Back to familiar roads

It was not easy getting out of bed - I think I am still catching up the sleep I had lost during my 24hr journey back to London - but I did it as I had been motivated to go for a long run ever since yesterday during my cycle to work. It would seem everyone is preparing for the marathon which is only 3 weeks away!!

Today I have completed my longest run to date: 3 hours covering a distance of approx. 18 miles!

The run was relatively painless, however I did notice a bit of soreness in my right knee after almost 2 hours of running. Towards the end I was feeling slightly bored! A strange thing to say but true! I spoke to Sam and she mentioned the same thing when she had gone for her long run earlier in the week. It is very much a mental thing so I will need to work on that aspect. I suppose on the actual day there will be thousands of other runners and spectators so that should help. I enjoyed not having music as I appreciated my surroundings and was able to focus on my breathing without being distracted. After 6 months of training you begin to understand yourself a lot more and realise what is most suitable when it comes to completing a good run.

My route started in Acton and continued towards the centre through Hyde Park and eventually to our dear Queen's residency and back again. I was starting to feel like Forrest Gump! I just have to do that run all over again plus approx. 1.5hr - 2hrs more of running on the actual day! With each run I am feeling more positive about the event.

As there is only 3 weeks to go, I am asking for as much help as possible with the donations as I am still short of the required minimum sponsorship of £1,500! I am currently on £817 so every pound definately counts at this stage. Just imagine how much the charity, Mental Health Foundation will be able to help with raising awareness to the mental health issue. It can happen to any of us at any time.

Please go to the following link if you wish to sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimWong

You may also wish to forward the link onto friends who may be interested to help a great cause.

Thanks!!!

Yesterday was my official first proper run since the half marathon. I tried last week but only managed to do 20mins and then a further 20mins walking as it was the only way to get home! I put it down to my body being tired. I felt good during yesterday's run. As always, the first 30mins is the hardest and then I feel great!

I ran with my new trainers which are be the ones I will be wearing during the London Marathon. Just under 5 weeks to go!!! How time flies! I am starting to miss the town already even though I still have 9 days before I return to London. It has been a great adventure training here as the terrain has been completely different to that of the streets of London, and the weather has been fab. I have also enjoyed the fresh air and the beautiful landscapes on offer in (and around) the town.

The only one from London!

In the overall results for the 20km run on Sunday, I came 72nd out of 129 runners with a time of 2:15:46! In the 'under 34 ladies' group I came 6th out of 12! So, overall, I am very happy with what was achieved over the weekend! Let the training continue!

http://www.ultrasport.com.ar/imagenes/editor/File/2011/Etapa1/R20k.htm

Check out the official Ultrasport photos of the race and pay attention to photo number 101 out of 119..you should spot me and Diego as we crossed the finishing line ;)

http://www.ultrasport.com.ar/index.php?put=novedad-amp&id_novedad=105

After a day of rest and a massage, I am feeling recovered and almost ready to start running again. It is good to stay active and try different activities so yesterday we did a bit of rock trekking (another way to cross rivers!) and hill walking in a lovely place called Villa Alpina (www.villaalpinacordoba.com.ar). This place is ideal for being outdoors with nature. It is especially lovely now as it is low season so you virtually have the place to yourself. We completed the adventure with a bbq along the river and, of course, a siesta! Rest is also part of the training!

I still need to raise £700 in order to reach the minimum sponsorship of £1,500! There are still 45 days remaining before race day on Sunday 17th April. Please help by sponsoring me via my page:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimWong

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.