32 Mile Bike Ride... Are You Mad?

Right so, this isn't related to running. But it was classed as an endurance event, as well as being the most demanding-est cycle I've EVER done in my life.

This event was done with my 2 older Cousins. I was dreading it completely. 3 weeks prior to this event I'd gotten myself a crappy £90 bike! I know. Talk about cutting it short for training. I've never really been a good cyclist. I'll tell you a little story... Relating to how my introduction to cycling was disastrous...

As a family, on my Mum’s side. Before going abroad, we use to go to Centre Parcs for a week. Where we'd hire out the bikes, and cycle through the different parts of Forrest. Usually, I would be in the little cart and let my mum tow me along. On this occasion, I was finally old enough to hire out a bike of my own. When we'd go on bike rides, I'd trail behind. I’d complain and cry to my Mum, Stepdad and Cousin, complaining that it was too difficult. Being a chubby, unfit child of the day, my mum would shout and curse at me. Saying I was just plain lazy. At the end of a not so brilliant holiday, my stepdad come to find that my brake pads were stuck together on the wheel. Ahaha. So I'd been working effectively, 10x harder than I should have been. My guilty ridden mother apologised for her behaviour towards me and all was well. So there you go. It's safe to say a cycling career was out of window for me!

Leading up to this event, when I'd finally got my bike, I went out only once or twice with my cousins doing about 13-15miles. The event came round the corner so quickly that I doubly doubted myself! But all in all, this event was primarily in memory of my Nan. I thought, even if I am unfit. Even if it's going to take me 5 hours to complete, I will find the will power to finish it. My will power prior to this had been my driving force when my training and when my initial fitness had lapsed.

So the day had come. I'd met my Cousins at the start in a rural area of Warwick. I'm not going to lie. I was fairly intimidated by all the road racing bikes and people in professional looking cycling gear. Here, me and my two cousins had shown up on mountain bikes... Worth no more than £100 each! These people looked like they meant business!

We gathered some nutrition bars, emergency contact information and pinned our race numbers to our shirt and off we went. The first 5miles were  fairly pleasent. Then we nearly got lost at one point due to there being a 16mile route (in blue arrows) and our 32 mile route (in red arrows). Me and my cousin Shannon, had by this time lost my cousin Ciara as she powered ahead of us. We both said well if we have done the 16miles, we'll have to go around twice due to us raising funds for entering the 32mile. As you can tell. It was sort of turning into a nightmare. Luckily my Aunt and Uncle caught up to us in the car, along side the very encouraging Aunty Dotty, who cheered us on and said eveything was fine. We were on the correct route. Thank Christ!!

After around 20ish miles my knees started hurt badly due to my seat being too low, but I carried on all the same. At this point, I was absolutely knackered. Dying even. I thought I was doing better than I thought on milage. I was wrong. I underestimated how hilly the route actually was. 

It's safe to say on our shitty mountain bikes, me and my cousin finished near the bottom of the pile, but guess what? We did it! It took us near on 4 hours. All of which were felt like blood, sweat and near on tears. But we did it, Ciara completing it about 20 minutes to 30 minutes faster than us- so proud!! I think If it wasn't for the thought of my Nan being in my mind and hoping that she was proud of us from up above, I'm going to be honest with you now, I probably would have given up and pulled out of the whole event.

Feeling exceedingly proud, we got some well earned food in our bellies, packed our bikes and left feeling absolutely enticed with success. Unfortunately, due to the small BHF team that put on this event we were not provided with any medals/certificates. But all the same, my race number as a memory, like all the rest have been stuck onto my wall, next to a portrait of my Nanny! 

This event proved to me that your mind is a lot more powerful than you think. If you can convince yourself by putting the fatigue and lack of energy at the back of your mind. You should be able to surge on until you pass that ultimate finish line. Never underestimate yourself. People, after all, are their own worst enemies. Unfortunately, I'm not going to put the images up due to not getting, at this present moment in time permission to do so off of my Cousins.

To finally conclude this short narrative of my bike ride, I'd like to thank the BHF of Warwick for this wonderfully designed family event. It brought us closer as a family unit, in the respect that in a team effort like this, you will accomplish and achieve like never before. In a way, it's sad to learn that it takes a ringlet in our family chain to break off, before we truly realise the real meaning of word (family). I'd also like to acknowledge that I am indeed, exceedingly blessed to have healthy and supportive family, whom I love with all my heart. Forever. Always.

 

The Color Run Birmingham- O, So Pretty

So I've wanted to participate in this run for about a year. So I used some of my hard earned money to pay for, probably one of the most expensive 5k runs I've ever done. I decided to enter my best friend also without telling her and sending the email confirmation to her work email. She was shocked. But I said "Bitch you owe me £35.50". I wasn't up for letting her skiv me out of £35. I love her but not that much, Jesus! 

I was exceptionally happy when my race number and white t-shirt got delivered as well as the fake tattoos. I was so excited for this event. 

I woke on the morning of race day, waited for Vickie whilst taking lots of selfies. It felt nice to finally have someone run with me! We left fairly early knowing that the train journey was easy, it was the bus journey into town and the walk to the train station that would made our journey lag. 

On the train, there were many people looking identical in their white t-shirts, tutus and equally excited for the event in hand. With only a short 10minute train journey we arrive. It took us a little longer to finally figure out where the hell we had to go. I was even more excited due to my fiancé coming to watch. 

It felt like forever to get to the start, we were queuing up for at least 15 minutes before setting off. I was itching to go. 

Yey, it was our turn to go! I started off a little quicker than usual wanting to get to the first powder station, the route was fast. I was craving a PB. Vickie found it quite hard, struggling to keep a consistent pace and so having to do the technique of run, walk. (As you can imagine I hated this. But it was my best friends first 5k! Cum'on. So I wasn't too fussed. It gave us more time to soak up the atmosphere)

The first powder station PINK! I was getting pummled with powder left, right and centre. Wanting to get as messy as possible. After all I did pay £35 for the entry fee. I was going to get the most out of it. We were briefed before, and told that you had to keep powder stations flowing, so your weren't allowed to stop. But as you can imagine not everyone abided. I witnessed people rolling on the floor, sliding. All I got was pink spit. Haha. Ergh it tasted rank!  

The second station BLUE- By this time the Vickster had gained a really bad blister. Causing us to take longer to get to this station. The was my fave. I loved blue! + I got absolutely caked in powder. Yes. I was staring to look like a multi coloured leprechaun. 

The third station. YELLOW!- At this point I'd lost Vickie as I wanted to run for a bit. I waited for her though to go through the powder, as it was a lot more funnier that way, even though you vision was impaired due to the huge smog of powder clouds. 

And finally the ORANGE station- it being our last station, I was determined to go through it slowly as to get epically coloured for the final sprint across the finish line. 

I said to Vickie looking at my newly coloured Garmin that we were near the finish and stated one does not merely walk over a finish line! As a result we decided to run and race each other to the finish like two competitive children. 

She beat me of course, due her mahoosively long, sexy legs. Which were nothing compared to the Snailtastics short stubs for legs. 

What a great run. We got our finishers goody bags along with a massive pouch of powder each to do the infamous end of run celebration throw. That was to happen every 15mins! We were the first to do it. Whoop after finishing in 35/6 minutes. Which was pretty good considering my best 5k time was around 31/32 mins! 

The count down began. 

10.

9.

8.

7.

6.

5.

4.

3.

2. 

1. 

My fiancé caught quite a good photo as well as me videoing it. This event most definitely lived up to expectations of being the 'happiest 5k on the planet'. I loved every minute of this run/ brisk walk. I was exceedingly proud of my bestie. Completing her first ever 5k. Next up the Wolf Run in November. For me, my next event was the  Wolverhamton Banks 10k at the start of September. 

Two Castles 10k and a Cough. Nooooo!

After a glorious all inclusive holiday in Mallorca in the last week of May with my amazing best friend. I come home having put on an additional 20 stone, having not moved as far as the bar and back to my sun lounger for the past week, it was safe to say I had a lot of work to do, as well as the brutal shock of coming back to reality. The Two Castle 10k run was in 2 weeks and I needed to shift my arse back into training mode. 

For the next 2 weeks I varied with cycling as well as running to make it more versatile. I went straight back to my usual 4.2 mile run to start off with with a steady pace. Feeling pretty good with the first week back, I then developed a cold :-(. About 4-5 days before race day. Absolutely brilliant. Why does this always happen to me when I have important events coming up?! 

I managed to fit in a very tight chested, worst run of my life 5 and 6 miles before race day which I was pretty proud of. 

On the morning of race day I was coughing my guts up like I'd smoked 50 a day, my Dad was quite concerned and didn't want me to take part. But this was the 10k I'd always wanted to do since starting my running. I'd booked it the day the online entry went live to secure my place. I was not about to let a wimpy cold take over me! I also learned that my Grandad... in his 70's was also going to run with me. 

We arrived early as usual, ready to begin the run at Warwick Castle that would then take us the back way through to Kenilworth Castle. Before starting the race I had, again a dodgy stomach- this seems to be the story of my life!! 

Waiting with Gramps, I took my last toilet stop and over the start line we went with our timing chips attached to our shoe laces! The first 3 miles were great ... as I'd  expected, it seems to always pan out this way. which Is good I suppose. I'm slowly but surely getting that little bit more use to running and maybe that little bit fitter. 

After that, it started to gradually get worse, my chest was burning. I couldn't catch my breath due to my cold and phlegm gargling in the back of my throat (rank, I know. But it's the God honest truth), making my breathing wheeze. It was truly the most horriblest feeling I've ever felt! I knew the cold was affecting me because I was constantly having the walk up the steeper parts of the route, which emotionally ruined me (if you've read the other posts. I hate to walk in an event). I was feeling defeated, my Grandad ran off at about 6/7k after he saw how poorly I looked. His words of encouragement dying down. I didn't want him to stick with me, it was unfair he had the potential to get a good time for his age! So as he ran off, I kept myself hydrated and hurdled my way through. 

I seemed to get my barings and feel that little bit more comfortable at about 8k. The support from the crowed grew as we were getting nearer to the finish which upped my spirit majorly. When I seen the castle car park I started to up my pace and pose for the photographers (badly as you will come to see). I managed my Snailtastic sprint over the finish line where coughed my way up to get my finishers medal and goody bag. I can only describe the feeling after as you have a funny feeling in your lungs whereby they feel like they've expanded so much and hadn't quite deflated back to their original state. Or when we've reached you maximum fitness levels by sprinting or doing a bleep test and you feel horrid with the lactic acid, sicklyfeeling throughout your body. 

After, I found my Gramps, his wife and my Dad just outside, after lumbering through a lot of bodies. We took some finishing photos and toddled off to the car. I can honestly say, to date, that was one of my most difficult events not being at 100% fitness or being 100%  well. I was drained. So much so that I went home, showered and was knocked out for the rest of the day in bed! 

I hope to continue running this event and look forward to next years race... Hopefully, I should be in tip top form and not dying from a cold and cough!

The chip times came in at 1hr 16mins 16secs. Not too good for me at all considering my Brimingham 10k time. but if suppose it beats pulling out of the event entirely! 

Here are some photos:- 

The Great Birmingham 10k... Finally I'm Getting Somewhere

So, I'd signed up for this just before my first 5k. I thought realistically I'd have to, as a progression step. After reading about it, I thought it'd be great, the support from the home city was just what I needed to keep me going. Upon reading reviews for the event, I thought why not? What could go wrong? 

I made the mistake however, to go out and have a couple of pints the night before with a friend... Bad idea! DO NOT DO THIS! Ahaha. 

I woke- not hungover, thank God but feeling a bit groggy. I was ready for my Dad’s early pick up, stumbling into the car with 57 layers on. I knew that the route meant road closures, so we didn't take any chances and got into Birmingham for about 8ish. My stomach was turning roundabouts due to the beer the night before, and I seriously doubted myself. I just wanted to go home. It didn't help either that the start to the day was miserable and rainy. Typical! Although now I prefer to run in the rain! 

I was placed in the 90's wave and due to set off at 10:45ish (I believe), I had no idea of what was to come. Not only had I only ever run about 4 miles at the most, I had absolutely not visual route in my head of Birmingham or the route. We were all rounded up and thrown into the warm up area. I must admit, it was horrible, a very congested start. My first event where the number of runners were in the thousands. So here we go... I'm about to do a milage that's a first, with no warm up, on streets I didn't know with an iffy beer stomach and chinese chips and curry sauce sloshing around!! Aha. (I did say I'm not your stereotypical runner right?!) 

With nothing but music in my ears and forgetting to start my running app, I was off once again! 

After about 3 miles I thought....

 Yep, this isn't bad at all. I like really like this. 

The cheers from random people etc... Running down, I think Penshore Road (I think that's what it was called. Well it was exceedingly long,  then you go around Edgebaston Cricket Ground and double backed on yourself). I was feeling a bit ill again, not now! 

I concentrated on the music and carried a bottle of water from the first drinks station. Upon doubling back on the really long road, trying not to die on the other side of the barriers, I could see someone waving at me... I thought hmmm... I then clicked on as I got closer that it was one of my fave tutors from my old secondary school who inspired me to take on a History Degree... And stopped me from getting into a lot of trouble in my GCSE years (yes, believe it or not I was quite the little shit at school), she put me on the straight and narrow and was there for me more than a lot of people at that time in my life. (Much respect Harlock!!). 

Yeah, enough of the soppy shizzle back to the running Coley. After that it all went downhill (unfortunately not literally). Nobody informed me about Hagley roads incline, this took it out of me ever so quickly. But in a way, not knowing did help, because I had no clue when it was going to end, so I just kept on going and hoped that it would eventually peak At this point, my legs were jellyfied and I had to walk to catch my breath for about a minute or so. Regaining some energy, I managed to pick up a light jog, all I can remember after this was someone in the crowd shouting:

"Come on. You can do it. There's only a mile or so left to go!" 

 

Want a piece of advise- NEVER believe the public, especially if you don't have a running app or a Garmin in your presence. Hell yeah, I'm going to complete this at a fairly good time and I don't feel that bad. So as you can imagine, I decided to up the pace, every minute (or so I felt with no watch) I found myself scanning the area for a finish line

Nope no finish there, or there. Where the hell is it?!

It felt like half an hour had passed by the time I came into the final straight, I just about had enough energy to attempt my snailtastic sprint... It was over. Thank God! I crossed the finish line, upon reading the results, I made a finishing time of 1:12:43... My old tutor that waved at me beat my by 3 seconds- fair play! Aha. I absolutely loved this run, it was one of the main reasons why I wanted to take up the Brum half to. Hats off to you Great Run Series, well worth the entry free! 

Here are some photos from the day:- 

As I said 57 layers. I was frozen and groggy 

The dismal day before hardly anyone got there. Hiding from the rain! 

I know. Possibly the worst running posture ever. I have worked on this. Shoulders back etc... 

 Excuse the horrid facial expression. But just before the finish line! 

Me and my main supporter. Cannot believe he wore my Wolverhampton scalf in fecking Birmingham. Did he wanna get stabbed!! 

My uber painful blister from the event. Never run on K-Swiss tubes! 

The morning after my facial expression says it all. I needed a wheelchair! 

Hold On... Another 5k

So after my first 5k I felt amazing, addicted almost, but due to some demotivation my training lapsed between the end of March to April. According to my records on RunKeeper, I didn't do any recorded runs until the 19th April. I know for sure this wasn't the case, I continued to run. But not as often. 

I found that I was coming home more often than being at university. I got exceedingly lonley and felt I thought too much about home and my Nan, getting quite upset. I was missing lectures again and stressed about deadlines. I became very anxious to be in a lecture room, I'd just get distracted and kept on looking at the clock, trying to convince myself to stay and not leg out of the door due to my increased heartbeat, or stand up and excuse myself to the toilet and not come back. It was exceedingly hard. What I have just stated, I haven't really discussed with anyone before. Reading up on things lately it could be a slight anxiety/ claustrophobidic disorder. But I'm no doctor and nor is the internet for all its worth. Relating to running, if you're unsure of a painful injury do not do what most runner do (guilty as charged) and continue training, go to your local GP!! 

So my second 5k was upon me with hardly no training whatsoever under my belt and more than likely a bag of extremely fatigued fitness. But I thought...

No, I've paid for this, I will do this as well as it being a chairty held event.

So me and my moral support (my dad) headed off that morning, whilst I left my fiancé having a nice lie in like any other person who isn't a runner will cherish. I was one of the first to arrive. I like getting there earlier than 30mins to sort myself out. I almost always get anxious which makes me believe I have a bad stomach, but I've learned how to overcome this and after reading forums. I’ve concluded it’s quite common. 

Top tips for this: 

Get up nice and early- lay off a heavy breakfast 

Try and keep moving or go for a short walk or if you have a dog it will be handy for just a short walk round the block before. 

If you feel really iffy take some immodium or IBS tables (which I felt really helped) 

Always take tissues!! All them port-a-loos on a big event are likely to run out of toilet paper at some stage! (Ive never experienced it. But I'm sure half the running community has at some stage)

Keep hydrated, but not your usual coffee, energy drinks before your race. Coffee always is my enemy on race day. I just stick to plain Jane water! 

To continue- I grabbed my race number from the desk with my safety pins and off I went. I was actually really surprised with the turn out for this event. There was probably about 300-400 people that attended. A big well done to Nuneatons BHF clan. The route was also a mystery to me before the race day. Upon arrival there was a big banner with the route presented. Looking at it like on a small scale, you always think, pfft- easy. Why does it always look less difficult on a map?! Aha. As more people gathered and clumped I managed to grab hold of the Heart mascot and have a picture- check it out... 

Run for Your Heart

After this, we were taken to the start just outside the parking area. I stumbled across two of my Mum’s ever committed gym members from the Villiage Hotel. I was really surprised to see them there, as they normally go for bigger events like your 10k's/half marathons. Dorota, had not long before completed the Coventry Half in an amazing time of 01:51:11! I was exceedingly proud, seen as though she wasn't up to full spec with a reaccuring injury! We had a little chit chat and once again it was time for the Snailtastic Runner to commence. 

I don't know what came over me, but I was craving to start off fast, but thought to myself, 

No Coley. Your not fit enough and you'll burn yourself out.

The course was very pleasent, a nice scenic route around a pretty park at the side of the leisure centre 3x round. I tried to push myself fairly hard to maintain a decent pace. Half way through I thought...

Oh no, that's it, time to walk. 

But thinking of my Nan, as well as my Mum’s friends words of encouragement whenever we passed, helped perfectly. On the final sprint around the athletic track say 400meter to the finish a song which me and my Nan would dance to came on. It was almost as if she was watching me from above using this song to cheer me up. Do you know how hard it is to run and cry at the same time? VERY! But with that I crossed the line with a time of 32:58, (my app was coming out at 4.76km not quite a 5k) but all the same I collected my well deserved certificate and goody bag, endorphin rush imitated and feeling like I was ready for more. Had I gained the running bug already? 

Here are some photos: 

Race Number!

Cheeky post event selfie with my other half! 

Today's Pinterest motivation! 

My First 5k :-)

So if you've read my first post, you probably want to know what happened next. Well I should hope so, if you've clicked onto this page! Aha, or maybe it was a mistake. If it was thanks for the post view, and have a nice day!

Aside from signing up to a half marathon, my second 5k and a 32 mile bike ride by about March, I have to rewind to the end of February, whereby I signed up to my FIRST ever 5km. This is daunting to any first time runner. Others may say,

"Ooo 3.1 miles, that's easy."

But in actual fact, completing your first 5k is probably your greatest achievement of all, its your first event in a ‘runners’ world. Everybody starts off somewhere, even the greatest of athletes. Usain Bolt didn't just jump out of the womb and start sprinting around the track now did he? If he did, then that's mightily impressive. Anyhoo after, you should feel great about yourself, have a sense of pride and want to progress onto the next distance, which in most cases is your 10k. If your thinking...

Damn I was nearly dying at the end of that there's no way in hell I can complete double that!

Trust me you can, and you most likely will! Baby steps, don't just go out one day and try pushing yourself by upping the mileage to 6.2 miles straight away! You'd be crazy, and most likely will not succeed, end up with a stifling injury and feel really demotivated. You should know your own capabilities and limits- so stick with them.

So with some advice from mwah, its time for the story!

After searching endlessly for a 5k that was suitable for me in about 8-10 weeks, I came across Warwick Castle Stroke Associations 5km Resolution Run that was taking place in March. I thought great, no running on roads, I sort of know the castle grounds and I shouldn't be too anxious/out of place, with the majority of these runners doing it in aid for charity, and not elites over lapping me and taking it really seriously!

After nans funeral, I finally plucked up the courage to go back to university in Wolverhampton and live in my private halls away from my amazingly, supportive family to continue my studies. I'd already missed a week of lectures and seminars. With that came a chance to officially start my training. It just so happens that I had a part time job before Christmas, which was by a public park called West Park in Wolverhampton before the holidays.

WHOOOOP! perfecto.

I use to see all types of runners when I'd pass to go too and from work- you want to know the best part... it was in walking distance to my student digs. Already having started the gym in November/December time, all I had to buy was some decent... but cheap running shoes (student loans can't afford your latest £100 Nikeys- unfortunately) Sports Direct- here I come!

My first ever run was fairly successfully in my eyes, 2 laps non-stop around the parks perimeter which came in at about 3.16km, it took me 21mins 39secs with an average pace of 06:51min/km. I was really proud with that, the gym sessions before must have paid off!

According to my records, I started my  training on January 19th 2015. I hit my 5k target in training on February 8th after running and attending the gym with only 1-2 days off. My time was 32:35mins with an average pace of 6:30min/km. Already, I was feeling the benefits of running and eating properly, laying off the junk food and pot noodles! My pace was improving ever so slightly with every session. I aimed for non-stop runs, with no walk intervals, as that's the training that best suites me- even today! I only walk if I cannot physically force myself to run- I don't know, maybe its my stubborn nature. I feel like I've been defeated if I walk. But take into consideration what I've said before, everybody is different, I know my best friend who came out running preferred the walk, run, walk, run way of training. You just have to experiment I suppose.

Race day was here (March 8th 2015), my first ever running event... My first ever 5k. I managed to drag my dad as my taxi driver for the day, on a crisp Sunday morning drive to Warwick. As well as my newly titled fiancé and my, at the time stepmother, for moral support. It come to the warm up and I had a text from o2 saying my data had run out... 

Damnnnn how was I going to track and keep hold of my time and pace? 

But then I thought hang on a minute, I just need to survive this 5k without stopping, I'm not try and 'PB' it. The start gun fired up and off we went with 4 laps around the central courtyard, leading down the castle grounds, then back up through the 'to be' finishing line x4. I felt fine after the 4 laps, but started to struggle on the castle grounds. Half way round a kind runner informed me that one of my shoe laces were undone, as you can imagine, I had to stop suddenly and tie it up as quickly as possible so's I could carry on going and not cause a collision. After all that jazz, I was back on track. The incline coming up to the finish just about killed me off, but I kept on telling myself 

rest is all down hill from there.  

After nearly loosing track of how many laps I did of the castle grounds, I was making about 23 minutes when I passed the big finishing clock. I thought this must be my last lap. I sprinted (maybe not a sprint to some), however long my little legs could stride outwards, I did it, I crossed the finish line in 32minutes dead on, knocking a full 35seconds off my last time. I collected my medal like an Olympic champion! I felt amazingly proud that all the hard work had finally paid off! 

Here's some photos from that day:-👇

 

 Me and Dad

 A Walk Around the Course

 Me and My Main Cheerleader! <3

The Start Line Into the Coutryard

Top Tip/ Quote:

The Beginning of a New Love?

Okay, so I've only ever blogged when I was about 14- I've now just turned 20- So apologies in advance if I'm kind of crap at this. It's a first for me.

Anyways, moving on. Why am I doing this you may ask?

First of all, I created this blog as means to express myself, and note my progress and journey with- yes, you've guessed it- RUNNING! I'm attempting a new tactic and hoping this may help motivate myself and maybe, just maybe inspire others.

I was inspired by a guy called Andy Yu's and his Run To Win WordPress blog (I'll post his blog address at the end).

After one afternoon on my break into a tedious 12 hour shift, I began searching. You know trying to avoid human interaction and savour every free minute of rest with my sugary energy drink in hand! I then stumbled onto this magnificent blog. Andy's ability to record and analyse his runs in depth caught my eye immediately. I began to read his post on the Great Birmingham run. I signed up for 2015's, after completing my Great Birmingham 10k back in May with hardly any training, I needed some reassurance that I could in fact do this after having some serious doubts.

Great Birmingham 10k, 6/5/2015. Time: 1:12:43

I'm by no means a stereotypical runner, no, no, no! Not at all. Ive always been on the chunky side and I grew to hate running at school, being forced on the retched 12 minute cooper run of death. After just a couple of minuets into a slow jog, I'd just give up and walk the rest of the way, more than likely getting into trouble by the PE teachers, (who would stand there in their thick, warm waterproof coats) whilst we were running like robots in our PE kits, freezing cold (PE kits consisted of shorts and a polo shirt!). It was safe to say I was no Paula Radcliff! Give me sports involving ball play i.e. Netball, Football, Rounders, Irish Gaelic etc... and I was in my element- there was no stopping me.

I actually started running for a personal reason very close to my heart. Of course, you'll get the people who want to get fit and want to lead a healthy lifestyle. Anybody that runs will tell you they love this aspect, due to it working nearly every muscle in your body. I've seen somewhere that apparently going on your average 5km run giving about 6-7 for effort out of 10, you release more endorphins then spending 1.5 hours in the gym!!! Now that's saying something.

Sorry, sorry. Back on track.

On Christmas Eve of 2014, my nan sadly passed away suddenly. She was 71, at this point in time she was probably more active than my university, 1st year self (*cough* human body = 70% water... Wrong. I was probably 70% of alcohol!) She took part in my mums Zumba classes every week, as well as line dancing her heart out every Monday night! It was amazing blow, as well as a shock for me and my mums side of the family. She was my best friend, my rock, my world. Someone I'd turn to the majority of the time for help and assistance when times were tough. She had a heart of gold and always found the good in everyone she met. She'd do absolutely anything she could to help. Even if this meant she was out of pocket, giving to numerous charities.

Nan Zumbering at her surprise 70th. 06/09/2013

Me and my Nan probably about 1996/7ish

So I thought, hang on. It's my time to give something back to charity, but I wanted to challenge myself... hmmmmm. scratching my chin. I don't like heights, so there's no way in heaven or on earth that I’d be skydiving anytime soon.

Then, BOOM!

I recall seeing advertisements on the internet relating to Coventry Half Marathon, prior to this, seeing an old teacher that had taken on running and smashing the Birmingham Half in October 2014... But then I thought, 13.1 miles in under 2 month, phahaha you must be joking right? I'd run for 5 minutes and be hauled off into an ambulance with an oxygen tank! aha.

So I searched endlessly to find a half marathon in the West Midlands/ Warwickshire area for about June/ July time. I stumbled up one called the Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon in which took a short 13.1 mile straight/flat course from Wolverhampton to Birmingham, through the canal paths on July 4th. Yep, you've guessed it, click here, debit card details there, email confirmation- and there you go, I've just signed up for my first half marathon!

Then next logical step was finding a charity. It came through that my nans cause of death was an aortic heart aneurysm that bursts suddenly, like a ticking time bomb with no symptoms prior whatsoever. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) took immediate precedence when reading their website. Then I was off, setting up my Just Giving page and ready to take on all that running could throw at my mightily unfit self! 

Members of my family also found a BHF 32 Mile bike ride through Warwick (they preferred the idea to raise funds for a cycling event rather than run due to the impact of it). After this, I found my 2nd 5k in Nuneaton, for the 11th April with the name being "Run For Your Heart" another BHF event- I just couldn't resist. So there you go...

I'm exceedingly unfit, I have 3 physically demanding events coming up in the year with absolutely no clue how or where to start!!


Andy Yu - "Run to Win": https://yellowrunner.wordpress.com/