Getting there. Slowly

So much for regular updates.  I'm now two weeks further on in my programme to run my first half marathon.  Getting there, slowly, is an appropriate description of my progress.  Week Four and Five have generally seen me stick to the programme, making little discernible progress speed wise, but - like the Duracell bunny, I'm finding I am able to keep going a little longer each time.

You can find the details of the half marathon training programme. I am following by clicking the link.

I've just finished week 5, so yesterday I (very nearly) ran my furthest distance ever.  The schedule had me down for a seven mile run.  I diligently planned my route and all was good for about a mile and a half.  It was only then that I discovered that about a mile of the route I had so carefully plotted was along a very rough bridle-path, lots of deep furrows from farm traffic and not worth turning an ankle over.  So I walked a far bit of that mile and probably lost some time as a result.  But not much, I am very slow anyway.

I've never run further than 6.25 miles before - the length of 10km races I entered a couple of times.  That was twenty years ago and carrying a wee bit less wait too, so I even though I was forced to walk some of it, I was delighted to have done 7 miles yesterday.  Sore, but delighted.  The fact that I have to do 8 miles this Sunday is something to think about later in the week.

If you would like to sponsor me, this is the place to do it.

Snap! (almost)

This caused me to do a quick double take this evening and then, on reflection, to be encouraged.  One is a shot from yesterday's Western Morning News Sport section.  The other is one of mine from Saturday's game.  It would appear I'm getting something right.  Or getting lucky...  

Running 1

I want to record my progress - or lack of it - in training for my first ever Half Marathon.  I've promised a few updates to the good people that have offered to sponsor me for it but, don't worry, it won't be a step by step account.  I'll spare you all the detail. 

I joined a gym nearly 15 months ago and at the induction, the young girl gave me some exercises to get me started.  It included 10-15 minutes of walking on a treadmill.  It hurt my pride a little but I have since progressed to a bit of running.

This will probably be my first and only Half Marathon.  Because I've discovered that a bit of running isn't enough.  According to the running plan I am following, I need to do a lot more than a bit. I am three weeks into a twelve week programme and according to my times, I'm getting slower.  But I am middle aged and I'm running further each week.  I am determined to finish, for reasons that I'll go into later.

Week 4, here we come...