Four weeks until my first marathon!

Oh my goodness. My marathon is only four weeks away. Last year when I had to defer my place to this year due to illness I was very upset as it seemed so long away. That time sure has flown by. It doesn't seem real that this big event that I have been talking about for so long will soon actually happen. Do I feel ready? Yes and no. I feel like I can do it but it will be hard and I wish I was fitter. I do think that however fit I was I would feel that so I am not going to worry.

I have got a 13 miler to do tomorrow then the next long run I will be doing next Saturday is 18 miles. The weekend after I run 10 miles, then weekend after a 50minute run at marathon pace and finally the weekend after is the real thing. I have followed a beginners/just get round training plan. I am aiming for between 6 hours and 6 hours 30minutes. At the moment life is about eating plenty of nutritious foods and looking after my body. I can't afford to be getting a cold or anything and my body needs the right foods to keep it going on runs and to heal itself afterwards. My mind boggles at the thought of running 26.2 miles and I am sure I will be emotional before the start, during and definitely after but I know myself, I know I will keep going no matter what because that determination burns inside of me. I can do this and I will. And it will feel great to show those doubters out there that I was right!

I can't wait to be able to say I've run a marathon. I have a lot of supportive friends and family and am so lucky to have them. I expect they will be looking forward to the time when I don't talk about the marathon practically every day!

I am running for the special care baby charity Bliss who are a great cause. If you would like to sponsor please comment and I will send you the link. Thanks.

Run run run

Hello folks,

Yet again I have neglected my blog. I have just felt so busy all the time. I am training 5 days a week for my marathon which is in 5 weeks and 3 days time (wow that has come around fast) I am both nervous and excited. I am aiming for any time under 7 hours which will seem ridiculously long to most people but I will definitely be needing a few walking breaks and will be very proud of myself just for finishing. I ran a half marathon on Sunday and managed to run the furthest ever in my whole life without a walking break. Very proud of myself. It was nice as I ran with two friends who definitely motivated me and encouraged me. I think it will be tough not to have a friend to run with in the marathon.

Tonight I made a risotto for dinner, it was the first time I had ever made or in fact eaten risotto and it was delicious. Enough leftovers for 2 more meals which I am freezing for when I am on late shifts and need something quick.

I'm on the late shift tomorrow and it is then my weekend off. I am going out for a meal Saturday night and so far no plans for Sunday other than the 10mile run that my training plan informs me of.

I'm then working Monday and Tuesday before some annual leave I am taking to use up before the end of our holiday year (which is end of March). I have some plans with friends which I am looking forward to. I am also starting a beginners jog group next week as I am a qualified jog group leader. It will be the first course I have lead so shall be challenging but I think I am well prepared.

I hope everyone is well and that I update again soon.