It is with great sadness that I have to announce that, due to my sustained ITB injury, I am no longer able to complete my running challenge. Although I am in recovery and building both my strength and fitness it is not going to be possible for me now to be able to run the remaining races. I am very sorry for this unfortunate turn of events but I risk doing further damage if I continue and need to allow my body to heal properly and fully before attempting the level of training required to complete a half marathon, especially in the challenging climate of the Gambia.
I am not beaten and I will recover. And I will carry on next year with a new running challenge in order to finish what I started. Hopefully, with all the lessons learnt this year, I will be in a far better position to complete whatever challenge I decide to set myself. I know that it will end with the Brufut Half Marathon as completing this race is now a personal target, as well as a way to raise money for the Bantaba Project.
One interesting thing is that I am now fully consider myself a runner! Not something I ever thought I would become and there are many ways someone may identify themselves as being a runner. How do I know that I am a runner? I am wholly jealous of anyone able to run when I cannot! Who saw that on coming!?!? There is a level of acceptance required with running, a break through point where it doesn't become evil anymore and becomes enjoyable, even when it's hard. I think I reached this point at the end of February when I went out a did a 6 mile run after work on a Tuesday.. and loved it!
Thank you all for your support so far and please keep reading for what happens next xXx
Friday, 7 September 2012
Sunday, 26 August 2012
5th 10 minute daily recovery run - Details
5th 10 minute daily recovery run by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
I'd like to say it's getting easier but thats not true! My fitness is still depleted beyond my expectations and although it is highly frustrating I am pleased to be making some headway.
I am focussed on the positives... it is so good to be running every day, even if it is just one 10 minute mile. :0)
I'd like to say it's getting easier but thats not true! My fitness is still depleted beyond my expectations and although it is highly frustrating I am pleased to be making some headway.
I am focussed on the positives... it is so good to be running every day, even if it is just one 10 minute mile. :0)
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
2nd 10 minute daily recovery run
I am learning that my fitness levels have depleted somewhat already. 10 minutes continuos running is just about all I can manage... I went from 0 to 12 miles in 3 months and back again even quicker! :0(
2nd 10 minute daily recovery run by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
2nd 10 minute daily recovery run by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
New trial training schedule, need to banish this injury!
So I do not appear to be getting much better, regarding the ITB injury.
I went to support my running club, Victory Athletics, as they set off for their charity relay race around Hayling Island on Sunday morning and was lucky enough to be able to spend a little bit of time with one of our coaches, Colin. He suggested trying something different as a training schedule to try. I told him I had managed another weekly 5k on the treadmill and he pointed out that the treadmill won't help the injury as it is a constant in every way and I need to build up all the muscle groups.
The new training schedule looks like this:
A daily 10 minute run, all outdoors, preferably on grass, but if not possible then road will have to do.
Complete this every day for 7 days.
If there are no issues, increase this to 15 minutes every day and so on and so on until I am up to 25 minutes a day and then decrease to 2/3 a week.
This will build me back up to my previous level of training quite sensibly and steadily.
I shall let you know how it goes with a regualr weekly training update!
I went to support my running club, Victory Athletics, as they set off for their charity relay race around Hayling Island on Sunday morning and was lucky enough to be able to spend a little bit of time with one of our coaches, Colin. He suggested trying something different as a training schedule to try. I told him I had managed another weekly 5k on the treadmill and he pointed out that the treadmill won't help the injury as it is a constant in every way and I need to build up all the muscle groups.
The new training schedule looks like this:
A daily 10 minute run, all outdoors, preferably on grass, but if not possible then road will have to do.
Complete this every day for 7 days.
If there are no issues, increase this to 15 minutes every day and so on and so on until I am up to 25 minutes a day and then decrease to 2/3 a week.
This will build me back up to my previous level of training quite sensibly and steadily.
I shall let you know how it goes with a regualr weekly training update!
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Thursday, 2 August 2012
The Bantaba Project - what is it all about?
The Bantaba Project – The Gambia - West Africa.
In 1980 Rose Dawson, the driving force behind this project, visited The Gambia, and was so shocked by the poverty she witnessed, particularly amongst the children, vowed she would go back one day and make a difference.
Since that time, Rose set up The Bantaba Project, and registered as a Charity in June 2010.
With the help of family and friend
In 1980 Rose Dawson, the driving force behind this project, visited The Gambia, and was so shocked by the poverty she witnessed, particularly amongst the children, vowed she would go back one day and make a difference.
Since that time, Rose set up The Bantaba Project, and registered as a Charity in June 2010.
With the help of family and friend
s, we achieved the following efforts:-
The donation of clothing, shoes, stationary for schools, football / sports equipment. Three fridge freezers were donated to assist women in food hygiene and set up small business enterprises, eg. the making of iced water and fruit drinks to sell in the local markets and tourist areas. Our latest achievement was the erection of a small Video hall, to help a local community benefit from the educational dvd’s which we also gifted, and much more which there is no room to print here.
The continuing success of the work undertaken by the group has been recognised by the local Gambian elders and a 22,500 square meter, plot of land has been donated by the village Chief of Brufut for the sole purpose of building the Bantaba Centre, and to achieve its aims and objectives.
Education is the key to eliminating poverty!
Poverty is not an accident. It is man- made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.
This land now needs to be cleared and a perimeter fence built with security hut, gates, and a well dug to start the process of building
The Bantaba Project Educational/Skills training/Community Centre.
We are trying to raise the necessary 10,000 GBP to secure the land with a 6ft. high cement block fence and have the land cleared before we visit in November.
Thankyou for your kind donations. God Blesses all who help.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To build and create an active Educational /Skills Training Community Centre
which will be the prototype for other Community centre developments to be created throughout Africa and the world.
To provide education and skills training to the community.
To focus on helping people to help themselves, thereby benefiting disadvantaged people in issues of illiteracy, health and poverty.
To teach and develop skills in order to produce products and services within identified markets. Trade of these will
therefore be the catalyst for improving the livelihood of Gambian people. In time, the centre will also become a place which will offer facilities for enjoyment and entertainment.
To build a pre-school nursery. This will then enable mothers with young children to take advantage of the training the centre will offer.
The centre will be able to accommodate visitors, teachers and students from all over the world who can come, teach their skills and learn about African life at grass roots level.
The donation of clothing, shoes, stationary for schools, football / sports equipment. Three fridge freezers were donated to assist women in food hygiene and set up small business enterprises, eg. the making of iced water and fruit drinks to sell in the local markets and tourist areas. Our latest achievement was the erection of a small Video hall, to help a local community benefit from the educational dvd’s which we also gifted, and much more which there is no room to print here.
The continuing success of the work undertaken by the group has been recognised by the local Gambian elders and a 22,500 square meter, plot of land has been donated by the village Chief of Brufut for the sole purpose of building the Bantaba Centre, and to achieve its aims and objectives.
Education is the key to eliminating poverty!
Poverty is not an accident. It is man- made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.
This land now needs to be cleared and a perimeter fence built with security hut, gates, and a well dug to start the process of building
The Bantaba Project Educational/Skills training/Community Centre.
We are trying to raise the necessary 10,000 GBP to secure the land with a 6ft. high cement block fence and have the land cleared before we visit in November.
Thankyou for your kind donations. God Blesses all who help.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To build and create an active Educational /Skills Training Community Centre
which will be the prototype for other Community centre developments to be created throughout Africa and the world.
To provide education and skills training to the community.
To focus on helping people to help themselves, thereby benefiting disadvantaged people in issues of illiteracy, health and poverty.
To teach and develop skills in order to produce products and services within identified markets. Trade of these will
therefore be the catalyst for improving the livelihood of Gambian people. In time, the centre will also become a place which will offer facilities for enjoyment and entertainment.
To build a pre-school nursery. This will then enable mothers with young children to take advantage of the training the centre will offer.
The centre will be able to accommodate visitors, teachers and students from all over the world who can come, teach their skills and learn about African life at grass roots level.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Half way to the first target! :0)
Today I hit a milestone... halfway towards the first fundraising target of £1000. Many people have made very generous donations to help me reach the point and I would like to thank them all publicly.
So... a huge thank you goes out to: (deep breath) Rose Dawson, Irene Dawson, Dean Jones, Charlie Prior, Greg Shepherd, Jon Stretton Knowles, Claire Owen, Carl Smith, Nicola Townsend, Danielle Weigner, Amanda Geldard, Abby Legge, George Allison, Paul Carter, John Pearson, Kelli Hayward, Mark Mackay, Alexia Mathews, David Quinn, Gerry Rock, Pavan Kumar Vadlamudi, Kim Freshwater and Pauline Sharp.
Thank you every one of you. You really have helped us achieve something great.
xXx
So... a huge thank you goes out to: (deep breath) Rose Dawson, Irene Dawson, Dean Jones, Charlie Prior, Greg Shepherd, Jon Stretton Knowles, Claire Owen, Carl Smith, Nicola Townsend, Danielle Weigner, Amanda Geldard, Abby Legge, George Allison, Paul Carter, John Pearson, Kelli Hayward, Mark Mackay, Alexia Mathews, David Quinn, Gerry Rock, Pavan Kumar Vadlamudi, Kim Freshwater and Pauline Sharp.
Thank you every one of you. You really have helped us achieve something great.
xXx
A degree of success
As some of you may know, I am currently studying for my Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree with the Open University. I started this back in late 2010 after my second visit to the Gambia. I knew by this point that I wanted to take the sort of training I do here, out there to try and make a difference. I had a good idea, and not much else. I decided to do my PPE degree, which I can follow with a Masters in West African Politics. I completed the first module in 2011, which I passed ( it is a straight pass or fail unit) and have just got my results for my L5 philosophy module - a 2:1! Exactly what I wanted!
I still have a long way to go: My L5 politics module starts in October, L5 Economics starts in Feb 2013. I am a bit daunted by having several months doing two modules at the same time but I figure it will be worth it so that by next October I have completed all L4 and L5 modules. That leaves two L6 modules to do, one in 2014 and one in 2015, and then it is time for the Cap and Gown ceremony!
The aim to get a 2:1 as a final degree result. With my full time job and running commitments I am not even going to think about a 1st. So, it has started well. The hard work paid off and I am now fully on my way. :0)
xXx
I still have a long way to go: My L5 politics module starts in October, L5 Economics starts in Feb 2013. I am a bit daunted by having several months doing two modules at the same time but I figure it will be worth it so that by next October I have completed all L4 and L5 modules. That leaves two L6 modules to do, one in 2014 and one in 2015, and then it is time for the Cap and Gown ceremony!
The aim to get a 2:1 as a final degree result. With my full time job and running commitments I am not even going to think about a 1st. So, it has started well. The hard work paid off and I am now fully on my way. :0)
xXx
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Definite progress...
Progress with injury recovery and running, progress with my fundraising efforts and progress with other fundraising events. So, one at time, in detail!
Progress with my running: Tonight I managed to complete a 5k on the treadmill in 33 minutes. I felt a slight twinge from about 28 minutes but generally, felt pretty good. It was hard but I expected that due to my lack of discipline with my eating and a deterioation in my fitness levels. However, it is a great progression and I am very, very happy. I'm feeling more sure that I won't be ready to complete the Farnham Half Marathon in September as I cannot see a way to reach this distance in the short time I have without damaging myself again but I am not writing it off completely just yet.
Progress with my fundraising efforts: Three people have made generous donations in the last week, taking my closer to the £500 mark which is half way to my original total. One of my colleagues at work has made a very generous gesture as well. It is her 25th wedding anniversary very soon and instead of asking for presents, she has asked friends and family to make donations to our project. She has warned me not to expect much but I am very moved by just the thought. It is a very lovely thing to do and it is greatly appreciated by everyone involved!
Progress with fundraising events: I have confirmed a date for the work place bake sale, although I do still have to ensure it is ok with the big bosses, I am sure this will be ok. I am aiming to hold a better event than the last one with better advertising to try and encourage people to come and buy cakes. And as Abby pointed out, she has been on a cake baking course now so we can expect a higher quality of cake! I have also secured a venue for the charity quiz night and I forgot (!) that I have a friend with their own pub who has very generously agreed to let us use the venue. This event is still in the very early stages but I am very excited about it. My mum even found a cuddly toy at a charity sale that we can use for a name the bear competition. One detail done, one thousand to go!
As always, I will keep you all up to date with things but needless to say I am motivated, excited, and overall, grateful and moved by peoples support. Thank you for reading this and showing an interest in what I am trying to achieve.
Much love, xXx
Progress with my running: Tonight I managed to complete a 5k on the treadmill in 33 minutes. I felt a slight twinge from about 28 minutes but generally, felt pretty good. It was hard but I expected that due to my lack of discipline with my eating and a deterioation in my fitness levels. However, it is a great progression and I am very, very happy. I'm feeling more sure that I won't be ready to complete the Farnham Half Marathon in September as I cannot see a way to reach this distance in the short time I have without damaging myself again but I am not writing it off completely just yet.
Progress with my fundraising efforts: Three people have made generous donations in the last week, taking my closer to the £500 mark which is half way to my original total. One of my colleagues at work has made a very generous gesture as well. It is her 25th wedding anniversary very soon and instead of asking for presents, she has asked friends and family to make donations to our project. She has warned me not to expect much but I am very moved by just the thought. It is a very lovely thing to do and it is greatly appreciated by everyone involved!
Progress with fundraising events: I have confirmed a date for the work place bake sale, although I do still have to ensure it is ok with the big bosses, I am sure this will be ok. I am aiming to hold a better event than the last one with better advertising to try and encourage people to come and buy cakes. And as Abby pointed out, she has been on a cake baking course now so we can expect a higher quality of cake! I have also secured a venue for the charity quiz night and I forgot (!) that I have a friend with their own pub who has very generously agreed to let us use the venue. This event is still in the very early stages but I am very excited about it. My mum even found a cuddly toy at a charity sale that we can use for a name the bear competition. One detail done, one thousand to go!
As always, I will keep you all up to date with things but needless to say I am motivated, excited, and overall, grateful and moved by peoples support. Thank you for reading this and showing an interest in what I am trying to achieve.
Much love, xXx
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
This post is important. We need your support
OK, so this blog doesn't have a huge readership but it does ok and anyone thats stops by to see what this is all about could get involved and help.
We need to secure £50,000 as soon as possible.
This money is for the first stage of the build, to clear the land ready for the build, erect a 6ft. high cement wall, with steel gates and a security/store hut, and to dig a well, on the 150sq.meter piece of land which has been kindly donated by the Chief of the village of Brufut, Gambia West Africa. All legal papers signed and sealed.
We need people to donate whatever they can or even better hold a fundraising event and get involved in really making a difference to a country that really, truly, needs our support. This project is so important and will honestly change the lives of communities across the Gambia. And, then, this is only the start... we want this project to be a blue print for projects all around the world wherever it is needed.
Please check out my just giving page for more information about the project and ways to donate: www.justgiving.com/Liza-Done-Bantaba-Project
If you would like to get involved, have an idea for a fundraising project, or you can help with promotion and help us spread the word of our work then please email me lizadone7@aol.com
Thank you for reading xXx
We need to secure £50,000 as soon as possible.
This money is for the first stage of the build, to clear the land ready for the build, erect a 6ft. high cement wall, with steel gates and a security/store hut, and to dig a well, on the 150sq.meter piece of land which has been kindly donated by the Chief of the village of Brufut, Gambia West Africa. All legal papers signed and sealed.
We need people to donate whatever they can or even better hold a fundraising event and get involved in really making a difference to a country that really, truly, needs our support. This project is so important and will honestly change the lives of communities across the Gambia. And, then, this is only the start... we want this project to be a blue print for projects all around the world wherever it is needed.
Please check out my just giving page for more information about the project and ways to donate: www.justgiving.com/Liza-Done-Bantaba-Project
If you would like to get involved, have an idea for a fundraising project, or you can help with promotion and help us spread the word of our work then please email me lizadone7@aol.com
Thank you for reading xXx
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Injury recovery is not going very well :0(
I started on rebuilding my running last week as I said I would and the news is not great. I went to the gym on Tuesdays instead of meeting with the running club. Due to the rubbish weather, grass running has not really appealed to me so I figured that the treadmill would be the next best thing.
Last Tuesday I managed to run for 20 minutes. I had planned to do a 30 minute 5k but at 19 minutes things started to twinge so I stopped before doing anymore damage.
This Tuesday I felt a little more confident that the 30 minute 5k was within my grasp but at 14 minutes I felt the familair tell tale signs of the onset of pain. I was very disappointed and ready to walk out of the gym. Luckily I was being watched by Becca, one of the trainers who is very aware of my situation, and she pushed me (not literally) on to the cross trainer to do a 15 minute set of interval training. No pain as no impact and at least I did something to keep some of my fitness.
I am starting to become slightly concerned that I am really not healing as quickly as needed. My next entered race in the Farnham Half Marathon in September and it is not far away now. How am I going to complete a half marathon if I cannot complete 5k???? I am trying not to panic just yet but fear is starting to set in. Everyone keeps telling me not to worry, people will understand if I don't manage to complete the full fund raising task, it's hardly my fault, or a lack of effort and I get that but... I feel like I still have to get it done. I guess only time will tell! I will, as always, keep you posted.
xXx
Last Tuesday I managed to run for 20 minutes. I had planned to do a 30 minute 5k but at 19 minutes things started to twinge so I stopped before doing anymore damage.
This Tuesday I felt a little more confident that the 30 minute 5k was within my grasp but at 14 minutes I felt the familair tell tale signs of the onset of pain. I was very disappointed and ready to walk out of the gym. Luckily I was being watched by Becca, one of the trainers who is very aware of my situation, and she pushed me (not literally) on to the cross trainer to do a 15 minute set of interval training. No pain as no impact and at least I did something to keep some of my fitness.
I am starting to become slightly concerned that I am really not healing as quickly as needed. My next entered race in the Farnham Half Marathon in September and it is not far away now. How am I going to complete a half marathon if I cannot complete 5k???? I am trying not to panic just yet but fear is starting to set in. Everyone keeps telling me not to worry, people will understand if I don't manage to complete the full fund raising task, it's hardly my fault, or a lack of effort and I get that but... I feel like I still have to get it done. I guess only time will tell! I will, as always, keep you posted.
xXx
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Injury Recovery
I know, I know, I know. I have been MIA for over 2 weeks now but as this is a blog about my fundraising efforts and all the running I'm doing, I don't have a lot to say as I am not running! I am now, however, starting on a recovery plan and after 1 weeks complete rest and a very gentle start to cross training this week I am making my way back to my running community.
Last week I did a 30 minute cross training session in the gym which involved a 15 minute hill session on the cross trainer at L8 and a 15 hill minute session on the bike, also at L8. Things were pretty hectic last week what with Hants cricket matches, booked cinema trips and family engagement that I only managed one session. As I told myself at the time, 1 is better than no sessions at all.
I'm not very healthy when I am not running I discovered and I tend to eat a lot of bad food. I had lost 1st 2lbs through slimming world to the date of the D Day 10k when I properly injured my knee and I managed to put on 2lbs in one week whilst having my rest week. I did visit a curry house, McDonalds and Pizza Hut in that week so I think I got off fairly lightly but I lost my motivation to stay healthy. Last week I maintained at 1 st lighter which I was ok with but now I am determined to get the last 6/7 lbs off in the next 6 weeks. This will put me in my target zone and mean that all the time I stay there I will not have to give slimming world any more money! Good times!
Exercise wise, so far this week, I went for a 3 mile walk on Monday night with the Chippie, out to a local park and back. Tuesday I did a 40 minute gym session (20 minute x trainer and 20 minute bike), Wednesday was a lazy day and today I went for a 2 mile (we think) walk at lunch time around the company grounds with Ms W. We will do the same tomorrow and I will remember my Garmin to measure the distance properly. The track around the work grounds will also be the start of my return to running as everyone has told me to only run on grass at first and this track is completely grass so is perfect... terrain meets the requirements, it is not too long and will help me build back up to where I should be...sorted!
Let's hope three weeks away from running is long enough to heal things. I will let you all know how I get on on Tuesday when I try my first run! :0) xXx
Last week I did a 30 minute cross training session in the gym which involved a 15 minute hill session on the cross trainer at L8 and a 15 hill minute session on the bike, also at L8. Things were pretty hectic last week what with Hants cricket matches, booked cinema trips and family engagement that I only managed one session. As I told myself at the time, 1 is better than no sessions at all.
I'm not very healthy when I am not running I discovered and I tend to eat a lot of bad food. I had lost 1st 2lbs through slimming world to the date of the D Day 10k when I properly injured my knee and I managed to put on 2lbs in one week whilst having my rest week. I did visit a curry house, McDonalds and Pizza Hut in that week so I think I got off fairly lightly but I lost my motivation to stay healthy. Last week I maintained at 1 st lighter which I was ok with but now I am determined to get the last 6/7 lbs off in the next 6 weeks. This will put me in my target zone and mean that all the time I stay there I will not have to give slimming world any more money! Good times!
Exercise wise, so far this week, I went for a 3 mile walk on Monday night with the Chippie, out to a local park and back. Tuesday I did a 40 minute gym session (20 minute x trainer and 20 minute bike), Wednesday was a lazy day and today I went for a 2 mile (we think) walk at lunch time around the company grounds with Ms W. We will do the same tomorrow and I will remember my Garmin to measure the distance properly. The track around the work grounds will also be the start of my return to running as everyone has told me to only run on grass at first and this track is completely grass so is perfect... terrain meets the requirements, it is not too long and will help me build back up to where I should be...sorted!
Let's hope three weeks away from running is long enough to heal things. I will let you all know how I get on on Tuesday when I try my first run! :0) xXx
Monday, 18 June 2012
Still injured!!!
I know I have been lazy with my blog (again) but I don't feel I have very much to say, what with being injured and all! Also I had to sit a three hour Open University exam for my Level 5 Philosophy module towards my PPE degree on Friday so I have been plenty busy revising for that.
Anyway, about my injury. I have now completed my full five days complete exercise rest, as recommended after the ITB problems that flared up during the D Day 10k. I hate not being able to run!!!
All of the websites and magazine articles I can find suggest full rest for five days and then to start cross training. So, this is what I will do although life is pretty hectic at the moment. This week I am out straight from work at the Ageas bowl, watching my beloved Hampshire Royals in the 20/20 format of the game and Thursday I am at the cinema watching a National Theatre Live production of Frankenstein (the best play ever made in my opinion!). So, with all this going on I have Tuesday and Wednesday to get some exercise in. Wednesday seems like a good idea as I can do 30 minute ab class followed by an hour gym circuits, all at my gym. There is a half hour gap between the two which I could utilise for either the bike or the cross trainer.
Hopefully I will be able to get back to running in about 2/3 weeks although only a little at a time and only on grass!
Lets see how it goes. xXx
Anyway, about my injury. I have now completed my full five days complete exercise rest, as recommended after the ITB problems that flared up during the D Day 10k. I hate not being able to run!!!
All of the websites and magazine articles I can find suggest full rest for five days and then to start cross training. So, this is what I will do although life is pretty hectic at the moment. This week I am out straight from work at the Ageas bowl, watching my beloved Hampshire Royals in the 20/20 format of the game and Thursday I am at the cinema watching a National Theatre Live production of Frankenstein (the best play ever made in my opinion!). So, with all this going on I have Tuesday and Wednesday to get some exercise in. Wednesday seems like a good idea as I can do 30 minute ab class followed by an hour gym circuits, all at my gym. There is a half hour gap between the two which I could utilise for either the bike or the cross trainer.
Hopefully I will be able to get back to running in about 2/3 weeks although only a little at a time and only on grass!
Lets see how it goes. xXx
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Race 6 of 13; D Day 10k - Awful run!
Untitled by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
Didn't like the course and have furthered my ITB injury :0(
Didn't like the course and have furthered my ITB injury :0(
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Actual Injury!!!
Hmph! Grump! and Harumph!
I managed to fall down 6 steps of a staircase at slimming world on Monday night and now have an actual injury! I am very, very lucky that it is not a lot worse as I face planted on my left hand side with quite a bang. I am quite bruised and battered, taken a chunk out of my lip (thank good I didn't break a tooth) and have sprained my wrist and probably broken a very small bone in my hand.
No running for me all the time the splint is on my wrist, I am gutted. Everyone has made the obligatory jokes about how running and being healthy are obviously not good for me. Hurt my knee running and injure myself at slimming world... maybe I should say on the sofa, eat chocolate and just be safe and happy! Never...Ever... Ever gonna happen!!!
I have a review appointment at the hospital in 8 days time to see how everything is progressing. I really, really hope it heals quicker than that. Not running is really annoying me! As is only having the use of one hand... I cannot put my hair up myself, type properly, put my contact lenses in. It makes me appreciate how easy some aspects of my life really are!
xXx
I managed to fall down 6 steps of a staircase at slimming world on Monday night and now have an actual injury! I am very, very lucky that it is not a lot worse as I face planted on my left hand side with quite a bang. I am quite bruised and battered, taken a chunk out of my lip (thank good I didn't break a tooth) and have sprained my wrist and probably broken a very small bone in my hand.
No running for me all the time the splint is on my wrist, I am gutted. Everyone has made the obligatory jokes about how running and being healthy are obviously not good for me. Hurt my knee running and injure myself at slimming world... maybe I should say on the sofa, eat chocolate and just be safe and happy! Never...Ever... Ever gonna happen!!!
I have a review appointment at the hospital in 8 days time to see how everything is progressing. I really, really hope it heals quicker than that. Not running is really annoying me! As is only having the use of one hand... I cannot put my hair up myself, type properly, put my contact lenses in. It makes me appreciate how easy some aspects of my life really are!
xXx
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Injury Scare!
Ok, so it's a cliche... a runner with a knee injury! And, after the Marwell 10, that is what I thought I was. From the first km I had a pain in the outer side of my right knee and by 3k this pain was shooting up my thigh to my hip. It was very unpleasant but I knew that I could get round. Being a very hilly course didn't help and there were moments going up hills that I thought my leg was going to give way, but it didn't. I finished, and then started worrying about the damage possibly done!
The benefits of being a member of a running club are many and one is access to specialists. Lucky for me, two of our club members are expert sport masseurs. I was pointed in their direction by the girls that had been at Marwell with me and had my first session last night. Within seconds they had diagnosed me, within minutes they had done the tests to confirm their diagnosis and gave me some very good news. I don't have an injury... I have the symptoms of an injury but it has been caught early and can be sorted quite easily with further sessions and some daily targeted stretches! It also won't stop me running and I can be back at training tomorrow! Woop Woop!
The benefits of being a member of a running club are many and one is access to specialists. Lucky for me, two of our club members are expert sport masseurs. I was pointed in their direction by the girls that had been at Marwell with me and had my first session last night. Within seconds they had diagnosed me, within minutes they had done the tests to confirm their diagnosis and gave me some very good news. I don't have an injury... I have the symptoms of an injury but it has been caught early and can be sorted quite easily with further sessions and some daily targeted stretches! It also won't stop me running and I can be back at training tomorrow! Woop Woop!
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Race 5 of 13 - Marwell 10
Another 3 minutes of my time! PB finally under one hour...
Untitled by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
Untitled by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
Friday, 18 May 2012
Race 5 this weekend
This sunday is the Marwell 10k and I am looking forward to this race. It is very "undulating" and quite a hard course but it is also a beautiful course with lovely countryside. The course has changed since I ran it back in 2009 and now the first 1km is actually through the park itself. This does not bode well for a pb as we run past the tigers, who are my favourites! My mantra must be "do not stop for tigers, do not stop for tigers, do not stop for tigers".
I will let you know how I get on xXx
I will let you know how I get on xXx
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Updated race schedule...
This is what the current fundraising schedule of races looks like. I still have one more race to find and enter which will push my total miles over the 100 mile target.
05/02/12 Chichester 10k = Done
26/02/12 Winchester 10k = Done
10/03/12 New Forest 5k = Cancelled
11/03/12 David Lloyd 5k = Cancelled
11/03/12 David Lloyd 5k = Cancelled
01/04/12 Bournemouth Bay = Done
13/05/12 Alton 10 miles = Done
20/05/12 Marwell 10k = Entered
20/05/12 Marwell 10k = Entered
10/06/12 D Day 10k = Entered
13/06/12 Hayling Billy= Awaiting entry
16/09/12 Farnham Half = Entered
14/10/12 Chichester Half = Entered
28/10/12 The Great South = Entered
15/12/12 Brufut Half Marathon = Awaiting entry
Monday, 14 May 2012
First 10 mile race done! :0)
Yesterday I completed the Alton 10 mile road race! This was only the second time I'd run over 7.5 miles so I was really nervous before the start. This was obvious because I was very, very quiet!
I am pleased to report that I enjoyed every minute of the run, until about 9.5 miles when it just seemed to get very, very hard. I think battling those hills and finding that we still had one more incline to go was a bit of a moral crusher.
If you'd have told me last year that by May I would be able to run, and I did run the whole course!, 10 miles I would have told you you were mad. I never thought I would get to a place where I would like running, let alone be any good at it so I am pleasantly surprised. I do like it and I am getting a bit better at it.
Being part of a running club helps, and finding someone who you can run with can have a huge impact. It definitely does for me as I find I do things that, were I by myself, I wouldn't even try.
I have now entered two half marathons in the country and the Gambia half marathon date and entry has been released so I will be finishing this first fund raising challenge on Saturday 15th December.... then it is on to the next challenge!
I am pleased to report that I enjoyed every minute of the run, until about 9.5 miles when it just seemed to get very, very hard. I think battling those hills and finding that we still had one more incline to go was a bit of a moral crusher.
If you'd have told me last year that by May I would be able to run, and I did run the whole course!, 10 miles I would have told you you were mad. I never thought I would get to a place where I would like running, let alone be any good at it so I am pleasantly surprised. I do like it and I am getting a bit better at it.
Being part of a running club helps, and finding someone who you can run with can have a huge impact. It definitely does for me as I find I do things that, were I by myself, I wouldn't even try.
I have now entered two half marathons in the country and the Gambia half marathon date and entry has been released so I will be finishing this first fund raising challenge on Saturday 15th December.... then it is on to the next challenge!
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Race 4 of 13 for The Bantaba Charity....
Race details for my 4th charity fund raising race. Very hilly course and after a week off in New York I am very pleased with my time
Untitled by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
Untitled by lizadone at Garmin Connect - Details
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Back from the Big Apple!!!
Ok, so I haven't been writing much lately which totally goes against my vow to keep you all updated but I do have a good excuse - I was in New York! And maybe I could have written whilst I was out there but to be honest, I didn't have time... or a lot of wifi access!
It was a truly amazing trip - very, very different to The Gambia as you would expect and although I did have a few pangs of guilt that maybe I shouldn't be spending all this money on a holiday when there is so much to be done for the school and the Bantaba project, I got over them. As my friends said, you can't deny yourself every pleasure in life and it does help everyone in the end as everyone needs a break and I do feel completely re charged - or I will as soon as the jet lag wears off!
I went for a week with my best friend, Miss A, and we had the best time. We didn't manage to do everything but we certainly did a lot. I'd forgotten just how much I love the city and it was nice to be reminded. It is certainly one place everyone should go in their lifetime. It is electric. Some of my favourite things included:
- The circleline boat tour.
- Brunch at Max Brenners on Broadway (Chocolate by the bald guy).
- The top of the rock during the day.
- Going up the Empire State (all the way to the 102nd floor) and watching the sunset and the lights of the city come on.
- Rare View rooftop cocktail bar with a view of the Empire State.
- The Flatiron building.
- The way all the big stores can't wait to give you a visitors discount!
... I could go on and on but you get the idea!
Now, back to reality...and running! xXx
It was a truly amazing trip - very, very different to The Gambia as you would expect and although I did have a few pangs of guilt that maybe I shouldn't be spending all this money on a holiday when there is so much to be done for the school and the Bantaba project, I got over them. As my friends said, you can't deny yourself every pleasure in life and it does help everyone in the end as everyone needs a break and I do feel completely re charged - or I will as soon as the jet lag wears off!
I went for a week with my best friend, Miss A, and we had the best time. We didn't manage to do everything but we certainly did a lot. I'd forgotten just how much I love the city and it was nice to be reminded. It is certainly one place everyone should go in their lifetime. It is electric. Some of my favourite things included:
- The circleline boat tour.
- Brunch at Max Brenners on Broadway (Chocolate by the bald guy).
- The top of the rock during the day.
- Going up the Empire State (all the way to the 102nd floor) and watching the sunset and the lights of the city come on.
- Rare View rooftop cocktail bar with a view of the Empire State.
- The Flatiron building.
- The way all the big stores can't wait to give you a visitors discount!
... I could go on and on but you get the idea!
Now, back to reality...and running! xXx
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Thursday, 19 April 2012
A Liza is born in The Gambia :0)
I am very pleased to announce that my friend Ishmalia, a waiter at the Wild Monkey restaurant, and his wife have finally sent news that they have had their baby. It was a baby girl and he was true to his word and named her Liza.
This now means that the chippie and I both have name sakes in The Gambia. What would be really lovely would be for them to meet later in life, fall in love and end up together.
I am truly honoured and am looking forward to meeting her at the end of the year. I guess this will be another child to add to my sponsorship list which makes me feel very warm and fuzzy inside :0)
xXx
This now means that the chippie and I both have name sakes in The Gambia. What would be really lovely would be for them to meet later in life, fall in love and end up together.
I am truly honoured and am looking forward to meeting her at the end of the year. I guess this will be another child to add to my sponsorship list which makes me feel very warm and fuzzy inside :0)
xXx
Sunday, 15 April 2012
I am having a brilliant week!!
First, I win the first long handicap - even with a handicap of 6 minutes. This has raised my confidence in my running ability a lot.
Second, I get my 5th Tutor Marked Assignment back for the level 5 Philosophy part of my degree and I have finally broken out the 77/78% arena with an 80%.
Then, what was meant to be a normal training run on Saturday morning with Glynne saw us running 12.5 miles... just .7 short of a half marathon distance! They do say you are only supposed to up your distance by 10% a week so I have defiantly broken that rule but hey... what a frikkin achievement! I went from 10k to 7.5 miles last week and then from 7.5 to 12.5, and our pace was good, consistently within the 10/11 minute mile range.
Mum told me to buy a lottery ticket and I did and... nothing! But hey, you definitely can't have everything and I will take this week very, very gratefully!
Second, I get my 5th Tutor Marked Assignment back for the level 5 Philosophy part of my degree and I have finally broken out the 77/78% arena with an 80%.
Then, what was meant to be a normal training run on Saturday morning with Glynne saw us running 12.5 miles... just .7 short of a half marathon distance! They do say you are only supposed to up your distance by 10% a week so I have defiantly broken that rule but hey... what a frikkin achievement! I went from 10k to 7.5 miles last week and then from 7.5 to 12.5, and our pace was good, consistently within the 10/11 minute mile range.
Mum told me to buy a lottery ticket and I did and... nothing! But hey, you definitely can't have everything and I will take this week very, very gratefully!
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Making time
Two posts in two days... my pledge is working, albeit I only made it yesterday! But, long may this continue. I have been thinking this morning about how I have changed my life and made time for running, ab class, gym circuits, studying for my degree, working full time and doing all this whilst managing not to take the chippie for granted (I hope!) that surely I must be able to make time for my blog. After all, whats one more thing!
So many things have gone on in Africa recently that I would like to have written about... the over turning of the military coup in Mali, the killings in Somalia, general news from my friends in the Gambia (all of which is good news). I need to put a little bit of time aside at least every couple of days to do this. I write courses about time management for pete's sake, surely I can manage my time to fit this in!I managed to find time of the Easter break to watch over 10 episodes of Gossip Girl (my true guilty pleasure!), I must be able to do this!!!
The plans are in place, the time is pencilled in and set aside. I just need to be as organised and committed to this as I am everything else... and so, it begins. You will be hearing a lot more from me! :0)
xXx
So many things have gone on in Africa recently that I would like to have written about... the over turning of the military coup in Mali, the killings in Somalia, general news from my friends in the Gambia (all of which is good news). I need to put a little bit of time aside at least every couple of days to do this. I write courses about time management for pete's sake, surely I can manage my time to fit this in!I managed to find time of the Easter break to watch over 10 episodes of Gossip Girl (my true guilty pleasure!), I must be able to do this!!!
The plans are in place, the time is pencilled in and set aside. I just need to be as organised and committed to this as I am everything else... and so, it begins. You will be hearing a lot more from me! :0)
xXx
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Lets catch up.
Ok, so I am getting a bit lazy with this blogging thing. I started it so that I could highlight what I am doing, why I am doing it and how these things effect my life. The main effect I am finding at the moment is that I don't have time to write my blog!
So, let's catch up.
Race 3, the Bournemouth Bay 10k, went really, really well. I was aiming for an hour and crossed the finishing line in 1:00:24! Under an hour would have been amazing but hey, ho. I wanted an hour and I got it.
Last Thursday I ran my longest distance yet, a total of 7.99 miles. I felt pretty good afterwards. it wasn't going to set the timing screens a light but then neither did my first ever 10k time. I did it and I really felt good about the achievement.
This week I am running about 7 miles with the club and then Thursday is the first long handicap of the summer season. Race distance 7.5 miles!
The short handicap was a challenge. Despite being only 3.6 miles, everyone is out to get home first and it is the most competitive race I have been involved in yet. I managed to come 4th which was ok. I went of like a greyhound after the first few runners and knackered myself out so a final chase was never going to happen. I was 3rd until the last half a mile but couldn't hold of the amazing Anita and she overtook me and the others to come 1st.
So, thats all the running news to date...
Slimming world continues to be motivating. I had lost 13.5 pounds in my first 5 weeks which I was really pleased with BUT... then life got in the way, a board meeting here, a dinner out, easter bbq, easter chocolate and boom! I put on 1.5 pounds. Still, I made those choices. I can't sit here and wonder where the gain came from. I know exactly where it came from and I will get back on the straight and narrow to get rid of these offending pounds and hopefully another 7!
I would like to be 9.5 pounds lighter by April 28th when me and Miss A fly to New York City for one of the best weeks of our lives! It will be one of the holidays of a lifetime. And if I can be at my target weight by then, that will be the icing on the cake.
I have made sure that I will be able to run whilst out there, even if only on a treadmill, as the Sunday after my return will be my first ever 10 mile race. A scary but quite exciting thought!
And I think you are now all caught up. I will make a pledge to you now to be a better blogger and update you more often. After all, it is just one more thing to add to the list!
xXx
So, let's catch up.
Race 3, the Bournemouth Bay 10k, went really, really well. I was aiming for an hour and crossed the finishing line in 1:00:24! Under an hour would have been amazing but hey, ho. I wanted an hour and I got it.
Last Thursday I ran my longest distance yet, a total of 7.99 miles. I felt pretty good afterwards. it wasn't going to set the timing screens a light but then neither did my first ever 10k time. I did it and I really felt good about the achievement.
This week I am running about 7 miles with the club and then Thursday is the first long handicap of the summer season. Race distance 7.5 miles!
The short handicap was a challenge. Despite being only 3.6 miles, everyone is out to get home first and it is the most competitive race I have been involved in yet. I managed to come 4th which was ok. I went of like a greyhound after the first few runners and knackered myself out so a final chase was never going to happen. I was 3rd until the last half a mile but couldn't hold of the amazing Anita and she overtook me and the others to come 1st.
So, thats all the running news to date...
Slimming world continues to be motivating. I had lost 13.5 pounds in my first 5 weeks which I was really pleased with BUT... then life got in the way, a board meeting here, a dinner out, easter bbq, easter chocolate and boom! I put on 1.5 pounds. Still, I made those choices. I can't sit here and wonder where the gain came from. I know exactly where it came from and I will get back on the straight and narrow to get rid of these offending pounds and hopefully another 7!
I would like to be 9.5 pounds lighter by April 28th when me and Miss A fly to New York City for one of the best weeks of our lives! It will be one of the holidays of a lifetime. And if I can be at my target weight by then, that will be the icing on the cake.
I have made sure that I will be able to run whilst out there, even if only on a treadmill, as the Sunday after my return will be my first ever 10 mile race. A scary but quite exciting thought!
And I think you are now all caught up. I will make a pledge to you now to be a better blogger and update you more often. After all, it is just one more thing to add to the list!
xXx
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Race 3 is up!!!
Blogging has fallen by the wayside lately. As a previous post said my life is pretty busy at the moment. Between working full time, running with the running club, slimming world meetings, gym classes and university work there is not much time for anything else. I haven't really even found time for the university work to be honest. Luckily I had a full day of studying today and managed to do all the reading and the first draft for my next TMA which is due on Thursday. This has been hanging over my head for a month so to get the bulk of the work out of the way feels a massive relief. This will leave my head clear for tomorrows run. Race 3... Bournemouth Bay 10k.
I managed to complete 6 miles in 1 hour in a training run this Tuesday (I know this thanks to the amazing present the chippie bought me - A Garmin 410 forerunner GPS watch) so I am hoping to get ever closer to a 1 hour 10k time. I really want to do it in under an hour but I don't think this is realistic just yet. I've gone from 1.06 to 1.03 so to go to 1 hr would be amazing!
I'm quite excited and will let you know how I get on. xXx
I managed to complete 6 miles in 1 hour in a training run this Tuesday (I know this thanks to the amazing present the chippie bought me - A Garmin 410 forerunner GPS watch) so I am hoping to get ever closer to a 1 hour 10k time. I really want to do it in under an hour but I don't think this is realistic just yet. I've gone from 1.06 to 1.03 so to go to 1 hr would be amazing!
I'm quite excited and will let you know how I get on. xXx
Birthday done and dusted for another year!
My birthday was a very happy affair. I had birthday friday in Southampton with Miss A which was a brilliant yet drunken affair. I hadn't planned to drink like a 24 year old but sometimes you just need to go with flow. I suffered a 34 year old hangover and felt rough for the next 3 days. Saturday was a afternoon picnic in the sun. The chippie gave me an early birthday present of a picnic basket / rucksack and had prepared a wonderful syn free picnic. Sunday was sent in London with the Chippie and my parents, we went to see Lenny Henry in Shakespear's Comedy of Errors which was not very good at all. Monday was actual birthday day and I spent the day at work for once. Some friends at work joined me for a birthday drinks at lunchtime (I drank diet coke only!) and then it was off to slimming world where i had the happy birthday news that, despite all the drinking and pizza express I had managed to lose two pounds. I did say that throwing up at the end of the night would mean I rid myself of all the syns!!! All done until next year :0)
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Slimming World Week 3 result
It's a bit late as it is now Friday and weigh in day is Monday but for those that are interested I lost another pound and a half last week which makes a total weight loss of eight and a half pounds in three weeks. Not too bad at all.
Next Monday is my birthday so not expecting a great result but I have been quite sensible and roughly planned for how I will manage my eating and drinking (yes I am going to drink, it's been a while!) so as not too have a massive gain. It will also be my "star week" which always screws with your metabolism and can give you a weird result! I will let you know how I do.
Oh yes, a normal pizza from Pizza Express is roughly 20 syns per half a pizza in case you were wondering! Guess where my best friend is taking me tonight to start the weekend of celebrations! :)
xXx
Next Monday is my birthday so not expecting a great result but I have been quite sensible and roughly planned for how I will manage my eating and drinking (yes I am going to drink, it's been a while!) so as not too have a massive gain. It will also be my "star week" which always screws with your metabolism and can give you a weird result! I will let you know how I do.
Oh yes, a normal pizza from Pizza Express is roughly 20 syns per half a pizza in case you were wondering! Guess where my best friend is taking me tonight to start the weekend of celebrations! :)
xXx
Busy, Busy, Busy... Better than Bored, Bored, Bored
Life is feeling quite hectic at the moment. Between work, running, gym sessions and studying for my Open University degree there is not a lot of time left over - hence my blogging at 5.45am on a Friday morning!
One of my friends posted on facebook last night that they were bored for the first time in a very long time which made me realise that I also have not felt bored for quite a while. It was not something that I had given much thought to until I read his post but what a nice realisation.
There is one small problem: I need to find more time as I am supposed to study for about an hour a day and it is currently about an hour a week which will not lead anywhere but to fits of tears in the exam room. I also need to start running longer distances as 10k is no longer enough and I need to start building up to 10 miles in the next month. But hey, I am quite glad that these are the sorts of problems I'm facing. How bad can life really be when the biggest problem is not having enough time to do everything you want. At least I have so many opportunities available to me and was instilled with the drive and passion to chase after things I want, thank you once again Mum and Dad!
One of my friends posted on facebook last night that they were bored for the first time in a very long time which made me realise that I also have not felt bored for quite a while. It was not something that I had given much thought to until I read his post but what a nice realisation.
There is one small problem: I need to find more time as I am supposed to study for about an hour a day and it is currently about an hour a week which will not lead anywhere but to fits of tears in the exam room. I also need to start running longer distances as 10k is no longer enough and I need to start building up to 10 miles in the next month. But hey, I am quite glad that these are the sorts of problems I'm facing. How bad can life really be when the biggest problem is not having enough time to do everything you want. At least I have so many opportunities available to me and was instilled with the drive and passion to chase after things I want, thank you once again Mum and Dad!
Thursday, 15 March 2012
A brilliant work out / weight loss tip.
A little while ago I downloaded an article about Running for people who hate to run. from Amazon onto my kindle. It had one invaluable technique that nearly anyone can use to shift the excess pounds. If I could remember the authors name I would credit them but I can't!
Now before I explain, I feel I must point out...again... that it is about calories in versus calories out so if you use this tip but still consume too many calories in a day you will not see any benefit. However, if you have a reasonably healthy diet you could shift up to 5 pounds of fat in 2/3 weeks.
It is all based on the HIT principle. Those of you who watched the Horizon programme about exercise may be familiar with it. HIT is High Intensity Training and raises your metabolic rate so that your body burns more calories.
For this technique all you need is access to is at least one flight of stairs.
The idea is that you run up one to three flights of stairs and then walk back down them and repeat this for 5 minutes every day. Thats it! Although it may not be as easy as it sounds straight away so you may have to build up to 5 continuos minutes. If this is the case start with 1 x 1 minute session and 2 x 2 minutes sessions and build up.
If you do this everyday for at least two weeks you should see a difference. I did.
xXx
Now before I explain, I feel I must point out...again... that it is about calories in versus calories out so if you use this tip but still consume too many calories in a day you will not see any benefit. However, if you have a reasonably healthy diet you could shift up to 5 pounds of fat in 2/3 weeks.
It is all based on the HIT principle. Those of you who watched the Horizon programme about exercise may be familiar with it. HIT is High Intensity Training and raises your metabolic rate so that your body burns more calories.
For this technique all you need is access to is at least one flight of stairs.
The idea is that you run up one to three flights of stairs and then walk back down them and repeat this for 5 minutes every day. Thats it! Although it may not be as easy as it sounds straight away so you may have to build up to 5 continuos minutes. If this is the case start with 1 x 1 minute session and 2 x 2 minutes sessions and build up.
If you do this everyday for at least two weeks you should see a difference. I did.
xXx
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Sliming World week 2 results.
So this week was the dreaded week two weigh in. If you watch Biggest Loser or any other weight loss / work out show you will know that week 2 of any regime will always be the toughest. If you stick rigidly to your chosen programme (as long as it is not a fad diet) you will have good numbers in week 1 due to the shock to the system but week 2 will be difficult. This is because your body is trying to recover from the shock and reacts differently than normal. Some people maintain their weight, some even gain back a tiny amount. This should not be disheartening and if aware of it you can plan to try and overcome it - This is what I did.
I made a conscious decision to reduce the amount of syns i can have a day from 15 to 10. This is obviously slimming world speak but the syns are the things you have to count that contain fats, oils etc. This would help me effectively manage my food intake. I had planned to up my exercise but I got struck down by that awful cold and managed to zero amount of exercise.
I took this into consideration as the week went on and reduced my syns further as I was now not burning any extra calories via exercise.
The good news is I managed a 1.5 lb loss which makes my total loss for two weeks 7lbs, or half a stone!!!
As a seperate note, fad diets do not work. I have previously done Atkins - once carbs found me, boy did they find me! I put on all the weight I had lost and doubled it! I did the zone, south beach... you name it, I tried it. I am lucky in that I have never been 'fat' but I have been above what I call my happy weight. The only thing to consider when trying to shift the excess pounds is calories in versus calories out. You have to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. It's a complicated or as simple as that!
xXx
I made a conscious decision to reduce the amount of syns i can have a day from 15 to 10. This is obviously slimming world speak but the syns are the things you have to count that contain fats, oils etc. This would help me effectively manage my food intake. I had planned to up my exercise but I got struck down by that awful cold and managed to zero amount of exercise.
I took this into consideration as the week went on and reduced my syns further as I was now not burning any extra calories via exercise.
The good news is I managed a 1.5 lb loss which makes my total loss for two weeks 7lbs, or half a stone!!!
As a seperate note, fad diets do not work. I have previously done Atkins - once carbs found me, boy did they find me! I put on all the weight I had lost and doubled it! I did the zone, south beach... you name it, I tried it. I am lucky in that I have never been 'fat' but I have been above what I call my happy weight. The only thing to consider when trying to shift the excess pounds is calories in versus calories out. You have to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. It's a complicated or as simple as that!
xXx
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Colds make me slow :0(
So, I haven't written much over the last week. I have been quite ill with a bad cold with ridiculous side effects! I would lay down and feel drunk as the room would spin and I would feel really queasy.
I didn't do the New Forest race at the weekend because, although I could manage at work (sitting at a desk is not overly demanding, even in a weakened state) I did not feel I could even walk 5 km's let alone run at any kind of speed.
I will again make my public promise that I will replace my missed 5 km race with at least a 5 miler.
The good news is that I am pretty much all better. I still have some sneezing and cold symptoms but nothing that will keep me sofa bound. I have to go back to the doctors on Monday as there is still something wrong with my ears but nothing that will keep me down... it does make me slow though.
I did a 5k yesterday morning which felt ok, my Nike Plus suffered an epic fail so I don't know exactly how far I went or in what time. It was about 30 minutes.
Tonight was my first night back with Victory and we did a 5 and half miles and I got back in just over the hour... slow but at least I did it. Still faster than I can go on my couch!!!
I didn't do the New Forest race at the weekend because, although I could manage at work (sitting at a desk is not overly demanding, even in a weakened state) I did not feel I could even walk 5 km's let alone run at any kind of speed.
I will again make my public promise that I will replace my missed 5 km race with at least a 5 miler.
The good news is that I am pretty much all better. I still have some sneezing and cold symptoms but nothing that will keep me sofa bound. I have to go back to the doctors on Monday as there is still something wrong with my ears but nothing that will keep me down... it does make me slow though.
I did a 5k yesterday morning which felt ok, my Nike Plus suffered an epic fail so I don't know exactly how far I went or in what time. It was about 30 minutes.
Tonight was my first night back with Victory and we did a 5 and half miles and I got back in just over the hour... slow but at least I did it. Still faster than I can go on my couch!!!
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Give myself a break!
I never thought that I was a competitive person. Years of playing Squash for Hampshire and not once did I beat myself up about losing, not being able to attend practice or moving down the country rankings. But, today I feel quite unwell, to the point where I have skipped the Winter Handicap run and I am already starting to stress about my training schedule.
I knew that by tying running to something so very important it would encourage me to persevere with something that I have given up on over the years. I never thought I would start stressing over missing training runs or worrying about my PB. It never occurred to me that I might care about my race times!
I am surrounded by a lot of people that run, obviously at the running club and also at work.
I need to remind myself that I have only been training as a runner in earnest for a total of 4 weeks. I do feel proud of what I have achieved in a short amount of time but also thoughts lurk in the back of my mind such as "as a dedicated and committed gym bunny of over 4 years shouldn't I be a better runner already?" The short answer is NO! Running it not easy, thats why many, many people do not do it. It's a skill and like all skills it needs to be learnt. I need to give myself a break.
I am always the one to point out other peoples achievements and encourage them to celebrate the wins... I need to be my own cheerleader! I'm good at faking it i front of other people. I figure fake it til you make it!
So I'm missing one training run, is it the end of world? No! Will it ultimately effect my end goal? No! So... give myself a break.
I knew that by tying running to something so very important it would encourage me to persevere with something that I have given up on over the years. I never thought I would start stressing over missing training runs or worrying about my PB. It never occurred to me that I might care about my race times!
I am surrounded by a lot of people that run, obviously at the running club and also at work.
I need to remind myself that I have only been training as a runner in earnest for a total of 4 weeks. I do feel proud of what I have achieved in a short amount of time but also thoughts lurk in the back of my mind such as "as a dedicated and committed gym bunny of over 4 years shouldn't I be a better runner already?" The short answer is NO! Running it not easy, thats why many, many people do not do it. It's a skill and like all skills it needs to be learnt. I need to give myself a break.
I am always the one to point out other peoples achievements and encourage them to celebrate the wins... I need to be my own cheerleader! I'm good at faking it i front of other people. I figure fake it til you make it!
So I'm missing one training run, is it the end of world? No! Will it ultimately effect my end goal? No! So... give myself a break.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
A lesser John Bishop! I'll do all the running...
John Bishop achieved something quite amazing this last week to help raise money for Sport Relief. The money he raised by biking, rowing and running will go to support a number of projects both in Africa and the UK.
The way the people of the UK give so generously to this charity every year always humbles me. Even when things are not great, we manage to rally round and help others less fortunate.
What I would like people to think about is how things are never that great in The Gambia. It is a truly desperate country where people struggle to live everyday. They are not the worst off in the world I am sure, and I do hope that the Bantaba Project becomes a blueprint for further projects in Africa and around the world. The reason I am starting in The Gambia is because the people have touched my heart. They are truly happy, even living the way they do. They do not wish for IPads, Cars or HD TV's. They wish for enough money to be able to have fresh water and rice to maintain a diet. Even when they do not always get this, they are not unhappy. They rejoice in the things they do have... family, music and dance!
A bag of rice in the Gambia costs £20 and this will feed an entire compound for over 2 weeks! 3 bricks to help build the Bantaba Project cost about a pound. I will do all the running... like John Bishop, and you don't have to do anything, except maybe think of everything you have and take for granted and maybe go without one little luxury this week and donate the money to my justgiving page.
The Bantaba Project will aid development and bring job creation to this very desperate country and allow people the chance to build a better lives for themselves. They don't want handouts and someone to magic all their problems away. They want to have a place of work to go to every day. They want their sons to learn useful trades so they don't have to marry middle aged British women and leave their country. They want their daughters to learn skills that will provide a future so that they do not have to spend the evening in seedy clubs, picking up British guys who will pay them 50 dallasis (just over £1) for a nights work.
As I said, I will do all the running! Please, donate the money that would normally go towards that cup of coffee, that extra pint, that magazine, that muffin, that whatever it is, to my justgiving page and help me make a real difference in the world!
xXx
The way the people of the UK give so generously to this charity every year always humbles me. Even when things are not great, we manage to rally round and help others less fortunate.
What I would like people to think about is how things are never that great in The Gambia. It is a truly desperate country where people struggle to live everyday. They are not the worst off in the world I am sure, and I do hope that the Bantaba Project becomes a blueprint for further projects in Africa and around the world. The reason I am starting in The Gambia is because the people have touched my heart. They are truly happy, even living the way they do. They do not wish for IPads, Cars or HD TV's. They wish for enough money to be able to have fresh water and rice to maintain a diet. Even when they do not always get this, they are not unhappy. They rejoice in the things they do have... family, music and dance!
A bag of rice in the Gambia costs £20 and this will feed an entire compound for over 2 weeks! 3 bricks to help build the Bantaba Project cost about a pound. I will do all the running... like John Bishop, and you don't have to do anything, except maybe think of everything you have and take for granted and maybe go without one little luxury this week and donate the money to my justgiving page.
The Bantaba Project will aid development and bring job creation to this very desperate country and allow people the chance to build a better lives for themselves. They don't want handouts and someone to magic all their problems away. They want to have a place of work to go to every day. They want their sons to learn useful trades so they don't have to marry middle aged British women and leave their country. They want their daughters to learn skills that will provide a future so that they do not have to spend the evening in seedy clubs, picking up British guys who will pay them 50 dallasis (just over £1) for a nights work.
As I said, I will do all the running! Please, donate the money that would normally go towards that cup of coffee, that extra pint, that magazine, that muffin, that whatever it is, to my justgiving page and help me make a real difference in the world!
xXx
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Wichester 10k result
Sorry. It's been 3 days since the Winchester 10k and I haven't yet told you all how I got on.
I did not too badly at all. The course was brutal... really hilly and only about 1.5km of it was flat. Every kilometer seemed to either start or finish on a hill, especially after the half way mark. That said though, I managed a PB! (personal best). The chichester 10k was pretty much flat I did it in 1.06.43. The Winchester course was conquered in 1.04.05! Over 2 minutes quicker! All that hill training must have paid off.
The race itself went by pretty quickly, the KM markers seemed to come up quite quickly and I did enjoy it. I had to walk for about 50 / 75 meters twice, one of which was up the hill at just past 9km, but my pace otherwise was pretty good.
Maybe I will become a runner yet! :0) xXx
I did not too badly at all. The course was brutal... really hilly and only about 1.5km of it was flat. Every kilometer seemed to either start or finish on a hill, especially after the half way mark. That said though, I managed a PB! (personal best). The chichester 10k was pretty much flat I did it in 1.06.43. The Winchester course was conquered in 1.04.05! Over 2 minutes quicker! All that hill training must have paid off.
The race itself went by pretty quickly, the KM markers seemed to come up quite quickly and I did enjoy it. I had to walk for about 50 / 75 meters twice, one of which was up the hill at just past 9km, but my pace otherwise was pretty good.
Maybe I will become a runner yet! :0) xXx
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Step 2 of 13 tomorrow
My fundraising efforts take their next step tomorrow in the form of the Winchester 10k road race. Everyone tells me that this race will be a hilly one. I guess this makes sense as Winchester is not known for being flat. Luckily since joining the running club three weeks ago we have done two serous hill training sessions so I feel fairly well prepared for this one. Far more prepared than I did for Chichester, although I do feel that tomorrow will be a lot harder than that Chichester race.
The actual money raised to date has been better than I ever imagined and I am thrilled with how things have gone so far. If I could rally people with my efforts tomorrow and get the total up to £350 by the end of the day then I will be one very happy bunny indeed.
I will report on my efforts tomorrow.
Wish me luck! xXx
The actual money raised to date has been better than I ever imagined and I am thrilled with how things have gone so far. If I could rally people with my efforts tomorrow and get the total up to £350 by the end of the day then I will be one very happy bunny indeed.
I will report on my efforts tomorrow.
Wish me luck! xXx
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Bake Sale Results!
Monday was my work place charity bake sale. I made posters for the kitchens, bought paper plates and napkins and was fully prepared. I was also preparing myself for a flop.
There are some amazing people working in our offices and one lovely girl, gave me £10 for 1 cake to do her bit and another guy who has already donated £50 to my justgiving page gave me another £5 and didn't eat anything!
It is true that every penny counts and I was happy for everything I made. Generally people were very supportive and over the two days that cake was available I made £65! Not bad for an afternoons baking work. It is also true that the chippie's cakes were way more popular than mine and Abby's! Real men bake.com!
There are some amazing people working in our offices and one lovely girl, gave me £10 for 1 cake to do her bit and another guy who has already donated £50 to my justgiving page gave me another £5 and didn't eat anything!
It is true that every penny counts and I was happy for everything I made. Generally people were very supportive and over the two days that cake was available I made £65! Not bad for an afternoons baking work. It is also true that the chippie's cakes were way more popular than mine and Abby's! Real men bake.com!
Saturday, 18 February 2012
More ways to raise money - Workplace bake sale
I have just spent over 4 hours this afternoon with the chippie and my friend Abby in my kitchen baking. The idea being that we would bake some cakes and then leave them in the kitchens at work along with a big glass jar so that people can donate money to my fundraising efforts.
We started out with the idea of making 24 individual cakes and a 12 slice devils food cake. Abby and I got a little bit carried away and ended up making 59 individual cakes... pink cakes, meant to be blue cakes, regular cakes, iced cakes, chocolate frosted cakes, some with icing pictures, some with decoration and some butterfly cakes. The chippie made a gorgeous and well practiced Devils Food cake which it is taking all my will power to touch! I'm not sure Abby wants to look at another cake ever again but it was certainly a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Let's just hope people at work on Monday are in the mood for cake!
I will let you know how I get on.
We started out with the idea of making 24 individual cakes and a 12 slice devils food cake. Abby and I got a little bit carried away and ended up making 59 individual cakes... pink cakes, meant to be blue cakes, regular cakes, iced cakes, chocolate frosted cakes, some with icing pictures, some with decoration and some butterfly cakes. The chippie made a gorgeous and well practiced Devils Food cake which it is taking all my will power to touch! I'm not sure Abby wants to look at another cake ever again but it was certainly a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Let's just hope people at work on Monday are in the mood for cake!
I will let you know how I get on.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Why McDonalds for Valentines Day???
I just had someone ask the question, why is McDonalds the resturant of choice for Valentines Day? Well, the chippie and I have been together for nearly four years now and for our first Valentines Day we wanted to go to our favourite restaurant, The Pizza House in Portsmouth. We both knew exactly what we wanted from the menu and were looking forward to our favourite food.
When we got to the resturant we were shown to our table and issued a set menu. None of what we wanted was on the menu and although, all the food there is good, it just wasn't what we wanted. We spoke to the owner and explained that actually, we will come Saturday when the full menu is available.
So, by now it was 7.30 gone and we had no reservation and no idea where to go. We decided to go to Chichester and check out some of the resturants there but everywhere we liked was fully booked or too busy. We perserved for over half an hour and the decided to give up.
As a joke I said we should just go to McDonalds but neither of us laughed. We both had that look of "hmmmm, could we, I want to but it seems wrong." We decided so what! So there we were, all dressed up and standing at the empty counter in McDonalds ordering quater pounders, fries and cokes.
So, it started, as most traditions do, unintentionally but it has stuck. Every year now we have a romantic meal at McDonalds.
xXx
When we got to the resturant we were shown to our table and issued a set menu. None of what we wanted was on the menu and although, all the food there is good, it just wasn't what we wanted. We spoke to the owner and explained that actually, we will come Saturday when the full menu is available.
So, by now it was 7.30 gone and we had no reservation and no idea where to go. We decided to go to Chichester and check out some of the resturants there but everywhere we liked was fully booked or too busy. We perserved for over half an hour and the decided to give up.
As a joke I said we should just go to McDonalds but neither of us laughed. We both had that look of "hmmmm, could we, I want to but it seems wrong." We decided so what! So there we were, all dressed up and standing at the empty counter in McDonalds ordering quater pounders, fries and cokes.
So, it started, as most traditions do, unintentionally but it has stuck. Every year now we have a romantic meal at McDonalds.
xXx
Running and McDonalds!
Tuesday night was my second night out with Victory Athletics club and it was as good, if not better, than the first outing. Tuesdays are straight runs and Thursdays are training nights to build speed and strength.
Tuesday was a five and half mile run to Emsworth and back and I was teamed with two girls who are just a little bit quicker than me over a 10k distance. I was just a little bit proud of myself... who runs five and half miles on a Tuesday night after work? oh thats right, I do! It may not be a major accomplishment for some people but for me it was kind of a big deal. We completed the run in just under the hour, including racing three kids over the trainline bridge. Luckily this was close to the finish as it took it out of me!
The only problem was that Tuesday was Valentines day so after doing all this running, the chippie and I went for a McDonalds, our valentines day tradition.
I have to say though, running followed by McDonalds is a bit of a winning combination! And at least my body was in ultra calorie burning mode so the effects weren't as horrific as if I hadn't done the run.
Tuesday was a five and half mile run to Emsworth and back and I was teamed with two girls who are just a little bit quicker than me over a 10k distance. I was just a little bit proud of myself... who runs five and half miles on a Tuesday night after work? oh thats right, I do! It may not be a major accomplishment for some people but for me it was kind of a big deal. We completed the run in just under the hour, including racing three kids over the trainline bridge. Luckily this was close to the finish as it took it out of me!
The only problem was that Tuesday was Valentines day so after doing all this running, the chippie and I went for a McDonalds, our valentines day tradition.
I have to say though, running followed by McDonalds is a bit of a winning combination! And at least my body was in ultra calorie burning mode so the effects weren't as horrific as if I hadn't done the run.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
A freezing Car Boot Sale this morning
I did something a little different today to help bring in the donations for The Bantaba Project. I got up a 6.30am this morning and, with the Chippie, did a car boot sale. 10% of all profits were donated to my justgiving page.
It was freezing cold so I wasn't overly convinced that we would make any money but I now realise that some people will come out for a bargain, whatever the weather.
We were set up by 7.30am and had sold our first item at 7.25... yep, some people will not even wait for you to even get the table out of the car! The setting up bit is not at all fun but once we had ourselves sorted and a cup tea from our earlier prepared flask we were all good. I would even go as far as to say it was fun. The weather stayed as cold as it had started but once my toes had frozen, that was bearable and I had my bear ears to keep my head warm. Some people were interested in the Bantaba Project and happy to pay the asking price, others didn't care and wanted to pay 50p regardless. Sometimes I said yes, most of the time I said no!
We made £91.00 so I am really happy to say that I have just donated another £10 to my justgiving page.
We sold about half of what we took and we still have soooo much more around the house and the chippie's workshop. Next one is planned for first weekend of March and again, at least 10% of all profits will be donated towards the Bantaba Project.
xXx
It was freezing cold so I wasn't overly convinced that we would make any money but I now realise that some people will come out for a bargain, whatever the weather.
We were set up by 7.30am and had sold our first item at 7.25... yep, some people will not even wait for you to even get the table out of the car! The setting up bit is not at all fun but once we had ourselves sorted and a cup tea from our earlier prepared flask we were all good. I would even go as far as to say it was fun. The weather stayed as cold as it had started but once my toes had frozen, that was bearable and I had my bear ears to keep my head warm. Some people were interested in the Bantaba Project and happy to pay the asking price, others didn't care and wanted to pay 50p regardless. Sometimes I said yes, most of the time I said no!
We made £91.00 so I am really happy to say that I have just donated another £10 to my justgiving page.
We sold about half of what we took and we still have soooo much more around the house and the chippie's workshop. Next one is planned for first weekend of March and again, at least 10% of all profits will be donated towards the Bantaba Project.
xXx
Friday, 10 February 2012
My first outing with 'The Running Club'
I loved it!!! I'd had a long, hard day at work and by 4pm had talked myself out of going, as I said I would. I had even text the chippie and told him I would be home by 6.
But, I gave my self a stern talking to in the car on the way home and the further I got from the office the more positive I felt (what does that say I wonder!?). By the time I arrived back in Havant I decided to give it a go, after all, how did I think I was going to manage all this running without some proper training from the people who really know and understand.
The club meet inside my gym and I got to the meeting point and stood around like a lemon for about 5 minutes, watching all these people chatting and stretching, not knowing what to do. Luckily one of the women noticed me and introduced herself and the main trainer of the group.
Before I knew it I had been introdcued to about 6 people, found another lady who ran at roughly my pace and we were off. The main trainer ran with me as we did speed training laps of 750 meters. Running one straight, jogging the next, being pushed a little bit harder each time around and then we were done... 6 laps! If I had been on my own I would have given up after about 2 I reckon.
So, I am glad that I had a word with myself and got on with it. I am going back Tuesday and think I will be going back every Tuesday and Thursday from now on.
xXx
But, I gave my self a stern talking to in the car on the way home and the further I got from the office the more positive I felt (what does that say I wonder!?). By the time I arrived back in Havant I decided to give it a go, after all, how did I think I was going to manage all this running without some proper training from the people who really know and understand.
The club meet inside my gym and I got to the meeting point and stood around like a lemon for about 5 minutes, watching all these people chatting and stretching, not knowing what to do. Luckily one of the women noticed me and introduced herself and the main trainer of the group.
Before I knew it I had been introdcued to about 6 people, found another lady who ran at roughly my pace and we were off. The main trainer ran with me as we did speed training laps of 750 meters. Running one straight, jogging the next, being pushed a little bit harder each time around and then we were done... 6 laps! If I had been on my own I would have given up after about 2 I reckon.
So, I am glad that I had a word with myself and got on with it. I am going back Tuesday and think I will be going back every Tuesday and Thursday from now on.
xXx
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Joining a running club
After enjoying my race experience on Sunday so much it has made me question whether I should join a running club or not. I am a platinum member of Havant Horizon and every tuesday I see a group from Victory Athletics club going off on their run.
My parents were keen members of the Portsmouth Joggers for most of my formative years so I have seen first hand how motivating it can be for someone trying to seriously get into running. I hate training on my own, it always seem so much harder when I am not able to be distracted from my own thoughts. So, it seems all positive and it probably is... as usual I am my own worst enemy!
What if I don't get on with anyone? What if they are all so much faster than me? What if, what if, what if!!! How likely is it that I won't get on with even one person in an entire running club? So what if they are all faster than me, I've only been training for 2 weeks. Everyone has to start somewhere right!
They have meetings every Thursday so tomorrow at 6pm, if I am feeling brave I will joining an athletics club for the first time in my adult life... I will let you know how I get on.
If anyone wants to share their positive experiences about running clubs or offer me any advice, feel free to comment.
Liza xXx
My parents were keen members of the Portsmouth Joggers for most of my formative years so I have seen first hand how motivating it can be for someone trying to seriously get into running. I hate training on my own, it always seem so much harder when I am not able to be distracted from my own thoughts. So, it seems all positive and it probably is... as usual I am my own worst enemy!
What if I don't get on with anyone? What if they are all so much faster than me? What if, what if, what if!!! How likely is it that I won't get on with even one person in an entire running club? So what if they are all faster than me, I've only been training for 2 weeks. Everyone has to start somewhere right!
They have meetings every Thursday so tomorrow at 6pm, if I am feeling brave I will joining an athletics club for the first time in my adult life... I will let you know how I get on.
If anyone wants to share their positive experiences about running clubs or offer me any advice, feel free to comment.
Liza xXx
Monday, 6 February 2012
The full race calendar is starting to to take shape
As more races are announced my fundraising challenge is starting to take shape.
Here is the full calendar as it stands now -
Here is the full calendar as it stands now -
- 05/02/12 Chichester 10k
- 26/02/12 Winchester 10k
- 10/03/12 New Forest 5k
- 11/03/12 David Lloyd 5k
- 01/04/12 Bournemouth Bay 10k
- 13/05/12 Alton 10 miles
- 20/05/12 Marwell 10k
- 08/07/12 Chichester Challenge
- Aug tba
- Sept tba
- 14/10/12 Chi Half Marathon
- 28/10/12 The Great South Run
- 12/ 2012 Brufut Half Marathon
Race 1 - Done
I did it! And, I enjoyed it. Race 1 has been completed.
I completed the Chichester 10k yesterday in 1.06.43. and I am fairly pleased with that. The thing I am most pleased with was that I enjoyed the run and I managed to finish with a strong sprint to the finish line.
Race days are so much more enjoyable than training runs. When I run alone I get bored and I am more likely to give up. Race days are motivating experiences. I started towards the very back and set myself little goals, based on pacing myself against other runners and once I'd overtaken that person I moved on to the next one.
it was a freezing cold day but even that didn't dampen my spirits. I was very, very nervous before the start but once I got going, it was all good.
Well done me and now... on to the next one. Race 2 = Winchester 10k, which I have been reliably informed is very, very hilly.
I completed the Chichester 10k yesterday in 1.06.43. and I am fairly pleased with that. The thing I am most pleased with was that I enjoyed the run and I managed to finish with a strong sprint to the finish line.
Race days are so much more enjoyable than training runs. When I run alone I get bored and I am more likely to give up. Race days are motivating experiences. I started towards the very back and set myself little goals, based on pacing myself against other runners and once I'd overtaken that person I moved on to the next one.
it was a freezing cold day but even that didn't dampen my spirits. I was very, very nervous before the start but once I got going, it was all good.
Well done me and now... on to the next one. Race 2 = Winchester 10k, which I have been reliably informed is very, very hilly.
Sunday, 5 February 2012
First race day has arrived.
So, there's no snow!! That is a major relief but I am still so, so nervous. Really not sure I am ready for this but one way or another I will get round.
I will let you know how I get on once I am done... think of me and wish me luck xXx
I will let you know how I get on once I am done... think of me and wish me luck xXx
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Friday, 3 February 2012
I don't want to complete my first race in snow!!!
Oh my, oh my, oh my... it is sooooo cold. I am in my house, fully fluffy pyjama'd up with the log fire blazing and I am STILL cold. And it's getting worse apparently.
Although it would make a nice bookend to my year of running, starting in snow and ending in 35 degree heat I do not, repeat do not, want to have to run on Sunday in snow. Freezing temperatures I think I can just about deal with, although it will mean a particularly slow time but snow?!?!? I can barely walk on the pavements when it snows, let alone try and run a 10k.
If anyone that reads this has any tips for a not yet competent runner trying to complete their first 10k in these conditions please, please, please feel free to leave some advise as a comment.
All help greatly appreciated!
Although it would make a nice bookend to my year of running, starting in snow and ending in 35 degree heat I do not, repeat do not, want to have to run on Sunday in snow. Freezing temperatures I think I can just about deal with, although it will mean a particularly slow time but snow?!?!? I can barely walk on the pavements when it snows, let alone try and run a 10k.
If anyone that reads this has any tips for a not yet competent runner trying to complete their first 10k in these conditions please, please, please feel free to leave some advise as a comment.
All help greatly appreciated!
A public plea...
Just Giving have annouced that anyone who raises £250 on their page by the end of February will be entered into a prize draw to win an extra £250 donation!!!
If you can spare anything, even £1, please please donate to my page.
If you can spare £1 you can text your donation by texting YQLE96 £1 and send it to 70070.
If you can spare more and want to donate by text you can just change the amount.
I have met many, mant people passionate about bringing change to the Gambia and everyone who visits the country seems to go more than once. If you are one these people please, please please give whatever you can to help support this project that will help bring development and opportunity to this wonderful, yet desperate country.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Liza xXx
If you can spare anything, even £1, please please donate to my page.
If you can spare £1 you can text your donation by texting YQLE96 £1 and send it to 70070.
If you can spare more and want to donate by text you can just change the amount.
I have met many, mant people passionate about bringing change to the Gambia and everyone who visits the country seems to go more than once. If you are one these people please, please please give whatever you can to help support this project that will help bring development and opportunity to this wonderful, yet desperate country.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Liza xXx
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
I love 'The Biggest Loser'
Tuesday night is my inspiration night... New seasons of the Biggest Loser, both USA and UK, shown one after the other. The US version is so much better, purely because the trainers are so real. Bob and Jillian truly are experts in their fields and they've been doing this for 10 seasons now and they know exactly how to work it! I love Jillian Michaels. She is someone who would be able to get the best out of me. Anytime I'm flagging in the gym or on a run I imagine Jillian next to me, giving me hell!
The biggest reason for loving this programme is seeing real people change their lives in such a brutal yet honest way. These guys lose serious weight week after week by working hard and eating right. I am quite passionate about healthy eating and exercise and I learn so much by watching this programme. I started watching the US show 7 seasons ago and it has been an amazing teacher.
Plus anytime I feel my motivation lacking I watch an episode, see these hugely overweight people working out and killing themselves in the gym doing workouts that I would struggle with and I realise, once again, that it is possible. Anyone can do anything, it's just hard but then, anything worthwhile usually is hard.
This 13 race challenge is gonna be extremely difficult. I still have no idea how I am going to run a half marathon in 35 degree heat in Africa BUT if the final four on the American biggest loser can run a marathon after just 4 months on the show, usually with starting weights of 300, 400 and in a couple of cases 500 lbs then I know I can do it! It will not be easy but the end result, raising awareness and money for the Bantaba Project, will be more rewarding than I can imagine!
The biggest reason for loving this programme is seeing real people change their lives in such a brutal yet honest way. These guys lose serious weight week after week by working hard and eating right. I am quite passionate about healthy eating and exercise and I learn so much by watching this programme. I started watching the US show 7 seasons ago and it has been an amazing teacher.
Plus anytime I feel my motivation lacking I watch an episode, see these hugely overweight people working out and killing themselves in the gym doing workouts that I would struggle with and I realise, once again, that it is possible. Anyone can do anything, it's just hard but then, anything worthwhile usually is hard.
This 13 race challenge is gonna be extremely difficult. I still have no idea how I am going to run a half marathon in 35 degree heat in Africa BUT if the final four on the American biggest loser can run a marathon after just 4 months on the show, usually with starting weights of 300, 400 and in a couple of cases 500 lbs then I know I can do it! It will not be easy but the end result, raising awareness and money for the Bantaba Project, will be more rewarding than I can imagine!
Monday, 30 January 2012
Get well soon to my Gambian mum.
I am lucky enough to have been adopted by Musa's family. This means I have a Gambian family who look out for me and the chippie while we are in their country. Gambian children adopt the tribe of their mother so I am a member of the Mandika tribe. On my last trip I made a concerted effort to learn my tribes language but it is really difficult. One word in Mandika can have seven different meanings and one sentence can be interpruted a number of different ways. Still, I bought the books, the language CD's and the dictionary and I am determined to be a little better by my next trip at the end of this year!
I speak to Musa one way or another usually about once a week, be that by facebook, text or phonecall. Last week I found out that his mum, my adopted mum, is not very well at all. They cannot get her to the hospital in the city, the 'local' doctor cannot treat her so she has gone to the villages to see the native doctor. The language barrier means this is an much as I know but apparently she is starting to make a recovery so here is my public 'Get Well Soon'!
Sunday, 29 January 2012
This running lark is expensive!
Yesterday I spent 2 hours and £115 in Alexander Sports, Portsmouth buying the perfect running shoes. My mum worked for Saucony for 12 years so all the time I have been dabbling in running I have worn Saucony trainers and they have been fine but on my training run on Friday night I got blisters on my instep, for not the first time. I decided to go and see the experts and get the right pair of trainers for my stride.
Trust me and my expensive tastes! I tried on and ran in 6 pairs of shoes and yes, of course, I liked the most expensive pair best. And I learnt something, trainers need to be rested, like feet! I now need to buy a second pair. With all the miles I'm going to be running I should be alternating my trainers ensuring that each pair gets rested. It protects and maintains the performance in the technology.
I am pleased to say though, that between the new shoes and finally finding the perfect sports bra (a 3 year task which has seen me running and training in two sports bras, a normal bra under a sports bra and always feeling like I'm in a trussed up corset!) my 10 k training run this morning was a lot easier than before. I hardly move and can actually breathe normally in my freya active underwired sports bra and my feet felt cushioned and protected in all the right places.
1 week to go and at least I have now conquered the 10 k distance. My confidence is a little better having now done it once!
Trust me and my expensive tastes! I tried on and ran in 6 pairs of shoes and yes, of course, I liked the most expensive pair best. And I learnt something, trainers need to be rested, like feet! I now need to buy a second pair. With all the miles I'm going to be running I should be alternating my trainers ensuring that each pair gets rested. It protects and maintains the performance in the technology.
I am pleased to say though, that between the new shoes and finally finding the perfect sports bra (a 3 year task which has seen me running and training in two sports bras, a normal bra under a sports bra and always feeling like I'm in a trussed up corset!) my 10 k training run this morning was a lot easier than before. I hardly move and can actually breathe normally in my freya active underwired sports bra and my feet felt cushioned and protected in all the right places.
1 week to go and at least I have now conquered the 10 k distance. My confidence is a little better having now done it once!
Friday, 27 January 2012
First race next weekend.... Nervous!!!
Ok, so the Chichester 10k, the first of my 13 races, is next Sunday and I am already nervous. My race number just arrived and within the information pack it had this terrifying piece of information... Race starts at 10.30am. Race officials will remain at the course until the last runner completes or 11.45am, whichever occurs first! That suggests they are expecting the slowest of the bunch to be done within 1hr 15. I was hoping to do about 1 hr 15 as this is my first 10k since 2009 and now I am feeling a little bit of pressure.
I can run a 5k in about 32 minutes but I really don't think I can sustain that pace for double the distance so soon. I know it's my own fault, I shouldn't have entered a race so quickly but I had to to ensure the success of my fundraising efforts.
So... training a go go! Sensible fuel eating yes yes yes! Max Hydration done and done. I will do everything I can to do this race right but I am so very nervous. Luckily I have the best motivation!
I can run a 5k in about 32 minutes but I really don't think I can sustain that pace for double the distance so soon. I know it's my own fault, I shouldn't have entered a race so quickly but I had to to ensure the success of my fundraising efforts.
So... training a go go! Sensible fuel eating yes yes yes! Max Hydration done and done. I will do everything I can to do this race right but I am so very nervous. Luckily I have the best motivation!
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
What is a Bantaba???
Usually the first thing people ask me about my fundraising project is "what is a Bantaba"?
Bantaba means " the meeting place." It is the tribal language of Mandinka and Wollof for the place where the elders of the village would meet at a tree to discuss and debate on all village matters. This is still the case in remote villages.
Usually, this tree would be a very big spreading tree, like the Baobab tree, this tree is totally usable,from roots to all the rest of it.The leaves and roots are used for medicine, the skin of the trunk and branches is used to make rope/twine.The fruits for eating. A very famous African tree!
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