Nike = Motivation

I cannot run! I actually don't remember how! What I need is a new pair of Nike+ which will sync with my iPod and encourage me! Anyone want to fund them?

Get sponsoring people!

It only takes one wee click and £1 per mile to change a person's life. DO IT NOW! I'll love you forever :)

Marathon Route

Ouch! My motivation hurts!

Hello again!

OK, wow! It's been a whole two months since I last wrote but not to worry, unlike my blog I have not been neglecting my training. 9 months to go and still going strong. It feels great knowing that everyday I'm am pushing myself just that little bit more and I am alomst at my half-marathon stage already. I can't wait for the training programme and marathon route to be released in November although with today feeling like the first day of winter my main concern is running in the bitter cold. I hate the cold.

Sponsorship is going strong with another 4 people promising me £1 per mile and coming closer to race day I am aiming to raise at least £1000.

My main motivations at the moment are:

Eoin said he's proud of me :)
A friend said they were impressed that I could run lol
The Fratelli's (they give me that running feelin')
The fact that I went up a bra size and running makes my boobs smaller :D

Tip of the Day: Do not attempt to walk up stairs after running 6 miles and cycling 9. You WILL fall over!

Loves, Michelle
Enthuastic and slightly narcissistic

Lethargy

I think I am hitting my training wall. I've been struck down with a bad case of lethargy and after a long day at work I'm finding it increasingly more difficult to motivate my self to run. Also, since we moved house, its a lot farther to the park that I run around and its all uphill so that puts me off. I have been falling asleep for hours at a time after work and can seem to shift this tiredness. I am trying though. I double-pinky-promise to run at least 3 miles on Saturday.

I'm not too phased by my lack of energy because the really tough training doesn't start until November. This is all pre-emptive fitness stuff so I'm happy enough to take it as it comes.

Tip of the Day: Running upstairs four times in a row does not constitute as training.

Michelle.
(Lazy bitch)

Its Been a Long Time

So its been over two weeks since my last update and I promise I haven't forgotten. I have been moving house lately and have been really busy. I haven't completely neglected training and went out last Sunday for a 5 mile run around Lagan Meadows with Eoin (who seems to have endless amounts of energy and danced circles around us) and Dez, our soldier friend who ran with 15kg inside a bag just to make things more difficult. Now that things are settling down I am getting back on track and planning to step up my game as of tomorrow. Until then there isn't much to update on so check back soon for more.

Tip of the Day: It's not fun to run uphill with a soldier and a fairy.

Day Eight - Too Much TV

30 minutes cross-training is supposed to be the easiest part of the training program and yet it seems to be the hardest to get motivated for. The rain prevented my hike up Cavehill and the bike I was going to borrow to cycle with was unavailable. I decided packing and moving boxes counted as a workout but unfortunately Big Brother came on and two episodes of Brother and Sisters, I found it difficult to take my eyes away.

Tip of the Day: TV doesn't get switched on until AFTER training.

Challenges: TV addiction

Successes: Learning my lesson about TV??

Thoughts & Feelings: A little disappointed that laziness won through, although I guess it had to happen sometime, better to get it over with in the beginning. However, I consulted my training book and I am now re-energised and enthusiastic about the program once more.

Next session: Tomorrow is 35 minute run/walk, 3 minutes run then 2 minutes walk. I will celebrate afterwards with some Big Brother...oo00oo a reward program....never thought about that before!

Michelle
(super-lazy tv-watching machine)

Day Seven - This is easy!

So I managed to convince Eoin to come running with me this evening since its one of my easier training sessions and he's trying to get fit to get back to football. I am secretly plotting to get him to marathon fitness so that he'll run the marathon with me. We did 35 minutes: 3 mins running, 2 mins walking which equated to 2.7 miles. 12.96 minutes per mile, not bad eh?

I must say I found the stop/start method of this training quite demanding on the old legs. I never thought I'd say this but running without stopping to walk seems a bit easier, maybe because I don't think about running and don't have to time myself so my mind can wander elsewhere. Anyways, Eoin was very amusing and kept making me laugh which in turn messed up my breathing and by the end of the 1st mile I was beginning to huff and puff. Note to self: gag Eoin on all future runs. He also decided to belt out the last 50 metres at full speed, leaving me lagging behind.

Tip of the Day: Watching a fully grown man sprint for 50 metres Phoebe Buffay style WILL make you wet your pants. Ensure bladder is empty before embarking on such activities.

Challenges: Remembering to stop running after 3 minutes and start running after 2. Keeping one eye on the clock intensifies the training and makes it last forever...

Successes: Not wetting my pants at Eoin. Getting Scout back on her lead in less than 25 minutes. Not being arrested by the police for Boo's public displays of affection towards Scout.

Thoughts and Feelings: A little underworked. This training, although tough, was not as tough as my endurance run and I almost felt like I was cheated when I finished my 35 minute session. However, the training program was designed by professionals and takes rest into account so I guess they know what they're doing.

Next training session: Tomorrow night I have 30 minutes of cross-training which means either hiking or cycling. It looks like rain again though so unless I want to drown in the mud up Cavehill I think I'll stick to cycling.

Michelle
(super-fit running machine)

Day Six - Change of Plans

After re-evaluating the time I have to train for the marathon next year I have decided to switch training programs in order to get the most of my time. The training program I have switched to means that on Sunday I had to run/walk 5 miles. This is my biggest running day of the week, my endurance run. I managed just over four before lactic acid in the muscles in my shoulder and pains in my left knee made it difficult to go on. I was happy enough with 4 miles though after 3 weeks of not running at all.

Tip to future runners: Never take a female dog who is in heat on a run. I had every dog in the neighbourhood chasing me!

Difficulties: At the beginning of my run I set off at a faster pace than normal and I think I burned out too quickly. I really struggled with the 3rd and 4th miles and my breathing was sporadic. I also had some problems with my left leg due to my hip being misaligned and it taking all the battering on the pavement. I also think that changing my foot strike method has added to the pain I felt most of the evening.

Successes: After the first 2 miles I didn't think I was able to go very much further. My leg hurt, my head hurt and I had forgotten my bottle of water - big mistake! But, some fast paced songs and dragging myself out of the habit of self-pity for something that is totally self-imposed, I was able to soldier on. This was my toughest challenge yet as I had not built up to the endurance run but even though I had not made the scheduled 5 miles, I was very happy to have done 4. I could have pushed myself to 5 but it would have taken twice as long as the rest of the miles had and I didn't want to do myself an injury. I'm quite excited now because I know I have the strength and the capability to improve and I can't wait for marathon day!

Next training session: Yesterday was a scheduled rest day to allow my muscles to rest and strengthen and today I have 35 minutes of run/walk training to complete.

Thoughts and Feelings: Very tired and its raining out so getting the motivation to don a raincoat and go out training will be difficult. I know I'll feel better once I'm out on the road though.

Day One - Research and Preparation

I decided that if I was going to do this properly I would need to invest in some expert advice. I went out today and purchased 'Marathon Running for Mortals' by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield. I had it read in 3 hours flat. The book really focussed my energies and helped me to develop a sound strategy for training, eating, resting, and what to do pre- and post-race to ensure everything goes to plan. I have learned about all the different running related injuries (eek!) and how to prevent them (phew!). I now know what equipment I need and I have a 2 set training plans to get me in shape and prepare me for the big race. I plan to track my progress on charts and post them here and keep a diary of my thoughts and feelings.

My first training plan begins tomorrow and lasts for 14 weeks. This week's training is as follows:

Week One:
(Intensity levels are marked out of 10 with 1 being little effort and ten being maximum intensity)

Friday - Cross-training consisting of 30 minute hike up Cavehill at a moderate pace (Intensity: 7)

Saturday - Endurance Run of 2 miles (Intensity: 6-7.5)

Sunday - Rest

Monday - Easy Run for 30 minutes (Intensity: 6.5 - 7.5)

Tuesday - Cross-training consisting of 30 minute of moderately paced cycling (Intensity: 6-7)

Wednesday - Rest

Thursday - 30 minute run concentrating on form and technique (Intensity: 6.5-7.5)

As you can see the training schedule to begin with is quite time consuming and that is my only concern at the minute. I know I can run 2 miles or for 30 minutes no problem and the cross-training keeps things interesting and allows my running muscles to take a secondary resting position while I work out other muscles to keep a good balance. When I look at this schedule I am almost impatient. It seems too easy. I know that this is to break me into running and build up a good mileage base for the more intensive program but I wish I could jump right in.

I guess the thing I will have to work on most of all is patience. It is something I have little of and a virtue I have yet to master. I only hope I can master it quickly!

Here is my inspirational quote of the moment:

A thousand mile journey begins with a single step

Michelle

The Beginning

I recently took part as part of a Relay Team No. 2851 in running the last 5 miles of the Belfast City Marathon 2007. I did not train before the event as I planned to walk the whole 5 miles (I was used to walking 2-3 miles a few times a week), however when it came to the big day I was encouraged and inspired by the enthusiasm and the air of excitement of my team (which included my two sisters Angela and Nichola and my mummy Marie) and from observing all the runners who had already ran 21 miles straight that I decided I would give it my best attempt to run as far as I could manage.

Setting off from Corporation Square I began with a steady pace and managed 1 mile before I realised that if I was to complete the 5 miles at all I would need to slow down my speed. I got my breathing under control and the only other obstacle I had was sheer boredom. All I could think about was the constant pounding of my trainers on the concrete and estimations of much further I had go. Much to my dismay, after guessing I had ran approx. 3.5 miles I was told I had only done 2. I decided then that I needed to occupy my mind and think of something that would distract me from running or encourage me to push myself.

I thought of music, food, what my plans for the weekend were but none seemed to work. Then out of nowhere I thought of Meabh, my boyfriend's little cousin who has cerebral palsy and has serious restrictions on her mobility. I realised that Meabh would probably give anything to have the option to run a marathon and that me moaning inwardly about being tired and worn out was pathetic and ungrateful. I had this amazing opportunity to go out and do something amazing and instead of being thankful I was being petulent. I pushed myself to work harder than I ever had before and finished the 5 miles (through torrential rain might I add) only stopping on 2 occasions. When I crossed the finish line I felt a buzz, a rush of excitement and when I saw my mum and elder sister standing at the finish cheering me on I felt I had also proven something. I don't think they ever expected me to run the whole 5 miles and they were proud of me.

I spent the next 2 hours shivering in my soaked marathon t-shirt thinking of how I could incorporate running more into my life (its true that running becomes addictive) and trying to figure out how long I would have to train before the next marathon. My mum, sisters and I decided that in 2008 we would all try for the half-marathon and raise money for charity. I started running on a regular basis just 4 weeks ago in preparation for next year's marathon but I felt myself struggling reaching my targets. With no company on my runs and no crowd cheering me on I found it difficult to stay focussed and motivated and again it was thoughts of Meabh that spurred me on and reminded me that I could do this.

After a particularly long and tiring training session I sat down to re-evaluate my reasons for completing the half-marathon and although the charity my mum and sisters had suggested was very worthy, it just didn't inspire or motivate me enough to want to train 3 times a week. I came to the realisation that it was Meabh who motivated me and this was my opportunity to repay her by raising money to help her and her family. I got so excited that I had finally found something worthwhile and rewarding I could work towards that I decided to attempt to run the whole marathon.

All 26.2 miles of it.

The thought is daunting and it won't be an easy task but I am determined to do this. I will be keeping a regular blog of my progress, tracking my improvements and inevitably my set-backs. I would appreciate any hints, tips, suggestions....anything.

I would also ask that if you want to, please make a donation to my cause. Details of this will follow shortly.

Finally a short message to Meabh: We will run this marathon together. I'll be your legs and you will be my inspiration.

Thank you

Michelle
(not very fit and incredibly scared)