13 weeks and counting.......

I've been training really hard over the last week and kept to my schedule for a change.

Thursday I ran 4 miles, then Friday was a rest day. On Saturday we all went to Mote Park in Maidstone so the kids could play in the playground with Peter while I ran around the big park. I'd forgotten how wet it had been and 3 miles later I was caked in mud. At one part the path was so water logged and muddy I had to go across an overgrown field that was more like a bog in places. At least my new trainers don't look new anymore - more a mud colour !

Sunday was my long run day - 8 miles. I'd arranged for Mum & Dad to look after the kids so Peter could come with me on his bike. I thought the fresh air would do him good as he's had a nasty cough and cold. All was going well until we'd gone about 2 miles and had to go up a really steep hill. By the time I'd reached the top I couldn't see Peter behind me, so I carried on thinking he'd catch me up on his bike. Eventually I saw him, walking with his bike in the distance, coughing his head off. He was going to ride home while I carried on, so he sat on a wall to get his breathe back first. He was still there when I ran back. I don't think he'll be coming with me again until he's better !!!!

Monday was a day of rest, Tuesday I ran 3.5 miles and then finally today 5 miles. It is all starting to get a bit easier. I hardly ever stop to walk now where as a few weeks ago I would stop every few hundred yards for no reason.

I've also entered another race for experience. I'm running the Hastings Half Marathon on 21st March (my birthday). The first seven miles are all uphill, but at least I can look forward to the other 6 miles to come back down again! I must be mad, how many other people would want to spend their birthday like that......

Thank you everyone who has sponsored me, I've now gone past the half way point which is brilliant. As of today I've raised £795. So thank you everyone, it's brilliant to know you are all supporting me.

Sarah xxxxxxxxx

It's all getting very serious !!!

With just over 13 weeks to go until the Marathon, my training is starting to get very serious and intense. I ran my furthest distance yet last Sunday - 7.3 miles. I managed to run most of it with just a bit of walking when my legs were aching.

Today I went to the gym at Dean Gate with Penny and then ran home the long way - 4.5 miles. Then I'll be running every day apart from Saturday (my rest day) before 8 miles on Sunday.

I now have no life - just running !!

My sponsorship is going really well. As you can see in the blue box on the right, I'm nearly half way there. So thank you everyone who's sponsored me already. If you'd like to sponsor me I always have my form with me or you can go online by clicking on the blue sponsorship box.

As always, thanks for reading my blog.

Sarah xxxxx

The Snows Melted - So I Went Running

After what seems like a lifetime, the snow actually started to melt. So yesterday on went my running gear and out I went in the freezing cold for a 3 mile run. It was really cold ( 2C ) and still very icy on the pavements, so I ran a lot in the road. Just to top it off it was also pouring with rain, but I really enjoyed myself even though I was soaked through by the time I got home.

My new gadget (Garmin 205) helped to spurr me on. It shows me how far I've run and how quick. So when I was running really slowly I tried to go just a little bit faster. It also shows when I'm walking (maybe too much information).

"ALL THE GEAR, NO IDEA" is my new saying - at least I look like a pro even if I don't really know what I'm doing !!!!

If you'd like to sponsor me - just click on the blue box on the right :)

Sarah xxxxx

I've had enough of the snow now..........

Enoughs enough.....I want the snow to go away now !!!!!

I haven't been running on the road for 10 days now and it's really frustrating. I should be on week 2 of my training programme and I haven't even started week 1.

I did venture to the gym to use the treadmill but it is sooooo boring, I only managed about 15 mins before I gave in.

It is supposed to start to warm up tomorrow - so fingers crossed I'll be running again soon.

Don't forget to sponsor me & thanks to everyone who already has. Just click on the blue box on the right. xxxxxx

Sarah

Bbbrrrrrrrr It's Too Cold For Running !!!!

So how many excuses can I think of to not go running in the cold......loads.

I really couldn't go today because of the snow and ice on the pavements...honest, and today was supposed to be the first day of my official 16 week Marathon Training Programme......not a good start. I should have ran a "quick" 2 miles today. That in itself is funny as I only go at one speed - steady. Hopefully conditions will improve soon so I can really get started - the weeks are just flying by.

My other big excuse for not running today is that my legs are still aching from my longest run yet on Saturday. I ran and walked a little bit, from the Harvester at Gravesend to home (about 6 miles, hills and all). Only another 20 miles to add to that.....no problem !!!!!!!!!!!

My fundraising total is also starting to creep up. I've now raised £310, so thank you to everyone who has faith in me. If you would like to sponsor me when I run the Marathon here's the link to my page www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Bateman1 .

Thanks for reading. Sarah xxxxxx