Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.  Please give generously!!

I have decided to run in the memory of Pete Reynolds who died suddenly, at the young age of 27, to the shock of everyone who knew and cared about him.  Pete was amazingly fit and ran the Stroud half marathon in 2003.  Although I didn't know Pete well, I can still take comfort in the knowledge that the money you donate will help promote this silent killer and hopefully prevent families going through the heart ache of losing a loved one.  To read Pete's full story and to access information on the work CRY do, please visit http://www.c-r-y.org.uk/reynolds_my_story.htm

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cardiac Risk in the Young 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!  Donations are to go to the Pete Reynolds memorial fund.  For more information on Sudden Death Syndrome, please visit www.c-r-y.org.uk

--------------------- 16.05.08 Training Update!! --------------------  Well, the planning stages of my training has!!  The lovely BUPA website contains training schedules to get you into tip top shape for marathons which are really useful because I didn't know where to start!  I've chosen the beginner's 12 week programme which is designed for people who can already run 3 miles in about 30mins which i already do 4-5 times a week.  As the marathon isn't for 17 weeks I'm going to complete the last 5 weeks of the intermediates programme after my beginners programme.  Hopefully this will help me to get uber fit and get a really good time to make you all proud.  Training starts Monday, here goes!! xxx

--------------------- 23.05.08 Training Update!! --------------------  3 runs down 1 to go for this week!!  Starting nice and gently, no complaints from me.  Have run 3 30 minute runs which were fine, except wednesday's run where my legs felt like lead from doing weights the night before.  So far I have been whistled at by workmen building a new footpath, been chased by a dog and nearly been hit by flying golf balls.  Such a hazardous past time is running!!  The heavens decided to open for my run today, I couldn't have been any more soaked if I jumped into a swimming pool fully clothed!  It's not a good look when I run at the best of times, let alone running in a soaking wet white vest!  Luckily no workmen present on my run today!  Last run of the week planned for sunday, only a gentle 3 miles which is all fair and well in normal circumstances, no so much so with a night on the razzle with the girls the night before.  This 3 miles may be the longest and evil 3 mile ever!!  I could tuck myself in bed nice and early but where's the fun in that! xxxx

--------------------- 29.05.08 Training Update!! --------------------  Oh dear, the Sunday run didn't happen.  Yes i was feeling a little worse for wear but the proper reason is that I simply didn't have time.  Honest!!  Even worse I didn't do my run on Tuesday either, but I was legitimately not feeling well and didn't think it wise to run when feeling dizzy.  Even though I still wasn't feeling great Wednesday I made myself go for a 3 mile run and I'm going to do another today to make up for Tuesday.  So only one run down which isn't so bad.  I've a scheduled 30 minute run tomorrow and a 40 minute run on Sunday which I will definitely do!! Promise! xxxx --------> 30.05.08 Made an unforgetable bad choice in running kit today, bad shorts = serious chafing!!!!  xxx

WOW!! 3 donations in the space of about 3 minutes!!  Thank you all, and a massive thank you to dad for spreading the word for me! xxx

--------------------- 03.06.08 Training Update!! --------------------  Had a bit of Nat-esque strop yesterday!!  Was doing my 40 minute run that was planned for Sunday (had to do it Monday because we were away up North for the weekend) and had a bit of a hissy fit when my legs felt like lead about half way  round.  I thought if I can't run a poxy 4 miles how on earth am I going to run 13!!!  What have I let myself in for?  I seriously had my doubts whether my body is even made for running.  Don't worry though, I had a word with myself and told myself not to be so stupid, the reason i was feeling tired was lack of sleep from the weekend and the fact i was faced with a monsterous hill on a windy day.  I'm sure this isn't the the last time I'll have a teeney little strop.  Thankfully my run today was fine apart from the drowned rat look because of the pouring rain.  Pray for sunshine please!!! xxx

--------------------- 09.06.08 Training Update!! --------------------  Another week of training successfully completed!!  Well apart from my tantrum on Monday.  Did 2 30 minute runs which are a doddle now and a 40 minute tempo run which went better than expected.  Tempo running consists of running for 5 minutes at your normal pace then upping your pace for 5 mintes and so on.  Your meant to increase the time of running at a quicker pace until that pace comes more natural than you original slower pace.  Well, thats the idea anyway.  Hopefully it'll work because I'm not a very fast runner.  Went to my Aunts wedding on Saturday, had a few glasses of wine too many to say the least!! We didnt go to bed until about 1.30/2am, then had to be up at 7 to drive home because Andy had to work.  So running 5 miles was the last thing on my mind!  Convinced Steve it'd be a good idea for him to come too, not so sure he'll come running again.  According to my heart rate monitor I burnt 1134 calories!!  I don't think we faired too badly until I got home and flaked out until about 4 in the evening!!  Running with a hang over is not a good idea, lesson learnt!! xxx

--------------------- 16.06.08 Training Update!! --------------------  Week 4 successfully completed!!  Did all my runs I was meant to do when I was meant to and now running at a faster pace which is great.  Have done 4 3 mile runs throughout the week, with a bit of tempo running thrown in, and 5 miles on Sunday.  Speant the weekend at my mums and managed to fit my runs around shopping and baking green muffins (The greeness wasn't intentional).  My 3 mile run on Saturday was full of some of the biggest hills I think I have ever seen!!  My calves were seriously burning and up one of the steep hills my run was probably more like a waddle!!  Thank goodness I was in the country and there wasn't anyone aroung to laugh at me.  On Sunday my mum came on her bike with me as I didn't really know where I was going and I didn't want to face the hills I did the day before.  Despite the fact I was still faced with a monstrousity of a hill I still managed to knock about 5 minutes off my 5 mile time last week!!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!  Instead of about 10 minute miles I'm running just over 9 and thats with running up hills so on the flat I reckon I can do 9 minute miles.  My mum also reckons I'm a bit asthmatic because I sound like I cant breathe when I'm running.  She's given me her inhaler to try nest time I go running to see if that helps.  Hopefully it will and I can up my pace a bit more.  Fingers crossed! xxx

--------------------- 23.06.08 Training Update!! --------------------  Week 5 over!!  Another few 3 mile runs this week and my first encounter with speed running.  Don't think my legs moved that quick!!  I had to do 400m running fast, but not sprinting, then 400m walking.  Thought the walking was too easy so i opted for jogging pace.  Had to do 5 sets but then I lost count!!  Did it in the gym on the treadmill because I don't have access to a track and there's a magic button that changes the speed from fast to slow so I had no choice but the keep my quick pace up.  Was meant to do a 5K fun run on Saturday but was far to sleepy to get up that early to compete so I did a 5K on my tod later in the day.  Built up my long run to about 6 1/2 miles on Sunday, was quite proud of myself seeing the wind was hurrendous!!  Even though I still dont find running that easy I am finding it easier and starting to run a bit quicker.  Starting to get a bit confident now!!! xxxx

--------------------- 30.06.08 Training Update!! --------------------  Oh dear, what an awful week this has been!!  Ran 3 miles on Tues and Thurs as planned.  Wednesday didn't quite happen as I went to see Bon Jovi (who i must add was amazing!!)  and left work early to make sure I got to as near the front as possible.  Saturday also didn't go to plan as I has a monstrous lie in and met the boys for lunch.  Then had to get ready for an evening out!!  To make matters even worse I was so unbelievably hungover on Sunday I couldn't even sit up in bed.  And when I managed vertical I was sick.  So not a good week for training, will be so much better this week (in fairness I don't think I could get any worse).  xxx

--------------------- 09.07.08 Training Update!! --------------------   Well a much debatable better week I guess!  I went to Spain for a long weekend which was soooooooo nice!! Although I managed to fall asleep in the sun and burnt myself a teensy bit.   Did all my planned runs in the week before we left and planned to do my other runs for the weekend in the evenings there when it got a bit cooler.  Well, it didn't get a lot cooler and I decided to run anyway.  I did 3 miles around the first 9 holes of the golf course, I thought it was slowly turning into a prune with dehydration!! I definitely did not look hot in the good way!!  I had to do 7 miles on Sunday which I guess is what hell must feel like.  I went around buggy trail around the whole golf course.  I think it was more like 6 miles than 7 though, really could not have coped with another mile.  I started to cry on the 10th hole, I was only half way round and I felt exhausted, I as hot, sweating like a total pig and my clothes were rubbing on my burnt bits.  I felt so pathetic and useless.  But being half way round I had no choice but to run another 3 miles!  I think my body really started hating me when I got to the 17th hole as I somehow got a nosebleed!  I don't think I've had one of those since my brother smacked me in the face when we were kids (we fought a lot!).  I must have looked a right state when I got back to the apartment.  Andy just looked at me as if I was some sort of bog monster coming towards him!  So glad that was over.  It's now Wednesday and I didn't do my run yest as we had loads of things to do before we left Spain and I haven't run today yet cos I'm struggling just to keep my eyes open.  Will attempt to run after I finish work, failing that I'll make up for it on Friday when I'm meant to have a rest day.

I'd just like to thank everyone who has sponsored me, I'm well on my way to hitting my target and I couldn't do it with you all.  Just a few thanks to the people who have sponsored me on my forms rather than on this site.  So thanks to David from Gates Partnership in Barnstaple, my mum for getting me that sponsorship and for her own donation.  Thanks to Ricci and to my Dad who doesn't know I've put him down for 50 quid! xxx

--------------------- 21.07.08 Training Update!! --------------------   Oh my god!! What an awful couple of weeks training!!! We got back from Spain in the early hours of wed (9th) morning so I was really sleepy and couldn't face going for a run.  I did 3 miles instead of 5 on Thursday and 3 on Friday but failed to do my runs at the weekend because it was my friends birthday and spent all day Saturday drinking cider and feeling a tad worse for wear on Sunday.  But I did do 7 miles on Monday (14th) to make up for Sunday.  Had a job interview on Tuesday so didn't have time to run in the day and seeing I GOT THE JOB!!! (still quite excited about that!) Andy took me out for a meal that night so didn't run then.  However I did do 5 miles instead of 3 on Wednesday (16th) to try and make up some milage.  Did 4 miles on Thurs and yet again was a big fat let down on the weekend because on Saturday I travelled up to London for my Gran's 80th, forgot to pack my kit, and was travelling back on the Sunday.  I tried making up for my lack of long run on today like I did last week but my left knee was hurting and I was bursting for a wee, so I took a shortcut back home instead of doing a full 7 miles i only did 2.5.  I feel like such a let down and my training the last couple of weeks have been an absolute joke I know.  My wagon falling is over though I assure you, from now on I'm sticking to my training schedule by the letter.  Even if i do feel like I've contracted the plague!!!!!  In desperation to reduce my lethargy I've decided to change my diet and try to stop eating all the rubbish I am at the moment (also fell off my healthy eating wagon a couple of weeks ago too).  So junk has been cut out since yest!  To be honest I've only cut the sweet things out for the mo, don't think i'd last if I cut out crisps too!!  Dirty food out, clean food in!! xxxx

--------------------- 09.08.08 Training Update!! --------------------   How unbelievably rubbish have I been at updating this?!  Im my defence I do usually update this at work when I'm meant to be doing "very important" things.  And as it happens I've been sooooooo busy I haven't had time and I couldn't do it at home because I've forgotten the password for the computer like a total doughnut.

Well the half marathon is in just 5 weeks!!! I can't believe how quick it has come and how little prepared I now am.  I am trying to get back into things but it's just not going right (yes having another little moan).  I have been sticking to my training program a lot better, just missed a couple 3 mile mid week runs but I don't seem to be getting any better! 

Let me start with week beginning 21.07.08.  Did a couple 3-4 mile runs in the week, missed the run on Wed as we were going to Andy's parents for dinner and I was meeting up with a friend to discuss the website he's building us after work so didn't have time.  I swapped my weekend training around as I was going out on the lash with the girls I Iived with at uni so I knew I'd be in no fit state to stand vertically in the morning, let alone try to tie my own shoe laces!! So ran 8 miles on Saturday and rewarded myself with a bowl of mint choc chip ice cream while reading a book in the garden (as for once it was a really nice sunny day).  I can't actually remember now if I braved running on Sunday, but I do remember Andy coming home and walking into the bedroom and laughing at me.  But I was ok, delicate yes, but swamp donkey from hell no.

The week after, 28.07.08, was better.  A couple of 4 milers in the week and some interval training at the gym.  I'm really quite proud of how my interval training went though.  Even if I was one rather sweaty mess, with sweat dripping of my elbows and a two tone vest.  But isn't that the whole point of going to a gym?  I can't stand this skinny, "pretty" girls, (I use the term "pretty" loosely as half of them would probably look like complete mingers without their orange makeup smeared an inch thick with a trowl) who dress in their little shorts and tiny tops use the cross trainer in slow motion as if they think they're being filmed for the opening scene in Bay Watch.  Was out on Friday night in my local were I haven't been for an absolute age!!  Quite randomly I was talking to some Irish guys on a Stag Do.  Why on earth they chose Chipping Sodbury of all places I really dont know!!  Anyway, ended up chatting about my half marathon and CRY, and one of the guys emptied his pocket and gave me a fiver sponsorship!  I gave him this web address so if he ends up reading this, thank you!!!  Crashed at a friends house and got home about 10 the following morning.  Ended up feeling sorry for myself and watching Sliding Doores and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  After the 4th song or something I had a word with myself and got my arse in gear! But by then it was about 5pm!!!  Steve was bored on Sunday so I asked him if he wanted to come for a run, then he reminded me of the last time he came and how it took all day to recover.  I even suggested he join me on his bike, to which the answer was no.  I don't think I'd have a very good career in sales, I couldn't have convinced even him if I paid him!! So off I went, debating how far I was actually going to run.  Maybe just 4 or 5 mile?  I didn't feel up to the full 9 I was supposed to be doing.  I decided on 5, 4 sounded a bit to pityful.  The first 3 miles was fine, but then it started to rain.  Now I didn't mind too much because I'd much rather run in drizzle than in sunshine.  But, another couple of miles later the heavens opened and it was like a hurricane!!  My trainers were squelchy, my t-shirt was stuck to my skin (another pale tshirt error), the rain got so heavy it was in my eyes and I could barely see.  Still, I really enjoyed it and ended up running 7 miles instead!!

Lastly I come to this week beginning 04.08.08.  Another 2 mid week runs, one 4 miles one 3.  Haven't been sleeping very well this week so was so tired on Thursday, 3 miles was all I could manage.  Missed Weds training but it was for a very good reason..........I BOUGHT A NEW CAR!!!!!  Its a new Mini Cooper S, CONVERTIBLE!!!! Yes, I am rather excited about it.  I've never had a nice car before.  I do love Freddie (my old car), but he was a clapped out E reg Fiesta who's engine still ran after you'd taken the key out of the ignition.  He only had one radio station of MW and the drivers speaker didn't work.  He broke down a couple of times and I was constantly locking my keys in the car.  But I'm really going to miss him.  It is now Saturday as I'm writing this and about to don my trainers and go for a 4 mile run.  Tomorrow I'm all set for 9 miles.  I really hope I don't need a wee half way round like last time, I'm not up for doing a Paula!!! xxxx

--------------------- 02.09.08 Training Update!! --------------------   Uh oh!! I've done it again!!  I've made all these promises to you all and I don't think I've kept a single one, for which I'm so sorry and feeling quite guilty to say the least.  I've just read through my last entry, how much of a b*tch did I sound??  Apologies to all orange, skinny girls I may have offended.  Right, back to my training, or lack of training as it should be more aptly named.  One of my last notes was that I was going for a 9 mile run, which I did do but struggled a lot.  The route I planned out on the map looked fine and from my memory thought it was quite flat.  Errrr, think again!!  I stood at the foot of quite a sizable hill and thought to myself "what the hell is that doing there?!"  By the time I got to the top I thought I wouldn't be able to take another step, not good when you're about 4 or 5 miles from home.  My legs were so tired and cramping for the last mile or two.  I had only what could be described as a bit of an asthma attack, but I don't have asthma.  I'd just jogged slowly up another hill, once at the top I tried to speed up my pace.  Then all of a sudden my chest felt like it was tightening and my wind pipe was the size of a pin.  I know no one likes not being able to breathe properly but it really freaks me out so I started to panic which didn't help my breathing to say the least.  I stopped and manage to control my breathing again, walked a few yards and started to jog slowly but before long I felt my chest tightening again.  I gave up and had to walk about the last mile.  I was so very very disappointed with myself.  In fact words cannot describe how disheartened I felt.  I had tried my best and it wasn't good enough. 

The following weeks are something yet to be desired.  Week beginning 11.08.09 consisted of a few 3-4 mile runs in the week which went fine bar my run on Thurs.  I've been having problems with my left knee.  I had a knee injury a year or so ago for which I had physio but I'm getting twinges in what feel like underneath my knee cap.  I've had them a few times, usually after 25 mins of running but they go again after 5 mins or so.  But now they're troubling me more.  For the last half a mile my knee had been hurting but not so much I had to stop, I just took my pace down and hobbled home.  I had my leaving do from work on Friday night, and I'm not quite sure how I managed not coming home until 3 in the morning but that's exactly what happened!!  So my run on Saturday didn't happen as I don't think I saw daylight until about midday and I certainly didn't manage functioning properly until about 2pm!  Unfortunately I didn't complete Sundays long run as I wasn't felling very well, and no it wasn't self induced!!  So another note of " didn't do" on my training plan and a sad face.  I'm getting quite fed up of getting my training back on plan then something else going wrong.  Whether it is my knee, colds or other random illnesses.  Fair enough a few times it has been my own fault for going out on the razz the night before, but the times I've not feeling well far outways the times I've been hungover. 

Week beginning 18.08.09, on Tuesday I made up the long run from the following week.  Did 9 miles, which went fantastic!! None of the breathing problems like I had before.  A few knee twinges but nothing too severe.  I think the key was not wearing my watch.  I usually wear a heart rate monitor to monitor how hard I'm working, keep a record of my times and more importantly how many calories I've burnt to see how much how much dirty food I can eat!  Needless to day my legs were quite tired the following day so 4 miles was out the window.  Thursday was spent packing for Spain (yes we went off to Spain again on Friday, thought it'd be a nice break before I start my new job).  Friday was my last day at work and then we flew straight to Spain.  I didn't take my running kit with me this time, as I knew it would be hotter that last time I attempted running and it was hard enough last time. 

Week beginning 25.08.09, was a complete and utter disgrace!  We came back from Spain in the early hours of Wed morning and didn't run as I was really tired.  Thursday was a really hectic day, I got up about 7 (which is a couple of hours earlier than I'm now used to, the wonderfulness of having a week off work) and attempted to get my parents birthday presents and drive to London.  I had planned to go for a 4 mile run and had all intentions of going until I realized once I got to my dads place about midday I had a list of errands to run before I could even sit down.  Friday I went for a run! YAY!!  Planned to go for a 3 or 4 mile run, I really wanted to go for a 9 or 10 mile run but I knew a week without training I wouldn't be able to.  I don't know any running routes by my dads, I had an idea of one route I used to do but it's only about 2.5 miles, so I decided to wing it.  I thought I had a fairly good idea about my bearings which I found out was only half true.  I got lost after about 3 miles and only having a rough idea where you are is not good.  Some 2 miles later I finally returned!!  I wish I could describe the look on people's faces as I ran past them.  They were an absolute picture.  It was as if they had never seen anyone use trainers for the use they were intended..........to exercise!  I had a group of kids stopped in the middle of the road to watch me run past.  A woman shook another woman's arm and pointed at me!!  Surely I was not such a freak occurence??  Went camping for the weekend which was really god fun, however no running was done.  Two pitiful runs in two weeks.  The half marathon is less than 2 weeks away!!!  I couldn't have let my training slip at a worse time! 

Week beginning 01.09.08, Even worse than my disgraceful training the last couple of weeks, I really hurt my "good" knee at Tae Kwon Do Monday night.  So both are aching today.  I wanted to go for a 9 mile run today but I think that may not be a good idea.  So this is my plan; Today (Tues) 5 or 6 miles, Wed 3 miles, Thurs 9 miles, Fri rest, Sat 4 miles, Sunday 10 miles.  I have decided no late nights or drinking these next 2 weeks under any circumstances.  As I'm really going to have to dedicate myself to do this.  I don't care about a time anymore, all I want to do is finish it, even if I have to crawl on my hands and knees.  I said I was going to do the Bristol Half Marathon, and I'm not going to break my promise.

Thank you everyone so much for sponsoring me.  At work I raised a further £100 through individuals support.  xxxx

--------------------- 04.09.08 Training Update!! --------------------   Bad news :( My knee is causing me a lot of hassle.  I tried running 5 miles Tues on the treadmill to reduce impact and had to stop after 30mins or so.  My knee was still quite sore on Weds so thought it would be best to rest it.  But it's still aching now and I know I need to train otherwise the half marathon will be impossible!!  I'm in two minds of what I should do.  If it were someone else I'd tell them to rest as they'll only make it worse, but I don't have time to rest.  I actually now hate running.  It used to give me a buzz and make me feel good.  All it does now is stress me out beyond belief!!  I need a miracle!! x

---------------- Training Update!! (Later that day....) --------------   Miracles do happen!!! I think it might be called rain....and not being able to find my watch.  After I stressed myself out earlier, just at the prospect of going for a run, I donned my running kit and faced the extremities.  I successfully ran 7 miles and it was a breeze!  I think I was really bored on the treadmill the other day so all I could think about was my knee.  But today I actually had the outdoor world to look at like trees and people and stuff.  I even played a game of counting how many people try to look at my bum, although admittedly it is the older generation of man sat in a van, not some gorgeous creature who's going to sweep me off my feet, buy me diamonds and fly me by private jet to the Caribbean.  My knee did twinge a bit but so much better that I thought it would be.  YAY!! xxx

******THE HALF MARATHON HAS BEEN COMPLETED!!!!*******

All done! Thank goodness!! I must admit it was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I've done a lot of rowing before but the pain is usually over within 10-20 minutes, not hours!!  First things first, my pre-run preparation wasn't the best the night before.  No I didn't go to the boozer or anything, just didn't relax or rest up.  I finally managed to get some sleep but it didn't feel like enough.  Before the race I poured an energy drink down my neck hoping it would give me some sort of energy as I hadn't really eaten breakfast that morning.  I was surrounded by people who looked like proper athletes, jogging, stretching and eating odd energy giving concoctions.  The smell of deep heat was lingering in the air.  Nerves started kicking in at this point.  Had I done enough training?  No.  Had I prepared myself well for today? No.  Was I going to even finish it? I had no idea.  Armed with just myself I made my way to the lining up pen.  I could feel my heart start to beat faster with adrenaline, I was actually excited about starting!!  Somehow I had a new found confidence as I started weaving in and out of people, overtaking those in front.  It gave me such a buzz.  Soon I found myself on the long boring straight of the Bristol Portway.  But it was ok, I was still overtaking people and only a few past me.  I had my MP3 player full of fast dance tunes to keep me going.  But then I felt the need for the toilet (maybe the Lucazade wasn't such a good idea).  I carried on running for a while, looking at potential "natural toilets" aka a bush/tree.  I came across a portaloo and joined the cue watching all those I'd past earlier pass me.  I must mention that there was only two people in the cue in front of me, but they took absolutely forever!! What do people do in there?!?!?!  I quite possibly don't want to know the answer. 

Things took a turn for the worst after the 4 mile point.  My trainers had been rubbing for a couple of miles and were starting to get really uncomfortable.  I moved to the side of the road and tried readjusting, but nothing would work.  I'd just have to put up with it.  To make matters worse the battery in my MP3 player died after 7 miles.  That was the only thing keeping me going.  Everything I was afraid would go wrong has.  At least my knee was still going strong, reducing my training and resting obviously was a good idea after all.  Even if I did have to forfeit getting a good time.  The rest of the race was a bit of a blur.  My pace went severely downhill, getting slower mile by mile.  I can't describe how much my feet hurt.  Every step I took pain spread through the arch of my foot.  At about the what I know now to be the 10.5 mile point marshals were cheering and shouting "only 2 miles left to go!"  I was so glad that it was nearly over.  I had worked out in my head that in about 20 mins I would be crossing the finish line.  I tried to pick up the pace but my feet wouldn't let me.  People I'd passed earlier that day were running past me.  It was so embarassing, I really hoped that no one could see me and how slow I was running.  About half a mile later, another marshal shouts "only 2 miles left to go!".  This continued for what felt like forever and time seemed to be in slow motion!  The same thing happened with the one mile and half mile points.  Each time I heard "X miles left" I got really excited, then I was crushed to know it was actually more than that. 

Crossing the line was definately the best & the worst part.  It was so good to know I'd done it, especially when I thought I may have to walk it, or even not finish.  But I ran the whole way, admittedly rather slowly, but I'd done it!  It was quite hard walking, my legs felt like total strangers.  It was such a strage feeling.  I wondered around the corner from the finsih line and collected my medal and tin foil sheet.  Amazing how warm thety actually keep you.  I was soon surrounded by people I knew congratulating me and I realised all the hard work, pain and energy was worth it.  I just hope I made you all proud!!

Unsurprisingly I haven't run for about a week.  This is all change as training starts again as I've entered the Sodbury Slog!!  Forget roads!! The Sodbury Slog is a trainer-ruining, hill-climbing, multi-terrain event hald over some of Gloucestershire's most stunning countryside.  There are several watery excursions and the finish comprises of wading through the River Frome!  Training updates will be logged on this site.  Why oh why do I do this?!