#vmlm

[lowcarbdiabetic]

Easy, slow 10 miles. No glucose required. Starting blood sugar: 5mmol/L, finishing blood sugar: 4.7mmol/L. It is such a myth that you need carbs to exercise, and eating low carb helps me to keep my blood sugar stable which is particularly useful on longer runs!

[jakegoesrunning]

A year in running

It’s coming to the end of 2016, so I thought it would be a great idea to look back at the past year (winter ‘15 - winter ‘16).

But I know what you’re all thinking - where have you been for the past three weeks? Good question! To sum it up short & quick, I went on holiday, celebrated my 26th Birthday and ran a 10k for charity. 

Now, back to my year in running...

November ‘15

I ran my first race, a 5k Santa Fun Run, in one of my fastest 5k times - 29 minutes! I remember the day that my friend, Lauren, said I should sign up for the race and I laughed. I didn’t run, I was overweight and truthfully, running scared me.

Here I am at the end of the race, feeling so proud of myself! Anyone wondering how to get into running, I downloaded the couch to 5k app and signed up for a race. I find it easier to run when I have a challenge at the end of it, so download the app and sign up for your first challenge!

May ‘16

I entered the ballot for the London Marathon - I hadn’t even run further than 5k, but for some reason, I decided to enter the ballot for the marathon - I know, I’m crazy! 

Jun - Sept ‘16

I moved to Brixton, and fell in love with the beautiful Brockwell Park, which is just moments from my house! This meant I was getting back into running again, increasing the speed of my 5k whilst trying to lengthen the distance I can go, too. 

Oct ‘16

I didn’t get into the marathon, sad face. But I felt sheer determination to get in, so after sending an application to Make-A-Wish foundation, this happened:

I got in! This meant setting a series of challenges - I had to train, a lot, get myself kitted out in essential gear, and raise £2k...

Nov ‘16

I signed up for a 10k run, and hit the roads, training to get my distance up, and speed too! 

It was in November that I was struggling with my demons, especially after receiving some negative comments. But I did hit my fastest 5k ever as part of a 10k run - going in 24 minutes! 

Dec ‘16

I turned 26, and being a year older hasn’t affected me in any way. If anything, I feel even more invigorated and determined to do the marathon, and I’m dead excited to get to April ‘17. Can you imagine what 2017′s year in running is going to look like? I’m excited!

Anyway, as mentioned earlier, I signed up for a 10k, and by jove I did it! I have to admit, I had a bit of a wobble. If any of you have been to Richmond park, you’ll know it is really hilly, and this 10k route was not for the faint hearted!

To give you an overview of the route, it was 2 laps of a 5k route, and half of it was uphill and the second half was sudden downhill, then flat, more downhill, then flat again. After the first 5k, I thought I’d finished, that’s how tough I found it. 

Anyway, I passed the finish line in just over an hour - not my fastest, but my 10k runs are never as hilly as that. Note to self and anyone signing up for a race - check the route out first!!

Here I am before (looking way too excited):

Here I am after the first 5k:

(yes I am making a gun-to-my-head sign)

And here i am at the end:

Medals ‘n’ all! 

How does my year in running end? With a hand op! Having just had my hand operated on, I am not going to be able to run for the next 10 days, so I will be able to get one more run in before Christmas! 

I’ll post some fun stuff between now and then so I don’t leave you too hungry for more!

[jakegoesrunning]

I hit a milestone!

Last night I ran home from work - that’s from Chancery Lane to Brixton. For me, it was a big risk. I knew the route well enough, but it’s not one I knew by heart, either.

My route was as follows: 

Chancery Lane to Fleet Street Fleet Street to Blackfriars (across the bridge) Blackfriars to Southwark Southwark to Elephant & Castle Elephant Castle to Kennington Kennington to Oval Oval to Brixton & Home :)

What did I learn?  Elephant & Castle is the worst area to run around. Those familiar with the area would know that it’s basically a gigantic roundabout and to cross the roads there was super hard. Every time, there was a red man, so I had to stop and jog on the spot. The fatigue sets in, the muscles start to tense. 

What else did I learn? It wasn’t as hard as I expected! I average around 5k on runs, so to increase this to 8.5k without trying was a great feeling. I am starting to get the positive mental attitude I’ll need for the 42.1k (26.2 miles) in April. 

I burned around 1000 calories too, and rewarded myself with a gluten free apple pie. 

Here’s a sweaty pic of me in the lift when I got home: 

Everyday is a step closer to the marathon, and every milestone makes me feel like it’s possible, 

[lmx-creative]

This is where I’m supposed to tell you that I’m a keen runner, with years of competitive experience under my belt, and a long list of medals and trophies to my name. Where I should tell you that I run at least 100 miles a week, and my fitness levels have never been higher. Where I say that I was born to run, and love literally every second of it. Unfortunately I can’t, as none of that’s true. What I can tell you though, is that I’ve signed myself up for the next London Marathon, to raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds. It would be great if you could have a read through my page by following the link below, and if you decide you’d like to support me, then that’s a bonus! http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/LMX

[lowcarbdiabetic]

Officially gonna be running marathon #4 and my second London Marathon next year for JDRF! :)

[livthegirl]

Just back from what started out as a terrific run until the great British weather rained me out - or should I say in? The big day is so close now so please keep donating and sharing. http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=LivForTeamARUK&faId=635061&isTeam=false #vmlm #londonmarathon #alzheimersresearchuk

[mari-sse-blog]

11:10<33

[c-willie]

Do cn