Janey's running ramblings

Today I took part in the Karrimor Great Trail Challenge in Keswick, Lake District just for fun!

I have much respect for Tracey as she has come to all of this madness in only October last year. She had a real challenge to face of her own with her Diabetes and she has overcome it all with real success. I have been running for 26 years now and taking on events one after another is something I do year in year out but for Tracey to step up to this in such a short time and to enjoy it (okay well maybe not yesterday) is fantastic.

Together we have raised £1,500 (and rising) for The Haemophilia Society in Scotland which is absolutely amazing. When I set out to do this I had in my mind that if I could raise £500 I would be doing well but with Tracey's help we have blown that out of the water.

Our family has faced a huge challenge since Alistair had his bleed in January 2011, he is well on his way to recovery now and this challenge has really helped me deal with nearly losing my husband. And as a wee bonus I have gained a new pal who has been a real strength to me in these last few years.

I can't thank you enough Tracey but do want to know that our Monday runs are still a feature, obviously now that we have signed up for another triathlon!!!

Twotacklethree as a blog will now come to an end but do hope you will join me on "Janey's running ramblings" (http://janeysrunramblings.blogspot.co.uk/).  I have really enjoyed blogging about /my running adventures so I am going to keep it going on another blog. First blog will be a race briefing about today's race in the Lake District.

Thanks to everyone who has donated to our challenge.

don't worry, be happy :)

Tracey and the Edinburgh to St Andrew's bike ride

Alistair and I got up early to head into Inverleith Park to show our support of the legend that is Tracey Joyce!  And legend she needed to be - it was absolutely chukking it down and pretty cold.

We got there and began to worry that perhaps no-one else had turned up - it was so quiet. However, gradually people started to creep out of their cars and get their bikes to the start. We headed in and as usual Alistair managed to speak to a Council man and Ged from Edinburgh Bike Co-op! Eventually we found Tracey, hiding under a tree with about a million clothes on. For the second week in a row Tracey is cycling her bike wet!

She peeled off her layers briefly for a Haemophilia Society photo shoot!

She still looks quite happy at this point despite the rain.............

After a bit more standing around in the rain and listening to the Penicuik Silver Band the field began to come together into appropriate finishing time slots. Gave Tracey a quick good luck hug and then headed out to get a vantage point where we could wave her off.

still smiling! :)

Bye Tracey, good luck, enjoy the ride and your beer and a curry when you finish!!!!!

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's swimming stories

Back in the pool today and felt great! It was a bit busy but still I was going good. It is amazing how a good experience gives you confidence. Now that I am into training for the Glasgow Half Marathon and the Haddington Sprint Triathlon in September I have the bit between my teeth to improve. So much so that I spoke to Andrew's swimming teacher who was in the pool with two wee kids (who incidentally could swim much better than me despite being only about 3 years old!!!!) about getting a couple of lessons to get my flippin' head under the water. She agreed and said that she had been watching me and that I could shave time off if I found some technique (what as opposed to having none you mean????). It would only take a few lessons she reassured me!!!!!! (you don't know what you are letting yourself in for Lynn, ha ha ha).

Tracey and Erin are limbering up for their marathon cycle tomorrow from Edinburgh to St Andrew's. The weather forecast is not brilliant but as I said to Erin "it will be fine because it never rains when Tracey is running (maybe it will work with cycling too?)".  I am sure it will be fine as it is always sunny in Fife when we go to visit. :) Good luck to you both, can't wait to hear about your adventures. (Good luck to James also who is going with Erin to change sort her punctures ha ha ha ha ha).

I have really enjoyed blogging for twotacklethree so much so that I am going to set up my own blog    called "Janey's running ramblings" which is basically an extension of my blog on Fetch. I will go live with it once twotacklethree is finally over and hope that anyone who has followed me on this one will continue to follow the adventures of one slightly middle aged slow runner who's mantra in life is "don't worry, be happy" :)

Oh and look out for a weekend of race debriefings - Tracey and Edin - St Andrews and Me with my Trail Run in Keswick (there may well be mud - yuk!).

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's running ramblings

A nice gentle 4 miles this morning. Ran around Penicuik watching the excitement build for the Olympic Torch Relay coming through. The streets in Penicuik have never been so clean. The council were out yesterday sweeping the streets with a dustpan and brush such was the detail paid to cleaning! 

Anyway, got back to the house and changed and then headed back down to the town to see the Torch. What a brilliant time we had (I ended up standing next to a random stranger and we had such a laugh - we were both as excited as each other). I was standing opposite the High School and Rhona's pals noticed me taking sneaky pictures of Rhona and they, as pals do, embarrassed Rhona totally by telling her I was there. Got nice pics of the kids waving their Saltires. The atmosphere was brilliant. 

The warm up part of the parade came first, and dutifully wound the kids up into a frenzy, difficult to do with a bunch of teenagers - but manage it they did! Then shortly afterwards we suddenly noticed a man dressed in white appear out of a car and go over to the kids with A TORCH!!!!!!! We were standing right at the point where a "kiss" was to take place. Sooooooo exciting! Gradually more and more people appeared on bikes and in cars and then the main event - the TORCH. Right enough they stopped just in front of us and "kissed", you could feel the heat of the flame, we were that close.

 It was amazing. I am so excited now - can't wait for the Olympics. I guess that is the whole point of it all to get us all whipped into a frenzy - well it worked!!!!! Frenzy duly whipped. 

The town was really buzzing afterwards, and it really helped that it was sunny and warm everyone kind of milled about chatting about how exciting it was. 

Anyway, got my trail run on Sunday so going to go for a swim tomorrow and then head down to Carlisle on Saturday to stay over night and then head to Keswick on Sunday. 

don't worry, be happy 
This is your time to shine!!!!!!!!! (now I am torch daft )

Janey's running ramblings

In preparation for my trail run in Keswick at the weekend, I got myself out for a gentle 4 mile run at lunchtime. My training partner was not with me, she was too busy trying to stop herself from falling asleep! I was very tired yesterday, not physically, but mentally very tired. I think the difference with the triathlon to the usual events that I do is that there is a lot to think about rather than just a run where you start when the gun goes and then stop when you get to the finish. I really enjoyed that aspect although really want to improve my transition and cycle times.

Still run was good, got the legs going again and loosened off my right ankle which was left a bit stiff after Sunday's efforts. I think it was the bike ride which made my ankle stiff, because it was stuck in the same position for 12 miles (clipless pedals) which my ankles are just not used to.

And yes, as Tracey has said we have only gone and entered another tri in September the Haddington Sprint Triathlon. Which is the week after the Glasgow Half Marathon - I don't do things by half do I???

So twotacklethree may be coming to an end but the challenges just keep on coming....................

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's Triathlon Tales

What a blast we had!!!!! I may well be converted to Triathlon!

Headed off to Peebles at 8.15am today and it was dry, overcast but dry nonetheless. Got to Peebles and then headed for registration. Got my number on my leg and arm - 107 (which incidently was the number of Alistair and I's first flat after we got married!!!). Tracey was number 108 and was in the same swim lane and heat as me - result! Then we headed to transition to hook up my bike and lay out all my stuff - very professionally I might add on a wee towel and everything!!!

Then once Tracey and I done that Alistair took our picture with us both still smiling! 

Then Alistair headed off back to Penicuik to pick up Rhona who was still in her pit when we left! Tracey, Eilidh (Tracey's daughter) and I then went back to suss out what was to happen next. Eilidh did at this juncture point out that we had an hour left before the start of the race. Tracey and I groaned and then we all decided to go for a wee walk to kill some time. Ended up looking at some ducks. I was absolutely terrified of the swim and was probably doing my usual "oh my god what am I doing, I am going to drown, why am I doing this" (sorry Tracey and Eilidh) what they don't know is that I do this at the beginning of every long run (half marathon and marathon) to the point that Alistair always b***ers off (precisely why he went back home for Rhona and breakfast). Finally, it was race briefing time and the excitement was building. Our heat time was here - 10 am. And it turned out that my rather natty white swim cap meant that I was first in the lane. (OMG!). We had a bit of a laugh, which turned out not so funny for my nerves, when we were all in the water the man in charge barked out orders along the lines of "lanes 1 - 3 swim anti-clockwise and the rest clockwise". Well my helpful other lane companions couldn't make up their mind what way was clockwise. Tracey kindly took charge when she could sense I was getting a tad ratty because the two men in the lane had me switching from one side to the other several times. Thank you Tracey, my nerves were shot to pieces at that point and may well have resulted in me shouting at the poor guys who were just trying to be helpful! Anyway, time to go, the whistle went and off we swam. I was determined not to drown this time (which I nearly did in my last triathlon) and took it easy for the first two lengths, easy to do with my pal behind me not hassling me to hurry up (and I mean pal in the non-college sense of the word). I actually really enjoyed the swim in the end and surprised myself with how good I felt all the way through. 

I tried really hard to count properly and was delighted when the nice lady in charge of our lane clonked me on the head with a swim float and said cheerily "two to go". whoop whoop. Got to the end and tried to climb out the pool - not going to happen so had to skip under the rope and climb out by the steps. Everybody watching (triathletes in later heats) all gave us a round of applause when you got out the pool and a really nice man said "well done" as I left the pool building. I was a really nice touch, made me feel fab. 

Then I headed for transition. Eilidh did catch me with her camera running with my swimmy cossy on (dear knows what that will look like but hey ho!). Have to say a huge thank you to Eilidh who gave me her very own special Mexican wave - you did make me laugh Eilidh. Got to my bike and had the longest transition I could probably have - if I do it again I know where I will shave off some time. Going to buy a tri-suit and stretchy laces!!! 

Was really enjoying my bike ride and was delighted to see Rhona and Alistair at Cardrona. Tracey was on a flier (she had a time to beat in order to gain some sponsorship money) she passed me at Cardrona and just kept on pulling away from me - amazing - well impressed Tracey :))

My cycle wasn't that great, but to be honest I hadn't done much cycle training because I was busy training for the Edinburgh Marathon and finding time to squeeze in a cycle amongst 4 and 5 hour training runs was tough. But now I have the bit between my teeth and might well enter another sprint triathlon to try and get my bike time down! 

Anyway, back to the race, once I finally got myself back to Peebles I hopped off the bike at the dismount point and wobbled my way down the huge slope back down to the pool. There was a guy shouting at me to just run down the hill "you are having a laugh I said I can hardly walk down this hill with my slippy shoes and wobbly legs!". Anyway, back to transition and at this point I realised the merit of owning stretchy laces! 

Flung all my stuff onto the ground next to my bike (not so neat any more!) and then wobbled my way back out to the run.

Now, you would think that running is where I would feel okay again. Flippin' eck my legs were really wobbly, didn't feel like my legs at all. It took me a good mile before I felt like I was finding my stride. We were running round in a big circle and I kept seeing Tracey who was ahead of me, I think people must of thought we were a bit bonkers as we kept shouting at each other over the river and waving like mad things. 

Finally, after two laps of the three bridges I was home. Tracey finished just in front of me. 

And in true JaneyM fashion this Fetchie had to land and a very efficient Fetchie wingwave was executed!! 

If you look carefully you can see the Fetchie coming in to land!

For the number crunchers here was my breakdown of times:

swim - 22 mins

T1 - 5.06

bike - 53.19

T2 - 2.28

run - 31.28

Total - 1.54.21

I am very happy with my swim time, normal run time for 5K but my transitions and bike ride leave room for improvement! Will work on that I think - see hooked!!!!!

So that is my twotacklethree challenges finished, Tracey still has her big bike ride to complete next week and our target fundraising amount has shot through the roof standing at over £1,300 - a huge thanks to everyone who has sponsored us in this madness for the Haemophilia Society in Scotland.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us.

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's running ramblings

Went out for a short 3 mile run today. The sun almost came out and it was lovely and warm - the rain did come  on for a little while but didn't last long. I have a bit of a niggle left over from the marathon - my little toe and the one beside it on my right foot is still a bit sore. Because they have been rubbing together my foot has developed quite a sore bit however it settled down when I was out running. So as long as I tape it up it should be okay tomorrow. Need to nurse it along for my trail run next week. Got my race number and my t-shirt for next weekend - a wee holiday weekend race - I love it!!! Can't wait.

Anyway, back to this week, got a box all ready to pack all my stuff in it for transition. Alistair (my half ironman hero) advised that it would be good to pack it all in a box in case it was raining, that way it was kept dry off the ground and I could just stick something over the top of it to keep the rain off. He also suggested that it would be a good idea to practice changing my tyre before hand to make sure I can remember how to do it.  My pal Hazel (also a half ironman hero) gave me the same advice and also told me to practice my transitions to make sure I had forgotten nothing. I am actually looking forward to it now - just a bit different from my normal events. I have been quite adventurous this year - marathon, triathlon and trail runs. Have really quite enjoyed the challenge that twotacklethree has brought this year.

Anyway, going to check out my bike now to make sure it is in working order! Can't work out what to wear tomorrow once I am out the pool - pool easy cossie, goggles and hat. My transition pile will look like a jumble sale because I will have so many choices. Hazel said not to underestimate the cold - she got hypothermia after taking part in the Half Ironman in Snowdonia (llanberis) although as I said to her I am sure I won't be pushing myself to the limit in quite the same way that she did that day. (Hazel was quite good - used to win things). Finishing will be my win!!

This will be my last challenge in twotacklethree and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and donations to our fundraiser - It is an amazing amount of money that you have all helped us raise. Tracey still has her final challenge to complete next week - Edinburgh to St Andrews Bike Ride (70 miles). No mean feat!

Look out for race debriefing tomorrow :)

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's swimming stories

What a bloomin' awful day today it was today. The rain just kept on coming and coming. I went for a 3 mile walk this morning and had planned to go for a short cycle in the afternoon but with the way the weather was just couldn't face it. So decided to go for a last swim (before the Triathlon) instead. As the pool is only 10 minutes away and Alistair had my car today I walked down to the pool. Flippin' eck I think I was wetter outside the pool than I was in it.

So managed my 750m, didn't bother with time but was happy that I kept going for the whole 30 lengths without stopping (other than the blip at the end when my goggles steamed up and I ran into the end of the pool cos I couldn't see :) ).

I do hope this horrible weather goes away, or at least stops raining, on Sunday otherwise we just won't have fun :(

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's running ramblings

After helping at the primary school I headed out for a four mile run. It was really nice, although I think the council had decided that this was the day they were going to cut ALL the grass in Penicuik. I was sneezing like nobody's business by the time I got back. There was great big spots of rain landing all around me by the time I was heading home and the skies had gotten very dark and it was very warm. It felt like a thunderstorm brewing - but nothing yet. I love it when it gets like that.

Got an email about my race pack from the Great Trail Run in Keswick on the 17th, can't wait. It is basically a 10K trail run up one of the prettiest wee fells in Keswick, Latrigg. I don't know how many times I have walked and run up Latrigg and never tire of the view from the top. When you get to the top you see Skiddaw to the back of Latrigg, Derwentwater stretched out in front of you and then Keswick down below. It is just wonderful. And to top it off, as it is Father's Day we gave Alistair the choice of the Loosebox (now known as LB's or the Old Keswickian (chippy) a resounding Chippy was the reply from everyone, so that is where we are having out tea out next Sunday!!! Excellent.

Got to get the Triathlon out of the way first though! 

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's swimming stories

Alistair got word from the hospital of a cancellation to go and see the surgeon at the hospital about what might be the next step with his clot. Both of us were very nervous about what they would say next because although an operation would be absolutely controlled there is still the huge complication of further bleeding - which is not good. So the appointment came along and the surgeon said that they would be better to leave well alone and allow the clot to either continue to shrink or to fibre up - either way will cause Alistair no harm. Operating might well cause a further clot in removing the one that is already there - so they would rather not do that. So as it stands this is a kind of ending point - all Alistair has to do is keep taking his factor and get further scans from time to time to keep an eye on it.

So with that in mind we talked about him just getting on with life again (within reason!!!) so he came down to the pool with me tonight to have a bit of a gentle swim about. He just took it easy swimming gently up and down. I have no idea how many lengths I did, or how fast I did them, and to be honest I don't care, it was just lovely to see Alistair doing something he loved doing prior to the bleed. Considering he was about to start his training for the UK Ironman the week of the bleed it was wonderful to see him back in the water, albeit very very gently. He knows that running is probably out of the question now but if he can get back to swimming a bit then that can only be good for his health.

Triathlon on Sunday and my last challenge. I think it will be a challenge for me because swimming is not my strength but you know what, seeing Alistair in the pool tonight after all he has been through will carry me through Sunday (even if I am drowning) as 2 hours of physical exertion is nothing compared to what he has been dealing with.

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's running ramblings

What a difference with my inhaler! 4 miles in the beautiful sunshine without any wheezing. Thank goodness I do get that I feel like an auld wummin when I get all wheezy.

Going to head off to the shops tomorrow afternoon after my trip to Dunbar and Prestonpans (work) to go and try and get a new swimming cossie.

Hope you went out training Tracey and didn't just sit on the sofa watching the Queen again ;)

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's running ramblings

Today Tracey and I headed out for our Monday run a bit later today because our HNC students were holding their Celebration of Achievement party today. I had realised that I had forgotten my inhaler on the way to work but decided that if I took it easy then I should be okay. First sign that things were not going to be great should really have been Tracey saying that she suddenly felt like her nose had blocked when we went outside - pollen!!! So coupled with high pollen and quite a hot day I was hopeless. Sometimes I do wonder if my asthma is all in my head - but nooooooooooooooo, not today. I was wheezing like an auld donkey. Poor Tracey got an absolutely rubbishy run as we kept having to stop for me to walk as I just could not get the breath to run.

I got home a while ago and was able to take my inhaler and now I feel normal again. As Tracey said it does prove that the inhaler does what it is supposed to. So not a great last run together before our Triathlon but things can only get better - as the song says.

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's nae running ramblings

This is the first Saturday in I don't know how long that I haven't been out for a run! (gasp) We were at Alistair's Mum's today and it was nice to just sit in the sun, go for a wee trip to Anstruther, have ice-cream and just not run. Will need to go out tomorrow.

To catch up on yesterday Rhona and I did go out for a cycle (13 miles) in the afternoon. It looked like it was going to rain a bit when we set out but the sun came out and we were both boiling. So it was important that we sat down for a wee rest at Rossyln Chapel for ice-cream. Do you think there will be an ice-cream stop on the triathlon cycle route??

Took some nice pics.....

Rhona as you can see is enjoying her very expensive Mint Magnum, and our bikes are having a rest too! 

Will get going again tomorrow.

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's swimming stories

Got myself down to the pool when it opened at 9am this morning and apart from 4 women swimming up and down slowly I pretty much had it to myself. So I decided that today would be the day to test myself. So in I got, first thing realised I had forgotten to actually take a puff of my inhaler which by this point was at the side, miles away from where I was. Decided to give it a go without it. Was fine. Off I went. I still have absolutely no technique but quite happy in that I can chunter up and down fairly strongly (in my opinion). I managed 20 lengths in about 14 mins without stopping and then the beeps started. I had forgotten all about the wee babies swim class and the blasted boom wall was going up. So I was down to 17.5m to swim with. I stopped to let the boom wall come up and do the maths on how many lengths I had to now do to take me up to my full distance. Then I got going again. I went to switch my watch back on and realised I had forgotten to switch it off and the time had rattled away with itself. So now I have absolutely no idea about how long it will take me next weekend, but hey ho! I know I can make it, how fast/slow will be the question.

Then I had a wee practice climbing out of the pool. Last time I did a triathlon I was lucky enough to have the end lane and had steps but knowing my luck I will be plonked in the middle lane and have to ungracefully haul myself out of the pool. Managed it, but not gracefully, much to the hilarity of the lifeguards (who just laughed at me).

Might go out on my bike for a wee spin later on, depending on the weather. Not really into cycling in the rain. Also going to head out to try and buy a new swimming costume - might as well try and look the part. :)

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's running ramblings

With the triathlon less than 2 weeks away now I am now attempting to get my body back to training quicker than I would normally after a marathon. I would normally gently ease myself back into training but needs must.  With a brand new sparkly training schedule to follow for the Glasgow Half Marathon (I do like a training schedule) I headed out the door for a four mile run. That sounds like I was keen to skip out the door but it did take me all day to get my backside in gear and out the door. It was so wet I just could not be bothered. Still went out in the end.

As I was running I was thinking about what one of the boys in the primary class I help had told me this morning. He runs with JogScotland's Junior Joggers and is about 8 years old. The teacher had told the class that I had run the marathon and that I had my medal for them to see. He quietly said to me, whilst I was helping him with his numeracy (stop laughing all who know about my complete lack of maths ability it is only P3 maths!), that he had won the Junior marathon at the weekend. I was very impressed and we chatted about how it had been hot and he asked me if I had used the hydration tablets in with the race number when I was running the marathon. I said that I had used two in my drink and he said he used one but didn't really feel thirsty so they must have worked. I was really impressed with his knowledge of running at only 8 years old. I asked him if he had to stand up on a stage to get his prize for winning. At this point another child joined in and said were you first to which he replied "no, nobody was first we were all winners" and then he told me how a nice lady gave him a medal when he ran over the line. I said to him that was fabulous and asked him if he had really enjoyed himself. He told me he had and that he is maybe going to run the 5K next year. All I could think about was how hung up adults get on times, distance, etc etc and this wee lad was fair pleased that he had won the marathon and there was no discussion about time etc! And so he had - we need to take a leaf out of his book and just enjoy what we do. After lots of years of running I am just chuffed that my body is holding up enough to let me enjoy 5K, 10K, half marathons, marathons, triathlons and trail runs. Quite an exciting life really when I think about it!

Enough rambling, nice run and a swim tomorrow - might even hit the road with my bicycle tomorrow!

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's running ramblings

Found this on the marathon site - offiical photos

https://picasaweb.google.com/101276031071706377275/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCPKI8fGmrZ72mQE#5747237369135908258

Me and my Fetchie pals McNewbie and SpeedyMel

That was us at the start!!! which is why we are laughing :)

Janey's running ramblings

Here stands the finest (motley crew) runners that you will ever see - Fetchies at the beginning of the Edinburgh Marathon.

Today I got myself out for a short 2 mile run. To begin with the legs did feel like they belonged to someone else, however after a short time they started to come back to me and we got on fine again. I am glad I went out as it has really loosened them off and I am ready for the triathlon now!!! (well maybe?).

Following the marathon on Sunday I have made the decision to pull out of the Speyside Way Race. I had to really dig deep into my reserves on Sunday and I was fine, but I am not sure that I am cut out for finding another ten miles worth of reserves, certainly not this year after working so hard for twotacklethree. A lot of distance running is about what goes on in your head and your body just kind of follows on behind doing what it is told. I had to work very hard on Sunday to banish those thoughts which were telling me to just stop, get an ice-cream and sit until Alistair could get to me to pick me up. That is not to say that the Ultra itch is still not there - but I think I am still hankering after doing a multi-day trip (not a race) which takes me from A to B via several guest houses - a wee running holiday so to speak. This will still be in my forward planning. 

However, I am not about to sit down and do nothing after all this hard work. Two weeks time I am completing my part of the twotacklethree challenge with the Peebles Triathlon and then the week after that I am heading down to the lake district for the Keswick Trail Run (10K) up Latrigg and then on holiday Rhona and I are taking part in the Truro Race for Life 5K and to finish off the summer so far I have entered the Glasgow Half Marathon in September which is a long time favourite of mine. I am going to try and bring down my half marathon time. So, not done yet then? 

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's post marathon mumblings

Woke up very early this morning really thirsty, finally dehydration was disappearing. Got up and had a cup of tea and took a couple of ibuprofen to try and stem the muscle soreness. Not feeling too bad but my quads are very stiff and my feet have taken a bit of a bashing. My toes always end up a bit swollen after a marathon and I have an odd sore bit on the sole of my left foot. Feels like a blister but nothing to be seen!

Because I was up early I got all the packed lunches made and did my Asda order. How about that for multi-tasking.

Left for work at 7.50am and managed to slowly drive myself to work, was absolutely fine as long as I didn't have to move my legs from the position they were in to drive the car. Was hoping I wouldn't have to do an emergency stop as I wasn't sure that would be possible!!

After a morning where I just sat about a bit and with Tracey just keeping on feeding me and bringing me tea, we decided to go for a walk instead of a run, mainly because I couldn't get my feet into trainers. It was still lovely weather, but TODAY there was a breeze!!!!!!! It was good to get out and move my legs. Hopefully that should stem the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

Finally, chucked in the towel at about 2.45pm today when I caught myself almost nodding off at my computer. The drive home was even slower than the drive to work. Finally, I got myself home and flopped into a seat.

Here's hoping keeping moving will help how I am feeling tomorrow, got to get moving again for the Triathlon in two weeks time - aagghhh!!! (quite looking forward to it really now that the big one is out of the way).

don't worry, be happy :)

Janey's Marvellous Marathon tales!!!!

                                                        What can I say? It was boiling!!!!!

My day started when I met with other Fetchies for an official pre race photo (to follow) and I had a blast with McNewbie (from Manchester) and Speedy Mel (London). What a laugh we had right up until will started running.

It took us at least 15 mins to cross the start line as there were (as far as I know) 27, 000 people running today. My first 6 miles were okay, not too bad, but I could feel the heat building. My Mum and Dad were at Bath Street on the Portobello Prom. It was brilliant to see them as it gives you a real lift when you see people you love come out to cheer you on. The beach looked brilliant today - there were kids everywhere on the beach and even people sunbathing (much better idea on a day like it was today). I got myself to Musselburgh where I met SpicedApple from Fetch (got a big hug from her) again brilliant to see someone who is supporting you. Miles were starting to build by this point, and I was at the Musselburgh Race Course and heading towards Prestonpans. My main job at this point was to try and spot Ann at Port Seton, who is supporting us , unfortunately I couldn't see her (later found out she was cheering her neice and nephew on who were way faster than me and on the way back as I was heading out). Saw Ellem and Smout and others (sorry guys thanks for coming out but I wasn't sure who the others were but I love you all anyway.) Fetch support is amazing - they really gave me a lift.  The miles were really building now and so was the heat. I thought last year in London was really hot but dear knows what the heat was today - it was relentless. Not to mention the fact that someone had stolen the breeze (wind) that Tracey and I always run in at Cramond! It was roasting. As I got to Longniddrie my Ipod started doing really wierd things, I think I had drenched it in water too many times. I was trying to sort out the problem when I was aware of someone running next to me  pushing the coldest bottle of water I had the pleasure to get a hold of today. IT WAS TRACEY!!!!!!!!! I was so chuffed to see her. I mumbled something about being boiling and I just remember her saying "I know, Jane it is horrible". I laughed at that for ages. I kept thinking nobody is making me do this, but she is soooooooooooo right it was pretty horrible at that point. I ran under so many hoses (thank goodness we don't have a hose pipe ban). I decided at that point that I had to plan a strategy to get me to the end as I still had 10 miles to go. So I decided that when I got to 17 miles I would start to use "scouts pace" to get me to the end. So what I did was run for 200 paces and then walk for 100 paces. This was so the right thing to do. I don't think I would have made it to the end otherwise. There were casualties to the heat everywhere. One guy had even got into such a state that we overheard the paramedic saying to him that he had arrived at them delirious, and then had a seizure. They were telling him where he was and what his name was. Not good! But it really was that hot, so easy to have slipped into not having drunk enough and run to fast. So run/walking it was for me.

On the way back past Longniddrie Tracey was still waiting (that really helped Tracey thank you so much) and there seemed to be several other people screaming "Go Jane" (were they with you Tracey?). Tracey then did shout after me "sprint finish Jane" Ha, you have got to be kidding was my retort. This is because we both say we'll do a sprint finish at the end of our lunchtime runs and never really get any faster!! :)

I began to knock off the miles 22, 23 and then I was cheered on by the wonderful Fetchies who had waited on us slow Fetchies coming through(know who you are - thank you for standing boiling in the heat all day it was brilliant to see you all at this point).

Finally 24 came into view, then 25, on my way home now. At this point Tracey's Dr Dasterdley appeared telling me to "just stop running and then the pain will stop" I contemplated this for about two seconds and then banished Dr D to the water and got on with run/walking. As we got back to Musselburgh people starting telling me (and another runner who by this point I was running with) that we were nearly there and it was just around the corner. We were on a straight road with millions of runners stretching out ahead of us. There didn't appear to be a corner!!! The guy I was running with turned to me and very tired said "where the f**k is this b****y corner" All I could do was laugh as I was thinking exactly the same thing - he just voiced it. Then all of a sudden we were there round the corner right enough - it just appeared and there was the finish line. Managed to pull out enough energy to do my customary Fetchie Wingwave, this Fetchie definitely needed to land.

Final time (according to my watch time - official one not in until tomorrow) 5 hours and 29 mins. Quite happy with that considering the heat. You can see from my finisher picture that I am happy to be finished and absolutely nick nacked!!

Alistair produced the best thing at the end of a marathon that I could have - a FLASK OF TEA!!!!!!! He knows me so well. I had been dreaming about a cup of tea since 24 miles.

I am absolutely shattered, sore legs and a bit sun burnt but you know what I am so pleased that I finished and did everyone of our sponsors proud!

Thank you again for all the support you have shown Tracey and I.

don't worry, be happy and go to sleep for a wee while :)

Janey's marathon mumblings

Up at 6.30am, having had an okay sleep. Wanted to get up and have my porridge in plenty of time to digest it properly. Got to have my go faster food!

Made sure my Fetchie nails were okay;

The nerves are building a bit now, but good nerves, not bad ones. Had a really restful night last night - sat and watched the Voice and then watched a film (Couldn't manage the whole of the Eurovision) and then we all had great fun watching the voting later on Eurovision - somehow this bit is more entertaining than the actual singing. 

Heading off at around 8 o'clock and then meeting up with Fetchies at St James' Centre for the official Fetch Photo at nine. Race start is at 10am and my start is at Regent Road. Got my race number and my safety pins already to pin onto my vest.........

Will update later on when I get back.

don't worry, be happy :)