Not long!!!

The final countdown has begun to the massive task of running 26.2 miles.  Only 2 weeks left until the London Marathon, getting really nervous and praying that I do not pick up any injuries in the next couple of weeks.  No pressure no gain.

Had a bit of a relaxing week with only running 4 times as trying to slow down in the lead up to the big day.  The week before the marathon I will need to fill up with carbs and not run for a whole week which will be really hard as I know my endorphins will be creating havoc with my moods.  Endorphins are released during strenuous exercise. The chemicals make runners feel energized both during and after the exercise. This feeling is often referred to as a “runner’s high” and helps to motivate runners, so it is an absolute nightmare when you stop.

Anyway here's to the big countdown.  Keep showing your support guys it really means a lot.  www.justgiving.com/lesa-hitchings

Lesa x

Only 4 Weeks!!!

Well guys didn't manage to run the full 22 miles, only 20 miles but it was more than I have run before.  The weather was too warm to run and struggled to keep hydrated and YES I DID TAKE WATER WITH ME :-), also my hamstring started to pull so had to easy off so it didn't snap - so god help me for the full 26.2 miles.  Anyway had Monday off as a rest day, Tuesday ran 4 miles and Wednesday (tonight) another rest day.  Looking to run 6 miles tomorrow, 5 miles on Friday and 22 miles on Saturday - iI am not looking forward to that.

Anyway please support TREAT  Trust Wales who I am running the Marathon for, every penny will help to raise a state of the art rehabilitation centre next to Morrison Hospital in Swansea.  Visit www.justgiving.com/lesa-hitchings to show your support.

Running God please stay with me.

Lesa x

Too Early

Well what a week it's been absolutely manic in work which has affected my running with tiredness and no energy, but have still gone running with the occasional moan OK OK frequent moan!!!. 

Was up at the crack of dawn this morning 6am I MUST BE MAD!!! to go for an early run as got a busy day ahead, it is the perfect weather for a run it wasn't too warm and a light breeze in the air, it was also fab to see the foxes and squirrels running around.  I also need to start preparing for early morning runs leading up to the marathon.

Not looking forward to tomorrow with a 22 mile run ahead could think of better things to do on a lovely Sunday morning, but hey it will be worth it in the end, no doubt I won't be able to move on Monday with my backside pulsating with every step.

Looking to do a press release in the South Wales Evening Post next week with Melanie Davies (TREAT Founder) to promote TREAT Trust Wales  and to ask people to sponsor so keep an eye out.

22 miles is a long way to run and may the running gods be with me.

Please please please show your support by donating, every penny will help.
www.justgiving.com/lesa-hitchings

I MUST RUN I MUST RUN

Lesa x

Lovely Day for a Run

What a lovely day for a run, the sun is shining and there is a light breeze in the air ideal for a long run.  Must remember today to drink plenty of water and of course take water with me on my long run ahead.  Going to run from Baglan to Swansea and back today so have been eating plenty of carbs and the odd bag of jelly babies.  A bit apprehensive though after last week's run don't know how I am going to feel and more importantly how my legs will cope. 

Anyway will keep you informed tomorrow of how my run went.  Please keep following.

Lesa x

It's too Hot!

Thank god the weekend is over. Have run 6 miles yesterday and 15 miles today. Yesterday's run i had loads of energy and sleep and did a good time. Today's run not so good, I had forgotten to take water with me and the weather was great for a run, only if you had lovely cold water and to top it all it was really hot. In the end had to improvise and drink from a stream up in the Afan forest, let's just hope that no dogs have decided to do the deed in there. Anyway probably won't be able to walk tomorrow. Only 6 weeks left until the Marathon and getting really nervous to think that I had only completed half way today and the thought of having to do the run I did today twice just makes me shiver. So please everyone show your support for a great cause and donate even if it's only a £1 every penny will help to motivate me to get around the course http://www.justgiving.com/lesa-hitchings Lesa

Thank God It's The Weekend

Thank god it is the weekend, work been absolutely manic this week and the thought of running has not been at the forefront of my mind, but have been pushing myself out the door to complete my lovely running plan, of course my head keeps nagging me saying YOU MUST RUN, YOU MUST RUN!!!!.  Well have just come back from a 4 mile run with my dog Simba, who at the end was trying to keep up with me, which gives me some hope that I am hopefully going to finish the marathon under 6 hours.

Planning my weekend running, with 6 miles tomorrow and the trepidation of running 15 miles on Sunday, will I make it alive or will I run it like Sebastian Coe or maybe just maybe Usain Bolt hmmm I can dream. 

Anyway, so many times when I’m on the roads and running cross country, I’m changing speeds constantly due to my random ipod ‘running’ play list. As soon as a bit of David Guetta comes on, I’m off like a Whippet!!

I keep saying over and over keep eating carbohydrates to build up for Sunday, so have been eating plenty of pasta, rice and potatoes yum yum, see there is a light at the end of the tunnel to eat whatever you like and not put on any weight - why didnt I think of this plan before.

Sponsorship form has been resigned by the lovely Rhian, so no excuse everyone not to sponsor me, you can also sponsor on http://www.justgiving.com/lesa-hitchings any amount of money will help.

Ok, signing off now, have a great weekend everyone.

Lesa

A Runner's Blog for Inspiration

Well here goes.....

Starting from today I will be writing about my running, distance, feelings, goals, weather conditions and everything that happens during my running including the ups and mostly downs, for the London Marathon on the 22nd April 2012.  My aim is to finish the race, hopefully still on my legs and aiming to raise as much money as possible for TREAT Trust Wales, to build a new state of the art rehabilitation centre in Swansea.  www.justgiving.com/lesahitchings

I took to running back in my early years and have competed in many races such as the Tough Guy and the Welsh Castle relays and have also run the London Marathon over 11 years ago in 4 hours 24, which was a great achievement.  I then took quite a few years out from running and have now got the bug back to start my running up again.

Running has never come easy to me as I am sure you will hear in my up and coming blog and is a struggle from each step taken.  What can I say 26.2 miles, not forgetting the 0.2!!!.  You're running on guts, on fumes, your muscles twitch, you throw up and of course not missing out the day after moving around on your backside and the dreaded blisters, but you still keep running because there's no way out of this hell you're in and because there's no way you're not crossing the finishing line.

Although  running is really tough, it's sometimes a struggle to get motivated after a full day's work  and the daunting task of the miles ahead.  Saying that it is always very enjoyable, you can put your music on, clear your head with all the manic pressures of the day and to feel inspired that on some occasion someone who is 81 years of age can complete the Marathon - there is still hope.

Today (8th March) weather has been great for running a bit nippy but at least it isn't raining.  Completed 4.5 miles after having a horrendous day in work with no time to spare.  Time now to relax, eat as much as possible which is the best thing about running and not having to worry about calories which is always on a woman's mind.

So I finish today's blog with who is your inspiration and where does your inner strength come from? suggestions most helpful