7 days and counting...

 Well, here we are. I'm a bit numb on what to say really. As I'm typing this, it is 12.45pm so hopefully, this time next week I will be at the finish line with that medal around my neck, a pint in my hand and probably a LOT of tears! 

As I mentioned last week, this week has been probably the most challenging of the lot, due to my strain I've had to do the unthinkable and, rest.

So this has of course meant no running. So, what on earth am I going to talk about in this week's blog?

Well, I think it's probably about time I did some reflection on this "journey" I have been on. 

So, this whole Great North story began probably this time last year. Parkrun had started up and I was going pretty consistently. I'd achieved 10ks (probably not at the best times) but I could run 10k. The age old thing of "If you can run 10k you can run a half marathon." I had always said. I will never do a half marathon. But then the seed was planted and very quickly turned into okay, if I do a half marathon, I only do Great North. Biggest half in the world. It's the only one I will do.  

I did start training in January. (Unofficially) This year has always been operation up my mileage. 

When the pieces fit. You just know.

I was looking for a running club that suited me. I was getting the bug. 

I can certainly tick off the list that I've found a running club.  It's changed my mindset, the way I think of running and pacing, and it really helped my training. The consistency, the support, the encouragement. I don't think I'd be sat here about to do a half marathon if it wasn't for these lot. 

Once I'd found the club, that was it. Ballot entered. But, I had a niggle. My mind was made up that I was doing GNR. But, it is notoriously difficult to get in through ballot places. So, I started looking for charity places. 
I decided on Macmillan because a dear, dear friend was going through hell, and was being supported by Macmillan. That's it. I'm 'Running for Rae.'

So here we are. £590 in sponsorship. (I only ever dreamed of £400, so I am blown away by this total) and a place on the start line. 

I've gone from being terrified to so excited. Anything about Newcastle and I get tummy flutters. 
I am an emotional person, and I will get swept up in the madness. I've not heard a bad word about this race. I am so excited to be in the atmosphere, running my race, taking it all in and being part of something incredibly special. (& raising awareness of a very important charity) 

Will there be tears as I come down that coastline into South Shields? Absolutely.  

The kit.

I've always wanted to be cool and lie my kit out, like you see the cool runners do, and post it on Instagram. I probably won't post it to Insta, but, I will give a quick run through on here. I never through so much prep had to go into race day kit until I started taking this running thing seriously.

So, I have my shiny Macmillan top. I have been out in it already and we are all good for lack of chafing. It is just a tad frustrating that it is quite thick material. Not what I need on race day. I'm sure I will be fine. 

Shorts - I've spent so long looking for the right shorts. There were no designs coming out that I particularly liked. So, I reached out on Twitter. There must be some brands hiding in those cookies that are not coming up for me, and there was. Sturdy By Design. Huge fan. Super comfy, skin like. No riding up and great design. 

Gels - This has been a real learning curve this year. I've heard of people saying they fuel on jelly babies - I tried that one and they did not sit well on me. I've heard of a reputable brand that has gels that have you sprinting for the toilet rather than finishing your race (that got me nervous about even trying them). The wonderful Jess (where would I be without her!)  helped me to find the best gels around! No one wants to be carrying a hydration vest when they have a pretty T-shirt on. So, I will be fuelling with High 5 aqua energy gels. (probably around mile 7 and 10).

Shoes - My trusty Brookes. My first 'real' running trainers. I love them. Love, Love Love. Paired with my Ron Hill socks, which, I begrudgingly paid more than I would for any socks for. But, I guess. Its all part of the kit. "All the gear, and no idea" springs to mind. 

Garmin - I have done all of my runs with my Fitbit, but, as this running business got a bit more serious, I thought I better invest in a good firtness watch. Thank you Amazon Prime for my super shiny Fenix Pro 6. I hate the race predictions you give me, but I love all the other features you have. 

And there she is, the running number. The magic number. 

46205.

As I mentioned this week has been rest week, and lots of upper body strength in the gym to allow my legs to fully recover. Which meant that I volunteered at Parkrun this week! 

I was a High Viz Hero, barcode scanning. It was such a lovely role, and I actually really enjoyed it. Yes, I got a bit moody when everyone was going to the start and I stood at the tree, but, it was wonderful to see what goes on behind the scenes. I will definitely give back to Parkrun this way a lot more often now I've experienced it! I walked away from that park feeling so wholesome. So many "Thank you Marshall" and just telling everyone how amazing they are once they've finished the race really gives you a buzz! 

Preston's Marshalling team this week

Sunday Long run 🦁

When it's Windmill time,
It's the business end of training time.

Could I manage, one last Sunday Long Run before GNR? I have no other time this week to run, and, if I go out next with no running how on earth am I going to feel?

8 miles.

Never thought I'd achieve that this week, but. I have. I live to tell the tale. Yes, something pulled, but I have not been able to stretch all week. I'm not taking any prisoners next week so I might even strap my knee up to be on the safe side. You've got to do what you've got to do at the end of the day.

We went over to Lytham this morning as lots of us were doing various mileage for up and coming races. What was supposed to be 10k turned into 8 miles but, as always. I regret none of it. The smiles made the miles go faster and there was one main race on the tip of everyone's tongue... 

So, time to rest, fuel up this week. One last push. Stretch, keep smiling and....

Run my Race. 

I will see you all on the other side of this adventure! 

A trip to see Our Bobby 
Only in Lytham!