Forest of Dean Half 2011

At the start of the race

   

Video of the start try to get as far forward as possible 

 

The four photos above were taken by Gemma and Dan whose support was much appreciated

 

 Video of the finish

Really enjoyed the run, it was great running with Jo. Jo won a t-shirt finishing 22nd lady overall. It was a well organised run, highly recommend. I would run it again.  

Brain tumour survival times double in 30 years

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8395762/Brain-tumour-survival-times-double-in-30-years.html

Training update

After the Duchy marathon, I needed a week off to recover, I did go swimming. On the weekend just gone I went up to Lancaster, with 2 friends to see Matt, who used to live in London and has moved to Lancaster (pictures below) It is back to training this week and the Forest of Dean Half on Sunday.

My D done YEAH!!!!

              The view from the beach in Portreath, looking back towards my B&B, on the morning of the run

                                                                A garden in Portreath

                                          Cliff house B&B, where I stayed highly recommended

Taken during the Duchy marathon, runners with pink numbers were doing 20 miles, it was a 2 lap course, on the second lap, the 20 milers took a different course, so it was very lonely especially around the 14-20 mile mark, which is when it is hard going anyway

    Me at the finish showing off my medal, being flanked by security to make sure I did not cause any trouble

There was a village at the 7 and 14 mile point (2 lap course) called park bottom, I thought I had got a picture of the sign, but when I got home it was not there, I must have not pressed the button, I was upset, Jo thought I was being silly, she suggested making a sign up, which I thought was a great second best and made me smile.

I recommend this marathon and the 20 mile, it was a friendly event and well organised, people cycled the route offering support. which was really appreciated in the last 6 miles. the weather was fantastic, I thought I would complete the marathon between 3 1/2 and 4 hours, and I managed 3:32 which I was pleased with. It was a long way to go. It helped me get round knowing I was doing it for a good cause, and that it was one more letter completed in my alphabet of marathons

Training update

This week has been a none starter with my training. I did go to yoga on Monday, but my legs were still tired from Sunday, I did not go to the club on Tue night, but did run a 4 mile route around Frenchay, which I found hard,  I decided not to go to the club on Wed and have 3 days off to recover. I have just got back from a 16 mile route, some off which was along the river Avon (picture below), not sure what to do this week, as I am running the Duchy marathon in Redruth (My D), a week today!

Meon 20 Plod Sun 27/2, A nice 15 mile run and A horrible 5 mile run, in one

 

The walk to the start

 

Waiting for the race to start

 

The first serious climb, alot worse was to come

 

At the finish

It was one of the hardest races I have ever done. It started in glorious sunshine, this did not last. When it started to rain, the run got much harder, because we had to climb hills in muddy gullys and the mud was thick and very sticky. very happy to finish. At the finish, cold wet and very greatful for the free tea and cake, but no showers or changeing facilities, then on the walk back to the car it started to hail, could have done with out that  

Placement has started

I have started going swimming before placement, above is my new float, both a pull buoy and a kick board. My life is going to change, placement 5 days a week, how to people cope, with jobs? I am going to have to be really dedicated if I am to keep my training up. Only time will tell how I do