Started Training

Today I started my marathon training completing 10 miles in 1hr 34mins.This was a social run with Justin and Angela and I returned home very pleased. I have not run 10 miles for a long time so actually getting out there and doing it was a good achievement for me, although the thought of running 26 miles seems impossible at the moment but I just need to build up the distance slowly.

Night Run July 2011

Last night was the third night run. I really love these events. It is very easy to become focussed on distances and times and forget about the fun and joy of running and that is exactly what these events are about. The event was organised by Jerry Smallwood and he has written an excellent write up on his ultramagicforest blog.

http://ultramagicforest.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-night-run-report.html

This was an important run for me as I have not been doing so much running meeting recently and I have Beachy Head marathon in 12 weeks. I was a bit worried about the distance and I have to admit I was struggling at the end of 14 miles mainly because this was the longest run I have done for some time and at the end my right knee was hurting a bit. At the end of the day I was comfortable on the run and I have a good starting base for Beachy.

Short Run

I  managed to get home early tonight and got out for a short 4.6m run around my short course. Unfortunately my Garmin was not working properly and I am not sure of the time. It was good to be out running again. I am going to miss Tuesday nights club run but will go out either Thursday night or Friday morning. On Saturday another night run is planned which I am really looking forward too.

Been a Long Time -Been Busy

I have not updated my blog for nearly a month as I have been very busy. I have been on holiday to Italy and travelling to the Midlands and Wales several times taking my daughters to and from university. I have also been  sorting out my Tai Chi class with my friend Chris.

I have only managed to run about once a week and usually only about 6-8miles. I have lost a lot of fitness and put on about 4 pounds in weight which is a lot for me.

I am now just about to start my training again. It is a shame I have lost so much fitness but I do feel pretty strong and hopefully my body has had a long time to recover.

I have the following runs in the diary:  Eridge 10,  Petts Wood 10K and Beachy Head Marathon.

I have missed my running and I am going to work out my training plan.

Chevening Run 2011

It was the running club Chevening run on Tuesday. This is a group 12 mile run to Chevening. I decided to run with the slower longer group. This was a tough run the  first 5 miles to Knockholt is mostly up hill. When we had arrived at Chevening we had done 8 miles and I was a bit worried that if I had to run 8 miles back I would not be able to make it. Fortunately we came back via a shorter route and we only ran 13.5 miles.I have not been doing so much running recently and it was a tough run . I pretty much had to walk the last mile. There were lots of people on the run and it was great to catch up with all my running buddies. I am going to ramp up my running soon when I start training for Beachy Head.

Karate training

Loads of body impact training tonight. Arms, legs and stomach. Lots of dead arms and legs and nerve strikes. I am going to ache tomorrow. It has taken a long time but my stomach muscles are getting stronger and if I know it iscoming I am learning to take a punch to the stomach.
I must focus on getting my next belt.

Tai Chi Instructor

Really pleased because I got my Instructor membership to Tai Chi Union of Great Britain I was pleased to note that I have been allocated as an Advanced Instructor. This is one below top instructor grade which requires 20 years experience. My training partner Chris was also awarded Advanced Instructor.

Overall I think this is a fair reflection as I have been training for 12 years and attending an instructors class for about 6 years. I also have my black sash in combat and Chris and I are now running our own school.