I DID IT!!!

Today was the day I did my first Race. The New Forest 14 mile Heartbreaker, and let me tell you it more than broke hearts; legs, hips, faces, you name it, it's broken.

Waking up this morning I felt very excited, positive. I had my pre race smoothie which was so yummy I want to have one for breakfast every day! I got dressed, packed my jelly babies and set off for the new forest to meet Hannah and Duncan.

We had a nice walk downhill (quite a steep hill) to the start line, where they didn't waste any time and  soon we were off!! Spirits were high and I definitely hadn't prepared myself for what was to come...the race started with a nice uphill run (nice dripping with sarcasm) and it was probably good I didn't know this one of many (and perhaps a more gentle one) else I would have ran straight into the nearest restaurant.

After the first mile I told Duncan to go ahead; being about a foot taller than me I could tell, at mile 1, I was holding him back. So off he disappeared into the distance and I focused on my breathing and maintaining a good pace. It usually takes me about a good couple of miles to sink into my run but at the sight of the second (of thousands) of mountainous hills rising up in front of me, I knew this was going to be a long 14 miles.

After making up to about half way of this mountain, and seeing many people around me starting to walk, I gave into my burning legs and power walked. I used this with most of the tough hills, would set a target for about half way, and then power the toughest bits.

Because we weren't allowed our phones, I had no way of knowing the time or which mile we are at. This was quite hard because I'd decided to dedicate certain miles to certain people, but it didn't work out so well. I just had to judge it between the drinking stations which were roughly 3 miles apart...needless to say I was thrilled to hear I was between miles 8-9 when I thought I was at 7! It definitely calls for an investment of a little digital watch so I can keep track of time!

So the miles went on, and the race consisted of three main parts, the run to the trails and then you would turn back on yourself twice. It was at these points I saw the people running back past me, and as much as it was a bit demoralising basically being lapped, hearing 'come on Wakeford' when I passed Duncan gave me a little extra boost!

Approaching the finish line!!

AND FINISHED

And so I made it to the finish line, hips still intact even though it felt like I was being stabbed on both sides! It was really overwhelming crossing the finish line, as I hadn't expected it to be just round the corner...I'm going to be a blubbing mess when I finish the marathon! Hooray I got a running medal!!

And lastly a shout to EVERYONE who has been so generous and sponsored me! I am fast approaching £750 and hope to end the week on about £900 after my Krispy Kreme fundraising on Tuesday.

Happy Sunday,
Love (an I can't move) Laura

2 Weeks until the 14 mile 'Heartbreaker'

Hi!!

Sorry this is a little late!! Had a great training week last week and really felt progress! It's nice to see all the hard work is paying off!

I totalled about 19/20 miles last week...(can hardly believe it too) and that was with some illness!! Super motivated to say the least!! I also completed 9miles which is my furthest yet! HOORAY! I realised that it's not my fitness that makes the long runs hard but the lead-y heaviness I start to feel in my legs after about 6 miles! But I'm sure I'll get used to that soon enough!

I also reached the £500 fundraising target A QUARTER OF THE WAY THERE YEY! Which is very very exciting! Only £1500 more to go (oh gawd)...it's a scary thought but I have some fundraising events coming up which should help boost the total for sure!

I'll update you with a better post next week, after hopefully completing 11 miles this week to crack the double figures and help me feel a bit better about the 14 miles that's coming up!!

HAPPY MONDAY
have a great week!
Laura xxx

Click here if you want to sponsor me

Dying a bit this week....

HAPPY SUNDAY!

So sorry I missed out a weekly blog last week but motivation was lagging and I only did one run last week so felt a bit guilty!

This week has been much better, although I've come down with something and could only manage a mile of my long run this morning without feeling dizzy and had to come off at half time in netball. They say listen to your body so I'll rest today and be fresh tomorrow!

So this week has been a success in a number of ways...Hannah and I signed up for a 14 mile 'heartbreaker' race. So called due to it being all up hill as I was told AFTER signing up. (lesson 1, always read the small print) which is in 3 weeks time today so that's exciting!!
I also joined a running club this week, and as nerve wracking as it was I plucked up the courage and went along on Thursday night and thoroughly enjoyed a tough 6.6 mile social run! I like that the milage for each run is creeping up and up although I think I need to up the training so I'll be going to the running club 2/3 times a week with my long run on the side.

I've never quite ached so much as I have this week, but i think that is down to me being a little under the weather...alas why I have nommed 2 oranges and a pint of orange juice this morning all ready.

So the marathon is drawing ever nearer and the thought of hitting my fundraising target, more and more daunting. I have some ideas looming so I'm hoping to get those into action as I think they will go down quite well!
But if you can spare a few pennies I'd be extremely grateful and if it is only £1 then it's £1 of selflessness and that's always encouraged and rewarded.

Have a lovely Sunday
Love (and ill, aching and always bloody hungry) Laura