Daisy Runs

So far my running has been non existent, I have been very lazy in the lat few weeks, and it shows already... I'm annoyed i've gotten so lazy and unmotivated, but its got to change this week. 

On Christmas day, I was given my first ever running watch!  A Garmin Forerunner 10. It works a treat with GPS and Virtual pacer. I have taken 'mo' as its been named for a job and it was so much fun. 

To get hyped into back running, today I headed into town and also had my gait analysed and bought a new pair of Asics (all of which was done in store) and I found out my right foot (unlike my left) over-pronates (that's why i've had terrible knee pain). 

The reason I started this blog was because I have decided to run the Halstead and Essex Marathon in May. This is a massive feat for me, but I'm so excited. I know I have a lot of training to do, but this is a fantastic opportunity to meet runners, join a running club, and train hard. I have started to research into all things marathon - food, diet, pace, training regimes and im really getting into it. 

I want to write about all my experiences whilst training, and write it all down. For me, this blog is purely for my own sake, to keep me busy, and to give me the extra drive (especially on days when I will find the long weekend runs extra hard) 

I seriously cannot wait, and will fully start training straight after christmas! wooo bring on the challenge is all i can say. 

This is the link to the race and the feedback from it on the Runner's World Mag:

http://halsteadroadrunners.net/index.php?page=marathon

Everything changes when you run. My life 12 months ago is so different to now. That's because running has given me a drive and passion I never thought I could have. Since then, I have taken part in a 5k, 2 X 10Ks and a Half Marathon (2:18). I LOVED every moment of those races. 

All my races have been pretty fun, I felt good throughout and loved running with lots of people. 

HOWEVER! there was one exception... my Half Marathon! I trained for months and months and BUT on the race day there was one factor I had never considered... Rain.

It rained the whole way through, not just a light drizzle, but serious, monsoon rain. I was seriously wet before it even started, plus it was on marsh land. 

I have to admit, it was hard, the run was okay till mile 11, when the tiredness started to hit me and my hip went. I had a gel, but that just caused stomach problems. All i new was that I wasn't going to stop, I just had to keep running. 

Despite the little problems, I have to admit that it was one of the best feelings i'd ever experienced. I felt elated, if not a little spaced out. but it was amazing, and everyone was so happy and hyped. 

I will definately do this race again, and hopefully shave a few mintues of my first time :)

I'm pretty lucky, I live opposite one the most beautiful parks in Hackney, which has a canal and a nature reserve that can lead me in all different directions, from Tottenham to Walthamstow, to the Olympic park and Camden. Being able to run everyday in a park is possibly the biggest motivation I need when I want to run. 

I've recently found this website which sets up routes for you in your area, and caters to your chosen distance... check this out http://www.walkjogrun.net/

So lets start from the beginning.

My passion for running hit me at the beginning of this year (in February) after years of running and not particularly loving it. It was due to four factors: I wanted to loose weight and get fit, I desperately wanted to challenge myself, and lastly I also felt I needed to keep myself mentally happy.  My running addiction consumed me body and soul since initially training for my first 10k in June at a Race For Life event in Greenwich. Since that marvellous day with my parents and Jude, I felt reborn.  

Running has changed my whole being. 

I now run 3-4 times a week, spend most of my time thinking and reading about it, and even more time preaching (to my family's boredom). 

After my 10k, I took the leap and signed up to a Half Marathon. This challenge really got me excited, and i intensified my training, and felt that I had become a serious runner... wow, even calling myself a runner is an absolute joy! 

I discovered the joys of reading Women's Running magazine and Runner's World, and the mass of online networks available. 

Running has given me so many positives, and I can't wait for the journey ahead... 

Why did I start this blog then? Simply this... I will be running my first marathon. Never in my wildest dreams would I have considered doing this, let alone the half marathon. All I can say so far is that i'm utterly excited and raring to go!