Cure or Kill?

NB: I wrote this about 2 weeks a go just after I came back from a run as I wanted to document how I was feeling at the time. It looks like it didn't post but I'm glad I wrote it down so I've left it how it was. Running has taken a little bit of a back seat as I have moved and started a new job within a fortnight, I will be whipping myself back into shape soon! Enjoy...

I have a cold...IN JULY! A cold in winter is acceptable and sort of inevitable. But to have a cold in, lets face it, our summer is the worst.

What does this have to do with running? Well...

I was due to attempt my furthest run yet, today, a 14k. As I've mentioned before this is something that I have to build up to mentally, which is what I've been doing the last couple of days until a snuffle that's been brewing the last couple of days turned into a full blown (sorry to be graphic) snot fest! 

Going for a run was the last the last thing I wanted to do, but I know from previously feeling not very in the mood how great I felt after and hoped that the run would sweat out my snuffles and a raging rush of endorphins would make me feel wonderful again. I'm not completely daft however, I knew it was going to be kill or cure!

I also decided that it definitely wasn't a 14k day so Emma and I set out on an achievable 7k. I can do that...right? Well I can, with great difficulty. The running euphoria never arrived, instead it was replaced with having to breath through my mouth, getting a stitch from not being able to take in enough oxygen, aching muscles from a lack of energy and an unwilling body and extra suffering from the sun *note to self...do not be British and complain when it's too hot and complain again when it's too cold*.

I completed it but some of my 'running' was coming a bit too close to walking for my liking and I'm now lying on my bed feeling a bit sorry for myself. Half way through the run I got the dreaded 'how on earth am I going to do a bloody marathon' feeling which I can't seem to shake off.

So that's how I'm feeling right here and now, I hope next time I can maybe provide a bit of insight on how to deal with said above feeling of dread. 

Until then I shall carrying on wallowing on my bed whilst thinking about a shower to wash away this run!

Thanks for reading, keep at it!

Holly

xx

13k on the 13th

So I planned to do this post on the 13th June but unfortunately life got in the way so it's umm, a few weeks late...eeek. I'm still getting into the swing of this blogging thing.

However, I did actually complete my first 13k on the 13th June (approximately 8 miles). It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision but I decided that it was best attempted with my running buddy Emma.

Despite only going a kilometer further than my 12k, I really felt the difference. Up until then I was feeling quietly reassured (and a touch smug) that I wasn't find each distance increase that difficult, after that day though I've realised that this is where the challenge is really going to begin. Turns out 13 is definitely unlucky for some...

I had a week off last week as I was on holiday in Nice, however I really regret not taking my kit with me as I was so jealous of all the people going for their daily runs on the promenade. 

I was dreading starting up again this week after a week of relaxation and the prospect of lugging around the extra pounds as a result of bread, cheese, pizza and copious amounts of gin and red wine. I did a few short runs which weren't as horrendous as I thought they would be (and I seem to have got away with only gaining 1 pound whilst I was away)...RESULT!

However I was severely punished today on my 10k. After having a couple too many glasses of vino last night I didn't get on the road until midday, so there I was a wee bit hungover...in the midday sun. Not the most intelligent combo and also not a combo I cope with well at the best of times anyway, so attempting a 10k didn't go down to well. The fact that I felt like I was going to vom a fair few times has definitely confirmed that theres going to have to be a no alcohol rule nearer the time.  

Like with all runs though, no matter how rubbish it makes you feel at the time or when you collapse onto to sofa afterwards, once your heart rate has slowed down, you face is back to a normal colour and the pain eases off you feel great (sounds a bit geeky but its true)!

So, next stop 14k. I will try and be a little bit better at updating my running progress and also my fundraising news. I've managed to raise £120 so far courtesy of my Dad and my fellow runner and best bud Louise. Please make painful 10ks and decreasing alcohol amounts worth it by helping me reach my £1800 fundraising target, all donations how ever great or small will be much appriciated. 

http://www.justgiving.com/hollysrunningthelondonmarathon2014

Thanks for reading...and donating ;) 

Holly

xx