This Bruce track has now become a firm favourite with me having dragged me through the closing stages of the Watford half marathon and then along the towpath to the finish of the Hemel 17 miler last sunday.
What an amazing sense of achievement finishing that one was for us - Not sure we knew what to expect on the day but it really didn't help me before the start when people were saying things like "this is so much more hilly than hemel" - where I had wheezed and puffed my way round or "I think this is harder than London itself" - very motivational - NOT !!
As always the first mile felt like four and whilst the route was beautiful, I did consider letting myself be knocked into the canal so I wouldn't have to run another 16 miles - lazy as always!
We broke the route into four 4 /5 mile training runs as thought that psychologically this might help a bit and also made the decision to power walk up any big hills to make sure we had enough left in us to complete the course- with the first 4 miles under our belt we headed off for the 9 mile water station, our next "marker" - I don't believe for a minute it was a reflection of the speed we were running at but by the time we got to it, they had run out of water - huge blow knowing that the next water station was at 13 miles - But, the lovely organisers got more water, drove after us and got us rehydrated at mile 10 and off we went again with a spring in our step - mile 13 came round very pleasantly and then we were into new territory, over 13 miles - there was a jelly baby stop at mile 14, great in theory but made my mouth very dry so I was bitching about that for the last 3 miles - funnily enough this also co-incided with when Liz decided it was time for some music - mmmm, writing this, I wonder if there was any correlation??
Mile 15 arrived, still good and then mile 16 - this is feeling really good and we are going to do this - then the lst half mile and my legs were just so bored and tight by then - just about every 4th step of the way I was saying to Liz "are we nearly there yet , please promise me it is just round the next corner",poor Liz, I am sure she will run faster on her own next time - anyway, that is when Mr Springstein came into his own at full volume and over the line we came to be greeted by Keith, Jamie, Siani and Lizzie (who had finished her run in 2hrs and 6 minutes - now that girl was born to run!!) - I should have mentioned earlier that Sian has had to step back her training just now as she has got some knee / hip problems going on but hopefully when she gets back from her holiday in March, the quack will have her back in her Asics before she knows it. We know how frustrated she is at not being out on the course with us, but huge respect for being there to meet us at the end.
Liz and I are becoming very emotional when we get to the end of each of these milestone training runs and I think Lisa is finding our behaviour very embarrassing, oh well, it can't be helped! I think it is fair to say that particular race was important to us to know if we were on track and I think we now feel that we are.
So what have we done following this run?? Well I think I have consumed my own body weight in food most days this week and I am really going to have to watch my portion control post April 13th or I am seriously going to be the size of a house!!!
We have done some lighter training sessions this week and this weekend we are all going to be in different parts of the country / world so no mega runs planned this weekend.
On the whole I would say that enthusiasm is still high - although we need to try and find a way of stoopping Lisa getting bored only 10 minutes into a run or it is going to be a very very long day in London - I think the girls are hoping that I will lose my voice and stop gabbling away the whole time - somethings you just can't help.
Right, going to love you and leave you for now as have a very different challenge to tackle today - myself and Jonathan, my 3 year old god son are off to London zoo for the day - I love him dearly but what do you think holds more challenge - 17 miles running or the two of us on train / tube and London zoo?? You decide ........ lots of love, Susan xxx
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Friday, 8 February 2008
Halfway There - In Watford!
The training continues!
All four brave/crazy ladies (delete as appropriate) continued their punishing training routine last weekend by running the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday Morning.
What was publicized as a "gently undulating" course around the leafy Herts countryside was in reality a gruelling 13+ miles which was run over what seemed like the nastier parts of Snowdonia, into the face of howling winds to complete the misery!
A pretty extreme test of stamina and endurance - and that was just for the spectators.
Having said all of that, it has to be said that the ladies performed superbly on the day! Everyone made it round in one piece, in bang-on-target times of between 2:08 and 2:15. Another 13 miles on top of that should be no problem......
In fact here is a picture of Lisa and Liz, roughly half way round the course looking far too comfortable as they manage to both pose for the camera AND ruthlessly overtake a slightly more "senior" runner!
Massive thanks to everyone who came down to support on the day, and to cheer the girls home at the finish - Liz's Mum and Dad, Lisa's Mum, Dad and Sister, Matt (bravely delaying his journey back up North), Kim and Jim, the Dunns, and of course the hubbies, Keith and Jamie.
So pleased was everyone with this fine all round performance, that the ladies then took their fellas off for a fine slap up Sunday lunch where some of the good work was promptly undone by the cheeseboard and several bottles of red!
However, the relentless schedule continues, and the girls have been training as usual in the evenings this week and are aiming for a gentle (!) 12-14 miler on Saturday morning. Nice warm up before the drama of the second round of Six Nations matches unfolds....
More posts to follow as the quest continues, but in the meantime thanks again to one and all for your continued support of the Marathon Ladies!
All four brave/crazy ladies (delete as appropriate) continued their punishing training routine last weekend by running the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday Morning.
What was publicized as a "gently undulating" course around the leafy Herts countryside was in reality a gruelling 13+ miles which was run over what seemed like the nastier parts of Snowdonia, into the face of howling winds to complete the misery!
A pretty extreme test of stamina and endurance - and that was just for the spectators.
Having said all of that, it has to be said that the ladies performed superbly on the day! Everyone made it round in one piece, in bang-on-target times of between 2:08 and 2:15. Another 13 miles on top of that should be no problem......
In fact here is a picture of Lisa and Liz, roughly half way round the course looking far too comfortable as they manage to both pose for the camera AND ruthlessly overtake a slightly more "senior" runner!
Massive thanks to everyone who came down to support on the day, and to cheer the girls home at the finish - Liz's Mum and Dad, Lisa's Mum, Dad and Sister, Matt (bravely delaying his journey back up North), Kim and Jim, the Dunns, and of course the hubbies, Keith and Jamie.
So pleased was everyone with this fine all round performance, that the ladies then took their fellas off for a fine slap up Sunday lunch where some of the good work was promptly undone by the cheeseboard and several bottles of red!
However, the relentless schedule continues, and the girls have been training as usual in the evenings this week and are aiming for a gentle (!) 12-14 miler on Saturday morning. Nice warm up before the drama of the second round of Six Nations matches unfolds....
More posts to follow as the quest continues, but in the meantime thanks again to one and all for your continued support of the Marathon Ladies!
Monday, 28 January 2008
Fred Hughes 10 Miler - the Aftermath!
Just thought everyone should see the aftermath of the ladies first big challenge! This is Lisa, Liz and Sue looking not-at-all-knackered after the Fred Hughes 10 mile race last weekend....Everyone looks particularly sprightly I think you'll agree, and they all achieved their major objective - which was, of course, getting round the course in one piece!
In contrast, here is a picture of Siani looking not-at-all-knackered after taking a rest day, and going for a casual Sunday lunch with Shirt at the local Wetherspoons. (NB this might not be true, and the photo may not have actually been taken last Sunday).
Anyway, all the ladies are feeling good and up to the challenges ahead, so bring on the Watford half marathon next Sunday. Maybe see some of you there, but in the meantime take care one and all and thanks for your continuing support!
Sunday, 27 January 2008
11 Weeks to go - not that we are counting !
Well the weeks are now starting to tick past and the thought of what we have signed up for is really starting to hit home !
Liz, Lisa and I did the Fred Hughes 10 mile race last weekend as part of our training and next weekend the four of us are entered for the Watford Half Marathon. It is so helpful that everyone tells us that it is a really hilly course - thanks folks, very motivating !
When we set out on this journey Liz and I talked about how it should be fun and that we should listen to our bodies and do what they felt comfortable with - I think that was my way of dressing up that if I wanted to walk then I would !!
What is fab for me is that I am getting to spend a fair amount of time with some great friends supporting each other in our drive for a common goal. Am I enjoying it? There are some runs I have enjoyed loads and others I have loathed! To date the highs have certainly outweighed the lows and long may that continue.
We hope that you will enjoy sharing the next 11 weeks with us as we take you through the ups and downs as we progress towards April the 13th - you may at times be exposed to more information than you really want - we had actually considered calling this the bowel blog and if you do want to know why, ask Lisa.......
I have just realised that tomorrow is the best running day of the week hurrah - Monday and our well earned rest day.
We are all trying so hard to achieve this amazing goal and we really couldn't do it without your support so thank you very much. At this point, we shall throw out our first thanks name check to our fantastic fundraising team of John (Daddy) West , Jamie, Liz's hubbie, West and Keith, my lovely husband,Lewis.
The support we are getting means so much to the four of us so thank you and please keep that support coming - it really does help drive us on, especially the vocal support at the training runs / races - on this point, mega thanks to Jamie and to Liz's mum and dad for being there at mile 6.5 last week of the Fred Hughes run. I know it did spur us on - even if I did walk as soon as I thought I was out of their sight!
If you do fancy some fresh air next sunday, then do please come over to Watford and give us a shout. Otherwise, pop back here later next Sunday /Monday for an update of how we all got on.
Now, as a training athlete I need my well earned beauty sleep so I shall bid you all goodnight and look forward to catching up soon. Keep well and happy, love Susan xx
Liz, Lisa and I did the Fred Hughes 10 mile race last weekend as part of our training and next weekend the four of us are entered for the Watford Half Marathon. It is so helpful that everyone tells us that it is a really hilly course - thanks folks, very motivating !
When we set out on this journey Liz and I talked about how it should be fun and that we should listen to our bodies and do what they felt comfortable with - I think that was my way of dressing up that if I wanted to walk then I would !!
What is fab for me is that I am getting to spend a fair amount of time with some great friends supporting each other in our drive for a common goal. Am I enjoying it? There are some runs I have enjoyed loads and others I have loathed! To date the highs have certainly outweighed the lows and long may that continue.
We hope that you will enjoy sharing the next 11 weeks with us as we take you through the ups and downs as we progress towards April the 13th - you may at times be exposed to more information than you really want - we had actually considered calling this the bowel blog and if you do want to know why, ask Lisa.......
I have just realised that tomorrow is the best running day of the week hurrah - Monday and our well earned rest day.
We are all trying so hard to achieve this amazing goal and we really couldn't do it without your support so thank you very much. At this point, we shall throw out our first thanks name check to our fantastic fundraising team of John (Daddy) West , Jamie, Liz's hubbie, West and Keith, my lovely husband,Lewis.
The support we are getting means so much to the four of us so thank you and please keep that support coming - it really does help drive us on, especially the vocal support at the training runs / races - on this point, mega thanks to Jamie and to Liz's mum and dad for being there at mile 6.5 last week of the Fred Hughes run. I know it did spur us on - even if I did walk as soon as I thought I was out of their sight!
If you do fancy some fresh air next sunday, then do please come over to Watford and give us a shout. Otherwise, pop back here later next Sunday /Monday for an update of how we all got on.
Now, as a training athlete I need my well earned beauty sleep so I shall bid you all goodnight and look forward to catching up soon. Keep well and happy, love Susan xx
Our Just giving websites
If anyone does wish to contribute through justgiving to any of the girls, their websites are detailed below :-
http://www.justgiving.com/susanlewis1
http://www.justgiving.com/masegoesrunning
http://www.justgiving.com/lizisrunning
http://www.justgiving.com/siani-does-the-marathon
http://www.justgiving.com/susanlewis1
http://www.justgiving.com/masegoesrunning
http://www.justgiving.com/lizisrunning
http://www.justgiving.com/siani-does-the-marathon
Marathon Charity 6 Nations Sweepstake
Hello all!
As many of you may already know, there are 4 lovely, courageous and slightly unhinged St Albans ladies who have entered the London Marathon this year on April 13th - Sue Mac/Lewis, Lisa Mason, Liz West (orLangston to those of you who haven't seen her for a while) and Sian Davies.
They are running for a trio of very worthy Charities -Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Herts Community Trust and The National Autistic Society.
The first fundraising event for the girls is our Great Big Charity 6Nations Sweepstake.
There will of course be BIG prizes to be won and our fund raising committee are working on these as we speak! Cost - £5.00 per person and the money raised will be split equally between the charities.
What you need to do:Reply to lilisusi@live.co.uk, talk to Keith, Jamie or one of the ladies involved. Then pay up some money and answer the following questions:
1/. In the 2008 Championship, who will come:1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th.
2/. Will the winners complete a Grand Slam (Y/N)?
3/. What will the winners points difference be?
NB as a hint last years results were as follows -
1st France
2nd Ireland
3rd England
4th Italy
5th Wales
6th Scotland
No Grand Slam
France Points Diff + 69
First game is 2nd Feb, so hurry up and get involved!
Any questions, send us a reply, or again, speak to one of the girls....
Good luck
As many of you may already know, there are 4 lovely, courageous and slightly unhinged St Albans ladies who have entered the London Marathon this year on April 13th - Sue Mac/Lewis, Lisa Mason, Liz West (orLangston to those of you who haven't seen her for a while) and Sian Davies.
They are running for a trio of very worthy Charities -Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Herts Community Trust and The National Autistic Society.
The first fundraising event for the girls is our Great Big Charity 6Nations Sweepstake.
There will of course be BIG prizes to be won and our fund raising committee are working on these as we speak! Cost - £5.00 per person and the money raised will be split equally between the charities.
What you need to do:Reply to lilisusi@live.co.uk, talk to Keith, Jamie or one of the ladies involved. Then pay up some money and answer the following questions:
1/. In the 2008 Championship, who will come:1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th.
2/. Will the winners complete a Grand Slam (Y/N)?
3/. What will the winners points difference be?
NB as a hint last years results were as follows -
1st France
2nd Ireland
3rd England
4th Italy
5th Wales
6th Scotland
No Grand Slam
France Points Diff + 69
First game is 2nd Feb, so hurry up and get involved!
Any questions, send us a reply, or again, speak to one of the girls....
Good luck
France England tickets charity auction
We have available a pair of tickets to the France England match in Paris on the 23 February 2008.
Obviously you will need to bid as much as possible in order to win.
The auction starts now and will finish at midnight 3 February 2008.
Just e-mail your bid to lilisusi@live.co.uk.
The highest bid will be posted every evening.
The winning bid will be announced on Monday 4 February 2008 and will be contacted by e-mail.
Good luck and start bidding
Obviously you will need to bid as much as possible in order to win.
The auction starts now and will finish at midnight 3 February 2008.
Just e-mail your bid to lilisusi@live.co.uk.
The highest bid will be posted every evening.
The winning bid will be announced on Monday 4 February 2008 and will be contacted by e-mail.
Good luck and start bidding
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