So it looks like I’m actually doing the London Marathon. Seemed like such a splendid idea when I decided to do it last May.

Now it’s just plain scary, and it’s actually happening.

Ok, I’ve been training for about 3 months. This morning I did 7.4 miles. A SUNDAY MORNING by the way. So I’ll be increasing my distance every week until the day itself (25th April 2010.)
So, since you’re here and everything it looks like you’re thinking of donating. You really should. It’s for a wonderful cause and it feels good to give. The charity is called Clic Sargent, here’s what they do:

“Every day 10 families are told their child has cancer. As the UK's leading children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is the only organisation to offer them all round care and support. That’s because we’re there every step of the way:
• During treatment – providing specialist nurses, play specialists, Homes from Home.
• In hospital & at home – offering specialist social care and support in the community – services for young people, holidays, grants, helpline.
• After treatment – helping survivors, supporting those bereaved.”

I’ll be keeping this page updated with my training progress and telling you about my pain in great detail. Keep checking back after I do the Marathon too as I’ll be updating it with how it all went – if I’m still alive anyway.

Thanks
Kate ‘Faster than a Greased Ferret’ Hutchinson

PS. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

24th January 2010

Well this week has been very promising. I have done a 4.7 mile run, a 5.5 mile run and then today, wait for it.....

10.79 MILES!!! I'm really feeling it though. My right knee aches and my ham strings too. The route we did was an exceptionally hilly one but the sense of achievement is immense!! I can't stop smiling.

26th January 2010

Not such good news I'm afraid. My knee felt ok so I went for a run today, however after about 3 miles it started to bother me again. I managed 4.7 miles but felt I should stop in case I did any damage. Have made a physio appointment for Friday to see what the problem is so I'll keep you posted. Feeling really down about it but I guess I shouldn't worry until I've seen the physio. Realistically I know it can't be anything serious as it doesn't hurt me all the time and I can walk the dog for a good half an hour without it hurting. It's running that aggravates it but unfortunately it's running I need to do the most......

PS: I will get round to putting a picture of me in my running stuff just so you all believe I'm really doing this!

29th January 2010

Good news at the physio!!! Apparently it's the way I run (think Phoebe from Friends) that's causing the knee pain and it's rectifiable by building up specific muscles around my hip. I can still run although no more than 6 miles for the next week or so and I have to go back to the physio on Tuesday.

31st January 2010

Ran today and nearly had to turn back after the first 10 minutes as the pain was BAD, however, I'm not one to give up too easily so I kept on and it actually got more comfortable. I ended up doing the 5.5 miles which is what I intended to do so all is good. Getting a little worried though as it's 2 months and 24 days until the marathon and I really need to be running more than this but am under strict instructions from the physio!

1st February 2010

Another 5.5 miles today. Much easier than yesterday but still uncomfortable. Seems to get easier the further I run (never EVER thought I'd say that in my lifetime considering I couldn't even run for a bus 4 months ago).

4th February 2010

Things are getting better and better. 7.5 miles today (well tonight actually in that awful foggy weather) and managed it well. I feel like I'm really getting the running bug that everyone talks about. I probably should have had it long ago considering I've been running for more than 4 months now but at least it's here, better late than never.

7th February 2010

Been to London this weekend to go to a seminar about the marathon. It was awesome! Was so pleased when some people said they hadn't even started training yet, made me feel like I'm definitely doing enough. Although now I've gone from wanting to 'just get round' to wanting to do it in under 4 hours. Jam says I should just say 4-5 hours and then I won't be too disappointed as 4 hours is quick for a non-runner like me. Actually I guess I'm not a non-runner anymore, am I but ya know what I mean.  They played the music that they play on the TV when you watch the marathon, I was nearly sick on myself. What the hell have I done? Anyway, got back last night and went running this morning. Did well over 10 miles and didn't struggle. Knee didn't hurt AT ALL. Been watching Rocky alot too,  I love a good montage. Think I'm going to go and get myself a nice leather and sheepskin jacket and find some snow.

26th February 2010

Ok so I haven't written on here for a few weeks but that doesn't mean I've been sat on my ass people. I've been keeping up with the regime, 2 or 3 7 milers during the week and a long run on a weekend. Didn't manage to go last weekend because of the snow but ended up on the cross trainer in my Mum's lounge. I'm sure there's a similar scene in Rocky? Anyway, tomorrow I'm trying for 15 miles. And it's due to sleet. The weekend before last I did 13 and it was actually the hardest thing I've ever done. IN MY LIFE. Anyway, the marathon is looming, I keep dreaming about it and waking up in a cold sweat. I don't know whether I'm worried about not getting round, getting injured, letting everyone down or all of it. Probably all of it. I'm really scared and worried sometimes then other times I can't wait. I'll let you know how tomorrow goes!

12th April 2010

Hello! Yes I know I haven't updated for ages but I have been training hard and saving it all up to tell you about. Well since I last updated I managed my 15 mile (15.5 actually but what's an extra half a mile when you're doing a marathon) but boy it was difficult. My knees were hammered and I have never felt pain like it. The good thing is that they didn't really hurt while I ran, just afterwards. Then, the following week I managed my 18 miler. Strangely I didn't suffer half as much afterwards as I did on the 15 mile run, maybe my body is accepting that this is life now. I have also managed a 20 miler, lots and lots of 7/8/9 mile runs and am now tapering down until marathon day which is NEXT WEEK. I am at the physio today as my 20 mile run has caused a bit of a foot injury, possibly my Achilles. Anyway, I'm not really sure why I'm going to the physio because I'm running the marathon regardless but maybe he can give me some advice. Hopefully I'll get on here to update before marathon day although there won't be that much to tell as all I'm doing now is eating and resting.