THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR SPONSORING US AND FOR HELPING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE NCU AT BATH HOSPITAL.  WE COMPLETED THE RUN IN BRIGHT SUNSHINE ON A BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY IN BATH AND THE CHARITY DID AN EXCELLENT JOB LOOKING AFTER ALL OF THE RUNNERS. YOUR DONATIONS WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO THE FOREVER FRIENDS APPEAL.   THANK YOU.

I finished in 1hour 57 and my target was under 2 hours so I was pleased about that.  Ad fought a valiant battle over last 2 miles with a pulled muscle in his calf but still managed to cross finish in good time.  The winner finished in 68 minutes, just to put it all in perspective!

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I needed little persuasion to run the Bath Half Marathon for the premature baby unit at Bath Hospital after being shown around on Bears Big Day out, the hospitals fund raising day.

The babies may be tiny but the equipment used to help them, plus space needed by the staff and their families means that the unit is cramped and they really need space to grow!  I'm one of those people who really has to make an effort to be on time so I have huge respect for anyone who arrives early.  

So I've been out training in the snow, wind and rain, slipping on the ice, looking like a right idiot in the hope that on March the 15th, I'll be able to complete the hilly Bath Half Marathon and make a real difference to the fundraising.

Please leave a suggestion for an inspiring tune for my ipod in your message and I'll add it to my playlist to run to on the day!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Royal United Hospital Charitable Fund gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

TRAINING BLOG FROM WEEK 5

15th Feb

5 miles cross country around Regents Park and Primrose Hill proved very muddy, had to remove trainers and joggers in the street before entering brother's flat, yes, it was that bad! Trainers relegated to washing machine, now looking as good as new.

16th Feb

Another 5 miler this time around Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham.  Returned to see Pussycat Dolls on MTV whilst stretching.  Now feel inadequate. Thinking of swapping joggers for PVC leggings and sequinned bra.

17th Feb

4 miles to work at 6.45am with backpack.  Just about made it in time but the poor makeup lady had to deal with my post shower red face, wet hair and slight wheezing.  Which she did admirably. Noone should exercise at that time of day, it's not natural.  Personal best time though.

18th Feb

7 miles after work, really not in the mood.  Heartburn from dodgy food at the work canteen. Home made sandwiches tomorrow to be safe. And lots of Gaviscon.  Oh and another toe nail was sacrificed.  I am now missing 3 and am ashamed of how careless I have been. Cancelled pedicure, need a chiropodist.

19th Feb

4.1 miles in 36 mins along the canal, felt great!  Picked up pace along the way as it was getting dark and I was getting scared, probably not the safest way to get the speed up!

20th Feb

Thought I was going to get a day off today but ended up sprinting up 4 flights of stairs take after take as Dr Melody Bell chased a poor confused student who was going to jump, calf muscles feeling a little tight...

21st Feb

Heading to Brighton for Brother's birthday, really looking forward to tomorrows 2 hour run along the sea front with my running buddy, I promise no muddy fields Ad, maybe just some pebbles.

22nd Feb

Couldn't run as couldn't breathe!  Gutted, would have done the Brighton Half if we'd have realised it was today and this darn cold hadn't set in. Went for a swim and steam instead.

23rd Feb

2 hour run completed!!!  Not very fast but very happy that all the training is paying off, fighting the cold like a ninja and looking forward to seeing things from the other side of the camera at work on Wednesday.

24th Feb

A 3 mile in 25 mins recovery jog after yesterdays epic 2 hour exhertion felt like I was getting off a little too easily. Bit apprehensive about being a runner tomorrow, I'm planning on taking some seriously nice biscuits and fruit so hopefully people will forgive any rookie cock ups.  I hope the actors aren't too diva-ish... Fundraising nearly at 10%, still a long long way to go...

25th Feb

At work for 6.30am making teas, coffees, toast and hot cross buns for all.  Off to a field near Rednal for some filming of a car crash, gave massages, chocolate, drinks and hugs to keep the cast and crew  warm and happy. Pub lunch then off to the other block filming in the campus surgery. Not strong enough for boom, quite liked clapper, firsting felt like too much responsibility but raised over £250 from an extremely good hearted crew and cast.

26th Feb

Bit tired after yesterday, just psyching myself up. 5 miles today, not too far!

27th Feb

Yesterday's 5 miles felt pretty good in the end, beautiful day and Cannon Hill Park was looking lovely.  Just the 3 miles at 8 minutes per mile this morning, finally starting to speed up.  Have a personal training session at the gym at 4.30 and I know Kellie will have my limbs feeling like jelly by the end of the hour!

28th Feb

Hardly slept, tired and grumpy.  Not running today humpf.  Moving house, finishing work and travelling round the world and thinking about it too much are interfering with my sleep.  Lots of things to think about, nothing to worry about I've been told.

1st March

Amazing what a good night's sleep following Adam's marathon waitering shift and his very lovely generous friends can do for morale!!! 11 miles 1 hr 40 to mum and dad's in time for Sunday lunch. Brilliant!

2nd March

25 minute recovery jog got a bit hardcore when Def Leppard 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' came on the ipod, who'da thunk it?!  I felt invincible!

3rd March

45 minute run today, better get out there soon as torrential rain and snow are forecast for later and I ran through all of that in February!

4th March

Well after running in the torrential rain yesterday (which resulted in having to get undressed in the bath and squeeze out my trainers) it was a joy and a pleasure to do 7 miles on a fresh 'n' dry spring evening, it was a joyous hour, nothing hurt and the ipod suggestions are wicked, thanks guys!

5th March

Day off, legs really appreciate that.

6th March

50 minute run after work felt really hard which surprised me after Wednesdays painless run and thursdays day off.  Only managed 5.4 miles in 50 mins but have been running much faster so am a bit disappointed.  Off to Bath tomorrow for my cousin's Hen do so will check out the terrain.  Hilly, I think.

7th March

Been checking Bath out, it will be great running here and slightly prettier than my usual stomping ground!  The route runs past the B&B we're staying in for the hen do and looks like a route to get a bit of pace on, excellent.  However, today we will be checking out the bars and shopping for my lovely cousin's hen do rather than worrying about the run. Ha.

8th March

At the McDonald Spa Hotel in Bath for pamering day.  Bravely put in a 10k speed and gradient ladders run in at the gym while the other girls lazed by the pool and jacuzzi.  It was hell, can't imagine why.  Wasn't like I let myself drink any bubbly last night :-/  Massage was satisfying and the massive knots in my shoulders have been broken up. As has my soul.  I was very brave.

9th March

Full on day back at The Mill today.  Dr Melody Bell is very busy at the moment sorting out some naughty students and dreaming of Alice in Wonderland.  9.8miles in 90 mins after work. Felt surprisingly strong and really enjoyed the run.  Just going to keep things ticking over now til Sunday.

10th March

Running around the surgery and between blocks doesn't feel like I've had a day off at all.  But we won the pub quiz in the evening - again!

11th March

My last PT session with Kellie at the gym, she lets me do boxing at the end and I'm really looking forward to punching something GRRRR!