On the 18th June I set myself a deadline. At the time I weighed 10st 8.25lbs (or 67.39kg). I decided it was time to lose weight as I wasn't comfortable in my own skin anymore. I decided I would like to get down to 9st 8lbs by the 29th November but that I'd be happy if I reached 10st.
On 14th August, I hit 10 stone. I then got a bit complacent and didn't lose anymore. A final push this last month though has worked. I forfited reaching my target as I found out at the weekend I could get a pizza without cheese, that didn't have dairy in the base. We all know that you can't buy pizza without buying enough for breakfast the next morning too. That combined with a slight dairy poisoning on Monday night has left me 3/4 lb away from my target. I am however very happy with this. I've proved that I can lose the weight (and will try to lose a couple more pounds to allow for Christmas binges) and also proved during my complacent period, that I can maintain my weight.
Now I've just that giant bag of clothes to tackle.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Friday, 7 October 2011
Pilates
Last week I started a pilates class. I wasn't really sure what to expect as I've never done it before but I'm hoping it will help me. I have general strength but I lack flexibility and core strength so I'm hoping this will improve it.
It's actually really hard work. Apparently you are challenging your core muscles through the movement of your arms and legs. You look at it and think, yeah that's fine but in reality, you're not just doing the moves but you've got all your core muscles engaged at the same time. I think I'm being shown up by a class full of middle aged women on some moves.
Now that I'm a little less busy I'm going to try and practise the moves a couple of times a week and hopefully I'll improve or at least find it a little easier in class.
It's actually really hard work. Apparently you are challenging your core muscles through the movement of your arms and legs. You look at it and think, yeah that's fine but in reality, you're not just doing the moves but you've got all your core muscles engaged at the same time. I think I'm being shown up by a class full of middle aged women on some moves.
Now that I'm a little less busy I'm going to try and practise the moves a couple of times a week and hopefully I'll improve or at least find it a little easier in class.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
It's been a while...
My life suddenly got really busy so unfortunately the blog posts were one of the first things that had to be cut from my life. The weight loss has also been paused, whilst I've not lost any (too many biscuits during stressful times) I've also not gained any either.
Whilst my life won't be any less busy until the end of November, I thought I better reserect this. Why? Well I'm glad you asked.
I've signed up for a new challenge. This time, it isn't even for charity, it's purely for myself. After many years of ill health I've been wanting something to really push myself, to prove that I'm passed it and can be as fit as I ever was. I blame The Boy for my insanity, he suggested it.
So what've I gone and signed up for?
The Tough Mudder Scotland! That would be around 11 miles, running up and down hills, through mud and taking on 28 greulling challenges designed by the Special Forces. We're getting a team together as it's all about camaradarie, helping your team get through it, finishing, not just finishing fast. Plus, there's free beer at the end!
I need to wait for the tendonitis in my feet to improve but in the meantime I'll be working on improving my upper body strength. It's over 9 months away so plenty time to whip myself in to shape for it.
Whilst my life won't be any less busy until the end of November, I thought I better reserect this. Why? Well I'm glad you asked.
I've signed up for a new challenge. This time, it isn't even for charity, it's purely for myself. After many years of ill health I've been wanting something to really push myself, to prove that I'm passed it and can be as fit as I ever was. I blame The Boy for my insanity, he suggested it.
So what've I gone and signed up for?
The Tough Mudder Scotland! That would be around 11 miles, running up and down hills, through mud and taking on 28 greulling challenges designed by the Special Forces. We're getting a team together as it's all about camaradarie, helping your team get through it, finishing, not just finishing fast. Plus, there's free beer at the end!
I need to wait for the tendonitis in my feet to improve but in the meantime I'll be working on improving my upper body strength. It's over 9 months away so plenty time to whip myself in to shape for it.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Weigh in
I missed last weekends weigh in, I wasn't very well. I've become a bit lax with the weight loss attempt. I think reaching my "I'd be happy" weight I lost a bit of motivation. However now I am back on form, I'm going to keep my food diary, stop snacking on carbs and work my way to the weight that I'm aiming for. I've lost over half of it, I know I can do the rest.
Weight: 10st (was 9st 12.75lbs yesterday but then we ate lots of cake)
Weight: 10st (was 9st 12.75lbs yesterday but then we ate lots of cake)
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Weigh in
Well I knew I was going to do badly on the weight loss this week. I've been entertaining family for the majority of it. There have been meals out, wine, chips (french fries), ice cream, crumpets and much much more. I'm actaully surprised I put on as little as I did. I've also not been keeping my food diary which won't have helped.
So, how did I do...
Last week's weight: 9st 12.75lbs (62.9kg)
This week's weight: 10st (63.5kg)
Weight gain: 1.25lbs (0.6kg)
Let's hope next week is better.
So, how did I do...
Last week's weight: 9st 12.75lbs (62.9kg)
This week's weight: 10st (63.5kg)
Weight gain: 1.25lbs (0.6kg)
Let's hope next week is better.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Insoles doing their thing.
I've had a busy week as I've been entertaining family. This has involved a fair bit of short bursts of walking. In an attempt to get my feet sorted before my next visit to the podiatrist in August I have been wearing my insoles every day (except when wearing sandals). Today I am really feeling the effects of it and surprisingly, not in my feet.
For many years when I was young I suffered from a lot of pain and trouble with my knees. I was on and off crutches, saw physios, I was told it was growing pains and then not growing pains, cartalidge problems, muscles problems... I put up with it, I did the exercises the physios gave me, I got on with life. When other health problems took over my life in my early 20s the niggling pains and aches paled in to insignificance.
This morning as I got out of bed I realised that the insoles are finally doing the job that years of physio never succeeded. My knees and legs were killing me! It wasn't the usual sickening ache that has plagued me for years, instead all the muscles that hold the knee in the correct position and control its movement were hurting. With my feet in the correct position (and therefore my knees also in the correct position), my leg muscles are once again learning to do what they should have been doing all my life. Yeah it hurts but it's a happy pain of knowing that it is helping.
For many years when I was young I suffered from a lot of pain and trouble with my knees. I was on and off crutches, saw physios, I was told it was growing pains and then not growing pains, cartalidge problems, muscles problems... I put up with it, I did the exercises the physios gave me, I got on with life. When other health problems took over my life in my early 20s the niggling pains and aches paled in to insignificance.
This morning as I got out of bed I realised that the insoles are finally doing the job that years of physio never succeeded. My knees and legs were killing me! It wasn't the usual sickening ache that has plagued me for years, instead all the muscles that hold the knee in the correct position and control its movement were hurting. With my feet in the correct position (and therefore my knees also in the correct position), my leg muscles are once again learning to do what they should have been doing all my life. Yeah it hurts but it's a happy pain of knowing that it is helping.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Rambling on the River
After weeks of sticking to my walking ban, I gave in to temptation today. The conservation trust I work with had organised a sponsored river ramble. A nice leisurely stroll along the 12.75 mile river walkway. It was for the charity I volunteer with so technically it wasn't walking it was volunteering.
I rounded up The Boy and a couple of our friends (my usual walking partner had a surfing accident yesterday so wasn't able to join us) and we headed off to the start at Balerno. The guys missed the bus and having not slept last night, my brain wasn't functioning enough to think to ring them and see if they were getting a later bus.
It was a really nice day, the sun shone and the trees provided a welcome shade. After 5 miles we stopped for lunch at the visitors centre and first check point. We'd found out that our friends got the later bus so we waited for them to catch up before proceeding on.
My friends need to learn to tell me to slow down if I'm going too fast for them. Apparently I'd been walking too quickly, but none of them bothered to tell me to slow down until after the walk.
The rest of the walk was enjoyable, it took us along the prettier parts of the river and down to where the river joins the sea (well the Forth). I was so glad to be out walking again. My feet niggled at times and my knees ached from lack of use recently but other than that, it was a lot better than expected.
The volunteers along the route at the check points were lovely and very enthusiastic, though I really need to learn their names.
Now I'm back to the walking ban and the hope that my feet continue to heal.
I rounded up The Boy and a couple of our friends (my usual walking partner had a surfing accident yesterday so wasn't able to join us) and we headed off to the start at Balerno. The guys missed the bus and having not slept last night, my brain wasn't functioning enough to think to ring them and see if they were getting a later bus.
It was a really nice day, the sun shone and the trees provided a welcome shade. After 5 miles we stopped for lunch at the visitors centre and first check point. We'd found out that our friends got the later bus so we waited for them to catch up before proceeding on.
My friends need to learn to tell me to slow down if I'm going too fast for them. Apparently I'd been walking too quickly, but none of them bothered to tell me to slow down until after the walk.
The rest of the walk was enjoyable, it took us along the prettier parts of the river and down to where the river joins the sea (well the Forth). I was so glad to be out walking again. My feet niggled at times and my knees ached from lack of use recently but other than that, it was a lot better than expected.
The volunteers along the route at the check points were lovely and very enthusiastic, though I really need to learn their names.
Now I'm back to the walking ban and the hope that my feet continue to heal.
Insomnia
Well it's Sunday which means it's weigh in day.
After 5 failed hours at trying to sleep this evening, I gave up and at 4am decided to get up and get on with the day. When I do my weights I like to try and keep the conditions as similar as possible each time. To do this I weigh myself first thing in the morning before I eat or drink anything.
As I've been up half the night and nibbling and drinking through that time, I'm not going on the scales today so yesterday's weight will just have to do.
Last weight: 10st 2.25lbs ((64.66kg)
This week's weight: 9st 12.75lbs (62.9kg)
Weight loss: 3 1/2 lbs
Realistically though my weight loss this week has been closer to 1 1/2 lbs as I was bloated with intolerances at my last weigh in. However, I have now dropped below the weight that I felt I'd be happy at if I didn't manage to get to my goal!
After 5 failed hours at trying to sleep this evening, I gave up and at 4am decided to get up and get on with the day. When I do my weights I like to try and keep the conditions as similar as possible each time. To do this I weigh myself first thing in the morning before I eat or drink anything.
As I've been up half the night and nibbling and drinking through that time, I'm not going on the scales today so yesterday's weight will just have to do.
Last weight: 10st 2.25lbs ((64.66kg)
This week's weight: 9st 12.75lbs (62.9kg)
Weight loss: 3 1/2 lbs
Realistically though my weight loss this week has been closer to 1 1/2 lbs as I was bloated with intolerances at my last weigh in. However, I have now dropped below the weight that I felt I'd be happy at if I didn't manage to get to my goal!
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Second Blog
As promised, here's a link to my volunteering blog. Obviously there's not much there yet but it'd be great if you'd like to take a look.
Volunteering in th Rain
Volunteering in th Rain
Branching out...
This year I've really enjoyed keeping my training blog. There's something nice about writing down your thoughts and knowing that some complete stranger, possibly on the other side of the world is taking the time to stop by and read what I have to say. It has also been lovely to look back and see what I've been doing, it's almost like the diary I never managed to keep as a kid. I miss it now that the tendonitis and shin splints have stopped my training and I'm finding myself wanting to write about other things so I can continue blogging.
I'm contemplating expanding. I feel as I have at least 4 more marathons to go before I achieve my goals I should keep this blog to my training/health related anecdotes. As such, I'm contemplating starting a second blog. I hope you'll come along and read that too. I'd like to start to write about my new voluntary work. I'm also hopefully getting a garden in the next month so it'd be nice to keep track of that as well. Maybe I'll keep the theme and call it "volunteering in the rain". I could start a recipe blog and call it "cooking in the rain", no wait, I'm getting carried away now.
I'll be back here with my training once my feet are healed but in the meantime I might be over there too. In case anyone is interested in my volunteering I'll come and drop a link when it's all set up.
I'm contemplating expanding. I feel as I have at least 4 more marathons to go before I achieve my goals I should keep this blog to my training/health related anecdotes. As such, I'm contemplating starting a second blog. I hope you'll come along and read that too. I'd like to start to write about my new voluntary work. I'm also hopefully getting a garden in the next month so it'd be nice to keep track of that as well. Maybe I'll keep the theme and call it "volunteering in the rain". I could start a recipe blog and call it "cooking in the rain", no wait, I'm getting carried away now.
I'll be back here with my training once my feet are healed but in the meantime I might be over there too. In case anyone is interested in my volunteering I'll come and drop a link when it's all set up.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Food intolerances
Food intolerances suck. There's a number of things I can't eat, some make me very ill, whilst others bloat me up to the size of a giant balloon and leave me in a really bad mood.
It seems last week's weigh in was a fluke, the days either side I was down to 10st 1.75lbs (64.3kg) and by Wednesday this week I was sure I'd be in to the 9st weights as I hit 10st exactly (63.5kg). Then it all went wrong. I had an accident with some cayenne pepper and had way too much of it. That on it's own would have been ok if I hadn't then gone out for cocktails where they gave the equipment just a cursory dip under the tap each time which further contaminated my system with citrus.
So now what was beginning to be a reasonably flat stomach is a swollen little pot belly, I've gone back up in weight and I'm grumpy as hell.
Last week's weight: 10st 3.5lbs (65.1kg)
This week's weight: 10st 2.25lbs (64.6kg)
Weight loss: 1.25lbs (0.5kg)
It seems last week's weigh in was a fluke, the days either side I was down to 10st 1.75lbs (64.3kg) and by Wednesday this week I was sure I'd be in to the 9st weights as I hit 10st exactly (63.5kg). Then it all went wrong. I had an accident with some cayenne pepper and had way too much of it. That on it's own would have been ok if I hadn't then gone out for cocktails where they gave the equipment just a cursory dip under the tap each time which further contaminated my system with citrus.
So now what was beginning to be a reasonably flat stomach is a swollen little pot belly, I've gone back up in weight and I'm grumpy as hell.
Last week's weight: 10st 3.5lbs (65.1kg)
This week's weight: 10st 2.25lbs (64.6kg)
Weight loss: 1.25lbs (0.5kg)
Friday, 15 July 2011
Volunteering
Today has been great. I headed out down the Water of Leith to join the Conservation Trust with their river clean up. Nice bunch of people. Did an hour of litter picking on and around the river. Quick tea break then it was upriver to pull invasive plants. It was a bit of a scramble to get to the site on the river bank where the Himalayan Basalm was growing. Never having been to a clean up before I wasn't sure what to expect so had chucked my Crocs in my bag just in case I needed to go in the water. Didn't take me long to volunteer to put them on and pull the basalm that was unreachable from the bank.
Absolutely loved it and can't wait until the next session. Really enjoyed the 2 mile stroll there and then back again but I think The Boy will need to get his bike fixed up for me so that I can get to the further away sessions.
Absolutely loved it and can't wait until the next session. Really enjoyed the 2 mile stroll there and then back again but I think The Boy will need to get his bike fixed up for me so that I can get to the further away sessions.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Jupiter Artland
I had such a lovely afternoon today. I went out to a local sculpture garden with some friends. It's set in an 80 acre estate of a country house and the path takes you through a beautiful woodland as you discover sculptures and artworks, buildings and statues. Today wasn't a "walk", I'm not allowed to do that remember, but I did greatly enjoy my "stroll at a reasonable pace" around the woodland between pieces.
I wish I'd turned my tracker on to see how far I'd done, especially after walking up and around all the hummocks in the "Life Mounds" piece.
I wish I'd turned my tracker on to see how far I'd done, especially after walking up and around all the hummocks in the "Life Mounds" piece.
Failings
Ok, I know it's not really a failing, I haven't put on any weight since last week, I just haven't lost any either. However, here's why I fail.
I know exactly why I haven't lost any, as by Friday morning I had lost 1.75lbs (0.8kg). Then I was tempted by friends and a trip to the pub, chips and several glasses of wine. I am so disappointed in myself because I went out for "one drink" but then they started buying bottles of wine.
Not holding out much hope for next week either as I have an assignment due which means copious amounts of tea and a strong craving for toast. Oh well, I don't HAVE to lose weight every week.
Last week's weight: 10st 3 1/2 lbs (65.23kg)
This week's weight: 10st 3 1/2 lbs (65.23kg)
weight loss: NONE!
I know exactly why I haven't lost any, as by Friday morning I had lost 1.75lbs (0.8kg). Then I was tempted by friends and a trip to the pub, chips and several glasses of wine. I am so disappointed in myself because I went out for "one drink" but then they started buying bottles of wine.
Not holding out much hope for next week either as I have an assignment due which means copious amounts of tea and a strong craving for toast. Oh well, I don't HAVE to lose weight every week.
Last week's weight: 10st 3 1/2 lbs (65.23kg)
This week's weight: 10st 3 1/2 lbs (65.23kg)
weight loss: NONE!
Friday, 8 July 2011
High Hopes
I had high hopes for today's meeting with the podiatrist. Unfortunately they were quickly laid to rest. It appears I still have very bad tendonitis in my shin and foot and so walking is out of the question for at least another 6 weeks. It's just a case of carrying on with the R.I.C.E treatment and waiting it out. I know deep down in the long run this will help me, but it really is hard to deal with right now, especially when I want to be out enjoying the summer.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Weigh in
Well after my horrendous inability to lose weight whilst training I really hadn't expected to progress as well as I have. I know you lose more in the first few weeks as your body sheds water from the fat cells but it leaves me hopeful of reaching my ideal weight (most likely before November) and definitely reaching my "I'll settle for that" weight).
I knew this week would be hard, I had a number of meals out with my family and then drinks with friends, all of which are not conducive to weight loss. So, how did I do...
Last week's weight: 10st 5lbs (65.91kg)
This week's weight: 10st 3 1/2 lbs (65.23kg)
weight loss: 1 1/2 lbs (680g)
I knew this week would be hard, I had a number of meals out with my family and then drinks with friends, all of which are not conducive to weight loss. So, how did I do...
Last week's weight: 10st 5lbs (65.91kg)
This week's weight: 10st 3 1/2 lbs (65.23kg)
weight loss: 1 1/2 lbs (680g)
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Tea with old friends
I set out today in inappropriate footwear (though the sandals were very appropriate for the weather) with the aim that I couldn't walk fast and keep them on my feet. I was due to meet an old friend in town for tea so I took a gentle stroll down the canal. By the time I'd met her, we'd wandered, drank tea, wandered some more, gone down a dead end and back and got home, I'd done about 4 miles. It was gloriously sunny and it was great to be out.
Thursday, 30 June 2011
An unexpected find
Despite the walking ban I snuck out for a little stroll with Ny this evening. On one of our previous walks we had come across a mass of wild raspberry bushes so we decided to head back there and check on progress. We were mildly disappointed when we arrived because not only were the first ones we came to completely unripe but nettles had grown up to chest height all around them. That's ok though we weren't planning on picking today, only assessing what stage they were at.
Further up the hill however we got lucky, there were little red jewels amongst a sea of nettles. I had a carrier bag with me so we picked a few that were close to the edge. By that point though we were in the zone and we decided to try and stamp down the nettles and reach the next bush, then the next bush, deeper and deeper in to the nettles we waded, gathering more and more berries. Now all this would have been fine if we'd gone out prepared for picking: heavy jeans, long sleeves and gloves. But no, we'd gone out prepared for a walk in the sunshine: cropped trousers and bare arms.
Thankfully the antihistamines for my hayfever have provided a slight relief and instead of the huge painful nettle rash I merely have a tingling sensation. It paid off though, there is now a pound and a half of rasps in the freezer waiting to be turned in to wine.
All in all I did about 4 miles, nice gentle pace. Slight niggle in the foot at the start but it soon went/was forgotten about.
Further up the hill however we got lucky, there were little red jewels amongst a sea of nettles. I had a carrier bag with me so we picked a few that were close to the edge. By that point though we were in the zone and we decided to try and stamp down the nettles and reach the next bush, then the next bush, deeper and deeper in to the nettles we waded, gathering more and more berries. Now all this would have been fine if we'd gone out prepared for picking: heavy jeans, long sleeves and gloves. But no, we'd gone out prepared for a walk in the sunshine: cropped trousers and bare arms.
Thankfully the antihistamines for my hayfever have provided a slight relief and instead of the huge painful nettle rash I merely have a tingling sensation. It paid off though, there is now a pound and a half of rasps in the freezer waiting to be turned in to wine.
All in all I did about 4 miles, nice gentle pace. Slight niggle in the foot at the start but it soon went/was forgotten about.
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Doing something right
I get put on an exercise ban and I start losing weight. It just doesn't seem right.
I started keeping a food diary. I've been meaning to start one for ages so that I could track down when I get poisoned by my food intolerances but never could get in to the swing of it. This time, armed with my determination to reach my goals and the knowledge that it is out in public and if I fail, people will know, I am sticking to it. It's amazing how much it helps, knowing that if you eat something it has to be noted really makes you think twice before reaching for a little snack, especially when I generally snack from boredom. When I do need a snack the high sugar dates and starchy toast has been swapped out for juicy berries, fruit or oatcakes. I'm also attempting to drink more white and green tea as these don't need milk and I do get through vast quantities of the stuff each week.
So, what have I achieved this week...
Starting weight: 10st 8 1/4 lbs (67.39kg)
Today's weight: 10st 5lbs (65.91kg)
Weight lost: 3 1/4 lbs (1.48kg)
I don't expect to lose much, if any next week. There's quite a few meals out planned as my parents are visiting and I've got nights out with friends too. However, as long as I remain the same and don't put any back on, I will be happy.
I started keeping a food diary. I've been meaning to start one for ages so that I could track down when I get poisoned by my food intolerances but never could get in to the swing of it. This time, armed with my determination to reach my goals and the knowledge that it is out in public and if I fail, people will know, I am sticking to it. It's amazing how much it helps, knowing that if you eat something it has to be noted really makes you think twice before reaching for a little snack, especially when I generally snack from boredom. When I do need a snack the high sugar dates and starchy toast has been swapped out for juicy berries, fruit or oatcakes. I'm also attempting to drink more white and green tea as these don't need milk and I do get through vast quantities of the stuff each week.
So, what have I achieved this week...
Starting weight: 10st 8 1/4 lbs (67.39kg)
Today's weight: 10st 5lbs (65.91kg)
Weight lost: 3 1/4 lbs (1.48kg)
I don't expect to lose much, if any next week. There's quite a few meals out planned as my parents are visiting and I've got nights out with friends too. However, as long as I remain the same and don't put any back on, I will be happy.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
2 miles of (very slow) freedom
I've had severe cabin fever whilst I've not been able to get out to walk. I study from home and live in a top floor flat. As stairs have been painful I haven't really wanted to go out unless it was necessary. It has also completely zapped my motivation, leaving me with a messy house and not much studying done.
Today my friend Hannah came to visit. She lives away now so it's always nice to see her. When Ny finished work we took a gentle stroll down the canal and back with her. Hannah can't walk as fast as us so it was good to be forced to walk slowly (a lot harder than you'd imagine) but it was so fantastic to be out and walking again. Yes it was only two miles, yes it was a stroll, not even a walk let alone a powerwalk but it was outside in the fresh air and sunshine and it was good!
Going to aim to take a stroll each day. Partly to keep me sane and partly just to give my feet a bit of gentle exercise so they don't get worse when I do start walking properly again.
Today my friend Hannah came to visit. She lives away now so it's always nice to see her. When Ny finished work we took a gentle stroll down the canal and back with her. Hannah can't walk as fast as us so it was good to be forced to walk slowly (a lot harder than you'd imagine) but it was so fantastic to be out and walking again. Yes it was only two miles, yes it was a stroll, not even a walk let alone a powerwalk but it was outside in the fresh air and sunshine and it was good!
Going to aim to take a stroll each day. Partly to keep me sane and partly just to give my feet a bit of gentle exercise so they don't get worse when I do start walking properly again.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Bad news
Today I visited the podiatrist. I decided to cut out the middle man and see one privately. Yes it cost me money but if I'd gone to the doctors (which would have taken over a week to get an appointment) they would have then had to refer me to an NHS podiatrist and god knows how long the waiting list would have been then! This way, I've been seen and know what my problems are.
Thankfully (after a quick trip to the walking wounded (aka minor injuries) clinic) I don't have a stress fracture as the podiatrist suspected I might. However, I do have inflammation and strain in the tendons in my feet and ankle and shin splints. Apparently this is caused by my unusally high arches and extreme pronation of my feet caused by my excessive hypermobility of my joints.
The long and short of it is it's being treated like any other soft tissue injury with R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and I'm not allowed to do any training until it's all healed. They've given my some orthotic insoles to wear which should help keep my feet in the right position and provide some support to my arch but I need to break my feet in to them as it's painful to have my feet in the correct position when my muscles aren't used to it.
On the plus side of this all though, as well as relieving the tendonitis and shin splints it should also help me with the reccurant knee pain that has troubled me since I was young.
Maybe in time I'll see if there's anything that can help keep my poor little deformed toes in the correct position so I don't continually bruise and lose the toe nails.
Thankfully (after a quick trip to the walking wounded (aka minor injuries) clinic) I don't have a stress fracture as the podiatrist suspected I might. However, I do have inflammation and strain in the tendons in my feet and ankle and shin splints. Apparently this is caused by my unusally high arches and extreme pronation of my feet caused by my excessive hypermobility of my joints.
The long and short of it is it's being treated like any other soft tissue injury with R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and I'm not allowed to do any training until it's all healed. They've given my some orthotic insoles to wear which should help keep my feet in the right position and provide some support to my arch but I need to break my feet in to them as it's painful to have my feet in the correct position when my muscles aren't used to it.
On the plus side of this all though, as well as relieving the tendonitis and shin splints it should also help me with the reccurant knee pain that has troubled me since I was young.
Maybe in time I'll see if there's anything that can help keep my poor little deformed toes in the correct position so I don't continually bruise and lose the toe nails.
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Being Brave
Right, if I'm going to keep any track of my weight loss I need to know where I was beginning. If I write it down on a peice of paper, I will most certainly recycle it by mistake and my memory just isn't that good. So, here goes...
weight: 10st 8 1/4 lb (or 67.39kg)
waist: 83cm
hips: 96cm
I've also included a waist and hip measurement because if there is any truth to muscle being heavier than fat, I may be "losing weight" visually, without losing weight on the scales.
I would ideally like to be about 9st 8lb by my target date but I will be happy if I'm 10st.
weight: 10st 8 1/4 lb (or 67.39kg)
waist: 83cm
hips: 96cm
I've also included a waist and hip measurement because if there is any truth to muscle being heavier than fat, I may be "losing weight" visually, without losing weight on the scales.
I would ideally like to be about 9st 8lb by my target date but I will be happy if I'm 10st.
Saturday, 18 June 2011
November 29th 2011
That is my new goal. But goal for what...
Over the last couple of years I have put on weight. I managed to lose enough to fit in to a gorgeous bridesmaid dress for my sister's wedding in October 2009 but since then, I've put it back on again. I'm not fat by any means, I'm just not comfortable in my own skin. I have a wardrobe full of clothes that don't fit me and it saddens me.
I had hoped the marathon training would have helped me lose weight, every other time I've done one, the weight has just dropped off but for some reason, this time, it just didn't budge.
I have packed up all the clothes that don't fit me and they are being put away until November 29th. In that time, I will try to lose the weight through portion control, healthy eating and continuing my walking and swimming. If when I come to unpack the bag, the clothes don't fit me they will be given away. If I can't lose the weight by then I continue my healthy lifestyle but accept the fact that I may never again be the size I was when I was 21, I will buy new clothes and learn to love my new shape.
So why 29th November, well I chose November because it gives me a good few months but is before any festive weight gain that may occur. 29th? Well, I put numbers in a bowl and pulled one at random!
I guess to track my weight loss (hopefully) I should post up my weight so I know where I was starting from. Maybe I'll be brave tomorrow?
Over the last couple of years I have put on weight. I managed to lose enough to fit in to a gorgeous bridesmaid dress for my sister's wedding in October 2009 but since then, I've put it back on again. I'm not fat by any means, I'm just not comfortable in my own skin. I have a wardrobe full of clothes that don't fit me and it saddens me.
I had hoped the marathon training would have helped me lose weight, every other time I've done one, the weight has just dropped off but for some reason, this time, it just didn't budge.
I have packed up all the clothes that don't fit me and they are being put away until November 29th. In that time, I will try to lose the weight through portion control, healthy eating and continuing my walking and swimming. If when I come to unpack the bag, the clothes don't fit me they will be given away. If I can't lose the weight by then I continue my healthy lifestyle but accept the fact that I may never again be the size I was when I was 21, I will buy new clothes and learn to love my new shape.
So why 29th November, well I chose November because it gives me a good few months but is before any festive weight gain that may occur. 29th? Well, I put numbers in a bowl and pulled one at random!
I guess to track my weight loss (hopefully) I should post up my weight so I know where I was starting from. Maybe I'll be brave tomorrow?
Thoughts of the future
I've been put on a walking ban until my podiatrist appointment as a 1.5 mile round trip to the post office put my arches back in to agony. As I haven't been able to get out and walk it has given me time to sit and think.
This year (other than the arch pain) I really felt like I'd nailed this doing a marathon thing. I trained hard, I kept hydrated, I crossed the finish line and the next day I felt pretty damn good!
I really want to do another marathon next year but I just know I can't tap my friends and family for sponsorship two years in a row. This has led me to think maybe I will do a marathon on the sly. I could do the London Moonwalk, stump up the sponsorship myself, just not mention to people I'm doing it. I'd get to experience a marathon in a city where it's just another annoyance to the locals, see how I fair when people aren't coming out of thier houses at 3am to cheer you on. It's a month before the Edinburgh one so I could still turn up and volunteer at the Edinburgh Moonwalk with friends. I've registered my interest for it and maybe my walking partner will be up for it too as she's never done a marathon before.
This year (other than the arch pain) I really felt like I'd nailed this doing a marathon thing. I trained hard, I kept hydrated, I crossed the finish line and the next day I felt pretty damn good!
I really want to do another marathon next year but I just know I can't tap my friends and family for sponsorship two years in a row. This has led me to think maybe I will do a marathon on the sly. I could do the London Moonwalk, stump up the sponsorship myself, just not mention to people I'm doing it. I'd get to experience a marathon in a city where it's just another annoyance to the locals, see how I fair when people aren't coming out of thier houses at 3am to cheer you on. It's a month before the Edinburgh one so I could still turn up and volunteer at the Edinburgh Moonwalk with friends. I've registered my interest for it and maybe my walking partner will be up for it too as she's never done a marathon before.
Thursday, 16 June 2011
First steps
I had planned on getting out for a gentle walk on Wednesday to see how my body was coping post-marathon. Unfortunatley constraints of real life and university deadlines got in the way. Today however I was forced to do the 1.5 mile round trip to the post office. By a few hundred metres in I realised that my foot was most definitely not happy!
Hopefully will be able to see a podiatrist early next week. Part of me thinks I could go see the Doctor but then I have little faith in the NHS these days and whole-heartedly expect I would get sent away with "it's strained, rest it". I know it's strained, I want to know how to prevent it from happening again!
Hopefully will be able to see a podiatrist early next week. Part of me thinks I could go see the Doctor but then I have little faith in the NHS these days and whole-heartedly expect I would get sent away with "it's strained, rest it". I know it's strained, I want to know how to prevent it from happening again!
Monday, 13 June 2011
Rest and Recovery
After finally catching up on my missed sleep I'm actually feeling really good today. My arch hurts but other than that I just have some tightness in my shins. I'm so pleased not to be suffering too much, clearly all the training paid off.
Whilst I might not be doing another marathon for a year or two I plan on keeping up with my training to maintain or improve on my current level of fitness so I'll keep the blog going to chart my progress.
Whilst I might not be doing another marathon for a year or two I plan on keeping up with my training to maintain or improve on my current level of fitness so I'll keep the blog going to chart my progress.
Sunday, 12 June 2011
We did it!
I managed to stay up until 5am on Saturday in an attempt to get myself nocturnal. My original plan was to sleep until about 1/2pm but by 10:30am the people staying with me had made so much noise that I gave up on sleep and just got up. They got chucked out of the house at 1pm so I could have an afternoon nap but by then my mind was in marathon mode and sleep just wouldn’t happen. So instead I filled my afternoon with relaxation and a little apprehension.
I got very nervous beforehand and in the taxi with the girls but as soon as we were in to the Big Pink Tent the nerves just melted away and I remembered why I was doing this. Despite having the same estimated finish time as previous years, we’d been put in to the second wave of starters so we had to endure two rounds of the warm up before heading to the start line.
We crossed the start line at about 11:50am and we were off…
As we’d been put in a slower start group we spent the first several miles at an awkward pace having to continually nip through gaps and overtake people. We soon found our stride though and began to enjoy it. The rain had stopped before we started and the cloud cover provided some warmth and light to the evening so the early hours when there was the possibility of it being very cold and very dark were actually pleasant. The usual drunks were out in the centre of town, getting in the way but cheering people on. However, it felt like there were less people out than previous years but I guess the weather earlier on might have put them off. To keep ourselves happy we decided to cheer on the people cheering us on from houses and roadsides along the route, thanking policemen, volunteers and spectators.
After last time’s terrible problems with letting myself get dehydrated I decided that I would make myself have some water at every mile marker. That way, even if I forgot to drink the rest of the time, I was getting some hydration. I was even good and picked up two bottles of water at various points to make myself drink them.
They put all the big hills at the start of the route. Just a mile in, we reached the first one and from there on in my arch complained, every step felt like I was walking on razor blades. It was worst on the hills but still niggled away on the flat. We decided that we weren’t doing a marathon, we were just walking to the pub so we picked pubs along the route as our goals rather than thinking about how many miles we’d done. Arthur’s seat seemed easier than other years, I don’t know if this was due to the extra light from cloud cover or just that I’d done it so many times during training walks. Our friend was a volunteer team leader on the night so we made him smile (or hugely embarrassed him, I’m not sure which) as we passed his section.
At the 10 mile marker we stopped for a toilet break which gave us a good chance to refuel with something to eat, stretch out our legs and reply to the texts of encouragement we’d been receiving. At 10.5 miles we lost the half mooners as they turned to head back to the finish line. In previous years, this has been a real down moment, they will all soon be home yet we still have hours to go. This time it really didn’t bother me, I had no desire to be on my way home.
I was so thankful that we’d done the big seafront section of the route for our training walk. It reminded us that we could do it and also gave us things to chat about and have a giggle about to keep us going. By this point it was getting hard. In the middle of the day, walking 13 miles really isn’t that difficult but no matter how much training you do and how nocturnal you become, nothing will prepare your body for walking in the darkness, when it thinks it should be sleeping! We had some motivation to keep going though, at mile 15 our friends Ny & Joe were waiting for us with hot chocolate and pain killers so we powered on. As we neared, there were thoughts of whether stopping would make things worse but one sip of that sugary sweet hot chocolate and we knew we’d made the right decision. We were energised and ready to go again.
From mile 13 onwards we had been counting down the miles until the end, that way, instead of having done 16 miles, we were only ten miles from the finish! It kept us motivated and made the walk seem far more doable.
Between miles 17 and 18 I was really struggling, my arch was unbearable, I was tired and finding it really hard to hold things together. I had a little cry and put my headphones in to distract me from my feet and within a mile I’d pulled myself together and was positive again. I honestly believe that to finish a marathon you need to really believe in the cause that you’re doing it for. I would happily have given up at that point if making it across the finish line didn’t mean so much to me.
As we hit Portobello promenade the sun was rising over the sea and it looked really beautiful. A bit of positive thinking spurred us on, having hit the wall earlier made for a far easier stretch along this route than the previous two years and getting to turn back to town just after the baths was a happy moment when our training walk had taken us all the way to the end of the promenade.
The final miles were tough but other than the pain in my arches, I felt nowhere near as bad as I had the previous years. That was until they made us go up Abbeyhill at 23 miles. My foot was on fire, but I gritted my teeth and powered on up with “we’re just going to the Regent” in my mind. I know Edinburgh is full of hills but that was cruel and unusual punishment. I wonder if the person who planned the route has ever been to Edinburgh?
The final miles seemed to take forever but at the same time, passed in an instant. As we walked along by the Botanical Gardens we started to see people who had finished. I’ve done two marathons before yet had completely forgotten that at the end of it I’d get a medal!
For the first time we knew that we were going to have friends waiting at the finish line for us so as we entered the park and passed the 26 mile marker we were on the look-out for them. There was a moment’s pause so I could grab a photo of the finish line, a glance at the clock and then confusion as to how we’d lost half an hour of time in the last mile.
We stumbled across the finish line, hand in hand, tired, sore and emotional but so, so proud of what we had achieved. Turning round we realised that the clock on the finish line was half an hour fast and we’d actually finished at 7:11am! We’d made fantastic time! After gathering our bags we headed in to the park to meet friends. A sit on our space blankets and a sip of chai later and things seemed so much better. There was pain but there was also so much happiness.
We were given lifts up to town where we went for tea at Costas until the Chocolate Tree opened. More friends joined us in the chocolate tree and we ate ice cream, drank tea and generally revelled in how awesome we were! It was then off home to bathe and sleep and generally recover before heading out for drinks in the pub as we’d been walking through Kat’s birthday.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this, through donations (I’ve now raised £470), well wishes, reading my blog, joining me on walks, meeting me at the end or driving me places. I truly could not have done this without you all!
I got very nervous beforehand and in the taxi with the girls but as soon as we were in to the Big Pink Tent the nerves just melted away and I remembered why I was doing this. Despite having the same estimated finish time as previous years, we’d been put in to the second wave of starters so we had to endure two rounds of the warm up before heading to the start line.
We crossed the start line at about 11:50am and we were off…
As we’d been put in a slower start group we spent the first several miles at an awkward pace having to continually nip through gaps and overtake people. We soon found our stride though and began to enjoy it. The rain had stopped before we started and the cloud cover provided some warmth and light to the evening so the early hours when there was the possibility of it being very cold and very dark were actually pleasant. The usual drunks were out in the centre of town, getting in the way but cheering people on. However, it felt like there were less people out than previous years but I guess the weather earlier on might have put them off. To keep ourselves happy we decided to cheer on the people cheering us on from houses and roadsides along the route, thanking policemen, volunteers and spectators.
After last time’s terrible problems with letting myself get dehydrated I decided that I would make myself have some water at every mile marker. That way, even if I forgot to drink the rest of the time, I was getting some hydration. I was even good and picked up two bottles of water at various points to make myself drink them.
They put all the big hills at the start of the route. Just a mile in, we reached the first one and from there on in my arch complained, every step felt like I was walking on razor blades. It was worst on the hills but still niggled away on the flat. We decided that we weren’t doing a marathon, we were just walking to the pub so we picked pubs along the route as our goals rather than thinking about how many miles we’d done. Arthur’s seat seemed easier than other years, I don’t know if this was due to the extra light from cloud cover or just that I’d done it so many times during training walks. Our friend was a volunteer team leader on the night so we made him smile (or hugely embarrassed him, I’m not sure which) as we passed his section.
At the 10 mile marker we stopped for a toilet break which gave us a good chance to refuel with something to eat, stretch out our legs and reply to the texts of encouragement we’d been receiving. At 10.5 miles we lost the half mooners as they turned to head back to the finish line. In previous years, this has been a real down moment, they will all soon be home yet we still have hours to go. This time it really didn’t bother me, I had no desire to be on my way home.
I was so thankful that we’d done the big seafront section of the route for our training walk. It reminded us that we could do it and also gave us things to chat about and have a giggle about to keep us going. By this point it was getting hard. In the middle of the day, walking 13 miles really isn’t that difficult but no matter how much training you do and how nocturnal you become, nothing will prepare your body for walking in the darkness, when it thinks it should be sleeping! We had some motivation to keep going though, at mile 15 our friends Ny & Joe were waiting for us with hot chocolate and pain killers so we powered on. As we neared, there were thoughts of whether stopping would make things worse but one sip of that sugary sweet hot chocolate and we knew we’d made the right decision. We were energised and ready to go again.
From mile 13 onwards we had been counting down the miles until the end, that way, instead of having done 16 miles, we were only ten miles from the finish! It kept us motivated and made the walk seem far more doable.
Between miles 17 and 18 I was really struggling, my arch was unbearable, I was tired and finding it really hard to hold things together. I had a little cry and put my headphones in to distract me from my feet and within a mile I’d pulled myself together and was positive again. I honestly believe that to finish a marathon you need to really believe in the cause that you’re doing it for. I would happily have given up at that point if making it across the finish line didn’t mean so much to me.
As we hit Portobello promenade the sun was rising over the sea and it looked really beautiful. A bit of positive thinking spurred us on, having hit the wall earlier made for a far easier stretch along this route than the previous two years and getting to turn back to town just after the baths was a happy moment when our training walk had taken us all the way to the end of the promenade.
The final miles were tough but other than the pain in my arches, I felt nowhere near as bad as I had the previous years. That was until they made us go up Abbeyhill at 23 miles. My foot was on fire, but I gritted my teeth and powered on up with “we’re just going to the Regent” in my mind. I know Edinburgh is full of hills but that was cruel and unusual punishment. I wonder if the person who planned the route has ever been to Edinburgh?
The final miles seemed to take forever but at the same time, passed in an instant. As we walked along by the Botanical Gardens we started to see people who had finished. I’ve done two marathons before yet had completely forgotten that at the end of it I’d get a medal!
For the first time we knew that we were going to have friends waiting at the finish line for us so as we entered the park and passed the 26 mile marker we were on the look-out for them. There was a moment’s pause so I could grab a photo of the finish line, a glance at the clock and then confusion as to how we’d lost half an hour of time in the last mile.
We stumbled across the finish line, hand in hand, tired, sore and emotional but so, so proud of what we had achieved. Turning round we realised that the clock on the finish line was half an hour fast and we’d actually finished at 7:11am! We’d made fantastic time! After gathering our bags we headed in to the park to meet friends. A sit on our space blankets and a sip of chai later and things seemed so much better. There was pain but there was also so much happiness.
We were given lifts up to town where we went for tea at Costas until the Chocolate Tree opened. More friends joined us in the chocolate tree and we ate ice cream, drank tea and generally revelled in how awesome we were! It was then off home to bathe and sleep and generally recover before heading out for drinks in the pub as we’d been walking through Kat’s birthday.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this, through donations (I’ve now raised £470), well wishes, reading my blog, joining me on walks, meeting me at the end or driving me places. I truly could not have done this without you all!
Friday, 10 June 2011
Marathons and motivation
Tomorrow night I am taking part in the Edinburgh Moonwalk. It’s a marathon, but no ordinary marathon. It begins at midnight and we will be powerwalking through the night until breakfast time. Not only that, we’ll be doing it in decorated bras, all 10,000 of us, to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research and care.
It sounds crazy, and as such I wanted to tell you a little about my motivation and what drives me to put my body through such torment.
I have been fundraising for cancer charities since 2005 and 2006 when I did my first 5K runs for Cancer Research UK. At the time, this felt like a really big thing to be doing. I raised my sponsorship, I
Seven months later, after 3 operations and an intensive course of radiotherapy they decided all the cancer was gone. After this though, a 5K run just didn’t seem enough, I wanted to do more, I wanted to do everything I could to help others in her situation. That autumn I saw an advert for a charity event that was happening in Edinburgh and without a thought I signed up.
In June 2007 and I participated in my first marathon as part of the Edinburgh Moonwalk. I powerwalked 26.2 miles through the night in a decorated bra to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research and care. It was a real challenge. I was walking on my own and the final ten miles were pure hell. My muscles burnt, my feet ached, I was exhausted and I honestly didn’t feel I could go on, I had hit the wall! Despite this, I knew I needed to continue. I had no choice, deep in my heart I knew that I had to get to the finish, I had to make it to the end for my mum and all those whose lives had been affected by breast cancer.
At around 7:20am I stumbled across the finish line, tears streaming down my face, relieved to have made it and unbelievably proud.
Two years later in 2009 I signed myself up for it again but this time I had two friends to walk with me and keep me going. Again it was a challenge, I knew the route, I knew where I’d struggled previously, worst still, I knew completely what I’d let myself in for. The worst part was the final few miles. In attempting to limit toilet stops I had let myself become seriously dehydrated and with every step I felt I was about to be sick. But again, I knew I had no option but to continue until the end.
Some would have thought that two marathons would have been punishment enough. But no, another two years on and I’m doing it all again. I think I’ve trained more this time and I’ve learnt from my previous mistakes but no matter how hard you train, it doesn’t prepare your body for exercising when you should be sleeping.
I’m now a mere £13 away from my fundraising target of £300. My bags are sorted and I’m munching on carbs ready for the night ahead tomorrow. My mum was one of the lucky ones. Her cancer was caught early with a routine mammogram, it was treated and she is now approaching 5 years cancer free. She is an amazing lady, she is my inspiration. I admire her strength, courage and determination in life and as always, I'm doing it for her!
Eeeep!
I've just realised that it being 3am means it's now the day before. This scares me slightly!
I still need to stitch the ears to my bra-monster and the claws to the arm warmers (you'll see pictures tomorrow). There will be a trip to Real Foods to pick up so carb loaded snacks for the night. The duck pasta sauce (aka awesome sauce) needs cooked. Safety pins for walker number need sorted and I need to check I have all my clothes and bags packed! Most of all though, I need to not worry so that I can get good quality sleep.
In other news: The other Kat and I went to the fish foot spa to get the dead skin nibbled off our feet!
I still need to stitch the ears to my bra-monster and the claws to the arm warmers (you'll see pictures tomorrow). There will be a trip to Real Foods to pick up so carb loaded snacks for the night. The duck pasta sauce (aka awesome sauce) needs cooked. Safety pins for walker number need sorted and I need to check I have all my clothes and bags packed! Most of all though, I need to not worry so that I can get good quality sleep.
In other news: The other Kat and I went to the fish foot spa to get the dead skin nibbled off our feet!
Night Owl
It's 3am. No normal person is up at this time of day. Are you up at this time of day? No! I must be insane. I'm currently attempting to switch myself to a nocturnal lifestyle ready for walking through the night in to Sunday morning. To be honest, my body's not coping very well and I'm really not feeling good. I still have an hour to go before I can even contemplate bed.
However, I know that on the night, this adaption will help. If I'm tired at 3/4am that's far better than being tired at 10/11pm before we've even started walking.
However, I know that on the night, this adaption will help. If I'm tired at 3/4am that's far better than being tired at 10/11pm before we've even started walking.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Nerves
It's around this point before a race that I start to get a bit nervous. I know it's silly little things that normally I wouldn't be concerned by. I've done it before and I know it's possible but there are still all the "what ifs"...
What if:
I don't sleep well enough and am too tired?
I get dehydrated?
my injuries play up?
I collapse?
I hit the wall and feel I can't go on?
my feet hurt too much?
it rains?
my bra rubs or my boobs pop out?
it gets too cold?
my walking friends have something go wrong?
So many what ifs but I know that by having these thoughts now I can overcome them. I can have a little worry, get it out of my system and know that on the night I will do my absolute best. I know that no matter what happens on the night, even if all those what ifs occur, I will be crossing that finish line. This cause is so close to my heart that I've come too far to not complete it.
There again, it wouldn't be a challenge if I wasn't a little nervous!
Now to practise my mantra "I will make it to the finish, I will make it to the finish"
What if:
I don't sleep well enough and am too tired?
I get dehydrated?
my injuries play up?
I collapse?
I hit the wall and feel I can't go on?
my feet hurt too much?
it rains?
my bra rubs or my boobs pop out?
it gets too cold?
my walking friends have something go wrong?
So many what ifs but I know that by having these thoughts now I can overcome them. I can have a little worry, get it out of my system and know that on the night I will do my absolute best. I know that no matter what happens on the night, even if all those what ifs occur, I will be crossing that finish line. This cause is so close to my heart that I've come too far to not complete it.
There again, it wouldn't be a challenge if I wasn't a little nervous!
Now to practise my mantra "I will make it to the finish, I will make it to the finish"
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Arch Nemesis
Today I met Ny and we got the bus out to Balerno with the aim of walking from the top end of the Water of Leith walkway. Part way along the walk my arch was really burning. We took the route slow and steady with plenty of stops but it didn't really help ease the pain. We got off the route at Slateford and headed home along the canal.
I know bad days are going to happen but this close to marathon night, it does worry me slightly how much pain I'm in. I've been refusing to take painkillers for it whilst walking so I can monitor it but now I'm back home, feet up and an anti-inflamitory taken to ease it and prevent me from favouring the other foot and causing problems there.
After the marathon I'm going to spend some money and see a podiatrist about my feet but I'm too scared to go before the marathon incase they tell me not to do it!
Total distance: 8 miles
Average speed: 3.09 mph
Average moving speed: 4.22 mph
I know bad days are going to happen but this close to marathon night, it does worry me slightly how much pain I'm in. I've been refusing to take painkillers for it whilst walking so I can monitor it but now I'm back home, feet up and an anti-inflamitory taken to ease it and prevent me from favouring the other foot and causing problems there.
After the marathon I'm going to spend some money and see a podiatrist about my feet but I'm too scared to go before the marathon incase they tell me not to do it!
Total distance: 8 miles
Average speed: 3.09 mph
Average moving speed: 4.22 mph
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Discovering my city
I have always appreciated the beauty of Edinburgh, the historic buildings, the shoreline, the imposing castle, the people. My training walks however have shown me a whole new side of Edinburgh, its hills, its rivers, the nature and the beauty, all of it within the city, within a walk of my house.
Today we decided to explore the Water of Leith. We headed down the canal to slateford and dropped on to the level of the river. I've only ever done this stretch of canal walking downstream so we weren't exactly sure where the upstream entrance was. We took a path, we found trees and water but it wasn't the usual path. Instead we found ourselves wandering past Kates Mill and the Dell to Collinton village. Beautiful area.
The GPS tracker lost signal deep in the trees but from the tracking on the way back we probably did between 12 and 13 miles in total. We're clearly getting fitter as we kept a good pace yet didn't really feel we were pushing ourselves and were able to keep a conversation going (except on the uphill parts but that's to be expected).
Today we decided to explore the Water of Leith. We headed down the canal to slateford and dropped on to the level of the river. I've only ever done this stretch of canal walking downstream so we weren't exactly sure where the upstream entrance was. We took a path, we found trees and water but it wasn't the usual path. Instead we found ourselves wandering past Kates Mill and the Dell to Collinton village. Beautiful area.
The GPS tracker lost signal deep in the trees but from the tracking on the way back we probably did between 12 and 13 miles in total. We're clearly getting fitter as we kept a good pace yet didn't really feel we were pushing ourselves and were able to keep a conversation going (except on the uphill parts but that's to be expected).
Fundraising
So the whole point of me doing all this training, and indeed walking for 7 hours through the night with my bra on show, is to raise money for Walk the Walk. Walk the Walk are a grant making charity who provide funding to hospitals, care groups etc to help improve the care and treatment of those suffering from breast cancer.
My original target amount was £500, or €569 and US$817 for my German and American visitors (Hello! *waves* Your prescence has been noted and much appreciated). It didn't seem an unreasonable amount at the time. I've raised over that my previous two marathons and I even got close to that for a 5K run. Sadly this year it seems people just aren't willing to part with their money. This saddens me as the cause is very close to my heart.
To feel a little better about this I dropped my target to £262, I figured £10 (€11.37 / $16.35) per mile wasn't an unreasonable amount to be able to raise.
This morning I have nearly reached my target, I am just £17 (€19.33 / $27.79) away from my new goal. This makes me very happy indeed!
So I ask you, dear friend, family member, random stranger from the other side of the world... do you want to sponsor me?
My original target amount was £500, or €569 and US$817 for my German and American visitors (Hello! *waves* Your prescence has been noted and much appreciated). It didn't seem an unreasonable amount at the time. I've raised over that my previous two marathons and I even got close to that for a 5K run. Sadly this year it seems people just aren't willing to part with their money. This saddens me as the cause is very close to my heart.
To feel a little better about this I dropped my target to £262, I figured £10 (€11.37 / $16.35) per mile wasn't an unreasonable amount to be able to raise.
This morning I have nearly reached my target, I am just £17 (€19.33 / $27.79) away from my new goal. This makes me very happy indeed!
So I ask you, dear friend, family member, random stranger from the other side of the world... do you want to sponsor me?
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Insomnia
In the words of faithless "I can't get no sleep"
I wouldn't mind if it was next week. Next week I'm aiming to turn semi-nocturnal in the hope of easing my body in to the shock of not only pulling an all nighter but of being active that entire time. However tonight I need to be asleep, and I'm not.
Not sure whether our final long walk will go ahead tomorrow. One of the marathon girls is having joint problems so has decided to pass on it, my foot's playing up and now I'll be moody from sleep deprivation too. If however the other girl I'm walking with wants to walk, I'll probably force myself out but at a gentler pace, stopping as soon as the foot gives me bother.
I wouldn't mind if it was next week. Next week I'm aiming to turn semi-nocturnal in the hope of easing my body in to the shock of not only pulling an all nighter but of being active that entire time. However tonight I need to be asleep, and I'm not.
Not sure whether our final long walk will go ahead tomorrow. One of the marathon girls is having joint problems so has decided to pass on it, my foot's playing up and now I'll be moody from sleep deprivation too. If however the other girl I'm walking with wants to walk, I'll probably force myself out but at a gentler pace, stopping as soon as the foot gives me bother.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Testing out my feet
After the pain I've been having in the arch of my foot, it was with some hesitation that I headed out for a walk today. I started off slow as I went to meet Ny, hoping that easing my foot in would reduce any problems. In the past I would have just taken painkillers and been done with it but as I have grown and matured I have realised that this is not the best option. Able to feel the injury alllowed me to alter my pace and continue with the walk. I was aware of it being uncomfortable but it was only towards the end that I could have described it as painful.
Our original plan had been a stroll along the canal but Ny needed some things from town. Errands run, we headed to explore an old cemetery that had been allowed to grow over in to a nature reserve. It appears that new headstones are being reserected for old soldiers who are buried there!
It was then a wander along the Water of Leith before heading back to town. What felt like a small stroll actually ended up being a 4 hour 13.7 mile walk, but oh did the stairs back to my flat hurt my feet!
Total distance: 13.7
Average speed: 3.4 mph
Average moving speed: 4.4 mph
Time: 4 hours
Our original plan had been a stroll along the canal but Ny needed some things from town. Errands run, we headed to explore an old cemetery that had been allowed to grow over in to a nature reserve. It appears that new headstones are being reserected for old soldiers who are buried there!
It was then a wander along the Water of Leith before heading back to town. What felt like a small stroll actually ended up being a 4 hour 13.7 mile walk, but oh did the stairs back to my flat hurt my feet!
Total distance: 13.7
Average speed: 3.4 mph
Average moving speed: 4.4 mph
Time: 4 hours
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Oh my aching feet!
I had planned on heading out for a couple of hours walking with Ny today but I'd been kept up through the night with pain in my knee and arches of my foot. I wanted to go ahead but at a slower pace however she pulled the sensible card and said no.
In my previous marathons I'd been plagued with arch pain from far earlier in my training and I was beginning to think I'd got away with it this year. Despite this minor set back I am determined not to let it phase me for the night. I'm missing today's walk and I'm only going to do 15 of our planned 20 on Wednesday in the hope that it will die down. If not, well, that's what pain killers were made for. If I can't walk for a week after the night, I don't care, as long as I get across that finish line!
In my previous marathons I'd been plagued with arch pain from far earlier in my training and I was beginning to think I'd got away with it this year. Despite this minor set back I am determined not to let it phase me for the night. I'm missing today's walk and I'm only going to do 15 of our planned 20 on Wednesday in the hope that it will die down. If not, well, that's what pain killers were made for. If I can't walk for a week after the night, I don't care, as long as I get across that finish line!
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Taking Care of Myself
With two weeks to go until the Big Night my mind has turned to the things I need to do in preparaton.
Munchies:
Knowing that I'll need to eat through the night to keep me going, I headed out to Real Food to buy a selection of snack bars. As I have a number of food intolerances I need to trial them before the night to be sure they don't cause me any problems. Now I just need to resist replacing lunch with them as they look so tasty!
Wobbley bits:
I had been hoping that my training would help me lose weight. In a way, it has, I'm half a stone lighter (about 3kg) but it isn't as much as I had hoped for. Now I know that there will be women of all shapes and sizes with all their wobbley bits proudly on show but it doesn't make me feel any more confident about getting my stomach out when wearing my decorated bra. If only I'd thought to add sit ups in to my training routine months ago! On the plus side, I can see my waist again, there is a definite change in my silhouette between hips and chest.
Feet:
The most important part of my prep. My feet have carried me about 200 miles during my training and I'm expecting them to continue on and carry me the 26.2 miles on the night. Last time my feet really suffered. I had huge blisters and I lost toenails on both feet. This year I'm aiming to reduce this as much as possible. I'm having regular foot soaks, scrubs and slapping on the moisturiser. Less rough skin means less chance of blisters. I also have a couple of sessions planned at the foot spa where tiny toothless fish nibble away the dead skin leaving your feet silky and soft.
Nutrition:
I'm beginning the planning for my meals in the week up to the marathon. Ah, carb loading, that means I get to eat crumpets and toast all week right? Apparently not! I have meals of wholemeal pasta, quinoa, cous cous and potatoes, full of veggies and protein to build up my carb levels before the race. As I can't eat the meal they provide on the night (damn you citrus intolerance!) I'm taking along two tubs of pasta with duck sauce (the most awesome pasta sauce in the world). The first will be before the race, more carbs, less sauce. The second will be for after with a good extra dollop of awesome sauce to help muscle repair.
Hydration:
It goes without saying that you need to be hydrated before any endurance exercise. However, it is even more vital when you suffer from a condition that is controlled by keeping fluid and salt levels up. Let them drop and at best, I'll feel a bit woozy, at worst I could have a seizure. I drink plenty of fluids but I'm attempting to add an extra litre of (non-tea) fluids a day to ensure there is no dehydration on the night.
Sleep:
I've been sleeping really badly at the minute. Today my aim is to give the bedroom a thorough clean, get rid of any trace of dust which can trigger my allergies and breathing problems in my sleep. I might also resort to the herbal sleeping tablets to ensure I'm well rested for the night.
Most of all though I'm just trying really hard to not be too excited.
Munchies:
Knowing that I'll need to eat through the night to keep me going, I headed out to Real Food to buy a selection of snack bars. As I have a number of food intolerances I need to trial them before the night to be sure they don't cause me any problems. Now I just need to resist replacing lunch with them as they look so tasty!
Wobbley bits:
I had been hoping that my training would help me lose weight. In a way, it has, I'm half a stone lighter (about 3kg) but it isn't as much as I had hoped for. Now I know that there will be women of all shapes and sizes with all their wobbley bits proudly on show but it doesn't make me feel any more confident about getting my stomach out when wearing my decorated bra. If only I'd thought to add sit ups in to my training routine months ago! On the plus side, I can see my waist again, there is a definite change in my silhouette between hips and chest.
Feet:
The most important part of my prep. My feet have carried me about 200 miles during my training and I'm expecting them to continue on and carry me the 26.2 miles on the night. Last time my feet really suffered. I had huge blisters and I lost toenails on both feet. This year I'm aiming to reduce this as much as possible. I'm having regular foot soaks, scrubs and slapping on the moisturiser. Less rough skin means less chance of blisters. I also have a couple of sessions planned at the foot spa where tiny toothless fish nibble away the dead skin leaving your feet silky and soft.
Nutrition:
I'm beginning the planning for my meals in the week up to the marathon. Ah, carb loading, that means I get to eat crumpets and toast all week right? Apparently not! I have meals of wholemeal pasta, quinoa, cous cous and potatoes, full of veggies and protein to build up my carb levels before the race. As I can't eat the meal they provide on the night (damn you citrus intolerance!) I'm taking along two tubs of pasta with duck sauce (the most awesome pasta sauce in the world). The first will be before the race, more carbs, less sauce. The second will be for after with a good extra dollop of awesome sauce to help muscle repair.
Hydration:
It goes without saying that you need to be hydrated before any endurance exercise. However, it is even more vital when you suffer from a condition that is controlled by keeping fluid and salt levels up. Let them drop and at best, I'll feel a bit woozy, at worst I could have a seizure. I drink plenty of fluids but I'm attempting to add an extra litre of (non-tea) fluids a day to ensure there is no dehydration on the night.
Sleep:
I've been sleeping really badly at the minute. Today my aim is to give the bedroom a thorough clean, get rid of any trace of dust which can trigger my allergies and breathing problems in my sleep. I might also resort to the herbal sleeping tablets to ensure I'm well rested for the night.
Most of all though I'm just trying really hard to not be too excited.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
16 days to go!
Wow, the marathon is fast approaching, only 16 days to go. This evening I met up with the marathon girls to do a 20 mile training walk. We decided to try some psychological trickery this evening. The last two marathons I've done, we've hit the 18-20 mile point, it's around 4am and we're exhausted, muscle aches have kicked in and it's been really hard to carry on. This long stretch is along the coast, you can see miles ahead of you and it doesn't feel like you're getting anywhere.
This evening we did the long coastal stretch from Crammond to the end of Portobello promenade before looping back in to town and doing a half lap of Arthur's seat. The theory behind this was we would be hitting the killer stretch at aroun 11 miles in to our walk whilst we weren't feeling too bad. Hopefully this means that on the night we can remember our training walks and the nicer feeling. We had a little stop once on the promenade, refreshed with some juice and fruit and some giggles to remember on the evening. I also included the harder half of the Arthur's seat route because if we can manage that at 15 miles in, it will be a doddle at 4 miles in.
I'm hoping this theory will work and we've another long walk planned for next week which will probably be the same route.
I was really pleased with my progress this evening. We were a little slower than last time but that's to be expected the more people there are walking. I actually ached more around the 8 mile mark than the later miles. By the time I reached home I'd done 21 miles. I was tired, my toes really hurt but I felt good.
Total distance: 21.1 miles
Total time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Average speed: 3.96 mph
Average moving speed: 4.39 mph
Next walk: Wednesday
This evening we did the long coastal stretch from Crammond to the end of Portobello promenade before looping back in to town and doing a half lap of Arthur's seat. The theory behind this was we would be hitting the killer stretch at aroun 11 miles in to our walk whilst we weren't feeling too bad. Hopefully this means that on the night we can remember our training walks and the nicer feeling. We had a little stop once on the promenade, refreshed with some juice and fruit and some giggles to remember on the evening. I also included the harder half of the Arthur's seat route because if we can manage that at 15 miles in, it will be a doddle at 4 miles in.
I'm hoping this theory will work and we've another long walk planned for next week which will probably be the same route.
I was really pleased with my progress this evening. We were a little slower than last time but that's to be expected the more people there are walking. I actually ached more around the 8 mile mark than the later miles. By the time I reached home I'd done 21 miles. I was tired, my toes really hurt but I felt good.
Total distance: 21.1 miles
Total time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Average speed: 3.96 mph
Average moving speed: 4.39 mph
Next walk: Wednesday
Monday, 23 May 2011
Not training in the rain
I was supposed to be doing a 13 mile walk this evening with Ny. Unfortunately we've had to cancel due to exceptionally high winds. Gusts of up to 100mph have hit parts of Scotland, bins are being blown along the road, trees have come down and it's nearly impossible to stay balanced whilst walking. I'm far enough on with my training now though that I'm not too bothered about missing the odd walk. I got 50 lengths in at the pool so at least I had some exercise
Thursday, 19 May 2011
9.2 miles from the finish line
Yesterday I headed out to meet up with my marathon friends, unfortunately the other Kat wasn't able to make it so it was just me and Kate. The original plan was that we would walk about 13.5 miles but when I looked at bus times to get to their work to meet them for the walk, it was going to be quicker for me to walk there instead. This decision should have added 3 miles to my walk, however in my rush to leave the house I checked the route online and forgot to tell google which enterance to the park I wanted to go to and as such, my 3 mile walk became 4.
The route we chose for the evening was really nice and for the most part, kept us sheltered from the wind. We headed down to Leith where we joined on to the Water of Leith, following its course as far as the visitor centre at Slateford where we tackled the stairs of doom, up on to the canal.
I was very impressed with our walk, we kept a good pace throughout and made really good time. I don't have the speed stats handy but we were making an average moving pace of around 4.8mph!
I'm a little achey now and I've bruised my toenails as I have a genetic deformity that causes a couple of toes to curl over so I end up walking on the tip/nail when I walk fast but other than thatI'm feeling pretty good. I haven't been back through my posts from last time but I'm pretty sure I've done more training so as long as I remember to drink lots I should be fine on the night!
Total distance: 17 miles
Next session: Bra decorating on Tuesday followed by the big 20 miler on Thursday.
The route we chose for the evening was really nice and for the most part, kept us sheltered from the wind. We headed down to Leith where we joined on to the Water of Leith, following its course as far as the visitor centre at Slateford where we tackled the stairs of doom, up on to the canal.
I was very impressed with our walk, we kept a good pace throughout and made really good time. I don't have the speed stats handy but we were making an average moving pace of around 4.8mph!
I'm a little achey now and I've bruised my toenails as I have a genetic deformity that causes a couple of toes to curl over so I end up walking on the tip/nail when I walk fast but other than thatI'm feeling pretty good. I haven't been back through my posts from last time but I'm pretty sure I've done more training so as long as I remember to drink lots I should be fine on the night!
Total distance: 17 miles
Next session: Bra decorating on Tuesday followed by the big 20 miler on Thursday.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Well that wasn't so bad
Despite my earlier grumblings about how I wasn't really looking forward to heading out for a walk I actually enjoyed it. I layered up in the waterproofs and zip up hoody to allow warmth and dryness against the horrible weather.
Again Justine wasn't able to join us so we decided to head for another local hill and nature reserve to see what we could see. I am amazed at the beauty that is within a short wallk of my doorstep. Both locations have been viewed on dreary days and have been outstanding, imagine what they'll be like on a sunny day!
Total distance: 9.9 miles
Next walk: Wednesday which will be my first walk with my marathon friends
Again Justine wasn't able to join us so we decided to head for another local hill and nature reserve to see what we could see. I am amazed at the beauty that is within a short wallk of my doorstep. Both locations have been viewed on dreary days and have been outstanding, imagine what they'll be like on a sunny day!
Total distance: 9.9 miles
Next walk: Wednesday which will be my first walk with my marathon friends
Saturday, 14 May 2011
my background's green!
In rather random news, I've just opened my blog on my boyfriend's computer as we have a friend sleeping on the airbed in the livingroom so I can't get to my laptop. The background to this is a sagey green colour? I've always been under the impression it was a blue colour. This does not bode well for photos that I've edited on my laptop as clearly it is overly blue.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Exercise, Exercise and more Exercise
It has certainly been a busy day today. We were up and out of the house by 7:30am to head for the pool. We used to try and swim on a monday, wednesday or friday, however after the last few times that we've been on a Tuesday or a Thursday, they are clearly the days to go. Aquafit starts at 9am so I think that puts people off using the pool on those days. It was lovely and quiet, not once did I have to give way to someone, get scratched or splashed or change my course. I got my 50 lengths done in really good time.
By the time I got home I'd walked 3.6 miles, no time for a nice cup of tea and a sit down though as I had just 20 minutes to get changed before heading back out for a hair cut. From there I wandered in to town to meet The Boy and his mum for lunch before a stroll round town. The stroll proved rather productive as I found a dress for the wedding we're going to next week, got a microfibre, packs down tiny, towel for swimming and found a bra to decorate for the marathon.
By the time I got home I'd added another 4.5 miles to my distance and it was another quick 15 minute change before heading out to meet Ny for our evening walk. Justine unfortunately wasn't able to make it this evening so we decided to change our route and have a wander around Blackford hill instead. It was so beautiful though we did get lashed with rain coming up a near vertical slope. We appear to be getting our April showers a little late.
By the time we got back to Ny's I'd done 17.3 miles of walking and because not all of it had been at speed and it had been spread through the day, I was actually feeling really good for it.
Total distance: 17.3 miles
Weather: torrential rain, glorious sunshine and a good lashing of wind
I'm starting to feel positive about this marathon after all.
By the time I got home I'd walked 3.6 miles, no time for a nice cup of tea and a sit down though as I had just 20 minutes to get changed before heading back out for a hair cut. From there I wandered in to town to meet The Boy and his mum for lunch before a stroll round town. The stroll proved rather productive as I found a dress for the wedding we're going to next week, got a microfibre, packs down tiny, towel for swimming and found a bra to decorate for the marathon.
By the time I got home I'd added another 4.5 miles to my distance and it was another quick 15 minute change before heading out to meet Ny for our evening walk. Justine unfortunately wasn't able to make it this evening so we decided to change our route and have a wander around Blackford hill instead. It was so beautiful though we did get lashed with rain coming up a near vertical slope. We appear to be getting our April showers a little late.
By the time we got back to Ny's I'd done 17.3 miles of walking and because not all of it had been at speed and it had been spread through the day, I was actually feeling really good for it.
Total distance: 17.3 miles
Weather: torrential rain, glorious sunshine and a good lashing of wind
I'm starting to feel positive about this marathon after all.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Back on track
Training has slipped a bit due to holidays and Beltane and visitors but today I headed out for another walk with Ny and Justine. For the first 40 minutes my walk very much lived up to the blog name. There was a torential downpour and by the time I reached Ny's office I was soaked. On the plus side, the rain was warm, less people were out and it really quickened my pace (4.5 mph). The second stage of the walk was drier and slightly longer than normal as after our lap of Arthur's Seat with Justine, we detoured to the supermarket on the way back to Ny's. After a quick water stop I headed on for home before my legs started to stiffen up.
It was good to be back and able to dry out properly. A nice bowl of salmon risotto and a long hot bath with a glass of wine awaits!
Total distance: 13.3 miles
Average speed: varied between 4.1 and 5 mph depending on who was walking with me at the time
Weather: very wet then dry
It was good to be back and able to dry out properly. A nice bowl of salmon risotto and a long hot bath with a glass of wine awaits!
Total distance: 13.3 miles
Average speed: varied between 4.1 and 5 mph depending on who was walking with me at the time
Weather: very wet then dry
Thursday, 28 April 2011
That's not a walk!
After a delightful trip to my sister's I headed up country to see my parents. I had great plans for a 14 mile round walk but that was overtaken by something I love even more than walking... Gardening! It was mentioned that a dead (and very spiky) bush needed to be cut down and made in to managable peices to be recycled. Well, I started that at around 8am and was in the zone so passed up on the walk to spend the entire day pruning, hacking back, weeding, repotting and generally having fun round the garden.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Walking with my Sister
I've been down to Sheffield this week to visit my sister and brother in law. In amongst the gardening and sorting boxes we decided to go for a little wander so we walked to the local pub. It was 2.8 miles (3.6 miles an hour) and we made good time given that my sister isn't in training for a marathon and a lot of the route was up hill. After a nice big lunch, the thought of walking back (which is again, half up hill) was a bit much so we opted for the easier option of a 1.6 mile downhill walk to their other local to await a lift home.
Total distance: 4.4 miles
Total distance: 4.4 miles
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Afternoon in the rain
I had a nice 6 mile round trip to town today. It lightly drizzled on the way in and then began to pour down during the three hours I needed to be stood outside for the Beltane fundraising busk. By the time I came to walk home I was soaked to the skin! I only saw about three other people the whole way along the canal, it was fantastic!
Morning in the mist
I decided to head out for a stroll this morning. The air was thick with haar (sea fog) and the canal was peaceful and still. I had planned on walking 6 miles but as I reached 2 miles it started to rain so I turned round and strolled back again. It's not the end of the world though as I can walk in to town to do my errands later.
I've decided I really enjoy an early morning walk, I was even lucky enough to see a heron in the reeds at the edge of the canal.
Total distance: 4.2 miles
Weather: misty and drizzly
Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Average speed: 3.85 mile/hour
Average moving speed: 4.24 mile/hour
I've decided I really enjoy an early morning walk, I was even lucky enough to see a heron in the reeds at the edge of the canal.
Total distance: 4.2 miles
Weather: misty and drizzly
Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Average speed: 3.85 mile/hour
Average moving speed: 4.24 mile/hour
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
12.2 miles!
Met up with Ny and Justine again this evening for another walk. It works out quite nicely, I walk to Ny's work and then home from her house to give me a slightly longer walk and Justine does the lap of Arthur's seat with us to give her a shorter walk. It was sunnier than Monday but a little cooler. On Arthur's Seat we saw the cutest little baby bunnies, they didn't seem phased by people passing them at all!
By the time I reached the top of my street I'd done around 11.75 miles. I was so close to home but instead I took a right and did a lap of the park behind the flats to bump me up over 12 miles
Total distance: 12.23 miles
Time taken: 3 hours 19 minutes
Average speed: 3.7 miles/hour
Average moving speed: 4.26 miles/hour
By the time I reached the top of my street I'd done around 11.75 miles. I was so close to home but instead I took a right and did a lap of the park behind the flats to bump me up over 12 miles
Total distance: 12.23 miles
Time taken: 3 hours 19 minutes
Average speed: 3.7 miles/hour
Average moving speed: 4.26 miles/hour
Monday, 18 April 2011
Walk club
My friend Ny is attempting to get fit so she's been trying to get people from her office to go for walks after work a couple of nights a week. As she knows I'm training for the marathon she invited me along. We had a really nice walk, it's so much easier to walk with company. We headed out to Holyrood Park and did a lap of the hill before heading back acorss town. It was a really nice evening for it, it threatened to drizzle but held off and was pleasantly warm.
Total distance: 10.2 miles
Average speed: 3.7 miles
Average moving speed: 4.3 miles
We're planning on heading out again on Wednesday or Thursday but I might do a couple of extra miles before hand, we'll see.
Total distance: 10.2 miles
Average speed: 3.7 miles
Average moving speed: 4.3 miles
We're planning on heading out again on Wednesday or Thursday but I might do a couple of extra miles before hand, we'll see.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Sunny Days
Today has been fantastic. I took a nice 3.4 mile stroll up to Calton hill and then spent the next 3 hours wandering round watching the Beltane Walkthrough and snapping photos. It was great to catch up with friends and get a sneak preview of what will be happening on the night. I then wandered down to meet The Boy and we strolled home.
Official distance: 7 miles
Real distance: who knows!
Official distance: 7 miles
Real distance: who knows!
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Saturday, 9 April 2011
The best sort of walk
I've realised, that the best sort of walk (though least productive in terms of marathon training)is the one where you stroll in the sunshine with a good friend, punctuating the walk with a cocktail here and there.
Had a lovely walk across town today to my old flatmate's house. We walked 4.25 miles, it was slow, it was leisurely but it was lovely!
Had a lovely walk across town today to my old flatmate's house. We walked 4.25 miles, it was slow, it was leisurely but it was lovely!
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
These boots were made for walking.
Only had time for a short stroll today as I had friends to see and a parcel to wait for. My stroll however did take me past the running shop. Got measured up for walking shoes. They checked my feet, got me on a treadmill, videoed my ankles and worked out the best type of shoe for me. Tried on a number of them (most of which were pink) and I think I've found some good ones. I know in the long run the shoes will help me and reduce any pain I might get but I was shocked how much they were.
Total distance: 3.3 miles
Total distance: 3.3 miles
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Getting back in to the swing of it
Now that my knee is improving I'm trying to get back in to training. Short walks to begin with but will be building up slowly.
Today's walks were broken down in to short bursts.
1.8 miles
50 lengths in the pool
1.8 miles
0.6 miles
stroll round the supermarket
0.6 miles
Total: 4.8 miles
Today's walks were broken down in to short bursts.
1.8 miles
50 lengths in the pool
1.8 miles
0.6 miles
stroll round the supermarket
0.6 miles
Total: 4.8 miles
Friday, 25 March 2011
Twisted Knee
My training has been put on hold for a little while due to me twisting my knee. I would love to say I did it in a spectacular fashion falling over, or running for a bus, or dancing, but no, I did it turning round in my kitchen!
It's starting to improve now so I'll be getting back to short walks but ultimately I felt getting it healed was more important than the training. Worst come to the worst, I know I can complete the marathon (all be it a lot slower than planned with more wanting to die) on very little training but if I push my knee too far I may not even be able to begin the marathon let alone finish it.
It's starting to improve now so I'll be getting back to short walks but ultimately I felt getting it healed was more important than the training. Worst come to the worst, I know I can complete the marathon (all be it a lot slower than planned with more wanting to die) on very little training but if I push my knee too far I may not even be able to begin the marathon let alone finish it.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
When the rain stops
After the snow and rain of the last few days, I was pleasantly surprised to find the sun out and a slight warmth to the air. Due to meet some friends for tea I decided to combine my trip out with my walk for the day.
The first half of my walk took me down the canal and back up again to a local cafe. I covered 2.8 miles with a an average speed of 3.6 miles but an average moving speed of 5.5 miles. Very pleased with myself for that.
I was very good at the cafe, rather than a creamyd elicious hot chocolate, I chose a nice refreshing tea and whilst both my friends enjoyed some wonderful cakes, I chose a couple of small chocolate truffles.
The second half of my walk took a different route to the original planned as I walked friends in to town. Despite that I still covered 3.4 miles with an average moving speed of 4.5 miles despite taking what I felt was a leisurely pace.
Total distance: 6.2 miles
The first half of my walk took me down the canal and back up again to a local cafe. I covered 2.8 miles with a an average speed of 3.6 miles but an average moving speed of 5.5 miles. Very pleased with myself for that.
I was very good at the cafe, rather than a creamyd elicious hot chocolate, I chose a nice refreshing tea and whilst both my friends enjoyed some wonderful cakes, I chose a couple of small chocolate truffles.
The second half of my walk took a different route to the original planned as I walked friends in to town. Despite that I still covered 3.4 miles with an average moving speed of 4.5 miles despite taking what I felt was a leisurely pace.
Total distance: 6.2 miles
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Snow and wind and rain
Today I had a day school for uni at Stirling University. After waking at 6am I headed out for my train at 7:30am and walked the mile to the station. Normally this wouldn't be a problem however it was snowing quite hard and by the time I reached the station I was well on the way to soaked.
Arriving at Bridge of Allan it was still snowing however this time I had a 2 mile walk and was well and truly soaked to the skin by the time I got to uni. I had expected to have to walk back the way as well at the end of the day but thankfully a colleague offered me a lift to save me from hyperthermia.
Total distance: 3 miles
Arriving at Bridge of Allan it was still snowing however this time I had a 2 mile walk and was well and truly soaked to the skin by the time I got to uni. I had expected to have to walk back the way as well at the end of the day but thankfully a colleague offered me a lift to save me from hyperthermia.
Total distance: 3 miles
Monday, 7 March 2011
My Tracks
When I did my first marathon back in 2007 all I had to plan and track my walk distances was an Edinburgh A-Z and a peice of string and then a pedometer out on the walks. The pedoometer was unreliable, my stride length would change, it wouldn't pick up every step. It was hard.
4 years on, things have changed, I can use google maps to plan a rough route and then the fancy GPS and "My Tracks" App on my phone records my exact route, distance travelled, average and fastest speeds. It's fantastic.
Today was a lovely walk. The Boy needed to collect some papers from works I decided to accompany him. The sun was shining but there was a biting wind. Our walk home allowed a detour to real foods to pick up some delicious dairy free treats before strolling home.
Distance covered: 5.7 miles
Time: irrelevant due to a long while browsing real foods
Average moving speed: 3.5 miles, not bad for a stroll but needs improving
4 years on, things have changed, I can use google maps to plan a rough route and then the fancy GPS and "My Tracks" App on my phone records my exact route, distance travelled, average and fastest speeds. It's fantastic.
Today was a lovely walk. The Boy needed to collect some papers from works I decided to accompany him. The sun was shining but there was a biting wind. Our walk home allowed a detour to real foods to pick up some delicious dairy free treats before strolling home.
Distance covered: 5.7 miles
Time: irrelevant due to a long while browsing real foods
Average moving speed: 3.5 miles, not bad for a stroll but needs improving
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Plans, and how not to keep them.
It's my birthday today! What better way to celebrate than a walk? It's been such glorious weather the last few days so I'd planned an early wake up and a nice 5 mile stroll along the river and canal. However on waking, the sun wasn't shining and the motivation just wasn't there.
It's ok though, I'll still get my 5 miles in as I've been promised birthday tea and a trip to the cinema, both of which are a walk away. Maybe the sun will even make it out by then.
It's ok though, I'll still get my 5 miles in as I've been promised birthday tea and a trip to the cinema, both of which are a walk away. Maybe the sun will even make it out by then.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Stretching.....
I hate stretching. I understand the principle of it, it keeps you supple and flexible, but to be honest, it's really boring. Then there's the problem of what to stretch and how to stretch it. I'm supposed to be stretching for at least 15 minutes every day for my training so I guess I'll start with the legs and maybe then I'll start to enjoy it and want to stretch other bits too.
My walk yesterday didn't happen, I was taken out to comedy on Monday evening and was out very late, but it's ok, I can catch up on Thursday.
Today has brought another enjoyable stroll to the pool, spring has definitely sprung.
1.8 miles
60 lengths in the pool
1.8 miles
Total: 3.6 miles
Next walk: Thursday, 5 miles
My walk yesterday didn't happen, I was taken out to comedy on Monday evening and was out very late, but it's ok, I can catch up on Thursday.
Today has brought another enjoyable stroll to the pool, spring has definitely sprung.
1.8 miles
60 lengths in the pool
1.8 miles
Total: 3.6 miles
Next walk: Thursday, 5 miles
Monday, 28 February 2011
And it all begins again...
It's been a long time, but I'm back. Last year I took a year out from the marathon walking and instead volunteered to help out through the night and cheer walkers on. But this year I'm back and my training starts properly from today.
Today's walks have been split up through errands. The weather was great, it feels like spring again despite the frost still on the ground as I headed out for my first walk of the day.
1.8 miles
50 lengths at the pool
1.8 miles
0.6 miles
0.6 miles
0.6 miles
Total: 5.4 miles
Next walk: Tuesday, 5 miles
Today's walks have been split up through errands. The weather was great, it feels like spring again despite the frost still on the ground as I headed out for my first walk of the day.
1.8 miles
50 lengths at the pool
1.8 miles
0.6 miles
0.6 miles
0.6 miles
Total: 5.4 miles
Next walk: Tuesday, 5 miles
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