6th April: MARATHON DAY!

Marathon day finally arrived!!! Where to begin…

We started the weekend with a trip up to Brighton on the Saturday to the exhibition and to collect our race packs. The exhibition was huge and very busy. We picked up our race numbers and timing chips – at this point realising Dad was registered as a female – and then walked around a bit. We got our injuries taped up thus leaving me looking quite mummified (the tape was awesome for the whiplash but did nothing for my knee…). It was quite exciting looking around at all the runners and I started to feel a bit excited!

Then we came home and Jas rang in the evening with some last minute important advice – very helpful! Never thought our friendship would develop to the level of discussing vaseline and armpits…) Mum bought us some amazing cakes made by Louise’s Cakes – all marathon themed and very tasty!

We ate a gloriously large bowl of spaghetti carbonara (I don’t want to look at another bowl of pasta for a while…) and watched the sport relief Davina Mccall challenge for motivation before bed! I didn’t really sleep at all.

We got up at around 4am, got dressed in our running vests, walked the dogs, forced down a bowl of porridge and left for Brighton. When we got on the train at Moulsecoomb it was filled with lots of other runners. Some of them had really low numbers of their vests so you knew they were the professionals. Sometimes you can spot a runner a mile off (LOL) because of their stance and body shape.

So we walked to the starting line at Preston Park, it was pretty cold. It looked like it might also rain. The queues for the toilets were ridiculous. But the weirdest thing was that there was an open burger van, at 8.30AM, before a marathon. WHY would you want a burger at that specific moment in time?! Sometimes I think British people are weird….

Anyway! We warmed up and decided to go into the last corral because of my injuries and Dad’s chest infection. The starting pistol went off for the elite race and we saw them sprinting past. Literally – sprinting. The speed at which they run a marathon is incomprehensible. 

Then we started edging forward. I needed another wee. You drink so much fluid before the race it’s ridiculous. At this point we just wanted to get started!! Although 19,000 registered for the day, there were about 9000 on the day so it was packed. Then we were off! I ran with my Dad for the first 5 minutes or so then he sped up a little (I’m convinced it’s because he needed to pee). My knee started hurting pretty much immediately after we started so I was panicking a little. But I don’t know if it was the atmosphere or the crowds but I seemed to push through it and it was bearable.

We turned around the first corner and I came across a sea of about 50 men weeing in a long bush (including my Dad, gross). The route went around Preston Park and through to the bottom of town where my Mum and Sister were waiting at mile 3.

“Come on Arse!!!” Yep, thanks mother. 

I was doing pretty well! In fact, the first 12 miles went really well, I was running at about 11 minute-miles, slightly faster than I had been during my training. I saw Becky and Tom at around mile 7. Actually I head them first, which is impressive because I had my headphones in. 

“You’ll be on the other side of the road soon!!” Yeah, only after I’ve done another 6 mile Becky…

Around Ovingdean it was a bit quieter but lots of children were outside their houses giving out sweets – chocolate buttons, skittles, jelly babies – it was amazing! Dad was about 5 minutes ahead of me at this point so we crossed paths on opposite sides of the road and he gave me some sweets. Everytime I saw him during the race he looked suspiciously chipper. 

I was coming back down the seafront by Brighton Marina and couldn’t hold it any longer so I stopped to pee and came across Becky and Tom. That was where the problem started – I shouldn’t have stopped. It was incredibly painful on my knee starting up again and I only got a mile down the road when I saw my Mum and had a bit of a meltdown. After taking some paracetamol and strapping on my knee support, I set off again. My knee pain didn’t seem to subside this time for about another 2 miles which I think is why I didn’t notice Saba, Alex, Laura and Tom apparently screaming at me! Then it seemed to improve a little.

The next part of the race was through Hove. It was a lot busier. There were more children with sweets. There was even a couple of old ladies sat with a picnic bench outside with strawberries and champagne watching us run past! Some men came out the pub with pints of beer for runners – not one person took up that offer!!

So I’m now at around mile 19 and I finally spot the SMC foursome – Laura, Saba, Alex and Tom! They were easier to spot this time waving their hands about and cheering very loudly!! It was at the perfect point because I was starting to struggle and my speed had dropped back down to 13 minute miles. I wanted to shout something witty but all that came out was “I’m in so much pain!!”

Then I saw my Dad again, still looking smiley – he had looked like shite the rest of the week!! Today he looked like he was out for a jolly stroll!!

I carried on towards Portslade and this is where it fell apart. My knee felt like it was on fire. I could feel the nerves in it twinging and I had to stop running. Except this time it hurt even to walk. It was agony. Everytime the knee bent as I took a step it was torture. The back of my other knee was starting to hurt, probably as it was compensating for the other one. My feet were sore. I ended up walking between miles 20 and 22, obviously slowing right down. I had a little cry and was extremely close to calling my Mum to come and walk the rest with me because I didn’t know if I would make it.

Then I was back on Hove seafront and I knew I wanted to run along this final stretch. Only four miles. Four miles seems like nothing after you have got that far, but the pier seemed like it was out of my reach. I started up running again and I can’t even explain how painful it had become. Luckily I saw a lot of people along the final stretch – Saba, Laura, Alex and Tom first, and then Jas and Lisa twice (pretty convinced they were walking along the seafront at a faster pace than me by this point…). It was an emotional last few miles. I started panicking because I thought there won’t be any medals left when I get there. If I get there.

400 metres to go. Longest 400 metres of my life. I reached the 200m mark and could see my Mum, sister, Becky and Tom cheering me on at the end. Then, as if by some miracle, I crossed the finish line. I couldn’t walk or talk. I hobbled through to get my medal (there were some left!!), my T-shirt and my goody bag (filled with a copious amount of bananas – where was the chocolate?!?!). Then I clocked the fitty with the foil wrap so I went to get that too. Trying to smile at a hot man and look attractive post-marathon – impossible.

Then I spotted my Dad! He finished in an amazing 5 hours 21 minutes!! He had “the best cup of tea ever” in his hand from St John’s ambulance. We then met up with everyone who came along and went for a drink in the pub. Hot chocolate was like a dream. There is no way I could ever have completed the marathon without everyone there on the day!! Thank you to everyone who came and who sent me supportive messages – they helped A LOT.

We fell asleep in the car on the way home. Getting out of the car was interesting, my legs were not, and are still not, working. Hot bath and straight to bed. A bed has never been so comfy as when I got into it last night. Although we are very sore and achey this morning, it was totally worth it. We have raised (and are continuing to raise) a lot of money for PLANETS charity.

Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored us – Sarah, Mum, Avril and Steve, Mike and Viv, Jean, Becky and Tom, Lyn and Mike, Rebecca, Kim, Jas, Ann and Chris, Rhi and Sam, Lesley, Natasha, Fiona, James, SMC lab including Laura, Saba, Irene, Luis, Krisztina, Jacob, Celia, Sara, Anil, Nikki and Niccolo (hope that’s everyone!), Jamie, Lizzie, Marketa and Alex – and maybe a few others in the next few days!! You have all donated to an amazing charity and without knowing this I would have struggled to even start on the day.

Today I am just resting, watching TV and taking lots of painkillers. And occasionally looking at my medal. 

A few people have asked me about next year. I think if I hadn’t had so many injuries before the day, my training would have gone further and I MIGHT have reached my five hour target. I maybe would be interested in trying again, but honestly I’m just pleased that I finished yesterday and that’s all that matters. However, Saba is now very keen to run the marathon after soaking up Sunday’s atmosphere, and so I am passing on the marathon blog beacon to her!! Dad is pleased it is ticked off his bucket list and is definitely retiring!!

If you want to look at more photos from the day, please click on the link below and put in our race numbers – 6656 and 5552. These pictures will also show you the true level of experienced pain! – http://www.marathon-photos.com/scripts/home.py?template=MPX2&event=Sports/CPUK/2014/Brighton%20Marathon

I hope you have all enjoyed reading the blog and laughing along with good and bad times!!

 

The question is, what shall I get my Dad for Father’s Day now?!

 

Two Days To Go: Injuries. Injuries. Injuries.

Good evening! After a very busy and eventful few weeks I realised it was time to break the radio silence! I’m sure you have all been biting your nails in anticipation of a marathon training update!

So! Last week I tried running and had my knee injury. Luckily, the wonderful Lesley came to have a look at it (while getting harassed and sniffed by all dogs of the Smith Household). No serious damage but rest, ice etc required. So naturally I went on a run two days later and it hurt again (Why didn’t I listen?). So then I decided not to run at all until I came back from Birmingham.

Birmingham is a gloomy place! It’s weird to get a vibe from a city, but it’s the same I had when I was in Nottingham – not sure I am keen for life in the Midlands. But luckily, the interviews were so stressful I doubt I will be going up there anyway!

“What’s the difference between a funghi and a parasite?” – Ummm, one tastes good on a pizza? [1]

There is also something seriously wrong with the roads in Birmingham and I’m convinced this is why I found myself driving the wrong way down a one-way system on a dual carriageway getting beeped at in a pink dress like Scientist Barbie.

Anyway! I got back to Hedge End yesterday and went on the nerve-racking test decision-making run. I knew if it went badly and I was still having knee problems that I might have to defer my marathon entry. So I took my suitcase upstairs, got into my running gear…..and had a swift nap. Oops. 

So I set off on the run around the village. The pain in my knee came back within about 10 minutes but it seems if I walk for a little bit it goes away again. It’s not completely unbearable but the new plan is to run/walk on Sunday.

That’s ice on my knee. I’m not trying to set a new fashion trend of tea-towel leggings. That would be weird. Also, check out my new PLANETS running vest which (a) is a size small and (b) should remind some of you that I’m still after donations!!!

On a positive note, I don’t get out of breath when running anymore so that’s not a problem I should have to worry about. It’s just going to be a case of stopping and walking quite often to prevent knee problems. I think I will use some sort of run for 10 minutes walk for 1 minute policy but it will just depend how it goes on the day.

I’ve gone from wanting to finish in about 5 hours, to now thinking “just get me through that finish line”. I think now I’m looking at between 6 and 6.5 hours. So if you are coming on the day, it’s going to be a long one! 

So, some of you might be thinking, at least her Dad is doing well! Alas, he is not:

He has had a fever, cold and cough that resembles a severely pissed-off Elephant for the last few days. 

We are in great shape for Sunday…..

Although originally I was worried about my knee and how much longer it would take, how painful it will be and that people in the crowds may mock my walking (a couple of people in particular….), I realised that actually, I don’t care. The wise words of Sarah’s mum – “it doesn’t matter how long it takes or how far you get, you’ve raised a lot of money for charity” – are all that matters really. And that was the whole point of the marathon (alongside picking on my Dad of course). And now, if anyone says anything about me walking, or if I see those familiar faces in Brighton who quite frankly can go to hell, I will just smile, keep on moving and show them what not giving up looks like.

Those coming on Sunday – our friendships may reach new levels as you see me cry/vomit/hobble to the finish line. Children not advised – there might be swearing.

[1] Reference – comedy antics of Dr Dr Consultant James Price

Day 85. Another Run Another Injury

Miles: 5.07

Time: 58 Mins

I’m back in Southampton!! I’m very pleased to be back, it’s nice to have new routes for running. I ran a quick 25 minute run yesterday and wanted to do a 13-miler today to get back on track. I decided I would run to and from Sarah and Hugh’s house and pretend I was going to visit them (get back from Canada soooooooon). 

I started off very well and was really enjoying it (despite getting hurled abuse from the men at the car wash). It’s a nice route all through Curdridge and Burridge with the big houses and country lanes. It was even quite a sunny day! However, with the sun, comes my mortal enemy. That’s right. The bees are out. Some of you might think they are all lovely bumbling about in the flowers. But I know their secret. They are deadly viscious creatures. They know I hate them too, and that’s why they never leave me alone. So I looked pretty spectacular flapping my arms around trying to avoid them whilst running down the lane.

I was heading up through Swanwick when I then started to get a little pain in my right knee. I stopped to stretch it out but that made no difference. Then it started to hurt a lot more, feeling a bit like my knee was twisting as I was running and a pressure-like pain was building. I decided to walk for a few minutes. However, then when I started up again the pain was unbearable. I tried twice more, which in hindsight was a stupid thing to do. So I stopped outside our favourite pub and called my Dad to come and pick me up. Now I’m sat with a knee support on wondering whether or not this marathon is really going to happen. Are there some sort of evil marathon gods I don’t know about that needed a sacrifice? Because I seem to have displeased them…..

Things I’m trying to remember to make myself feel better:

1. Laura’s partner ran the marathon and the most he did was 13 miles (ignore the fact he is far more athletic….)

2. Jedward did the marathon without training.

3. People cheering me on will somehow solve all these problems.

4. Where did I put that Easter Egg earlier….

Day 77 and 79: Double Whammy Blog Action.

Miles: 7.5 and 9.26

Time: 1 Hr 27 Mins and 1 Hour 51 Mins

So, a lot of you know I have really been struggling this week with starting running again post-car accident (whiplash getting better but gets achey around the 6 mile mark). The last run I had I nearly cried on Egham High Street because I quite honestly felt like giving up.

Usually when I’m having a tough time I ring my Mummy; she’s mental, but good in a crisis. Except she and Dad had gone to Rome to watch the Rugby (selfish). So I spoke to the holy goddess of running marathons – Dr Dr Jasmin Islam. She said to forget about distances, times and the stresses of all my targets I had missed.

So that’s what I did. On Monday I went for just under 8 miles and I felt so much better. Obviously it ached a little, but it felt so much better again. I probably could have gone a bit longer, but I thought I needed that one run that I enjoyed again, so I stopped. And today, the same thing happened. I ran down through Saville Garden and round to Staines. And then. I ran up TIte Hill and owned it. I think I’m back on form!!! I’m hoping to do 13 miles on Sunday and be back to where I was before the accident, although I know I won’t get up to 20 miles before the race, I think all the wonderful people cheering me on will keep me going. 

And all of those lovely sponsorships I’m still yet to receive…..

Day 74.

Miles: 7.1

Time: 1 Hr 36 Mins

 

I woke up at about half 4 this morning unable to sleep again so I had my porridge, walked the dog and went for my run. It was HORRENDOUS.

I started off OK, I changed my music playlist and added some new songs because it’s usually quite helpful. However, I got as far as Staines as I became useless again. My legs were aching, which is obviously standard these days, but my neck and arm started hurting a little. I stopped for a few minutes by a little park with some swans (who then started edging towards me so I made a swift exit) and then turned back to head home.

My plan was to run for around 2 and a half to 3 hours today. I could barely manage half of that, and only 7.1 miles. I’m starting to think I will be very lucky to even finish the marathon. So, I’m not going to be writing up a new training plan for the last 2 weeks based on recent events – if I can get up to 18 miles before the day I will feel a lot better. Next big run on Tuesday, I need to up my game.

Day 71.

Miles: 3

Time: 32 Mins

Today was definitely the worst run so far during training. First of all, I ran in the dark again because I had so much to do this evening. This means that when running you can see a big wobbly shadow of your running skills that is in no way motivational…

I only got about a mile into the run when my legs started to feel very heavy, my calf, hamstring muscles and knees were aching, my neck started to hurt and I had to give up after three miles, shaking my head with frustration as I headed home. 

I am getting very worried about the marathon now. Taking 2 weeks off running has completely messed up my schedule and slowed me down a lot. I am hoping to get to 10 miles at the weekend again otherwise I really might be in trouble.

So I guess for those of you who are coming on the day, prepare yourselves for a long race. And please still keep sponsoring!! I will still be running the marathon regardless, so every penny is important!!

Day 69.

Miles: 3.3

Time: 39 Mins

After over a week of not running, and mourning the loss of Vienna the car, I got back outside this evening. I’m starting off slowly this week so just did a few miles tonight. It hurt a little bit, but not as much as I thought it would.

I am now very very nervous about the marathon. Only 26 days away. Shit.

Day 60. The First Missed Run.

Time: 0 Mins

Miles: 0

Since starting training for the marathon I have occasionally day-dreamed (or day-nightmared) about what would happen if I broke my leg during training (bearing in mind my high level of clumsiness). It is worrying because then I wouldn’t be able to do the marathon and all the training and sponsorships would be for nothing! (Don’t panic – this has not happened…)

So, I swapped my run from Saturday to Sunday this weekend so that I could have lunch with the lovely work ladies in Basingstoke! The lunch was amazing, home-made scones, cheese, chocolate – everything you need in a good lunch buffet! We took a long stroll down to the town to buy lottery tickets and imagine how we were going to spend the money when we inevitably won (we didn’t).

We watched TV then I headed back with a friend in the car to drop off at the station before heading home. Pulled up at the roundabout, stopped, and got smacked in the back by the car behind. She either didn’t see my brake lights from 200m behind or she wasn’t paying attention. Either way, she clouted us onto the roundabout. Poor Vienna:

Now, a lot of you are probably thinking “Karen the Bimbo did something stupid” and usually I would agree, of course, I am a moron. But this was genuinely not my fault and the more I think about it the more angry I become!! There is no way she could not have seen my lights and after consulting with my professional car expert (Tom the Man with the Van and a Plan – new nickname, he is helping me move), she must have hit me with some considerable amount of force and speed.

So, Vienna. It’s highly likely that she is going to car heaven. I am incredibly gutted, because she is a beautiful little reliable car. She moved me from Brighton to Surrey when things were not so pretty in my life!! She takes me everywhere. She is red and glorious and she listens to my terrible singing. But now, her boot won’t shut, the bumper is nearly falling off and the metal work is shredded.

My friend is the car was fine, very luckily! She was also AMAZING after we crashed because I, of course, went into the usual Karen-style coping mechanism of not coping and crying my eyes out. I’m also very pleased that Darwin wasn’t in the boot at the time.

However, I now have whiplash and a sore neck, back and shoulder, therefore, I have not run. I had planned to do 15 miles today (my Dad did – he is faster than me too, moron). And now I’m probably not going to run for a little while.

But I am still doing the marathon, obviously. Slightly concerned about missing training, when my brother sent me the training plan he said “never miss the long runs”. However, all I care about now is crossing the finish line, no matter how long it might take me! 

So, I know my lack of running means a limited blog, but if you still want to sponsor me to cheer me up after my poor little car’s early retirement, then here is the link:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=therunninghobbits&isTeam=true

 

 

Day 53. The Run that got me a Phone Number**

Miles: 13.2

Time: 2 Hours 42 Mins

I’m over halfway!! After last weekend’s shocking efforts this weekend was so much better! I ran down through Egham to Staines, and back around Englefield Green. I’m starting to feel quite an irrational hatred towards Tite Hill. I start running up it, which is horrendous, but it levels off. But then, just as you turn the corner, you realise the hill isn’t finished, and that actually, it has only just begun. It’s torture.

So anyway! I was a little nervous about getting tired again, so I popped to the SweatShop to get some supplies – running jelly beans and an energy bar. I came home, ate the energy bar and thought, I’ll just have a cuddle with this little fella before I go:

 

Two hours later when I woke up from my nap (yep, the energy bar was useless), I set off. I’m always really slow for the first mile of the run because it’s difficult to know how to pace myself for a long run. 

So, I’m running down past Burger King (smelled amazing) and I’m waiting to cross the road, when a white van pulls up. There is a man in the passenger seat who started smiling at me. I smiled back, because obviously, I’m a smiley happy person. Plus he was beautiful.

However, the next minute, he hops out of the van, gives me his number, winks, gets back in the van and drives off. Not exactly sure where he expected me to store it….

So, the rest of the run. As usual, I had to pee, so a pit stop was necessary in Costa Coffee. I didn’t realise that training for a marathon also meant training your bladder. I got home and then my legs decided that actually, they didn’t really fancy working anymore. So naturally, I put on my onesie and watched TV. Rock and roll.

**events described in this blog may be fictional and loosely based on true story. Yeah that’s right, he didn’t get out the van. But it made you read the blog didn’t it? Now get on this website and sponsor me you gossip-hungry buggers:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=therunninghobbits&isTeam=true

 

 

Day 51.

Miles: 6.5

Time: 1 Hour 

I’m getting faster! When I was in the Czech Republic I was 4 minutes slower! So that’s pretty good! However, nothing remotely exciting happened on this run. Well, I got to the furthest point away from my house and then it starting raining, but I wouldn’t exactly describe that as “exciting”. My hair got wet.