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!!