tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75280176351487797032024-02-18T23:30:10.672-08:00Zero set to become Hero ....Following Amanda's journey from "I haven't run for years" to hopefully making it round the MK Marathon in May 2016!MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-71152009719242975372016-03-26T06:08:00.003-07:002016-03-26T06:08:47.317-07:00The Alphabet according to the ZERO’s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANsPsdrcixBwYyJsqHHZf-x8OzHJ6Dm7D-JGN0LulIFwJD6c5lt0YLjB1ujGWz14poX-x0gv6n3ltw_WCFk9CR7zoj-GKoeKCZLratqHOYN4vNDPXvhwiL68wjD4sE0T90V9n8naod6A/s1600/Spaghetti.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANsPsdrcixBwYyJsqHHZf-x8OzHJ6Dm7D-JGN0LulIFwJD6c5lt0YLjB1ujGWz14poX-x0gv6n3ltw_WCFk9CR7zoj-GKoeKCZLratqHOYN4vNDPXvhwiL68wjD4sE0T90V9n8naod6A/s200/Spaghetti.jpe" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A</span></b> very enthusiastic bunch
started on a very special journey<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">B</span></b>ecoming HERO’s was our
mission<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">C</span></b>autiously we approached
our first 5k target<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">D</span></b>espite some early
injuries <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">E</span></b>veryone kept on smiling<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">F</span></b>ollowing our training plans<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">G</span></b>uided by our mentors<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">H</span></b>ills were not our friends<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I</span></b>n time we started to
improve<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">J</span></b>ust keep going we told
ourselves<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">K</span></b>ilometer after kilometer<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">L</span></b>ong runs just got longer<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">M</span></b>ay loomed closer<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">N</span></b>obody felt ready<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">O</span></b>f course we can do this<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">P</span></b>ower to the ZEROS<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q</span></b>uick ones, slow ones<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">R</span></b>unning is our thing now<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">S</span></b>o as we approach our
final hurdles<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">T</span></b>hink about how far we
have come<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">U</span></b>nderstand the effort that
has been made<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">V</span></b>ictory is close<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">W</span></b>e stand together<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X</span></b>pect the unexpected
(sorry)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Y</span></b>es we CAN do this<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ZERO’s lets be HERO’S<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-76778894391583394732016-03-20T07:28:00.004-07:002016-03-20T07:28:35.425-07:00Week Forty One – Welcome to Sufferlandria!<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When my alarm clock went off at 6
am this morning Facebook reliable informed me it was the first day of Spring. A
quick look outside the window confirms yes, it is light, the birds are singing,
the lambs are bleating (incredibly loudly), it is spring, which means only one
thing right – I am off for a ……. Gym session! Sigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is something incredibly
energising about getting up to go for a run with friends, skulking into the gym
dragging one leg behind me does not feel quite so good especially when 3 hours
of cardio is on the table!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway needs must so despite a
few yawns I head up to the spin studio and saddle up (still minus spin shoes I
might add) ready for 2 hours of Sufferfest. To be fair it wasn’t as bad as it could
have been and for once I wasn’t the only person mad enough to be in there. The
60 minutes on the cross trainer that followed was a whole lot worse. At least
when you run there’s fresh air, people to chat too and the scenery changes. My
scenery changed from an empty squash court, to a couple of old blokes playing
squash, then back to empty again – I am still not sure what was worse! <o:p></o:p></div>
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One things for sure though this isn’t
going to beat me, if I can endure the mind numbing boredom of three hours in
the gym I can run a marathon right??<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s hoping!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-14918488954485114132016-03-13T09:01:00.002-07:002016-03-13T09:01:33.851-07:00Week Forty – Nobody Said it was Easy!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How can you have week forty
without week thirty-nine I hear you ask? Well if I could erase week thirty-nine
then maybe I would, it was the week of let’s face facts and it was all a little
too raw to write about so, I saved you all the grief and I saved my laptop from
certain water damage too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For anyone out there that hasn’t
had the misfortune to cross paths with me over the last week or so, I am
injured, currently not running and not looking likely that I will make ‘The Big
One’. It appears one stress fracture wasn’t enough and that the femur would be
the preferred location this time around, opposite leg too of course! I am
waiting on an official diagnosis after X-ray so there is always a teeny glimmer
of hope that it’s something else with a much shorter recovery time but for now
it seems I am bedding down for the long haul of stress fracture recovery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If I was a bit more tech savvy I
would at this moment cue Coldplay’s ‘Nobody said it was easy’ and weep a little
more as I consider that no, nobody did say it was easy but I didn’t for one
second consider that it was going to be this hard and I am most definitely
going back to the start!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the last week I have seen
some amazing photos of many fellow zero’s taking part in the MK Festival of Running,
Wimbledon and Silverstone half marathons and the much missed RR Sunday Run, the
grit, the determination and most importantly the smiles and I want in on this! If
there is one tiny bit of hope that I will be with you all in May I am going to
do everything I can to make it happen. For me this means hitting the gym, keeping
up my cardio and if I can get running in time, slowing the pace and enjoying
the journey. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To continue my musical compilation,
we’ll have D:Ream ‘Things can only get better’ and finish off with chumbawamba
‘Tubthumping’ (I get knocked down). For
now, this is my scenery (it’s enough to make even the dreaded Caldecotte lake
look appealing), give me a wave if you see me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6famDZ3FY21xBNRU6CQKN7SqHWzf3kGi-KinnkUOgPRhsPS1McAGrcvK4fq2S9bhc5bYsTkGOoWBCE9kkHa7Xc87acq16H2zOXnaUU0TwHNJFRzQgVNF_f0iQZ8SLgzdfe63Q-zVTH_8/s1600/20160313_130000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6famDZ3FY21xBNRU6CQKN7SqHWzf3kGi-KinnkUOgPRhsPS1McAGrcvK4fq2S9bhc5bYsTkGOoWBCE9kkHa7Xc87acq16H2zOXnaUU0TwHNJFRzQgVNF_f0iQZ8SLgzdfe63Q-zVTH_8/s320/20160313_130000.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Happy running folks, enjoy the
peace. I WILL be back! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
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MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-76202102082041263902016-02-27T08:14:00.001-08:002016-02-27T08:14:11.485-08:00Week Thirty Eight - Just Keep Swimming!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There’s a real problem with this
weekly blog writing shenanigan (and it’s not just the fact I had to google how
to spell shenanigan)! When things are good we can celebrate, you all have to
endure sweaty pictures of me looking happy as I cross some finish line or
other. When things are tough the motivational quotes come out to play and you’re
supposed to get to the last line buzzing with a new sense of enthusiasm (that’s
the plan anyway)! When I have had too much to drink on a Friday night all you
get is a picture as I am too hungover to type (cue the Redway Runners Christmas
Party week) and when I am feeling soppy, tweedle gets a love song! <o:p></o:p></div>
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So what happens when the chips
are really down, when I want to curl into a ball, stay under the duvet and eat
more than just one family grab bag of peanut M&M’s? I wasn’t going to blog
today, despite subjecting you all to my incessant babble week after week I like
to think I am a fairly private person, so I won’t lay bare the facts (you can
save those tiny violins for the morning after marathon day when I plan to whine
with the best of them about every tiny twinge), but not doing what I set out to
do just because things get tough is a slippery slope to failure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is no doubt in my mind that
some severe mental strength is going to be needed come marathon day and maybe
even more so in these last few weeks leading up to it. So whilst the rest of my
Saturday is probably going to be spent with my head under a duvet calmly
pretending it wasn’t just me that ate all those M&M’s, tomorrow I will be
back on the road, getting the miles done and feeling good!<o:p></o:p></div>
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MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-18528040139272534562016-02-21T05:12:00.000-08:002016-02-21T05:12:30.680-08:00Week Thirty Seven – Don’t Quit! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week has been a toughie,
after last Sunday’s twenty miles left me buzzing with a new sense of “I can
totally do this” the rest of the week the followed was somewhat less than
enthusiastic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An aborted recovery run Monday
and very little running to follow for the rest of the week has made me have to
come to terms with the fact that actually I am not invincible (I am truly gutted
at this discovery)! I hurt, in places I didn’t even know existed, I miss my
partner in crime who’s got far to used to staying in bed on a Sunday morning
under the pretence of an injury (I am joking tweedle don’t punch me) and it’s
all starting to take it’s toll (get the tissues out)!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alas, let’s remember why I am
here, what I am determined to achieve and how far I have come with such an
amazing bunch of total nutters! Us Zero’s are in this together and when the
going gets tough we won’t give up, we’ll just fight harder!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When things go wrong,
as they sometimes will,<br />
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,<br />
When the funds are low and the debts are high,<br />
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,<br />
When care is pressing you down a bit,<br />
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Life is queer with
its twists and turns,<br />
As every one of us sometimes learns,<br />
And many a failure turns about,<br />
When he might have won had he stuck it out;<br />
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--<br />
You may succeed with another blow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Often the goal is
nearer than,<br />
It seems to a faint and faltering man,<br />
Often the struggler has given up,<br />
When he might have captured the victor's cup,<br />
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,<br />
How close he was to the golden crown<i>.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Success is failure
turned inside out-- <i><br />
</i>The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, <i><br />
</i>And you never can tell how close you are, <i><br />
</i>It may be near when it seems so far, <i><br />
</i>So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-- <i><br />
</i>It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Author Unknown, but
it definitely wasn’t me)!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-15835184821554863922016-02-13T09:55:00.000-08:002016-02-13T09:55:05.236-08:00Week Thirty Six – What Am I Thinking?!?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes when things are going
well, but more often when they’re not I find myself wondering why I am doing
all this, usually with a large groan and exclaiming “what am I thinking?!?”!
Well you’re in for a treat this week folks, here’s what I’m thinking …….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh crap it can’t be Saturday again already <o:p></o:p></div>
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I haven’t written my blog yet<o:p></o:p></div>
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I really don’t have anything to say<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve exhausted all options<o:p></o:p></div>
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Haha oh yes it’s Saturday<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m glad I’m not at XC<o:p></o:p></div>
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It looked hilly and muddy<o:p></o:p></div>
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OK and a little bit fun<o:p></o:p></div>
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But at least I will be fresh for tomorrow<o:p></o:p></div>
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Which I think is also going to be hilly<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s the MK Dons Run<o:p></o:p></div>
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I haven’t done that one in ages<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was our first ever 90 minute run<o:p></o:p></div>
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How things have changed<o:p></o:p></div>
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We laughed at the madness of people running beforehand<o:p></o:p></div>
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That will be us tomorrow<o:p></o:p></div>
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At least we’ve learned how to get our socks on the right
feet now<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think it might be my longest ever run <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve all come along way<o:p></o:p></div>
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36 weeks of training<o:p></o:p></div>
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Only 11 more to go<o:p></o:p></div>
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11 more blogs<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not long to convince people I am genuinely not insane <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think it’s too late<o:p></o:p></div>
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They all know the truth<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best run!<o:p></o:p></div>
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With love (as it’s nearly Valentines)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Amanda<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-57128614481279380902016-02-06T06:33:00.000-08:002016-02-06T06:33:01.516-08:00Week Thirty Five – Every Second Counts<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week was ‘Rest Week’ and
after the disasters of last week it was almost welcome and I think, very much
needed. I am pretty sure however, if we turned back time a year there is no way
I would ever have considered two nine mile runs a rest, how things have
changed! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I managed to share one of my
restful runs with my comedy counterpart Tweedle, we set the world to rights
whilst encompassing two laps of the Monday club run route getting round the
first in daylight, a sure sign that spring is on the way! We followed our run
with dinner out of a costa coffee cup, an oversized tea and a brilliant Marathon
Clinic, we know how to live it up! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lots of things have kept me away
from Parkrun since I last took part in August, a broken foot, lack of
childcare, long Sunday runs and actually the fact I don’t like running 5K as
fast as I can (yes I am aware I don’t have to run as fast as I can but I am yet
to actually pull this off once I get over the start line)! So with a planned
lay in tomorrow (the last I expect until May) I decided to brave it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Conditions would be best described
by a five letter word starting with M but as I can’t bring myself to use it let’s
just say it was wet, windy and generally pretty grim. After a gentle warm up
(tweedle will be so proud) we got down to business with the ‘main event’. Within
the first mile I remembered how much I hate the feeling of running hard but
managed to remember something Faith had said to be as I was leaving, it’s easy
Mummy, just one, two, three and then DONE. This circled round and round in my
head as I tried to make my legs carry me along the side of Willen Lake which
had decided to imitate the world’s greatest wind tunnel! I stumbled over the
finish line with a watch that said PB by 1 second, alas Parkrun had other ideas
and according to their clock I was 5 seconds off my PB from August! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Next time Parkrun ….. I’m coming
to get you!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-71460214097752304972016-01-30T03:20:00.001-08:002016-01-30T03:20:35.741-08:00Week Thirty Four – Water Water Everywhere ……..<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas has long since been and
gone, the last of the quality street have been devoured (yes even the coconut
ones, I was desperate) and the serious training is now well underway with the
mileage really ramping up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My last two long runs have both
been in excess of 2.5 hours, which leads me to wonder what else I could have
done with my time and if I would have taken on fluids.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2.5 hours I can:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Drive
from my house in Yardley Gobion to my old house in Essex and back again.
Driving long journeys always requires multiple coffee stops (or tea in my case)
and journey sweets accompanied by cries of “are we nearly there yet” (cue the
final few miles last week’s Sunday run)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Listen
to Justin Bieber’s ‘Love Yourself’ on repeat 34 times. Should you choose to do
this (and I don’t recommend you do) you would certainly need a drink and
somehow I don’t think water would cut it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And if the Daily Mail is to be
believed (again not something widely recommended) Virgin is busy building a
galactic space craft that will fly from London to Sydney in 2.5 hours. I am
fairly sure if this one ever comes off there will be drinks flowing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The point being there aren’t many
things you’d do without taking on fluids yet still I turned out last Sunday,
ran 17.5 miles and didn’t think to take any water. Am I invincible (er no), was
I starting to hallucinate envisaging ways to steal other people’s water? (er
yes, sorry), will I take water this week? (hell yes).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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After a bit of a demotivating
week, putting a bit too much pressure on myself and my body I am hoping to
remember why I have come to love running this Sunday with a nice easy paced
long run sporting the new addition to my running wardrobe. Whether it’s full of
water or I am on loop 33 of Justin Bieber and have hit the hard stuff is
between me and the Camelbak!<o:p></o:p></div>
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MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-74148188298460353452016-01-23T04:03:00.005-08:002016-01-23T04:03:49.254-08:00Week Thirty Three – Sometimes you just do things!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So I read a Runners World article
this week which highlighted the importance of keeping a training log. Smug
face, straight to the top of the class she thinks …. Nope crashing straight
back down to reality when it went on to say that pen and paper no longer has a
place, and, whilst I totally disagree (I very much enjoy doodling in my
journal), I decided I should get myself on Strava too so I can remain “down
with the kids”. So far I don’t really get it, you can all see how far, how fast
and who I have run with, what shoes I wore and how many times I stopped to wee
in a bush! And, if you want to steal my oh so un-sexy earmuffs you can probably
work out where I live and follow me home too! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week I finished reading
Scott Jurek’s ‘Eat & Run’. This guy is never going to win me over with his
vegan diet, I like a rare steak more than I like a run BUT his approach to
running, challenging your body and overcoming the impossible is certainly not
to be sniffed at. Throughout his book Scott revisits a phrase spoken often by
his dad “Sometimes you just do things” and this really stuck with me this week.
Why did I get up and run 16 miles in the snow on Sunday morning? Why did my
alarm go off at 5am on Wednesday morning for me to run when it was -5 outside?
Why was I running mile repeats round Willen Lake on Thursday evening when I had
poorly small people at home? Why? Because sometimes we just do things, sometimes
we want the end result more than we ever imagined and sometimes we are prepared
above all else to put the time in when it counts the most! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have had some awesome runs this
week with some amazing support. I couldn’t do this without some of you, long
may it continue! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-70192234364256390162016-01-16T05:47:00.002-08:002016-01-16T05:47:45.528-08:00Week Thirty Two - Let’s Get Serious!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So, the gloves are off (well, in
fact it’s quite the opposite, they are most definitely on, along with the hat,
thermals and the double socks, as the cold weather has definitely arrived) but
figuratively speaking the hard work has really started this week.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sunday was my first long run
since before Christmas and was amazing to see so many runners in green. I still
can’t really believe I am voluntarily up and out of the house before 8am to do
‘early club’ and squeeze a few extra miles in before the main run! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Zero’s were in for a real
treat this week as we gathered like penguins on a cold Wednesday evening
learning plenty of new techniques to help with our training. My particular
favourite of course involved food, Pringles, and BBQ ones at that! Carrying the
delicious snack in your hands whilst sprinting and trying not to tense up and
crush it takes some effort, I think I need to practise more, luckily they are
on offer at Tesco’s!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I managed two good tempo runs
this week, finishing up with an introduction to Friday club. Yes, OK I did have
to be massively persuaded to go along and I bailed out at the one-hour option
but I will definitely go back for more! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week I am feeling really
positive about the challenge ahead and as I sit with my feet up and a good old
Disney film I am looking forward to tomorrows Sunday run which hopefully will
be my longest run <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>yet!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: lime;"><b>Amanda </b></span></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-19979023072130804402016-01-09T10:35:00.001-08:002016-01-09T10:35:33.850-08:00Week Thirty One – Welcome to 2016, the year of the Zero’s! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So after a few weeks off, it’s
January 2016 and much has occurred since the Zero’s conquered the MK Winter
Half. Many, many (tins of) Quality Street have been consumed, far too many wine
bottles have been emptied and I have successfully seen in the New Year Skiing
in Andorra without breaking any bones!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Despite the best of intentions I
only managed one very short run whilst out on holiday. The hills and the
mountain air made for a tough affair but still, it’s a nice record to have on
the Garmin!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I hit the ground running Monday
evening with the club run followed by Stuart’s interval session on Thursday. “Long
Hills” should hereby be renamed as “Long and painful, make you want to cry hills”,
my face was not a pretty sight (I know this no change from the norm). Remind me
to be washing my hair the next time that one rolls round!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I finished off my running week
reunited with my old friend Tweedle. Thank goodness for Facebook or we may not
have survived being parted for a whole 2 weeks! What better way to spend a
Saturday morning than 7 miles round Caldecotte in the pouring rain! At least we
blagged a free muffin in the pub afterwards making it all worthwhile!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There’s no doubt that the next
few months are going to be tough, I’ve seen the mileage increasing on my
training plan to levels I never thought possible but having come this far there’s
no way I am stopping now. Bring it on!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-5712666929355568862015-12-21T06:31:00.003-08:002015-12-21T06:31:59.644-08:00Week Twenty Eight – Can you believe it! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Ahhhhhh for the first time in
Twenty Eight weeks I FORGOT TO WRITE MY BLOG!!! Must be all the excitement of
finally getting to that Winter Half milestone along with the fact it’s nearly
Christmas, I haven’t finished my shopping and we’ve had in the inlaws to stay! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So the wet and muddy big day
finally arrived and it seems we all lived to face another day, I found race day
tough. I got the time I wanted but came away feeling like I should have pushed
harder or it should have hurt less, either way I am looking forward to having
another go! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The next few weeks for me are all
about ticking over, enjoying Christmas and a holiday away before the hard work
starts again in January.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have loved the second half of
this year, I have met so many new friends and challenged myself more than ever.
This time next week I’ll be skiing in the mountains (or getting drunk at the
bar) so I will wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I
will see you on the other side in 2016 ready to face a marathon! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxZvjDLLOygKwg8YljFblA2wiYphaxLd1Pe001_BigE59lvCyFyNGT5O5KMEORTisqro2DJV1Rbum0BxUZlgc9pDbjqIWqNT7QJf7kHZTIZiZbcoeeAb3rH8mYzaiZ1oNE4g-EAvq3O0/s1600/tdtd+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxZvjDLLOygKwg8YljFblA2wiYphaxLd1Pe001_BigE59lvCyFyNGT5O5KMEORTisqro2DJV1Rbum0BxUZlgc9pDbjqIWqNT7QJf7kHZTIZiZbcoeeAb3rH8mYzaiZ1oNE4g-EAvq3O0/s1600/tdtd+%25282%2529.png" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-27443491787155425232015-12-12T11:27:00.001-08:002015-12-12T11:27:32.889-08:00Week Twenty Seven – Woooahhh we’re half way (almost) there!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The weekend has arrived, the
countdown has begun and whilst Tweedle is hyperventilating in the corner with a
brown paper bag I am looking back over the last 27 weeks and bringing you my
highlights:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In Week 1 I was immediately
facing my fears at Sgt Mack’s obstacle course, I decided then and there that I
wasn’t going to let anything beat me, I went over that wall (even the big one)
and I never looked back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Week 6 was my first taste of
being an ‘injured runner’ with a strained Achilles which taught me that I am not
in fact superwoman (worse luck).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In Week 12 I got my parkrun PB
22:47, it still stands today and I am hoping to tackle that in the new year!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Week 14 saw me in total awe of
four of the Z2H team who victoriously succeeded in taking on the Tour of MK.
These guys have formed such a tight unit and its awesome to see the support
they give each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Week 16 was the 10k graduation
and another PB for me, a brilliant morning out with lots of happy Zero’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My happy journey took a nose dive
in Week 19 with a fractured foot. I apologise profusely to anyone that had to
speak to me during those few weeks, it was emotional.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Week 23 and I was back out there
testing the foot and making up for lost time, the foot rehabilitated well and
with only a few slight niggles brings us to today, the eve of the winter half
and our biggest milestone yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k9AmKS04Nv0pXWO2Poz4_iPcgSrKVNWTdH80YaDkCSH2advTNd2nS9sLtUpOq49lAc9n7o_Lp4P0TjXw-CfZnA0-VR6EvOK1z6uVQvuxfKNE1KG9uttx2OOAJ54yyX9HkZbuQcRbTHU/s1600/20151212_192420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k9AmKS04Nv0pXWO2Poz4_iPcgSrKVNWTdH80YaDkCSH2advTNd2nS9sLtUpOq49lAc9n7o_Lp4P0TjXw-CfZnA0-VR6EvOK1z6uVQvuxfKNE1KG9uttx2OOAJ54yyX9HkZbuQcRbTHU/s320/20151212_192420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Have we all been through a lot to
get here? Yes, are we feeling confident? No, not always. Can we do this? Hell
Yeah! Deep breath now, watch out MK ……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
THE ZERO’S ARE COMING!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-5595292074825662142015-12-05T10:05:00.001-08:002015-12-05T10:05:39.951-08:00Week Twenty Six – A picture paints a thousand words! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
They say a picture paints a
thousand words, in certain circumstances I am not sure that’s such a good thing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Running has gone well this week,
a nice speedy one gave the foot a bit of a niggle but a rest and a gentle jog
with tweedle seemed to sort things out so all that’s left to say this week is …….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsf1VNgq8kM3eyK02LFBaLMufpNZFEzhDAyUPTNFfWM5FMT3pRuWdLBOieibvbH8XhWdENbVun5ayehDiu08HAUnqZJRVz-EpWY-Bpj-NP_G9vWa3_hKxuvCIOKl0CBXTciUAbdbQ0N4/s1600/TDTD2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsf1VNgq8kM3eyK02LFBaLMufpNZFEzhDAyUPTNFfWM5FMT3pRuWdLBOieibvbH8XhWdENbVun5ayehDiu08HAUnqZJRVz-EpWY-Bpj-NP_G9vWa3_hKxuvCIOKl0CBXTciUAbdbQ0N4/s320/TDTD2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks for the party Redway’s, it
was fun! (I think)! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-44833526004170286452015-11-28T12:06:00.001-08:002015-11-28T12:06:26.270-08:00Week Twenty Five - Baby it's cold outside!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We kicked off this week with a fantastically
freezing 11 miles with the Sunday Club Run. 3 weeks ago I would never even have
dreamt this would have been a possibility but with the support of the club and
my zero’s I made it to the end with the foot behaving itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My GP wasn’t too impressed when
she looked at my X-Ray Monday and followed through with the phrase “are you
running on this”? Awkward silence followed …. Er yes! There was much eye
rolling but in the end she agreed with me – if it doesn’t hurt …...!! Don’t get
me wrong I am being VERY careful and will rest at the slightest hint of pain
but so far so good, the only pain has been of the self-inflicted heel wearing
variety! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After a particularly difficult
Tuesday morning club run I had a pretty epic hissy fit involving much sobbing
about being too unfit to run. I had a word with myself then went out Thursday
and got some of my pace back. Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t easy and every
single step was a massive effort but it’s given me a glimmer of hope that all
the hard work hasn’t been totally lost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That said this morning’s venture
out at 6am went from bad to worse. It was cold, my chest hurt, I couldn’t make
my legs move and after three miles of what was supposed to be a five miler I
decided I was just wasting energy and shuffled off back home!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
These winter months are going to
be a test for all of us but we have survived this far and nothing’s going to
stop us now! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAk6MC-Jk6axEozosW563tW4K_hWBYprCbUzMtOzEu_jYyI6AEDwwT5Ot8Tdx7yumKpBsf84FgN-Yl1mEIYVsopfu16h3h920JXLtFekllB0XLsFMKouaiZQjIp65O6i1NanMNNQnEdY/s1600/Cold.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAk6MC-Jk6axEozosW563tW4K_hWBYprCbUzMtOzEu_jYyI6AEDwwT5Ot8Tdx7yumKpBsf84FgN-Yl1mEIYVsopfu16h3h920JXLtFekllB0XLsFMKouaiZQjIp65O6i1NanMNNQnEdY/s1600/Cold.jpe" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Stay warm (and stop wearing
shorts Tweedle)!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-9848820812526533472015-11-21T07:46:00.003-08:002015-11-21T07:46:59.997-08:00Week Twenty Four – Yo Yo Yo<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Not Ho Ho Ho but Yo Yo Yo this
week and for two main reasons; Firstly, despite what all the supermarkets will
have you believe it is NOT nearly Christmas. Accepting that it is means I am
grossly unprepared for the big day and also that the MK Winter Half is fast
approaching and secondly because this week has been spent with totally mixed
emotions about the foot!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It all started so positively with
an almost eight mile run with some of my much missed zero’s. We had a lovely
jaunt following sections of the winter half route and the foot held up well. I
almost skipped home with happiness at being back out there thinking if I can do
8 miles’ pain free and still have 4 weeks we could be on!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Monday was the long awaited day
that left foot was finally going to be X-Rayed. It was absolutely fine from
Sunday’s run so much so that I contemplated cancelling the appointment. Alas I
figured it would be good to find out once and for all so off I went. I have to
hand it to MK Hospital I was parked, registered in and out within the free 15
minute parking allowance. 15 minutes … that’s all it took to convey my greatest
fears “yes there is clear evidence of a stress fracture”. The rest of Monday was
spent with a fair about of irrational sobbing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Feeling brighter the next day I
decided to just continue as I had been, slowly increasing the duration and
intensity of my running with a view to stopping if there is any pain. So far I
have completed a further 6 and 7 mile run with sections close to my pre-injury
pace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK4BSlXNjCM6_W26-EGaLwKOojehCkbSKxA3CyUiyffT41K_wkpIIe0J-ohXrdDlBk5PyIY1i8Lyi2mVkMJ9DiApY9ldPPSrvU0qg-WGbJEXUh0J4kHHQjuiZ2nE-nXcS-ze-aKY_frU/s1600/20151120_102951+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK4BSlXNjCM6_W26-EGaLwKOojehCkbSKxA3CyUiyffT41K_wkpIIe0J-ohXrdDlBk5PyIY1i8Lyi2mVkMJ9DiApY9ldPPSrvU0qg-WGbJEXUh0J4kHHQjuiZ2nE-nXcS-ze-aKY_frU/s320/20151120_102951+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So what does any of this mean for
the Winter Half? …. Who knows. I remain hopeful that over the next two weeks I
can get my mileage up to 11/12 without pain I can hopefully give it a shot on
the day! If I can survive the half marathon we should be game on for some
serious marathon training over the next few months!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The week ended with some great
new friends and far too much wine! Long may it continue, Tweedle has certainly
ordered enough curry to see us through the next few drinking sessions. I am not
sure Stony will welcome us back though! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-80248086463930057802015-11-14T05:04:00.002-08:002015-11-14T05:04:27.077-08:00Week Twenty Three - A Letter to Left Foot<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dear Leftie,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I think it’s time that you and I
arranged a heart to heart. We have been together now for over thirty years and have covered a lot of ground. Maybe you think that I have taken you for
granted, or that I have favoured your right counterpart, and if we are being
brutally honest I guess I have. Rightie
is always my first port of call and he’s stronger than you too plus he doesn’t
have the weird squished little toe but that doesn’t mean I don’t love and need
you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7tcG9XhebbF10acWYSnJK4MYDBelIL37WwatrMlwFEssVuym7VRvE-oWVZHXk-QmCbsu8J3tq3-BvNLARZWm_0QE1-mre5Z9xPOLJ4h08owTrWCjz8IYefM7gtVfvyIttE0jnd7RraE/s1600/LF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7tcG9XhebbF10acWYSnJK4MYDBelIL37WwatrMlwFEssVuym7VRvE-oWVZHXk-QmCbsu8J3tq3-BvNLARZWm_0QE1-mre5Z9xPOLJ4h08owTrWCjz8IYefM7gtVfvyIttE0jnd7RraE/s320/LF.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You are 26 of the 206 bones in my
body, that’s pretty impressive and not something to be sniffed at. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I know you blame me for breaking
you, I was too hard on you and expected too much but I only want what’s best
for us and together we can be stronger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I hope this goes some way to help
you understand how much I need you. I have tried to show you how much I care
over the last few weeks. I promise to keep up the late night massages and yes,
the hot water bottle and ice packs can stay! I know I am starting to sound
desperate but I will do anything, new socks, trainers, you name it it’s yours! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am sorry leftie, I do feel like we are starting to make progress so lets fix this for good and move on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I need you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-41494303169907474812015-11-07T09:04:00.000-08:002015-11-07T09:04:24.829-08:00Week Twenty Two – Starting over!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There may be light at the end of
the tunnel …… only maybe mind and it might be a firefly that’s on it’s last
legs but for now it’s light and I am going with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have tried two very short jogs
(and I mean short, like quarter of a mile), the foot started to hurt both times
so I stopped but it recovered very quickly afterwards so I am taking this as a
good sign and after spending the last four weeks not even wearing my trainers
let alone running in them this feels like a victory! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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This week has been distracting
for lots of reasons but as it draws to a close it feels like a fresh start. So
many people have picked me up (physically and emotionally) over these last few
weeks and I am eternally grateful, one in particular has earned herself a
special song:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b>Ode to Tweedle<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
(heavily plagiarised with the help of Rick Astley)<o:p></o:p></div>
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…. Sing along ……<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re no strangers to pain<o:p></o:p></div>
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You know the miles and so do I<o:p></o:p></div>
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A full commitment's what I'm thinking of<o:p></o:p></div>
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Any less and we both might die!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
I just want to tell you how I’m feeling<o:p></o:p></div>
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Got to make you understand<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Never gonna give you up<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never gonna let you down<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never gonna run away and not loop back!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never gonna make you cry<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never eat all the pie<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Never gonna run in May without you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-19802935005156436952015-10-31T11:27:00.002-07:002015-10-31T11:27:36.067-07:00Week Twenty One – Spooktacular News!This week the foot has continued to improve and I am appreciating every little milestone and counting down the days till I can get out and run again. I can put my foot flat on the floor, curl my toes, jump, hop and walk without a limp. I think if I was being chased by a zombie I could probably run too but I know it’s too soon to try so I will stay in tonight just in case!<br />
<br />
We celebrated Toby’s birthday this week with a spectacularly chocolately birthday cake and a surprise trip to Centre Parcs. There’s currently a spooky witch and a devil sitting at the front door of our villa waiting for trick or treaters. I think they have eaten more treats than they have given out, as have I so I am well on my way to that double chin!<br />
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<br />
Bring on next week – hopefully I can report a successful gentle jog!!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-43352527998343914362015-10-25T07:23:00.003-07:002015-10-25T07:23:45.557-07:00Week Twenty - Appreciating what you have<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week is all about
appreciating what you have instead of dwelling on what you don't (in my case
two fully functional unbroken feet)! So this week I am thankful for the
following:</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The amazing Zero 2 Hero
friendships that have formed so far, so many of you have checked in on me this
week with offers of food, alcohol and non-running related shenanigans and
ensured I haven't turned into a rocking recluse.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My beautiful children who ask me
every morning, "is your foot better now mummy?" and continually
remind me that I look funny limping on the school run!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Campbell Noon - I wouldn't think
it was possible to be thankful for someone able to inflict such great pain in a
such a short amount of time but Campbell has kept me from despair and given me
hope that everything will be ok.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Gym - Despite being in the
middle of massive renovations and being somewhat lacking in my favourite Sauna
and Jacuzzi facilities it's doing a great job of making sure I don't wallow and
develop that double chin!</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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and this bloke ..... (not sure who he is, I picked him up in a bar!).
This weekend I should have been running the Great South Run but instead I am
enjoying a naughty weekend away from the girls with a few cheeky drinks!</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-77005689759741952722015-10-17T10:32:00.001-07:002015-10-17T10:32:05.986-07:00Week Nineteen - Tissue Time!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week is a bit of a sorry tale
of woe as a slightly niggly sore foot from XC on Saturday evolved into someone
stealing my fairly normal looking foot and replacing it with one that even an
elephant would consider swollen.</div>
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On reflection the ten mile run
along the towpath with the pain in my foot gradually increasing was probably a
fairly good indicator that I should stop but hindsight is a wonderful thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A quick "Dr Google"
analysis left me feeling mortified so I booked in to see Campbell Noon who
confirmed yes, either a stress fracture or tendon damage to the top of the
foot. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As the week has progressed the
swelling has subsided and range of motion has increased so I am feeling hopefully.
I have been following Campbell's instructions to the letter with ice and
self-massage 3-4 times a day. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am hoping to try a run early
next week to test the waters as the Great South Run looms next weekend however
only time will tell whether I will be waiting on the start line!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Luckily I have some fantastic
support around me providing tea, cake, sympathy and all the peanut butter
goodies in the world, I would be lost without you Zero's.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-16945546497749417892015-10-10T10:55:00.004-07:002015-10-10T10:55:46.319-07:00Week Eighteen - RunTime FunTime!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Skipping straight to the end of
the week which saw the first of the Chiltern League Cross Country races and stepping
out of the car was a little like going back in time, suddenly I was 10 again
and remembering everything I hated about the sport! Luckily these initial few
moments bore the only resemblance to my youth and a fun filled slightly soggy
afternoon was had by all. Dare I say I am almost looking forward to the next
one especially if Tweedle is treating me to M&S Sarnie's every time (this
is not the kind of student diet I remember)!!</div>
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Earlier in the week also marked
my longest run to date managing to break the 10 mile marker with a quick costume
change in a bush and not a drop of beer sick in sight. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It has been great this week to
see lots of other Zero's, at the Sunday Run and Stuart's paced 10K session. Obviously
a fantastic pattern is emerging, we meet, we run, we find the nearest pub! Long
may this continue and hopefully we can get a good crowd for the Beer Festival
next week. Who's in?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-59672166440184725302015-10-03T06:15:00.000-07:002015-10-03T06:15:14.045-07:00Week Seventeen - Celebrations and Disappointment! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Picture the scene ..... it's
Sunday morning, a time for relaxing on the sofa, drinking tea and pondering what
time it becomes socially unacceptable to still be in your dressing gown however
there appears to be a war taking place, something concerning who ate the last
apricot wheats and whether Tiny Pop or CBeebies should be on the TV. The only
escape these days seems to be to slip on the new XC trainers and head along the
canal for five miles. Luckily by the time the small people arrive to collect me
they are more interested in the pound coin they have managed to con Grandad out
of and the tiny bit of chocolate they've half inched from the side of his
coffee cup!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I decided to brave the Tuesday
morning club run again this week. Although it was still tough there was a lot
less head down shuffling than the last time and I managed to cover 7.5 miles at
9.12 pace. I love daytime running especially since I pretty much have no idea
where we are for 95% of the run. It's like a magical mystery tour of Milton
Keynes and then I suddenly catch a glimpse of the back end of Gulliver's Land
and send up a little prayer of thanks knowing I have made it to the end!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As a lot of running people will
know (as well as those intoxicated enough to enter even though they don't run)
this week was the VLM ballot results. I won't name names but there was
certainly more than one person in the village this week chasing the poor post lady
along her round waiting to see if they would BEE happy or sob into their Spiderman
magazine with a family sized bar of chocolate. This year I wasn't even the
later with only a 'no thanks' email to show. Although I am gutted it takes any
decision making away and I couldn't be happier to be running my first ever
marathon with my gorgeous Zero's.</div>
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Gym attendance this week has been
abysmal (I'm so glad spell check exists)! Of course I have the standard excuses
prepared ready:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The dog ate my trainers<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The kids were sick in my hair<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The wheels fell off the car <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The gym was shut<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In fact none of the above are
true I have just been lazy and will be back in action next week. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I joined the Thursday social run
for the first time this week bagging 6.2 miles with average 8.57 min/mile (they
are a speedy lot!!) Great run and good company making running in the dark that
little bit more bearable! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week also sees me and Toby
celebrate our ten year anniversary (collective ahhhhhhh if you will). I think he
is starting to regret encouraging me to run as it's pretty much all I do these
days but I reckon I have covered more miles since starting this journey than I
have in the last ten years and hopefully he will be proud when I cross the
finish line in May. He hasn't opened his present yet but I know he has massive
concerns I have brought him running trainers! (I thought his n hers would be
romantic?!?) .....</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-52923961972396553262015-09-26T09:37:00.000-07:002015-09-26T09:37:47.368-07:00Week Sixteen - No Running ..... Are you sure?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week started on a high and
surrounded by Paul's. Our 10K graduation run had arrived and thanks to my need
to publicise my whole life on my blog these days, most people knew I was aiming
for a sub 50. I had recruited a secret weapon earlier in the week in the form
of 'Pacer Paul' who dragged (almost literally) me to victory in 48:08. I
definitely owe him a beer along with my fellow zero Paul and his mentor Paul (see
what I mean about the Paul's) for encouraging me along route!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now 10K graduation over and
mentor Tony says we have a week off. A week off, really?? No running?? I am not
sure about this. I understand the theory and the need to let my body recover
but the thought of not running actually terrifies me. I don't ever want to have
that first run feeling again!</div>
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So, following Tony's instructions
Tweedle suggests a gym class and books us in to "Core Stability". If you score points for turning up we got
those and my abs were definitely worked by way of giggling too much. There
wasn't even a 'back of the class' to hide at as we all merrily sat in a circle
with our 'big balls' and proceeded to determine how to embarrass ourselves for
a solid 30 minutes. Will I go back - yes, will I be any better, I hope so!</div>
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The Tweedle duo headed back to
the gym on Wednesday where Toby described us as "the noisiest people in
here". Did we do a great workout? ... probably not but something's better
than nothing!</div>
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Thursday saw the arrival of my
new XC trail shoes. Having been talked into signing up for the league what
better way to prepare than buying new kit! I think Toby has just about
recovered from his heart attack at seeing the bank statements! I have no
expectations for XC apart from the fact I am going to get wet and muddy but am
looking forward to the challenge. </div>
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Finding it difficult to not run
at all for a whole week me and Tweedle snuck out like naughty school children
and joined Doug's intervals on Peace Pagoda hill. There was something eerie
about being stood halfway up a hill in the dark and definitely highlighted the need
for a head torch next week. </div>
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I managed to avoid running for
the rest of the week and used the extra time to plan my training schedule for
the next few weeks. I am now booked in to the Great South Run in October and
the Dirt Half in November. Fitting all this in is becoming increasingly
difficult as the mileage increases so I am hoping to be super organised. Woe be
the one that tries to mess with my colour coded schedule! </div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528017635148779703.post-65101984836067117472015-09-19T11:57:00.000-07:002015-09-19T11:57:02.695-07:00Week Fifteen - The show must go on!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This week has been fairly disastrous
by all accounts. After a good run at the Willen 6 on Saturday I skipped my
normal Sunday run and headed to the gym instead followed by the club run on
Monday night. So far so good, pace felt faster than it really was but nothing
to write home (or blog) about!</div>
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Needing to fit in a longer run I
decided to try the Tuesday morning club run. With the exception of the company
it was awful from start to finish. I definitely went out to fast and paid for
it later. Still, 8 miles under my belt and lesson learnt (hopefully).</div>
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The rest of the week followed a
general pattern of grumpiness, overtired children and mediocre workouts. On the
bright side (wait for the pun) ..... I brought myself a head torch, now you
will be able to see me coming and promptly run, walk, shuffle or drive in the
opposite direction. As I am sure you will agree it looks much better modelled on
Mr Grumpy than me but will soon be coming to a forehead near you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq57wNDC9XNUZhFSjQxNCNNJiIeoCj8aqGoUx27zqubm8kZbQSFWidLhfosL0r2gzbYyIizgCTGIA2vgwDKBoH_3YBsbFPQFoK0TNv3EqMPP8FyJsuYgesztuMll9u5LddOPXzpMoFM4/s1600/20150919_195119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq57wNDC9XNUZhFSjQxNCNNJiIeoCj8aqGoUx27zqubm8kZbQSFWidLhfosL0r2gzbYyIizgCTGIA2vgwDKBoH_3YBsbFPQFoK0TNv3EqMPP8FyJsuYgesztuMll9u5LddOPXzpMoFM4/s320/20150919_195119.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Trying to lift my spirits I
brought myself the latest Runners World to enjoy with a cuppa and a piece of
cake (oh the irony). Therein was an article about motivation and mantra's for
running with several examples one of which I have modified to use on Sunday for
our 10k graduation run at Caldecotte.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">F</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">it <b>F</b>ast <b>S</b>trong<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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It will either work and get me
the sub 50 I really want or it won't and a suitably fitting alternative will be
chanted on the drive home (I will leave you to figure it out!)</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Amanda</span></b></div>
MagicMillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17200784929201797874noreply@blogger.com0