2011 in survey form

Hi folks,

I have decided to do the year in survey form a bit earlier than usual this year. So here it is :-)

1. What did you do in 2011 that you had never done before?
Go to Zumba class, go to Body Combat class, teach a class, run a marathon, raise over £1000 for charity, pipe icing onto cakes, took part in a cycle challenge, grew lots of foods I had never grown before. At the moment those are all the ones I can think of

2. Did you keep your new years resolutions and will you make more for next year?

Resolutions were to socialise more: as in don't turn down offers etc. I feel I have achieved this one.
Run the London Marathon=Done
Run Swindon Half Marathon again=Done
Run Silverstone Half Marathon again=Done
Stop swearing=not done but I have cut down
Be ill less often=oops.

I haven't really decided what my resolutions are for next year. Maybe do a cake decorating course and work on my skills, apply for an allotment and get settled careerwise.

3. How will you be spending your new years eve?
At the moment I have yet to decide.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.

5. What countries did you visit?
I just stayed in England this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Ooh I don't know. Maybe a little bit more confidence in certain situations.

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
17.04.11 because I ran the London Marathon that day and it was AMAZING!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Running the London Marathon. Well training for it and doing it by myself :-) (had a lovely support team of friends and family on the day etc though)

9. What was your biggest failure?
I wouldn't say I had any failures particularly. My teaching course didn't work out because I was ill but I didn't fail.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes. Been poorly for the last couple of months.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Gosh I really don't know so going to go for the plunger cutters I got at the good food show. Snowflakes and flowers :-)

12. Where did most of your money go?
Possibly petrol although I don't have exact figures.

13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Adele: Someone like you. Because it has been played on the radio A LOT and I always sing along.

14. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I don't think there is anything, I have been pretty happy this year and whilst I wish I hadn't been ill and had therefore done more of my course that is not something I can change and therefore I don't wish it.
I guess maybe exercise classes that I had to skip due to illness. But again that is a thing I couldn't have helped.

15. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I'm not sure on this one. Maybe being messy!

16. What was you favourite TV programme?
The Great British Bake Off. Brilliant show. Although also loved Kirstie's Handmade Britain.

17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate isn't something I do, there are some people I dislike or feel disappointed in.

18. What was the best book you read?
Room. I forget who it is by but it is a gripping read.

19. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't really have one! (boring I know)

20. What was your favourite film of this year?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

21. What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Millets farm in the day with my friend and then had a meal at home with the family in the evening I think.

22. What kept you sane?
My lovely friends and not letting myself be bothered about things I had no power to change.

23. Who did you miss?
Special people who are no longer with us.

24. Who was the best new person that you met?
There is someone who is not a close friend but is just one of those people who never fails to be cheerful. I also met loads of lovely people on my course :-)

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson that you learned in 2011.
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Don't worry about things you can't change. Look to the future and what you can do differently next time.

I have no idea what the year 2012 will bring but I hope that with a positive attitude and determination it will be a great year. I am excited for the future.

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.