to have completed what we set out to do.

 

Sponsorhip raised so far is approximately £600 and rising

 

Right then im tapering now for my next event - The sandstone trail 34 miles challenge on Saturday.

 

Ive gone from nothing to doing a half marathon, a marathon and an ultra distance event in just 5 months, not bad eh considering where I was this time last year.

 

Lou xx

Only 2 weeks to go now till my first marathon!!!

 

I did my 20 miler yesterday and although it was hard, very hard in some places I completed and I feel great today......  No aches and no pains, a testament to training I feel.

 

I trained yesterday in all the kit I plan on wearing on the night and everything was fine, no chafing, no sores, nothing!

 

Still need to put the final touches to my bra but it will look fab on the night.

 

Im taking my camera with me so I will upload loads of pics when I get back to this space for you all the have a giggle at.

 

Apart from that there isnt much to report so im off to blogland to catch up on the rest of you and to see how you are all getting along!!!

 

 

Its exactly one year since I got sick and ended up in hospital, the fact that I am here writing this to me is good news, its been a long battle back to fitness but I am so proud of what I have achieved in the 12 months that have passed.

 

To be honest I have achieved more in this last 12 months than I have thorughout my life (Excluding my marriage and Kids, nothing will top those)!

 

I just wanted to share the milestone with you all because I feel its an important one, one that changed my life for the better (eventually.......it wasnt all good in the beginning).  I learned many things on my journey and I am thankful for a million more things besides.

 

Today im happy im here and writing this message, it could have been a whole different story!

 

 

 

Ive enterd an Ultra distance event, 34 miles to be more precise......how nuts am I, what is even more nuts is the event is only one week after the Moonwalk!!

 

Anyway im doing it  but cant decide though whether to run/walk it or just walk.

 

12 months ago I was critically ill in hospital wired to an ECG, this year I hopefully will have completed 2 half marathons, a marathon and an Ultra.

 

How fecking amazing is that?!?!?!?!?

 

I am ever so proud of what I have achieved so far.

 

This months  mileage should top 90 miles easy so im going to aim for 100, my target for the entire year is 300 miles and im already on 165ish so I reckon thats not going to be a difficult target to achieve.   I have never done a 100 mile month ever so that will be fun.

 

Now the rugby season is nearly finnished there wont be too many more games now but I never record mileage on those, I reckon I clock up at least 2 miles over the course of an average game.

 

Anyway its the Sandstone Trail Challenge www.frodsham06.co.uk just in case there are more nutters out there that fancy doing it!

 

Hubby is doing it and so is Pink Minnie but they are mega ultra training for the Canterbury 52 in July so to them this is a mere training run.

 

Parents in Law are also having a go and im trying to convince my moonwalk training buddy to join me.

 

just need to find myself a 5K and 10K now this year and thats all the popular distances covered.

Not been here for ages but rest assured that does not mean that I have not been training.

 

The walking has been continuing and theTouch Judging/refereeing has been on the increase with all the cup matches being played at the moment, couple that with the boys training etc etc im not left with much time to report on progress.

 

Its now 4 weeks till the moonwalk and training is still spot on, cant wait for the day I am so excited.

 

After watching the marathon yesterday I did feel slightly gutted that I didnt get in but in another way im glad because deep down I know that there is no way I could have trained to the point where I would have been fit enough to complete the distance.

 

I plan to enter the 2007 event but in the meantime im going to devise a 12 month training plan to ensure that if I do get in I can make the most of the day.

 

The first marathon that I run I want to be in London, its such a huge event and I have spectator often enough, its about time I had my turn to run!

 

So twelve months to go, let the training commence!!!!

 

Incidentally, my mileage last year was 145 miles (Well I was poorly), but to date I have already surpassed that for this year, my mileage for this year to date is 153 miles.......the target for the year is 300 and to be half way there already, I am thrilled.

 

Moonwalk fundraising is still going well and so far we have reached over £325, if you want to sponsor me there is a link at the top of this page to access the charity page, any donations gratefully recieved!

I did my first proper structured Interval session today.

 

I know refereeing is similar but the session I did tonight was more structured.

 

I warmed up, did 5x400m hard with 3 mins walk in between.

 

It wasnt a bad session but it was hard work, I think I may have put too much effort in, I think I should go back and read my trailplus notes again.

 

The interval session was the only one I missed at trailplus, I opted for a sports massage instead.

 

I plan to do one interval session a week interspered with my training walks and cross training antics also, then referee a match at the weekend......so little opportunity for rest but the walks are like recovery sessions so hopefully I wont get injured.

 

The ultimate aim is to be able to run faster for longer, its like starting all over again from scratch but this time its at a different level of fitness, there is no way that I could have run that fast for that long 6 months ago so its encouraging to see how far I have come and how much difference it makes obtaining base fitness before trying anything fancy.

 

I think that would be the first piece of advice to any beginner now

 

Start slow and dont even consider speed until your base fitness allows you to go faster.  Dont be intimidated by faster runners or try to keep up with them,  just go at your own pace.  If you go to fast at the start then in the end all it will do is help you get injured and make you more likely to give up!

 

 

OK since Liverpool I have been keeping up with my training............honest I have.

 

I have done a few 2/3 milers running and I have done plenty of walking.  The moonwalk event is 7 weeks away and training is going well.

 

Today for instance I did a 10 miler, lots planned in the week and a 12 miler next weekend.

 

And when im not running or walking I can be found on the cross trainer in the kitchen at home.

 

So all in all its going well.

 

So after Liverpool half and the Moonwalk marathon I do have another race planned for this year.....another half marathon in the second half of the year.

 

No immediate plans to do any other races, dont want to fill my diary with too many things and end up hating running, so if I keep events to a minimum, just enough to keep me ticking over then im happy.

 

Its nearly 12 months since I was struck down with a virus that landed me in hospital and I am so proud of what I have achieved to date and at the minute thats all that matters to me...the fact that im alive and CAN run is enough to keep me smiling!

I have added quite a few new albums

 

One is last weekends Liverpool half

 

Ive also added

 

Jamie when he did his 2 mile race in school

The Gill Pimblott 5K Trail photos

Trailplus

 

Ive also added a new event on the left - Cardiff half marathon

 

Think im becoming seriously addicted to this running lark now!

I had to know that I was still capable of running after Sunday.

 

All stiffness had gone by Monday evening, I suppose thats one of the advantages of training....you recover quicker!

 

I did plan going after work for an easy recovery run but I had an attack of CBA and installed myself on the settee instead.

 

Then I got bored sat on the settee and decided I would go out after all, pulled on the gear and went out to do an easy 2 mile recovery plod.

 

Mile one was really fast (well fast for me anyway), and it felt easy, but mile two I could feel fatigued muscles screaming at me "What the Fcuk do you think your doing", but I ignored them and carried on.

Mile 2 was a lot slower but I really dont care.

 

So tonights stats

 

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 25.10

Ave Pace: 12.36

 

Ive decided im going to incorporate some speedwork into my training to help with my next race.

 

Ive also just checked my mileage for the year to date and I have clocked up over 105 miles so far which is already 2/3 of the distance I covered last year in total so I am on for beating my target of 300 miles for the year!

 

Today is a good day!

Cant believe its took me so long to put this up here!

 

Had a fantastic time, I achieved everything I set out to do and I also had the fantastic support of Pink Minnie and Jog*Jog*Jog.

 

I did say never again at 11.5 miles but I am already reconsidering, a brilliant experience and ill be back next year for more.

 

My aim now is to train for a sub 2:30 half mara!

 

so the stats, I even added comments this time!

 

Rep	Time (Min)	Pace (Min/Mile	Calories	Comments
Mile 1	11.57	11.57	106	Faster than normal
Mile 2	24.53	12.55	91	Better
Mile 3	38.05	13.12	86
Mile 4	51.38	13.33	100
Mile 5	64.39	13.01	105
Mile 6	76.5	12.1	127	Down Parli Hill
Mile 7	90.2	13.3	105	Stopped for a wee
Mile 8	103.4	13.16	118
Mile 9	118.5	15.09	145	Back up parli hill
Mile 10	132.1	13.23	103
Mile 11	145.1	12.56	94
Mile 12	159.1	14.03	90	Feeling the burn
Mile 13	173.2	14.1	99	Getting very tired
Mile 0.38	177.5	11.31	51	YAY!!!
13.38	177.5	13.17	1420

Not long now and I dont feel anxious in the slightest which is unusual for me.

 

Weather forcast is dry and bright but with temps as low as -3 so its going to be very cold, im glad I trained last sunday in similar conditions, I feel prepared.

 

Ah well im going to enjoy it and treat it as a training run.

Thanks to everyone who has so far donated to  our Moonwalk Campaign.

 

My friend Angela and I are taking part in this event on the 20th May 2006 and are proud to be raising money for Breast Cancer care and research.

 

Both of us feel very humbled to have a place and to be given the opportunity to take part so we would like to thank everyone who has donated/pledged so far.

 

For those that havnt but would like to I have added a link at the top of this page to make it easy for you!

 

 

THANK YOU!

Went out last night to a rugby fundraiser, had a couple of beers and a late night, not the best preparation for a LSP the next morning.

 

Woke up and was presented with a bacon and egg buttie by dear Mr V, again not the best brekkie in the world if you have a LSP planned.

 

Looked out of the window and there was a covering of snow everywhere and more was falling (quite heavily).

 

To stop me from jibbing out of the run I got dressed in my running gear and planned my route.

 

Hal Higdon had me scheduled to do 10 miles but with  me missing so much training I only planned to do 9, so I planned 3 x 3mile routes so that after each 3 mile I could call home for some energy drink and gels.

 

I loaded up the Ipod with some nostalgic hits and set off, the wind was bitterly cold and the snow was driving in but undeterred I manged to stick at it even when the pavement underfoot was so slippy.

 

I was resigned to the fact it was going to be slow especially with the weather being as bad as it was but I just wanted to get the mileage under my belt.

 

1st pitstop came and went and I set off in an alternative direction and chose a route that had some undulations in it so I didnt get used to running on the flat.

 

Pit stop no.2 and I refuelled and went out again in a completely different direction so not to get bored and everything was fine until the snow turned slowly from snow to sleet to rain, then at mile 9 I was wet and the wind began to whip up and I felt the icy cold.

 

My face went numb but I couldnt stop to walk for too long because when I did I cooled down very quickly, had to keep going.

 

So for nine miles I had mastered the art of running a mile walking a minute but by mile 9 I was cold, wet and beginning to flag so at 9.5 i sneaked in another 30 seconds of walking.

 

Made it to the 10 mile marker in 2hrs 9 mins very cold but very very happy.

 

Todays run was more about trying to win the mental battle between me and the distance and I won, 13.1 next sunday now doesnt not worry me anymore, I know I will be ok.  I had been planning on 13mm pace for Liverpool and today I managed an average of 12:55 min mile pace which is excellent stuff.

 

So now I enter the taper zone, I dont have any runs planned at all now but with my moonwalk training ongoing I may go out and do a few walks instead so I can keep the muscles and joints nice and loose.

 

Not done this bit for ages.....So now the stats!

 

Lap	Time (Min)	Pace (Min/Mile	Calories
Mile 1	13.09	13.09	106
Mile 2	26.12	13.02	132
Mile 3	39.08	12.56	118
Mile 4	51.57	12.48	125
Mile 5	1.04.34	12.36	116
Mile 6	1.17.23	12:48	147
Mile 7	1.30.02	12.39	117
Mile 8	1.43.02	12.59	100
Mile 9	1.56.04	13.02	102
Mile 10	2.09.10	13.05	134
Total	2.09.10	12.55	1197

I had the worse day ever in work today and felt incredibly sick with stress the only solution was to get out there and run so I did, I didnt plan any mileage I just went out till I felt better.

 

I managed 5 miles and one of those was off road, I got so muddy it was ace, I had the Ipod blasting, mud splashed all up my legs and trainers, I didnt even mind when it started raining.

 

I just relaxed into my stride cos if id have gone fast out of a fit of stress then id have got told off, so I took it easy, well for 4 miles at least, then I stepped up the last mile and flew and it felt great.

 

My calf didnt niggle me once while I was running but when I got home I could feel it aching so ive iced and hope it feels better soon.

 

Got my LSP left now and I can choose from either Saturday or Sunday as all rugby has been cancelled due to waterlogged pitches.  Aiming for between 9-10 miles.

 

After that im tapering, which for me means do nothing till the 19th when I will be doing Liverpool half!

 

It will be slow and painful but ill finish and thats all I care about!!

 

Then Moonwalk training starts in earnest!

Finally got my confirmation of my place today

 

Have emailed a few peps with the link to my charity page but ill put it here too!

 

 

If you havnt already been along and pledged/donated, pop along and drop us a smile for this worthwhile cause!

The weather put pain to my LSP on Saturday, never seen so much snow

 

But then my cold really got a hold and I felt lousy anyway.

 

Might try and get out on Wednesday.

 

Got my strategy sorted for Liverpool now, just a shame that Mr V has decided to tear one of his tendons in his leg and is hobbling around on crutches...ouch!

 

Ah well he can be the official photographer I suppose.

 

Things are beginning to return to normal now, Work has been so busy recently I havent had much time for blogging or emailing but I have noticed that I cant access Pixies blog for some daft reason (mental note:email  pix RE the blog).

 

My project in work is coming to an end but its all one big mad rush to get organised, roll on the end of the month.

 

So at least you all know where i am if you dont see me around!!

Its a tale of two schedules!

 

My leg is easing now, it was still pretty sore on Monday and the pain had traversed up into my Hamstring but it was also the first day of Moonwalk training so I took the opportunity not to miss some exercise and went for a walk instead.

 

It was a nice easy 3 miles just to be safe, I came back and iced for a while too, Tuesday I got up and my leg felt a milllion times better but being sensible I rested.

 

This evening I was contemplating a run but again sensibilty prevailed and I thought id go for a fast walk instead, I figured if I didnt suffer any discomfort during the walk or tomorrow morning then I will be fine for my LSP at the weekend.

 

Still not decided on mileage for the LSP yet, schedule says 9 but I know you should start from where you left off before injury so I am thinking 7.5 - 8 miles instead.

 

Starting to get quite excited about Liverpool now, I just cant wait to get to race day.

 

So there we go, training for two entirely different events at the same time, at least the overlap is only for three weeks but the fast walks will come in handy as recovery days after my LSPs so it will actually be quite usefull.

 

I do have a charity page set up ready to go for the Moonwalk event but my friend and I want to add some photos before we go public so watch this space!

6.2 miles planned yesterday

 

Went to watch Midi viking in his superb man of the match performance against Cultcheth in the morning (Id even given up reffing the game in favour of the run).

 

Sleet, hail and allsorts lashed against us all for 40 mins, not pleasant.

 

Anyway got home, got changed and went out, 1.5 miles in and disaster struck, I had an almigthy stabbing pain in my right calf, tried to hobble through it but it was no good, had to admit defeat and hobble home.

 

Much icing and tears ensued, I  was mighty uspet at not being able to complete and the pain was also pretty unbearable.

 

Plenty of anti inflammatories taken and rested.

 

So this evening, not one for wanting to be defeated I pulled on my trainers and went for a 3 mile WALK!!

 

See I can be sensible sometimes.

 

Came back and iced again, was sort of hoping that a gentle walk will keep me mobile and help speed up the repair!

 

Anyway will be resting tomorrow, may try another walk on Thursday to see how I get on  before I make any plans for the weekend session!

 

Pretty gutted but trying to look at the here and now and not think too far in advance.....baby steps!!

 

Got some good photos to put in my blog but for some reason spaces wont let me add any additional photos to my albums which is a shame because I have a cracking photo courtesy of Yumms of me running Kenyan hills at TP.

 

And I also have some photos of the 10 minute mile kid (midi viking) in his school fun run!

 

Ill keep trying though

 

 

But I still got out there and did a 5K

 

Surprisingly as well it was still light by the time I got home so the lighter nights are definately on the way.

 

Nothing earth shattering to report really apart from it was a nice steady run again, managed 1.5 miles then walked a minute then ran the rest home only stopping for traffic when crossing the roads.

 

So average pace was 12:40 again same as the other day exact to the second which is really encouraging.

 

Got 6.2 miles left to do this week now not sure if I have a game on Sunday or not but I think ill rest tomorrow then run on sunday, if ive got a game sunday ill have to run after that but it will be slow but as the guys at trailplus say its time on feet!

Major attack of CBA seems to be keeping me from training at the moment.

 

Already having second thoughts about Liverpool and was starting to wish the race was this weekend because all ths training was beginning to bore me.

 

So I made myself get out there today and do a bit.

 

I managed 3 miles at what I felt was an easy pace, average pace of 12.40 but with each mile I was steadily getting faster without it feeling anymore difficult.

 

I just relaxed into it and went off how I felt rather than looking at the watch and deciding if I need to go faster/slower, I also left the heart rate monitor at home just didnt want to be distracted.

 

Splits

 

Mile 1: 13.08

Mile 2: 12.35

Mile 3: 12.16

 

So I am pleased with that, very pleased in fact.  It seems to have cured my CBA and restored my confidence in myself.

 

Not a bad result at all!

 

 

I thought it was about time I applied Trailplus techniques to my own training so yesterday I went out and did a threshold session, having missed this actual session at the weekend in favour of a massage I made sure I understood the theory to be able to apply it correctly.

 

I had a chat with Keith Anderson and he advised me a 5x2 with 2.30 min recovery would be ideal for me to build up some speed endurance, so thats what I went out to do, but for the first three reps instead of working at 80-85% max HR I ran flat out to work out my proper Max heart rate.

 

Anyway I set off from home and do a half mile warm up then break into the threshold session, and a nice easy 1/2 mile cool down at the end, all the while it was steadily persisiting down, not that it put me of, in fact I found it refreshing.

 

So I managed plenty last night and learned loads, now I have a more accurate Max HR to base the rest of my training on and that when I run faster different muscles ache, decided to rest tonight.

 

Not sure when im going to fit in this weekends long run, Im going to blackpool tomorrow night till Sat evening then I have a match on the sunday so it looks like I could be plodding up and down the promenade on Saturday morning, just hope im not too hungover!

 

Other things:

 

Ive added more pics to my album, they are of Midi viking taking part in a 2 mile sponsored fun run at school today, keep an eye on this lad he is fast.

 

I lent him my garmin so he could see what he was doing and his mile splits were really amazing

 

Mile 1: 10:29

Mile 2: 10:56

 

Ave 10:42

 

Looks like MR Viking may have a new training partner and im sure if Midi viking wanted to train faster then Mr V is the right person to help him.

 

Not bad for a kiddie is it, especially since he doesnt run, think he may be entering a few 5k's this year.

 

One of his pics is him in his rugby kit too.

 

Im such a proud mummy today

 

 

***EDIT***

 

Will put photos up soon when laptop stops playing silly buggers

Well an absolutely fantastic weekend, worth every single penny.

 

This weekend was something I would have never even considered 12 months ago - going on a running camp with a load of people I didnt know would have filled me with absolute dread, but the new me decided I needed to do something different; move out of my comfort zone and get on with life.

 

So I paid my money and spent ages worrying whether or not it would be for me, whether or not id get on with everyone there, whether or not it was an impulse decision and if I was regretting making it.

 

And I so loved every single minute and whats more I now have even more confidence to try new things, move further out of the comfort zone.

 

So the actual weekend, I didnt do a jot of exercise after my 5k at RP, I did plan on doing a small one earlier on in the week but things got busy and I didnt get time but I think this really benefited me come the weekend because I was raring to go.

 

Set off at 11am and trundled over to Derby to have lunch at Chez Beanz with XB, Daffy and EF oh and Beanz of course who had made a stunning soup for lunch, pity I had had such a filling brekkie or id have eaten more, and again something new, I ate celery, cleverly disguised using a trick I use to get veggies into my kids.

 

Then we set of in convoy heading for the forest of dean.  A brief stop at Strensham services where by chance we met up with the infamous Evil Pixie, the start of a very good friendship I feel.

 

So three cars continue onwards to Trailplus camp, we arrive around 4.30 ish, get sorted into our rooms (Pix, Freemers, Rio and me).

Pix and I are changed and off out for a muscle loosening 2 miler, I was a little reluctant at first after spending ages on the road but it was a nice start to the weekend and a chance to have a good natter with my bunk buddie!

 

Camp introductions followed and we got to meet the rest of the happy campers and the Trailplus Crew.

 

After dinner we nip over the road for a quickie in the local but before long I was in bed, didnt want to get over tired and ruin the weekend.

Pix managed to convince me that a run at 7.30 am would be a good idea but from someone who hates mornings the thought of getting up at 7.30am on a saturday let alone run didnt inspire me, fortunately pix wouldnt let up and I was setting my alarm for 6.45am ready to go.

 

Saturday morning, I dragged myself out of my pit and got dressed, cursing under my breath as I did, the ground was crispy as the frost had settled but we were out there running at 7.30am, 2 miles in total and it was a nice relaxed run.

 

Back to the lodge, showered and changed and down to the lecture room for theory sessions, I ducked out of the threshold session in favour of a massage and to be honest I wished I had done the threshold session now, never mind the massage was still really good and I needed to save myself for the LSP and I didnt want to be too tired.

 

So massaged, showered (again) and off for lunch and more theory seesions, then back out the door for a kenyan hill session which I loved, not living in a particularly hilly area it was different and challenging.

 

So back and showered again and settled down for a lovely 3 course dinner with wine (pix :op) another early night in prep for the LSP.

 

We woke earlyish and fueled for the LSP, was only planning a shortish one as the weekends exertions were taking their toll but we set off and my short LSP turned into 6.4 miles including a 300ft climb in the first 3.5 miles, the scenery was fab and the company was great.

 

This was a fantastic weekend and I met a load of fab people,I have learned many new things which I am going to incorporate into my training schedule, it may be too late to improve a great deal for liverpool but every little improvement must be a good thing, then I think im going to hang back on entering a load of races this year till ive got my mix right, im going to plan a 12 month schedule following the wise words from camp and hopefully this time next year there will be noticable improvements.

 

Thanks to all the lovely WAISTers who made the weekend it was, you are all fab people!

 

See you all at camp next year guys!