Run Charlie Run less than five weeks to go

With less than five weeks to go to say I am nervous about the Great South Run is probably an understatement.

I have been running quite a bit with my boyfriend running partner. The other weekend we did nine miles, which was hard but I did it and was really proud of myself, the Great South is ten miles.

We have been running every other day, which has not been ideal as I haven't had time to recover. I do think I have it in my legs and body to do ten miles, but the fear has set in.

Everyone says the crowd will carry me through, I don't mind what time I do it in as long as I finish.

I am enjoying running and aim to do the Great South Run every year to keep it up. It will be nice though relaxing my running schedule. I do like my weekend early morning run though, having the whole day to do what I want, so will probably keep that up.

What is also helping my drive is that I am running for a worthwhile charity - Mind.

If you would like to donate you can here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun

Run Charlie Run! Training

I never thought I would say this but I am fast becoming a runner,.

I used to think the only good reason to run was if you were being chased, which at the time wouldn't of been great for me as I would get out of breathe quickly and have to ask my chaser to hold on a minute while I get my breath back.

However, as you will know if you have read this blog before I have been signed up for the Great South Run, which I will be running for MIND.

I have been running pretty much every other day, I have been feeling a lot better running with a plan in mind, I know how long I have to run for and when.

Over the past week I have been doing 20 and 30 minutes run, I did a 50 minute one the other day and actually surprised myself. The only time I walked was when I got to a hill, which was practically a vertical climb (I'm exaggerating but near the end of a big run jumping up a kerb would be a challenge).
I did surprise my boyfriend though who didn't think I would be able to do the 50 minutes, but then again I didn't either.

I have had a couple of bad runs where I didn't have any motivation and my legs have felt like weights. I wonder if my body has adapted to a certain distance and now as I push further it is changing again which can only be a good thing.

I have also been using a running app called Runtastic, which is just great. It maps where you have been, gives you your average speed and everything so you can see where you have been and if you have been improving so a great push on those tough runs.

But, on Friday I went out for a 60 minute run with the boyfriend, I was up for it, set out and a dark cloud appeared over my head, which meant I was in a foul mood for no apparent reason. It was strangely warm as well, this is the first time in a while that I haven't been running in the rain!

I was just not a happy bunny and would of thrown in the towel if I was on my own but my boyfriend knows I can do it and pushed me forward. I just admit defeat far too easily.

I am starting to panic slightly I still have six months and at the meant I am running about 12 minute miles so would do the run in just over 2 hours, I'm sure I will be ok, I hope so anyway.

Got three runs this week. Wish me luck!

Keep on running

My training for the BUPA Great South Run in about six months is going ok. I think. I'm certainly noticing a difference in my fitness and I'm losing a bit of chubbyness here and there.

I went for a 30 minute run the other day and a 20 minute pretty fast run and I managed to do it without stopping, now a month or so ago I never would of thought I would of been able to do that.

I am doing a training scheme that was in The Times a couple of months ago, interval training, running fast for a minute, then slow then fast.

I think I have found my comfortable speed, so if I can rack up the miles at this speed I should be able to do it.

The only thing is I tend to eat more when I run, but at the end of the day I don't want to lose loads of weight just get fit and be able to accomplish something like a 10 mile run. Although I looked at the route and I do think I have underestimated it all, as it is quite far...

I am running for the charity Mind, one close to my heart which helps people with mental health issues and it a very worthwhile charity. If you would like to donate my page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun

Also if you fancy getting your running shoes on and joining in the Great South Run there are still spaces:

http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=12

So I think I am doing well, but still got 180 or so days to go. Wish  me luck!

Run Charlie Run my Great South Run challenge

So due to New Year I was going to run marathon, however, I thought this would be a bit too much and would probably kill me.

Also I found my boyfriend didn't actually sign me up for a marathon so instead we are doing the BUPA Great South Run, 10 miles. I think I will be able to do it.

I am doing it to raise money for the charity Mind.

Mind helps people take control of their mental health, so if people suffer with depression, bi-polar or other mental illnesses then this charity helps them.

I haven't set a target but want to raise as much as I can so give a little or give a lot just please help me raise money for this worth while cause.

If you would like to sponsor me please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun