Since the last post I have been relatively consistent with the evening runs: an average of 1hr - 1.5hr run followed a slightly shorter run the next day with a 'day off' the next and so on. With each run I am needing a bit less time to get comfortable with the breathing. The strength of the body seems to always kick in between 30 - 60 mins. This is when I feel at my strongest with a burst of energy by the 60th min. I am getting to know my body and the comfort zones.

I must admit, I did feel a difference when I had not trained for 3 days in a row (I used up a few of my running evening for socialising!) and tried to start again yesterday. I have learned my lesson!

I have been meeting many runners in the town. There is one guy who has even completed the Iron Man which consist of 6 days running! He is an architect by day! His advise to me was simply to enjoy the run and to feel free to walk at any stage of the race as the most important thing is to finish. How true!

I have just finished reading a book called 'What I talk about when I talk about running' by Haruki murakami, which was suggested by a friend of mine. It is very inspiring as he talks quite freely about his experience as a runner and it also makes you think in a different perspective about life. I highly recommend this book for anyone as it is interesting not only just from a runner's point of view.

My daily view from La Villa

I ran around the town from one end to almost the other in a route which lasted 1hr 10mins - just over 10km.

I was unprepared for 'low battery' in my mini i-pod, but thankfully, I had amazing views to keep my mind focused on the run.

After an hour of non-stop running I felt a sudden burst of energy so I sprinted for part of the final leg. I spent the rest of the evening relaxing and massaging out the tension in my legs.

The surface is a mixture of flat road and rocky terrain. I hope my trainers will be ok as they are only designed for flats / pavements, i.e. city running!

Today I feel good, however slightly sleepy! It must be the fresh air and the fact I feel proud of my run!

The hills are alive with fresh air!

Instead of waiting for this morning I decided to take the plunge and went for my first run yesterday in La Villa General Belgrano, Argentina. There was no real reason stopping me as I was being offered: fresh air, good distance, my space and an amazing backdrop! I took some photos but I forgot my camera cable so those will follow shortly.

I have over two months here for some quality training so I plan to enjoy every moment. The first 5 mins of the run was a struggle to begin with due to being in a different surrounding and having to adjust with the breathing. After 20 mins I felt great and wanted to go on and on....so I did! I ran round the town and got familiar with what was on offer for the next runs. I ran for 40 mins before stopping off for a quick drink of water at home (that is how close everything is here!!) and then continued for a further 20 mins. I didn't want to push myself too much on the first run, however, eventually, I hope to manage several longer runs which will give me enough stamina to complete runs of 3 - 4 hrs.

The sight of snow is beautiful, however it has affected my street-running training. Earlier this week I did manage to fit in a few days of cycling to and from work and a run on the weekend. I think the main training will have to commence again as soon as I get to the summer of Argentina!

I am so pleased with the response I have received from everyone since I decided to join Sam on her journey to run in the London Marathon next year. The on-site massage fundraising event has now raised £95 and the xmas card event has reached £122.50. My target amount of £1,500 is looking more likely as I am currently on £667.87! The current amount is also thanks to everyone who have already donated and to my two lovely bosses who gave me all their loose change!

I still have a few lovely handmade cards available so it is not too late to get your hands on these unique designs. Get in contact with me and I will send them out to you. There are even some late arrivals...all the way from the valleys of Argentina!

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

Thanks for all the support!!!

Despite the freezing temperature and the sight of snow last night, the sell of cards and cakes raised £92.50p!! 22 cards and 8 cakes from Curious Yellow were sold at Hiden Floral Designs.

There are still cards available at the shop for £3.50 each. A few are also on its way to Glasgow as Sam has here own card and brooch event this weekend.

The exclusive handmade cards are done! The cakes have been confirmed! The teabags are ready for brewing!

See you there......

Date: Tuesday 30th November

Location: Hiden Floral, 26 Paddington Street, W1 (http://www.hidenfloraldesign.co.uk/)

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Event: Kim's London Marathon 2011 fundraising project
(target is £1,500!! Already raised £280)

In aid of: The Mental Health Foundation (http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/)

Please remember that every penny will go towards my sponsorship.

This week has been a busy one with the achievement of two fundraising events!

I would like to thank all our customers who donated during the 10% off evening last Thursday. I am yet to count the money collected as the charity box is still at work and continuing to receive donations! I am hoping for at least £100 as I did see a few £5 notes and one £20!! It certainly feels heavier day by day.

I would also like to thank my uncle's work colleagues who took some time out to enjoy a 20 minute seated massage. I raised £65 in cash and an additional £20 from online donations. I am expecting a couple more donations to come through from this fundraising. Again, I am hoping to reach £100 from this event!

The great thing about both events was the different stories which each person had to share. I received many good tips for my training. The main advice was to enjoy the feeling of running in the marathon! Simply by speaking to people I got to interact with some very interesting individuals.

Earlier today, I tried out a new route by running from Acton-Chiswick-Shepherds Bush-East Acton-Acton. It took an hour in total, which included a combination of light running, sprinting and walking. I worked out the route to have been approx. 6miles. If I keep this up then I should be able to complete the marathon in 4 hours?!!