Sunday 31 January 2010

Crash, bang, Ooopsy

First with a bit of good news, my calf is feeling a lot better so is hopefully on the mend. Will see Mr Injury Man on Wednesday and should get back to training soon. I have seen a lot of people out running this weekend, they must be doing the London Marathon, looked like they were on long runs by the look of pain and tiredness on the face. I'd like to say it inspired me to want to get out there, but it didn't! Hence me sitting on the Sofa with a Carlsberg. mmm.

Turned out to be a quiet one yesterday morning coz got a stinker of a cold and sore throat so didn't go and see Kate, and Pauls Hockey cancelled due to frosty pitch So we thought we would go and drive around the areas we are looking to buy a house.
Bad idea, had a car crash in a village up the road. Luckily no-one was injured but the new car is a right mess! Spent an hour on hold to the insurers, but all sorted when we finally got through. After the adrenalin wore off had to have a little knap before heading out for the Band Christmas Meal!, for some reason taking place late January, I reckon its coz we spend so much time caroling we don't get the time for an evening meal leading up to christmas, and its quite good because is generally much cheaper, less busy, and better food. I have to say we had a fantastic time, with lots of prosecco, yum yum.

Took Marmite to his first Flyball lesson today (luckily still have my little car)the dogs run up a channel with jumps in, hit a device which pushes a tennis ball out then runs back over the jumps. He was pretty good at it, and it was good for him to socialise with other dogs. We may join the club but the people were a little strange (stranger than me!) but were nice enough. We will see, its pretty cheap and wears him out so it can't be bad.

Looking forward to watching Man Utd v Arsenal on TV soon, should be a good game for teh neutral.

Tight Laces to you all x

Friday 29 January 2010

Ok ok Paul, your a star!

Had my big band gig last night very prestigious, all went well although nearly passed out because had to button shirt right up and wear a bow tie, I think that either I have suddenly grown a really thick neck or my shirt was too small!
I'm pretty proud of myself coz I was really nervous and didn't think I was good enough but managed to play fine, although still did a little finger wiggling without playing in the fast bits!!!! I did have a sneeky little practice before going so that helped.

If you read the first comment to my last post then you will see why I have put this blog title, I think that will have to be the last time i pay you a complement because I think if your head gets any bigger it will explode, and we wouldn't want that. (sorry that wasn't supposed to sound rude!)
Your the one that wanted a dog, you should be thanking ME for the walks I take him on!!! Anyway enough marital debate, I'll save that till I get home.

I have contacted the physio/ massage chap Abbie recommended and I am booking in for next week as my calf is still pretty sore. So the Marathon running is on hold at the moment although Dee printed off a marathon training guide for my perusal, that should send me to sleep tonight. Thanks mate.

I have had a few texts saying that people are finding it hard to comment, not sure why I tried changing the settings not sure if that has helped, you could always become a follower (that sounds a bit Cult -ish doesn't it)

Just wanted to finish by saying that all sports captains out there (especially Hockey ones) are absolute saints, its a hard job, you get no thanks and its a right hassle. (Has that made you feel better Em (Hope you don't mind being on my blog!) thanks for your e-mail today it was lovely).

Oh another thing I must reveal today, so as not to shock you later on. Here we go "I am a Hockey Goal keeper" ahhh there, I did it. I got roped in (nic's!) and have not found my way out yet, although injury is helping (not really, i am really injured Em!). The club and the team are great, just the hockey goalkeeping thing I'm not so keen on!

Tight Laces to you all x

Thursday 28 January 2010

More people know the dogs name than mine!

Had a bit of a coincidence yesterday,
Nic's who is sorting out the 10k works with a lady that we know from the local pub, they found this out by chatting about allotments and when Nic mentioned Marmite they knew they both knew us. Funny how a dog is recognised easiet that people. Small world though!

Abbie has shown me how to work the Garmin properly so limpy jogs around the office at work burnt a whole 2 calories and got up to 6.1 miles an hour (not gonna get a speeding ticket for that!).
She has alot helped me to contact a sports therapist/massagist/physio man so that he can have a look at my leg.

Paul has had to walk the dog for two days now, thanks paul x I got to have a lie in though.

Boo Cal is leaving work in a couple of weeks, will miss you mate.

I was trying to think why I hurt my leg, I reckon I should have lost a bit of weight in the gym before running, with my dodgy achilles any extra weight will not help and will put a strain on them. I will see what this guy says, I am wearing a very sexy tubey grip on my calf it seems to keep it warm and feels more secure but it still hurts a lot deep inside.

Exciting news the house is on the market, have to find one to live in now! I think may spend lots of time house viewing in the next few weeks.

Also possibly even more exciting Marmite is going to a Fly ball Club on Sunday to try it out, something to do with Tennis Ball and jumping so he should love it.

Tight Laces to you all x

Wednesday 27 January 2010

All the gear, no idea!

After all the talk, I took a trip to the running shop, Up and Running, in Headington (they said I could mention them, good advertising really, but only if I say good things!).

At lunch break Cal from work and me headed over, it was a little hard to get my head round the free gait analysis if you buy a pair of running trainers but if you didn't you pay £20 and get a gift voucher for the store. I needed a pair of trainers so that was fine anyway. So I stripped off (Shoes, Socks and roll trousers up) and he looked at me walking, and doing different movements, I told him about my achilles problems and he bought a couple of pairs of trainers out.
The chap seemed young and rather serious but he seemed to know what he was talking about.
So after a very painful jog on the treadmill (my calf is really sore) they seemed very comfy so decided to buy them. Then onto the Garmin, which was more expensive that on line but the chap gave me discount and to save the hassle of ordering online bought it, along with a few other bits. It added up to quite a bit and I had to fess up to Paul asap.

Soo now I have got gear, took a bit to work out how to install the FR60 and set it etc but thats sorted, just need to get this leg better, Its not good so rest is best, used a massager on it, and was reccommended hot/cold bath. Any suggestions?

Nicky from the mountains is well up for the marathon, so looks like I will have company.

Well as I have done no training I havn't really got much more to say, apart from to thank everyone for their support and guidance.

Tight Laces to you all x

Tuesday 26 January 2010

yow!

After my appaling lack of motivation yesterday morning I was keen to get back on track today.

Sooo, I spend most of yesterday either talking or thinking about this marathon challenge and my new blog, I must have a very sad life.

Abbie from work told me in no uncertain terms that I am not to even mention it anymore until I had 1) New trainers 2) a training plan and 3) a Garmin, I can get annoying when I go on and on as you have probably found out from reading my blog.

Nic's thanks for suggesting the 10k in March but I will be on a plane to sunnier climbs yipppee, any others? (Nic's is that ok as a mention) or how about you almost drowning me last Sunday in our walk through the floods! You did make up by taking us to the pub and drying my trousers and socks on the fire and a lovely roast, swoshed down with a couple of pints of Timothy Taylors mmmmmmm. I thought I was in heaven until I reallised we had to walk the same distance back!

I ran out of time to get running shoes at lunchtime coz yet again I was talking about it and lost track of time! No time for exercise in the evening coz had band practice! and poppped in to see dad in the hospital, he should be going home today, I can't believe how quickly he is walking on it, keep going dad but don't over do it.

Now for the reason for the title of todays blog. I AM INJURED! I cant believe it, already, just one week in. As I intended I was up and out of bed early, grabbed my ipod (crimbo pressie from my sis, kate, tahns kate its getting good use) and some Poo bags (for the dog not me!) and headed out the door after a few minutes stretching. Got to the park jogging for about 5 minutes then felt this sharp pain in my calf, pulled up short and felt my world come crashing down for a few minutes (not really, I was just trying to be dramatic) anyway threw a few more balls for the dog (His name is Marmite) and limped home. Paul responded when I got home with "that was a short run" yeh no kidding!
The thing that annoys me was that I wasn't pushing it too hard, wasn't too tired, was feeling good this morning.
Well, I had a similar thing happen a couple of years ago and on that occasion I woke up the next day and it was absolutely fine so fingers crossed, but I will see how it goes.

I'm a bit gutted but have decided to put things in perspective, I still have 9 months to go to the ultimate marathon goal so plenty of time.
I shall rest my leg for a few days and I'm sure it will be just fine,

Tight laces to you all x

Monday 25 January 2010

Boo back at work

Oh dear, missed my first run this morning!
I feel slightly bad but after the hectic weekend, I deserved a little more time with my dreams.

I firstly want to apologise to Paul because he tried to encourage/push me out of bed this morning and I had to do something drastic and lied saying I had REST DAY in my training plan, this is bad on two counts as firstly this wasn't written in at all and secondly I have no training plan yet to lie about!

Second thing, Girlies (and a few boys) what a fantastic party Saturday night! I had a fantastic time, I think I we have been ok in the 60's/70's, we all looked great. The late night/ early Sun morning has set me back but it was well worth it.

Told dad yesterday that I was doing the Marathon, he seemed positive but from his expression I know he realises I have a long way to go, he has just had a hip replacement so wont be joining me on the run, I reckon its a rubbish excuse. Glad he has pulled though and is recovering well.

I have to admit now that I play the Cornet in a brass band as i'm sure it will crop up somewhere in my blog, I hope you can get past this shocking news and I don't put you off reading any further! Playing in a big gig on thurday with loads of military marches, they are a bit fast for me so I think on those bits I will just wiggle my fingers on the valves. (Sorry Alison and Steve if you are reading, best that than play the wrong notes!)

Anyway I think I will venture out at lunch time and see about some new running shoes. Abbie at work reccommended the Garmin (something something 60 model) so I will have a look for that too.
A run tommorow at 7am so I'll let you know how I get on,

Tight laces to you all x

Saturday 23 January 2010

The hills have killed me!

I sit here feeling preety good but cant understand how, this may be a bit dramatic but I have been through hell this morning.

Arrived up north yeterday evening and told Laura and Nicky of my new challenge and how much I am looking forward it. They are both very supportive and Nicky offered to go for a run with me in the morning. I said about me just starting and wanting a shortish run to build up my stamina. Bad idea.

The transition from flat flat flat Oxfordshire countyside to the mountainous region of Wakefield did not go well. Had to stop on the first incline as thought I was gonna be sick and couldn't breath, did a lot of spitting, which is not very lady like. Then got to the top and there was another hill, had to stop a few times. plodded slowly for a bit, with Nicky asking if I was ok, I felt sooo bad. Asked her if we were nearly there and we were not even half way! At this point I was very slow and we split up.
Nicky did some extra route, and I got directions for the quickest way back. Once the ipod was on I did ok not sure if I was faster or slower than walking pace but gettinh there.
By this point my hip was killing and calf had sharp pains, I felt so heavy.
Bit annoyed when I got lost in a housing estate but luckily saw Nicky running down the hill towards me and 5 minutes later we were back.

Thanks Nic for running the bath with bubbles for me, it was lovely, and for nearly killing me! I think it was a little too much too soon, but it probaby did me good.

In terms of distance I could have sworn it was at least 10 miles BUT Nicky says it was about 2 and a half! I am consoling myself with a cup of tea!

From this experience my enthusiasm has been slighly dashed but Nic said she will do the marathon and HellyBelly my welsh friend is considering it. So this may fuel my competitive nature.

My chest is still hurting and lots of coughing, I think its the cold air then hot bath syndrome.

I have been asked to explain the Tight Laces thing!

Well I love to go fishing with my husband Paul and its a phrase used by fisher people as it means you can catch more fish (hence the tv programme tight lines and people signing off e-mail's Tight Lines). I'm hoping that I will encourage people and myself to run further and faster with the phrase tight laces (theres nothing worse that your laces repeatedly untying on runs, although you do get a bitof a rest).

Tight Laces to you all x

Friday 22 January 2010

Here the deal

Well, I'm not sure where to start, so I will just plough on in!

My name is Lulu, (not the real Singing Lulu, a different one!).

A friend at work inspired me to take up a new challenge because
1) I was moaning about the fact I had put loads of weight on
2) I didn't have much to challenge me at the moment
3) She does loads of training and triathlon type things and is pretty fit, making me feel lazy and slighly jealous.

Like most people I looked through the Three Peaks Challenge, a charity ride/run, Weightwatchers online ........

and.... for some reason unknown I have set upon a marathon in Oxfordshire this October!

My dad and uncle did this marathon in the early 1980's so I will follow in their prestigious footsteps!

I think my challenge may be made a little harder with the fact that I have snapped both achilles tendons in the past, but I am hoping (not hopping! hopefully) that they will stay in tact as running in one direction, rather than jumping or side to side should be ok.

Right I have read a few other blogs about first time marathon runners, I'm not sure it has given me much authority on marathon running and training but I will let you know how I'm getting on. If my blogs trail off, you can probably assume that my enthusiasm will have done too and I have given up! (that or forgotten the password which is a common occurance)

I have done three runs this week Mon, Wed and Fri all at 6.30am coz I take the dog with me (its still dark then so he can fight off anyone who gets too close) I have a bit of a problem in the fact I don't know how far i have gone I reckon about 1.5 miles each run but it felt like 5.
A friend says I should get a Garmin (i'm sure thats what they say in the advert) it can tell you how far you go and at what pace. Will investigate, any reccomendations?
Also i'm not sure my very fashionable Puma's are quite right for marathon running so will have to spend a bit of money getting the gear (I hope this is not just a fad, coz it could end up being very expensive, although I don't want to have all the gear with still no idea)

Off away for a 60's/70's theme Birthday party this weekend so will probably have quite a few beverages, trainign resumed on monday although the hotel had a health club! Not sure If will find the gym after the Sauna and Spa Bath luxery.

Tight laces to you all