"Only 0 days to go"

Well kiddies, today is the day. I am overcome with fear/nausea/anxiety but mainly for the beginning. From what I can gather by what people tell me, actually starting running is mission impossible. Everyone is crowded together and pushing their way to the front. Not only does this eat into your time, it incorporates two of my biggest hates; pusher inners and crowds. 

All my focus at the moment is on the very start and I haven't given much consideration to the rest of the run. I know the first two miles are my personal hardest in the way of regulating my breathing and pace, cue Darth Vader. However that small section between 2 and 13.1 miles in a mystery. All I am hoping is that my mind doesn't give out before my legs do. 

I am currently eating Weetabix and drinking a cup of tea. I have never successfully managed to eat before I run but after the passing out incident the other day I feel it would be awfully foolish to attempt this on an empty stomach. 

So here it is, my last "pre-half marathon" post. 

Wish me luck.

Your soon-to-have-completed-a-half-marathon friend.

Two days.

Am pooping myself about Sunday. My running pack is through, I have had my last run and all I can do now is try my very best. As I write this I have a bag of frozen peas on my elevated knee thanks to my first running injury. Exquisite timing as always. I did 6.56 miles today in 82 mins. The main reasoning for this was to prove that I could in fact run more than 4 miles. Had a slight panic attack when I read that if you stop within the first 4 miles you are instantly disqualified. Also you are not allowed mp3 players. Oh and the last half marathon runner is expected back in 3 hours. Today I proved to myself that I am capable of achieving all of these things but in the process have ballsed up my knee. To be fair I did go for my run at 5:50am then come home, shower, have breakfast and trek into town. It was 20% off in Topshop. What is a girl to do? I then proceeded to not eat all day, walk to my friends then walk home. Unfortunately on the way home I started to feel quite ill and dizzy. That is when I realised that I hadn't eaten and if I didn't get to a shop soon I would most definitely pass out. Which I did. In public. That is the last of my dignity gone then. I feel fine now though, apart from my knee which has been covered in deep heat. I smell fiiiiiine.

I am seriously hoping it will be a case of mind over matter. 

Things I learnt today:

• Scraping my hair back is not a good look for me (oh hai massive chav).
• Singing the Rocky theme tune in your head is highly motivating when running.
• When you have no music you have very odd thoughts, for example what song you might have at your funeral and who you might invite. (Positive thinking as always).
• It is important to eat so you don't pass out.

One positive of Sunday is that I get to see my niece and sister for the first time in a month. If I run fast enough we will even have time for a Nandos BOOM. I have such a support network wishing me well for this God damn run I don't want to let anyone down.

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far and if you haven't already, get your finger out yeah? I JOKE. Except not really..

Now I am going to sleep in preparation for all the carbs I am going to eat tomorrow. Apparently people have "pasta parties". Best sort of party I can imagine.

I'll check in tomorrow when I am hyperventilating with nerves. Look forward to it yar?

Your shattered friend.

Stress.

On the verge of a nervy b.

Imagine a black screen with lots of dots of light buzzing about. It is impossible to focus on one let alone all of them because they are all moving too fast, weaving in and out of each other. When you think you are finally following one, another comes across your path and distracts you. You end up back where you started; amongst a mass of confusion.

Too much stress in all directions at once. 

Signs are now up for the Leicester Half Marathon and the prospect of Sunday is making me feel sick. My running ability is of shocking levels. Probably worse than when I first started training. The weight of the pressure I feel under appears to be hindering my ability to run properly. I can't escape from the "how long have I been running for" and "how far have I gone". When I first started running, before I signed up for this, I liked going because it helped me clear my head but now I come back feeling more anxious and under a thick cloud of worry. I know there is nothing I can realistically do now to improve my running ability other than not getting an injury. I need to try and curb my anxiety because when I get anxious, I get ill. Unfortunately I can't seem to control my anxiety which ironically makes me more anxious. I am forever shooting myself in the foot.


I am currently sat in the library getting a migraine.

I might go home.

Your highly strung friend.

Well Fancy That.

Last night I planned a route I would take this morning for a 9.1 mile run. It was a very simple route to ensure I didn't get lost. Except I did get lost. Quite lost actually. I did make it back, albeit a completely different way and altogether I went 8.4 miles. I cannot put into words how difficult I found it and it has given me serious concerns about the big day. Some of the problem was probably do with the fact that I had neglected to eat before, or take water with me. However, I cannot see that this would account for the sheer exhaustion of my legs. OH WELL. The yin to my yang just told me I am too pessimistic. I shall try to think more positively (the crucial word being "try").

In sunnier news, I just had an apple from my apple tree and it was OM NOM NOM.

As I am writing this I have just received a card from my Cali-bound housemate/BFF. My day has brightened more than considerably. I started writing this feeling a little blue and am ending it feeling nothing short of joyous.

Farewell for the meantime,

Your suddenly cheery friend.

A man with an axe.

Last night I had some rather violent and highly disturbing dreams. The first involved a man with an axe hiding outside my boss' window whilst she was sleeping. The second, me running in the park and said man with the axe chasing me. I don't know whether you are aware but I have always been quite psychic. My Cali-bound friend and I were forever getting premonitions last year which were forever coming true. I also have a bizzare sixth sense with The Mother. Taking all of this into account you can imagine my feelings I had towards running through the park this morning. I am pleased to say I clocked up 4.7 miles and was not attacked by a man with an axe. I am not so pleased to announce that I have the most insane munchies today as a result. I fear going to the library despite just eating 2 weetabix and 2 apples. I fear both my stomach growling but also accidental chomping on some poor person's arm. If you stay still for long enough, chances are I will eat you. As I can't go to the gym I am going to improvise tonight and attempt to do some gym-like activities. It is amazing what you can do with a can of beans..

So that is all for now. Tomorrow I am going to run again in the morning.

Have a lovely day,

Your ravenous friend.

Better Late Than Never.

OH HAI DERE.

I can only apologise about my distinct lack of blogging. I have literally not been in front of a laptop long enough to post in weeks. Blame my Blackberry. You might be pleased to know that I have been making an actual effort to run. I have even bought some proper running trousers albeit a good four months after I should have done. My running trousers do come with quite a practical issue. The reason for buying such trousers was because I need a zip pocket so I can take my music and keys. However, when I put such belongings in my zip pocket my trousers proceed to fall down with the weight. I am yet to find a solution to this problem other than pulling them up every other minute..

After a relatively successful train journey (including the sighting of a monk, yes an actual real life monk) I am now back in Leicester. I have no access to the gym until I can join one here so I have no choice but to run. This can only be a good thing. Unfortunately, as is always the case, leaving home means saying goodbye once more. Those of you who know me know how close I am to my niece. She is my Little Miss Pickleface and being away from her is difficult to say the least. I took her to school before catching my train and astoundingly managed not to let even the smallest tear escape. Even when she whispered in my ear "don't leave me forever" as I was giving her one last cuddle. The girl knows how to play with my heart. I am going to ring her later and will no doubt hear about her latest boyfriend, who has been on time-out today, what happened at ballet and other such daily battles and dramas. Don't you wish you could be four again?

I received an email today about the half marathon saying my running pack is on its way. Eeeeek. I fail to remember a time I have ever been so nervous about anything. Quite literally terrified. My friend asked me, if I could take it back and have not signed up for it, would I? I don't regret signing up for it but I do regret not training harder throughout the summer. Unfortunately this is how I roll. I leave everything to the last minute and I don't think I will ever change. Three short weeks before the run I am finally getting focused on the actual mission. Better late than never?

I am also getting my act together and sorting out sponsors. If you would like to sponsor me my page is
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=annamarie_clare&isTeam=true
Anything you can spare will be greatly appreciated. Everything I raise is going to Bowel Cancer UK; a charity that works to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer. As much as we would like to, we cannot eliminate the disease so instead we need to give those with it the best chance of survival. This means detecting it as early as possible.

On the 9th October I will be running for Paul.

You will be hearing from me soon. Maybe even tomorrow.

Thanks for listening,

Your finally motivated friend.

Pass me a brown paper bag..

OEIHFGVBNS DPVNJGW90UT9W3HEGISWBNV ;PAN VZL;SNVL;A\NFOPnvgopnabvbnaslb

I am actually hyperventilating at the thought of this thing.

My friend who is also doing the half marathon has just made his event page for sponsors. I have been in sweet denial about the fact that I will ACTUALLY HAVE TO RUN THIRTEEN AND A HALF BLOODY MILES. 


Good grief. I am starting to think I should probably have spent less of my summer drinking and more of it running.

I have a month.

Please sponsor me.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/annamarie_clare 


I want to cry


Thanks.


Your panic-stricken friend.

Pinch, punch, first of the month

So Friday's gym session turned into some casual drinks which turned into a ridiculously drunken night. I did attempt a run on Saturday morning but chundered after 7mins . Don't you worry though my petit pois, I managed to get myself back on track to go out again on the Saturday. In my defence, the Saturday was with my girls and it was the first time in about a year that we had all been together. 

There is no better way to celebrate such a momentous occasion than with a classic punch night. 

We also gave the jelly bean game a go. I am not going to lie to you, it was not entirely successful. I still do not wish to give up on the game, it just needs a little tweaking. It was a fabulous night topped off with literally the best jacket potato I have ever had in my life. Call it a controversial choice of drunken, late night feast but when you have tried it, you will understand. So I preach now to you, forget the chips, forget the kebabs and other greasy goods. Get yourself a jacket potato. 

Please do not judge me, I am not at work until Tuesday now so am going to go out at the weekend. Twice. I know it is not technically the best training method and I know I said I would have a summer without alcohol but if I go to the gym, surely this counteracts all the drinking? 

I have in fact just been to the gym and am going in the morning. I am also going to the library tomorrow to kick start my dissertation research without the distraction of Jeremy Kyle, CSI, Nothing To Declare, Cash in The Attic, Bargain Hunt, Traffic Cops, Come Dine With Me, Three in a Bed...

My name is Anna and I love daytime television.

Speak to you soon,

Your liver damaged friend.

Woe is me.

I have never pretended to be an optimistic person, in fact I have always been maybe too honest that I am quite the opposite. Today has been utterly rubbish and I have been in a vile mood. People as a general rule grate on me, further confirmation that I should live alone in a cave, but today this has been ridiculous. Not the people I like of course, just the rest of them. After work, I came straight home with a banging headache and haven't been outside since. No gym. No run. No nothing.

On a slightly more positive note, day 2 of the detox has gone reasonably well despite my incessant hunger.

Day 2:

• Branflakes and blueberries
• Lettuce, cucumber and Quorn ham salad, a muesli bar and a mango and passion fruit jelly pot.
• Home made vegetable soup.
• 1 apple and a Highlights.

I must snap out of this self pity but right this second, my already over-sized head is throbbing and I am almost certain that it is about to spontaneously combust. When we speak tomorrow I hope to have sorted my life out and be telling you news of a successful morning run. 

Before I sign off, just a little warning to all the spiders out there. Please leave me alone. You have plagued me for weeks now. If you will continue to invade my personal space, I will continue to hit you with a shoe/hoover you up. You are not funny, you are not clever and I have no qualms in killing you. So stop it. 

Your most woeful friend.

Although not your friend, spiders. I am no friend of yours. Woeful or otherwise.

Karma is a bitch.

I am officially on a weeks detox. 

Saturday involved eating out again although there was not a burger in sight. After finally finding my niece a butterfly costume (THANK YOU H&M YOU BABE) and buying Tesco out of fairy cakes, we went to Chiquito. I had roasted vegetable enchiladas followed by stacked chocolate brownies and vanilla ice cream. It was babe. One unfortunate incident did occur whilst we were there though. I was taking my niece to the toilets and accidentally walked into the men's.. In my defence, the sign was awfully confusing, not to mention that they were written in Spanish. My niece found the whole incident hilarious, I physically had to drag her out of the men's because she was laughing so much. At least there was nobody in them. I would hate to scar her for life more than I already have..


I then proceeded to go out that evening. I swear to God, I had 2 drinks and 1 shot in pre drinks and felt so sick I had chug down glasses of water for fear of an accidental chunder. I was also hammered. I then had another drink, had my face painted, (as you do) bought another drink and stole a lone beer off a nearby table. I don't even drink beer. I think karma might have got me soon after because I was dancing away and then suddenly fell flat on my back. Both drinks went flying and covered me head to toe. COOL. I am a mess who needs not to drink, especially when wearing heels and with a phone in my hand. Actually I really need not to be drinking when in "training". That was going to be my last weekend out on the razzle but seeing as I am missing the whole of Freshers week I am going to allow myself another weekend out. That's right kids. I am going to follow a week of detoxing with a night out getting sloshed..

Last week I got a bit over excited in a sweetshop and spent five pounds on Jelly Bean Factory jelly beans. I have had the best idea for a drinking game with my ever so exciting jelly beans. Guess the jelly bean flavour. If you get it wrong, you do a shot. So simple yet so genius, don't you agree? After this weekend, I am absolutely certain that no alcohol will enter my being until after the half marathon..

So back to today. My detox has gone fairly well. I made the yummiest vegetable soup today. It had marrow, carrot, celery, onion, leek and barley in it. I am going to go soup crazy and put my food processor to good use. I quite fancy a spicy parsnip and sweet potato soup soon. Have also put The Mother on a detox too. The woman is addicted to rich tea biscuits. Some people wake up and have a cigarette, The Mother wakes up and eats two rich tea biscuits. She has been texting me all day asking what she can and cannot eat. I give her two more days before she caves..

Day 1:

• 2 apples
• Home made vegetable soup
• Bran flakes and Blueberries
• A Highlights hot chocolate.

I also just went to the gym. I wish I was brave enough to run on the tracks but you know how I feel about running around people. I am going to gym after work tomorrow and then run in the evening. I simply must get my act together. I WILL BE HENCH.

Good night,

Your very tired friend.

Burger, burgers and more burgers.

Oh please, as if the last time I blogged was the 4th August? What jokes. Since getting my blackberry, I have barely been on my laptop and because of this I am seriously slacking. In all fairness, I am massively slacking in the running department too. Well only this last week as I have been away for a bit and eaten out pretty much everyday. FATTY FATTY BOOM BOOM. Being a veggie, there is often little option other than a burger of sorts. I have eaten more burgers this week than I care to mention and I quite honestly don't want to see another soya/lentil/bean burger for a very long time. I am all burgered out.

Had a pretty good week even if two of my bestests did flee the country at the beginning of it. One for Greece and one for America. I am majorly jealous and, despite my bitterness, I wish them the best of luck.


Things I have done this week;

• Eaten lots of burgers.
• Spent some time with the fam.
• Not gone ice skating.
• Been plagued by spiders.
• Been plagued by fish.
• Climbed down a fireman's pole.
• Spent 5 pounds on jelly beans.
• Not been to the gym except for yesterday.
• Fallen in love with a seal.
• Bought a wardrobe from Argos then proceeded to stand in the car park taking the contents of the box of wardrobe apart in order to fit it in the car. 

It is Little Miss Pickleface's burfday tomorrow and for her birthday I got conned into said wardrobe. I also foolishly came up with the idea of finding her a butterfly costume for her partypartparty. Literally have had no time to get her one. Yesterday I managed to find her some God awful, over priced, pink and sparkly butterfly wings. We are going to do the food shopping for her partypartyparty later (and go out for dinner, hello calories) so I am hoping I will find something butterflyish there. 

I gave up bread yesterday. For the morning. I did have a sandwich for lunch. So all in all, I gave up bread for 6 hours. I shall re-give up bread on Monday as part of a detox to rid my body of burger juices. So many burgers. Next week I will be virtuous. I will also take my sponsor form out of the house for the first time. Next week will be a good week..

Over and out.

xx

Rain.

I am utterly convinced that the world is trying to sabotage my training. 

Yesterday I planned to go for a run. It rained. Today I am supposed to be going for a run. It is raining even more. If it was just dribbling a little, I wouldn't hesitate in going. However the rain going on right outside my window is no small pitter patter. I forgot my umbrella yesterday despite always having it in my bag. Except this one time obviously. Whilst I appreciate being rained on will not cause me to melt, it will result in severe frizzing. My hair quite literally (although not actually) takes on a new life form.

So I instead sit here listening to the rain, blogging about the running I can't do rather than the running I just did. The weather wants to get a grip by tomorrow at the very latest or some harsh words and vigorous fist shaking will ensue and nobody wants that.

In other news it is The Mother's birthday on Wednesday and she is the most difficult person to buy for in all of the land. I want to buy her some sort of clothing but she is a diddy 4 ft 10" so it is a nightmare. She always says vouchers are impersonal so I am close to ruling those out. She doesn't do "smellies" so any form of bath/shower/perfume is out. Not flowers because "flowers die". Not chocolate as she is on the world's worst diet. I am now down to a purse because she needs a new one. Or a large bag she can use when looking after my niece because she needs one. Or a picture frame. All boring and largely predictable. She is a practical woman, my mother. I would like to get her something she needs and wants but when I ask her she just says "Oh I don't know" and changes the subject. Not all too helpful.

On the other hand it is my nieces birthday coming up soon and she knows exactly what she wants. Everything. Including a Nintendo DS. How about no? What does one buy the child who has everything and is about to get a whole lot more? Please enlighten me if you hold the answer..

Fingers crossed the rain stops soon so I can get my jog on..

Take care and speak soon.

So I can't use my Blackberry..

Last night I was getting highly stressed out with my new phone. It kept flashing at me and beeping. My hands are oh so ridiculously over sized and the keypad is oh so small. It was causing great upset and I wanted to dispose of it rapidly. I have recovered from this minor blip and am now almost competent. 

Today I went for a run with my new gadget and running app. It was working for the first 9 mins 31 seconds then it just stopped. Alas, I did not realise this. In fact it took me a good 40 mins to realise. What rubbish. I don't know how far I actually went but I do know I was gone for 1 hour and 10mins. It is an improvement from before at least. After my previous post where I revealed quite publicly that I am indeed a disgusting creature, I am about to lower your opinion of me further. Today I was so sweaty that my face was stinging. Actually stinging. This is a new level even for me. I am slightly revolted by myself..

However..

I was watching Embarrassing Bodies the other night and there was a girl on there who sweats so much she has to carry and towel with her and change her top every 5 mins. I am practically normal in comparison..

Tonight I am going to steps and then the gym. I genuinely fear for my mobility tomorrow. No pain no gain?

I'll be hench mate.

Taraaaahhh.

Today I joined the blackberry club.

I have actual running related news to share today but would first like to get some other things out of the way.

Thinks what did happen today;

1. My great aunt died ( I thought I would start with the bad news so it is done).
2. I got a Blackberry and am now officially a member of the Blackberry club (or I will be within the next 24hours when it activates)
3. I had the most racist customer in existence. By God did she "hate the f***ing foreigners" I might interview her for that dissertation I am still yet to start.
4. I attempted going out sober. Needless to say it was so good I am home already.
5. I won a year(+) long hair growing competition. VICTORY. 

I also went for a run this morning. I changed tactic. After being bored of the same running playlist I decided to crack on the Wicked soundtrack. Best decision I have ever made (please excuse my over exaggeration). I have also noticed a significant difference in my fitness levels which ain't too shabby either. I managed to pace myself for 25mins then needed a wee so had to sprint home. It is starting to concern me that such a thing might happen during the actual half marathon. I do not fancy puling a Paula Radcliffe..

Speaking of relieving oneself  in public, I went to see Bridesmaids on Wednesday. Bloody brilliant film and the trailers most definitely do not do it justice. Personal highlight? The dress fitting scene after the dodgy meal. I laughed so much I knocked over the popcorn. After years of suppressing my amusement at crudeness, I am now well and truly out of the closet. Please see above picture for evidence..

I feel like I have shared (maybe too) much with you this evening. Plans for tomorrow? Work and then the gym. I might be going alone after leaving two of my gym goers pretty smashed in town. Quiet drink my arse..

Goodnight my cherubs and sleep tight.

I miss my girls.

Last night I went to steps with some of my Home Girls. By God, it is the hardest thing I have done in my life. Now I am a fairly co-ordinated person and can pick up moves quite quickly but was all over the bloody place. It didn't help that she made everyone do the same step until we all got it right. Can you say pressure? Went to the gym afterwards with The Gym Buddie and that just about finished me off. Work today was unbearable as I was having difficulty standing. Was supposed to go for a run after work today but am wiped (and am also now baby sitting Little Miss Pickleface) so shall instead lounge around and most probably eat crisps. Got me some dreadful cravings for M&S salt and vinegar spirals..

I had a fabulous weekend. I actually went out on the tiles for my Friend's birthday. After staying up until gone midnight creating this masterpiece below I was zapped. Two drinks into the night and it is fair to say that I was more than a little drunk. You might think that after a good 7 years drinking experience, I would be better at it by now? Fell asleep in the taxi on the way home (AT 1AM) and went straight passed my house. My usual £4 fare cost me £9. Smoooooooooooth..

I am now staring to really miss my uni girls. I mean I miss them already but now I reaaaaaallly do. Am in dire need of seeing their faces. Have pretty much been without a phone for the past week or so also so haven't even had the luxury of texting properly. I hope they know what is coming when I finally get my new phone. I will be bombarding them with texts constantly. Ladies, you know who you are, be warned. What saddens me the most is that my bestest girl is soon jetting off to sunny Cali. Lucky bitch. She is pretty much the other half of me and I can imagine I will feel more than little bit lost when back in Leicester. I knew I should have tried harder to sabotage her exams..

I am going to go for a run in the morning early I think then maybe the gym after. I have my fingers crossed for a successful run. It is about time. Shall let you know how it goes.

That is me for now.

Much love.

Anyone for a game of rounders?

So this morning, my friend and I planned on going to circuits. When we got there, however, we found out we were actually going to be playing rounders. Now you might think rounders sounds fun. You might have fond memories of playing rounders at school with your friends. You were also probably one of those people who were capable of making bat to ball contact. That one time you did actually manage to hit the ball, I bet somebody didn't catch it and shout "out". If you haven't twigged yet, I am not a big fan of rounders. There are a number of reasons for this.

Reasons I don't like rounders

• I can't catch.
• I can't throw.
• I have no hand to eye co-ordination.
• I am fiercely competitive. It is not wise to give me a bat when playing a game against others.
• Regardless of how many times I play it, I will never understand the rules.

We wanted to leave and just go to the gym but the lady made us play one game at least. I mean it was okay, for rounders. My friend and I were not too shabby as it turned out. We both managed to actually hit the ball. Numerous times. The first time it happened, I was in shock and failed to run for ages. There was one time when I actually CAUGHT THE BALL (with one hand) when somebody hit it and got them "out". I like to think of it as rounders karma for all my previous dark experiences. 

Despite our achievements, I don't think we will be going back. We wanted a proper workout and rounders did not suffice. I went for a run after. I kept getting a weird pain in my ribs. Like knots? My "run" was a combination of running, being in pain, obscene language, walking for a bit, further obscene language and so on. To say I was frustrated with myself is an understatement. I am going to try again tomorrow and hopefully it will be better. It can't see how it can be worse. 13.6 miles is looking oh so far right about now..

Goodbye for now..

Apples and other things.

So I have been an excellent gym goer, can't say the same for The Gym Buddie. He is a-slacking. Unfortunately I appear to be forgetting that I have got a half marathon to run. I haven't been for a run since I last blogged about it. Further unfortunately, I can't even remember when that was..


I went to a legs, bums and tums class yesterday which was pretty good. I still dream of going to a spinning class. I might need to build on my cycling a little at the gym first as I did 10 mins on the exercise bike the other day and thought my legs might drop off. Spinning seems to be a little bit ambitious right now. Work permitting, I shall be trying my hand at zumba on Monday with some of the work ladies. 


After eating a big, fat, Chinese last night I can only conclude that I am on the worst diet to ever exist in the universe. Ever. It was my sister's idea so she should have all responsibility and with that should come all the calories. I am still yet to find a cure for the incessant hunger (other than the undesirable, food). I have just stocked up on fruit so have all the intention of filling up on this. I am thinking that apples will be my new friends. I always forget how yum they are until I have one again (I have a similar thing with baked beans). Not only are they yum, but I have also been doing some research and found that; 

• One medium apple contains about 80 calories.
• The more apples a person eats, the lower his or her risk of developing lung cancer
• The pectin in apples lowers cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.
• A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.
•  A single apple has approximately 1500mg of vitamin C to give the immune system a boost and almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. 

Whilst I appreciate that this is not technically to do with running, I thought this was some information worth knowing. Stay tuned for my next post when I might enrich your life with some knowledge about baked beans..

Today I am not going to the gym but will make use of my niece as a weight for my legs and do some abs work. So tomorrow I am planning on a good run and the gym or maybe circuits. I shall also be eating apples. Obviously. I love apples. Apples, apples, apples. APPLES. 

So that is all for now.

Your apple-loving-friend.

If hula-hooping were an Olympic sport..

Went for a spontaneous gym sesh last night with The Gym Buddy. Discovered the joys of hula-hooping. I have to say, I look absolutely ridiculous. Ridiculous to the point that I couldn't look in the mirror whilst doing it because it made me laugh so much. Didn't help that The Gym Buddy kept laughing at me. Deranged mentalist. Apparently I have no control over my arms. I hear it is excellent for the abs though. Went again today with The Mother. I am now practically a world class hula-hooper and am ready for further contests I shall be having with The Gym Buddy. If you ever find yourself a-hula-hooping one day, try walking whilst doing it. It is a chuckle and a half, I'll tell you now. My new "funny thing" to do.

The gym was followed by an unfortunate lunch of burger, chips and salad.

Note to self: Must find cure for this incessant, exercise induced, increased appetite. Such cure must not be food.

I must remember to get some sponsor forms printed off if I am ever to raise any money for my cause.

Your-hopefully-soon-to-be-ripped friend.

Bug Attack.

I went for my run. I did 4.3 miles in 50 mins. Had to walk a bit as it was so damn hot. Am now still covered in those tiny black bugs. If you know me, you will know how I feel about bugs. They are not welcome near me and most definitely on me...

Dare I say it, progress?

I ACTUALLY WENT FOR A RUN YESTERDAY.

Wait for it..

AND WENT TO THE GYM

Wait for it..

I CAN ACTUALLY WALK TODAY.

Hurrraaaaaahhhhhh!


If that isn't progress, I don't know what is. Just had the best 12 hours sleep of my life which I clearly needed. However for the last 2 nights my dreams have consisted of self scan checkouts. I don't want to say that work is getting to me but..

It was really hot yesterday and my run was a bit of a sweatfest. I kept it short and sweat (HAR HAR HAR) with 2 miles. Today I am planning on going for a proper countryside run this afternoon. Whilst I appreciate it will be hot, it is also my only chance of picking up some form of a tan. Am currently looking an unhealthy shade of jaundice. The joys of being naturally yellow tinged.

Tomorrow was supposed to be The Gym Buddy and I's day off from exercise as we are hitting the cinema but I think I shall go in the morning as I am not going today.

Shall let you know how the run goes.

I was going to end with "tally-ho" but I just researched the phrase and it is largely used in fox hunting as a signal for when a rider sees a fox. I therefore shall not be using it as I now find the phrase morally repugnant. It is amazing what a little investigating (wikipedia) tells you. I shall instead go all classic and end with,

Good bye for now.

Mission Ripped.

Good evening.

I am back on the straight and narrow (sort of). I went to the gym yesterday and the gym today. I did plan on a morning run but slept right through my alarm as per so didn't have time before work. Hopefully tomorrow morning will be more successful. That is if I can walk again. Gotta say, I am walking like bambi after yesters and today. FEEL THE BURN. Have roped a friend into doing a spinning class with me next week. We hear they have disco lights so were naturally sold.

After work tomorrow I shall be back at the gym. This, my friends, shall be my summer. We call this mission ripped. Yesterday I was getting a distinct whiff of garlic sausage whilst on the cross trainer. At first I did fear it might be coming from me but I can now confirm, it was the man next to me. As soon as he got off the smell went with him. Panic over. Have to say, I quite like the gym. It is the only place where I feel like it is acceptable to be quite that sweaty...


Also have a small confession to make, I did say that I wouldn't be drinking any alcohols this summer but I have also agreed to go out this coming weekend. I mean, I have made a commitment to friends now and I would hate to go back on such a thing. I have the option of going out sober (for the first time in my life) and seeing how naff and dirty these places really are OR I can go out in my drunken dream bubble and think everything is fabulous then just suffer the consequences. I shall be going to go for the more appealing latter as the former sounds like badgers and bumholes. I am a girl who needs to throw her shapes and bust some moves. It's in my blood.

Shall let you know about my attempted morning run and how the gym goes tomorrow.

That is me for now...

Cheerio.

I just keep forgetting.

So it has been approximately 843 (light)years since I last blogged. I just keep forgetting that I even have a blog. Except for on the days that I don't run then I remember but have nothing to say. Well that is not true, I always have something to say, just nothing running related to say.

Since we last spoke my life entailed a series of being poorly, feeling a bit better, going out, getting horrifically drunk, spending the next 3 days hungover (and by hungover I mean HUNGOVER. Think head falling off), being poorly, and so on... I am hoping to counteract the liver damage with an almost entirely alcohol free summer. This also means that I will not spend a minimum of 3 days HUNGOVER for every day I drink. It is awfully inconvenient when trying to train for this half marathon lark. 

I have to say, it is much more pleasant running at home where there is not so much as a slight uphill slope. Welcome to the land of all that is flat. It is bloody marvellous. I am back to running every other day and am popping into the gym tomorrow to sort out a membership for la summmer. I shall need to find something to do with my time if drinking is off the agenda. 

I promise to remember to blog again about my running endeavours straight after my run so I don't forget. October 9th is really not as far away as I'd like to think it is. Next time I will even have something running related to say...

Farewell and you will hear from me so very soon. 

Promise like.

A grinding halt.

Since my previous blog I have still been unable to go for a run. Still feeling poop da doop. I am not risking going for a run in my current state. I mean I would hate to pass out, have nobody find me for days and get mauled by local foxes. (Clearly it is necessary to stress that these foxes are "local". Not some foxes from a neighbouring county or tourist foxes on their holidays...)

I fear I now need glasses as every time I read I get a banging head ache or, on a bad day, a migraine. I will tell you now, glasses do not suit me. I have an oversized head, larger than average nose and wonky ears. 

I promise that my next blog WILL be run/half marathon related. 

I have high hopes for this coming week. 

Probably.

Pants on a stick. Not literally

This week must rate at least Top 7 awful weeks of all time.

Monday: Woke up at 5am to cram for my exam. Flopped the exam. Answered the question I wanted to answer not what was actually asked. Monday night involved me staying up until 4 am, working on Wednesday's exam notes.

Tuesday: Felt like I had been run over by a TANK. Not a bus, not a lorry, but a TANK.

Wednesday: Woke up at 5am to cram for the exam. By the time it got to 9:30am I pretty much knew all my stuff backwards and forwards. I was pretty chilled. WELL this went to pot. My strongest topic was unanswerable. I started answering a question thinking it was all going fairly well. 30 mins in and I referred back to the question. I didn't want to make the same mistake as Monday. No, now that was be just stupid. Well apparently I am just THAT stupid. I had completely misread the question. I panicked, wrote and wrote and wrote making the whole thing worse. I was just about ready to pull my STUPID face off. Kept contradicting myself then left 40 mins to do the last question. Didn't understand the second question and made no actual argument, concluding with a vague "I don't know the right answer". Classic. I didn't go for a run. I drowned my sorrows in tea and watched Never Mind the Buzzcocks with housemate for a Noel Fielding high.

So this brings me to today: I woke up at 7 to go for my run. I was feeling pretty pants on a stick and it was raining but I went anyway. About 10 mins in I started to feel really sick, my vision went blurry and my head started banging. The curse of the migraine. I carried on running partially blind then hurt my leg in not one, but TWO places. By this point I was about ready to throw myself in front of a car. I only ran for 15 mins in total I think. I had to walk home completely disorientated, limping and clutching my head all the while hoping I wasn't going to black out. I can only imagine I looked a TREAT and not even slightly deranged.

I still have a headache as I speak. I only hope tomorrow is far more productive/less horrendous. I am planning on going for a run tomorrow health permitting. I figure no run can ever be as awful as today. It "out-awfuls" that time I got lost for an hour.

I am going to retire to a very dark room now.

Much love from your ever so tragic friend.

Just in case.

My 7am run tomorrow is probably not going to happen. It is nearly 1 am and I am falling into a black hole of revision. My only saviour right now is the dulcet tones of George Michael. Yes, that's right kids, I have once again turned to Wham! for inspiration.

I can only apologise and will more than likely feel lethargic and rubbish tomorrow because of it. I will go on Wednesday and Thursday to make up for it whilst I have a little break between exams.

Must a "go go" on off now, my mug is awaiting another cup of caffeine to try and keep me alive for the mean time.

I have decided, my claim of being more of an "exam person" is utter bollocks. I say this because I am too lazy to do coursework. Revelation made, I'm off to do the insane amount of work I have left to do.

Eurghhhh.

Not enough time in the day.

I went for a 35min run in the park again.
It was standard.
No water again.
I think I might be improving.
Getting less tired.

This is unfortunately all I have time for today. I have my first exam tomorrow and I am not even half way through making notes for it let alone learning it. Barrel of laughs.

Over an out.

Early Bird.

Mooooorning.

I was out the door at 7:03 am. Shocking if you know me. I had a 30 min run in the park. It was a nice steady run at an even pace. Even better, there was barely anyone there to witness the beaut that is my good self running. Definitely need some new running shorts/trousers which have a pocket. Can't be wearing my hoodie jacket for much longer as it gets hotter. Sweaty Betty.

I have made a startling (worrying) discovery today. My bones are creaking as I am running. I don't know if this is down to the fact I have no calcium in the diet whatsoever? My nails are dead weak now too. As entertaining as it is to hear myself creak, I fear it is not a good thing. I would NHS Direct it but I almost certain it will tell me to "Ring 999 immediately" as I am having a stroke, heart attack and/or have meningitis. Again.

ALSO... I didn't drink any water on my run. Usually I exhaust myself mid run, stop and chug down a bottle then sound like a water bed for the rest of my run. I have no experience of how it feels to be a water bed, but I can only imagine it feels exactly like that too. 

I am now going to make myself a packed lunch for the library. Yes that is right. I have hit an all time low. Yesterday I had to buy a new laptop so today I am practically penniless. On the plus side, I can no longer afford to buy food so therefore won't be able to eat so much. Silver lining and all...

My next run is planned for Sunday morning. I have decided I need a new running playlist. Shake things up. You know how it is. Unfortunately I have an entire module to learn and remember by Monday so it will have to wait until after then.

Enjoy the sunshine. 

Much love.

HAPPY HUMP DAY

So I had to venture out the house early this morning to nab a prime spot in the library. I got there at 9am and have seemingly achieved nothing since. My first exam is on Monday. Then I have one on Wednesday and I couldn't even tell you when my other one is. Naturally I only started any form of revision today. Why break with tradition?

Because of this I had to go for a speedy 20min run today. I tried my hand (or my feet, WHAT A JOKER) at some sprinting down hill then speed walking uphill. It is horrific. Much more tiring than running at an even pace for however many mins. I see pain on the horizon...

I went at, what seemed to be, the busiest time of day. I hit the end of school, college, work, uni and peak shopping time from Morrisons apparently. Not a big fan of running around other humans. I do not sound healthy. Just call me Darth Vader.

I shall have to take my wheezy self back to my books again now. It is a fun life. My next run is set for Friday. I'll keep you posted.

Happy Hump Day.

Zay gezunt.

Success!

So I had to bail on yesterdays run. Saturday night saw my housemate and I get a little bit Eurovision crazy. We went out. We drank A LOT. Fabulous night but I wasn't not feeling quite so fabulous the next day. Sunday involved mainly sleep, carbs (our bathroom floor leaking through into our kitchen but that's a whole other story), and films. 

Today I definitely made up for it. I had an excellent run in the park for 40mins. I stopped twice but this was mainly for my achey legs from all those shapes I was throwing on Saturday. Can you say Dad dancing? Generally feeling a whole lot more positive about these 13 miles I am going to be doing. I mean I am no ________________ (Insert famous runner) but I am starting to think it is maybe achievable. 

Note to self: Don't go for a run in the park on a Monday evening as this appears to be some form of cross country training. I have never felt quite so inadequate. 

Next run is planned for Wednesday morning. Tomorrow night is Mexican night with the course girls. Can't friggin' wait. I vow not to drink. A morning run whilst hungover does not appeal to me. Vomtastic.

Gracias por su atención. 

Adiós. 

Not a great start admittedly

So my first run in about a month was pretty much as worse as it could have been. The plan was a 30 min light run to ease myself back into it. Unfortunately I got COMPLETELY lost and ended up running uphill, with the wind against me for a good hour, all the while wanting to shoot myself. Now this is not even logically possible. Surely if one goes up a hill on the way there, they will then come down the hill on the way back? Apparently not. Every road I turned down was even more horrendous than the last. I would say I won't be going that way again but, as I had no idea where I was, I can't be entirely certain.


Positives: 

1. This is only the beginning.
2. My next run will feel like a piece of cake compared to that bad boy.
3. I still managed to run the most of it.
4. I appear not to have injured myself.
5. I didn't have to get a taxi back from my run (Not going to lie, it was awfully tempting). I found my own way back. 
6. I can only conclude that my sense of direction is getting better...

So that is me for today. My next run is planned for tomorrow evening. I think I'll brave the public and go to the park for it. At least I will be able to find my way back...

Happy Eurovision

xx

Just a little bit of background information.

A few weeks ago my darling friend sent me a text along the lines of "I have just signed up for the Leicester half marathon, fancy it?" I was naturally dubious, I had only been running for a month or so then BAM, "you get a free T-Shirt". SOLD. I am not going to lie to you, I had no concept of how far a half marathon might even be. 13 miles so it turns out. Whooda thunk it?

So this brings me to today, the day BEFORE my training starts. Nobody starts anything on a Friday. I have set up my charity fundraiser page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/annamarie_clare and have metaphorically set the ball rolling.

My auntie's husband, Paul, recently lost his two and half year battle, which started with bowel cancer, at the age of just 51. The charity I am running for is Bowel Cancer UK. Any pennies you can spare will be just fabulous. This is just a little blog to keep those who sponsor me (and those who just like a good ole nose)  updated with my progress. It is also to keep me motivated and MAKE me go running. Once I get one of those fancy apps I will be able to tell you times, miles and so on. Technology today...

Thanks for listening. I'll let you know how tomorrow goes. Sweaty that's for sure.

Much love.