Update #2 and the last...

I DID IT!!!  And my finish time was record breaking (it was my first half marathon ever) 02:30:21.  Who would have thought!  Apparently Greg did.  He said he noticed how fast I walk (I automatically tend to walk like the competitors at athletic walking events as if I am one of them when I walk in general).   

It was cold in Cairngorms.  It was so cold that I ended up with a wind burn on my arms and my fingers were frozen during the ordeal - snotty tissue clenched in my left hand and semi bent fingers on my right, as if I was about to shake someone's hand.  I couldn't bend or straighten my right hand fingers for some time after the run.

Having had a cold leading up to and during the run really didn't do much for my glamours running action shot photos.  I was swiping my runny nose throughout the run and I thought I managed ok.   But then I was told I had bits of tissue all over my face - after I well crossed the finish line, AFTER the official photos were taken.  Hmmm...

My thighs on night after the run felt like Incredible Hulk's bulging muscles.  But I've been assured they didn't look anything like them the next day when I asked with some hope 'do my legs look athletic?'.   They certainly felt like them though.

The next day, I managed to walk well and recovered quickly.  It was a nice feeling to confirm my inner youth, the exact thing I was relying on!   I think my rigorous leg bends and hip muscle stretches just prior to the run helped a lot too.  And the cold weather probably helped as well - I just wanted to get back to the base and thaw. 

Nevertheless, I'd like to thank my mum and dad for giving me an incredibly athletic physique to endure such harsh conditions and stress to my body.

And thank you all for your generous donation and sponsorship so far. 

Until next time...

AWaY THuPaHeRoEs~~~   

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Update #1 - D-day -2

 

Sorry for the tardy update.  I have been meaning to do this earlier in the week but my training regime has prevented me from doing so.  And I had to book dinner for Sat and a massage for Sunday afternoon in prep for the run.  eh hem.  :P

Today, I am armed with bagels from Brick Lane to carry me until Sunday  morning.  My legs will love me on Sunday.

Thank you all for your generous donation and kind msgs so far.   I've had various notes of encouragement from those I met the past 10 days ranging from 'Do you know how long a half marathon is..?'  (with a look that I must not know this) to 'You will injure your knees.  Do you have your medical insurance sorted?'  to 'Just tag on to the race cars' to 'Wear costumes as an excuse for your running' to 'Are you  nervous?' to my favourite to date - 'I am fully expecting sub-2 hour finish!'.  Uh... 

I have to say, I didn't get the 'Are you nervous' one.  I still don't get it.  So hmm... is that bad..?  My thought is - it's only a run.  Just in case I didn't make it clear - I have absolutely no intentions of racing.  My aim is to not finish very last.  :P  

And a very special thank you to those who pledged for their donation to be made after I have actually crossed the finish line.  Who could have asked for more supportive friends, I hear.

Anyhow, needless to say, it's been an inspiring 1.5 weeks since I made my run officially known.   Knowing me, I hope you find some inspiration in what I am about to attempt to achieve...

Will update you the day after the race (I am not taking my laptop with me).

*BIG FAT GROUP HUG*

 

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You thought I was kidding when I said I was going to run a half marathon...   SURPRISE!

This will be my first and possbily the last half marathon (you can ask me the day after the race).  ANd no, there won't be any attempt for a full marathon, like ever - I am not that ambitious and I am only doing this because it's for a good cause...and I think I can do it.  Yup.  You know what I am like with charities...

According to last year's results, I should be able to finish my race in top 0.1%... from the other end.   So...I can do with all your encouragement just to finish the race.   Seeing even a very small amount of £££s on my page will definitely be a mega moral boost, whether it is to bet for or against the odds that I finish.  It will be much appreciated nevertheless. 

As for my preparation so far, it has been very tough.  I have been training quite hard, eating and drinking a lot to bulk up the fatty bits to get me through a possible hyperthermia, should I get lost during my very looooong walk in a very very big park...

I'll keep this page updated with my latest training progress for your inspiration now that I only have like 2 weeks to go...  Crikey.

Lots of love,

Jamie