Torture time again

Today was my second appointment with the sports physio, and I was put through my paces again. Lots of stretching exercises, and...drum roll...some jogging on the mini trampoline.
The session ended with some more ultrasound treatment and massage along the tibial tendon. Sadly the massage has made it sore again, but I'm assured that it's all part of the healing process. At least I've not been wrapped in plasters this week.
Unfortunately, the orthotics I'd ordered are out of stock until December, so I've placed a new order with a different company. They should arrive in the next few days, and the physio will adapt them for me.
If all goes well, I'll be able to try running on the treadmill next week. Until then, I'm allowed to put walks back into my routine. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, I went for a two mile walk in the sunshine this afternoon. Mmmm! Lovely!
I've asked around to see if any friends have a mini trampoline that I can borrow for a while. If not, I'm thinking of investing in one. They're a great way of jogging without the high impact, and all-round good fun.

The mysterious world of the swimming pool

Despite my best intentions, I didn't manage to get to the gym at lunch time yesterday (my morning meeting was a little longer than expected), so I spent 40 minutes on the exercise bike at home instead. My fitness levels must be improving because I'm able to work at a higher intensity for longer, but it's still not as much fun as running.
I did manage a little run yesterday - I ran upstairs to answer the phone! - and was encouraged by the fact that my ankle didn't hurt. Surely I must be able to get back to proper training soon?
We went for a family swim this evening, and I clocked up 44 lengths. I could have happily kept going, but the parking ticket was in danger of running out. I'm not a fast swimmer so never feel qualified enough to venture into the lanes, but I'm sure I must have swum the equivalent of an extra five lengths playing 'dodge the human obstacles'. Why do older ladies feel the need to pay to swim, and then stand in the middle of the pool chatting? And how do they manage to swim without getting their hair wet? Answers on a postcard...

Stretched to the limit

I have finally removed all traces of the supportive strapping on my leg, and am pleased with how much better my ankle is feeling. I've been a good girl, and have been keeping up with my stretching exercises, as well as doing plenty of cycling. Even so, I can't help but feel that I've lost a lot of fitness over the last two weeks (is it only two weeks?), and if I make it to the start line of the half marathon I'll be happy to alternate between walking and running.
I've not done any 'proper' exercise today; I'd hoped to go to the gym at lunch time, but was just too busy, and there was only time for a quick stop at home before heading back out to my writing group this evening. I promise to make time tomorrow to go to the gym.
I have been dreaming up some more fundraising ideas, and plan to chat to a couple of local restaurants in the hope of enlisting their help. It's all top secret at the moment, but you'll be the first to know if this plan comes together.

Car booting

The 5am alarm call signalled the start of 'Operation Car Boot', and youngest child and I crept out of the house and made it to Worcester for 6am...to find that nearly everyone else had already arrived and set up. People must camp overnight to get the 'best' pitches.
Arranging everything into boxes at home paid dividends as unpacking was done by moonlight, and within a couple of minutes we made our first sale.
The sunrise brought some very welcome warmth, and more customers, and by 9am the field was buzzing with activity.
I'd created posters to explain about my fundraising, and they definitely helped to draw attention to my table. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to people, and the fundraising and marathon training proved to be an excellent talking point. On more than one occasion I was told to 'keep the change' for the charity, and three lovely people simply made donations.
The two ladies at the table 'next door' offered to pass on my details to a friend who runs Karaoke evenings, and they think he'll offer a good discount for a fundraising event. It would certainly be fun, so I'll let you know if I organise anything.
All too soon it was midday, and time to pack up. I'd been given so many fantastic donations, and most of them had sold...but how much had I raised?
On the way home I tried to guess an amount. £50? Maybe £75?
I was amazed and delighted to count up the total...£180! That gets my fundraising off to a flying start, and I'll certainly plan another car boot sale - possibly at the start of December.
But for now...I'm off to have a little snooze!!

Packed and ready to go

This morning was the first time to be glad that I'm banned from running at the moment...it was pouring with rain and freezing cold! I have, however, been working hard on the exercise bike and doing my ankle-strengthening exercises.
My ankle is starting to feel stronger, although the tendon is still sore.
In the last two days I've been doing the rounds collecting goodies for my car boot sale. Friends and family have been very generous, and I have some fantastic items to sell.
Fitting it all in the car was reminiscent of packing to go on holiday...you know you have to fit it all in there somehow, but there was a lot of arranging, re-arranging, shifting and twisting before the boot of the car would close.
The car boot sale tomorrow is my first big fundraising attempt, and we need to be in Worcester for 6am (gulp!) I've not done a car boot before, so I'm quite nervous, and I hope it doesn't rain.
My youngest daughter has kindly volunteered to help out, and I have left a small-child-sized space in a corner of the car for her. I have appointed her as chief organiser, and it's her job to keep the table looking its best through the morning. I'm hoping by the time she gets home she'll have honed her skills enough to tidy her room.
So...if you're near Blackpole, Worcester in the morning, come and say hello (and bring your pennies and buy something). If not, I'll let you all know how I get on tomorrow.

No pain, no gain

Armed with the knowledge that there is no fracture to my ankle, I made an appointment with a recommended sports physio, and went to see him this morning.
He was so positive I could have hugged him, but I'm sure he was very glad that I didn't!

He went through the background of my injury, and instantly identified the source of the problem - too much pressure going through my posterior tibialis tendon.

'Does it hurt if I press on the tendon here?' he asked, digging a finger somewhere mid-calf, then scraped me off the ceiling so that I could nod my head as tears streamed down my face.

I already know that I overpronate when I run, but the physio tells me this is exacerbated when I get tired, and has resulted in too much strain on the poor tendon that runs from the bottom of my foot, past my ankle, and up to my knee.

But...it is possible to get it sorted :o)
Half an hour of exercises followed, and then I got the chance to get my breath back while he carried out some ultrasound treatment.

I explained that my main goal is the London Marathon in April, but that I have been training for the last few months towards the Birmingham half marathon.

'Oh that's still five weeks away...you might still be fine for that,' he said. Hoorah! It'll be two weeks before he can tell me for sure, but it sounds more hopeful than I had imagined.

I'll be getting an orthotic next week - a support to go inside my shoe to help support under my foot - and I've got a list of daily exercises to build up the muscles around my ankle.

Until then, I'm trussed up like a turkey with plasters all around my foot and leg, and I'm not allowed to take them off until Sunday. Interesting.

Does my ankle hurt? Oh yes! But I know I'm getting excellent care and advice, and I'm finally hopeful that it'll all be ok in the end!

The good news...and the bad news

I went to Selly Oak outpatients today for my Xray, and was very impressed by how quickly I was seen. I went prepared with a chunky novel and a large supply of chocolate, half expecting to have finished both by the time I was seen, but was called through within minutes.
The radiographer took a couple of Xrays, disappeared for a few minutes, then returned to deliver the results.
The good news is there is no evidence of a fracture, but the bad news is clear signs of ligament damage.
I think I have to accept that the Birmingham half marathon is now out of the question, and I'll have to reassess my training. I'm hoping the GP will refer me for physio, but it might take some weeks to get an appointment. I'm determined not to lose fitness while my ankle heals - I want to 'hit the ground running' as soon as possible - so if anyone has any good advice, let me know!

Ankle update

The plot thickens. It appears that rest, ice, ibuprofen and Battenburg are not enough, and my ankle is now swelling up at an alarming rate.
A quick trip to the doctors this afternoon has resulted in an appointment for an Xray on Wednesday. The doctor was fairly happy that there can't be any breaks, but better safe than sorry.
Hmm...this definitely wasn't part of the training plan.
There's not much else to report, so I'll let you know how Wednesday goes (although the results probably won't be back with the doctor until Friday).
At least I have a good excuse to be waited on!

Mrs Unmotivated

This morning was a perfect day for a run. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and it was a crisp 8 degrees. Such a shame that a) I still can't run, and b) I was on my way to work.
By the time I got home, all motivation had left me, and a lot of procrastination followed before any exercise was achieved.
I settled on half an hour on the exercise bike at a fairly steady pace, and cycled 12km. I always feel better for doing something, and even though it wasn't as much fun as a run in the fresh air it did clear my head a bit.
I've started to pay some serious attention to stretching out my ankles and calves, and followed it all with plenty of ice and elevation. (The Battenburg has all gone, so I ate jelly buttons instead. I hope they're a suitable alternative.)
I'm quite sad that I can't go out for my long run in the morning. Having said that, my usual route would have been out of bounds anyway...all because some old chap from the Vatican is coming to the local park.

Improving slowly

It seems that rest, ice, ibuprofen and Battenburg cake are doing their work, and I'm back to walking comfortably. I'm still a bit reticent to put too much pressure through my ankle - and I'll be sticking to low impact exercises for a few days longer - but there are definite improvements.
I've only missed out on two runs, but it seems like for ever since I've been out and I miss my routine.

To feel that I'd done something, I did an hour of yoga today. It was very relaxing, but highlighted how tight that right leg is from ankle to calf. I've also been reading up on exercises to strengthen my ankles in the hope that I'll be able to avoid this kind of injury in the future. Apparently tracing the alphabet in the air with your toes is a good exercise, although they don't specify upper or lower case. Maybe I'll alternate to cover all bases.

I've been trying to use my enforced rest time productively by sorting out some more fundraising ideas. I find it awkward asking people to sponsor me as I know how tight cash is for everyone, but I thought I could ask people to save their small change for me over the next few months, then donate the total to my fundraising.

I've collected tins (opened by my Pampered Chef tin opener so there are no sharp edges!) and designed a label to go on them. So - look out, friends and family - I'll soon be asking you to collect pennies in my limited edition tins :o)

New shoes...again

I went back to the running shop this morning and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. They ran the gait analysis again to confirm that I'd got the right type of shoe, then let me exchange the ones I got last week for a different pair.
The new, new shoes are the same make as my trusty old ones (new balance), and I've already begun to wear them round the house to break them in gently.
I'm assured that the lack of swelling in my ankle is a positive sign, and I've been advised to rest it completely for a couple of days while applying cold compresses to help it heal. I'm not sure he specifically mentioned eating Battenburg cake, too, but I'm giving it a go. Better safe than sorry.
While I was in the shop, a fellow runner came over for a chat, gave me a copy of his running club's newsletter, and told me about a runner who posts helpful training info (including ankle strengthening exercises) on youtube. I'll have a look at that later, and will pass on the details if it looks good.
So...total rest tomorrow. Any volunteers to peel grapes for me?

One of those days :o(

If I tell you that I was at work from 8.30 this morning, and the first thing that went right was at quarter to three this afternoon, it's fair to say that it hasn't been the best of days.
My calf muscle is still a bit sore and knotty, but is much better, but my ankle isn't great. Having put my running shoes on for the first time today since my long run, I wonder if I've found the cause...the tongue on my new shoes sits just under my ankle, but as I walk it nudges against my ankle. It's only slight, but multiply lots of nudges over lots of miles, and it could just be the trigger.
I think a return trip to the running shop tomorrow for some advice is on the cards.
I went swimming this evening, and within the first two lengths I was getting bad cramp in my toes. I persisted to 26 lengths, but it just wouldn't go away. The water was colder than usual, and I decided enough was enough.
The good news today is that I ordered an Asthma UK t-shirt and collecting tin ready for my car boot sale, and they arrived in the post today. I'm really impressed by the help I've already had from Asthma UK, and am looking forward to my marathon journey with them.

Taking it easy

Did I mention a bit of an achy ankle after Sunday's run? It got worse. It didn't help that I had a painful knot in my calf, either, and spent most of the day in high heels while out (but they are lovely purple shoes...I'm sure the girlies will understand!)
By yesterday morning I was feeling very sorry for myself, and was very grateful for a regular dose of ibuprofen.
In my usual keep-everything-in-proportion style, I had decided by lunch time that my running career was doomed. Fortunately, my best friend arrived in the evening armed with an infrared massager, which provided great relief to my knotty calf muscle. Resting my ankle all evening under a hot water bottle proved helpful, too, and although it was still a bit uncomfortable this morning, the improvement is clear.
I've decided that I'll stick to low impact exercising for the next couple of days. I did a very gentle 2.5km on the exercise bike early this morning, left it a while, then did a further 7.5km. My ankle feels easier for keeping it flexible, but I'm still very aware of it being 'not quite right'.
I'm planning a swim tomorrow, and will see how it feels after another day of rest.
So, lessons learned:
1) Spend more time stretching after a run
2) Limit wearing high heels (maybe)
3) Always keep a supply of chocolate on hand (I really needed some to cheer me up yesterday, and hadn't got any)
In all seriousness, I must spend more time stretching. I'm very undisciplined, and I'm sure that made matters worse this week.

Just five more minutes...

I knew it would be difficult to get up early for a run today - I was thinking up 'reasons' not to go last night - and when I woke up at 6.15am, the temptation to roll over and go back to sleep was almost too much.
Somehow I made myself get up, and within 20 minutes of being out I was glad I had. Although there was a chill in the air, the early morning sun was already warm, and the view over Birmingham - with sunlight glinting off windows - was superb.
I ran almost the same route as last Sunday, but included an extra detour, taking the mileage up to 9.25miles. It took an hour and 52mins, and after a slow start the last 5 miles flew by.
My faster mid-week runs and hill work sessions are really starting to pay off, as the longer slow runs are starting to feel much easier. Today gives me hope that the half marathon in six weeks time will be achievable.
I've had a nagging ache in my ankle all day (although it was fine while I was running) and I hope resting it will sort it out. I think a well-deserved early night is on the cards.

New shoes!

My old running shoes have served me well - we've run a lot of miles together - but it's time for a new pair. These should last me 4-500 miles, so should get me through the winter, and I'll look at getting a new pair about 6 weeks before the marathon.
I overpronate when I run - my feet roll inwards too much - so I get running shoes that have good support under the arch of my foot, and this helps to prevent injuries.
I had intended to go for an early morning run, but it was raining, and I couldn't bear the thought of my new shoes getting wet (!) so I delayed until lunch time. In the end it was a good decision because I ran today's 3.2miles in the dry.
The postman had been when I got home, and my 'Welcome to the team' letter and fundraising pack were waiting for me. It'll be good to be part of a bigger team, and I hope there'll be someone else local so that we can run some of the training miles together.
(The letter begins: Welcome to Asthma UK's Marathon team, Congratulations on being accepted for one of our Gold Bond places. You are now part of our Asthma UK team for the London Marathon on 17th April 2011! This year we are hoping to field a team of 370 runners, which would be our biggest team yet.) Exciting, eh?

Today marks the end of this weeks training, and I get to put my feet up tomorrow - hoorah!
It's now only 6 weeks to the Birmingham Half Marathon so not much time for rest...I've got another long run planned for Sunday.

Fundraising cards

Look closely...these are my fundraising cards (in their own silver card holder!) They give my blog and 'Just Giving' web pages, and I think they'll be great for handing out and attaching to letters. I have 250 to give away, so hopefully by the time I've got through them I'll be well on my way to reaching my fundraising target.
I made a couple of phone calls this morning, and now have a table booked for my car boot sale on 25th September. I've never done a car boot sale before, but I'm assured that it's good fun.
I'm starting to get a nice collection together of items that I'll be selling. Thank you to friends who have already donated goodies, and thank you to those of you who are finding items for me.
Exercise today was swimming at lunch time. I'm not much of a swimmer - I can never coordinate the breathing and swallow copious amounts of water - but I managed 40 lengths (in a 25 metre pool). I'm hoping to build up to 64 lengths (1 mile) over the next few weeks. I very nearly skived today, but am glad I didn't. I felt more energised after swimming that I did before I went.

The dog says 'Please make a donation...I'll get an extra long walk for every £10 raised'

...go on...make a donation for Asthma UK...you know you want to :o)

The fundraising begins...

Today has been my day off, so first on my list of jobs was a haircut so that I can actually see where I'm running. Every little helps :o)
I set off mid-morning for today's run with the aim of covering about 5 miles. My plan was to do a couple of miles slowly (about 12 mins/mile), then alternate between a faster run (9.30 to 10mins/mile) for quarter of a mile, followed by a couple of minutes walking to get my pulse rate back down.

I run with my trusty Garmin Forerunner (other GPS watches are available!), and couldn't quite understand how I was easily running at a pace of 10.30min/mile. Had my session at the gym yesterday unleashed some hidden source of energy?

I ran on, and checked again. I was still running easily, and averaging 10.34min/mile. Maybe the clouds were interfering with the GPS signal.

It took me another couple of minutes to realise that I'd got the wrong display up, and I was actually looking at the time. D'oh!

The first two and a half miles seemed like really hard work today, but then I got into my stride and ran the 5 miles in just under an hour. I'm happy with that for a mid-week run.

And so to fundraising. The thought of raising large amounts of money is now keeping me awake at night (literally), so I decided that the best course of action is just to bite the bullet and start asking for help.

Plan #1: Letter writing to local companies/businesses. I've written my first serious letter asking for help with fundraising, and it will be handed in tomorrow. It's unbelievably difficult to know what to say, and how to ask. I feel terribly cheeky, but Asthma UK is a great charity, and I'm determined not to let them down. I'm hopeful that I'll receive a positive response, and I'll let you know if/when I hear anything.

Plan #2: Car boot sale. I've already asked friends and family to donate items to my car boot sale, and will be setting up a stall at the start of October. I'm now heading into the loft to see what I can find to add to my sale. I hope there are no spiders waiting for me up there.

Face your fears!

I can't believe how nervous I was by the time I got to work. I arrived early and went straight to the gym for my induction, lest I find a reason to back out.
Paperwork completed, I was 'let loose' on all the equipment with the reassurance that I could shout for help if I needed to.
In a room full of regular gym attendees, I decided that starting on familiar ground was the safest option and made a beeline for the treadmill. Within moments I was regretting my decision. When I run outside, I decide when to start, how fast to go, and when to slow down for a breather. The hamster inside the treadmill runs on regardless of how out of breath you are. I ran for 5 minutes, but was feeling increasingly seasick. Give me pavements any day.
My second choice was the stepper, but this turned out to be an instrument of torture. I only managed 3 minutes before collapsing into a heap at the side.
With only 5 minutes left, my third and final choice was the rowing machine - mainly because I got to sit down on it. What can I say...I was born to row! I now adore the rowing machine, and as it was recommended to me as 'a really good all-round-low-impact option' I think I'll be putting it at the top of my cross training list.
What had I been nervous about? I only wish I could have stayed longer.
Promising to return next week, I headed back to the office to start my day at work.

Pre-gym nerves

My calves are a bit tight after yesterdays long run, and being sat at my desk all day probably hasn't helped, but I'm pleased not to be feeling any adverse effects.
We'd planned to go swimming this evening, but mixed up the swimming pool opening times. This evening was set aside for over 40's, and then women only. I'm guessing hubby and I would have got away with joining the over 40's session, hubby would have struggled to get into the women only session (but I'm sure he'd have given it a good go), but the children would have had no chance with either. Swimming will have to wait for another day.
I was determined to do something this evening, so settled for a steady 5km on the exercise bike and some gentle stretching.
Tomorrow is filling me with dread, as I'm booked for an induction session at the work gym. I'm fortunate to have free use, but last week was the first time I'd ventured through the doors. The gym instructor was very welcoming, gave me a tour round...then booked my induction session. Gulp.
My only experience of a gym was last year on holiday, when I found myself on the stepper next to Ms Fit. Four minutes in, I was wheezing and a lighter shade of beetroot while she was the equivalent of half way up Snowdon. I quietly stepped down and returned to the pool side.
I need to do build cross training into my training schedule, but this takes me right out of my comfort zone.
Tune in tomorrow to see how I get on!

Early starts

Yesterday we were out all day at the Black Country Museum, so I had a 'rest day'. More than one person in our group questioned if a fish and chip supper, followed by lemon meringue pie and cream, was included in my runners diet plan, but I assured them that it was (and convinced myself when I got home that half a box of butter fudge was also good for training purposes).
I was awake bright and early this morning, and was out running by quarter to seven. It was a beautiful morning, and there's something about being up and about when everyone else is still in bed.
Fifteen minutes into the run my phone started to vibrate. My service provider always seems to time their reminders to me to top up/upgrade my phone/see their latest offer for when I'm out running, so I ignored it at first. The caller was persistent, so I stopped to answer it...maybe something was wrong at home. No. I'd set my alarm for 7am in case I didn't wake up, and had forgotten to turn it off. Grr.
That sorted, the rest of the run passed fairly uneventfully. (Just one wolf whistle today. What is the etiquette for joggers? Should I turn and say 'thank you' or jog on pretending not to hear?) I set out in the opposite direction this morning, through a housing estate, then up into Northfield. There's a nice mile stretch downhill towards Longbridge, followed by the dreaded 2 mile slow uphill climb. At least the last half mile is mainly downhill.
So, 7.5 miles in 1hr 32mins. Not bad for my long slow run, and a good start to my exercise week.
Now time for a cuppa before the day begins...

Money well spent

It's been a busy day today.
I took eldest daughter to buy trainers ready for school on Monday, and bagged myself a bargain - some half price capri running leggings. It's only about six weeks since I bought the last pair, but my waist has shrunk an inch since then and during the last few runs I'd been spending more time hoiking the old pair up than I had running.
I ran at lunch time today (without having to worry that my trousers were slipping to my knees without me noticing). I did three miles of interval training (one mile warm-up, then run for a minute flat out, walk for 30 seconds, run, walk, run, walk...you get the idea).
My route took me past the traffic island at Longbridge, and the flower-covered mini. It marks the half way point on that particular run, but also means that the next three quarters of a mile is uphill...very uphill. The sun was behind clouds when I first went out, but within quarter of a mile the clouds dispersed and it was cooking.
This evening I went to my lovely friend's baby shower. Lots of fun, and chinese takeaway...yum!

Friends from afar

The summer holidays are drawing to a close, and my youngest daughter has moved on to secondary school. I felt a little nervous as she waved goodbye this morning, but she took it all in her stride and had a great time.
I had set today aside as a 'ticking jobs off the to-do list' day, and I'm pleased to report that I managed to stay focused until at least half of the jobs were done.
As a reward for my near-diligence, I treated myself to a magazine for women runners, and sat in the sunshine reading up on all the things I've been doing wrong. Warming up? Stretching? Eating well? Looks like I've got some research to do before I transform into a honed and toned athlete.
Exercise today took the form of a 10km cycle on the exercise bike. Anyone who knows me will confirm that this is the only safe way for me to ride a bike as I am completely unable to simultaneously pedal, steer and avoid traffic. Shame, really, as the weather has been absolutely beautiful.
When I logged into my blog this evening I was excited to see that it has already been viewed from as far afield as Canada and the United States. I'd love visitors to leave a 'hello' in the comments section, and I'd like to say thank you to anyone who's taking the time to read through my ramblings.

'You know...that long run'

From: Wednesday 1st September

Word is already starting to get around that I've got a place in the London Marathon.
I was at a library meeting this afternoon, and colleagues kindly offered sponsorship...on the condition that I run in a convict outfit. Hmm. I'll have to think about that one. I've a feeling I could be making enough of a fool of myself without entering into the realms of fancy dress.
Tonight was one of the last evenings for hubby to have a Wednesday evening sail - the nights are already drawing in, and trying to de-rig in the dark is no fun. I took the opportunity to run down to the sailing club. It's only three miles, but the first mile is up a steep hill, and it was a very warm evening.
The last time I ran that route I took 40 minutes, but tonight I managed to shave five and a half minutes off. Not bad, but I was a little wheezy by the time I got there.
Sadly the lake was like a millpond, and the rescue boats had to tow the sailors back to shore after an hour.
At least we've had one good laugh today. My best friend announced to her Mum that I'd got a gold bond place to run... in the Grand National.

'I'll just check my emails...'

...and waiting for me in the inbox was a new message, titled 'Your London Marathon Application'.
I opened it with a sinking feeling. It was only just over a week since I'd sent my application in. I didn't really expect to be successful, but I didn't expect to be rejected so quickly, either.
I scanned the email, read it more carefully, and then read it aloud.
'We'd really like to offer you a place on our London Marathon Team, if you're still keen to join us.'
I was in! Asthma UK had offered me a place on their team. Was I still keen? Oh yes!
Much jumping up and down followed, along with a couple of phone calls and a quick announcement on Facebook.
I have watched the London Marathon for years and always thought 'one day, I'd like to run that', but I'm not sure I ever believed I'd get the opportunity.
In this blog I hope to chart the ups and downs of the next few months - the training and the fundraising - and I hope you'll make the journey with me.