http://www.actionphoto.net/raceimages/L05/large/L058163012/DSC_0318.JPG
Good photo! Thank goodness. The others emphasise lumps and bumps - ok - so this is from further away...
mm quite choked when look at this...
Friday, April 29, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Photo album ready
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lollykins/album?.dir=/9cbe&.src=ph&.tok=ph84V5CBXIXr4YdX
Here are some photos, I think I might have a few more from Curtis, but I don't have them here at the mo...
Let me know if you cannot see them, as I have been having trouble today viewing.
Enjoy!
x
Here are some photos, I think I might have a few more from Curtis, but I don't have them here at the mo...
Let me know if you cannot see them, as I have been having trouble today viewing.
Enjoy!
x
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Legs still working...just!
Ran for the first time after last week. I really didn't know how I would feel today...Still couging, but felt good for the first 20 mins and then I felt this overwhelming tiredness...phew...so I walked a bit. I want to run the Concorde 10K in just over an hour, so I was very conscious of the time and also that I only had to run ONCE round the lake at Virginia Water (not 3 times!).
Fizzled out just before the totem pole, but I knew that it wasn't too far to go from there, so I resolved to run most of the way after that. Anyway, did the 4.5 mile course in just over 55 mins - which works out at a 12 min mile - which means 10K = 1 hour 12 which will be acceptable. And that was with flaking out.
Anyway, I've posted something on the runners world forum
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=1879#Lollykins
If you can't get to it that way - go to Marathon stories, 5 hours + and look for Lollykins. All those stories there are inspirational.
Have decided this will be a running log for this summer season, so pop back every now and then to see what I've been up to. Next race hopefully will be Concorde 10K on Sunday 15th May.
My next goal is to run 10K under 60 mins.....(I never learn do I, never happy blahblahbalh...)
So today, "just" ran 1 hour...chicken feed! Pach...before long, I will forget the feeling of long training sessions and will be moaning about 30 mins running!
Hasta la proxima.
Fizzled out just before the totem pole, but I knew that it wasn't too far to go from there, so I resolved to run most of the way after that. Anyway, did the 4.5 mile course in just over 55 mins - which works out at a 12 min mile - which means 10K = 1 hour 12 which will be acceptable. And that was with flaking out.
Anyway, I've posted something on the runners world forum
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=1879#Lollykins
If you can't get to it that way - go to Marathon stories, 5 hours + and look for Lollykins. All those stories there are inspirational.
Have decided this will be a running log for this summer season, so pop back every now and then to see what I've been up to. Next race hopefully will be Concorde 10K on Sunday 15th May.
My next goal is to run 10K under 60 mins.....(I never learn do I, never happy blahblahbalh...)
So today, "just" ran 1 hour...chicken feed! Pach...before long, I will forget the feeling of long training sessions and will be moaning about 30 mins running!
Hasta la proxima.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Monday, April 18, 2005
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Giraffe in portaloo....
Well what can I say...but I DID IT! The official results say 7 hours 24 minutes and 6 seconds. You can see my official times at http://results.london-marathon.co.uk/2005/detail.php?_id=1093126
Sponsorship site www.justgiving.com/lizimarathon
Now for the blow by blow account.
Last night coughed for 2 hours before getting off to sleep what I realised I needed to do was to take more of the cough mixture! doh! It's getting pretty fruity now, although I didn't cough too much on the course.
Started off strong, possibly too strong, where the miles were flying by. Mind you since I wasn't in the main pack, when people egged me on they could spend a lot of time on me and I had the chance to thank them and wave. Also lots of high-fiving with children.
The irritating thing was that after about 2 miles, they started to clean the blue line off the road, which mean I had to dodge big cleaning trucks...also they put out a lot of fumes - can hardly call this a very "healthy" activity.
A troupe of marching RAF soldiers caught up with me and were a complete pain in the bum because they took up so much of the road, so when they passed me I had to slow down. They had to visit the toilet a few times, so we had this little dance go on for a bit. Then I had to laugh as some of the assisting soldiers (not marching) were scrabbling on the floor because they had accidentally spilt their money on the floor.
For a while I followed a very fat fairy, he was a laugh. Shame i didn't catch his race number I don't know if he finished.
Got a funny picture of a giraffe in a portaloo - will share when i get the chance.
I passed some walkers a few times, and I noticed something that I didn't think I would feel. I started to resent them because they seemed to be just drifting along chatting and laughing without much effort - probably very fit though. I now understand why runners are so upset about people who walk marathons which are not supposed to be walked. Here I was running behind them, expending loads of energy, no time to chit chat or laugh. But they got their come uppance - I noticed very few people cheered them on - and in fact most people turned their attention to me because I think they perceived that even though I was going at a snail's pace I was doing what people should be doing at the London - running. And when Kathy (see below) and I walked we were walking with effort, not just as though we were going for a Sunday stroll. Now, Kathy was unable to run because of her back and it was not for want of trying. And the "bra-girls" who walk they also walk with gusto. So now I understand why you run a marathon, unless it specifically caters for walkers (in which case the support staff on the drinks stations take shifts).
Then I was beginning to falter at 17 miles, went to the loo, then disaster struck - both side of knees seized up. Don't panic I thought. I sat down for 10 mins to have a rest (which was my strategy should this happen), then got up to walk a bit and encountered Kathy, someone who was walking all the way - but at a pace. I figured...I am not going to be able to run much more, so I decided to keep her company - anyway her walking was only about 30 seconds slower than my running (on fresh legs).
So from mile 18 to 25, we walked together. Just as well, as the course was beginning to be shut down so we kept each other company. We had to walk on the pavement when we hit the Embankment. It was also pretty quiet, everyone had left by then, but we did pass a few rowdy pubs.
Now perhaps some of you know how angry I get about competing on pavements with people sauntering around, pushing prams etc. Imagine the situation - we're 5 miles from the finish line and I have to keep weaving around people, plus trying to say Excuse me - with no voice.
With 3 miles to go I was a woman obsessed and started to up the walking pace, but Kathy was struggling to keep up. She faltered and I went back to help her, she said she felt a bit sick and she got a sudden pain in her leg, so we took it easy until she was back up to pace. I realised a few mins off my time won't mean much if I just left her there to be hurting on her own. Doing the London Marathon is not all about the time, it's about being there and helping others to achieve their goals too - I pushed my competitive streak aside and said, I would walk with her until we turned the corner at Westminster.
We got to Westminster and the refuse trucks were cleaning up the mess, and in fact obscuring the blue line so I really didn't know where to go, some civvie - I'll explain later - told me it was straight up. Kathy slowed down a little again, so she asked me to go on, I gave her a big hug and congratulated her, and shot off like a bullet!
I thought I'd seen the finish line but I knew it was around a corner, and when I turnedthe next corner and it wasn't there, I slowed down to a quick walk to prepare myself for the final sprint. Round the corner, I saw the finish clock, I picked up the pace and ran as fast as I could (in good form of course) to the finish...and the Action Photographers got two great photos of me - smiling and running past the line! YIPPEEEE!
Staggered to the championchip removal platforms....called Curtis who said congratulations and that Sari had seen me haring down to the finish line so quickly that she couldnt' take the pciture fast enough - well that's the camera's fault - it is not one for spontaneity.
Called Sari and saw she was to my right, then staggered to the baggage reclaim. As I was walking there I heard someone shout from behind me - it was Kathy and her husband. We hugged and congratulated each other and took pictures. I'm so glad I hooked up with her, because it makes the day all that much more meaningful when you've walked with someone for over 7 miles and kept each other going.
Then I met Astrid, Cara, Ella, Curtis and Sari in Horse guards parade. Staggered to a bench to put some more clothes on. Then we went had had a meal at Pizza Express - i could only get through half of it. I decided to take it away and they returned with a very interesting bag which people were admiring...
All in all, SO hard, but an absolutely extraordinary day which I will never forget. The spectators were SO supportive, so kind and made you feel that you were coming first! Everyone got involved and the music was great too.
Got very emotional at Mile 18 when a large crowd of people were cheering Kathy and me on - I ran with tears running down my face for a few minutes. I can remember it so clearly.
Ok, so the big question is....would I do it again....? you bet, but perhaps not next year, perhaps in 2007 - a marathon run is something that everyone should experience if you can stomach it.
Oh the civvie - well at around Mile 22, there appeared a man hovering around a competitor who was walking, he proceeded to keep her company for the rest of the time - but that I bet was SO irritating, she didn't look very happy. Imagine, some creep prancing next to you who hasn't done 22 miles and sort of stops and start for you catch you up - Sari said she saw a bloke who saw his wife/partner and wanted to run with her - she just said P*** OFF! in a loud voice. Nothing is more irritating that someone who thinks that after 22 miles you might need some company that hasn't done the race. Anyway, he was the one who directed me to the finish so I give him some brownie points for that....
Anyway, day off, but exam tomorrow night. I'm off to have a long bath now. Thanks for reading and supporting, thanks for your sponsorship. Now I'll have to think of some other topic to write about! Adieu.
Sponsorship site www.justgiving.com/lizimarathon
Now for the blow by blow account.
Last night coughed for 2 hours before getting off to sleep what I realised I needed to do was to take more of the cough mixture! doh! It's getting pretty fruity now, although I didn't cough too much on the course.
Started off strong, possibly too strong, where the miles were flying by. Mind you since I wasn't in the main pack, when people egged me on they could spend a lot of time on me and I had the chance to thank them and wave. Also lots of high-fiving with children.
The irritating thing was that after about 2 miles, they started to clean the blue line off the road, which mean I had to dodge big cleaning trucks...also they put out a lot of fumes - can hardly call this a very "healthy" activity.
A troupe of marching RAF soldiers caught up with me and were a complete pain in the bum because they took up so much of the road, so when they passed me I had to slow down. They had to visit the toilet a few times, so we had this little dance go on for a bit. Then I had to laugh as some of the assisting soldiers (not marching) were scrabbling on the floor because they had accidentally spilt their money on the floor.
For a while I followed a very fat fairy, he was a laugh. Shame i didn't catch his race number I don't know if he finished.
Got a funny picture of a giraffe in a portaloo - will share when i get the chance.
I passed some walkers a few times, and I noticed something that I didn't think I would feel. I started to resent them because they seemed to be just drifting along chatting and laughing without much effort - probably very fit though. I now understand why runners are so upset about people who walk marathons which are not supposed to be walked. Here I was running behind them, expending loads of energy, no time to chit chat or laugh. But they got their come uppance - I noticed very few people cheered them on - and in fact most people turned their attention to me because I think they perceived that even though I was going at a snail's pace I was doing what people should be doing at the London - running. And when Kathy (see below) and I walked we were walking with effort, not just as though we were going for a Sunday stroll. Now, Kathy was unable to run because of her back and it was not for want of trying. And the "bra-girls" who walk they also walk with gusto. So now I understand why you run a marathon, unless it specifically caters for walkers (in which case the support staff on the drinks stations take shifts).
Then I was beginning to falter at 17 miles, went to the loo, then disaster struck - both side of knees seized up. Don't panic I thought. I sat down for 10 mins to have a rest (which was my strategy should this happen), then got up to walk a bit and encountered Kathy, someone who was walking all the way - but at a pace. I figured...I am not going to be able to run much more, so I decided to keep her company - anyway her walking was only about 30 seconds slower than my running (on fresh legs).
So from mile 18 to 25, we walked together. Just as well, as the course was beginning to be shut down so we kept each other company. We had to walk on the pavement when we hit the Embankment. It was also pretty quiet, everyone had left by then, but we did pass a few rowdy pubs.
Now perhaps some of you know how angry I get about competing on pavements with people sauntering around, pushing prams etc. Imagine the situation - we're 5 miles from the finish line and I have to keep weaving around people, plus trying to say Excuse me - with no voice.
With 3 miles to go I was a woman obsessed and started to up the walking pace, but Kathy was struggling to keep up. She faltered and I went back to help her, she said she felt a bit sick and she got a sudden pain in her leg, so we took it easy until she was back up to pace. I realised a few mins off my time won't mean much if I just left her there to be hurting on her own. Doing the London Marathon is not all about the time, it's about being there and helping others to achieve their goals too - I pushed my competitive streak aside and said, I would walk with her until we turned the corner at Westminster.
We got to Westminster and the refuse trucks were cleaning up the mess, and in fact obscuring the blue line so I really didn't know where to go, some civvie - I'll explain later - told me it was straight up. Kathy slowed down a little again, so she asked me to go on, I gave her a big hug and congratulated her, and shot off like a bullet!
I thought I'd seen the finish line but I knew it was around a corner, and when I turnedthe next corner and it wasn't there, I slowed down to a quick walk to prepare myself for the final sprint. Round the corner, I saw the finish clock, I picked up the pace and ran as fast as I could (in good form of course) to the finish...and the Action Photographers got two great photos of me - smiling and running past the line! YIPPEEEE!
Staggered to the championchip removal platforms....called Curtis who said congratulations and that Sari had seen me haring down to the finish line so quickly that she couldnt' take the pciture fast enough - well that's the camera's fault - it is not one for spontaneity.
Called Sari and saw she was to my right, then staggered to the baggage reclaim. As I was walking there I heard someone shout from behind me - it was Kathy and her husband. We hugged and congratulated each other and took pictures. I'm so glad I hooked up with her, because it makes the day all that much more meaningful when you've walked with someone for over 7 miles and kept each other going.
Then I met Astrid, Cara, Ella, Curtis and Sari in Horse guards parade. Staggered to a bench to put some more clothes on. Then we went had had a meal at Pizza Express - i could only get through half of it. I decided to take it away and they returned with a very interesting bag which people were admiring...
All in all, SO hard, but an absolutely extraordinary day which I will never forget. The spectators were SO supportive, so kind and made you feel that you were coming first! Everyone got involved and the music was great too.
Got very emotional at Mile 18 when a large crowd of people were cheering Kathy and me on - I ran with tears running down my face for a few minutes. I can remember it so clearly.
Ok, so the big question is....would I do it again....? you bet, but perhaps not next year, perhaps in 2007 - a marathon run is something that everyone should experience if you can stomach it.
Oh the civvie - well at around Mile 22, there appeared a man hovering around a competitor who was walking, he proceeded to keep her company for the rest of the time - but that I bet was SO irritating, she didn't look very happy. Imagine, some creep prancing next to you who hasn't done 22 miles and sort of stops and start for you catch you up - Sari said she saw a bloke who saw his wife/partner and wanted to run with her - she just said P*** OFF! in a loud voice. Nothing is more irritating that someone who thinks that after 22 miles you might need some company that hasn't done the race. Anyway, he was the one who directed me to the finish so I give him some brownie points for that....
Anyway, day off, but exam tomorrow night. I'm off to have a long bath now. Thanks for reading and supporting, thanks for your sponsorship. Now I'll have to think of some other topic to write about! Adieu.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Laryngitis the final frontier....
Well I can't say that this week hasn't been a challenge. Thankfully the sore throat has dissipated and I'm left with the strange feeling of not being able to talk very much - HAHAHAHA!
This is the last post before the race tomorrow.....
Thanks for reading, thanks for supporting Asthma UK (still not too late to sponsor!!! www.justgiving.com/lizimarathon) . Thanks for all your well wishes and good ideas (thanks mum for the suggestion of Complan when I didn't feel like eating at the beginning of the week).
Hopefully I'll get across the finish line in one piece, if I have to be rescued by St John's ambulance at least I can say I've tried...I don't like the taste of cigars anyway!
See you on the other side.
This is the last post before the race tomorrow.....
Thanks for reading, thanks for supporting Asthma UK (still not too late to sponsor!!! www.justgiving.com/lizimarathon) . Thanks for all your well wishes and good ideas (thanks mum for the suggestion of Complan when I didn't feel like eating at the beginning of the week).
Hopefully I'll get across the finish line in one piece, if I have to be rescued by St John's ambulance at least I can say I've tried...I don't like the taste of cigars anyway!
See you on the other side.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Staving off cough and sore throat
SIX DAYS TO GO
Ultimate nightmare....illness before the marathon...sigh...Anyway started with a tickle on Sunday and now has turned into neck ache. So in an attempt to mitigate it I have stayed at home to work.
Skipped tonight's training session, but had a little jump on the trampoline, seemed ok.
Anyway, hopefully will be better in the next couple of days....fingers crossed.
Ultimate nightmare....illness before the marathon...sigh...Anyway started with a tickle on Sunday and now has turned into neck ache. So in an attempt to mitigate it I have stayed at home to work.
Skipped tonight's training session, but had a little jump on the trampoline, seemed ok.
Anyway, hopefully will be better in the next couple of days....fingers crossed.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Put your left leg out, your right leg in...
ONE WEEK TO GO!
In out in out shake it all about....
Well well, left knee no problem now, but after 30 mins of running, RIGHT knee decides to chime in with the same problem. However, because I haven't had that pain in that side of my body, it's taking me a little time to come to terms with the fact that I might not be able to bend BOTH legs afterwards on the day.
The issue is that since this overuse injury is only just occurring in the right leg it is with some intensity whereas the pain in the left leg does not really bother me much until 3 hours in. And problem is...walking helps.
SO now I have a strategy for the left leg - continuous running, but for the right leg walking helps...SO WHAT THE @(£*$£! am I supposed to do?
Have to take up meditation to find the answer within myself because it doesn't appear to be forthcoming from outside me....
I don't run with music, and I am seriously thinking of getting an Ipod or something of similar ilk to continue training - I know, I know the issue of safety but sometimes your own company is downright depressing particularly if your little voice is saying..."£*$*"£"£*! that's hurting me £&*"*£"*$"!!!" And you have to act like a loon and talk to yourself for 5 hours...
Anyway, will schedule in two more short runs - one on Tuesday and one on Thursday. Then the wait...(Jaws music playing)..will someone PLEASE suggest something I can do to pass the time..that does not include stepping into the Tardis.
Total run time - 1 hour 44 mins.
1st leg 44 min 21 - 4.5 k
4 mins in haberdashers buying iron on patches
4 mins 35 run to the bridge - didn't realise it was so close!
2nd leg 50 min 49 home, walking on other side of road to avoide pervy neighbour.
ok off to the bath now.....
p.s. the only consolation was that on Thursday I ran for 40 mins no problem at a fast pace onthe treadmill (wasn't about to go running in hale or is it hail?)
In out in out shake it all about....
Well well, left knee no problem now, but after 30 mins of running, RIGHT knee decides to chime in with the same problem. However, because I haven't had that pain in that side of my body, it's taking me a little time to come to terms with the fact that I might not be able to bend BOTH legs afterwards on the day.
The issue is that since this overuse injury is only just occurring in the right leg it is with some intensity whereas the pain in the left leg does not really bother me much until 3 hours in. And problem is...walking helps.
SO now I have a strategy for the left leg - continuous running, but for the right leg walking helps...SO WHAT THE @(£*$£! am I supposed to do?
Have to take up meditation to find the answer within myself because it doesn't appear to be forthcoming from outside me....
I don't run with music, and I am seriously thinking of getting an Ipod or something of similar ilk to continue training - I know, I know the issue of safety but sometimes your own company is downright depressing particularly if your little voice is saying..."£*$*"£"£*! that's hurting me £&*"*£"*$"!!!" And you have to act like a loon and talk to yourself for 5 hours...
Anyway, will schedule in two more short runs - one on Tuesday and one on Thursday. Then the wait...(Jaws music playing)..will someone PLEASE suggest something I can do to pass the time..that does not include stepping into the Tardis.
Total run time - 1 hour 44 mins.
1st leg 44 min 21 - 4.5 k
4 mins in haberdashers buying iron on patches
4 mins 35 run to the bridge - didn't realise it was so close!
2nd leg 50 min 49 home, walking on other side of road to avoide pervy neighbour.
ok off to the bath now.....
p.s. the only consolation was that on Thursday I ran for 40 mins no problem at a fast pace onthe treadmill (wasn't about to go running in hale or is it hail?)
Monday, April 04, 2005
Great route - except for dangerous prams...
TWO WEEKS TO GO
Well I guess it's not the prams but the parents steering them.
Very knackered must go to bed as have course tomorrow to get to early...and it's past 1am.
Anyway, 5 hours 38 mins including breaks can't be bad...running all the way...except when I stopped to chat to Kathy and then my leg seized up and I had to sit down for 10 minutes...after which I ran for another hour...very slowly....
Barnes Bridge, Chiswick Bridge, Kew Bridge - fantastic route to walk and to run, on the south side there's a great trail from Kew to Chiswick...
Update on 4th April pm - Result - just measured the course and it looks like it was around 6. 5 miles so that means I did at least 19.5 miles....coooooooooo - very happy!
Well I guess it's not the prams but the parents steering them.
Very knackered must go to bed as have course tomorrow to get to early...and it's past 1am.
Anyway, 5 hours 38 mins including breaks can't be bad...running all the way...except when I stopped to chat to Kathy and then my leg seized up and I had to sit down for 10 minutes...after which I ran for another hour...very slowly....
Barnes Bridge, Chiswick Bridge, Kew Bridge - fantastic route to walk and to run, on the south side there's a great trail from Kew to Chiswick...
Update on 4th April pm - Result - just measured the course and it looks like it was around 6. 5 miles so that means I did at least 19.5 miles....coooooooooo - very happy!
Friday, April 01, 2005
Adrenalin rush after 10K
Hooray! Ran 10k today with still some energy left in the tank in 1 hour 25 - sort of sprintwalking and running - keeping "smooth and tidy" as someone once suggested. Knee did NOT play up, but ankle a little sore...
Will try again on Sunday to run as far as poss in 4 to 5 hours. It's looking up again though...I was looking for the cut off time for timing and it looks like around 2000 people come in after 6pm. I must scrutinise the mag to see when I might be coming in...might be earlier than expected....
Ok best go and get some kip!
Hasta luego, thanks for reading.
Will try again on Sunday to run as far as poss in 4 to 5 hours. It's looking up again though...I was looking for the cut off time for timing and it looks like around 2000 people come in after 6pm. I must scrutinise the mag to see when I might be coming in...might be earlier than expected....
Ok best go and get some kip!
Hasta luego, thanks for reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)