THE RUNNING ADVENTURES OF ZUPAKAT

POSITIVE CHANGES.

2011-10-17T04:13:00.000-07:00

Here I am almost back at the beginning I guess trying to tackle the food demons, come to the conclusion I can run as many half marathons,marathons and anything else in between as I want but if I don't tackle my food issues I ain't never going to change, so I am making some very positive changes at the moment, and if they work I will pass on what I've learnt. I have also taken up weights, I decided to work with my natural body type which muscular, athletic rather than try be small, I will never be petite not even on my death bed, I just ain't built that way, I liken it to trying to fit as square shape into a round hole! So why not be fit and healthy and slim instead. This way may take longer but here's hoping that it's a life long change for mind and body!

Back running!

2011-09-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

Been away, life has been crazy but back on track now, what's new, I do have asthma, which is being kept under control, no major drama there, just trying to still get my head around it!

This week will be my first week back running after a six week ban from the physio who wanted my achilles to have a complete rest, pissed is not enough to describe how I felt, but magically those six weeks did pass pretty fast so here's to pounding away the streets again, and to keeping my lungs nice and healthy.

I have a few half marathons planned over the next few months, not too sure whether they will happen, only time will tell! Still fighting the fat, right now I'm not sure whose winning me or the fat, feels like a bit of a tug of war, two steps forward, two steps back, one step forward, one step back!

Happy Running.

WILL ASTHMA BE MY KRYPTONITE?

2011-03-27T00:59:00.000-07:00

Friday went back to the Dr, she wanted to check up on me and see how I'd done overnight on the blue inhaler, well to be honest as soon as I took it I felt a hell of a lot better, she listened to my chest again, and from what I told her, concluded that yes I do have asthma, but she will not label me as asthmatic yet. She has to figure out whether it is just a one off temporary reaction to something or a permanent condition before she is willing to do so.

The plan is to have a month, on two asthma pumps a blue one which is a reliever of symptoms and a brown one which is a preventer of symptoms, I have to take the blue one at least four times a day, more if I need be and the brown one no more than twice a day. I go back in a months time and then a decision will be made as to weather I am stuck with it or not. Funny enough she seems to think that my level of fitness may have succeeded in hiding the syptoms for a while, I just keep thinking, what if I had ignored my syptoms and ran the half marathon last Sunday! Glad I stuck to the rule, you can run if the cold is in your head, but if it's in your chest have a rest.

Here I am in my thirties, having never suffered from anything more than a broken arm when I was 12 years old, and it seems as if I'm suffering from asthma, after visiting the DR on Thursday I was just relieved that I could breathe properly, I can't lie on that morning I was pretty scared, coughing to the point of throwing up, and really struggling to breathe, bad enough to think maybe I should make my way down to Accident and Emergency, but I sat on the panic, called the boyfriend as he had borrowed the car, he drove back, took me to the DR's, so once I had a name for what was going on and some medication it was pure relief.

Two days later, and I can't lie I am a bit miffed and even a little afraid, how the hell does someone like me get asthma, I don't drink, and bar a lapse for a few weeks, about 4 years ago I have not smoked for at least 8 years. I work out 5 times a week, I even ran a ten miler the week before last with no ill affects. I have run consistently for two and a half years, I'm fitter than I have been in the longest time, and had just started to push weights to get the cut look that I have always coveted. Yes I'm a bit heavier than I should be, but bar that I'm in good health.

When I was younger kids with asthma also had hay fever, were never allowed to take part in sports, and usually looked pretty weedy and pasty not a great image to have in my mind. I'm feeling a little fragile, wondering if I can keep running as I have been, the DR seems to think I can, but to be honest she did not give me a lot of info, and a lot of people have been telling me what a devastating impact asthma has had on their lives, and that they have not been able to do this, and they have not been able to do that, and that I will not be able to exercise or run as much as I have been, telling me it's time to take it easy, easy, easy, I'm in my thrities not seventies!

I have also been active, the kid who could go on and on, who you wouldn't give sweets or coke, as it may keep me going even longer, the dancer who never had to take a break and would do a routine again and again and again, the runner, who may not be terribly fast, but will keep going until the task ahead is accomplished.

My natural strength and physicality without realising it has been a part of my identity, 5ft 8 inches, athlectic frame, naturally muscular, stronger than the average woman\girl, do I now have to redefine myself, will I have to take an asthma pump with me whenever I run, will I be embarrassed to use it, will I be able to continue to run long distances, will I ever run a marathon again, who is this new woman with asthma?

What about children and pregnancy, something I would like to try for in the future, and if I am so blessed, how will asthma effect that? Questions, questions, questions. Deep down I believe I will be able to deal with this, but for the time being I'm trying to get my head around it all and deal with the scary stories, some seem to be delighting in telling me, obviously people don't know me well, kryptonite has not been able to destroy Superman and asthma will not destroy Zupakat, but for now I'm just going to hide under my cape for a little longer as it makes a wonderful blanket and continue to recover.

ASTHMA, WHO ME? YOU GOT TO BE BLOODY KIDDING!

2011-03-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well it’s been an eventful week as I have been struggling, with a mad cough and breathing difficulties that I put down to a chest infection. This morning it all got too much and my usually very healthy body continued to betray me, I was coughing like an pensioner who'd been smoking 50 a day for 50 years, to the point of puking up even though there was nothing to puke up, as my appetite has not been great.

Now there are two things in my life that if they fail to come easy to me, it’s time to worry and that is sleep and eat, Time to call in the Calvary.

Breathings important right, we all need to breathe to live, that's what I thought, well it's always worked for me before, seems like my body did not agree with this biological necessity!

I trudged off to the DR's she took a peak flow test which only measured 250. She said for a runner it should be around 500, she then listened to my chest, no bronchitis or pneumonia, possible bug or asthma, so gave me an Ventolin inhaler with instructions to take it at least twice a day and then whenever I need, then come back tomorrow to try and figure out if it is asthma or not.

Me asthmatic I really hope not, I proudly told her I’m a runner and that, I exercise at least 5 times a week, people like me don't become asthamtic, I was also proud to tell her that neither do I drink (okay, okay, but very rarely)and niether do I smoke.

Yes, okay so it runs in the family, but I’ve always been the lucky one, the healthy one, strong as a rhino one, who never gets sick, now they want to tell me that I might be asthmatic, that would be a dent to the ego, to my image of my healthy self.

Through all of those thoughts I can't deny the truth that sucking on that Ventolin is heavenly just how a crack head must feel sucking on a crack pipe, because I’ve had nothing but sweet relief since. It was starting to get a bit scary there for awhile so fingers crossed this is a temporary situation, if not I will have to learn to deal.

If I’m honest there may have been signs leading up to this, that I just did not recognise, sharp stitch like pain around my breast, sometimes when I run which I just thought was an ordinary stitch, curse it out, then ignore it and continue running has always been my policy, occasional wheezing or chest pain, nothing to write home about., I would always put it down to running in the cold, or working with kids who carry so may germs, a little Vicks chest rub would always get rid of it.

We have asthmatics in the family my sister who is only 18 months older than me has had asthma since childhood, I should’ve known better. I know what a wheezing chest sounds like, I grew up listening to the sound of her chest rattling away, keeping me awake at night worried that she would stop breathing, as a child I was by her side on many occasions when she had an asthma attack. I know how deadly it can be, how could I fail to spot it in myself, has running made me think I am invincible,has this ZUPAKAT persona gone to my head, anyone seen a red cape, cause I'm missing mine!

Crossing my fingers and toes, that this is just a temporary blip and not a permanent one, the decision not to run that half marathon last Sunday in hindsight was the right decision, I dread to think what could've happened.

I SHOULD BE RUNNING A HALF MARATHON THIS MORNING BUT.....

2011-03-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

I'm in bed, why? I hear you ask because I am suffering from a chest cold which came on suddenly yesterday, I really don't know where it came from, I was cleaning and organising the house, I am in a mad lets get rid of the clutter mode, well by the end of the day my throat started to scratch but more worryingly my chest also started to hurt and a cough started to attack me. Last night I hardly slept as I found it hard to breathe properly so this morning for the first time ever I had to call off what would've been my 13th half marathon, the Reading half marathon, which I have run 3 years in a row boo,hoo.

If the cold was in my head only I would've run, but I know there is no way I could run whilst my chest was not one hundred percent, that would've been crazy even for me. I'm dissapointed I can't lie, this would've been my first half marathon of the year.

Where did this cold come from, well I have two theories, Friday is was cold and raining and I jumped on my vespa to go to work, I was only 15 minutes away ( I'm a tough girl, as long as it's not snowing, I'm more than happy to ride) but it was pretty cold, and I got quite a chill on the way home, or it could've been because my cousin bought her cute baby girl around, who is six months old, but the baby had a cold, I couldn't help myself and just had to snuggle up to said baby. Next time I have a race, I'm going to vet everyone that comes to my house,babies included to make sure their not carrying any germs.

I'm usually a very healthy person, hardly ever get sick or catch colds, so this is very disappointing, but even I know when to admit defeat and running with a chest cold is not a smart thing to do. Exercise has been going well recently, spinning, boxing class, free weights and running, even managed a 10 miler last week, longest I've run in a while, I've dropped a couple of pounds, clothes are little looser, even my Achilles which plagued me for most of 2010 are no longer playing me up so badly, due to a great phsyio whose been doing acupuncture on me, so bar this blip today, all is well.

I think the other half is happy for a Sunday morning lie in, we were due to leave the house at 7am, he's made sure I'm okay, but has gone back to sleep and is snoring away, (lucky bastard) I can't sleep, the cough is keeping me awake, and lying down makes breathing properly harder.

I was so looking forward to posting a great running report and wonderful pictures, detailing my struggle with 13.1 miles, the highs the lows and the in-betweens and adding a new medal to my collection, The plan was to run 11 miles with my shoes and then run bare footed for the last two miles, the race tag was a strap around the ankle so it was the perfect opportunity to try running bare foot for part of a race, oh well, never mind, I'll get over it.......Why Lord, Why?

Happy running everyone.

I'M STILL ALIVE!

2011-02-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a while since I've blogged but I am still alive, still exercising still trying to lose pounds and be happy with my body and level of fitness. Back in the autumn I ran two half marathons, which were a lot of fun and in the 2 hours 20 min range, I have another one coming up in about 4 weeks, and although I am not at my fittest I will run it to the best of my ability and enjoy myself.

Failed to get a place on the London Marathon this year, but that's cool, going to concentrate on half marathons and weight training for the time being. (That's a lie I was very disappointed, but I'm over it now,bastards, sorry did I really say that?)

Life is good, making some very positive changes, feeling very positive about life even though I have a lot of work to do, I AM GRATEFUL, is my new mantra.

Running wise I am trying to get back in the swing of things after a couple of months, of stop, start, stop start, this year I have promised myself that I will try and be consistent, to be honest exercise is not my major problem, food is, so I have come to the conclusion that if I never learn to eat healthily I will always yo-yo diet and struggle with weight!

So I am trying really hard to make some good forever changes in my diet, e.g making water my main source of fluid, more fruit, brown bread,brown rice, wholewheat pasta and veg. These are all admirable changes and I will try my best, I know I am not the kind of girl who can live on lettuce alone, so I am going to try and cook more, turn my back on the junk and processed food, or at least limit it.

My partner had a health scare last year so we are both eager to get on the right track and make healthy eating and exercise a permanent part of our every day life and not just for special occasions.

That's me for now, been stalking a few blogs, tyring to see what everyone else has been up to,
feels good to be back, and seriously committing to my health again.

Kat

WEEKLY UP DATE

2010-09-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

I wish this was me! Maybe one day.

Last week was a good week, managed to keep a handle on my eating.

Monday 5 mile run, hour free weights, and 45 minute boxing class, including skipping, running and pad work. Intense but run.

Tuesday 8 mile run, slow and steady but I made it back to the house in one piece.

Thursday 4 mile run and an hour and a half boxing class, running, skipping and pad work, another intense day, the class was amazing, loved every minute of it. Men and women do this class and it's hot and sweaty and hard work, bring it on. Running has made me stronger than I have been in a long time and I felt fantastic, but my core is weak, got a lot of work to do, to strengthen it up!

Sunday half marathon.

MEASUREMENTS

Breasts: 37 inches

under breast 33

Waist: 30.5 inches

Hips:41 inches

Right thigh: 24.5 inches

Left thigh 24.5 inches

Left arm 12 inches

Right arm 12 inches

No change from last week, except half an inch on the waist.

WEIGHT

Weight 12.stone, 7 pounds 175 pounds.

2 pounds loss.

So so far good, no dramatic changes, but small steps are fine, had a cold this week, so have only managed one 4 mile run, my body was rebelling, my thighs were like "Oh hell no, you ain't." I had been planing an 8 mile run but after ten minutes in I knew that was never going to happen!

With a half marathon again this weekend, I made a decision to take time to recover and fingers crossed I will be in a fit state to do so, so exercise wise this week has been pants!

Half marathon report from last Sunday is coming, all went well, but the ride home took almost 8 hours due to traffic jams, and a couple of road accidents, when it should've taken 5 hours, which I think may have had something to do with me getting sick and feeling exhausted this week! The car made it back by the skin of it's teeth, but I had to take it to the garage the next day and found out it needed a new gear box, well all I can say is I'm now broke and dieting should not be a problem for the foreseeable future as I have no money what soever to eat out!

Thats me done for now.
Happy running.

A LITTLE REMINDER TO BE CAREFUL

2010-09-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

A friend went running earlier in the week at a park just around the corner from my house, anyway a man jumped out and showed her what the Lord gave him and said." Suck on this B***ch"! She's not been running for long and it was a real shock, luckily due to her new found strength and fitness she was able to run away. She reported the incident to the police. She was extremely shaken and upset, understandably, but luckily she was unharmed.

Now if it was me I probably would've had my headphones in so would not of spotted or heard him before it was too late! I tend to run around the outskirts of that park because although it is beautiful it has a few secluded parts. We've decided to hook up and run together, better to be safe than sorry.

This is just a little reminder to all us ladies out there running to remember to be safe, keep your eyes and your ears peeled, change up your route, be careful who you tell where an when your running, if you use headphones try not to blast the music, and if anything does happen, put your speed on as my friend did and get the hell out of there.

I personally have taken up boxing training as part of my new fitness regime, whats the point in being fit if you can't fight off a mugger or potential rapist, run for a bus, carry shopping under one arm and a child under the other. I ain't into being dainty and feeble, being fit is about being strong, I'll be keeping my eyes peeled a bit better for any potential nutters, but at the same time I recognise my limitations and even though in my dreams I am a super strong, super heroine who can disable anyone with a mere swipe of a finger, in reality I know this is far from the truth, so as winter approaches and dark mornings and evenings become an everyday occurrence, I'm going to start running with friends, especially at night time.

So ladies be careful out there, don't wait for something to happen, think in your head what would you do if someone did flash you or approach you, have a plan, do you carry a rape alarm, a whistle, a phone, ever done a self defence class, if you got a partner convince him to join you for your runs, get him to jump on his bike if he's not a runner, now us girls in England ain't allowed to carry mace, but if we could I assure you I would, and if something does happen, try to remember what the person looked like, and any other details that would help the police to find him, lets not let men get away with this sick type of behaviour.

Sunday I run a half marathon The Great North Run, it's a massive race and over 300 miles from London, tomorrow I start traveling with my other half, the plan is to leave around mid day, travel to Leeds which is 175 miles from London, stay overnight in a hotel, then travel the last 100 miles in the morning, run the half marathon then travel back to London. It will be the furthest I have ever travelled to run a race, I truly must be crazy.

Happy running

PUTTING IT ALL OUT THERE!!!!

2010-09-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

The time has come to take control and makes some positive changes, if I keep doing the same thing I am going to end up with the same results so here goes I'm going to put it all on the line. Once a week I'm going to post my weight, measurements and my workouts.

Why because I really, really want to step things up, not just weight wise, yes I want to lose some more weight, but also I want to get fitter and healthier and really take things to the next level so here goes.

WORKOUTS

Monday 6th September -Sunday 13th September 2010

Monday: 2 mile run with the other half.

Tuesday: 10 and a half mile run

Wednesday: 1 hour weights

Thursday: Rest day.

Friday 1 hour of free weights and 30 minutes on the treadmill

Saturday: 3 miles (one an a half miles barefooted)

Sunday: 3 miles

Only managed 18 miles last week, less than usual, I try to run 25-30 miles a week, the weight training is a new addition and so far so good, can't wait until I start to look cut, bring it on.

Measurements

Breast: 37 inches

Under breasts: 33 inches

Waist: 31 inches

Hips: 41 inches

Right thigh: 24.5 inches

Left thigh: 24.5 inches

Right arm: 12 inches

Left arm: 12 inches

Weight 12 stone 9 pounds (177 pounds)

So there you go all my stats and my weight, Lord I must be crazy, putting it all out there!

If I could lose a few inches off my chest that would be great, note I say chest, not breast, I don't have much breast, I would like to keep what I have. If I could get my waist down to 28 inches that would be delicious and my hips under 40 I would be ecstatic. I just want to be a smaller all over but most of all toned.

I sound very heavy but even when I've been very slim I still weigh a lot, so I'm not going to panic, I will be concentrating more on what the tape measure than the scales say, yes my scales do talk to me, especially my scales, sometimes the don't even tell me my weight they just scream "Too heavy, too heavy get the f***k off of me, your hurting me!"

If I could lose at least a pound a week and drop between 14-21 pounds I would be very happy.

I need to sort out my food, I have moment’s, weeks, and even months when I am wonderful and won't let anything I think is not good for me cross my lips. Then the next moment I eating like a monster and can eat anything in sight.

MY GOALS

Goals to get fitter, try and exercise at least 5 times a week if not 7, a mix of running, weights and gym classes, eat better, drop a dress size, I ain't trying to be a broomstick I just want to look good, fit into my clothes well but most of all be fit and athletic and get a handle on this yo-yo dieting I have got into.

Sick of squeezing myself into clothes, stretching out knickers, and fitting into only a small amount of items in my wardrobe and trying to hide my belly. I want to look spandocious in a bikini and hot in a pair of running tights,

Now I ain't going to be too hard on myself, as I have dropped quite a bit of weight and I've now been running consistently for two years in which I've run two marathons, have run 4 half marathons this year alone and will run two half marathons in the next two weeks, which will take my overall half marathon total to 11 altogether. I have started training friends. I've kept focused and motivated and continued to train even during an achilles injury.

Any tips, motivation, advice, good recipes, (the only meat I eat is fish) greatly appreciated, how did you fight your food demons and finally take control, what is it that keeps you on the straight and narrow, share, share ladies. Exercise is not a problem for me, it's the food I now need to get a grip on, I no longer want to be fat and fit, I just want to be fit!

Today I am running 5 miles and knocking out an hour worth of weights, half marathon coming up on Sunday, so I need to find a balance of pushing myself this week, but leaving enough energy to get through those 13.1 miles.

Happy running.

ADIDAS WOMENS 5K CHALLENGE AND A LARGE YELLOW CHICKEN!

2010-09-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic day on Sunday, the annual 5k run held in Hyde park central London took place.

I'd managed to convince a few friends to take part, above are Anna on the left, she's a runner but this would be her first race, next to her is Mia she's an old school friend who has been running and cycling,this to would be her first 5k and Cheryl who was running her second 5k, after running her first in July with me. There I am in the yellow and Comfort at the end, who also would be taking part in her first race and would be running and walking and raising money for Arthritis care.

This is the tutu, I made especially for the race, it only cost £3:45 to make, and only took an evening to do, so if anyone wants to know how to make a running tutu, let me know and I will do a blog on it, now I ain't domesticated in any kind of way, so if I can do this anyone can.

This is my good friend Simone who I met at a job 11 years ago, we no longer work together but are very close friends. I love running with her but her right knee unfortunately was permanently damaged in a car accident a few years back,(the other driver was at fault) so she can no longer run long distances.

Now anyone who takes me up on a challenge knows that I'm very intense when it comes to running, but i am glad to inform you everyone survived.The race does have elite competitors, they start way out in the front with the mere mortals, being held back until they were well on their way.

Now above are all the fast ladies, the very fast ladies the one in the middle in the first set of pictures Linet Masai the one who looks like a piece of paper was the winner, she finished in 15 minutes 07, and is also the current 10k world champion, so you see I was racing in good company.

Kibet in the blue was second some 20 metres behind in 15:10 while Stephanie Twell in the purple top came in at 15:32 she's British so at least the press had something to celebrate!

We had one elite runner in our group Anna in the picture above she rocked the course in just over 24 minutes, she so shocked herself, and the joy in her eyes and excitement in her voice was infectious.

There were over 15,000 women out there, it's a massive event, with a mix of runners and walkers, and fancy dressers, and I have run it at least 8 times. My mum was walking to raise money for an electric wheelchair for my sis, who has Muscular Dystrophy. I'm so proud of my mum.

This girl must have a stitch, poor thing hope she was okay, breathe child,breathe.

love random pictures of runners, I imagine what their thinking,

"Ohhh I wonder when this is going to be over, cause I really gotta pee?"

The lady with her elbows out."Get the hell out of my way pinkie.

"This is so damn easy, it's like running for the school bus I could do this everyday."

Here I am, what am I thinking, why the hell did I dress up like a Big Bird from Sesame Street (yes we get that show in England), only joking in fact I was feeling very cute and getting a lot of shout outs. I did not run with my friends, the race was so crowded, and being only a 5k I thought it was important for everyone to run their own race.

As said the race was very crowded so I did not get a great start, but to be honest that made no real difference on my time, as when I did get a clear run my achilles was having none of it so my right leg was heavy and non compliant, all I could do was run as fast as my body would let me. I kept thinking about the girls out there and hoping everyone was okay.

"Where are you mummy, are you going to finish soon, daddies neck is starting to get tired."

"Look my mummy's faster than your mummy?"

"No my mummy is faster than your mummy."

"Why are all these crazy women running around, and why can't I run too?"

" I can do this, I'm a bear, I'm a bear, I'm a bear,GRRRRRRH."

Blond girl "I'm strong, I'm beautiful, I'm fierce if my boss says one wrong thing to me tomorrow I'm going to tell him where to stick his job."

Not far from the finish now, I was resigned to the fact that I was not going to get a fast time, but I was happy to be running and was having a great time.

All done and dusted, thank goodness, 29 minutes 17 seconds.

This was me just after the race, I was approached by a man who complimented me on my fetching outfit, then he asked if i wanted to be interviewed on the BBC. I was taken to the side and a few minutes later there i was being interviewed by the former British Triple Jumper, Johnathan Edwards, he won a gold medal at Sydney in 2000! Well what can i say was very happy, but I didn't want to come across all gushing and crazy on the t,v so I behaved and only when the interview was over did I gush and tell him how much I admired him.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tp3tq/Athletics_2010_Womens_5km_Challenge/

I knew it was good idea to wear that tutu, okay so I might've looked like a slow, giant chicken but it got me on the television, you can see it via the link above, it may not work for those of you outside the U.K but if you do get to see it, I'm on at about 24 minutes 50 seconds in, you can see me crossing the finish line and having a little chat with Mr Edwards.

I love the above pictures, everyone came back eyes shining, laughing and just simply buzzing, this running thing is infectious, Mia and Cheryl done really well coming in at approx 31 and 33 minutes respectively, Comfort walk/ran all the way, and mum walked all the way, well done ladies.

Above on the left, I've just spotted my mum Mum as always was a tropper, well you'd have to be to raise seven kids almost single handedly, I am so proud of her, been encouraging her to get fit and she stepping up to the plate. She wore a sign for my sis pinned to her t-shirt,mwwwwah,love you lots mum.

What I love most about this race, is that it is so many women coming together for a good cause, there are loads of mums pushing buggies, and running with their daughters, so many signs on peoples backs dedicated to people lost or fighting illness, so many t-shirts with the names of different charities on them, then there are women who are running to keep fit, to ward off illness and achieve something for themselves.

That is what I kept in mind when I was running and my achilles started playing up, sometimes I have good days and sometimes I have bad days, that day was a bad day, but I was still able to run, unlike my sis, or brother who both have Muscular Dystrophy.

It may take another 6 months or so more of rehab to get recover fully,I struggle to run at times, and struggle to deal, but at least I can run and it is not a permanent injury!

I had the most amazing day, it was inspiring, heartfelt, humbling and life affirming.

To Comfort, Mia, Cheryl, and Anna, Simone nothing but the up most respect for stepping up to the plate and joining in some Kat madness, I am inspired by you all.

I have set the next challenge for a 10k on Sunday November 7th and I look forward to coming on that journey with you as well. Thanks again to my other half, my official photographer who always does a wonderful job of taking such great pictures, and always supporting.

That's me done for now, so goodbye from the big yellow chicken,

HAPPY RUNNING.

CHERRY ON TOP AWARD!

2010-09-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Worthatri http://worthatri.blogspot.com/2010/09/awesome-possum.html for nominating me a CHERRY ON THE TOP AWARD, much appreciated and touched, I am not great at this tagging thing but I will give it a try.

Now I ain't going to lie there are plenty of things I would love to change,but I am who I am due to my experiences so I accept them all good and bad.

Health wise I would go back and slap that 14 year old kid who thought it was smart to pick up a cigarette and smoke on and off for the next ten or so years. I regret that, I thought it was cool, thought I looked great and did not think about the health implications. It has been a good number of years since I stopped smoking, although I have back slided on a number of occasions, I would never, ever, ever smoke again, it's no longer part of my character, anyway anything that would hinder my running is a no go these days!

Now I was supose to choose 6 people to give this award to, I choose

Clare michelle, a great photographer and poet, a new but dear friend
http://claremichelle.blogspot.com/

Rob aka Sloetry who is also a great poet and photographer
http://sloetry.blogspot.com/

GREEDS, a great poet who writes great blogs.
http://sloetry.blogspot.com/

Comfort a great poet and now also a runner after completing her first ever 5k yesterday,
http://www.blogger.com/profile/09883659119245697659

ASK WIFEY, who writes a wonderful blog on running, being a wife and a mother, I can assure you I am taking notes!
http://askwifey.blogspot.com/2010/09/run-little-princess-run.html

I would've tagged some more runners but those who I would've chosen have been blogged already. I have not been great at this tagging thing in the past, but I promise I will try better in the future.

Happy running and writing peeps.

Thanks again Worth a tri for giving me that award, much appreciated.

I love running Kat

ufdance half marathon

2010-08-25T04:40:00.000-07:00

The weather has not been great recently, rain, rain, rain, but luckily it held off a tiny sprinkle in the morning but that was it. I had my usual shredded wheat and that was it, stomach played up a little bit, but not too much.

Drive there was cool, no traffic probs, car park was shut, the area is being done up for the Olympics so no showers or changing rooms, but there were four porta loos, of course the line was looooooong, so I took too the bushes across the road, it was a bit busy a few other ladies had the same idea and there was a dog running around, but luckily I was able to do my business without being shamed!

Once finished, I noticed a girl looking around, seems likes she dropped her IPOD shuffle whilst doing her business, so I helped her looked for a it and we chatted, funny enough when she’d given up, and we were on our way back that’s when she found it. She was running with a friend and it was there first half, they were great girls and we had a little chat, took a couple of pics and went on our separate ways. Bev is on the right she is the one who was hunting for her IPOD, Mariama is in the middle.

I decided not to put any Kinseo tape compression guards or socks on, my reason for this is because my injury has to heal for itself, no amount of gimmicks are going to make it better, so recently I've just been following the phyiso instructions and it seems to be working. Tactic today was to ensure I did not aggravate my injury and if at anytime it had become too painful I gave myself permission to stop.

There was a bit of a warm up, I hate group warm up, I always just want to get started, once that was over, we went on our way, the route was six times around, the route goes through a long wooded area which has a slight incline, then through a grassy area, where there was a water station, then the last mile takes you along a canal, all very pretty, then back on a grassy area then start all over again, every lap was just over 2 miles.

Here go all the speedy bastards!

There I am starting slow, the field was full of serious runners, so even though my pace was around an 11 minute mile at first I was way at the back, tried not to get carried away and start running like my life depended on it, but it can be hard when everyone around you is steaming away. The pics above are of Bev and Mariama starting off as well.

I love pictures of other runners, the determination, the pain, the elation the confidence.

My achilles was hurting I can’t lie took a few miles to warm up, and left leg was cramping a bit, but I am so used to it during traiing, I paid it no mind, plus I think I’m getting stronger and my body is getting so used to my imblalaces it’s just gets on with it.

Above is a picture of a good mate of mine called Grace, we used to go to the same gym together years ago, and even been on a few fitness holidays together, she came to my birthday BBQ in June, the funny thing is I didn't even know she was running, it's only as I was looking through pictures I realized it was her. She looks so happy, so serene and in her own little world, don't be deceived she was pretty quick, finishing in 2 hours 5 minutes. Well done Gracie do proud of you, you look fantastic and your time was amazing.

My average pace was just underneath an 11 minute mile, I tried hard not to go slower than that. The hardest mile was mile 11 that is always a problem for me, I just seem to lose a bit of hope around that time, O.K I was losing the will to live to be honest, I think it's because I’d run so damn far already and I know I still got a way to go, I have a bit of a dip in confidence. I lost count of the laps after a while, and was unsure how many more I had to go. It’s like you mind losses focus. Luckily my garmin was a life saver and that helped to keep me on track.

Then I was attacked by stitches the bane of my life, began to attack, right hand side of my stomach and then the left hand side, Lord, I had to stop for a minute, breathe it out, curse myself, sorry encourage myself then continue that must have been my slowest mile I think it was a 12.01 mile, shame on me.

Look at the pain on my face in the first picture, notice how I perk up when I see the camera, what a girl would do for a great picture!

Mariama, she was walking so I got her running again, by now my paced had picked up to just about a 10 minute mile. I always get excited towards the end of a race and I always start shifting, she said I was going too fast and stopped, but I wouldn't let her, I literally yelled. "Shit we're too close to the end, you just have to finish your first half marathon in glory." Plus I was grateful for the company, it took my mind of my pain, we kept pushing, final corner and I really let go, the excitement got the better of me I really ran for it and passed three people in the process!

I finished in 2 hours 21 minutes 33 seconds, a 10:54 pace, which I'm very pleased with, with my injury I was in fact surprised, I was expecting to be a bit slower, I feel as if there is a lot more to come and once I'm one hundred percent injury free, I can really knock some time off, but I'm happy, happy to even be able to run, let alone race.

Mariama and I then ran up to meet Bev, who was walking due to cramp

Kat "What are you doing come on, you have to run to the finish, are you injured."

Bev"I got cramp."

Kat"Great, lets run."

And we accomapnied her to the finsih line, everyone back safe, she managed it in 2 hours 35 minutes.

Well done ladies you both done brilliantly for your first ever half, and it was a pleasure to be part of you experience, welcome to the wonderful world of half marathons. Mariama good luck for the Great North run (for those of you who don't know it's a massive half marathon, held in Newcastle, North of England, it's the biggest half marathon in the world, and takes place on the 19th September 2010, lots of fun runners, and charity runners, it's very hard to get a place and finally this year I get to run it, yaaaah).

Negatives

A few people complained on Runners world that the length was not correct but my garmin read 13.03 maybe I cut a corner somewhere, don’t know how people managed to go way under time unless they cut a lot of corners.

Six laps, Lord you lose the will to live after a few laps.

POSITIVES

The postitive thing about the laps was no one needs to know what lap your on, so you never feel like your right at the back of the pack even if you are.

Marshalls, very enthusiastic, calling out your name, and being very encouraging, although they had a bit of a nutter on the final stretch home, shouting and jumping up and down and running along with people, I had my IPOD on so did not hear his madness!

Great food at the end, bagels, bananas, lolli pops, oranges, mmm, thanks.

WHAT I LEARNT

Well after my 9th half marathon, yes my 9th, I've learnt I need to trust myself, stop starting so far back in the field, I can run faster, I just tend to start slow and then speed up, conserving energy as I fear if I go out too fast, I'm going to blow up and embarrass myself and end up crying and walking and.....

See what I mean! I finish and then feel disappointed that I did not push myself more, achilles permitting, it's time to step up.

Time to do some speed work, something I have never done, as my achilles gets better I can start putting some into my training programme.

Have a structured training programme, intervals, fartlecks, hill work, yuck, time to get familiar with these terms learn to love them embrace them and make them work for me.

Try to work on my pace, which tends to be all over the place,

Do some weights,

Work on my core.

Thanks to the other half for taking such great pictures, and as always for his support, thanks to Bev and Mariama for being such great company, look forward to running with you again in the future and good luck to anyone who is racing this week.

HALF MARATHON, TRAINING FRIENDS AND FUTURE GOALS

2010-08-21T02:29:00.000-07:00

HALF MARATHON THIS SUNDAY!

After 28 miles last week, this week has been about tapering for my half marathon on Sunday, I have knocked out 9 miles not much, but with my achilles injury I thought it was best to err on the side of caution. I have taken extra care to ice and stretch and follow the physios instructions, now all I can do is eat well and drink lots of water, fuel well on the day and hope my leg holds together and I do not end up running like a crazed orangutan.

The race is 6 times round an area called Hackney Marshes in East London, it's a well run event, the organisation is always superb, there is a steel band, bananas and bagels on the way around, and there is always have plenty of water, and the marshal's are super enthusiastic calling out the names of the runners, and being very encouraging, now six times around anywhere is boring, but being that it is such a well run event and lots of fun, well as fun as a half marathon can be, they are forgiven.

I have run this about 3 times, although not for a couple of years, last year my achilles ruled me out (yes I have been struggling for that long with it, the problem comes and goes, but fingers crossed with the right treatment it is now finally on the mend). Last year I marshalled and had a hell of a lot of fun but it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year, and those runners suffered, like they were lost in the Sahara dessert, so I was happy to be encouraging from the side lines, checked the weather report and it looks like their might be a few sprinkles on Sunday, which is fine by me, I'd take a little rain over searing heat!

TRAINING FRIENDS

The last two weeks I have been training, a couple of friends, now these two girls are quite over-weight and unfit, but very enthusiastic, and it's been great fun working with them, last week I worked with the two of them together, that was really just test their fitness and see where they were at. We had fun, and I really enjoyed putting them through their paces. This week due to a time mix up, I had two sessions back to back.

This week Kat went hard core, I set up a circuit of boxing, star jumps, planks, press ups, shuttle runs, skipping, squats with weights and lunges, the first girl only done the circuit once, I'm a bit concerned because she is quite big and has not worked out for years,and has a knee issue and with the extra weight running might not be the best thing for her, she agreed so for now only minimal running, until she has lost some weight, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

Here are a few nature shots for you nature lovers out there, all the credit for the pictures goes to my other half, who helped me carry all the equpitment onto the tube and then hung around taking these snaps, all on his day off as well, thank you.

Then I trained the second girl we did the circuit twice, one minute on each section then done a 15 minute run, one minute run one minute walk. We were in a public park and a few times people stopped and stared, now I know the girls were a bit put off by this, but at least they are doing something about their weight, at least they are fighting back, I say embrace the stares, you know why your doing what your doing, so do it, hold your head high, and work out like your life depends on it, because in all honesty it does.

You can see from the pictures what we got up to. I loved of it, I need to work on my own conditioning, and this is a great motivator, soon I will also set up a group once a week in the evening, as well that will be purely running, there are a good number of people interested, so I thought why not, pass on my addiction to others,why should I be the only one who suffers from this crazy running addiction.

I wish to share the joy and knowledge gained, I'm very proud of them both, because I did work them hard, I took no excuses and forced them out of their comfort zones, and they done it, yes there was a bit of moaning and groaning but I don't mind that, scream, shout, cry it thats what you need to do to get through, but just do what I say!

MY GOALS

I am happy with the way my own training is going,I have a lot of work to do and am trying to lose at least another 14 pounds, I really think that will take down my fat levels especially around my stomach, and my fitness levels up,

Latest picture of me above, got some work to do!

I am sick and tired of my belly jigging up and down, it's the only part of my body that now wobbles and I ain't happy about that. I need to put some hard work in, so after the half marathon on Sunday, I need to up my training a lot, and work on condition, sort out my core and get it nice and tight. If I could go down a dress size and lose a few more inches off my hips, chest and waist I would be estatic. I ain't trying to be skinny just fit, firm and athlectic looking.

RAIN, RAIN RAIN!

2010-08-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Today I am having a rest day, I knocked out 5 runs this week clocking up 28 miles, now I would've loved to push it to over 30 miles, now I know to some of you spooper dooper runners, that really is not much, but I thought I'd better hold it down, and give the achilles a chance to relax and rest although I won't lie I feel kinda itchy to get out there and hit the road again!

It's amazing how addictive running can be, once my achilles really starts to heal, I would like to take my weekly mileage up to 40 miles a week, which would be awesome.

Yesterdays run was a little crazy, the other half followed me in the car to get some pictures, the weather was iffy, but since English weather is always iffy, I just went for it, well I wasn't out for very long and the skies just opened and as we like to say over here it was raining, cats and dogs. I always feel hard core whilst running in the rain, whilst mere normal human beings are hiding in doorways, bus shelters or under umbrellas, I'm eating up the pavement.

No barefoot running today in the rain, but tomorrow, if the weather is good I plan to run 6 miles 3 of which will be without shoes, if the weather is bad, I will still run but in my trainers for the whole way. The funny thing is I have two pairs of Vibram 5 fingers, but I find running with nothing on my feet a lot more liberating, just like me to waste money, but I think they will come in their own over the winter months, when not even a nutter like me wold consider running bare foot, on the cold ground or in snow!

Anyway the rain was relentless, and the path I ran was not my most favourite, but we chose that way as it would be easier to take pictures, there is a long hill, not steep but long and never ending, but I kept my head down and tried to keep going, the left leg felt heavy after a while and even the right one started to cramp up a bit, I think it's starting to protest at having to carry the left one, but with the acupuncture going so well, and my leg slowly but surely healing I have faith that my injury will continue to get better and my body will become balanced once more.

I managed to knock out 4 miles in 42 minutes 36 seconds, so very pleased, considering it was raining, and I'm still carrying an injury, I can feel myself becoming stronger, it's been worth fighting through this injury and continuing to run even when it hurt to do so, I feel as if I am now reaping the benefits.

The rain was refreshing and worth doing, almost home and I'm still smiling!

Here I am all done and dusted, ready to relax and take it easy, thanks to the other half for coming out, during the mad weather and taking pictures, much appreciated.

Happy Running.

BARE FOOT RUNNING AND ACUPUNCTURE!

2010-08-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ran 5 miles today, took 3 miles for my mind and body to wake up, it was hot out there today, but looked windy from inside so made a mistake and wore long leggings and a long sleeved top, wrong move cause I was hot, hot, hot. Luckily the sun went in after a while, it got a bit breezy and the long sleeves came in handy.

3 miles in my left ankle started to hurt, got fed up whipped off my shoes and kept running, well what can I say that was the best bit of the run, my ankle stopped hurting immediately and the fun of running bare foot, the freedom, and the intense concentration it takes to ensure I do not stub a toe, step on a stone, or trying to find the smooth parts of the pavement, made a massive difference to my physical and emotional state of mind, and the run completely turned around, and I was smiling and laughing, and running down the road, like a crazy woman and Lord it felt great. I need to do this more often, it's a hell of a lot of fun, and makes running a lot more interesting and stimulating.

Acupuncture session later on with the physio, my body is starting to react now, the first session I really did not feel anything, but three sessions in and my body is starting to wake up, I was twitching all over the place, which the physio says is a good thing. I'm sure she was beginning to think I was a freak, wondering how the hell she could be poking me with all those needles and I wasn't feeling anything at all! Well she put a needle in the back of my left knee today and my left toe twitched, there were two also in my hands and two either side of my left achilles, and for the first time I had a tingling all over my leg, it's like my leg was saying"Hi, hello, I'm awake now." Well I heard it loud and clear.

Been given the go-ahead to run the half marathon next week, as long as I keep up the exercises that she has given me, and keep icing, I feel blessed that I have an injury that I can actually run with, although at times it slows me down and my leg hurts, I can still run and I'm grateful for that. Half marathon here I come, yaaah.

I have about 6 months or more of daily exercises to ensure my achilles is completely healed, and although it sounds very tiresome, sense I'm planning to keep running for a lifetime, if it means I can one day in the future run pain and injury free, keep working towards the body I want and do more barefoot running, I'll do whatever it takes.

HAPPY RUNNING PEEPS.

TRAINING FRIENDS, DODGY STOMACH AND A TEN MILE RUN!

2010-08-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

Random picture of me after a particularly challenging hilly 4 mile run!

Monday I knocked out a 5 mile run, all was well great weather, and my body complied with my wishes, achilles is not as painful, in fact I did not realise how much pain I had been in running, and how heavy my left leg has been for the past three months, until very recently when it stopped hurting so much.

Tuesday, I lead a training session with two friends, I met them at a park and put them through their paces, we skipped, ran, walked and done some boxing with the pads, If you want a peek at what I was up to then click on this link. Very proud of these two girls, they have bitten the bullet and decided to do something about their weight and fitness, that first step is never easy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CM8Yda3Qx0

We shall be meeting up on a weekly basis, it's great motivation for myself, I still have a lot of work to do, my body is nowhere near I would like it to be, but I am stronger, fitter, and will get there. I ran home 4 miles, the problem was it was pissing down with rain, I was soaked right through by the time I made it back! People were looking at me like I was a right nutter, maybe I am but I'm a fit nutter. It was nice to work out with others, as someone who trains alone it was a real treat.

Wednesday 10 mile training run, for my half marathon next weekend, well the weather was good, but it was my stomach that was protesting, spent half an hour in the toilet, before I even got out of the front door, then gave it an hour to make sure I would not have any problems on the way!

I ran from my house to my boyfriends, I took three one minute walking breaks, and a 10 minute toilet stop, due to my stomach! Luckily a Burger King came to my rescue, stopped for a wee break, and ended up stuck in there for ten minutes, well it was better than having to find a bush.

The walking breaks were to ease my calf muscle which would start to seize up a little, due to my achilles problems, but it is so much better, the two sessions of acupuncture have made a massive difference, I may look like a porcupine whilst I'm having it done, but I no longer look like a deranged orangutan whilst running!

I can run mostly pain free, and I am no longer limping when I walk, okay I'm limping a little, but only if I'm tired and sometimes first thing in the morning, but once the old bones start to warm up, I'm as good as new.

The run was a lot of fun, I ran along a duel carriageway, bright orange running top to ensure I was seen, any car driver that hit me would have a hell of a lot of explaining to do. I played my music, chatted to myself, head down and got on with it.

I am definitely getting better at training I took 2 hours 2 minutes and was at a 12:10 pace, for most of the run I was just under a 12 minute pace, but got tired at the end, usually when I train, especially the long runs I find it very difficult and can be very, very slow, yesterday was one of the first times, I felt focused and strong, and like I could've kept going.That was whilst carrying an injury, so very pleased with myself.

I think I need to start slow and try to build up my pace as I go, rather starting fast and than slowing down. It's a good lesson, that you don't always see results straight away, but every run, makes a difference, every good food choice makes a difference.

Happy Running everyone.

RACE FOR LIFE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

2010-07-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday 10th July 2010

This is a picture of my mum, niece and friend Cheryl and I, Cheryl is a mum of 2 and not a runner, but I managed to convince her to run this race with me, the only one brave enough to take up the offer, I have a lot of respect for her.

The atmosphere was great, lots of women, lots of pink, all shapes all sizes, everyone was out, raising money for Cancer Research. It was hot, hot, hot, hot, hot. My plan was to run the 5k with Cheryl then continue on another lap and finish the 10k on my own.

A selection of lovely outfits, althought how these ladies ran in those wigs I really don't know, it was the hottest day of the year, and the race did not start until 11am, so it was blazing by the time we got going, good on you ladies.

I love the above pictures, shows how hot it was, and the girl above in pink with that great smile on her face reminds me why I love running so much.

Cheryl is going well, the heat is very,very oppresive, but I keep talking to her, keep pushing, and we keep running, if she stops I keep going, and tell her to run, even if she's shuffling just keep moving. The ground feels so spongy it's like running through mud so we take off our shoes after about a mile, I tell her to watch out for thorns and dog mess, but it feels lovely, my feet are now cool and the ground feels better to run on, yaah to the barefoot revolution.

My mum and my ten year old niece, two more people I managed to convince to sign up, one of the reasons I love RACE FOR LIFE, is anyone can take part, no time limit no pressure, run, walk or crawl.

We've just thrown our shoes to the my boyfriend whose complaing they smell, bloody cheeck!

I love the third picture, the Usain Bolt inspired run to the end, go mum, go niece! Well done to them, I'm trying to encourage everyone I know to run, mum is up for another one is September and so is my niece, this was my nieces first one, they ran and walked, with only one pit stop, I think the medal at the end has got niece hooked, so fingers crossed she'll keep running, and make me eat her dust in time to come.

Cheryl done great, I just kept encouraging her, but she done all the hard work and it was a pleasure to run with her. I drop her off at the end of the 5k which we complete in 38 minutes, a quick stop to put my trainers back on,and I continue on another loop to complete the 10k.

The second loop was brutal, and I ain’t even going to pretend, my left calfs starting to seize up a bit, due to the achilles issues (it’s my fault, I have not been as religious about icing and streaching as I should’ve been recently, don’t worry I’ve learnt my lesson). The sun, the sun, the sun, the sun is beating down like a big drum, I strip down to my bra top, yes you read right, just fling it off in a moment of heat induced madness.

I had not right, no damn right to subject anyone to my belly, but the heat causes me to lose all sense and before I could scream nooooooooo, I strip off it's too late and there it is, my belly bouncing around like an out of control washing machine. Why have I put the pictures up I hear you ask, because it how I look now, and even though I don’t like the belly I am doing something about it, so there, one pound at a time sweet jesus.

This is me all done and dusted, as you can see I am holding onto the railing, I need that railing, I really, really do, can the railing get a round of applause please. I couldn't wait for it to finish, 1 hour 18 minutes it may well be my longest 10k ever!

Here I am with a few other girls who I knew who also happened to be at the race, they were walking and had a great time, maybe I can convince them to run next year.

Well done to my mum, niece and friend Cheryl, it was a real joy to share my love of running with you all. it was a great day, really great day, although the weather was extreme it will be a day I remember because of the great atmosphere and for someone like me who usually trains and races on their own, it was blessing to share it with others. In a couple of weeks I start training/coaching two friends who want to take up running and lose weight and in September I will lead a group of girls in a 5k race,I can't wait, finally, finally I have managed to convince others to join me on this crazy running journey, and it feels great. Once again thanks to the other half for his never ending support and awesome pictures.

Happy Running.

RICHMOND RANELAGH 10K RUN 20th JUNE 2010

2010-07-10T02:08:00.000-07:00

Yes it's been that long since I posted this race was three weeks ago, so here it is better late than never. Above is me before the race, kitted out in my gear, I look like a footballer which was fitting since it is the World cup.

It was said to be a hot day,but quite windy at first, a small field, with lots of whippets, stretching and limbering up, lot of club runners in the field, so I knew it was best to get at the back.

Here are the fast bastards, burning it down the street, I let them go ahead thought I'd just warm up, then catch up with them later.

Can you see me, can you see me, the pink hat with the brown hand thats me, right at the back, might've started too far back, but didn't want to be over ambitious!

They said it was going to be hot and at first I thought the weatherman/woman was lying but the weather did heat up and as you can see the water was greatly received. I carried my own water so didn't have to stop, which I was glad for,still have not managed to master drinking out of a cup without it chocking me, or throwing it all over myself.

Because of my achilles I did have in mind that I might have to go real slow and being such a fast club runners field, I prepared myself to come in last or at least very close to last, but I didn't mind that my ego could cope with that, I just said to my boyfriend wait for me whatever happens, and if everyone has packed up and gone, make sure your there to clap me when I reach!

Here I am at the start, looking nice and fresh, thank you boyfriend for the lovely shot of my behind!

This girl was with a man, who kept jumping in and out of the race, he was quite a bit older than her so maybe it was her dad, he would run with her for a bit, encouraging her then go away and pop up again, it was a bit mad, but what ever you need to race is cool, I'm not going to criticise, but he did scare me a couple of times, luckily I'm not a black belt in Karate, I could've messed him up.

See what I mean about running and drinking this brother looks like he's having a hard time of it! One mile from the end still feeling good I pick up the pace, and run next to a women for a while, step for step, we run side by side for a couple of minutes, I didn't feel comfortable breathing down her neck like a stalker so I say hello but she just looks at me and says nothing so I leave her behind and keep running, maybe she was tired, either way I thought I would leave her to it and keep running my race.

Looking tired here, I should be just run almost 6 miles in the bloody heat, almost at the finish, by this point I am passing a lot of people, at first I hold back, unsure if I should push, the doubt creeps in, "What if I burn out and they pass me again, what if I fall, what if, what if, what if." So I gave myself a good talking to "RUN KAT, FOR F***K SAKE JUST RUN."

Just about to fling my cap at the other half, almost there almost there, almost there Lord where is the finish line?

All done and dusted and it felt great, to be out there running, but I was glad when it was all over!
Splits 9:37
   9:29
   9:27
   9:14
   8:49

I finished surprisingly in my second fastest 10k time ever which I so was not expecting of 58:16
We got a mug and a banana and some water for all our hard work, it was a well organised race, through the canal and streets, and I had a great time, achilles held up. Thanks as always to the other half for taking such great pictures of the day and for the support.

I'M ALIVE

2010-06-29T02:52:00.000-07:00

In case anyone was wondering where I am, I'm still alive and well just crazy busy, just back from Glastonbury festival, dealing with lack of showers, mad heat, which has left me with a rather fetching tan, and a body so tired I just want to lie in bed and sleep, last week was just as crazy, I do have things to blog about a 10k race, where I wore pink compression socks and posted my second fastest time ever, must've been the socks, so I will be back, I got the pictures, I know what I want to say, I just have to find the time to do it, so in the mean time I am about to run off a teach 10 and 11 year olds about hygiene and puberty, I love my job, all I do this time of year is laugh at what they ask me!
"Why do people make noises when they make love."
"Do girls have wet dreams."
"Why can't men have periods and give birth."
"So I just have one period and that's it, I don't have anymore,just one, right ?"
"Why has one of my breasts started to grow and not the other."
"Miss I got hair in secret places."

Oh the joys of innocence, right thats it enough about my non running life.

happy running.

IF YOUR GOING TO FALL WHILST RUNNING, FALL LIKE A STUNT WOMAN!

2010-06-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ran 5 miles today, all was going very well, then twenty minutes in I fell, well I more than fell, one minute I was running quite happily, crossing a road, then next I am on the floor, sprawled out like a legless drunk, don't know what happened, how it happened, but it happened! I was fine, my trousers were dirty and felt a tiny pull in my right thigh but it went after I carried on running.

Some young girl 18 or so, looked back at me whilst I was down and out on the ground with my water bottle rolling towards her and then just carried on with her business, luckily I didn't need help, and to be honest I wasn't even embarrassed, why should I be? shit happens, I was fine, jumped up like a jumping jack and carried on running, like nothing happened, I think the fact that I was not expecting to fall must've been my saving grace, because when I fell, I fell like a stunt woman, soft body with no awkward angles or sticky out hands and before you could say "Wow that girls wiped out." I was up again. No damage done. Thank goodness. I'm sure some people must've thought it was a mirage, it happened so quick. "Yes, yes, I got good reflexes."

I had to laugh at the girl who didn't even ask me if I was okay and hoped if she was ever in need she wouldn't come across someone like herself in the process, I could never walk past anyone in need and not offer assistance, but the world is not kind to runners, pedestrians won't move out the way, women pushing buggies, will roll over your feet, cars well most of them think if they hit you it's your fault for running, cyclists try to bully you cause they are faster than you and dog's see runners as fair game!

It's a cruel world and I'm a big girl in more ways than one, I can cope. I've got to an age where I have learnt to really stop worrying so much about what people think especially people that do not even know me, so I will continue to run, fall also if that's part of my journey, sing along to my IPOD, dodge past grannies and little children, sweat spraying like a garden hose, past buses with people staring out at me like I'm a freak, locks following in the wind, reminding myself to always run strong even if I feel like crap!"Hold your form, Kat, hold your form, back straight, arms strong, breathe, breathe." Who the hell has got time to worry about anyone else, when my lungs are on fire and my legs are begging me to stop and I got a cow of a stitch biting into my side.

Other than that the run was uneventful, not the fastest run, took about and hour and ten minutes, but I am on a go slow on the physios orders, achilles felt fine, and it felt great to be out and about running, the weather was lovely, what more could I ask for. Still icing, and stretching, still limping a bit when I walk, but it's getting better.

Latest picture above, I have managed to drop a few pounds, still got a long way to go, but it's a start, one pound at a time, sweet Jesus one pound at a time.

That's me done, happy running everyone,

P.S try not to fall, but if you do, remember fall like a Hollywood stunt woman, roll and up, and as long as your okay, suck it up and keep running, your a running diva, we don't always look great, sometimes we might look stupid, but we're strong, fit, healthy, kicking down that comfort zone and pushing our own personal boundaries.

happy runnning.

10K VOLUNTEERING DUTIES

2010-06-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday I was a good runner and gave back to the community. It was a hot day well hot for England, and with the weather being temperamental rainy one day and bright the next, no one has had a chance to acclimatise, it was funny being on the other side, but also nice, considering the weather.

I have yet to run a 10k race this year and to be honest they are not my favourite distance, that's a lot of hard running for a long time.

I got my fashionable Vivienne Westwood jacket and went to my spot, I would be just by the 1k mark, so would the first volunteer everyone would see, being a loud person with no shame I was more than happy to shout, encourage and motivate. I don't even need a reaction, no need to thank me, I know this shit hurts. You do the running, I'll do the talking.

Me and the other volutneers before we head out to complete our duties.

The fast runners were amazing to watch their form was very strong, they didn't even look my way, heads ups, arms and legs pumping they were on a mission, Breathing in deep heavy breaths, in, out, in, out, in, out, I would be surprised if they paid any attention to their terrain, as far as they were concerned I was not there, in fact most of them were regulars and did not need any direction at all. I was just part of the scenery.

I learnt a lot about form and even self confidence when running,those front runners really believed in themselves, so my new mantra will be "I'm a cheetah, I'm a cheetah, yes I'm a cheetah."

These guys were the first round, a real serious bunch they were!

The slower runners were more fun, now I never once said "Almost there." Cause I hate it when anyone says that to me, but what I did say was. " Your doing well. especially as it's so hot, keep going, fantastic job."

To those who were struggling in the heat." Take your time, your doing well considering how hot it is, I ain't going anywhere, I'll be here when you come around again." The course was 3 laps, so it was great to see people more than once to which I would say "Great to see you again."

No the dog was not running in the race,I love the facial shots, makes me wonder what these guy's were thinking. "Shit when is this going to be over."Or "I hope I remembered to turn the oven off."

The slower runners were more appreciative and I even had a bit of banter with a few of them. To those who were chatting away."If you've got energy to talk, you got energy to run faster." Rude of me I know, but I said it with a smile on my face and everyone I said it too took it as a bit of good humour, (Well I haven't had any complaints).

These guys were middle of the pack, and as you can see were working real hard in the heat, can't say I was jealous watching them, made me wonder how the hell I'd ever run a 10k in the past.

There were a couple of men pushing their kids nothing but respect to them, not sure what was up with the girl at the end, putting her finger up, well if this picture is of you, I hope your pleased with yourself! I know what you were thinking."F**k you, get your damn camera out of my face." But you didn't have the energy to say it, hence the finger. I understand that kind of pain, I've been there where you were so many times before, so all is forgiven.

It really was a hot day and I tried my best to encourage everyone without being annoying, a few runners stopped and walked. " You okay, yep, cool, just take your time, no rush." No one callapsed or fainted, which is what I heard happened the month before, so no mouth to mouth needed, thank goodness!

This dog ran with it's owner, by the last lap the owner was having to pull it round, as you can see its quite wet so he must've let him cool down by taking a dip in a nearby lake, poor doggie, I don't think running was it's thing."Hey Mofo, why can't I just play fetch like all the other dogs here?"

All in all it was a great day and for my efforts I get to run their 10k's in July, August and September for free, which I think is a great trade off. All in all it was a great day and a lot of fun, thanks to Rob my other half for taking the pictures much appreciated as always.

Happy running everyone.

THE SWEAT TEST

2010-06-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

Tried out a new running outfit today ran to the bank, done some business and ran back, Lord it was hot out today, was glad I had some money in my pocket to buy a bottle of water or I think I might've been in trouble on the way back, it was about a 3 mile loop, I ran free today no garmin just me and the pavement.

First time I have run in shorts like this and to be honest although the outfit looks nice it wasn't that great, and did not stand up to the Kat test,all I ask is my top does not roll up so I end up with a muffin top on show, and that's what happened in fact it was more of a whole cake than a muffin, so much of the run was spent faffing around and pulling it down, my belly is in no condition to be in the public domain.

The shorts bunched up in the crutch area and even though it was a short run I had a bit of the dreaded chaffing, and, yes there is more the top dismally failed the Kat sweat test, I guess that's not really fair because all tops fail the Kat sweat test, no top could pass that, no matter how technical, no matter how much dry top weave, sweat sucking up properties, my sweat is a unique entity produced in such mass quantities only alien designed materials not created on our planet could come anywhere close to coping.

PHYSIO
Physio on Thursday went well, I am allowed to run, the achilles is the problem but it's not a bad as it could be, no scar tissue, just soreness, and the pain is more to the side of the foot rather than the back, which again is a good sign.

I will see the phsyio once a every two weeks, been given extra exercise to do, instructed to ice it whenever I get a chance, although I think my sis might get fed up of me using the oven chips, they just seem to work so much better than my cool pack!

No fast running allowed just a steady easy pace, hence no garmin today, I don't think the physio was too impressed with my barefoot/vibram running adventures, she said "Since we are not a tribe in Mexico there is no since trying to be one." I think she was referring to the book "BORN TO RUN." which I had stashed away in my bag like an illicit drug, well everyone's allowed their opinion.

She also said that achilles injures are notoriously tough to get rid off, but she doesn't know how much I love running and that I'll do whatever I have to to get better, bar kill. steel or maim, I'm just happy to still be running.

Happy running

TWO AND A HALF MILES, BAREFOOT, BAREFOOT!

2010-06-03T01:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made the mad decision to run barefoot, barefoot,no vibrams, here I am ready to go on my first ever purely barefoot run, I have my vibrams in my hand which I took with me as I did not know whether I could last the whole three miles. It was a lovely day, the sun was shining, birds tweeting, children playing in the streets, and since I'm on a go slow with my achilles still aching I thought I might as well give it a try.

Earlier this year, 14 miles into a 15 mile training run, the soles of my feet started to really ache so I whipped off my trainers and ran the last mile home in just my socks, that is what got me thinking about running in this way, I've tried the virbrams a couple of times, but yesterday was about going all the way, nothing between me and the ground.

I wore my headphones, and even though I did receive some comments, I didn't hear a thing that was said, which is what I love about listening to music." No I don't care what you think, and I don't want to know what you think either,why are you talking to me, do I know you." Notice how it's always men who got crap to say!

Now I'm terrified of dog mess even with shoes on, but funnily enough I didn't see one bit on my journey yesterday, which was a miracle, thank you running God's. (I've been known to throw shoes away in the past if I step in dog mess, it's not like I can throw my feet away, no I ain't rich, I just got a dog mess phobia, when I run past it, I have to hold my breathe in case the spores go into my mouth, get into my chest and infect me, and holding your breathe whilst running is not a smart thing to do, so it can be a problem).

My boyfriends place is a lot more dog mess free than where I live so that's why I decided to run barefoot there, rather than around my own area, where dog mess just sneaks up on you like "POW"before you even see it.

GOOD POINTS

I felt very light on my feet

Don't sound like a baby elephant, although I have to be careful not to scare old ladies as I sneak up on them.

Slight ache in the achilles which went after a while

I felt a bit hardcore,

Glass is easy to spot, its shines like pretty jewels.

Large stones are easy to spot,

BAD POINTS

The ground was quite hot, but that did keep me moving.

A couple times I had to stop and brush off tiny bits of stones that got caught under my feet,

Everyone stares, men,women, children in prams!

People say s**t.

Paranoid about stubbing my toe, breaking my toe, going over on my ankle.

I was a bit wussy every time my feet touched anything I thought might harm me, gravel, tiny stone e.t.c!

Speed wise I was just under 12 minute mile, I wasn't breaking any land speed records but I wasn't trying to, it was lovely feeling the ground beneath my feet, and noticing all the differences in the terrain, It made running a bit more exciting, hunting out the best bits of the pavement to run on, watching out for obstacles, It was fun, I felt more animal than human, alright, alright I'm exaggerating, but I felt good,

Just over 2 and a half miles I was ready to put my virbams on, my left foot, the left one with the bad achilles was fine, but my right one was starting to feel quite sore underneath, some of the pavements were quite rough, maybe I ran a bit too far for my first purely barefoot run or maybe the I wasn't picking up my feet high enough, popped the vibrams on and continued on my way.

Those are my feet after the run, if any white readers are confused they are my feet, look at the sides and

you'll see the brown, the soles of black peoples feet are quite pale, just incase you didn't know!

The left foot as said was fine, but I had a blood spot underneath the right one and a bit of red spot as well, if you look close at my crusty foot, it's just under the big toe, but luckily I must've got my Virbams on in time as it didn't turn into a blister, it's a tiny bit sore if I press on it, but nothing to write home about.

All in all I think that it was a success, need to read a bit more on form and how I should be running whilst running bare foot, physio tomorrow, new physio as well so I am hoping she can get me back on track and I can start clocking up the mileage again.

that's me done for now.

Happy running.

A PRAYER TO THE RUNNING GOD'S!

2010-05-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Running God's

I know your busy,
taking care of the elites and the ultra marathoners
and speedy bastards at the front
but please take pity on my poor soul,
and keep me injury free,
my achilles has been plauging me for a while now,
and no matter how much icing and stretching I do,
it still has a nasty habit of flaring up,
I beseech you to show mercy
on my body,
as when I cannot run
I always seem to grow wider,
when in fact what I really want to do is grow slimmer.
I promise to take care of my body,
I know I have abused it at times
and turned to cakes, bread, muffins, croissants,
sweets and even fried chicken in the past
( I've even given up meat, and you know how much I loved chicken).
in moments of need, distress, tiredness or damn right laziness,
but those days are behind me,
I no longer live that life anymore,
I have turned over a new leaf of lettuce
and vow never to backslide again,
never again will I accidently fall into a whole tub
of strawberry cheesecake Häagen-Dazs
never again will I fall into temptation,
by mindlessly but lovingly polishing off
my sisters beautiful home made carrot cake,
without thought or reason. (Bad sister).
For running, running is my saviour
and no slab of chocolate, no biscuit no Indian,
Chinese or even Carribean takeaway
can satisfy me the way in which running does.
My journey to fitness, and healthiness will only be harder,
impossible infact to obtain
if I cannot put one foot in front of the other
and hit the pavement,
so please show a little mercy
and help me to heal, help me to become and stay, not just slim,
no I 'm not that superficial, (O.K maybe I am just a little bit)
please help me to stay healthy as well.
Running God's if you could just take a tiny
bit of time to help me out I will be eternally greatful
and promise to keep running for as long
as my body and age will allow,
and no longer moan about the fact
that I am more of a tortoise than a hare,
I promise that even if I'm 80 years old
and my stride is more of a slipper shuffle than a graceful lollop
I will keep pounding the streets leaning on my trusty
zimmer frame for support,
even if it takes me all day
to finish a 5k race, and the race director and volunteers
has packed up and long gone
I promise to keep moving.
so please can you help me out,
just a tiny weeny, weeny bit?

AMRUN.

FIRST RACE REPORT IN VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS!

2010-05-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

Before the race, it's amazing how happy I always look, but that smile hides, the fear, the tension the nerves and the dodgy stomach.

Today I got up early again to hit the 5K time trail at Black park, part of the Parkrun group who organise free 5k runs every Saturday 9am in the morning come rain or shine.

I managed a 3 mile run in the Vibrams this week which was great, ran back and forth to the gym with them yesterday, managed 30 mins on the treadmill with the Vibrams which felt lovely. I also knocked out a spin class, and if I feel good tomorrow I will get out again depending on the achilles, which sadly yes is playing up again, but that's another story.

Here I am ready to take off or fail miserably in my Vibrams.

Was contemplating wether to wear the Virbams or not, as the weather had not been great and I didn't fancy wearing them if the ground was wet or muddy, it was a very cloudy day, with the possibility of rain, hard to believe last week was soo nice and hot, well that's England for you one minute it's the Sahara, next Iceland, okay I'm exaggerating it wasn't really cold. I wore my Ascis and took the vibrams along, but when I got to Black park the ground looked great and there was no reason not to try them.

Three reasons I was a little nervous about running today, 1. Racing in Vibrams for the first time. 2. My achilles is not perfect. 3. I've been eating very little carbs this week, so had no idea how my body would cope, so there were plenty of reasons for me making a fool of myself, but as a performer I'm used to doing that on a regular basis, so to be honest it was not a great worry. I have eaten well though, vegetables, salmon, veggie mince, omelettes,pastry free quiche, and lots of water, I can assure you I have not been starving, Kat doesn't do starving, you wouldn't like me if I was starving.

Good turn out again, quite a few kid's who I was sure would smoke us adults,, the weather was holding up, long speech in the begnning by one of the organisers, about not forgetting your bar code, and making sure you register, blah, blah, blah, not insured if you don't blah,blah."Can we race now please?"

Has a little warm up running up and down, warmed up the ankles, and kept moving, clothes wise I had a 3/4 length running tights and a new Nike top, felt good in my clothes this week, dropped a few pounds this week and I tell you even a lost pound can do great for your self confindence and esteem. I still got a way to go, but the journey has started again.......................

There was a mixed couple at the back,white guy, black woman, he was pushing the baby in the buggy and they would run together, I thought that was really sweet, she looked very nervous, but I told, her she had nothing to worry about, I would catch up with her later, and although she looked exhausted she also looked very pleased with herself and so she should be.

Started off well, probably started off a little too far back, being a bit cautious so had to do a bit of weaving before I hit my stride, next time I'll move up a bit, not much though, I'm still a good ten minutes behind the gazelles at the front. At one point I passed a girl who could only of been about 8 years old at the most, and gave her some encouragement great to see so many kids out an running, rather than sitting in watching Saturday morning TV.

The Vibrams felt great no complaints, had a couple of little flinches when I stepped on stones, but I was just being a baby, it's a new sensation feeling the ground so much under my feet, so it will take a while to get used to, but the trail was great, and if there was a grass verge I just ran on that instead. There is not much dog mess on the trail but on the grass there was bit, so sometimes I was doing more of a hop, skip and a jump than a run. The terrain was in fact perfect for them.

I have nothing bad to say about them, I felt very light footed in them, passed quite a few people but that was more to do with the fact that I started further back in the field than I should've rather than being super speedie. Kept the pace steady and felt good, the lack of carbs was not having a major effect on me, and in fact I felt pretty strong, stronger than last week, there were places I remember struggling last week, where I felt better this time. It was nice to be running that way. Knowing the course made a big difference.

The last half a mile was probably my worse started to run out of energy, and got passed by two girls who I passed earlier, but no shame in that, I will be strong enough to finish on a strong point one day, just not yet. In the above pictures I was just around the corner from the finish.

I finished in 27 minutes 46 seconds which I was really not expecting, that is my second fastest 5k time ever, and that was with those three things already mentioned working against me! I was 94th out of 162 people, 18th women back, not very hard since there were way more men than women! I was pleasantly surprised, now if i could just keep injure free.........

Here I am just after the finish as you can see with an official photographer in tow there is nowhere to hide, sorry if this pictures offends anyone, but ever since I hit puberty I've sweated like a beast,without even having to exert myself very much, not much I can do about it, but next time I have to remember to bring a small towel, so I can at least dry myself off!

If I remember correctly I'm chatting to a couple of women here, their asking about my Vibrams, obviously I am happy to report that they are great.

Was limping about afterwards not good, physio on Thursday really need to get on top of my achilles I don't want my running to be messed up again this year, so fingers crossed this physio will be good and sort me out once and for all.

Finished and snug in the boyfriends coat, thank you boyfriend.

All in all a good week, a few pounds lost, feeling better in my clothes and a little lighter when I ran, a 5k time I'm happy with and Vibram five fingers that I am very happy with. Next Saturday I will volunteer at a 10k race, which will enable me to run 3 of there subsequent events for free, in July, August and September, which I think is a great deal.

Don't know if I would want to run a 10k on low carb, I don't have a 10k until end of June so I've got enough time to figure out what works in training, I find 10K's quite a brutal distance, and would not want to mess up on the nutrition.

Here are the couple I spoke about earlier at the finish line, they're the exact reason why I love Parkrun, family orientated and friendly and did I say they were free, you can't ask for more.

I am so ready to get in the car and head back home, feeling good but all my energy has gone, maybe it wasn't a great ideas to do a spin class yesterday, but you don't know what you can do until you try, and I think I did fine,so no regrets, about the Vibrams, low carb or spinning.

It will be a few weeks before I return but I look forward to trying to beat my latest time, and holding off those ladies who keep passing me at the end. I know I got more in me, I've done no speed training or any sort yet, and I still have weight to lose,with less to carry around I am sure I will be stronger and fitter and faster!

Thanks again to the boyfriend Rob, for yet again being my official photographer, as always your support is much, much, much, appreciated.

That's me done for now, so it's good bye from me and my Vibram Five Fingers.

VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS 3 MILE RUN

2010-05-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS:SPRINT

Well what a surprise I was just about to step out of the house for a run and the postman came bearing gifts, a parcel containing my new pair of Vibram Five Fingers, now I do have another pair, a pair of Kso's but I'm sending those back due to the fact they got a small tear the first day I ran in them, not impressed since they cost over £80 quid.

When I was sold them, I was told they were guaranteed for two years, now if only I could find the reicept. It's a hell of a lot of money, but with all the long distances I run, I don't mess about with my feet as a runner trainers are really the only thing you cannot afford to scrimp on, dash on any old top or tracksuit bottoms, but you better get the right shoes even if that means spending money or your very likey to pick up an injury.

This is me at the London Marathon expo April 2010, where I bought the first pair, as you can see, they have coverage at the front unlike the black pair, which will be better for the winter. Lets hope I can get them changed.

What I like about the new pair is that they are open at the front which is great for the summer, and they are in black, and best of all I got them for £40 on Ebay half the price of the first pair. I know I can hear some of you saying why in the hell would you buy another pair when the first did not even last one run, well it was only a tiny tear, which I could put up with if I wanted to, but I don't want to.

When I frist put those funky, freaky, looking babies on, my feet felt as if they were being kissed and massaged at the same time, and to run in them is pure and utter bliss, so I refuse to let one bad experience put me off. Think of it as a first date that doesn't go well, but then the 2nd, 3rd and 4th are magic. Plus with my achilles issues I am really eager to try something new that may help.

Today was my first run since the 5k time trail on Saturday when my achilles started playing up, I've rested and iced, and it's time to hit the road again, weather was warm I really need to learn to dress for the warmth, I was in my all black ninja mode again, and had a thin jacket which it was way to warm for, so that came off and was around my waist in minutes.

I ran up a hill okay it's not a hill a long slow incline to the canal, and knocked out three miles in 32 minutes, I didn't want to push my achilles and I have to build up to slowly in these vibram five finger things. It was a really nice run, I felt like such a big kid, and very light, now it could just all be in my over active imagination, or the fact that I have cut out a lot of my bad carbs this week so I am not as bloated as usual, yep you heard that right, no white pasta, no biscuits, no cakes, no bread na da.

How am I coping, fine for now but I'm only three days in so give me another week and the real truth will be told. I taught this morning, and the children still looked like children and not tiny tasty cinnamon buns, mmmmm, maybe by next week I might be trying to eat my fingers or begging passing strangers for a lick of their sandwiches or you might find me standing outside a bakery sniffing in the air and wiping saliva from my face.

I need to find other ways to fuel my running and stop relying on high sugar products! The vibrams held up well no mishaps, they feel lovely on grass and on trails, more so than the pavement, because you can feel so much of the ground so the pavement feels quite hard.

The important thing is to build up slowly to strengthen the leg muscles, so for now I will only be running 3 miles in them, then I will go up a mile at a time and if they work out they will be my main running shoe.

Thats me and my funky shoes for now.

Happy running everyone.

30 DAYS OF HEALTH AND FITNESS CHALLENGE

2010-05-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

MY DREAM BODY

This is what I am hoping to look like in 30 days time, I'm putting it out there my commitment to health and fitness for the next 30 days and beyond. Ok I lied shes too much,way to much but I admire the dedication to working out or steroids, that it must've taken to get to where she is. Personally I want to be able to get into my clothes without shredding them to bits, or ripping off my car door,or knocking out my future kids by accidently bumping into them because I don't know my own strength!

Ok so I am not one to take the piss or laugh at others but lets just say, I don't want to end up looking like this either, lets see if I can find something in-between to work towards.

She looks great, but not for me, I ain't got those kind of breasts and neither do I want them, what can't get fixed with diet and exercise is staying exactly as it is , anyway nothing wrong in having small titties, and in fact it is the only part of my body that doesn't gain weight even when the rest of me does, so for all the yo-yoing over the years they are still nice and pert, small but nice and pert.

This girl is beautiful, her name is Bria Myles I love the fact that she looks more like a real woman, with a bit of hips and thighs now I don't know who the girl is in the picture below but I think she too has a great body so somewhere between the two of them would be great. In fact I am happy to work with what I got, no sense trying to be someone else I need to work towards being the best that I can be, with what I got and to be honest I don't think what I got is to bad, it just needs some work that's all.

30 DAY PLAN

*To get back on track with the food, ie no more eating like I'm still marathon training. Time to put down the carbs the bread, the pasta, the biscuits the cakes and all the over stuff that is contributing to my lack of weight, Oh Lord why does everything so bad taste soooo goooood.Put down the carbs, Kat, please just put down the carbs.

*Lose a pound a week, that's a safe amount of weight and I think even I can manage that.

*Commit to at least one spin class a week.

*Run four times a week, at least three times on the road, and once in the gym, if I don't die of boredom.

*Weights twice a week a least.

*Keep drinking lots of water.

*I need to get intimate with hill work and speed work, if I ever want to get quicker.

*Stay injury free, have not run since Saturday when my achilles started to play up, but I will be back on the road or in the gym tomorrow, after icing, and resting it feels fine again, and I have booked in some more physio so fingers crossed I am back on track, I would just die if my achilles stopped me from running again like it did after the marathon last year.

I need to shake up my work-out routine, throw something other than just running in there, something that will shake the shit out of my fat, shock it into subservience. You know how the saying goes if you keep doing the same old shit your always going to get the same old results.

Below is a list of all my up coming races, yes there are quite a lot of them, but shit it keeps me motivated, I have something to work towards and racing is exciting, I push myself harder than I would do training on my own.

UPCOMING RACES

*Ranelagh Richmond Half Marathon MAY 16th 2010-completed 2 hours 21 mins 35 secs

Ranlagh Harriers Richmond 10k 20th JUNE 2010

*REGENTS PARK 10K: SATURDAY JULY 2nd 2010

*DARTFORD HALF MARATHON 11th July 2010

* REGENTS PARK 10K: 6th AUGUST 2010

*Ufdance Runners’ Quest Half Marathon: 22ND AUGUST 2010-Hackney London

*Adidas women's 5K challenge: Sunday 5th September 2010-Hyde park,

*REGENTS PARK 10K: SATURDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2010

*THE GREAT NORTH RUN (Half marathon) :Sunday 19 September 2010

*Run to the beat, half marathon: Sunday 26th September 2010-London

* Cabbage Patch 10 miles Sunday 17th October-Dartford

Thought I'd throw in another picture she's an American body builder called Kim Perez, and again you have to admire the dedication it must've taken to get where she is and to maintain that as well. Having a naturally muscular frame I can't wait to start seeing the positive affect of pushing weights, no I ain't trying to look like SHE HULK, but if I could get even a tiny bit cut I would be ecstatic.

If anyone out there is struggling with weight or just health and fitness take heart that these things take time, bad habits that have taken a lifetime to form, can't be quick fixed, so I say lets enjoy the journey, every sweet step of it. I am not where I want to be but that has not stopped me knocking out a marathon, three half marathons and a 10k this year. The nice thing about that is I know over time I will become a better athlete, I may never be as quick as Usain Bolt or discover the Kenyan booster switch I keep hunting for buried somewhere deep within my left thigh, well this tortoise is really not bothered,every step is a step in the right direction.

Thats me done for now.

5k TIME TRIAL IN HARRY POTTER LAND

2010-05-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

This morning I went for a 5k time trial in Black park, said to be where scenes from Harry potter and some James Bond Movies have been filmed, it is a very picturesque park, plenty of huge trees and lots of green around.

(The guys near to the front, the man on the left with the white shirt finished in 20 mins!)

Parkrun is a weekly 5k run which takes place in parks nationally, and best of all it's free, I've done one in Richmond park, and the last time I came to Black park to take part I was late due to mad traffic (who knew a nearby car boot sale would be so popular so we did not get to experience it in all it's full glory).

This guy on the left ran the whole thing with his rack sack,braver than me it was hot out there today,the hottest day of the year in fact.There I am only a little way in the hard work has yet to begin.

Rob the other half came along to support, which I was very grateful for as he has not been too well all week,thank you Rob. 9am start meant a 7am rise, out the house by 8am,a little bit of time to spare for a couple of pictures and that was it I was off, there was a good amount of people maybe around 145, all shapes, sizes and ages. I've learnt never judge anyone by the way they look, there are people who look as if the couldn't walk faster than you, that will smoke you as soon as they start to move.

(Loving how the new top looks, it's a great colour for me and best of all cheap and cheeful at £8:99 and much better than my usual all black ninja act.
http://www.mandmdirect.com/products-Nike-Womens-Racer-Back-Top-Sunburst-Orange-Peel_NK9652.htm

On the way around I kept expecting to see Harry, Harmonie or Ron, on some new adventure, or Hagrid lumbering past chasing some strange creature, or maybe the massive wingspan of the Griffin as it landed in front of me, but nothing remotely that exciting happened.

This women and her dog, were great, I didn't get to see them because, well because they were faster than me, but you know what it really looks as if the dog is pulling her along. "Anyone got a dog I can borrow that likes to run."

Had to really watch my feet, there were plenty of tree roots, and rocks to land you in trouble, managed to stay on my feet, my body was holding up, no major problems, just tiredness, legs were managing to keep me either just under or just over a 9 minute mile.

There was an older lady maybe 60 plus, who I tried to keep in my sights but she must of had booster juice for breakfast cause I lost her about two miles in. I passed a few people, then got passed a bit later on by a few when I started to run out of steam closer to the end. I really, really, really need to learn to pace better, I always act like a mad man is chasing me at he start, then burn out, well okay I didn't burn out but I did slow down.

The course is very beautiful and undulating, so it's a challenge to keep your legs churning up inclines. There were lovely flowers and acorns and sights to behold, but I didn't notice any of it. I ran next to a guy for a while he didn't want to let me pass, after a while I let him go, it was all about me today and no body else, the only person I run against is Kat, ( I'll get him another time).

(Good job, I am do not mind being seen in all my glory, front and back)

A girl I passed maybe mile 2 caught me at the end, but as said I have no pride about that sort of thing, lesson learnt today was about pacing, then hopefully I can start posting negative splits. (Non runners that means running the last half of the race faster than the first).

Dogs are allowed to run as well and there was one funky looking dog which I later found out was half Labrador and have poodle, called a labdradoodle, strange ah, it was having a whale of a time, his owner was behind and he was running in front enjoying himself.

Rob as usual, kept popping up here and there, saw him twice on the course.

All done in 28 minutes 35 seconds, my second fastest ever 5k time, up until I started marathon training last year,I'd never run a 5k under 30 minutes, so very pleased, not as fast as the 26 minutes something I posted last year after the London marathon, but very, very happy, now I shall try and get under 28 minutes next time. That's whats fabulous about these runs you can go anytime you want, you don't have to pay a thing and you can test yourself week after week.

Here I am all done, you can see me in all my sweaty glory, now some women glow, some hardly sweat at all, but me I sweat, buckets, rivers and oceans, and have done ever since I hit puberty. I remember the day like yesterday when the puberty God's visited and I was blessed with a sweat glands that could compete with 20 stone mans! Must remember to bring a small towel next time, if it's really hot again.

Afterwards spoke to a father and his 10 year old daughter who both mashed up the course in 25 minutes, can you believe that, she runs for her county and he trains with her and has lost 2 stone over the last year in the process, now that is what I call inspiring. Thats who I'm talking to in the picture above.

On the way to the car go talking to an older couple and the guy ran the 5k in 20 minutes,20 Rass clart minutes (for those of you who do not recognise such language, it's a Jamaican swear word, not to be used, liberally especially if your white) His wife came in at 30 minutes, and their daughter has just run the London marathon. I love these kind of stories, stories of families that run. Yes he is the guy in the earlier picture, which I didn't know Rob had taken, thanks again Rob, your photographic efforts are greatly appreciated.

Gives me hope that when I have kids I can not only carry on running, but get them running too, of course they have to learn to walk first, that goes with out saying, but as soon as they can walk. "Come on children, we're all going for a 5 mile jog today, everyone make sure you got your water and your jelly babies, who can't run yet can go in a buggee, everyone else, put down the Play station, Ipod, Mobile phone, palm sized Tv,Ipod, blackberry,Nintendo, radio, supersonic 3D games consol that can make your bed, do your homework and even go toilet for you and lets get going."

All is all a great morning,my achilles was aching today after t he run, had been playing up for a couple of day so unfortunately that's it for running this week, only manages to clock 8 miles, blaaah, but also been to the gym once and tomorrow I shall go again, just cause I ain't running don't mean I ain't exercising. I've popped an Ibupropen and I'm icing it now,will stretch it out later, and hopefully it will be cool again. Most important thing is to stay injury free.

All done and dusted and still smiling, oh why oh why does it hurt so much when you run and feel so good when it's over, you'd never believe I thought my lungs were going to fly out of my chest only moments earlier.

So thats it, if you have a Park Run near to you get down, there cause there great little events, and most people are very friendly, everyone is after the same thing trying to keep fit and healthy, and we all know English weather is not good for long, so don't wait cause it be winter again before we know it and us runners will be bitching again about how cold it is!

Well done Kat.

For those of you interested click on this link to find out more about PARK RUN http://www.parkrun .com/home.aspx

Happy Running.

5 MILES AND A ONE WOMAN COMEDY SHOW.

2010-05-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

This is me before my run today, I look a hell of a lot better than I did than when I finished and I think look a lot better in these running pants than the blue tights I ran the Richmond half in as I say still got weight to lose but in the meantime I have to look decent whist I run.

Ran 5 miles today, was quite humid out, and as usual I was over dressed, tracksuit top and long sleeved running shirt and new running trousers, within 5 minutes I knew I had way to many clothes on! There were people walking around who had less on that I did. Too late to turn round and go back home, jacket around the waist, sleeves rolled up, and I was on my way.

The weather was nice if not a little oppressive but also always I had water which I sipped all the way through. All in all a good run 11 minute mile, not very fast but I'm happy with that. Just before I went for a run, I found out that I have been given the opportunity to create a one woman, stand up show to preview on the 31st July. I am so excited, terrified, ready, got so much work to do, but I feel very motivated and eager both to write and create but also to keep pushing the fitness, the show as all my shows have been will be very physical so the better shape I am in can only be a benefit.

It's also about feeling confident and comfortable on the stage, which is very important as a performer. I don't want to worry about does my bum look big when I turn around or is my belly trying to escape the confines of my clothes. I don't want to hold my stomach for the whole time I'm performing or perform side on, because it's a better angle. Only joking funnily enough once on the stage that crap does not even cross my mind, what I'm doing takes over, but once I see the pictures or video footage thats when I'm like oh shit, hell no!

I never thought I would end up doing comedy as a kid it was not even in my radar, but due to developing my comedic skills to catch the audiences attention whilst hosting my poetry shows here I am, so thanks to everyone who has encouraged me and told me I should do this, finally I am listening! I don't even think I'm funny, I think I'm just crazy, but maybe there is a thin line between both.

I got a Beyonce skit in mind, so you know I got to be in good shape to do that. Felt very motivated whilst running, thinking about all the things I could write about and what my show will contain. This is a massive step for me, but just like marathon running I will take it in my stride and get there one step at a time. So to anyone who is reading this who thinks dreams can't come true they do, they can, maybe not in the way we expect but they do, sometimes it just takes tiny baby steps and a bit of time to reach them, ya,ya, Beyonce here I come, to the left, to the left, fling those hips Kat and shake that weave, shake girl, shake!

Don't get me wrong I'm as vain as the next girl but I will keep posting pictures and hopefully my physical transformation will be plain and clear to see over time, and either motivate others who are struggling to join me to get fit and lose weight or just to get fit, cause we all know that not all skinny girls are healthy, don't we cough, cough, Posh spice, cough cough, all those super skinny models who look like ten year old girls and eat lettuce for breakfast and don't have the strength to run for a bus or train.

RICHMOND HALF MARATHON RACE REPORT

2010-05-21T03:18:00.000-07:00

Took place Sunday 16th May, It was a very early start, alarm went off at 6am as the race started at 8am, shit my body ain't even awake at that time how the hell was I going to run, well no sense complaining cause this is what I wanted

(Richmond is a beautiful and leafy place).

Half marathons in London are hard to come by so I'll take whatever I can get. This half was run by Ranelagh running club, but checked the results and I was sure I would not be the last in, not to be honest that that would bother me, my new mantra is only watch what I'm doing and no one else.

The weather looked to be nice, the starting point was in front of a hill, there were a few toilets but not many the the queue as usual was ridiculous, so I went into a near by field, found a secluded spot away from the cows, yes I did say cows and done what I had to do.

(Quite a lot of the run took place by the Thames, it was very scenic and pretty, but that didn't take away the pain that running brings).

The start was a bit mad, everyone came down into the road and then there was a noise and we were off. we had a police escort for a bit of the way then were left to our own devices.I saw another sister just before the start who I said hello to and there were a couple of brothers but that was it, the majority of the runners looked like serious club runners.

This is mile 3 I'm pulling off my jacket to hand it to Rob,boyfriend and my very own official photographer.

Don't ask what I'm doing cause I really don't know, obviously adjusting myself, did not expect Mr I love taking pictures of my girlfriend to be snapping away at this most intimate moment!

Love the t-shirts these ladies are wearing.

The route was a mix of road running, trial running, where there were beautiful riverside houses and boats sailing around, some bits were a little dangerous, there was one point we were running on a busy road in the cycle lane, as there was no pavement, the cycles had to go further out to avoid us and big vans and fast cars were whizzing past, not a great part of the course.

This is how Rob kept himself busy while waiting for me, he has a new flashy camera and is putting it to good use.

Mile 8-9 was a bit of a struggle kept up the pace but mentally it started to get a bit tough, maybe because there was still a long way to go!

It was pretty flat, and very pretty even the built up areas were not like my built up areas they were leafy and very suburban. My Garmin decided to pack up well it didn't pack up, but it told me it could not take in anymore data, so that was it mile 10 I was on my own, about mile 10 and a half I jumped into a bush to go to the toilet, I really needed it so just took a chance, there were a few nettles around, but I was just careful where I put my butt and it all ended well.

The picture on the left is one of the leaders, a place I will never ever be and the one on the right is an over 60's gentlemen who finished in 1 hour 22 minutes 50 seconds. Can you believe that, I worked it out to be a 6 minute 19 second mile, I couldn't even fly that quickly this guy is probably almost twice my age and he smashed that half marathon like it was a 5k!

Nutrition and water was going well, still had no idea what I was doing time wise I just kept trying to push, the next time I thought the next time I would see Rob was at the end, but low and behold at around 11:30, there he was again, shooting away.

Then a fisherman decided he wanted to catch me rather than a fish and I was all tangled up in a line, I couldn't see it but I knew it was tangled up in my legs. He and Rob came to the rescue and I was free again yaaah, which I was very happy about as I had just passed a bunch of ladies who had been walking and I didn't want them to pass me again!

My body was holding up well, yes I was tired but not marathon tired so I kept that in mind and kept pushing, still no idea what my timing was like, I was thinking that I must've been way off my target!

Just before mile 12 a skinny white girl was starting to slow down in front of me and as I passed she asked me for some water,I knew my Nathan speed 2, superheroine thingy would come in useful, I told her is was an energy drink mix, but she was fine with that, I gave her the bottle that I had yet to drink from and my eyes almost bulged out of my head as she proceeded to drink 75 percent of it, good job I was near the finish. She was saying how hard it was and how tired she was, but I told her we really didn't have long to go and to keep going, I ran off, then turned back a minute later remembering I had some sports beans left, which I shared with her as well.

Kept going and before I knew it mile 13 was upon me, Rob and his camera were there to catch me again, you can see how happy I am, and I was happy, in fact I was estatic that the end was near, just look at that big smile on my face in the middle picture, I've just spotted the finish, praise the Lord.

The end was in a small park, got my medal, bananas and water aplenty, was just glad it was all over, my time was 2 hours 21 minutes and 57 seconds.

I was quite surprised, the toilet stop, the girl who stopped me for water, the fisherman who almost hooked me added time, but I still managed to match my second best time for a half marathon, with no drama, no crash and burning, no tears, no regrets, just pure joy.

Yaaaaaaaaaaah, all done!

GOOD BITS

The weather was fine, a tiny bit of rain but it was cool and refreshing, but for the majority of the time the sun shone down on us. There was a good amount of water stations, runners were friendly as were the marshalls, lovely medal, great organisation. Great value for money only £18, good parking at the finish, but a bit of a walk from there to the start. I didn't feel out of place not being a club runner and the faster runners applauded us slower ones as they passed us by on their way home, medals already fastened around their necks. Not much spectators accepet those who came to cheer their people on, but that was fine and did not take away from the event.

BAD BITS
Not many, just that bit of the course where the runners had to take their lives into their own hands,vying for road space with cars. Toilets were sparse in the beginning, but whats new, I guess runners can never have enough toilets, and I am becoming very apt at finding accomodating bushes. I want to say a personal thank you to the two bushes which helped me out, without you I would not of been able to finish.

The first picture is of me congratulating the girl who asked me water, She had been really struggling so I was glad to see she made it to the finish in one piece.

I would definitely do it again next year, London half's a far and few between so this is one that will firmly be on my calender. I'm pleased with my performance, all went to plan overall an enjoyable and fun experience.

We stopped for 5 mins on the way home to take a picture,Richmond is very beautiful, and there I am all nice and snug in the car, have not found a half marathon for June yet, there are a few but they clash, fingers crossed I find one and get to keep my challenge of a running a half marathon every month until at least September going.

I won't be wearing those running tights again, they are so unflattering, yes I know I got weight to lose, but shit everything is bursting out, so they can retire for a bit, actually I won't be wearing running tights for a while not until I think I look decent in them, but I'm not vain and I'm on a journey so even though I am not happy with the way I look in my pictures I don't mind putting them, up I am what I am at the moment but I'm working towards something better.

Happy Running.

MY NEW SUPER HEROINE WATER BOTTLE HOLSTER THINGY THE NATHAN SPEED 2........

2010-05-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

I was excited to take it out for a spin, (sad ah) went on a 5 mile run today which I thought should give it a good test.The first thing I noticed was how comfortable and thick the belt was and rather than having buckles to tighten it has a velcro on the strap which makes it easy to tighten, I put it lower on my hips as I do not like things pressing on my belly or splitting my belly in two.

I made the mistake and did not screw the lid on one of them tightly enough and ended up with a bit of a soggy back, lovely! But once that was tightened properly no more problems.

I felt a bit like a wanna be cowgirl, with two guns on my back, or even a superheroine, with two packs of death enducing liquid, strapped to my back.

To be honest they were comfortable and snug, didn't move and didn't hear any sloshing, now that could be due to the fact I was listening to music,which drowned it out.

Unlike most belts once I found a position I was happy with there was no faffing around during the run, trying to reshuffle it.
The bottles were very easy to lift out of the holders and slip back in nicely as the holders were made out of plastic they maintained their shape and I didn't have to fight to get them back in and I could do it all with one hand, what a pro!

I prefer them on my back; again don't like anything pressing on my stomach when I run. The bottles have a curve to on one side so when I did carry one in my hand for a while it was no problem at all.

So I had no major problems, bar the initial leak, which was quickly sorted, I think I could become very good friends with the Nathan speed two. It will get its first real test on Sunday when I run the Ranelagh half marathon.

There are three water stops, but I want to carry some Lucozade drink, which I will put in the water bottles, I am going for the powdered stuff you mix your self, rather than that sickly sweet liquid, so hopefully that will ward off any sicky feelings.

Back on the SIS gels which I used before I recieved all those free Lucozade products when I won the place in the London marathon, will take one at 4 miles and one at 8 miles, I will carry an extra one incase I feel I need it, and I will also yam sports beans whenever I feel like it from 15 minutes in. (For those of you who don't know when you start running over a certain amount of mileage or for a certain amount of time say over an hour plus it's a good idea to have something to give you energy and thats what these gels do, think of like spinach was for popeye, these little gels are like that for runners, although gels are not the only thing you can eat, in the forth coming months I will be experimenting with other things).

I will also start off the race carrying a small bottle of water in my hand then fill up at the water stations. It's not a massive race and the water stations are at 2 miles 7 an 10 so thought it was best that I'm as self sufficient as possible. Thats the plan anyway, which I have vowed to follow come hell or high water. Hopefully Sunday I will redeem myself after messing up so badly at the marathon.

Does my bum look big in this, hell yes it does,but due to the running it is nice an firm.

That’s it for now, managed 14 miles so far this week, was going to run 3 today, with the half marathon Sunday that would've taken my weekly total up to 30 miles, but my legs were protesting during the 5 mile run yesterday so I've decided to give them a rest and try and hit 30 miles next.

Next week it's also time to hit the gym so one of my runs at least will be indoors and then I will tag a weight session onto that, so all in all I would like to run 4 times a week amounting the 30 miles, spin class once, weights twice.

Pray for me, nah I can cope with that to be honest it will be trying to fit it all in, in-between working, performing, organizing my twice monthly live poetry events, writing new material, learning new material and caring for my sister, where will I find the time? To be honest I will find it, same way I found time to train for the marathons two years running, my health is my priority, if I'm not taking care of myself none of the above can happen, and the stronger I am the better able I will be to lift, carry, pull, push my sister when she needs it, especially as she is getting weaker and needs more care. It also will mean I am less likely to injure myself.

(This was me at the end of my 5 miler, Rob the boyfriend was there to catch me in all my full sweaty glory on my way back into to his place. His area has mad inclines, so it's a pretty decent work out, but seince I still don't know how to pace myself I am always zonked when I do shorter runs by myself!)

I also really like the idea of being cut, always wanted to be muscular and toned, got a hell of a lot of work to do to get there, and from past experience having an athlectic build it will happen if I put the work in, but as said before I am giving myself a year, and it will all benefit my running in the long run and fingers crossed I can get some speed and look great, Serena Williams body here I come.

LOVE YOU POSTIE

2010-05-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when the post man arrives bearing gifts, well o.k maybe not gifts but things I ordered, first up was a clear class cover for my IPOD so it' doesn't get scratched and stays looking nice and new. Second was a gift from Rob the boyfriend, called NUTRITION FOR MARATHON RUNNERS, which was very sweet of him, I am eager to try some new things for my runs not just sticking to the gels, and sweets but exploring what worse, not just for the day of a marathon but before during training and afterwards.

The link below is straight to amazon and the book I will let you know if it's any good.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nutrition-Marathon-Running-Jane-Griffin/dp/1861265905

The parcel I was most eager to receive, because it had a new water bottle with two bottles instead of one, It's called the NATHAN SPEED 2.

I read a load a reviews on it,and it sounded perfect just what I was after,, something that does not bounce, dig into your sides, leak or is tricky to pull out of the holder and put back in again, it can be worn at the front or the back. Now this is part of my pledge to carry less as I run, no more holding bottles in my hands, especially during races, doesn't bother me so much for training, but races I don't won't to be carry loads of crap, so time to down-size. The pouch at the front is small but enough to carry a phone and a few gels.

A couple of the reviews said the bottles can leak if you do not tighten them enough, but 99 percent of the reviews were very positive. Just went for a quick leg streach to try them out, nothing exciting just a 3 minute jog and they felt fine the waist band was great, quite thick and very comfortable, a little sloshing of water, but that won't bother me especially as I usually run with music.

Here the link to the site I bought if from it was the cheapest I could find,although they did have a special offer on, altogether including posting and packaging it cost £17.73. http://www.wynsport.com/products/Nathan-Speed-2.html

I'm going to try a run tomorrow and I will wear it to give it a try out before the half I am running on Sunday.

I am waiting for a sports arm band to arrive hopefully before Sunday, the pouch is not big enough to hold a Ipod as well, if that arrives I'd be very happy, bought a cheap one and it started to chaff on one of my longer runs, so decided to spend a bit more and get a better one! I guess sometimes you get what you pay for.

FUTURE PLANS

2010-05-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Since the marathon, actually since before the marathon I've been thinking about my running and health future and what I would like to achieve, well I would love to be as tall as Naomi Campbell, as fit as Serena Williams and a have a Kenyan go faster switch implanted into my hip that I can use as a speed booster whenever I needed.

Okay fantasy over, I am concentrating on first losing 11 pounds. I am back on weight watchers counting points, egg white omelets and butternut squash soup, and not eating mindlessly!

Ganna hit the gym, weights twice a week and spin class at least once; I will also do my speed session in the gym.

Run four times a week, no need to let up on that.

Run at least one long a week between 8-15 miles depending on how I'm feeling.

Do hill training and interval training; I want to start training effectively.

Try and work on my pace, I tell you today I ran 8 miles and I run like a kid, run hard up hills to get it over with then die at the top, speed up until I can't run any more whenever I feel good, then end up with a stitch, got a learn to pace myself.

There are two things I am trying to achieve here, one be a better runner, I would love to get closer to the two hour mark for half marathons and under 26 minutes for a 5k, under 56 minutes for a 10k, and well marathon distance we'll see but if I could get under 5 I would be ecstatic.

The second thing I am trying to achieve is a body that I am happy with not a skinny size 8 body but a fit size 12, 28 inch waist, I want to be fit a healthy I want to be the kind of body that could chase off a so called mugger or attacker, a body that can with the vigour of childbirth, a body that can knock out a half marathon at the drop of a hat. A body that looks sexy in cute lingerie, a body that can wear anything and look great. I want that body back that I had a while back, a body that didn’t just look fit that is fit, actually forget that I want a better body than that, better than my dancing days, I'm hoping the weights will help me to achieve that I want to be cut, not butch woman cut, just muscular and tight.

I feel hopeful that I can achieve everything I set out to do, I am naturally strong respond well to weights and exercise, concentrating on half marathons will take the mileage and the hunger down so I am confident that I will get control of my eating again, so no more random munching like food is going out or fashion.

The thing I love about running is that I so feel free work with me, I feel childish just getting out and running, how often in our lives do we get a chance to just go for it, us against the elements, reminds me of the rough games I would play as a kid, British bull dog, or days at the adventure playground, when loads of kids would pile onto a single swing, it would be a complete free for all, madness, I miss the physicality of my dancing days, when those West African drums would let rip and I would just go for it, no inhibitions or worries.

I'm blessed I know what my body is capable, but there is also a lot for me to achieve that I do not know I am capable of yet. I have just been struggling with weight and not having a consistent exercise programme over the last few years, yes I could be ashamed and embarrassed that over the last 8 years, my weight has been up and down, sometimes I’ve been slim and sometimes I have been very far from it. I let go off that because I am on a mission a journey where mistakes are embraced and it’s time to move forward.

UPCOMING RACES

*Ranelagh Richmond Half Marathon MAY 16th 2010

*REGENTS PARK 10K: SATURDAY JULY 2nd 2010

* REGENTS PARK 10K: 6th AUGUST 2010

*Ufdance Runners’ Quest Half Marathon: 22^ND AUGUST 2010

*Adidas women's 5K challenge: Sunday 5th September 2010

*REGENTS PARK 10K: SATURDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2010

*THE GREAT NORTH RUN (Half marathon) :Sunday 19 September 2010

*Run to the beat, half marathon: Sunday 26^th September 2010

POSSIBLITILES

I would like to do a half marathon in June and July, there are a few I am looking at and in October there are two races I am interested in the Royal Parks, which is a half marathon,
which sold out in morning, or a 16 mile race both on the 26^th October. The 16 miler is very tempting as by then I should be very fit and capable of tackling it. The main aim is not just to race, but races give me a focus something to work towards, but it is also important that I not only achieve the above goals but also stay injury free and healthy. This is not a short term aim, I am looking at changing my body over a good year or so and this commitment to health and exercise is life long.

Here is a pic of me today, before I headed out on my 8 miler today, the tracksuit was very bright (thanks for buying me this Rob, much appreciated) and I also had a bright orange top on underneath, which was a good idea since I was running on a busy dual carriageway so very easy to spot! It was quite windy today, not May weather at all, come on summer where are you?

BACK TO MARATHON SCHOOL

2010-05-11T00:18:00.000-07:00

It's now just over two weeks since the marathon and it it a good enough amount of time to try and put into all into perspective and evaluate some of the harsh lessons learned from the experience.

The only way to gain experience is to do whatever it is you need the experience in.

It is always important to have a plan B, my plan A failed, in terms of my nutrition failing on the day, all I had was lucozade gels and lucozade beans, I am going to experiment a bit more and from now on have more than one option. When I trained in Grenada and Trinidad I ran crazy miles up to 16 in the blazing heat with only bread and apple juice, nothing else. There must be more options, gels are not the only thing that can work. Need to do more research.

I need to run lighter, meaning carry less shit so I have ordered a double water belt,which holds to water bottles, and it sits on the waist,better than always carrying water bottles in my hands, which should be great for half marathons, not enough for a full, but I'll work that out in good time.

I've also ordered a Ipod holder to carry my ipod on my arm, less baggage, less faffing around.

I need to pat myself on the back for completing all the training and dedicating myself to month after month of training, through the cold, through the rain, through the snow!

Remember that I have been carrying an achilles injury that had almost side lined me, but due to physio and dilligently following the exercises I was given it was managable and gave me no problems on marathon day.

I'm injury free, picked up no new injuries, my knees which were a major issue last year, gave me no problems at all.

On the day of the marathon my body held together, even though I hit the wall and my body was exhausted,I had no other problems, by groin which usually plays up in the last few miles of a half or a long run gave me no problems at all.

I need to re-haul my training programme, if you always do the same thing you always get the same results, so time to go back to the drawing board and amp things up.

Second marathon in the bag, yeah, yeah, things may not of gone to plan but I done it, I now have two shiny medals and there are more to come. I got schooled during the marathon, learnt some harsh lessons in fact my butt was kicked big time, but I survived and having such a hard head only big lessons compute, so to the marathon God's I hear you loud and clear I am humbled and promise never to make those same mistakes again.