Half Marathon Heartache

It was the Hastings Half Marathon yesterday, but I came to the difficult decision a couple of weeks ago that I wasn't ready, and in fact would probably end up doing myself some serious damage, if I tried. I can't say I wasn't disappointed, but at the same time as soon as I decided not to do it I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted. I hadn't realised how stressed I was getting about it, I know a lot of that was probably nerves, but deep down I also know that I had done nowhere near enough training. The final straw came when after a 3 mile, I was in so much pain with my hip that I couldn't sleep properly, (it's still not right now).

I think maybe I should stick to 5k-10k runs and keep that as my limit, I don't want to stop running but I really do need to work out what I was doing to make my hip hurt like that. 

Any ideas? Maybe some new sneaks are in order...

Congratulations to all those who did take part, I hope you all had a great day :o)

My Numbers Up

The Hastings Half is creeping up, and it wasn't until my race number was popped through the letter box that how close was really hammered home. Freaking out now!!! I have been going on a few more runs and extending my distance little by little, but I am nowhere near the 13.5 mile mark.

The 5 mile runs are becoming a bit more comfortable, and hills are less of a struggle but I am still really worried. I am just hoping that I manage to keep my pace and don't get carried away with all the other people there. I'm not good at judging my own pace all that well and find it very easy to get caught up in a crowd, so I must practice zoning out into my own little world.

Thankfully all the major hills are in the first 5 miles so if I can manage to get over them I should be ok (eek, fingers crossed). At least going up hills means that you must come down, hopefully gravity will get me some of the way round.

Have you ever signed up for something on a whim only to think that maybe you had been a little hasty. I mean breezing through a 5k run is not a good reference for a 13.5 mile run, especially as I made the mistake of driving the route the other day, it is a very long way.

Oh well, I guess if you don't challenge yourself how do you expect to move forward in life, who know I might actually enjoy it. Just hope I'll still be able to walk afterwards.

Right, best lace up my trainers and get out there. Need to stay focused, just need to be able to get to the finish line.

Running to Work

I have decided that seeing as I have already signed up for the half marathon I need to get a few more runs in. Unfortunately I wasn't finding it all that easy, so I have decided to run to and from work a few days a week. So far I have only done it twice, but so far so good, I just have to make sure I leave all my stuff at work the day before, oh and baby wipes.

As you can see from todays run to work I am really not that quick, which is fine I'm ok with that, plenty of time for improvement during the rest of my life. I am just starting to really freak out about the half marathon. I really think I have made a bit of a mistake signing up, as I am sooo not ready. I have less than 2 months left ahhhh.

Think I am going to have to just try my best, run as much as I possibly can so I can get a time, any time. Then put all my efforts into smashing that awful time next time around.

Have you ever got a bit ahead of yourself with what you think you can achieve.   

2014 Already?

I can't believe we are1 week into 2014 already! Time is just whizzing by.

I've got my new diary, and as always I am going to attempt to be more organised this year. I always have the best of intentions. I don't tend to make resolutions just little deals with myself and targets. This year I am more determined than ever when it come to fitness goals. I do not want to be a fat bride, and I am getting married this year!!

Last year I gave up smoking, I stopped in February and haven't touched one since, which is pretty cool I don't usually have that much resolve so I'm quite proud of myself. Especially as my other half is was a smoker. (He is attempting to give up)

This year I would like to give up take aways. We have been quite bad in the past and anytime we can't be bothered to cook we turn to Just Eat, which shamefully wasn't all that rare. So we have made a pact to resit and for each month we manage it we will treat ourselves to a fancy dinner out. 

I also need to focus on my fitness, start taking my half marathon training seriously and keep signing up to organised runs so I can stay focused. Hopefully combined with eating better this will have the desired results when it comes to slimming down.

I would like to set small yoga targets too like nailing a specific pose, working my way up to a headstand by the end of the year. I know that doesn't sound particularly spectacular but I am no where near at the moment so it would be quite an achievement for me.

Sewing is also on my list, it's something I've had an interest in for a couple of years but never really done anything about, so inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee I am going to give it a go this year, first project to be some pyjama bottoms for Adam. I'll let you know how I get on.

Do you make targets and fresh starts at the start of a new year?

Hastings Half

Right well I did it.

I thought since I had written my big list of things I wanted to do I should make a start, so I signed up for the Hastings Half Marathon in March 2014!! Scary stuff. I'm not going to expect a great time just to complete it, I think that's all I should aim for really. Seeing as I have never run more than 5k before this really will be a challenge.

So I need to pull up my big girl pants, and tap my personal trainer for some half marathon training tips.

Have you ever done a half marathon? Any advice?