D-3: well, it's D-3!!!

I ended up not training yesterday because I got confused with my diary and thought I was due for the gym with Arnaud. Anway, instead I enjoyed a smooth 45-min jog via Shadwell Basin, Wapping town, Tower Bridge and St Katharine's dock. It was sweet.

I am also onto my fifth day of absolutely no lactose and no alcohol, so as to be on top form for Sunday. I am getting a tad frustrated by the absence of cheese in my life... but it's all worth it! Bring it on, then.

D-5: missed the bridge :)

Well, here was my last "longish" run before the big day. Tomorrow should be relaxed, as I am entering my rest-before-you-give-it-your-all phase. I'm still feeling great and my coccyx doesn't appear to be causing much trouble. I've just run about 4.1 miles in 30-35 minutes, easing myself into it at first and then gradually accelerating, although I did slow down towards the end, as I could feel uncomfortable tensions building up in my shoulders.

I was massively overdressed for the weather, which is cloudy, wet and rather mild. I also missed my intended bridge: initially as I run on the North bank westward, I wanted to turn back at London Bridge, but I guess the fact that days start earlier and the bridge's red light gets switched off when the sun is up distracted me, and I missed the exit... So I carried on to Blackfriars instead (and almost missed that, too - I was rather dozy).

All in all, an uneventful run, and I was struck by the number of other runners around, too. The London Marathon must be the reason why there are so many people willing to get out of bed on a murky day like this one...

If I manage to maintain a pace similar to today's, then I could still make the Bath Half in less than 2 hours, and although this isn't the objective I am giving myself in light of recent injuries, I would still love to beat the 2 hours for sure!

D-6: coccyx behaving

Feeling good after yesterday's long jog. Hit the gym for a short while this morning, to loosen my legs on the cross-trainer and stretch. No extra pain in the tail bone... So far, so good! 6 days to go :)

D-7: I run again!

Aaaaaaaaaah :D 1 h 25 min of jogging, easy-peasy at first, faster on the second half. I am back on the road! Stephen and I enjoyed some beautiful sun by the river, with some fairly strong wind cooling down the atmosphere. It was great. I tried on my Bath Half Shelter shirt, which is about 2 size too big but still very neat (see photo in previous post).

Fingers crossed that my coccyx behaves! And soon, the big day! Woo-woo-wooooo!

About to hit the road again

Day 147: the Shelter ad campaign

I thought I would share with you one of the posters used for the current Shelter advertising and fundraising campaign, which I find really quite cool and compelling. This is just a phone picture I'm afraid, but it gives you an idea :) For the TV ad, see here: http://www.shelter.org.uk/cards.

Aside from this, I've now received my Bath Half number and timer tag, and booked our train tickets. That's exciting!!!

No news on the medical front though. As it happens, there are more hoops I need to jump through before the private consultation can be authorised by insurers, so it's very unlikely I'll meet the specialist before the big day.

This week end coach Stephen and I are likely to try out a long jog and see how I feel: if it's the same and no worse, I will probably run the Bath Half. If I don't feel good afterwards, then it will be a weekend of cheering and sightseeing in the Roman city!

Day 145: tales of the NHS

I have just got my recommendation letter to consult with a private sports medicine specialist. Fingers crossed that I will be able to see the consultant before the Bath Half and that they will allow me to run it (and train for it). There is less than a week left now...! I would be really disappointed if they told me the race is off for me, although I still intend to go there and at least support other runners and Shelter!

My fundraising has been going very well - the latest donation came from Lucky, who has apparently been entertaining himself up there in Sheffield by reading the justgiving page :) Thank you so much Lucky!!!

More news as soon as I hear back from the London Bridge (private!!!) Hospital.