Mortlake or bust

Setting ourselves approx 15km (8.6 miles) to run today, from home to Mortlake which is on the other side of the Thames and close to Barnes, we were keen to reach our destination in 1hr 30min. The weather was quite nice, while still being quite chilly, and we maintained a steady pace througout. It was nice to run past such visable landmarks, that help to govern where you go. Earls Court, Hammersmith Apollo, Hyde Park, The Thames, Natural History Museum - it's great. We tried out some energy gels today given to us courtesy of Lisa Price. At the 50min mark we paused for a suck on the sachets of gel (glucose and flavouring). They were not altogether pleasant, but Jess seemed to think they did som good and helped her in the energy department. Something to persist with I think, see how we go. Off to Australia in the next few days for some summer running. Jess to leave Tuesday and I'll be following shortly after on the Friday. Can't wait! Next post from home, Hoorah!! B xx

Mixed week

The week began with a tube strike that meant there was a run to work that would otherwise not have happened. This was both good and bad, as my hip was a bit sore after the previous Sunday's run. Thankfully the snow during the week and a few social engagements meant that our next run was not for a few days so it had time to heal. A bit of deep heat did the trick too. Because the snow was quite bad through the week and the subsequent ice on the roads made for dangerous conditions, we went without one of our runs this week, which is always disappointing after such a good week the one before. Plus, the run home of Tuesday night was a really good one - so a bit sad that we missed a session... Oh well. Sunday's run was a bit later than we would have liked and therefore we needed to change our route and run less. Just too many people holding us up and that meant that we cooled down. But still, we did 14 miles for the week (22.7km, so can't complain too much. 'Til next time! B P.S. Sorry about the boring details - will post a quick video soon :)

Ice Ice Baby

Well what a cold week that was - and it's set to continue, oh dear. Frozen fingers and faces, ears and arms. Not bad once you get going though, and another week with some good runs home from work. Will endeavour to run another 7 miles again tomorrow along the marathon course. Sponsorship is going well but we still need support! No time like the present!

Marathon Part 1

Ran 7 miles today (1hr 08min). Our longest so far. This was a particularly good run as we set out to find the start of the Marathon route that is only 21 weeks away. After the jumping on and off tubes and DLR we finally made it to the start line and set off to run our 7 miles. It was good to see the course that we will be running so that we know exactly what to expect come race day. Jess and I struggled with the hills on this part of the course but we managed to maintain a good steady pace throughout (10min/mile). Bitterly cold out there today however, and had to keep thinking about Australia and the hot weather (could struggle with that too). Remember to sponsor us and help us up those hills. xx

The Shephards Push

Another run home from the bush, and 5 or so miles in the bank. It was freezing tonight but all in all a good run. We were both sponsored today by Sam and John Lawson - Cheers lovelies! Every little helps. Between us we've raised over £1200, with a combined target of $4000 (we still have some way to go. We are both feeling positive and looking to improve. The warm ups that we've acquired from the Oxfam session and experimenting with energy drinks and gels will make the next little while an interesting period. Post Xmas, the full on training will begin and it will eventually take over our lives - onwards and upwards!!

Oxfam Runners Session

A great day at Dorney Lake, the Eaton College Rowing club - proper posh! The day began at the freezing Rowing club, thankfully we wouldn't be taking a dip in the water (soon to the venue for the London 2012 Olympic Rowing). We were ushered to the conference room which boasted a lovely view of the lake, and were provided with cup of tea and coffee. I helped myself to a cheeky pastry. The day was run by Oxfam and their marathon staff along with Yelling Performance. Liz and Martin Yelling (Liz - Olympic marathon runner for Team GB, and Martin - Ironman competetor) ran the sessions along with their crew. A running session sorted the pace times for our small group led by Liz Yelling and it allowed us to get a good idea of what we are capable of. This of course was only done on a mile loop - but like I said, it gave us an idea. Nutrition and Physio information followed after a carbolicious lunch, which I think will perhaps be the most valuable for Jess and I, as lately I (in particular) have been struggling with energy levels and funny tummies. It will also help with the recovery sessions after runs, which we weren't doing particularly efficiently it turns out. Met some lovely people and it was a well run day which settles the mind no end. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a great 5 months... 5... months... GOSH! better get running. BTW - We're really looking forward to running back home in Adelaide over Xmas (the weather over here is poor to say the least. Don't forget to sponsor Jess and Me!! Do it here!! http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessAsz http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenSandison

Into the winter

The winter is sliding its way into London and while we are trying our level best to up our game on the running front. This is not easy. Time is not on our side in that we don't have the time after school and work to run the required hours. But we are looking to run home from work more often so that we can squeeze in the extra runs. We ran another 5K this weekend, actually we run 5K everytime we run! But this is still not enough, so we have to move into the winter and press on.

Battersea Park 5K

Things are going fairly well with the training. It is getting harder to find the time to run 3 times a week with work starting again and the days getting shorter. We are preparing currently for the Tree-athlon in Battersea park - a 5K run for trees for cities. Not for Oxfam this one, just a chance to experience the race day vibe and go through all the admin stuff before we reach the big one. In November we will be attending the Marathon briefings and information day, should bring the reality of the situation to light, it still seems far away and somewhat abstract. Keep the support coming and we look forward to seeing family and friends in Australia come Xmas time - Yay!

Data Update

Push it!

Another training session done and we are feeling good. Well, Jess is feeling slightly better than me. We will be running for 10 minutes at a time now and we are now starting to hit the real endurance stages of our training - running for longer periods more regularly. Good luck to Fiorenzo for the Bristol Half Marathon in a few weeks!

River Run

Jess and I are beginning to out grow our Russell Square routine as we are now up leveling the runs to match (almost) the marathon running preparation. We have improved a lot and have established a good routine of running three times a week. We just started running along the Thames from Waterloo bridge to Tower Bridge, crossing the river and running back along Southbank - really nice run. People back home, don't forget that you too can sponsor the two of us at our donation sites: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenSandison http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessAsz Follow our progress here and cheer us on!! 250 days to go... Oh dear!!

Hyde Park 5K

Jess and I completed our first 5K run (without stopping every 7.30 minutes) and we did it in 28.57min which we were quite proud of. During the week we are up to 7.30min run/ 2.30min walk. Perhaps after this 5K run we will increase it to 8.00min ans 2.00min. Keep sponsoring and spreading the word of our achievements, it's a big motivator!

Progress so far

The running goes on and we are progressing nicely. It's tough finding the time to fit in training into our busy working lives, but so far it's going as well as can be expected. We have started running for 7 min and waling for 3 min four times. The first few minutes are teh hardest but we eventually find our stride. A few thank yous are in order... Firstly Cass, Jenny and every one at school who have been cooking in a Bake Off with funds raised going to the cause. Also Daniel and Cass (once again) Butterfield for allowing me to do their gardening for a donation. Cheers Guys. Jess is doing so well and helping to motivate me through the hard training days - thanks doll!!

Slavery

This half term has been one of the more energetic ones I've had so far. Kindly, Cass and Daniel from NGJS have allowed me to dig about in their gardens for donations. Takes me back to the scouting days with 'Job week'. The training is going well and we've upped the time for running from 5 min to 5:30. Doesn't seem much but it works out to an extra 2min running overall. Slowly slowly... Must rest my weary muscles after the physical work from this week. Remember there is no time like the present to donate and both Jess and I need your support to help motivate us through our training. http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessAsz Thank you!

That was hard.

Our first tough training session, after a long and tiresome week at work the two of us struggled to complete a 5 minute stint of running. This being part of the 5min walk 5min run regime. However we are still enjoying the time together and the chance to live a healthier life. Don't forget to donate and help us through the tough training sessions.

First training

After all the discussion training has begun. 40 mins of brisk walking and jogging left us feeling good. Russell Square provided a lovely location for the 1st training of our journey, but the hard part is still to come. Don't forget to donate!

Shoes!!

After the excitemnt of setting up pages, blogs and brainstorming fundraising ideas with Jess, we have taken our first major step towards running the marathon - well training at least. We're off the the London Marathon store to have our feet looked at. Requires 40mins of jogging, filming and in depth analysis to find the right kind of shoe for the two of us. Can't wait to get started! We would love you to sponsor our efforts and follow our progress over the next 11 months. All your money is going towards Oxfam and their wonderful projects in places like Ethiopia where the money will go towards helping farmers earn a better living from their vegetable and seed oils. Thanks for your support!

Let the fun begin

Well it begins, a huge task in front of us. Have just set up the online side of the marathon. The 'Money Giving' page, the money pledge has been paid and so the training must start. Not too much too soon - there's still a lot of time before the marathon, but not being a runner, or fitness freak, i need to begin the routine of training sooner rather than later. This is where you will be able to see my progress through the 11 month journey between now and 17th April. Along with my wonderful partner Jess Asz, I will be hoping that you can support the both of us in our mammoth task. Donate and help Oxfam and us to raise the £2000 pounds we need.