small steps

 an online runners journal

[kayedwight-blog]

Nerves Aplenty

Tomorrow is THE DAY. What advice can I give our dedicated first time marathoner?

Today is Race Day -1.

Nerves, fear and worry are all part of the mind this morning. 

So what can be done to calm this? Well, the small simple things is the answer. All the things you would normally do. No grand gestures, nothing out of the ordinary, just the simple things done well and properly. Good food, good rest and relaxation and good sleep.

Of course, some good run throughs in the mind of what is the best outcome. All the bits that can be controlled and prepared for.

Then, jump in and enjoy. The hardest part of the challenge is already over. The fun bit starts NOW.

Written by SD, hugely proud hubby. 

[kayedwight-blog]

MK Half Marathon

So, our glorious runner woke early. Struggled to return to sleep as thoughts of today’s half marathon raced through her mind.

‘The wind up to London begins today’, I told her.

‘Why am I so concerned about today? I ran much further last Sunday’ she said.

‘Well, it’s because it’s a race and it is like the start of a countdown for London, it’s also a gauge for all the strengthening work you’ve done’.

The mind being the one area that needs as much, if not more work growing resilience for these type of challenges and experiences. So I (the author) am very interested  to see if this has developed with all the dedication to training that Kaye has shown.

It’s raining hard outside. The temperature is 6/7 degrees. That’s a bit cold when it’s wet. I think this is a challenge today.

So, I will wrap the children up, get out the umbrellas and then drive my hero to the start line.

[kayedwight-blog]

More blog please

So, it has come to my attention that there are readers of this blog out there who wish to have more blogging. OK!!!

I have tried to stick to a simple formula of information about out cherished runner so that the quality is not diluted or daily, that it maintains interest and keeps you, the follower informed about the BIG bits of the journey that pop up every now and again.

So, now I know you want more, I will try to write more frequently to keep you informed of the progress.

Hopefully, there will be lots to say as we enter the 12 week cycle countdown to the London Marathon. 26 miles of gruelling pain and hardship. Judging by the pain our runner has been in so far, maybe the worst is already over!

[kayedwight-blog]

Follow the plan

After injuries and upset, our favourite runner visited a sports massage and injury clinic. Her advisor treated the injury but encouraged her to follow a rehabilitation programme specifically designed for her. Added to this the advice of the Manager from the local gym she attends and the injury has reduced. Thanks guys!!

But..... 

Having an injury has a number of consequences, not least the mental effects of ‘going easy’ when training begins again. Lack of confidence has derailed many runners and can only be overcome with ‘small steps’ back towards the BIG goal.

So, now our favourite runner is following a training plan specifically for a first marathon. Visiting the gym regularly for pre-habilitation strengthening exercises and sticking to a repetitive but very necessary stretch and rolling programme.

If you want details of the sports massage clinic, the gym or the first marathon training programme then just ask. ;-)

[kayedwight-blog]

Recently...

Christmas is over.

The hard work begins (has begun) all over again.

‘What have the weeks since your last post held?’ I hear the readers ask.

‘Injury, disappointment, frustration and then visit(s) to a very good sports injury centre!’ I answer.

‘There have been some longish runs, some tears, some shorter runs, a gym rehab programme, weights and conditioning work, stretching exercises and the use of foam and hard surface rollers on muscles.’

‘Monday 26 (Boxing Day) was a 10K run. Tuesday 27 was a gym visit for weights and stretching/rolling exercises’ our runner enthuses, clearly energised at the prospect of starting her ‘no holds barred’ programme that will see her running the London Marathon!

‘Is she stronger?’

‘Yes. Mentally having gone through this process, the slight tear in my calf muscle, in conjunction with the slight shrinkage to my outer thigh (compensation for the tear) has meant a lot of hours spent working to be able to run.’ 

Marathon training is not for nambies or also rans. It takes guts and plenty of determined hard work. So keep it up and GO for it!!

[kayedwight-blog]

Burning up the miles

So, the month of October saw our heroine run a total of 69miles. Now by my maths that near enough equals 2 and a half full marathons. Well done, congratulations, but the challenges remain. 

1. How far will be covered in November? 

2. In a single run, are the max distances increasing every week? 

3. Is there a plan? A vision for success? Or just a hopeful heart?

Of course I already know a lot about these answers already, as I am sitting nearby gently encouraging the progress.

[kayedwight-blog]

When travel gets in the way

A cool sixteen (16) miles run this week so far for our Marathon minded mum of four (yes 4!!) from MK.

An overnight stay in Birmingham working out of the NEC cramped the midweek training plan, but a session is on the cards for tomorrow morning. So tonight it’s catch up on ‘Bake Off’ with a glass of southern comfort and a few chunks of chocolate.

The hotel is booked next April for the night before the race, and there is already £925 donated to Kaye’s just giving page. Amazing generosity. Thank you folks!!

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/kayedwight

[kayedwight-blog]

The first 8 miles

She walks up the stairs, red faced and hair bedraggled. She has been out in the rain running home from work with a brief stop off at the gym. 

Yesterday she ran 4.5 miles in the pouring rain. Today it’s a mere 3.5. ‘At a ridiculously fast pace’ she tells me whilst opening her parcel from Amazon. It just happens to be a gorgeous black dress that she has bought for one of the functions she has to attend for work this week.

I think to myself that there are some sweet moments like new dresses for her to look forwards to over the coming months of hard work, away from sore feet and the constant reports of progress on her polar tracker. 

‘Keep it up girl, I am proud of you’ I think as she tucks into her chilli and rice.

[kayedwight-blog]

it starts here

This blog not a normal kind of blog.

Yes, it’s a blog about running, but it’s from an onlookers point of view. It’s an observance of one woman’s attempt to master the craft of running and all the turmoil and trauma it could cause. Of course, it will also herald some GREAT moments of triumph and tenacity.

Run on my dear. Read on friends.