A blog about running without the running...

So I have this blog right, and it's about running. But what can I talk about when I am not running?? Yikes! I have been for one run this week, about 7km and I did spin class yesterday which was great. Today was supposed to be the day I would try to run for an hour (that's long for me at the mo), but it did not happen... Here are the reasons why:

• I was tired after having a few friends over last night and having a late(but super fun) night
• It was crappy unmotivating weather
• My toenail is half coming off, I think it has gotten infected and it's cray cray sore
• I'm lazy and lame for having all the lame excuses... This is the only legit excuse that's not an excuse but just something lame!

So now I have to try and fit in the run tomorrow when the weather will prob be waaaaay worse. However, I have a goal and these are the things I must do to a achieve my goal. Also, I have a running blog and there's only so much I can write about without talking about running before I loose all my readers and start getting hate mail so WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEWS ABOUT A RUN!!!

In other news, my blog a day challenge is getting seriously bad... I am missing some days. I have been a bit busy - not running though - oops!!

So here is today's post:

Day 25, Saturday: something someone told you about yourself that you will never forget...

I will never forget my husband telling me how beautiful I am when I am asleep (and even though he didn't say it then, he probably meant awake as well). He is such a. Charmer, I love that man!!

A whole new dimension...

Hiiiiiiiiii!!!!

I know, I had kinda fallen off the blog wagon there for a while, sorry to all you people who just love reading my blog - my husband and my Mum, mostly!

But here's the reason (well more like the excuse), and yes, trust me, it is a good one!

Curious Runner Girl is now Pregnant Runner Girl!!!

That's right, you heard correctly, I'm up the duff, knocked up, preggers, with child, in the family way, or whatever else you want to call it. That and the fact that I have started a new, full time job, we've been doing work on our house, and I've been trying to have a social life!

Have to be honest, it was quite the surprise for my husband and I but we are so totally over the moon and know that it's God's timing - which is not always the same as ours, but it's always the best!

I am 17 weeks now and feeling a lot better than I had been in some of the earlier weeks. Have to say though, I have been rather lucky actually, not having any morning sickness, just a bit of nausea which was usually fixed by eating - not complaining about that!

We are both totally loving this new adventure and our wee little blessing, we're learning so much and it's all so very exciting.

source

'So what does this mean for my running???' I hear you ask? Well, let's get over to that side of this whole thing...

Running...

Funnily enough, with all the tiredness and nausea early on, this was the last thing I felt like doing so I actually haven't been running at all that much. I have done the occasional run but nothing over 10km. I have, however, been loving doing weight workouts, spin classes at the gym and going for long walks and hikes. With the occasional run thrown in there. All so good! I have also still been playing hockey but I'm definitely feeling the baby in there while I am playing, so taking it easier. Thankfully we have our last game this weekend, the Grand Final, so I will be able to finish the season.

So hot right now in my hockey uniform!

I know, don't get me started on our retro curtains and nasty carpet - we are currently undergoing home renos... Fun!

I am not going to do the Auckland marathon that I had registered for, which you would have read about in this post here, as I just don't think I could handle it being about 25 weeks pregnant and not really a seasoned marathoner with child in belly. I will hopefully try to do some smaller races. Was considering maybe a half marathon, but we'll see...

Have also been enjoying yummo meals like this one full of fresh salady veges now that it is spring and getting a but warmer... Yay!

Yummalicious chicken salad... Drool!

So that's my latest news, I will update you with all the juicy goss of the pregnancy... Jokes, I know you don't really want to be reading ALL about that. But what I will do is start posting all about exercising while pregnant, workouts, and other such stuff fo ladies with yo babies (and without - this isn't an exclusive blog you know!).

The sweet life of CRG...

On Monday night, after work, my husband and I travelled 2 hours down to Auckland where Tim was to be doing some business training for the next two days. Thanks to having the sweet life of semi-employment I had no work over these last two days so decided to tag along with him, hang out in the hotel, go shopping and order room service all day long (not really, but I wish).

The hanging in the hotel is easy, I have been watching the Olympics - and LOVING IT! The shopping was more like window shopping thanks to the speeding ticket we managed to get on the way down - seriously though, the cop must have been bored because it was only 3kms over the limit... DOH! And the ordering room service is actually more like going to New World metro and getting a few snacks... But didn't it sound so much more luxurious before you knew all of this?

Bed + computer + Olympics = bliss!

So yesterday morning I was thinking that I would go and run along the waterfront, part of the course for the Auckland Marathon, but the weather was a little bit crappy and I thought I'd like to make the most of the hotel gym. Therefore I did my key run #1 on the treadmill. I ran my 1000m repeats at 12.5km/h rate with a 1% incline and this pretty much killed me. My rest interval was a mix of walking and lite jogging. I wanted to end with a round time too so ended up staying on the tready for an hour, made easy by being able to watch the Equestrian at the same time. I never knew I liked Equestrian until yesterday!

This morning I did my cross training session on the bike in the gym, did only 40 minutes and then honestly, I got a bit bored! Oops.

Now, because hotels tend to have this 'you have to check out, you can't stay in bed all day watching Olympics' rule, I have to pack up our room and get out by 11. Tim doesn't finish until 4.30ish today so I am going to catch up with one of my favourite friends and her two kidlets for the arvo, and maybe get in a visit to my brother. What treats!

Now just so you know, I am starting a full time job in a month's time, thus the reason I am making the most of this being able to travel around with Tim staying in hotels and being a lady of leisure (with the odd day or two of work in between too). Because when I start my job in a month, I imagine it is going to be all consuming of my life... JOY!

What sports have you surprised yourself by enjoying at the Olympics this year?

Definitely the Equestrian, weightlifting and the odd spot of fencing - so surprised about this one, never thought I would enjoy that! 

What are your not-so-guilty pleasures when you don't have much work on?

Do you prefer treadmill training or out on the road? 

Pretty much always the road, but the treadmill can be kinda good for repeats since you need to measure your distance - esp. if there is no track near by for you to use. However, I just don't think I push myself as hard as I can on a treadmill.   

This is a tribute - not the Jack Black version though...

Here's a tribute to the super family I married into... They're seriously like a bunch of sporty spices...

Source

Ok, so not quite the sporty spice I was meaning, more like this bunch of sporty spices...

Mum and Dad with 3 out of the 5 kids (P.S. all you ladies out there, bottom right hand corner = single to mingle!)

So here's a bit of history to my in-law family...

My husband, let's start there...
He's not a runner but has been a professional rugby player for about 13 years...

He's sexy and I know it!

Source

I am, and always will be, his biggest fan!

Professional rugby has been good to both of us. Not only has Tim loved every minute of it and made a great living out of it, but it's allowed us to travel to wonderful places like these:

Cinque Terra in Italy where we lived for almost 2 years *blessed*

Nice, South of France, holiday destination at the end of a season *doubly blessed*

 It's not all fun and games and travelling holidays though, there was some hard work involved... For Tim that is!

Now he has retired from professional rugby and now he's my biggest fan and supporter... Love it!

Before my first marathon, October 2011.

Anyway, back to his awesome family...

Tim is the second oldest, the older brother Jon (left hand side of the family photo above) ran his first marathon last year also, in 3.20 - legend!

The youngest two, Bex and Andy (kneeling in the photo above) also ran their first marathons last year and just completed their second one last weekend - the Gold Coast Marathon in Australia. Woohoo!! Mum and Dad ran their first half marathons last year and just ran their second one in the Gold Coast last weekend too, majorly cutting time of last year's time. They owned that half marathon like a boss! Not to mention the couple of triathlons my MIL has done. She's putting me to shame, I know!

Victorious!

I'm not sure who started off whom but it seems to be a great bunch with goals getting bigger and better! My kids are going to be baby sporty spices, no excuses! 

And don't forget this moment from earlier on in the year...

Running with my MIL - I'm sure I was happier than I look!

So is it in the blood or is it in the name? Either way, I belong to a family of keen runners and athletes... No pressure or anything Rach! I love my in-law family, I couldn't have asked for a better one. They challenge me and inspire me and are ever supportive and encouraging! Thanks Dows, you dudes are legendary! I hope to be able to run with you all one day!

What is your family like, or your in-law family? Do you have a family of sporty spices? Who encourages you in your running/sports?

July, sweet July....

I have decided that I am in a bit of a lull at the moment and need to set myself some goals... And what better place to announce them than on here for all of you to read and hold me accountable for... I will probably regret this later when I would rather be snuggling on the couch than out running in the cold winter rain, but nevertheless, here we go!

Next week officially marks the start of my FIRST 16 week training program, as mentioned earlier from this book (the top one):

So my goals for the next 16 weeks will look a lot like this:

1. Follow the plan to a tee - no excuses, no missed trainings, you are NEVER too tired to run, and don't let the weather get in your way!

2. Eat a well balanced diet with lots of good carbs and proteins to keep me going longer and less of the things I truly love, like these:

Oh cookies how I do love thee...

(Which will be a treat ONLY after a super LONG run). I think I'm going to start drinking protein shakes...

3. On that note, practice better self control... In more areas than one!

4. I will encourage other runners who I know have the same goal as me and will try and run my long runs with others as much as I can

5. To keep a good balance between work, running and social life (this sometimes is a problem as I get so wrapped up in myself... Gasp!)

6. To raise around $1000 for my next marathon cause:

 

7. To run a sub 4 in this marathon:

So, what are your goals for July/ the next few months/ the rest of the year? Do you need to practice self control? What protein shake would you recommend?

I'd love to hear what your goals are!

Marathon Number Two...

It's official, I have just registered for my second marathon of this year. As you might recall from this boring blog post (not a joke) I confessed that I would like to attempt 2 or 3 marathons this year...

Well I have done one and I have registered for my second, but am not sure how a third one is looking. Don't hold your breath but don't rule it out either.

The marathon I just registered for is The Auckland Marathon which I did last year. It's in October so I have plenty of time to train. And this time I would like aim to do a... Wait for it...

It's coming...

Ok, I'm a little scared about putting it out there but here it is...

A SUB-4 HOUR MARATHON!!!

Yikes! Now I have told you all I will have to try really hard to make it happen! Got readers who are counting on me. This will be a huge feat if I can accomplish it so I welcome all necessary encouragement along the way :)

Last year for this marathon I did it as a fundraiser for this wonderful woman:

 
 And this year I have signed up to fundraise for this amazingly awesome charity!

"Christians Against Poverty is an international debt counselling charity that works through centres based in local churches. We have a high success rate in getting our clients debt free, which is achieved through the provision of a wide range of specialised financial services, personal support and ongoing education. It is this unique package that enables CAP to achieve such a high rate of success, offering hope and a solution to people in debt."

Ok, so there it is. I have put it out there so now I really have to do it!

Do you have any running goals that you are aiming to achieve? Any PBs you are hoping to reach? What is your next race? Would you like to run this race with me??

Watch this space for more on my journey to marathon number 2 for Curious Runner Girl :)

Because I know you've been missing me!

I know it has been a little while since I have posted - a little too long for some of you... HA! So here is a bit of what I have been up to lately...

I have been working LOTS which is GREAT! For those of you who don't know, I finished my teacher training at the end of last year but haven't been able to get a full time job this year. I started off relief teaching and now I am practically full time doing that which is awesome. Still trying to get a permanent position but trusting that'll come in time - thus the reason I get excited when I have lots of work.

Loving working, getting the experience and, of course, having MONEY - BONUS!

I have also been training for and playing hockey lately - my team is doing great this season. And I am still doing bootcamp, which is awesome. We have 4 weeks left of that and then I get into my next training plan for my next marathon which will be the Adidas Auckland Marathon.

Exciting business - I know you are ALL wishing you lived a life as exhilarating as mine right now. Getting excited about having lots of work is a sure fire sign that you are not the world's most exciting person - Doh!

This weekend, however, is a long one which are always well loved in my household. Long weekends mean more time with my awesome husband, more sleep in time, more time with friends and family, and more time to spend just faffing around - who doesn't love that!?!

My wonderful husband, his father and my father (what lovely bonding time) spent Saturday building a cover over our front step while I was lunching and brunching with my girls (it's a hard life, I know). Yesterday was fun-filled church activities (I mean that too, that's not a sarcastic voice) and then today I had the pleasure of climbing this awesome mountain with my lovely friend:

Mount Manaia

View from the top of Mount Manaia - what a blessed place I live in!

This afternoon I get to spend going over plans for my next couple of weeks of work - I am excited about this as I will be in ONE classroom for TWO WHOLE WEEKS! Excitement city right there!

So don't go getting all jealous about how exciting and thrilling my life is or anything because no, I won't be toning it down anytime soon either. Sorry!

And about the running - well I know this doesn't really even cover much about that but keep posted for these majorly cool posts coming soon:
- Low mileage marathon training plans, and
- How you know you are getting serious about this running business...

I am enjoying my in-between-marathons low running training and getting to do things I can't/don't when I am in marathon training. Get amongst it - try something different :)

Enjoy your long weekend all your Kiwi and Aussie peeps!

Curious Runner Girl

A fun marathon... Is that an oxymoron???

In finding my last marathon a bit of a struggle (that's an understatement - it was a MAJOR struggle), I had decided that for this one I wanted to try to beat my time, but most importantly I wanted to enjoy it and even try to... wait for it... MAKE IT FUN!! Gasp!

Slugging it out in the Auckland marathon - not even at half way yet!

So here's what I came up with to make a marathon fun... And yes, IT IS ACTUALLY POSSIBLE!!
(warning, some photos beyond this point may offend)

10 musts for a fun marathon:

1. The first is the most obvious - train hard so you know you have put the effort in to actually get you to the finish

2. Smile every chance you get - if not for the WHOLE marathon

3. Encourage other runners - this always makes you feel so much better

4. Have a laugh at the funny signs people are holding up along the course. For example, these two guys were carrying a sign on the sidelong along several parts of the course that said: 'Hurry up, we want coffee!' Didn't really get it but thought it was worth a laugh. Or my all time favourite at the Auckland Marathon: 'Nek minnit... Finished!' Classic.

5. Make sure you look good before you start. Have a good looking kit to wear and make sure you feel GOOD in it!

6. Or if the running gear ain't doing it for ya' dress up if there's a theme or just because you feel like it - such as the tinman seen in this post, and like this guy:

or this guy:

7. Fist pump whenever you get the chance - such as when you see someone you know, someone cheers for you, or just because you CAN!

8. Encourage, cheer for and even offer lollies (if you have them) to the marshals and drink station peeps - trust me, they LOVE it! Especially if there are kids!

9. Have some funkadelic beats playing on your iPod, or run with a buddy so you can have company. If all that fails, do what I do and just make mates with someone along the course - that's fun and then you have someone to encourage and someone to encourage you!

10. Last but definitely NOT least, and probably the most important especially for your first marathon... CROSS THE FINISH LINE WITH YOUR ARMS IN THE AIR!! 'I throw my hands up in the air sometimes...' You know it, sing along :)

So... That's about all I can think of for how to make a marathon (or any other race) FUN! That's right folks, you heard it here first, running CAN BE FUN! How do you make running fun? Is there anything you can think of that I didn't? Would love to hear what sorts of fun things you do to get you through.

Happy Runner Girl

There it is, 'The Im-having-fun-running-this-marathon thumbs up and smile!' 

If i can do it you can do it too! 

Runner Girl

Rotorua marathon race recap...

Me crossing the finish line - YAY!

Well people, I did it! I 'conquered the lake' as the people from the Rotorua marathon said. Such a great achievement, and the best part is that I actually CUT OFF HALF AN HOUR from my previous marathon time... STOKED!

Here I am crossing the finish line - I totally sped up for the last 200 meters to beat the chick behind me who my Uncle and husband were calling the 'ab chick' - moral of this story - your mean abs won't win you a marathon! (although I will still try to get them!)

I have to be honest, after my first marathon I thought I should be on the TV programme 'I shouldn't be alive' because I actually thought I was going to die at the end (or even before it). But this race I thoroughly LOVED and I felt I ran really well - bonus! I fuelled well and had plenty of energy to boost over the finish line too - what more could you want? Eat my dust abs girl... muahaha! Overall it was the perfect day for it - good conditions, good temperature, only a small head wind for about 4-5 kms in the last 10kms and I had the best supporters crew! (Photos of them to come but in the meantime here is one of my cousin cycling along side me for a few hundred meters).

 

Now here's a bit of a run down of the rest of the trip...

At the hot mudpools and geysers - being totally touristy and nerdy!

Husband jumping in for a self-shot pic - a must in tourist land!

Just had to put this one in of Tim looking like he should be on the catwalk - *proud wife*

Always the rebel!

A spot of mini golf with Tim, Uncle and Grandad - the boys giving Grandad some unwanted tips.

Mini golf cheese

Here's a low down of some of the race...

At the start line a little nervous and cheesy

Still in the pack around the 5km mark

The tin man

Look at that scenery! Lake Rotorua

My best supporter and the gel sachets I used - there will be a post on these to come

Trying to be cool as I approach the last 200m - looks like I'm walking but I promise I was running!

And that's all folks - second marathon done and dusted. Watch this space to see what the next adventure will entail.

Anyone keen to join me in an event or even in some training? I would love to run with you and even help you to achieve your goals!

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. - Romans 8:37

Ciao for now,

Runner Girl.

True Grit...

I am currently staying with my Uncle and Aunty and two cousins in Rotorua - the city of Saturday's marathon. My Uncle asked me this morning as I was strapping on my running shoes to head out for my last light run before the race: 'What makes you want to just run a marathon?'

'Well', I said, 'great question'. But what is the answer to that I then thought? I told him my story of how I got into running, but then he was still like 'But why a marathon, what is wrong with you girl?'... Haha. I love how whenever you tell someone you are going to run a marathon (that's not a runner or sport-minded) they automatically assume there's something wrong with you.

So I thought about it and here is what I came up with:

Perhaps it is craziness that made me first decide to run a marathon. Or maybe I thought I had something to prove to the world (or just myself, I honestly don't think 'the world' actually cares what I do). But to actually go out and do it takes what I like to call True Grit! AKA determination.

This definition of determination is as so:

Definition of determination

In terms of running a marathon, my true grit/determination is defined as:

• Getting up out of bed on a Saturday morning (which to everyone else is sleep in day) at 5.30am and hitting the road by 6 (so I can be back by the time everyone is up from their sleep-ins - lucky so and sos!) and running for several hours. 
• The sore feet, joints, muscles and whole body from the enduring training
• The 'Can't stay out too late tonight as I have to get up for a long run in the morning' attitude
• It's putting your running first 
• It's putting down that cupcake the size of your head
• It's having your apple crumble and ice cream without the crumble or the ice cream 
• It's carrying snacks all the time like a mother with a mini van load of children. 
• It's constantly thinking about how your next move is going to impact on your training and running...
• It's saving up or sacrificing other things to pay for the race you've entered, new running shoes, sports supplements, clothing, massages, physio, etc. etc.
• ALL totally worth it!

That is grit, to say the least. But... Here's the catch:

Crossing that finish line knowing you had true grit and determination to get you there without dying is one of THE BEST feelings in the world.  AND... It's addictive, which is where the need to run a second marathon (and possibly more after this one) comes from.

So there you have it people - the short version to answer my Uncle's question is craziness or mild insanity followed by true grit and determination. Viola!


Although I say that I have true determination and grit, I also have God helping me too. This is what the Bible has to say...

Zechariah 4:6b -
'Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit', says the Lord.

So if all else fails God's word never does!

Stay cool kids,

RunnerGirl.

Marathon countdown: 2 more sleeps!

Running mate...

 I am going to share my running stories with you all and in those stories I will talk about all the different aspects I have learned about - such as nutrition, training, goal setting, shoes and clothing, injuries, and the list goes on. I will share what has and hasn't worked for me and, although everyone is different, you might like to try some things I mention and you might also find that things that have worked for me don't work for you. That is the beauty of running, I think you are constantly learning new things about the sport and about yourself through it. Ah, it's a wonderful thing!

So I have already shared with you about how I got started running and now I love it! I can't live without it - when I don't run I don't feel good. It gives me pleasure and pain, sometimes at the same time, but the pleasure ALWAYS outweighs the pain!

Not to say that there aren't times when I just don't feel like going for a run - because there sure are! For example, today. I have decided to set a new goal of running the Rotorua marathon on the 28th April - my first marathon for 2012, that's right folks, you heard it here first - you are all my accountability. So in order to do this I have gotten myself a running program and have set runs/distances I need to complete in order to be able to successfully run the marathon. Today's run was a 19km run and I normally do my long runs on a Saturday but worked yesterday, therefore it was today. I got home from Church and this was the last thing I felt like doing but the best part was that as soon as I was about 10mins into the run I began to enjoy, just like usual and it ended up being a great run. I ran slowly and got through it and ended at the beach where I had a swim to cool down and my lovely husband to give me cold water and drive me home. Long run number 2 = a success... Which is good because when you are training for a marathon 19kms is still actually a rather small distance.

So here's one of the first things I learned on my running journey:
The most important thing about deciding to get running is to have a supportive someone - whether it's a husband, wife, friend, family member, neighbour, trainer, or whoever - everyone needs a someone that is going to support their goals, their ambitions and their triumphs. That is what I think helps me to achieve my running goals the most - the fact that my husband is encouraging and supporting me all the way through the journey. He meets me half way during long runs with water, sports drinks and the occassional lolly, he's there at the finish line of big races (and the start), he drops me places, picks me up from places, cooks me meals when the race is over, buys me treats and he celebrates my achievements. If you haven't got someone like that to get you through your running (and I actually think it goes for everything in life) you need to get someone like that NOW! Step number one. Do it!

Here's a little pic of me and my 'supportive someone' at the start line of my first marathon. Couldn't have done any of it without him :)

So until next time, get out there and give it a go  and... Enjoy your running!

This one's for everyone!

The thing I love about running is there is not much else to do but think and reflect - especially when you are really clocking up the kms on those long slow day (LSD) runs. I usually take my iPod along with me and listen to music while I'm running, but the thoughts just tick on over.
I also pray a lot - as a Christian prayer is very important, and I find running one of the best times to do it. It is uninterrupted and you are not distracted by anything else. So as I was running today I was praying for all of you - so readers, consider yourselves prayed for :)

The actual point of this post today is for all you people out there who  read this and think "Oh I wish I could do that", or "I'm just not a runner like you", and whatever other thoughts you might have. As I said in my earlier post, my aim is to encourage you with this blog, so be encouraged that EVERYONE CAN RUN!!! No excuses!


I understand that some people may have injuries, be pregnant, have conditions or just purely be lacking motivation and inspiration (which happens to the best of us at times), but please, be encouraged that you can OVERCOME IT!!!

At school, cross country was my worst enemy. I even remember trying to hide in the toilets to get out of it once (to no avail). About 5 years ago, I remember trying to run with my husband a lap of our block (about 750 meters) and not even being able to make it the whole way. I was "just not a runner". I loved walking, but running was definitely NOT for me.

Then I started off easily and slowly - I was living overseas in a foreign country and didn't have much to do other than go to the gym. I would start by trying to run for a couple of minutes, then gradually build up. I remember being so excited going home and telling hubby that 'today I ran for 20mins on the treadmill!!'. Next thing you know I am signed up for my first ever 7km run with some friends. YIKES! It took me 52 minutes (which now is about how long it takes me to run almost 10km) but I DID NOT STOP!!! It was the best feeling and just got better from there. Next thing I was doing 15km runs, then on to half marathons (21 kms) and now here I am aiming to do more marathons (42 kms). Phew!

 Me and the girls just before my first ever 7km run - feeling just as nervous as we looked.


So what I am trying to say is that if you really want to do it then quit with the excuses and start small. Set small, achievable goals, whether they just be to run to the end of your road and back without a stop, or a time goal, whatever it is YOU CAN DO IT! And if you enjoy it then set further goals to better yourself. I can't explain how amazing the feeling of achieving a running goal is so you really just have to experience it for yourself. Nothing beats the feeling of achieving your goals. And as I read last night in 'Marathon running - From beginner to elite' by Richard Nerurkar, "There are still no shortcuts to achieving your goals" - which is so simple, but I love, because then you know that you really have worked to achieve!

This is me after my first (and so far only) marathon in Auckland, 2011, feeling rather chuffed.

All the best people, I look forward to hearing stories and comments about running as you set and achieve your own goals. Also, if you have questions feel free to ask and I will try answer them as best as I can, however they will probably mostly only be answered from what I have learned through personal experience, and not everyone is the same.

Be encouraged and run with joy!

Welcome to my running blog!

Well, here I am in the land of blog...

I never thought I would succumb to the blogging world, however as I am currently on the hunt for a job I find myself with plenty of time. And what better way to spend that time than running and sharing my running with you people!



The aim of this blog is not to just take up my time whilst job hunting, but I have created it in the hopes that I can encourage and inspire people with my running ramblings along my running journey. I do not always find running easy and I am occasionally discouraged, however when I am running with a goal and a purpose it just makes it that much easier and worthwhile.

So....
A little about me you ask? And why would one be so crazy as to just want to run? Well, I do admit, I am not Forrest Gump, however I do enjoy the occasional run, or two...

I began running almost 4 years ago and, a long story cut short, here I am 5 half marathons and one full marathon later with the aim of completing (or at least attempting to complete) 2-3 more full marathons this year. A little ambitious you ask? Well that is what we are here to find out! So watch this space and follow me on my running journey to complete more marathons and possibly beat my personal best each time!