Run run run...

So with Windsor half Marathon booked for September it was time to get the out trainers again....

Had a trot whilst away in Palma and between Sailing, it was beautiful to run up to the old town and back. Three days of sun, sea and sailing, the perfect way to spend my birthday.

Sun shines on the righteous!

Good decision.

So for all those who watched the Marathon, I know I was gutted not to be apart of it, but I am simply not  recovered from my car accident. 

I have signed up to Windsor half Marathon. As soon as I can I start running again, I will, as I have missed it so much. 

Receipt:

Event: 33rd Windsor Half Marathon

Event date: 27/09/2015

Went for a big walk yesterday, not quite 26 miles, but good to get some fresh air.

Feeling positive now, and realise it was a good decision.

Onwards and upwards...

Lyds

To race or not to race....

I went back to my Doctor this morning, with the after effects of the road accident in Mexico I am advised "I would be a very silly girl", and probably do more damage if I attempt the race on Sunday, even walking. Blimey I haven't been called a girl in a long time.  Thankfully I can defer to next April, along with a few other Lord Taverners casualties. 

By deferring, I get myself truly mended as I am still in and out of my neck brace.  
Haven't been sleeping well for fear of letting people down. All my friends are saying health is more important.  Funny as I haven't felt healthier in a long time, and have got quite addicted to running and the gym, (never thought I would hear myself say that about a gym), running has been a amazing especially on the beach and for my body! 

So 2016 it is, and for those of you who follow Cricket - many people have said "Good Decision Lyds"

Please continue to support me and roll over your incredibly generous sposonship, I am going to continue to raise money and complete this challenge and my fundraising goal of £10k but in a time I can be proud of.  Given this is my personal challenge I really don't want to come in with the dustcarts just for sake of doing it.

Thank you, one and all.

Lyds

Count down....

 

Not too sure where the time has gone, but since I started on this crazy adventure, a gargantuan gauntlet laid down by the Lord Taverners some 7 weeks ago. Over the last few weeks I have had a few ups and downs.....I started training late, but was doing rather well and then had a week of crippling pain with my knee so took to the pool and swam instead. I used to swim a lot so reacquainting myself was really good.

I had a trip booked to Austin and onto Mexico from 17th long before I signed up to the Marathon team but figured beach running would be way easier than the roads of London or the treadmills of Soho Gyms.

Downed tools early on 17th having redecorated a three bedroom house, caught up to date with work and got a full diary to come home to - so off I go to Austin, to catch up with one of my dearest friends Mrs Katherine Cooper and her glorious daughter Maya, it just so happened Grand Pops and Ma were in town all the way from Bristol so it was a great time as we went to our first Rodeo together, I fell in love with 20 cowboys, brought some beautiful new boots, hat, watched the Beach Boys and headed down to Mexico.

 

Its been five years since I was last in Zihuatanejo ( the place they go at the end of The Shawshank Redemption ) so way too long as I have great friends and a love for this country that was desperate for a visit. Pops started coming back to the UK about 5 years ago so foolishly I stopped coming out for Winters...

So I get the airport at Ixtapa expecting a Mariachi Band and fanfare after five years and there is no welcoming committee...Pops was still at home, the whole hour difference confuses everyone, why do we even do that now?

It was of course wonderful to see mi Padre...

First night we spent catching Tanya Jones one of my dear friends I met here and who has lived in London, she has grown up into quite the entrepreneur she now runs La Playa, The Fishing Hole and The Captains Daughter with her brother Kenny all in the honour of their late great Father. 

Day two I started training, either early in day or late is best. The heat is over powering but running in the sand is incredible, I was given a tip to run in about 10" of water to really build strength and stamina. It works. I found myself getting up to 10miles quickly, I topped out at my personal best  of 15miles  last week.

But look at my training grounds its not too shabby right? The beach is a mile long. Its one of my favourite places in the world.

 

 

 

Then we had the wedding of my gorgeous friend Nara to Alex, I met Nara when Pops dated her Mum, we have been like sisters since. Alex is wonderful man and worthy, it was a beautiful occasion hosted by her fabulous Mother Paty and her partner Geraldo.


                    Paty and Gerry as we call him welcoming their guests....

Here comes the bride....and such a beautiful bride. Inside and out, I love this lady.....

                            Service on the beach at sunset, was magnificent....
 

 

 

 

...and the party went on and on, oh what a night!

 

 

 

 

Onto Puerto Vallarta.....for our road trip.

 

 

 

 

 

Walking round the yachts and up the Tower to view the beauty that is PV.

1. 
   

Pops lived here for three years. So it was great seeing his old friend  Victor whose restaurant is doing great.

 

 

 

 

It turned colder and  I needed my wrap so I took to the road. Jumped in the car, it was only round the corner but I didn't fix my seat belt and got rear ended. The guy who hit me wasn't insured so he fixed my car, but I hit the steering wheel with my chin, neck which has monumental bruising, and my face has just got cuts. I can safely say I was dazed and confused. Concussed and all a little discombobulated.

My neck is so stiff. I do however have outstanding pain killers, which are helping. Got whiplash, cant run. Confined to resting. Bugger, bugger, bugger.

I look like a scene out of Hammer House of Horror, nearly strangled. Moral of story clunk click......you know the rest and so should I.

 
So it meant Pops had to drive back which is over 12 hours, but the new roads here are amazing not quite the M4 but pretty darn good.  Somehow we lost his sunnies in PV so he here he is supporting my rather fetching ones....Sterling Foulkes.

I will complete the race on 26th, I may be walking it in a neck brace and frilly knickers but look out Pall Mall here I come.
 
               If you haven't, please support me and to those who have........

              https://www.justgiving.com/lydsplayspaceappeal

Spring has Sprung - hurrarrr.....

I am sure we all find it easier to run in the sunshine, with Winter seemingly behind us, and the clocks changing in the next couple of weeks, I am feeling thankful that Spring is here, the Daffs and Crocus are peaking out and their is a feeling of newness around. 

I just had the most fabulous weekend down in Sussex for a yoga retreat and ran from the centre to the seaside at Cooden. What a glorious spot that is. The emphasis was on eating balanced foods and on exercise for the body and mind. Mediation and self development. The retreat is part of a course which is called My12for12, you focus on six things you want to ditch and six things you want to amplify. I have met a fabulous group of people and really enjoyed being apart of the weekend. We were bless with incredible weather.

Realising what a gargantuan task this 26 miles is, and go through panics as to whether my knees will hold up and if I will get round. Then I have someone say the pain disappears but pride lasts forever and I am filled with hope and less dread. 

Its true we can do anything we put our minds to....so the next three weeks I will be focusing on running, yoga and more of the same whilst visiting my Dad in Mexico, I plan to train on the beach where the sand should be less impactful. When I get back its April.....so not long to go....

Forrest x

Sunday Girl...

So off I trotted yesterday morning, favourite music pumping in my ears, fortunately it was a beautiful day for it. My ran took me through Borough Market, along the Southbank and  passed the Tate Modern, London Eye, and up to MI5, heading round the back through Vauxhall I only stumble across this.....

Really rather apt I thought!

We are on single figure count down simply aiming to run as much as possible.....

Forrest.

Thank Crunchie its Friday...

After having a 9 day a break from running due to my knees being so painful I went back to Soho Gym yesterday morning. 

Thank fully I am surrounded by scantily clad fit chaps running in front and all around me - just hoping that race day will be the same!!!

I didn't go crazy managed a 5k run and a bit of cycling, squats etc. Remarkably I felt so good on this gloriously sunning morning, I did four lots of 3k, and managed 12k again, without looking 100 years old..... so not going silly, resting - rugby and recouping this weekend. But so glad I am feeling stronger.

Back on the Forrest schedule next week.

Love is in the air...

For Valentines weekend I decided to love me, so I took advantage of the Sauna and Steam at the Gym and not do too much actually in the Gym. If I am honest my knees hurt. Which of course they would. I am running 26 odd miles and although mindful I need to train, I am avoiding injury to stop me participating on the day so rested. 

I am talking to people about their Marathon experiences and although its tough, I am constantly being told the atmosphere and crowd are so fantastic you are taken on a journey with them, they are what gets you through. I have been down to support runners myself over the years so it will be bizarre being on the other side so to speak but I am just really excited about having  place. They really are like Willy Wonker Golden tickets so feel fortunate to be able to take part.

As part of resting I watched the Rugby on Saturday, another victory for England which is encouraging - just sorry that things at the MCG weren't as exciting on the Cricket front.

Back to the training schedule this week.

Run Forrest Run...

R & R

R & R - Rugby and Rest....

I didn't go to the game in Cardiff, I was shattered, and now gutted as its likely to turn out to be the best game of the Six Nations!  As the whole world will know by now, Wales lost their opening clash, they were simply being outplayed by England at the Millennium Stadium.  

Fantastic play from Mr Haskell and with injury brought fabulous performances from the youngsters, we have World Class backs, who knew!!! So much scepticism over the fact the team was lacking, but not so, it was a wonderful display and joy to watch. Thank you England.   Hurrarr and huzzarr...

My weekend was spent mostly watching the games and Supper with friends. Waking up on Sunday I realised I was still tired, I actually had a much needed PJ day. Seriously didn't get dressed all day, just not like me but its to be encouraged!

This morning back to Soho Gyms, where the lovely team there are so supportive - my 9k went quite well and have made friends with the equipment to strengthen my back. 

My goal is 15k by end of week.

Feeling rather patriotic....

Twinkle toes...

Today, I had my first dance lesson with the fabulous Andrew Cuerden, who is the most sensational Latino Ballroom dancer; he enjoyed Strictly success. Andrew danced at my event held to raise funds for PlaySpace Appeal last year at the fabulous Harvey Nichols.
I bid on the lessons and really glad I did. It adds a fun element to the Marathon training and focuses on core so a win win.

It was a great class, I resembled someone who had the potential to dance in the future, so most encouraging. He is a fabulous dancer and super lovely guy. Homework...work on my frame and my posture.

Then to the Gym, I ran my 12k, and had the most hysterical time of the Power Plate, if you havent been on one, you must, entertainment 10/10. My awesome Gym Instructor David showed me how to use three other machines and heh presto, I completed my workout.

Could hardly walk and looked like Bridget Jones when I got off the Cross Trainer but had a long chat with David about my consistency and developing core strength. Going to mix up a few other classes, because I can.

Today was a good day.

Gymtastic

So as part of my training, I was advised to do two things, go to Profeet in Fulham and get my feet and trainers properly measured and use a running machine rather than the roads. As is transpires I have one of the best Gyms on my doorstep, SohoGym Borough. Great facilities and lots of support. 

This morning I ran my first 9k. 

I participated on the first My12for12 London course this weekend run by the 'awesome' Bella Zanesco and Alexis Garnaut-Miller. It was great to take time to check myself and identify what I want for myself this year and beyond. Ditching 6 things that are holding me back and make a lot of noise about the 6 things I want to truly amplify in my world. I was buddied up with the gorgeous Lara Hayward who has run Marathons and has inspired me train realistically and also to enjoy the hell out of this and the day.  

This morning I found myself smiling whilst running, it seemed easier and although I could have run further I didn't. I am not going crazy, given I have 11 weeks, I have come up with my own bespoke training schedule. My business is all about bespoke so it makes perfect sense to me rather than trying to catch up and use something that I am unlikely to achieve. I now feel more confident that by building up gradually I can and will do this. Its way less daunting than it was after I said I would enter.

I have had lots of encouragement, some say I am crazy, some say they wish they could do it.

Last night I decided on a couple of things...

And simply enjoy the ride....

Good Morning Vietnam - I mean London.....

What a glorious feeling I have.

I woke up at 6.30, got dressed, and headed out. Given I don't have kids to get ready for school, there are no excuses, so off I trotted.

Its so dark at that time, but there is a 4k run I have done a few times, down to Southwark Bridge over and back along the river across Tower Bridge, it takes in the magnificent Shard and the beauty of the Thames. 

Noticed a fabulous new bar called Oyster on Oystergate, note to self to check them out for somewhere to hold my Marathon party - and celebratory glass of champagne - that is after the event !!

Trainers new, bit uncomfortable towards end, attitude good, time shocking.

But it doesn't matter, as this is my training programme - have read lots and am taking advise, and will take this easy, no point doing injury and not being able to participate.

Today is going to be a good day.

Forrest Foulkes

So having received a mail written from Greg James through the Lords Taverners earlier this week, telling me not only was he was running but that there were three places available to join him and the Tavs team to run on behalf of the charity in the London Marathon 2015. I called the office to enquire....

Having tried to gain places before I knew how sought after these are...having understood there would be incredible support and champagne at the end I found myself seeking advise from an experienced runner friend of mine as to whether I was being a crazy fool even considering it. Given I am unfit, and its on April 24th. THIS YEAR!

Yes clearly I am, some people train for a year. Me I have a few weeks.

However, having returned from the festivities in the US, I had in fact purchased a brand new killer pair of Karrimor trainers so clearly there was a murmuring and want to get fit somewhere deep inside....

So I said yes, Tavs said yes, so its me and my trainers and the will to help raise serious wonga for the Play Space Appeal for which I am a Committee Member. I think we take having somewhere to play even as adults for granted. Children should have the right to play and be encouraged to do so in a safe and supported surroundings. The Play Space Appeal is a Lady Taverners initiative and supports a host of nationwide projects - our goal is to raise £250k before the end of October. 

We are on the way, and with the recent event I hosted at Harvey Nichols raising over £4k I realised its time to step it up.

As part of the committee we are presenting a Roaring Twenties Ball on October 16th, at the Park Lane Hotel. We have plans to run a culinary extravangaza evening later in the year so this seems to fill the gap for now. 

Of course I will be throwing one massive party to celebrate finishing the 26 mile challenge to raise further funds. So its all to play for. There are a myriad of other events around the country and great team driving this challenge - which is an honour to be a part of it.

Well my first run is in the morning, not going crazy, as I am not a regular runner and I am 6 weeks behind on the schedule. However the driving force is the Play Spaces projects and the children who will enjoy them.

I plan to wear frilly french knickers to run in, with go faster stripes down the side perhaps.

Follow me on my journey.

Any one wishing to donate https://www.justgiving.com/LydsPLAYSPACEAPPEAL

THANK YOU!!