We made it!

I have just celebrated with Diego our completion (my first!) of the Ultrasport 20km run in Punto Claro with a tub of ice cream! We did it in approx. 2hrs 15mins. I was not prepared for several river crossings! It was a surprise but we did it! Diego advised me to take the trainers off (during the first 10km) in order for us not be running with soaked feet. It certainly paid off as I noticed the slower pace of a few runners due to wet trainers! It was a good way to cool down as we were running in midday heat. Thankfully I had a cap on my head so I didn't notice the heat as much.

The route was a mixture of off-road, hills, river crossings and mud! We had to walk during a few sections of the final 10km as the terrain was too slippery to run. It was a welcome rest for me! Breathing was the key to completing the race, as well as the mantra which I had adopted: 'there is no suffering, just pain!!!!!' It worked nicely for me ;)

Diego was my 'camel' as he carried his camelbak which contained the essential water and snacks. This supply kept us going without any complications. I must thank him for his good training skills and support throughout the whole experience.

The last couple of kms were never-ending for me as I knew we were almost there, however, I was unsure as to how far we still had to run. When I could see the finishing line I decided to put in 95% of my energy and pumped my arms (and legs!) to the finishing line. Diego and I finished together which was great. We were welcomed by the sister and her daughters. It was great to see some familiar faces as I knew that was it and I had completed my first 20km race!

I am feeling good as I took some time out after the race to massage my legs in order to release any tension which may have built up. We had a chorizo sandwich and lots of the free energy drinks which were on offer in order to recuperate what we had used up. Tonight will consist of a good dinner and lots of rest! London Marathon here I come!!!!

Punto Claro here we come!!!

We are official running in the half marathon tomorrow as we have just paid $40 (Argentine Dollars, approx. £7) - on top of the initial $90 for the inscription - for our tops and are names are on the list! I am the only 'Wong' which is expected ;) The location is beautiful as it is beside a lake so I hope for a bbq at the end of the 20 km run! I believe there will be over 250 people in our category and a further 250 in the 10 km group.

Last night I went for a run with Diego and we managed approx. 15km in 1.5hr. I hope to complete the race in 2hrs - 2hrs 15mins....lets see!!!

I'll be honest, the other day when I said I was going for a run and then to a spinning class didn't turn out as planned. I only managed to run (in the rain!) with Diego as when we got home we were soaked! I didn't want to get ill for the sake of a spinning class. It was a good run as it was intensive for a period of 30 mins. I feel more confident running with someone as it creates a pace for me which I can follow.

Yesterday we ran for an hour. The route involved a mixture of flats and hills which allowed me to experience up and down hills. Diego has been teaching me the importance of breathing and how to adjust according to whether I am running up hill or down hill. I was impressed with myself as we managed to have enough energy at the end to race each other home! The feeling was great as I could have gone on for longer.

The time is nearing and I am building on my running confidence with each run. This Sunday is the half marathon in Punto Claro (Cordoba, Argentina) so I am currently training for that. I figured if I can complete that with all the hills that I will be encountering; I will be fine for the London Marathon! This Sunday will be fun as I will be running with the boys ;)

Another day of rain but I will run!

Today is another day of rain but I am feeling good and positive enough to run in it followed by a spinning class. I have decided there is no point waiting for the rain to disappear as it is all part of the training. Who knows what the weather will bring on the actual race day!

A friend with whom I have not been in contact for ages has not only just sponsored me with a kind amount; she has also suggested (I am yet to read it) a book by John J. Ratey called Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. It looks into the importance of exercise and the affects it has on the brain.

Writing this blog has made me appreciate friendship (near and far) and the kindness of people, as well as the significance of a healthy mind. We often think about a healthy diet and lifestyle without also remembering how important a healthy mind is. All elements work together. Without one we would not function to our full capacity. This leads me to the conclusion that exercise plays a major role in our day-to-day life. Since I have been running I have been feeling more energetic and positive. I enjoy each day as it comes rather than worrying about what tomorrow brings or what the past had brought. My suggestion to anyone who may be feeling down is to find an activity which you enjoy and let that influence you. It may take some time to discover but that is part of the fun! Enjoy and be happy as this maintains a healthy mind, which contributes to a healthy way of life.

I've been tweeted!!

I would like to say 'thank you' to Stella from the Mental Health Foundation as she has just tweeted my marathon blog:

http://twitter.com/mhf_tweets

I am hoping this will generate more followers, and essential more sponsors as I still need to raise £750 in order to reach the min. required sponsorship before race day on Sunday 17th April!!

Today started of with lots of sun but now the day is ending with lots of rain! At 5pm I enjoyed a lovely cup of English Breakfast tea with a biscuit whilst sitting outside in the terrace watching the rain pour from the sky. I felt like I was in good old England! Argentina can be very similar at times ;)

Half Marathon Challenge first!

Time is nearing to the London Marathon (Sunday 17th April in case you have forgotten!) so what is better than signing up for a half marathon run a couple of months before?! That is exactly what I will be doing on Sunday 27th February. Ultrasport will be taking place a few miles away from the town so we will not have to travel far. I say 'we' because Diego (and possibly some other friends) will also be running. It is the first stage of a 7-part adventure involving a 20km run around the scenic area of Punto Claro which has a beautiful lake and a few hills! We were there (on our return from a rock festival) on Sunday as we had decided to stop off to enjoy a bbq - 'al disco'.

www.ultrasport.com.ar

Training started again last night with a 8km run (45mins) followed by an hour spinning class. I took a week off as I had noticed some tension in my left achilles tendon so decided to give it a rest. Thankfully, I didn't feel anything last night so I think it is now ok. Sometimes the best cure is rest! I have realised that I run better when I have company as it gives me motivation as well as creating a pace to follow. I am still very excited about the whole adventure as running is a new challenge for me, however, here it is a normal form of activity to run and run and run. I guess it has a lot to do with the surroundings.

Thank you to those who have recently donated money towards my efforts!!! I am now half way there with the sponsorship of £1,500, however, I am still outstanding by approx. £750!!! There is still time! We can do it!!!!

My page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimWong

What a great boss!

Following from my request via Facebook for either individual or corporate sponsorship, my great bosses at Joy Everyley Fine Jewellers www.joyeverley.co.uk
have agreed to help with the sponsorship!! The amount is yet to be confirmed but I am hoping it will help me reach the minimum sponsorship as I am still needing 800 pounds! I shall be wearing their logo on the day of the marathon. There is still room if anyone else would like me to run with their logo!!! This offer is open to any individual or business, but the sponsorship needs to be a good one ;)

Nature speaks when it needs to...

I am sitting inside my friend´s shop and enjoying the sound of rain! Sometimes it rains and then the sun comes out, but today it is pouring down with rain! I am remembering the sunny days when we were able to go to the river for lunch. Many people (tourists!) have already commented on how they do not know what to do today as it is raining. My advise to them has been to enjoy the sound of nature and to read.

We sometimes find it hard to re-connect with nature but with running I have somehow found it again. My matra during my runs have been: ´there is no suffering; only pain!´ It seems to have helped during those moments when I think it is not possible to continue running.