As people had been telling me, it was an amazing experience, not only because of the number of people running but also because of the number of spectators along the way.  They provided much useful distraction and encouragement when the going got tough. From time to time, I thanked those who had turned out to support us for being there.  Without them, it would have been a much harder task. There were also various bands and music which helped keep our spirits up as well as people thrusting bottles of water into our hands as we passed.

The first mile went quickly as did the second and third.  Each time there was a milestone, I acknowledged it and said that’s great, another mile run.  This meant that I was focussing on what I had achieved rather than the number of miles still to run.  This seemed to work because after what seemed like no time at all, I was at the mid-way point (5 miles.)  Psychologically speaking, as well as physically, this was tough because I had only previously run a maximum of 5.625 miles, so I was unsure of my ability to run all the way.  (I was surprised at how many people were walking for part of the way.) 

At times, I was able to get back into the zone, as previously described in my last blog, where I was just concentrating on the running and taking each step.  Miles 6 and 7 passed and I noticed that I was starting to ache in the knees, the groin, the buttocks – you name it, and it ached.  And still I pressed on.  By this time, I was absolutely determined to run without stopping.  Then mile 8 and we were on the home stretch – just 2 miles to go.  This was particularly tough as we were then running right along the seafront with the wind blowing fully into our faces, making the running even more difficult.  Mile 9 – yes – I was definitely going to make it and then the countdown 800 metres, 400 metres and 200 metres.  I speeded up for the last few metres and was over the line.  Tears of joy sprang from my eyes as I understood that I had achieved my goal – to run non-stop all the way.   The cherry on the cake was that I had done it in 2 hours, 4 minutes and 45 seconds and according to my age group and gender, I was positioned 105.  If only my Father was still alive to hear this.

So, if you have a goal that you want to achieve, what are you waiting for?  And, if you want some support, call me on 01202-743961. 

In less than 48 hours, I will be in Portsmouth, participating in the Great South Run.  Although I’ve only trained for 12 weeks, it seems like forever.  It’s been challenging physically and challenging mentally.  People who’ve done something similar before all tell me that it’s a wonderful experience and that I will enjoy it.   Obviously I’ll be reporting back after the event.

 

One of the most enlightening experiences was a couple of Saturdays ago when I was running with my coach (she was on a bike due to a bad chest cough) along Bournemouth Pier for an hour.  On the second half of the run, I decided to increase my speed and was able to maintain it for the rest of the journey.  What was interesting was that for the first time, I found myself “in the zone”.  This means that my focus was purely on the act of running, of taking each step, rather than judging the running as difficult, uncomfortable, boring or any number of other interpretations which the mind likes to make up.  At the end of the run, I felt like a “real runner” whatever that means.  I felt positively powerful.  It is an enormous clue to say that when we get our mind into its rightful place – i.e. as a tool for us to use rather than us being its slave, then we can achieve whatever we want.

 

My challenge on Sunday, therefore, is to get back into that zone and be master of my mind at least for the duration of the run. 

 

 

 

Since I last wrote a blog on this subject, I have moved on apace.  This week, I ran for a full hour non-stop.  Of course, you do realise when I say run that in actual fact I mean jog.  Nevertheless, it is a wonderful achievement and 9 weeks ago, when I started running just 2 minutes at a time, I would not have believed it possible.

What I have noticed is that my breathing when running has improved enormously and I’m now able to talk at the same time – something which was impossible to do in the first few weeks.  So what have I learnt through this process which can be applied to other areas of my life?  It’s quite simple.  It’s the three Cs:

COURAGE:  We are human beings.  Sometimes we need courage to take the first step and then continue to take the necessary steps until we reach our goal.

COMMITMENT:  When we commit to something whole-heartedly, it becomes easier to take those steps.

COACHING:  Having a coach on your side can make a massive difference in boosting your courage and commitment.

So, if you have a goal that you want to achieve, and you’re procrastinating, find yourself a reputable coach who will help you get there.

If you wish to sponsor me, please go to: www.justgiving.com/vanessa.   Any encouragement would be very gratefully received.

Who would have thought that in just 5 weeks, running three times a week, it would be possible for a 55-year old to go from 5 x 2 minutes running to 2 x 15 minutes running with just 2 minutes brisk walking in between? Well I certainly wouldn’t have believed it!  However, I’m extremely happy to report that on Saturday, I did just that – 2 x 15 minutes running and, what’s more, without my coach.  Now, although I still continue to focus on the week at hand, it seems that there may be a possibility of me being able to complete the run, without having to do much walking.  We’ll see.

OBSERVATION:

When I first begin a running session, I can feel quite breathless and, as time goes on, my breathing settles down.  I questioned my coach and other runners on this and they all reported the same thing.  Whether this is entirely physical or whether there is a psychological element to it, I’m not sure.  Either way, it’s useful to be aware of it. 

TIP:

Like any activity that we do, it’s important to have the right thoughts.  For non-runners, running is physically challenging and therefore it’s easy to have negative thoughts about it.  Here’s a really simple tip for you.  Did you know that the word “yes” is probably one of the most powerful words we can utter?  Well try it.  If you repeat the word under your breath as you run along, it becomes a mantra and your body responds to it positively, increasing your strength and stamina.  Since the mind and body are inextricably linked, this must be so.  But don’t take my word for it, try it out for yourself. 

If you wish to sponsor me, please go to: www.justgiving.com/vanessa.  And please let me have your comments on the blog.  Any encouragement would be very gratefully received.

Monday, 3 August was the first session of week 2 and I’m now up to 3 lots of 4 minutes running with 2 minutes brisk walking in between and of course a 10 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down.

Considering I went out with a headache and was tired after returning from a 3-day intensive personal development course, I was pleased at the fact that it didn’t feel any harder than running 3 lots of 3 minutes last week. In fact, I was surprised each time my coach said we had done the 4 minutes.   

So in one week, I have gone from running 2 minutes at a time to 4 minutes at a time, without pushing myself too hard or causing any injury. 

Tip:  Rather than looking ahead at the end goal of running 10 miles, which at this stage of the game seems an impossible task, I’m just working on the immediate week at hand.  So, this week, it’s 3 sessions, as usual, of 3 x 4 minutes running.  That makes it very achievable.

I’ll keep you posted.  If you wish to sponsor me, please go to: www.justgiving.com/vanessa.  And please let me have your comments on the blog.  Any encouragement would be very gratefully received.

I had my first training session on 26 July on Bournemouth Pier.  After a 5 minute brisk walk as a warm up, we ran for just two minutes and then walked for 3.  Believe me when I say that 2 minutes seems a long time, if you’re not used to running.  We did this 5 times and finished with a brisk walk at the end.  By the way, it also started to rain part way through our session, not hard, but just enough to be a nuisance and, considering we are in July, one could have expected better weather.  Never mind.  It’s probably just as well to get used to it at the beginning, as it was bound to happen at some point during training.

Naturally, all the fears about why had I decided to do this walk came up in that first session and how on earth was I going to manage to complete a 10 mile run in 3 months time, if I could only run for 2 minutes at a time now.  Karen assured me that my reaction was quite normal and I would get there, even though I may have to walk part of the way. 

What’s really important of course is to build up the amount of consecutive running time and without causing any damage.  I am happy to report that it would appear that this morning I am not aching very much, so we must have pitched it correctly. 

Like preparing a presentation or a speech, it’s vital to do the following:

1)     Have a structure.

2)     Have strategies for managing negative thoughts and emotions

3)     Practise

4)     Get training from a professional

My structure is to increase the amount of time I run each week.  My strategies for managing negative thoughts are to see myself arriving at the finishing line and then standing up at Carrington to tell them I did it.  My practise will be 3 times a week and Karen will be supporting me.

I’ll let you know how I get on.

When I stood up at the Carrington lunch to tell those present that I would be participating in the Run, one of my requests was for someone to come and train with me.  It was immediately answered.  Karen Guttridge, who runs (no pun intended) a company called Slim Focus, came and volunteered to train with me.  We had not met before and it was her first time at Carrington. 

If you read my blogs, you will know that I often talk about synchronicity and yet again, I am called upon to use this word.  Let me explain why.  I originally intimated to Wessex Autistic Society about 4 weeks ago that I would probably participate in the run.  A few days later, I went out and bought a pair of running shoes.  Then I did nothing but procrastinate for the next two and a half weeks.  Shall I shan’t I?  I didn’t sign up and I didn’t go out running!  Then I was put on the spot and asked by the charity whether I was going to enter or not. 

So I made up my mind that I would and then spoke to Jonathan, Chairman of the Carrington, and asked if I could get up and speak about the Run at the lunch the following day. Originally, I should have spoken at the previous meeting a couple of weeks before.  At the last minute, I didn’t go and of course, had I attended and spoken, Karen would not have been there.  There is such a thing as divine timing and it would seem that this has operated in my favour, yet again. 

Next blog will be on my first running session …

Two years ago, I stood up at a Carrington Club networking lunch in front of around 60 people and volunteered to do a skydive for Julia’s House, even though I was very frightened of heights.  Many people said that I was brave and they would not do it.  The fact that I declared it publicly meant that I would not go back on my word. I did my sky dive on 8 September 2007 – never again thank you!

Yesterday, I stood up at the same networking lunch with around 100 people and volunteered to be part of the Carrington team undertaking the Great South Run on behalf of Wessex Autistic Society.  I am coming up for 55, have never run in my life, have dodgy knees and am very menopausal.  But I will do this, even if I have to crawl on my hands and knees part of the way!   Perhaps a 10 mile race doesn’t sound as glamorous as a sky dive but personally, I feel it will be a much greater challenge, both physically and mentally. 

Coincidentally, the race takes place on 25 October, just three days before the first anniversary of my Father’s death, so it will be an emotional time all round.

If you wish to make a donation, please go to: www.justgiving.com/vanessa.

And watch this space for more news on my training.