Why Are Runners Aways Checking Their Watches??

I now know why runners are constantly looking at their watches. It has nothing to do with pace or heart rates. We are all waiting for the magical sign that we are half way round and we can now head back home!!!

I find myself checking the watch every 10 seconds just for something to do while running. So I will be jogging along, wondering if it will ever stop raining, lets check the pace, not too bad, how far have I run? OK, not half way yet, better check the pace again, OK, not too bad, half way yet? No, better check my average pace this time and so on and so on (I will point out that I don't check my heart rate when running because at 46 and marathon training the results alone are likely to give me a heart attack) . I do have an ipod but it's like getting stuck in a lift with music playing, its on but you don't really listen. I would add that I have picked the music for my run over the finish line and it is Fix You by Coldplay. It has a good upbeat ending and I will obviously be in need of fixing after 26 miles, so I like the irony.

I have been on 5k's all week this week and on Sunday that creeps up to 7k! I have also got a new pair of asics gel runners which are designed for low arches and should suit my feet but they are the worst thing I could have done as my next two runs (both 5k) felt like I was running flat footed and I was really suffering after the second. I am going to the asics store in London this week to get it sorted out. They have contraptions in there that film you running and 3D map your feet and after the pounding they got this week will probably look like a map of the underground on the soles.

Sunday 17th:

First 7k run! Did it a bit too fast as well as I have the UK 10k in three weeks and I want to do that under an hour so I am risking it a bit by speeding up but it should be OK. http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/news/make-it-count-with-nike-and-the-british-10k.aspx

My running shirt has arrived!!!! Very exciting. This is why I entered this event, to get the feel for the preparation, build up and also, to run with a large group on the street, something I have never done before. That is my number, which you can track online, somehow (I will find out). I can also link it to Facebook so anyone who has linked this blog to their page (thank you) can see me run in real time!
I think this has come at the right time as the training is getting harder now but I feel a new enthusiasm coming on, which is much needed I can assure you.

I did go to the asics store and got my feet and running style analysed. I was looked after by Emillia who was very knowledgable and patient. I spent about an hour in there in total. First, they scan your feet, which involves placing blue dots on them at select locations and then placing one foot at a time in a magic box which then maps them in 3D right befor your eyes. Then, it's downstairs to get your running style looked at. I was made to try on 4 pairs of shoes in total (very thorough) and ran on the treadmill (and across the shop, bit embarrassing) so they can film the way your feet land and look at the balance and a whole load of things which I can't now remember. The result of all this was (wait for it) that I needed new shoes (now hear me out), the problem I was having was due to me not being balanced and it was uncomfortable in the shoes I was in and there was also the small matter of them being one and a half sizes too small for me (for a marathon anyhow). I went from an 8 to a 9.5! They did feel better I must say. I highly recommend a visit, even if you just want a decent pair to walk in, they will fit the shoes to you and not the other way round and this service is free at the moment too so get in quick http://www.asics.co.uk/about/asics-london-store/ .

So this week I am doing alternate 5k and 7k's but Sunday week is my first ever 10k run (won't that be exciting) so I will report back after that. Week after is the Nike 10k in London so a special report about that one is required I think.

Thanks all and please link this page to Fcaebook and send to friends etc as I am looking for kind donations, details below.

Cheers

AR

138 days to go




I am obviously running for charity, as you can see and the Get Kids Going chaps do very good work in supplying access and sports equipment for disabled youngsters. In this Olympic year, a lot of kids will be watching and may be inspired to get involved in a sport for the first time. Less abled kids should be given the same opportunities and Get Kids Going does just that. I want to raise enough for a new sports wheelchair which cost about £4k and I am going to try to get 4000 people, through social media sites and this blog, to generously give £1 and become a real 1 in 4000 hero. I have a text number set up which people can text in a donation through the Vodaphone Just Giving website and a Virgin Giving website for larger web donations.
Please help if you can

Text Donations: To: 70070 (UK only)
Then Type: WASP99 (followed by) £1 (or any amount)
Or visit my Virgin Giving page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/imustbecrazy