12 days and counting...

As the run beckons, I am suddenly feeling both nervous and excited, but very much looking forward to it at the same time. After 3 months of training, with the addition abstinence off alcohol, I think I am in relatively good shape barring any last minute injuries. Will be reducing the intensity of my runs as the big day gets nearer but probably go for my last 2 hour run this weekend.

The good news is that I have achieved my target (overachieved!) of raising £1300 for Plantlife, all thanks to my family, friends and colleagues who have been ever so supportive and encouraging throughout this period. Hopefully I can see a few of them along the route cheering me on, which to me, will be the absolute icing on the cake on top of my aim to do a PB.

Goodbye to an excellent servant

The brakes on my old trusty bike came off last week, exactly a week after someone nicked the handle grips outside my flat. This is after multiple "violations" of her when I was out of the country in the last year since I moved out of the secure entry flat. After the latest mishap, I figured it is no longer worthwhile to repair it anymore especially after spending more than 3 times fixing her up after my girlfriend bought her for only £15 and decided to pass it on to me after.

After 4 days on the tube and bus to and from work, I figured I had enough of the public transport and went ahead to buy a Specialized Sirrus off a bloke off gumtree. Seems like a good deal as the bike was relatively new and I really amazed how light and reactive it is compared to my previous. Last night, I gave my old bike away, to a old Dutch guy who seems to appreciate her much more than I do and came down all the way from Maida Vale to collect it after I posted her on freecycle. At least she is in good hands.

Almost there but missing the social life

Another very good day for my fund raising - £1150!!! Just £150 away from the target that I have set out at the beginning. I will be over the moon if Multimap decides to match what I have raised and promise I will push myself all the way to the 3.30hr mark that I have set myself that happens. (Although I will still be pushing myself real hard for my PB)

On a sidenote, I can't wait for the run to be over as I have been missing out some of the finer enjoyments in life. Last week, it was the blues session, and tonight, had to miss the curry and champagne session that my team are enjoying in Brick Lane. Suddenly I am very looking forward to the trip to Guinness factory in Dublin come end of May.

Bought a new pair of Mizuno from Run and Become on my walk back from office to home as my daily runs are wearing thin my current Asics. Highly recommended specialist shop if you want some expert advice and opportunity to try them on before you buy.

Another milestone to my goal

My sponsorship amount crept past the magical £1,000 mark today, less than £300 away from the target that I have set out to raise at the beginning of this journey. All thanks to some wonderful family, friends and colleagues at work for their kind support, although quietly I will still be hoping to "stalk" a few more bigwigs to pitch in. Also hoping that my request to my company to match the amount raised will be approved by the management team in their meeting tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

As for my training, there hasn't been much progress for this week as I have been staying back in office much later than I would like over the past few days. Gave myself an off day yesterday as well to watch Liverpool play Inter Milan, at least it was worth it in the end, although at one point, I did start to doze off. Goes to show how "exciting" pool can get at times, or maybe I was just too tired... 

Past 50% mark, major milestone

The sponsorship amount quietly crept past the 50% mark that I have set myself to raise for this run, all thanks to those that have been so supportive of my goal. With less than 5 weeks to go, it is time to step up on my fund raising efforts and push myself further in the training. Will be pushing for an extra early run tomorrow before heading out to Stratford upon Avon with friends. Especially looking forward to a night at the Blues Bar on Sunday with mates.

A day of rest

BBC said it was going to snow tonight, and as usual, there was not a single fleck of white in sight. Decided to take a break tonight from running to give my knees some rest before resuming again tomorrow. Six Sigma report came back with more edits to make, oh well...

Painful day

My old problem played up on me this morning as I went for my usual "4 London Parks" run, having to stop several times as the pain on my right knee became unbearable at times. Eventually I cut short my run by halving the route around Hyde Park and staggered back to Victoria Nero in about 75min. Bought 30 capsules of Glucosamine + Chondroitin from Boots, hopefully it can help to repair the cartilage faster.

First attempt at half marathon

Glorious weather today, with clear blue sky. Seems like a good day for my first training attempt at the halfway point of the full journey. Wind was slightly too strong for my liking as I moved comfortably into my first 2km point at Battersea Park, where there was a race going on at the same time (was offered liquid as I passed by the drinks station only for her to withdraw the offer at the last minute when she realised that I did not have a racing number). After a short unexpected visit to the loo in the park, I continued on across Vauxhall, by MI6 building, behind St Thomas hospital, London Eye, Oxo Tower, Tate Modern (the new outdoor exhibit is up!), Mr Livingston's office and across Tower Bridge. By this time, I was about 12km into my run and had to struggle slightly at various stages mainly due to the strong headwind + tourists who can't seem to work out where they are walking! 

From the U-turn at Tower Bridge, I continued on the other side of the river passing Tower of London, Old Billingsgate Market, along Black Friars, Somerset House, Embankment towards Parliament Sq. My last stretch along St James park mimics the last 800m of the actual race although I had to improvise on doing a slight detour to Lambeth Bridge along Millbank, Tate Britain before ending back in Pimlico. Took 1.46 to complete about 20.6km, quite disappointed with the timings, but I have to admit it was tougher than I expected and my steps were becoming smaller towards the last 5km. The strong winds did not help and again, had problems sweating but I hope to improve further in the next 2 weeks. I will try to do another 18km tomorrow if my legs allow.

Thank you to those who have generously sponsored me so far! You are incredible and your donations will keep me going to the finishing line.