And We're Off!

Despite having reread through every original Marathon Woman blog, to avoid making the same mistakes, I haven't gotten off to the best of starts. I've been plagued by self doubt. To the extent that, before I purchased very expensive new running shoes, I contacted Macmillan to see what happens if I pull out. My thinking was that perhaps I could just pay them back my entry fee and forget this whole silly idea.

Their response was so utterly supportive and brilliant that it made me want to really try. If I get injured (I'm worried about knees and back coping) then I know they are absolutely behind me and my wellbeing and health is important to them. Which has made me want to go for it. That said, I've still held back on posting my sponsorship link. But, following today's 10 miler, it is up and out there 🙈

Today was hard. Officially my training schedule kicks in on 3rd Feb, but, having done a couple of 6 milers in January, albeit a struggle, I weirdly wanted to test myself today and make the most of a beautiful winter day with friends. 

Faring ok this evening, apart from a couple of blisters. My main issue is my lower calf muscles. So my natural pace is quicker, but not sustainable, than the race day pace we are aiming for. I find that, to reduce my pace, I am shortening my stride length, which is putting extra pressure on lower calf/ upper Achilles tendon. For a bit today I kind of bounced in my normal stride instead, which then switched muscle use to inner quad, but I need a plan. Anyone else done this and have any tips please?

So, I'm still wondering what on earth I am doing, but it's only 18 weeks of my life, and then I can go back to bring a gym bunny. I was lamenting to a woman at parkrun that I couldn't possibly run a marathon at 14 stone, but apparently I can. So, although I'm making better fuel choices right now, and really hope to be nearer 12 stone by race day, I've stopped stalling and making excuses. As my partner in crime, Rachel, would say- be stronger than your strongest excuse 💪