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Running for Ira

  • Update for 02/06/2009

      2 June 2009

    I did it! How was it?? Freezing!? Wrapped myself up in more clothes than I'd ever run in, two polypro tops, a jacket, a hat, ear warmers, leggings... wind chill factor of -5.? A few hail storms to contend with - but also some occasional Christchurch sun. Running by the Avon river was scenic and the first 21 k was a fairly?easy trot.? Enjoyed it and then the second lap commenced and things started hurting.? The butt.? The knees.? The legs seemed to get heavier...? the stretch from 25k to 38k was the toughest.? After that my body still hurt, but I knew I would make it.? I just had to chew through the last few kms.??Was still moving forward, just.During this second lap I thought often of Ira.? His family.? And all of you supporters.? ? That helped to keep me pushing on.? So, I've run a marathon!? Still comprehending it!? Here's a link to my idiotic grin at the finish line... http://www4.marathon-photos.com/scripts/buy.pyevent=Sports/2009/SBS%20Marathon%20Christchurch&photo=SBCB0931&bib=74"">http://www4.marathon-photos.com/scripts/buy.pyevent=Sports/2009/SBS%20Marathon%20Christchurch&photo=SBCB0931&bib=74 A couple of others have promised some further funds for this cause.? I'll wind the project up at the end of this week. Thanks.

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  • A sleek new ipod!

      26 May 2009

    Found a small gift under my pillow from one of my supporters. Thank you Churchouse xx I need my Annie Lennox fix. My old ipod has trained with me through many long months. She's been a fine support. Now time to upgrade to a lean machine that straps to my upper arm. Current feelings? nervous. excited. nervous. excited. For any runners interested, I stumbled upon a great guide for the day of the race. (http://www.rightzone.co.uk/wordpress/?p=16#_Toc132385394) Thanks for all the wishes of support and the generous donations. I know that it will be these words and support that keep me going on the day. x

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    • 29/05/2009 by Givealittle Admin

      Found a small gift under my pillow from one of my supporters. Thank you Churchouse xx I need my Annie Lennox fix. My old ipod has trained with me through many long months. She's been a fine support. Now time to upgrade to a lean machine that straps to my upper arm. Current feelings? nervous. excited. nervous. excited. For any runners interested, I stumbled upon a great guide for the day of the race. (http://www.rightzone.co.uk/wordpress/?p=16#_Toc132385394) Thanks for all the wishes of support and the generous donations. I know that it will be these words and support that keep me going on the day. x

  • Countdown - 8, 7, 6...

      24 May 2009

    This time next week I'll be ... I'm not sure.? Elated? Tired? An emotional wreck??Perhaps a mixure of the three.? This last week has been mainly about resting and stretching.? And phew for that, given the weather out there!? Went for a run this afternoon and it felt great to be out running and the rain wasn't so bad, THEN I turned around and felt the full force of the?southerly and at the moment my ipod went dead... Please, please let it be calm and?fine next Sunday in Christchurch. Plenty of advice given to me these last few days.? Drink drink drink beforehand.? Don't go out too fast at the start.? Keep your focus in the last 10k.? Don't think about ice creams.? But the advice I liked best was this: 'Just start out at your own pace and forget all the other runners. Its your run. Your first marathon is absolutely one of the best experiences of your life . And when the pain kicks in during the last few kms remember that you're doing something few people experience - running the last few kms of a marathon, so savor the experience.' I'll try and remember that.? Thanks again for the many messages of support.? It really means a lot to me

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  • Two week taper

      19 May 2009

    Overwhelmed by your support and generousity.? Thank you all?so much.? Makes?my determination all the stronger.? Now that the last long run, before the big one, is out of the way the next two weeks are about gentle jogging, some hot yoga to stretch out the muscles and pasta pasta pasta! Knees ache.? Achilles pinches. Shoulders tight..... BUT the resolve remains firm.

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  • On track

      18 May 2009

    Did it!? 36km. Check.? The gale force winds provided some challenging moments! Ugh.? But pushed on through, helped much by my running buddy, Nick and thoughts of Ira.? Saw Ira, his sister, Edie and his Ma and Pa on Sunday afternoon after the run.? To read a little more on Ira, check out the website: http://berrymanupdate.blogspot.com/"">http://berrymanupdate.blogspot.com/

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  • Chapter One

      15 May 2009

    Friday 15 May So, this week is the big week.? On Sunday morning I have to run 36k.... Sunds ludicrous!? Have new geeky backpack with water bladder and a pocket for the energy goo I suck down every 10 k or so.??? And the different bits of the body that begin to ache... cramp in my foot arch this morning and achilles heel still sore.? Though Glen my trusty physio assures me all will be well as he inflicts torture on my lower calves.? Tired often too. Seems to be getting harder and harder to get out of bed.

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