What a Fun Run with my "Personal Trainer"

Today's weather started really badly - torrential rain, not much fun to run in. But I'd already arranged with my sister Penny that she was going to come with me on a longer run.

Luckily the sun came out and it turned into a beautiful day - perfect for running.

So I picked up Penny and chucked her bike in the boot and off we went. We drove a few miles away and she rode her bike along side me while I ran nearly all the way home.

What a giggle we had even though we looked a bit odd !!! It was really nice to have someone to talk to and tell me to keep going when I wanted to stop. We had so much fun, we're going to do it all again next week - but just a bit further.

Thanks Penny....my new Personal Trainer (maybe we'll get beeped at again next time too !!!! )


Thanks for reading, Sarah xxxx

P.S. To sponsor me please click on the link http://www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Bateman1 . I'd love you to help me reach my goal. xxx

I'm Running Again - Hurrahh !!!!!

My ankle is feeling much better so today it was time to go out for my 1st run in nearly 3 weeks. I headed to Rochester Riverside so I could run on the soft grass just to test my ankle and make sure it didn't hurt too much.

As I got out the car I nearly got blown away, it was so windy.


At this point I wished I'd stayed at home - but I carried on and ran for about 20 mins. Can't believe how hard running was after a 3 week break - hopefully it will be a bit easier next time. But as usual I could hear my Dad in my head telling me I could do it. Sometimes it feels like he's running with me as he gives me loads of advice from when he used to be a runner.

So hopefully my training will be back on track now and I can start to up the miles each week. Only 5 months and 1 day until the London Marathon. It is coming round really fast.

If you'd like to sponsor me here's the link to my sponsorship page - I'd be really grateful xxx

http://www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Bateman1

Sarah xxxx

Not the best week !

Things haven't gone as I planned for the last week or so.

It started well with a really good run in the dark in my new bright pink jacket.

Apart from dodging the local tramp who was stumbling around with no shirt on in front of me (twice) - I ran for ages and a lot faster than normal. Great, I really am becoming a proper runner now - so I thought.

Then everything started to go wrong. Once again, I probably didn't warm up enough and have now hurt my other achilles...aaaahhhhh. I only realised it was really hurting after Peter dropped me off 3.5 miles from home so I could run back.....I had to walk most of it.

So I've stopped running for a while to give my ankle time to heal. Lots of ice packs and stretching and fingers crossed it will get better soon so I can get back on track with my training.

I was really looking forward to the 10k race on Saturday in Greenwich Park - but it doesn't look like I'll be going.

The joys of running !!!!!

My London Marathon Adventure

So last April, in a moment of madness I said "I'll run the London Marathon with you Andy." Andy (my brother-in-law) in a crazy moment too, had decided to enter for next year and start training. Great I thought - we'll do it together.

My 1st jog was a sight to see. Michael on his scooter next to me, shouting for everyone to hear " come on Mum - you can do it? Keep going - not much further." That was just running to the end of the road...I thought I was going to die, my lungs were exploding and I couldn't breathe.

The next time I went on my own......The hardest part was building up the courage to step out the door. I wished I'd stayed inside as I strained my achilles and had to visit the physio who said "stop running for 3 months" !!!! WHAT A GREAT START. Now I know you have to warm up 1st...

So finally in August (my ankle felt better) and I started my Marathon training. I followed a beginners programme found on the internet. I gradually went from being able to run for only 1 minute to 5 minutes. Then to 10 mins and now I can run for about 30 mins (3 miles) non stop...hurrah.



I've already had a go at a 10k race at Leeds Castle for Cancer Research. Managed to run most of it apart from a huge hill. I finished in 70 mins...not bad for a 1st timer.

My next challenge is another 10k on 14th November in Greenwich Park (more hills). This time it's to raise awareness for Prostrate Cancer and everyone running has to dress up and wear a moustache...watch out for pictures of me later.


By the way, Andy decided not to do it (chicken). Apparently he's got a bone in his knee.....

So, on the big day (25th April 2010) I'm running 26.2 miles to raise funds and support the Blue Cross in the excellent work they do with animals. Any donations will make all the hard training worth it (especially when I'm running in the wind, rain or the dark).

Here's a link to my fund raising page where you can donate safely online

http://www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Bateman1

I hope you'll follow me on my adventure and I'll keep you updated along the way.

Sarah xxxxx