The Joolz VLM Final Entry

I felt it appropriate to update my status!

What now?

Well the official times are published, the official photos are published and the ballot opens for the 2011 race!

So.... my official finishing time was 4:49:39 and I am pleased and proud to have completed the 30th Anniversary, the first VIRGIN London Marathon and I've got the medal and the T-Shirt to say so! As for the official photos well, I may have raised my arms above my head as I crossed the finishing line but I forgot to smile and oh dear, I look dreadful! I have however, succumbed to paying the ridiculous amount of over £17 for one of the 7" x 3" photos and when it arrives I'll post it here as it is a memorable one taken as I run along the Embankment with the London Eye in the background. For me it says 'I did it!' and I shall be putting it in a frame along with my number, running t-shirt and medal.

It's been a week and a half now and since then I have run with club only once, tonight I have the first of the John Carr 5k series races and on Sunday the Leeds Half Marathon, not sure what to expect really but I'm sure everything will be fine. After the Leeds Half we have been invited to Liz & Chris Jones' house along with lots of other runners so I'm really looking forward to that.

The lurches in my stomach still have not subsided as I think about Lisa, Sharon, Jo, Alison & Rob who still have the Edinburgh Marathon to do just two weeks on Sunday. I'll be rooting for them and watching on TV, hopefully!

I heard today that the ballot for the 2011 VLM closed in a record time after just one day! Good job I got my entry in on day one then!

Londone & I'm back.........

I thought long and hard as to whether I should leave writing my blog for a few more days as I'm struggling to recount my experiences. However, I've decided to proceed with a draft and figure if anything I can add things in as I go along and hopefully recounting some things will jog my memory.

A short journey to Ferrybridge services on Friday 23rd April marked the start of an epic moment in my life - Sophie text me whilst we were still in the car to wish me luck and I replied that we were nearing Ferrybridge services and she replied that we would be coming upon her work place and now had experienced her car journey each day. We all waved frantically as we passed close by her office building! She text again to say she had missed us! So loading our luggage onto the coach the apprehension didn't seem to be lifting but I tried to turn my thoughts elsewhere as we made our way to the very back of the coach, the only seats left as we were the final pick up. The journey wasn't too bad and in no time at all we arrived at Excell for me to register and pick up my number. We were a little rushed and didn't have enough time to look round thoroughly but I managed to pick up a few freebies and a goody bag, also purchased a bargain Runner's World rucksack containing lots of running related treats and paraphernalia.

Back on the coach we headed off for our hotel. On arrival we were chaperoned into a side room to be checked in. Rules and regulations, meal times etc were relayed to us, then came the bombshell, our tour operator announced that they had been informed that the road outside the hotel was going to be closed for the race, therefore, they would not be able to get the coaches down to take us to the start of the race and runners would, therefore, have to find alternative means of transport to get there under their own steam. I was shell shocked, I would be on my own since the other 5 members of our party were all non-runners. Panic set in. Issued with our keys we were allowed to our rooms, very comfortable they were too. Spectacular views over Canary Wharfe with the London Eye on the horizon and a birdseye view of the Docklands Light Railway and lots of tall glass buildings made it feel like we were somewhere like New York!

Dinner in the dining room at 7.30 was a welcome relief from hunger pangs, and delicious it was too, as were the rest of the meals provided during our stay. Plenty of carb loading reassured me that I had put the finishing touches to the final phase of the last few months of preparation which was now complete, I felt confident that I had done all I could to ensure that I had put in what I expected to get out. Time would tell.......

Back in the room after dinner I proceeded to root through the goody bags, men's deodorant, milk shake, Mars drink (I don't drink milk by the way), London Pride beer, green tea - was there going to be anything I liked, not much was the answer to that, granola bars were a welcome sight!

I didn't sleep too well Friday night, strange bed, apprehension, too warm, too cold, dreaming about running a marathon, you name it, I was disturbed all night.

A trip on the Thames Clipper to The Embankment, souvenir shopping, street entertainers and a flight on the London Eye proved a valuable distraction for much of the day on Saturday, though Sunday was still at the forefront of my thoughts, my head was in turmoil and it showed as Martin kept trying to reassure me that I would be fine - it wasn't working.

Back at the Hotel after another pleasant trip on the Thames Clipper we put on the TV and snoozed on the bed, a welcome hour or so's rest and down for dinner we went. Helen, Don, Sharon & Gill joined us at our table for six by the window looking out onto Canary Wharfe, idyllic, spoiled by thoughts of the following day, at this point I resolved to come back next year and enjoy being a tourist for the whole weekend and letting others do the running! I felt like a spoilt child as I knew the fear was being portrayed on my face but I couldn't do anything about it, the thought of finding my way to the start line next morning was horrifying. Sharon & Gill were volunteering at the baggage trucks before the race and so they retired to bed early, closely followed by the remaining four of us. I was prepared for a sleepless night and by some miracle apart from waking once at 2 am and checking I had not missed the alarm, I slept quite well. No wonder since getting up at 5 am didn't leave me too many hours to actually be sleepless!

Up with the alarm I got ready in my running gear, pinned on my number, posed for photos in the room and off we went down for the 'runner's light breakfast' - in the reception area we met some runners from Driffield Striders and Bridlington Runners, Martin enquired what time etc they would be setting off to the start and would it be ok if I tagged along with them, they were only too happy and a wave of relief came over me! We met at 7 am to catch the Docklands Light Railway to Blackheath, and arrived at the start without a hitch. It was getting better. Some of the group were on the red start, some the green start and four of us made our way to the blue start. It struck me immediately that it was nothing like the Great North Run Start, there wasn't the buzz - there was one big screen relaying interviews with the rich and famous and eventually showing the elite ladies start, the heavens opened and luckily one of the chaps with us handed me a poncho, it kept me relatively dry, we decided to make our way to our respective start zones. Karen, one of the Driffield ladies suggested we try the new 'she wee' before being penned in - her name for the Pee mate introduced this year - aka cardboard female urinals. Ha ha this was going to be fun, I followed her into the tent where lots of ladies were Lent against urinals, one lady promptly gave us instructions, and we carried them out - simple - whoever designed them needs a medal for enabling us to avoid the enormous toilet queues. Thankfully I didn't have long to wait before the start, again non of the hype I had expected, everyone just stood around, no excitement, and everyone started to move forward then stopped, minutes later same again only this time they kept walking then started to speed up, just over 9 minutes and I was over the start line, the first mile marker appeared very quickly, as did successive ones, before I knew it I was at the 8 mile mark and feeling good. Keeping an eye on my minutes per mile pace, before I knew it I was at the half marathon mark and just two minutes outside my pace band time of 4:30 - still feeling great I had left behind Princess Beatrice in the caterpillar run, Sir Richard Branson wearing his butterfly wings and Mark 'Chappers' Chapman from Radio One, the noise from the crowds of supporters was phenomenal - at times unbearable, I have never seen so many people in the same place at the same time, extraordinary.

At around the 16 mile mark I spotted Helen and Don, shouting frantically Helen finally saw me at the last minute, it was great to have spotted familiar faces, reaching the 17 mile mark I had a pounding headache and began to feel light headed, luckily I had put tablets into my bum bag, promptly got them out and took them, 'was this the wall' I asked myself, I didn't know the answer but was worried as to whether I would start to feel worse, thankfully I never did feel any worse nor better either. Perhaps it was due to the weather, one minute the sun was cracking the flags the next it was overcast but very muggy. I didn't realise but looping round I came upon the 18 mile marker outside our hotel and I knew that Martin, Tricia, Neil, Gill & Sharon would be somewhere around here, familiar faces came into view, high fiving Tricia my spirits were lifted once more. I tried not to think about the fact that despite feeling terrible I still had 8 miles to go.

19 miles, 20 miles...... it amazed me how I looked forward to each mile marker, usually I hate seeing them, preferring to be surprised at how far I'd got, not today, each mile was an achievement, I think every piece of advice I'd been given came into play, anyone who gave me any along the way, 'thank you', and believe you me I took it at some stage or another!

Lo and behold, The Embankment, the place we had queued for Thames Clipper tickets the day before, Big Ben, turning the corner the excitement from the crowds was building, I knew I didn't have too much further to go, a left turn and we were running down the Mall, Buckingham Palace stood behind us, I turned to look at it as I had seen pictures of it in the running magazines, tired I read 800m to go, hardly able to make my legs keep going forward I prayed the next sign wasn't 600m to go, it was, then 400m to go - it seemed like an age before I finally spotted the finishing line and lurched towards it, coming up to the line I remembered what Sophie said someone had said to her 'put your arms in the air for the photo you look like you've got energy left' - I raised my arms above my head and crossed the line. Once over I scanned the signs to see what to do next, first up a ramp to have my timing chip cut off, then shepherded to the right to have a photo taken against a background, off to get my goody bag and then to the meet and greet to see my family!

No such thing! We had agreed to meet at XYZ - less congested we were told! It was like a cattle market, I couldn't move, were they 2 feet away and I couldn't see them, I began to feel weary and dejected, I went over to the pavement and sat down, wrapped myself in my foil blanket and waited, I was unable to use my phone 'network busy'. I waited, and waited and waited.............

Way over an hour later Martin finally appeared, I had begun to feel much better and we set off to catch a tube back to the hotel.

Showered and changed I pondered the previous few hours, had I really done it, I was wearing a medal and a 'Londone!' T-shirt, yes I really had......Would I do it again - people kept asking....I doubt it, but stranger things have happened!

London here I come!

With one day left to work before we travel down the reality is now beginning to dawn on me and I could really do with a dose of positive mental attitude, anyone know where I can buy some? My ankle is giving me some cause for concern (old injury from last year which never really went away but hasn't stopped me running since) and I can't seem to focus on anything else. A steady 6 mile run at club last night saw me bid farewell to fellow club members as I was sent on my way with their good wishes and good luck, wow such a lot of water will have passed under the bridge next time I see them.

Photos of me in my 'Home Made' T-Shirt!

I have booked a flight on the London Eye for Saturday, hopefully this will give me something else to think about. Shopping done, packing nearly done, I rose early (as I have done all week) and decided to go for an early morning swim. My sister-in-law and niece were there, nice to see some familiar and cheery faces so early.

Arthur our most senior member of Eccleshill Road Runners called into work this morning to wish me well, he's such a gentleman! I too passed on my good wishes to him as he is undertaking an abseil down the Central Library in Bradford on Saturday, raising funds for Marie Curie. My two eldest sons Scott & Craig are undertaking a sky dive also in aid of Marie Curie on Sunday too, it's not just me who's mad in my family then?!

This evening I am meeting up with the 'Slow Twitchers' group for an evaluation and feedback session (at the pub) with Mick Brearley, our coach and mentor for the last 14 weeks and as well as furnishing us with the information we needed he has also managed to complete his Scottish Marathon in a fantastic 2 hours 59 - job well done on both counts! We have had one or two fall by the wayside over the weeks, my close friend Gill being one of the most poignant for me having transferred my Edinburgh Marathon entry to her when I gained my London place, she has had to throw in the towel after weeks upon weeks of physio have failed to get her back to full fitness. She has, however, pledged that she will complete the marathon distance in the future, maybe I'll join her.......

So all that remains is to thank the most recent people to have visited my www.justgiving.com/julie-steele page viz Lindsey, Suzanne, Clare, Lisa & Rob - heartfelt thanks. Too numerous to mention are those who have also added their names to my sponsor sheet, I am deeply grateful, all that remains is to get the job done so it's "adios me old cockers" and in the words of Arnie "I'll be back!"

The Final week......

Last Sunday run done, Lisa decided to 'pass' on the Pennine 10k and join Sophie and I for my final 90 minute run, Sophie's first run since Paris and despite her suffering with a post marathon cold we had a lovely run, the sun was shining and we chatted most of the way round, 8 miles later, job done!

It's hard to believe that 5 months have passed since I was given the opportunity of running the London Marathon after previously being rejected in the ballot, failing to get a club place in the Eccleshill ballot, being drawn out as a reserve and then beyond my wildest dreams being offered a place from Hazel after she made the decision not to take part. It still seems like a dream and any minute I'm going to wake up!

I'm now at the stage when every time I think how close it is my stomach lurches. I know what lies ahead but I am unable to reason with myself why I feel as nervous as I do. I can't imagine how I'm going to feel come the end of the week if I feel like this now.

My final week has been somewhat marred by the death of my dear Aunty and although she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer we did not expect her to go so suddenly, which makes her passing all the more difficult to come to terms with. I was relieved to learn today though that I will have returned from the capital in time to attend her funeral on Monday. I will carry my memories of her around the course with me......

Tonight..... as the rest of the club members completed a speed and hills session I opted to run with a new member Debbie, we completed a 3 mile lap around Eccleshill accompanied by Gill after which they both agreed they would do another mile so I bid them farewell and set off to repeat the lap again to reach the 50 minutes suggested by my training schedule. I am so looking forward to depositing that piece of paper in the recycle bin! I may even do that after my very last run on Wednesday!

One training session to go and then it will be time to get packing!

The standard has been set

Well the standard has been set! Of the group of us opting to do spring marathons Sophie finished hers in a fantastic 4 hours 35 minutes. The photos told the story before I even saw her to get it first hand. She looked tired but very happy still clad in her marathon poncho, her finishers medal proudly displayed and then further photos of her enjoying a glass of post run wine made it appear she hadn't even run, she was glowing! Messages next day told a different story as she said she was hobbling and the stairs were a nightmare, but that she was thrilled!

Week 2 of my taper nearly over and I have astonishingly felt quite guilty, it's been difficult to reason with myself that I don't need to run as much as I have been doing. Monday (rest day) was taken care of as I was invited out for a meal with an ex employer from way back, Tuesday should have been 50 minutes easy but as I was unable to fit it in and so I left it until Wednesday and went to club, a nice easy 7 miles with Dawn and Alison took us down onto the canal and back to club via Calverley, Greengates, Thackley and Idle. Thursday's session with Mick was a fartlek session around Peel Park followed by a massage back at the cricket club -bliss! A student had approached various clubs for work experience and so we were offered the chance to help her out, and excellent it was too. I'm considering booking in for a sports massage in the week before my marathon. It's becoming reality now that our distance training course is coming to an end and our final session for feedback etc scheduled for next week signals the onset of the final few days before the big day......

I'll finish this week with a club run tomorrow, volunteering at the Bradford Parkrun on Saturday and I've opted to stay with my training plan and do a 90 minute run on Sunday with Sophie instead of racing the Pennine 10k and this brings me to the start of my final week of tapering.

The next victim for the 26.2 mile distance is Mick himself who's taking on the Lochaber Marathon, Fort William in Scotland on Sunday so it's good luck to him!

The Lone Ranger

The first Sunday of the taper when 'long run day' has turned into 2 hour day! I have been feeling apprehensive of this day all week since agreeing to 'go it alone', Sophie of course is in Paris doing the deed, Sharon ran 20 miles yesterday and Lisa & Jo were planning 22 miles today. I figured I could have joined either of them but both carried a possibility of being a contributor to my misdemeanour last week, running on Saturday as opposed to Sunday having not quite recovered from the Thursday session and joining those not wanting the same length or duration of run - yes I'm still harping on about it, sorry, but it's going to be a long drawn out process as it's etched in my mind. So I made the brave decision to stand alone just like the Lone Ranger! Some of you will know I really am not a fan of lone running, have I said that before? I couldn't even bring myself to plan my route, the best I could come up with is 'I'll run for two hours then you come and pick me up' - to my husband! Thankfully he agreed.

I set off from my house - I can't remember the last time I ran up my street - and headed for Apperley Bridge, I made the wise decision to set off fairly early despite wanting to watch the Paris Marathon on TV. It was brilliant sunshine but at 8.50 it was breezy too, perfect. Continuing Past Rawdon Meadows it felt odd not to be going into the car park, I carried on up the hill and through Woodlands, at the top of Knott Lane I did a right towards Rawdon, onto Guiseley, yes you've guessed it, through Menston and down to Otley, with 35 minutes still to spare I decided to take a right upon reaching the river, on towards Pool, or so I thought, hmmm slightly lost and running round the houses I finally found the right road as I spied Otley RUFC and then on past Stephen Smith's Garden centre, what a lovely tranquil area to run, I'm definitely coming back I thought as I ambled along, it was now quite warm, whoa the watch hit 2 hours. I would be kidding myself if I said I hadn't thought about what mileage I would do although it shouldn't have mattered I thought I might touch 12 miles, examining the watch it was 11.55 so not too bad and lo and behold I had actually enjoyed it. So whilst I still wouldn't choose to run alone, the next time I might not be so nervous as I set off.

My thoughts are for Sophie now, I'm on edge waiting to hear how she got on, although I still have faith she will be downing the wine and cheese as I type, I'm looking forward to the all important text.......oooh la la!

Two weeks to go..........

Inaugural Parkrun

I felt this occasion deserved a short blog of it's own. Today I rose early to get down to Lister Park with Marc to lend a hand in the first ever Bradford Parkrun. Heading for the bandstand to meet the other willing volunteers, the sun was shining on the beautiful park. I knew everything was going to go well. While we walked the course discussing where marshals were needed , Linda was already busy putting up directional arrows around trees and anything else conspicuous enough to point the runners in the right direction!

Cue the runners - they began turning up - everyone was chatting excitedly. After observing Tom from Leeds Parkrun demonstrate the barcode reader and timer/counter I decided that I would like to carry out a duty which provided least opportunity to 'muck it up' - marshaling it was then. Off I went to my prescribed position, by the flower beds at the front of Cartwright Hall, I waited eagerly to catch a glimpse of the first runner, I didn't have to wait too long before the leader of the pack, Mick Hogan from ERR came into view, and in the lead he stayed finishing first in 20:23. It wasn't about times today more about getting the logistics sorted but I couldn't help feeling a sense of pride that Marc came third. I'd like to see if I can get a marshal position nearer the start/finish next week as I kind of missed the excitement.

We are now looking forward to the first official run next week, and I'm looking forward to getting to grips with a run round Lister Park once I return from that there London having bagged a marathon the week after that!

Marc and I proceeded to walk to Peel Park for football training - all in the name of cross training I suppose!

Local Celebrities!

After my disastrous encounter on Saturday I resigned myself to resting until Wednesday when I intended to attend club as usual after a Parkrun meeting in Lister Park arranged to give the organisers of the new Bradford arm of the free timed 5k runs on a Saturday morning an insight into the general rules for staging such an event. I myself have volunteered my services and when not needed I intend to run. BUT the meeting didn't get started when it should have and, therefore, ran over. Before I knew it I had missed the 7 pm deadline by half an hour. I thought about going for a run on my own as I had my kit on underneath my clothes but the call of nature prevailed and I found myself having to go straight home in a hurry! Once there, it began to draw in and as I'm not the greatest fan of lone running it didn't take long for me to make the decision to get into my PJ's and watch the football on TV as the boys of the household had gone off earlier in the evening to a concert in Leeds - home alone - bliss!

Oh and Sophie & I are now local celebrities thanks to the Telegraph & Argus who printed a piece highlighting our respective Paris and London marathon efforts in the running log section of the paper in Wednesday's edition.

So, with Thursday's distance training now qualifying as my 'comeback' I have to say I was a little apprehensive at the thought of taking part in our 5k time trial, Mick ran through what we were going to do once we had weighed in - I've lost 2.5k since we were weighed back in week 1 - no doubt some of it is due to my illness at the weekend. Mick talked us through race 'procedures' based on his own experiences, timely arrival, warming up, dealing with nerves etc. He really does have a wealth of experience to pass on and it seems to be much more meaningful coming from the person than reading a multitude of manuals! So pep talk done, warm up done, we moved on down to Gain Lane for the time trial. I felt great on the way out but once more suffered with my breathing on the way back, a great shame as the legs had plenty left. Nevertheless I took 30 seconds off my first time which I suppose under the circumstances I should be pleased with but I'm not. I am considering a visit to the doc's just to check all is well and I haven't picked up a chest infection or anything. Maybe I'll wait and see how I get on over the weekend.

A meeting at club is forcing me to miss my Friday run so maybe I'll recce the Parkrun course after we finish 'test driving' the event on Sat and my training plan tells me I need two hours on Sunday, fingers crossed all will go to plan..... Just two weeks on Sunday to go now.

Many thanks to the latest generous people to sponsor my marathon efforts, Claire, Mark, Angela & Chelsey, Rowan, Sue & Ged, Mrs O'Shea, Liz & Chris, but there's always room for more if you visit my justgiving page

My 3 hour Pants run!

I am feeling really low today after yesterday's pants run. Yes I did have pants on but that's not the reason it was pants, that is a word I have adopted from Lisa after yesterday setting off down to Apperley Bridge to complete a 30 minute run up through Woodlands before returning to meet the girls, Lisa, Jo, Sophie & Sarah for a 2 hr 30 min run along the canal towards Leeds. Sophie on the other hand was joining us to complete only 90 minutes ahead of her last week of training before Paris next Sunday, she was positively buzzing and looked stunning as she had turned out in her shorts in the sunshine having just had her hair done - the excitement was contagious!

So 4 miles done I felt relatively good and ready for the off safe in the knowledge that this was the very last long run on my training plan, I was hoping to cover at least 18 miles in total. However, it cant have been more than 3 miles along the canal and I really started to feel fatigued. I ran through the options in my head, go back now, go back with Sophie? Hmm I figured I would 'come round' if I carried on. Sophie departed and then there were 4. It was very humid, one minute really sunny, the next overcast, it felt like a storm was brewing, we all agreed that the combination of the humidity, the route and anything else we could add to that of our own, and I certainly had plenty, was making this run unpleasant, I, on the other hand felt way beyond unpleasant, I have never before felt this bad on any run, my stomach was cramping, I started to feel sick, I just had nothing in the tank. Getting back to Rodley nature reserve and having a sense of how much further I had to go I did my utmost to tell myself 'head up, shoulders back, relax', which usually works, but not today.

I was ever grateful to the girls as they ran back occasionally to try and spur me on but I knew their efforts were in vain and nothing was going to help me, I just needed to get this over with. Despondent and feeling really sorry for myself, the girls did their utmost to comfort me when I finally dragged my sorry self back into the car park at Apperley Bridge unable even to feel glad that I had finished it. I did take on board their advice though that this is my first bad run, and I can run the marathon, put it behind me and look forward to my three weeks of tapering. After sleeping most of yesterday evening, unable to even eat except for a mere morsel I still don't feel much better today, so again on Jo's advice I am going to rest until Wednesday, try and analyse where I went wrong and hope that gets me back on the right track.

Meanwhile, I am wishing 'Bonne Chance' to Sophie who will be setting out on her journey on Friday and returning a few days later with the fantastic achievement of completing the Paris Marathon! Go Sophie!

Taper in sight number 24610

I went to club as usual on Monday - I began to suffer with my breathing (more than usual!) upon attempting to run up Stott Terrace, we had decided to run up the three different levels as a pyramid 1, 2, 3 without stopping. On the third pyramid I had to 'give in' and cut off early. I really felt tired.

I welcomed the rest day on Tuesday and felt much better at Wednesday's Woodhall club run - 8 miles. I don't think I had appreciated it on Monday as the weather was so bad but tonight it was a pleasant change to run most of the route in the light.

This week's distance training was an interval session at Esholt. Just what the doctor ordered. We did our usual warm up then a jog and then we did the St Bede's time trial route for the interval. Mick's instruction was to do it at a pace where we could just speak (not hold a conversation) and not to race it. I was first to set off as our starts were staggered, I was really pleased to get onto the filter beds and back and up to the top of Station Road and half way down Hollings Hill before the first person over took me! Talking to Lisa she had suffered with her breathing too since Muddy Bottoms so I guess it did take it out of us and I feel relieved that I have recovered and hopefully suffered no ills.

I have now received a VLM magazine which has everything I need to know in it, I have begun to read it and now know that with my number 24610 I am starting at the Blue start. The more I read, the more the excitement is building....

Tonight is a 5.5 mile steady club run and tomorrow I have my very last long run - 3 hours - so I'm starting on my own and meeting the girls 30 to 45 minutes later to finish off, I intend to relax with the family on Easter Sunday and eat my well earned chocolate! I can then begin my three week taper on Monday............

Muddy Bottoms (and the rest....)

Several months ago I got an email from Lisa which suggested we enter a couple of races which would serve as great training for our marathons, one being the Trimpell 20 and the other being the Muddy Bottoms 17 mile road race (also coupled with a 9 mile off-road race) at Bamber Bridge, Preston. Fantastic I replied and we duly entered both races.

Four months down the line and we receive an email (which I think might give something away!) from the organiser which read:

When you pick up your number you will be given a Map and a List of Directions you to follow to the LETTER
(I told by Linda Chapman that you cannot go wrong!)
There are 3 checkpoints on the course all have bottled water Please do not chuck bottles away please carry to next point or find a Bin, When going in or out of fields PLEASE CLOSE GATES!
If 1 member of your team takes a mobile phon incase you get lost there will be a phone number for help to get back on course

If you need any more details please e-mail shoestring360@hotmail.com

Map, Phone, Lost? What? I stared in disbelief, 'I thought it was a road race', I whaled!

However, after much pleading from my husband not to do it and even in the knowledge that taking part in this race may result in our never being seen again we decided to go ahead and do it. Things went from bad to worse as we realised that we had a running club get together the previous evening, coupled with this the clocks went forward one hour and the nail in the coffin? 9 am start in PRESTON!!!

Lisa very kindly offered to drive us there and messaged me to say she would pick me up at 7 am, 6 am real time! Blurry eyed we set off. Arriving in a timely manner just over an hour later we picked up our numbers and 3 (yes 3) pages of race directions (map included). We were walked over a bridge to the start and told we must close any gates behind us, not walk on crops and as it was lambing season not to disturb the sheep!

Despite my misgivings it was an absolutely beautiful and at times picturesque course to run (and walk). I have to smile to myself as I picture myself, Sharon & Lisa scaling a five foot fence to cross a potholed, boggy field to encounter the same height fence at the other side and that was only the start. Ahead lay a multitude of stiles (I wish I'd counted how many from the start), rolling hills and just complete wilderness at times. We would have fared much better if the directions had been anything like accurate, several times we found ourselves totally lost and having to retrace our steps to check we had followed them correctly and by some miracle we would find ourselves back on the right track!

Getting to the finish was just the best feeling ever and I'm afraid this is one of only a handful of races which is well and truly on the 'not to do again' list!

We have now learned that our results for the race are missing and the last person to finish did so in 7 hours and 7 minutes, and we thought our map reading skills were not too good!! Organisation? What organisation?!!

Shiney New Trainers

Nothing to report... haven't been training since Monday and I know this is against my principals but I must say I was a little concerned that I was heading for injury. I've been getting a very sore area around the back of my heel and under my ankle on my right foot for a few days now. So considering I have a 17 mile off road race on Sunday (I'm certain it was billed as a road race when I booked it back in December) I thought it would do no harm to have a couple of days off, Tuesday is my normal rest day anyway and Wednesday I had a committee meeting for club and managed to talk myself out of going for a run on Wednesday morning so here I am refreshed for this evenings distance training, tonight we are going to Horsfall track again for a session with Steve Wolstenholme again. Apparently he has a pyramid session in store for us, more on that later.

So this gives me an ideal opportunity to report that I won a double rollover lottery bonus ball, lucky number 5!! So nearly 90 squids in my pocket I tripped off down to Sportsshoes and invested in some new trainers and two new pairs of socks. I've worn my trainers for non-running activities for a couple of days and I intend to run in them for the first time tonight. I'm trying not to think about the fact that the last pair of new trainers I bought I ended up being out for 3 weeks - I can't definitely say the new shoes were the cause but I couldn't put it down to anything else either so I'm just keeping everything crossed. Meanwhile I'm very pleased with my girlie pink purchase!

Spring is in the air!

It was difficult to believe that yesterday was the first day of Spring as I stood on the sidelines in the pouring down rain to watch Marc play football.

Up with the lark this morning, Martin, Marc & I embraced our official duty of closing the road and turning the competitors in the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k around at the half way point and sending them on their way back to the city centre. Apart from being told we 'should go and run on the moors' by an angry motorist we enjoyed cheering the runners on. I must admit I gave a rather large group of members of the Army and extra loud cheer - a valiant effort carrying their heavy looking packs on their backs. We also had a fantastic turn out from our club, Eccleshill Road Runners (www.eccleshillroadrunners.co.uk) and the sight of each and every one of them made me wish I was running myself but I'll be back next year!

Duties done, cones and barrier tape removed I went to meet Lisa at Starbucks for a coffee before we set off to pick up Sophie for our now weekly ritual of a long run. We had decided to once more head for the pleasant surroundings of Otley. It is such a joy to see the multitude of ducks and swans gliding idly on the river. The run was made all the more pleasant this week by the array of colourful crocus which adorned the grass verges. A photo opportunity confirmed that Spring had indeed sprung! Taking the now usual route back to Menston and then down Hollings Hill I spotted some cute rabbits in a field, further confirmation of the lovely Spring weather.

Tired, we arrived back at Apperley Bridge in 2:43:51 with 15.36 miles in the bank! Lisa had amazingly completed the Bradford 10k too after volunteering to lead blind runner Louise around the course - wonder woman!

Yet another week gone.
Following the Trimpell 20 I wasn't aching as much as I expected - I had mentally booked a day off work! I decided to go ahead and go to club Monday evening as usual, thankfully Lisa had posted a recovery run on the club's training calendar, just what the doctor ordered.

Tuesday I took a well earned rest day. Wednesday's club run was a 9.63 mile run to Saltaire and back via Eccleshill, Bolton Road, Queens Road, Manningham Lane and Leeds Road, Windhill/Shipley. I had a really easy run with Alison H ahead of Thursdays distance training and although it meant I didn't get home until way after 9pm I felt good.

So to Thursday, down to Apperley Bridge to meet the group, after warm up stretching and jogging round a humungous field the session was 300m (faster than 5k pace) reps round a football pitch. Wow that was hard work. However, we finished off with some relays which lightened up the session and although our team came last (sorry Chris & Lisa)we all really had fun! Mick's sessions really have been great and I would highly recommend other runners to sign up for any future ones.

Club run tonight and rest day in the form of standing on the sidelines at Marc's football match tomorrow lay ahead of marshalling the Bradford 10k on Sunday (I wish I was running it) before our planned weekly long run. There are now only 5 weeks to go........

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...Not!

I'm still on cloud nine, amazed at just how I managed to run 20 miles without stopping yesterday. I'm not saying it was easy, it wasn't, by mile 15 my feet were sore, I had just about had enough of the revolting carb gel and could not even face the thought of another one, and whats more didn't really have the patience to squeeze the gloop out of the pinhead sized hole that's left when you tear the top off, thrusting a jelly bean into my mouth it felt like a whole cake or something, so the fuelling is not going to be easy over 26.2 miles is it? However, I did it and although I was feeling very tired I'm told that London will be a much better course with a lot more support, yesterday's race was mainly on cycle and walking tracks and also consisted of a lot of 'out and backing' where you found that the faster runners were coming back at you, they had done 16 miles in the space of time that I had done a lot lot less! There was also very little support and none of the sea front, amusements and beach I was expecting. For months I had been looking forward to a run by the sea and all I got was a few canoeists on the River Lune, housing estates, upside down trees, stables and a whole lot of graffiti that I was unable to even read! Whilst I agree it is probably a great preparation race for fast runners doing London, I would not be keen to recommend it to fellow 'less fast' runners!

By mile 19 I think I had virtually lost the will to live knowing that a run round the track to finish quite probably lay ahead when all of a sudden I spotted a familiar face, my sister-in-law, Tricia, and her husband Neil - there's nothing like a face you know to lift your spirits, with that out from behind a bush jumped my son Marc and Husband Martin, I had waved goodbye that morning safe in the knowledge that they were going to spend a day together doing dad and son things! I thought I was going to pass out! I managed to carry on and once I had got over the shock managed an uplifting TWO laps of the track to the finish!

Free use of the facilities at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre tempted the four of us,Me, Sophie, Lisa & Jo to go for a post run swim, bliss! I'm sure that has assisted in reducing the aches and pains today as I don't feel anywhere near as bad as I thought I was going to. Great job, I'm so proud of all four of us!

Keeping on track...

I'm still feeling a little achy after Thursday's intervals session on the track at Horsfall Stadium. It all seemed very professional as we were given instructions on the correct use of the lanes and how to avoid collisions etc. By this point I was feeling a little daunted. However, once into the swing of the 4 lap warm up, stretches and alternate 5k pace laps interspersed with a recovery lap, everything fell into place. I must say I didn't feel very athletic after the 3rd lap at speed! I began to mentally write my blog there and then...well this weeks distance training session was the worst yet..... However, I'm pleased to report that once the intervals were completed I really didn't feel that bad at all!

My intended cross training session went out of the window as Marc's football match was moved to today due to tomorrow being Mothering Sunday. Dejavu struck as I found myself in the vicinity of Horsfall Track once more as the football was Undercliffe Tykes versus Bradford Park Avenue - based at Horsfall.

My cross training consisted of hopping from one foot to another trying to keep warm on the sidelines and an afternoon of housework!

I have little doubt though that the rest will be a positive attribute to the 20 miles ahead of me in Morecambe tomorrow.......

Fundraising is still very steady many thanks to those who have sponsored me so far and for those still thinking about it www.justgiving.com/julie-steele is all the information you need.....

Dejavu!

Ahh rest day today, Sunday's 16.03 miles was so much more pleasant in the lovely sunshine. Sophie and I set off from Esholt after marshalling the final Peco Cross Country race to complete a slightly altered version of the run I did with Lisa and Jo last week. It wasn't too long before we hit a hiccup, the main gate by the filter beds was locked, no way through so we about turned and carried on through by an alternative route. I wasn't entirely sure where we were going to end up but it wasn't too long before we decided on a way through which we thought would still take us in the direction of Guiseley. Low and behold we arrived at the bottom of Gill Lane as planned. The roads and shopping areas at Guiseley and Otley were absolutely full of cars and people obviously brought out by the sun, making it difficult to negotiate crossing the road and getting down to the river. This done we administered ourselves another carb gel and set off back in the direction of Whitecross with a slight feeling of dejavu!

Once we reached the bottom of Hollings Hill, a little way along Baildon Bottom we diverted off the road onto the canal. It was like paradise getting off the busy roads down onto the tranquil, scenic canal. We finished our run in what seemed like no time at all. What a difference the sunshine made, I also have a sneaking feeling that the 17+ miles last week made 16 miles seem so much more acceptable too!

Monday's speed & hills session was a tempo run (dejavu once more!) which all the members seemed to really enjoy, Lisa had put together a slightly shorter version of the sessions we have done with Mick, starting and finishing on Gain Lane and it all went to plan!

This week I have a club run on Wednesday, distance training at the Horsfall track with Mick on Thursday, and instead of club on Friday we have a talk from a nutritionist (arranged by Airedale Athletics) followed by a curry (not sure he'll endorse the curry!). I am considering a short run or cross training of some description on Saturday ahead of the Trimpell 20 mile in Morecambe on Sunday which will be the highest mileage I have done to date.

I've been running for two years! : o

This week's training has once again gone well, I constantly have a nagging doubt in my head at the start of each week that maybe this will be the week I don't get through without problems, but yet again apart from a chesty cough and a few cold symptoms here I am looking forward to my long run on Sunday after marshalling the 5th and final peco cross country race of this series at Esholt.

I've run with club as usual, Monday's speed and hills session was a brilliant aid to loosening my legs after our long run to Otley, whilst Wednesday was another 'easy' 8 miles in the bank. I noticed from my training log (www.fetcheveryone.com) that I have run 102 miles more last month than I did in February 2009! Amazing!

Thursday's distance training session was not at Cliffe Castle as I had hoped but Wallis Street at Four Lane Ends. However, I had to chuckle to myself as some of the stories emerged of people being led into a false sense of security thinking they were going to a track when in fact, and I already knew this having worked in the area some years ago, we were meeting at a very industrial area complete with roadworks, diverted traffic (and lots of it) and uneven pavement hazards! (The road exploded just before Christmas when a major water main burst sending parts of the road and water over 50 feet into the air!) We were to run around what I can only describe as a 'block' which measured 1 kilometre, at 10k pace - mine was calculated to be around 5:30/k with 3 min rest in between each one. These type of sessions are known as intervals, yet another string to my bow, I've learned such a lot since my association with Mick. Despite the initial disappointment everyone agreed what a great session it had been. Mick advised us that these type of sessions, would greatly improve race times, as doing speed work makes your longer runs easier, well that's the theory anyway!

This evening's club run was another chance to take it easy and rack up just over 5 miles - the Harrogate Road 3 split, meaning there were three points along the route to cut off if needs be but I managed to hang in there and go the whole distance even though up Harrogate Road from Greengates was a bit of a drag for my tired legs. Linda and I were running along Idle Road heading back to club when a teenager flagged us down wanting directions to Gaisby Lane as he had been chased by some girls and got separated from his friends. After we explained where he needed to go he politely asked if he could jog with us - we promptly agreed. Making conversation as we went he asked 'how long have you been running?' - 'about two years' I answered, his jaw dropped 'Eh?' I immediately realised he meant this evening! 'Oh since 7 0'clock' I giggled!! Imagine running for 2 years solid - 17 miles was quite enough last weekend!!! He bid us farewell and thanked us when after a few hundred yards he spotted his 'lost' friend and we parted company.

Still smiling I mused how not all kids hurl abuse at us runners!

Bye, bye February *waves*

I'm Still feeling quite giddy as I write! Having completed 17.32 miles (not quite the 17.5 'map my run' declared!) Lisa and I were positively excited in quite a juvenile manner! Jo was a little more reserved having turned up feeling a little below par she still insisted on going the full distance which was raising her mileage more than necessary but as she and I groaned in unison as we descended back to Apperley Bridge I joked with her that we could make it into a song! The start this morning was 3 hours behind us and it felt great, painful but great! Just where one pulls such elation and excitement from after covering such a distance is beyond me but believe me it felt good. I'm sure Jo felt the same even if she didn't show it.

If I had to hazard a guess some of it may have spawned from the fact that we didn't get the soaking we were expecting as the weather forecast had been for a downpour, high winds and a storm, the reality was overcast, at times a cold breeze but nonetheless pleasant conditions in which to run, also the time, taking into account that the route we had just covered was quite a tough climb up to Guiseley, through Menston, down into Otley pause by the river for a photo (above) and then uphill back to Menston, up through Whitecross to Hollings Hill, down through Baildon, up to Fox's Corner at Shipley and then back up Leeds Road to Thackley, along to Apperley Lane back down to Woodhouse Grove School, we dared to equate our time with the marathon and came to the conclusion that realistically - dare I say it - we should be able to do our respective marathons in 4 1/2 hours - that makes my heart miss a beat but I'm still sticking to my statement 'I will be elated if I can go under 5 hours' - oh ye of little faith!

Never mind the weeks, there goes another month, bye bye February!

Fundraising is going quite steadily thanks to those who've handed over their hard earned cash - Mick, Scott, Mick & Dawn, Sarah, Kyoko, Tom & Gemma & Linda x
If you haven't visited yet, please do: www.justgiving.com/julie-steele

Here there and everywhere

Au revoir to another week! Following our mammoth run in the snow last Sunday I thought maybe I might ache on Monday but that was not the case. Off I went to club for our regular speed and hills session, this week was the Co-op pyramid so with that under my belt and still feeling fine, Wednesday's mid-length run to Saltaire and back seemed like a walk in the park. I took it nice and steady running back occasionally to the back runners, chatting as we went then getting slightly ahead before returning to the back and so on putting just over 8 miles in the bank. The apprehension I felt in the early weeks of my training plan seem very distant now as I look forward to the big day, 8 weeks on Sunday....

The start to Thursday's distance training was marred slightly by heavy rain, we were all soaked to the skin even before we had finished our warm up. Undeterred we headed off down to Gain Lane to start this week's long tempo, no explanation needed! A slight change to the route took away the feeling of dejavu, we headed down to the dual carriage way but instead of taking a left up Woodhall we went under the subway and headed along Galloway Lane to Pudsey centre, Sophie and I ran it together chatting where possible! We found ourselves getting all the way down to Swinnow before the 35 minutes were up. "About turn" and we were heading uphill back the way we had come, Pudsey Pacers runners were frantically running in pairs, in all directions like buzzing bees! "Well done Ladies" - I'm sure they thought we were some of their members and do hope they weren't missing us when they got back to base!! Finally getting back to the start point I was once again delighted to have completed the exercise in 72 minutes. A jog back to the cricket club followed by cool down stretches and drills ended another brilliant session. Mick is looking into the possibility of us training at Cliffe Castle, Keighley next week. I'll look forward to it!

Tonight's club run was thankfully a short run, Westfield Lane loop from club totalled just over three miles in 36 minutes, a perfect recovery run ahead of a rest day tomorrow and a planned 17.5 mile run to Otley and back via Shipley on Sunday - in addition this week I have run through Guiseley, Horsforth, Adel, Bramhope, Yeadon, Rawdon, Idle, Shipley, Saltaire & Pudsey!