My
Journey…
On
the opening of the online ballot application for the London Marathon, I entered
the battle after hearing it takes at least 4 attempts before you are chosen. My
plan was to train over the next few years making me physically able to glide
through it for WHEN I was actually selected. Well, that ethos went right
out the window when I was selected first time round. On the 22nd of April
this year, I will be taking part in one of the worlds most prestigious
events... making this is my biggest challenge to date.
I
was not at all prepared for this and wasn’t quite sure what I had let myself in
for. With less than six months to go, I
knew I didn’t have much time. But just like everything else, I take a challenge
and embrace it. With a few 10 km’s under
my belt, twenty-six miles was not even close.
It was time to make some changes.
As
much as I was petrified, I knew that this was something I always wanted to do
at least once. I say once knowing how
hard the training has been. Time,
determination and self-discipline have been key. I put into place a training
programme that consisted of two short runs, a medium run and a long run. Combining my energy for training with my
passion for running a business, made me realise I enjoyed juggling the two. Work never stops and training was my break.
Some
runs are always better than others. I
remember waking up with aching muscles and a stiff body. The truth is, I never felt so good and so bad
at the same time. Another thing I’ve
noticed is that running changes your relationship with your body. It’s amazing to see how your body becomes
more defined; that’s motivation in itself. Eating well was part of my existing
lifestyle. A higher intake of
carbohydrates was necessary to give me more energy.
Then
the worst thing happened. Just as I was getting comfortable with running and
noticed an improvement in stamina, I fractured my toe. As much as I tried to put weight on it, it
was impossible. Doctors recommended a
4-6 week recovery period. This was
insane. All I kept thinking about was my training and how I would ever get back
up to the level I was at. A week, that’s
all I lasted before itchy feet got me back in the gym on a cross trainer to avoid
high impact. This way I still maintained
my stamina. Two weeks later, I was back
to running on the road. From time to time I suffered from swelling and pain,
but an ice pack saw me through it.
Since
then, I have been running on a regular basis and have participated in a few
half marathons just to get a feel of what it’s like. Surprisingly, it was a lot easier than I
anticipated. With only 2 weeks to go now, I’m now in the tapering period. Tapering refers to the practice of reducing
exercise just before an important competition.
Most people would say this is the best part of training. For me now… I
just want to get out there!
I
will be running for the Prader-willi Syndrome Association UK and would appreciate
your support. www.justgiving.com/siraconcepts
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