Inspiration? Yes Please!

Following the brutal and punishing London Marathon, Jess and I were interviewed by Martin Yelling for Running Fitness Magazine UK. The luxury of answering Martin's questions via email was quite good as the idea that we were inspiring runners sounded a bit rich, considering we rely so heavily on inspiration ourselves to run. After all we are only hobbie runners, not seasoned running club fanatics (although there is a possibility in the future).

The previous blog gives a detailed description of the content of the interview but the real article is fantastic and it was great to see ourselves in a running magazine - ridiculous! Bertie our wonderful housemate agreed to be the inspired one and also featured in the article as she plans to run the Marathon next year for Oxfam as well, hopefully the response is positive and soon.

We've been running with her a couple of times and have enjoyed the extra person to push us along. The housemates at Museum St are all keen on a bit of fitness. We could easily start a running club of our own - see that potential fanatic is showing itself.

In other news, injuries are becoming a regular part of my training, nothing as debilitating as the calf strain that knocked me out for 4 weeks, but it's turned me into a regular bore with my fellow running friends at school. Having said that, they talk about it just as much as I do.

Injury Status

Knee - Frequent pain when running, probably needs another arthoscopy

Unspoken area - Chafe town

Miles 17- 26.2: Pain is Temporary, Glory is Forever

Bang! That would be a wall we just ran into at about the 19/ 20 mile mark. It didn’t hurt too much but it did mean that our pace dropped and we needed some walking breaks to keep as fresh as possible for our big finish along the embankment. The shade provided by the buildings of Canary Wharf were a welcome relief from the sun, but despite all this it was a struggle moving the body through this part of the course. Thankfully we had support from Marianne and Steve from the BBC and they provided some sweets for us, even though we were a bit shaky on the legs and looking a bit like death. This was also part of the course where the Marathon Talk presenters Tom Williams and Martin Yelling were with their motivation station. As a big fan of their podcasts, and a contributor to one of Martin’s podcasts for the marathon, I felt obligated to at least show my appreciation by giving Martin a high five as he shouted out our names to give us a bit of a boost. It worked.. For a mile or so. Even with short walking breaks scattered through the last 6 miles, it was tough, but quite amazing. The promise of a lively Embankment motivated us as we headed at last, in the right direction towards the finish line. Encouraged all the way and pushed along by the spirit of other runners and the spectators, it all began to get a little weird. The urge to be sick was now well and truly upon the both of us and suddenly the crowds began to provide more of a white noise, indiscriminate and distracting. It was hard to focus; at a time when we needed all the focus we could muster. Jess had long since put her headphones in to zone out as we had done on many long runs, but it was hard. I tried to use the crowd and the noise to motivate me, but we both found it increasingly difficult as our bodies screamed louder than the spectators. Ducking under the underpasses on Upper Thames Street was not helping either. Orange lights illuminated the runners, some lining up for urinals, some not bothering with such airs and graces (just urinating on the underpass walls – no one cared anymore. It was now about surviving the last leg of this epic run, even if it meant exposing yourself in public. To be honest, we couldn’t really see straight anyway, not a clue. Finally we emerged from another dimly lit underpass to the bright light and heat of day and we were on the embankment. A mental push was required and the embankment provided a great deal of colour and encouragement. With hip flexors aching, feet now sore, quads numb and tired, good running posture left somewhere in Canary Wharf, we pushed our bodies to the absolute limit to run the length of the Embankment. The trees, now with the new leaves of spring provided some respite from the sun and we tried hard to maintain forward movement. A burst of adrenaline came when we saw a group of people from Norwood Green, headed by Lisa Price on lookout, nearing the 25 mile marker. Jess and I managed to muster the strength to at least look good and give a celebratory high five as we passed – the truth was is that we were nearly spent. Now on the final stretch of our journey as we chucked a right hand turn onto Birdcage Walk at the big clock at Westminster. We were and relishing (and swearing at) the diminishing mile/ yard markers until we turned the corner onto the Mall. With every footstep we knew that we were getting closer to achieving the goal that we had set out to reach 12 months before. We had long forgotten about times, pacing and how we looked; it was all about getting to that finish line together. We began the training and months of preparation as a way of making our relationship stronger, boosting the quality of our time together as well as the quantity. Both of us made sacrifices in the process of this, and now the benefits of all that hard work, teamwork and mental strength and character were paying off. With a cheeky wave at Ma’am in her palace we dug deep for the last time. I’m not afraid to say that we were extremely proud of each other as we ran the last hundred meters to cross the line in 5hrs 15min. Making sure that we smiled for the finishing photo we made our way over the mini bridge where the volunteers remove the timing chip from the laces. Legs immediately stiffened and the both of us were walking like John Wayne. With a medal now around the neck, goodie bag in hand and a big fat smile on our faces, we walked to collect our kit bags and rest our now useless legs. A man with a sign caught our attention in the last 600 meters of the run that helped us find the energy for the final stretch, and I think it sums up what we did nicely. ‘Pain is temporary, Glory is forever’. We hurt, we staggered, but we achieved it and we did it together - couldn’t ask for more.

The First Half: Miles 1-17

There it was, the big red archway signifying the start of our last 26 miles in a year’s worth of preparation. Once past the start line, 25 minutes after the leaders set off, we set a steady pace in the 11 min/mile range which we had targeted as our comfortable and sustainable pace for the duration of the distance. We had managed to control our excitement as we passed the first of many punters lining the streets shouting their support. With the experts voices ringing in our ears, ‘don’t set off to quick, the first half is just transport for the second half’ we just enjoyed the atmosphere, knocking off the miles comfortably, looking eagerly for friends on the sidelines. The spectators were amazing and it took the first mile to get used to them calling our names. What was nice is that they called both our names together, as if recognising that we were running together – Ahhh how sweet! The course is slightly up and down but by no means hilly, infact most of it is downhill I’m sure. In this section of the course we passed perhaps one of the more insane runners. He was running with a washing machine on his back and was already breaking into a sweat with a beetroot red face. Poor bugger must have been regretting the decision/bet to carry that hunk of junk around the course already. We also ran past a number of pubs and lunatics with microphones. One place had decked itself out in a haunted house style with black bunting across the road and a big grey brick wall backdrop drapped over the building – fantastic. This 6 mile stretch was like the best long run we had ever done. The forecast was for a warm day of about 19 degrees but it soon felt like 25 as we made our way back towards Greenwich in the direct sunlight, water being consumed and discarded in equal measure. We still felt comfortable though and as we ran through Greenwich near the Cutty Sark (a boat) the crowds intensified and the goose bumps were occurring on a regular basis all the way to the 10 mile mark. With the anticipation of Tower Bridge only about 2 miles away and the thought of seeing familiar faces in the crowd, we were spurred on despite the continued sun exposure. Between miles 10 and 11 we were woken from our running haze by shouts from the sidelines that were just a bit louder than the aforementioned anonymous cheers. It was none other than Bertie and her friend Mel! They were vigorously waving their flags and shouting their support to all the runners that passed them by – but we got a particularly loud cheer, naturally... So far so good and it was now getting to the business end of the marathon. We knew that we had a lot of running to do and would need to conserve energy for the second half, and I was already beginning to feel a bit of fatigue in my hip flexors and a slight rub in my left shoe; but these weren’t too serious and we pressed on.

Mile 12 and as we rounded the right hander at this point we were met with the sight of Tower Bridge. The crowd was 3-4 deep on the side of the road and each charity had a dedicated section of the footpath to use as their cheering station. The atmosphere was electric and the colour was amazing. On this perfect spring day, London looked at its best and with the added excitement from the crowd, you just had to soak it all in because there would never be another opportunity for this sight again, absolutely magic. To this point we maintained a very steady pace and after waving to Jenny and Daniel Willets on the run off the bridge we were looking strong as we began running into the Isle of Dogs. Half way though and given the boost from the huge crowd and the festival atmosphere on Tower Bridge we drudged on into the Isle of Dogs. This is where the course doubles back on itself and we could see all the club runners making their way towards the Embankment. The crowds were big on both sides here too and with additional bands and music coming from the middle of the road as well as the sides, the atmosphere here was as intense as ever. More gels, water and lucozade consumed and wistfully thrown to the side the signs of fatigue were beginning to show themselves. The smell of bricks and mortar as we wound our way through the quieter streets between miles 14 and 16 was becoming more prominent and as the heat also stepped it up a level a walk break beckoned - and we obliged. Instantly, our legs felt like jelly. This was new territory for both of us, as this hadn’t happened on our long runs in training, so naturally we ignored it and pressed on, albeit slightly daunted of the task that lay ahead. The 16 mile mark was somewhat of a psychological breakthrough and barrier in that it was my longest run in training before my calf injury, so anything beyond this point was to be my longest run ever. Running through Millwall was, it has to be said, rather boring. Especially compared to what we had just witnessed only a few miles back. This was hot, hard and beginning to test the stamina. Still on the bright side, only 10 miles to go... What is that smell of brick I occasionally get a whiff of?

To the Marathon! Part 1

Up early on Sunday 17th April 2011 and with very little sleep that night, we prepared ourselves for something we had been working towards for over 10 months – the Virgin London Marathon. The kits had been packed the night before and it was just a matter of shuffling down stairs for a bowl of porridge and a banana, washed down with a hot cup of coffee. Flicking on the television, the BBC Breakfast weather reported a warm day of 19 degrees, which was warm but not too hot and thinking that we were from Australia, we shouldn’t have too much trouble coping... Jess was less convinced.

Digesting breakfast, we hopped in the shower and donned the running gear including the official Oxfam running shirt that would be later absorbing the salty sweat of 26.2 miles. Nervous and increasingly anxious, I pushed Jess to get ready quicker (much to her distaste) and soon we were walking to Charing Cross station where spotting runners with identical red VLM running bags only served to heighten our anticipation of what lay ahead. At Charing Cross station the scale of the day started to become clear as the vast majority of the people in the station were heading to Greenwich/ Blackheath for the start line. Discussions between strangers (very unusual for London) and nervous laughter filled the train carriage with a murmur that served to calm our nerves a little bit, knowing that we were not the only ones. However the rollercoaster of emotions soon climbed again when we would remind ourselves that we were part of something very big and also very personal to us – for we had worked for a long time towards this day... ‘Just another long run, just another long run...’

Arrival at Blackheath in Greenwich Park, the crowd was making a B-line for the assembly areas allocated by colours red, blue and green; we were in the red zone. Once we found a spot on the grass we sat down, toileted and tried to enjoy the entertainment provided by the big screen and the roving commentators in the ‘pens’. Soon it was 9:30 and after a last minute toilet break which would thankfully be our last of the marathon experience, we made our way to the mass start leading to Charlton Way. An amazing sight of thousands of people lined up as far as the eye could see before the siren sounded for the beginning of the 2011 Virgin London Marathon. Standing amid the serious runners, cartoon characters and lunatics brought chills of anticipation, and in that moment 10 months of training flashed before my eyes – I can’t believe I’m here and doing this! The shuffle towards the start line was slow, but it gave us a moment to clam the nerves and excitement and focus on the task ahead, 26.2 miles. The uneasy conversations among strangers began again. “Good luck, all the best” was the general sentiment, deep inside many were panicking ever so slightly and we were no different. We could see the elite races on a big screen that was in the pens, now empty but for the few last minute dashers to the toilets while the line meandered through the entrance gates of Greenwich Park.

Martin Yelling Q & A

This is an interview (written) that we had with Martin Yelling for a running magazine to be published at a later date. Note that it was written before the post date, hence marathon talk is in the future tense.. What made you first decide to do a marathon and when was this? Who were your main influencers? This will be our first marathon and prior to this year we had never run for the purposes of getting fit or enjoyment. The running began as soon as we were told that our starting positions for the VLM were confirmed by Oxfam in June/ July. Beginning slowly with a 4 x 5min walk 5min run we progressed with adding on 10% of the time to build up slowly in order to get our legs used to moving a little quicker than usual. Our inspiration to run the London marathon came from a meander through the parks of London. Ever so slightly bemused and curious we stopped to have a look at the runners at around the 4 and a half hour mark coming across the finish line, all the while soaking up the atmosphere and good spirit that was being created by cheers for unknown marathoners. Watching the ‘allsorts’ that were finishing we asked ourselves why it was that we couldn’t do something like that. Not being particularly sporty (or fit) people, we light heartedly made a verbal commitment to entering the race the following year. On later reflection the two of us discussed the benefits of such a commitment and achievement, one of those being that we would spend some quality time together and do something good for ourselves and other people – through the charity Oxfam. Supporters? Who (no need to name!) mocked you or thought you couldn’t do it? Each of us had people to support us at work and even people who had run it before, so from a support point of view we were very lucky. Many of our work colleagues help with the fundraising and assisted in the organisation of events to both get the message out that we were running a marathon and that we were doing it for a charity - this helped us tremendously. With the additional support of family and friends home in Australia, the hours of training in freezing temperatures through the dark and miserable winter could have been even more difficult than it was. However it has to be said that more than a few eyebrows were raised when we told people about our commitment – mostly from those who knew us the best, after all this was something that was way out of our comfort zone. How did that progress into becoming ‘a runner’? So, what did you do next? The running began tentatively. Our lifestyles weren’t exactly those of marathon runners, so drip feeding the increments was also an important feature of our progression so we didn’t get discouraged too soon. Soon we were running for longer and perhaps most noticeably recovering quicker from those longer runs. Buying the running kits also made us feel like we were ‘seasoned runners’ and since that point we refuse to run without them – must have those tights! A large part of maintaining our progress throughout our training was recording our runs no matter how small, and basking in the glory of achieving weekly targets and goals. Coupled with a blog, our training diary made it easy to see how far we had come and encouraged us to keep at it through the cold dark winter. What do you think running has given you more broadly. How has it added to your life? From the outset, running together has not only made our bodies healthier, but it has made our relationship stronger. During the training period we felt like we were a part of a larger running community, even when we were the only ones in the park running in the pouring rain. It provided a focus, a goal, a target that we could both shoot for and work together to achieve and without a doubt that process has been one of the most amazing things to come out of the whole experience. Can you provide a look at your typical training week... A typical training week was fairly structured. 3 runs during the week and a long run at the weekend was the standard routine practically all the way through the build up to the marathon. We would run home from the BBC every other night which would be just under 5 miles. At the beginning of the year we began incorporating interval and tempo runs into the week to mix it up a bit. Our long runs moved along, adding a mile per week from 10 miles. This proved to be a good increase rate for the both of us, giving us a weekly milestone. ‘Our longest run ever!’ was the common cry as we high fived each other, as pedestrians looked at us in bewilderment. Has their been anything exciting / unexpected along the way? Hard times, good times, achievements, peaks? The level of support both from the charity, Oxfam, and people at work has blown us away. People that we would least expect to sponsor us have dug deep for our cause which made us feel good about the hard work we were putting in every week. Reaching our fundraising target of £2,000 before the race day was a major achievement for the both of us; being so far from home and relying heavily on work mates to hand over, amazing! The good times certainly came when we told people about what we were doing and why we were doing it and the looks on their faces of absolute shock. Minor breakthroughs like running 5 km for the first time were great and reaching those little targets regularly helped keep things exciting. March was a tough month with injury creeping into the runs. Physios, doctors, loads of ibuprofen and most depressingly, enforced rest made it really difficult to stay fit and positive about the process. With Jess fit and healthy, she was able to keep with the training which went some way to keeping perspective and confidence in the lead up to the race. Thankfully though it wasn’t too bad and training was soon back on track. Then lets bring it right up to date with VLM – what’s your motivation for VLM and what do you hope to achieve? For the two of us the marathon has been all about the process of getting to the start line, what happens during the race itself is just a bonus. The VLM also puts a lot of things into perspective. If we can do this, then we can achieve anything we set our minds to, and being such an iconic distance/ achievement, it shows others that we can do anything and that we have the persistence and strength to reach our goals. A finish on the day will be amazing, somewhere around the 5 hour mark would be nice. Top 5 Tips – from couch to marathon 1) Start slowly 2) Keep a diary/blog/record of your runs 3) Talk about your journey, this keeps it real and keeps you accountable 4) Use the right equipment; spend the money because it’s worth it! 5) Work on your mental well-being as much as your physical fitness

Dear Body

Dear Body, Hiya! It's the brain here, long time no see. Now, I think it's time for us to have a little chat. This Sunday you're planning on running, yes running, the London Marathon - I thought of it remember... Anyway, the thing is, I've done my bit by waking you up in the morning to train and motivating you to get through long runs over the last 11 months; now it's your turn to pull your finger out and perform on the day. Listen here legs, yeah I'm talking to you! The bulk of the work is going to be on you this Sunday and frankly if you don't behave and do as I ask then there will be trouble. I've worked too long and hard on psyching up for this event for you to hit 'the wall' if there is such a thing, pffft! And as for you calf muscles, none of this tearing business on the day either. You've let me down already in the lead up, I don't need any more of your silly games. I've pampered you with massages and physio appointments - even acupuncture! So no funny business, got it! Oi! Feet! Don't walk away from me while I'm speaking to you! You've been good enough not to get any blisters during training, so the 17th is not the time to start. You have nice shoes, running socks and I've trimmed your toe nails especially for the day, so there should be no complaints from you. E'hem, pssst, bladder, bowel? A quick word. I don't much enjoy wetting myself or even worse... well you know what I'm trying to say... So inevitably you will come calling during the 26.2 miles, so if you must come ringing then just make it close to a porta-loo and make it quick. Preferably I would rather the gingerbread man stayed at home, but if he must come along for the race, do make it a quick visit, ideally before the run - cheers. Body, I think you get the picture, don't let me down (I have faith). You'll get a nice breakfast before hand and some yummy gels and lucozade along the way, so I guess there's not much left to say other than good luck and I'll see you on the course to cheer you on. Love, The Brain xx

44729 and 52539

At last we're at the taper week and the reality of the marathon is really hitting home. I've said farewell to those at school who have been supporting all the way, and now it's time to think seriously about how to attack the 26.2 miles that are just 9 days away. For me I'm still up and down psychologically, never 100% about my fitness. It's just self doubt creeping in I think. I ran 10 miles for the first time the other day and did it relatively easily, so deep down I know that me fitness is still there - just not as I would have hoped a month or so ago. Now coping with the tapering and feeling like I'm eating too much and not doing enough running in the lead up to the day. Jess made a good point when she said that it feels counter intuitive to do less running in the 3 weeks before the race; completely agree. Still, this Sunday we'll do a reccy to the start line and then do an easy 1hr run to keep the legs ticking over. The week to follow will be one of nerves and anticipation as we mentally prepare for Sunday 17th. We have the marathon expo on friday to attend so that we can get our numbers for our shirts and tags for teh shoes - exciting! Will post a photo when we have the shirts complete with names so you can imagine us running the miles through London. By the way, Jess and I reached our sponsorship targets this week and a big thank you is due to all those who sponsored, for me I would like to thank Cass Clyde for all her baking, enthusiasm, pavers, and initiative when it came to encouraging people to sponsor me. Love you Cass, could not have done it without you! B x

Back from the brink

March was rubbish! Well for me anyway. Jess on the other hand had a normal March, running wise, but I struggled for fitness throughout. The calf tear had to be rested far too long for my liking and that led to me feeling quite down in the dumps about the whole marathon experience. Still confident of starting, it did leave me feeling a little depressed about my goals for the race. In the back of my mind I always though that we would be capable of running around 4:30:00, but with my now poor preparation in the last 5 weeks, that is now but a dream. On the other hand, I have become clearer about why I'm running the marathon in the first place. Jess and I set out to spend more time together and take part in something fantastic, as a focus for us both. It has certainly been that. So for this greater sense of perspective I am thankful. Jess has been an amazing runner over the period of my injury. It's really hard running on your own and she has not missed a run since i've been forced out by injury. 20 miles she did for her final run last Sunday - amazing! I'm so proud of her for doing that, it's not easy you know... The next two and a bit weeks for me will be a continuation of running right through to the big day i think. For Jess, it's taper time and she will back off on the training milage wise until the 17th April... Marathon day!! B

The Grey Cloud Lifting

I must confess, I have avoided writing on the blog this week so far because I have been consumed by a feeling of dread and depression. The dark clouds of doubt and inadequacy overwhelmed me early Sunday morning as Jess and I trotted out to begin our longest run to date (a 17 mile belter). Not even a mile from the front door I knew something was not quite right, the feeling in my right calf was very tight and I just thought that it was because I had had a relatively easy week because of my left knee - which incidentally is feeling much better. Alas! It was not to be so simple and after stretching and jogging, and stretching and more jogging it was just getting worse. Oh dear! I knew it, I was injured. Not like before. This time it would really lay me up for a few days and it would need a rigorous routine of ice, compression and love. Not ideal 6 weeks from the big day really, but all the more necessary if I wanted to make it to the start line in tip top condition. It's at this point that I should mention that I am becoming increasingly aware of my new found obsession for this marathon. I listen to podcasts, read books on sports injury and the London Marathon itself. I stalk the marathon store in Covent Garden ogling the VLM merch... Get a life! Well after April 17th.. Anyway, enough of the solemn vibe, the grey clouds have lifted today - hip hooray! The knee is feeling very good, the calm is improving rapidly to the point were I'm doing strengthening exercises with little to no discomfort, so I'm feeling 100% more optimistic about the start of the marathon (not that it was ever in jeopardy, I was just being a drama queen). Not only this but there has been a big increase in the sponsorship money thanks largely to Mum and Dad and a second donation from Ron and Tony, which brings the total to approx £1600, just another £400 pound until the target number 1 is reached. Thank you so much for all your donations, Oxfam will be very happy with the money - it goes to wonderful causes. Now I hear what you are saying to yourselves at your computers, "now Ben, don't go out too hard on your next run, wouldn't want to re-injure your knee or calf." All I can say is I know, there's no need to panic. Slowly, slowly catchy monkey. B

Sun, Rain, Sore Nipples, and Gingerbread Men

As I sit and write this blog my legs are sore and a cold descends. The dark clouds of feeling poorly have well and truly begun to set their sights on my throat and nose. At this stage things don't seem to be too bad as my nose isn't yet runny, but deep down I know it's only a matter of time.

Aside from the doom and gloom surrounding my head our run this morning/ afternoon was a battle through Hyde Park. It began as a sunny and cheerful day with children and animals abundant throughout the park, however the day soon turned wet and cold about 6 miles in. Nonetheless we pursued the target of 16 miles (that's not to say that it was easy).

I have to admit that the run today was one of the hardest runs that I've had to do. It's fair to say that I haven't had the greatest week in terms of preparation. A sedentary week at home for half term, sickness as I've already mentioned and a twinge in the knee that still gave me a bit of bother during today's run have all contributed to feeling less than happy with my running. Thankfully, Jess has turned a corner and was there to pull me through, when I would have been quite happy to pack it in.

We persisted and completed what we set out to complete, albeit with sore nipples (not bloody) and with yet another loo break - that cheeky gingerbread man struck again.

A Niggle, Stitch and a Twinge

Once again the week ended with mixed feelings and a few concerns. Jess has been afflicted with a stitch the last few short runs and I have had aching foot arches and most recently a twinge in the knee. This is a slight concern but it should be ok, I'm sure I know how to manage it, it's happened before. Anyway, looking to the future! Tomorrow will be a 16 mile run and with a bit of luck and good preparation, we will have a good day out tomorrow. Jelly Babies are bought, deep heat and knee support at the ready - Hyde park here we come! To sponsor... http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessAsz http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenSandison B

True Grit

Well the motivation has taken a dip in the last fortnight and both Jess and myself have struggled over the last two weeks to get up for our runs. Jess has been suffering from stitch and I have been battling to focus and meet my goals for even the shorter sessions. However, despite all this we managed to knock out a 15 mile run around Hyde Park and while we were both drained by the end of it, we're hoping that it'll be the end of our poor form. Not only have we been struggling to put in good feeling runs, we have suddenly been confronted with the amount of sacrifice that we have had to make in order to be ready for the VLM. Jess has stopped smoking (and doing well with that) and we have both refrained from drinking alcohol. Now this is all well and good, but it means that socialising and going to pubs for a couple of drinks at the end of the week becomes a completely different experience - one that is not as enjoyable as it once was. Both of us are starting to find this hard, Jess probably more so, but we just need to knuckle down and consider the relatively short amount of time we have left on this punishing routine. On the flip-side, we are undoubtedly more healthy and fitter than we have ever been, so, swings and round-a-bouts... Finally, I'm loving the weekly podcast 'Marathon Talk' by Martin Yelling and Tom Williams. It's making the tough weeks easier and helping to inform me along the way - would recommend. B (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenSandison) J (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessAsz)

Time to get serious!

Well here we are and 10 weeks out from the start of the marathon and the pressure is starting to mount. We've added another training session into the week. That makes it 4 runs a week now and we should start seeing milage in the range of 30 miles a week in the next few weeks - yikes! Recent sponsors from home and from our places of work (BBC and Norwood Green Junior School) have helped to push our totals higher and comfortably over the half way mark, but we still need more people involved to get to that £2000 pound target, each! So just in case you forgot... Jess - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessAsz Ben - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenSandison Great to see my pupils following the blog too, and hopefully those parents out there are inspired to get out and have a bit of a jog around Hounslow :) Off for a run in the rain, until next time! B

Watford Half-Marathon

An early start this morning to make our way on the train to Watford, north of London, for our first official race before the London Marathon in April. Jess and I were a little nervous about turning up to a real running event, we always feel a bit fraudulent among all the seasoned runners - but we ended up looking the part at least. After a quick toilet break (had to include that detail) we headed into the marquee for the bag drop and to get our heads around the idea of running with other people.

10:20am and Jess and I separated to take our positions at the men's and women's start lines and before long it was time to head off. Naturally we didn't begin running until about a minute after the starting gun sounded, but once we were underway the first thing was to find each other again through the sea of lycra tights, fluorescent running tops and sports watches. After 600 yards (548m) the two groups met up and the density of all these things increased. Thankfully we found each other and began running the 13.1 miles. We both felt great for the first 3 miles as we wound through the suburban streets of Watford, waving at dedicated locals who took the walk down their drives to wave at the lunatics running down their street. It wasn't long before we ran into the leafy countryside and welcomed (ha!) the hills that we had heard so much about. Our strategy, being that the extent of our hill training was virtually nil, was to walk some of the hills in order to conserve energy. As it turned out, this lost us no time and we managed good split times throughout.

The course was it has to be said, quite hilly and these presented more problems on the down hill runs more than on the way up - pounding the knees and lower back. We both ended up a bit stiffer that normal after the race because of this. The down hill sections did however allow us to make up any time lost on the up hill walk/run and we reached the 10 mile mark at a time of approx 1:41:00 with for us is, and I've wanted to say this for a while, our PB for that distance. We continued this form to reach our previous longest distance of 11.5 miles in under 2:00:00. With a strong finish we crossed the line in 2:14:39 which for a pair of first timers, is something we are very pleased with. The event was really well organised by the Watford Harriers Running Club and while it was at times a little windy, the scenery was great and we both had a good first competition experience. Bring on the Marathon (in a bit). B

Meet the Jelly babies

A good week of new training and a good long run to finish. The 'Meet the Experts' seminar was a perfect way to start the weekend a lead into our biggest run to date. With Liz & Martin Yelling as guest speakers and valuable information about the big day in April, the day was very reassuring. Jess and I came out thinking that we are right on track for our marathon and we're looking forward to the Watford Half-Marathon next weekend - except for the hills... So after the week of tempo running, interval running and a motivational session with Virgin London Marathon professionals we tackled 11.5 miles today (half way between the 10 miles we did last week and the 13.1 miles we will do next week). It was a much better run than our previous long run, as we were better prepared for a little refuelling during the run. My pockets were filled with tissues (for the inevitable runny nose because of the cold) and two packets of jelly babies. Yum! They worked to give us a bit of extra time in the legs. Yum! The jelly babies not the legs. So, 76 days to go and it's feeling closer than ever. But we are more confident in our ability than ever. Bring it on!! B

Intervals at Russell Square

A return to the original running venue, Russell Square tonight, but this time it was different. It was interval training time. The harsh reality of our task was made abundantly clear as we confidently strode onto the Square and proceeded to to a nice 10min run as a lead into the intervals. After this 10min run we began with a 3min burst of hard running - running as hard as you can. This mean that Jess and I had to run separately for 3min due to a difference in the length of our legs. The first run was a wake up call, and flashbacks to our first running sessions and the breathlessness came flooding into the mind. A 3min jog to recover proved a step too far and after the next period of 3min we decided to walk to recover (like the good ol' days). The next 2 intervals of 3min hard runs were like hell, but we survived and did a lazy 10min run to calm the heart rate and make our way home for a welcome stretch. Upon arriving home we had a letter waiting for us with our numbers for the Watford half marathon and a booklet with details of the run... few too many hills me thinks! Anyway, we're looking forward to it and with the 'Meet the Experts' conference this weekend, it's to infinity and beyond!! Thanks to everyone who has sponsored us thus far, to those who haven't, hop to it :) B

Training plan

For those of you interested, here is what the future has in store for the two of us (roughly). The days may vary but the longer runs should remain the same. Help keep us on track and motivated. Virgin Money giving website, then search for: Ben Sandison and Jessica Asz B http://www.lucozade.com/sport/running/training-plans/schedules/Default.aspx?race=marathon&type=Intermediate&data=AAEAAAD%2f%2f%2f%2f%2fAQAAAAAAAAAMAgAAAEhBcHBfQ29kZS5kbDFfbnBzcSwgVmVyc2lvbj0wLjAuMC4wLCBDdWx0dXJlPW5ldXRyYWwsIFB1YmxpY0tleVRva2VuPW51bGwFAQAAABRUcmFpbmluZ1BsYW5Gb3JtRGF0YQQAAAALX2V4cGVyaWVuY2UJX3JhY2VEYXRlB193ZWlnaHQMX25vRml4ZWREYXRlAQAAAA0FAQIAAAAGAwAAAAxJbnRlcm1lZGlhdGUAQHWHqcrNCAI4MwAL

Cirque du Soleil

The Royal Albert Hall and the Cirque du Soleil, Thursday night and a chilly evening was a welcome respite from the running this week as one kind fellow offered Jess and I free tickets to the event via the Oxfam Marathon mailing list. What a great night! It does however mean that I need to run on a Friday night which is never particularly great, oh well! For those who follow casually, and haven't sponsored yet, get to it as time is fast running out, as we are all too aware. B

Half Marathon and the biggest week

After stepping off the plane from Aus, it was good to get back into the running routine and put in some miles while the weather has been a bit milder here in London. Managed to get in 4 runs this week, which is more than what I would normally do but it helped to get back into the rhythm again. Therefore I managed to log 23 miles this week, helped by a 9.44 mile run today (9/1/11) along the river to Canary Wharf and back. I'm feeling it in my legs now, but I have a 2 day rest before running with Jess again, hopefully, on Wednesday night. In other news, we have entered into our first half-marathon!! The Asics Watford Half-Marathon which is run on 6th Feb. That's not far away and we'll be working hard to be ready for it, but I'm confident after reading the reviews online that it'll be a great day. At our current pace we should finish in just over 2 hours... Dear me!! Dont forget to go onto http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ to donate and show your support :) B

Donate your Support

Just a quick one to remind our thousands of supporters of the website for online donations for both Jess and I. So here they are... Jess Asz - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessAsz Ben Sandison - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenSandison Alternatively just google 'Virgin Money Giving' and search for our names and it will guide you to the page to donate. Every little bit helps with the motivation and we appreciate your support. B xx

Going it alone

Back in the UK after a stint in Adelaide. Great to see family and friends and have a run around places in the ol' home town. The heat was something different to contend with and both Jess and I struggled to come to terms with the difference in temperature. We are more used to running in near freezing conditions where the air is thinner. Therefore our running consisted of shorter stints and evening runs along the beach so that we didn't completely perish in the midday sun. Anyway, it was good to run in a different environment. Jess continues to run in Adelaide for another week while I shiver in London and try to manage my own running alone. It has become apparent in the last few weeks that we both rely on each other quite a bit (perhaps more than we realised) for pace, entertainment and support. It's hard running alone and I'm increasingly greatful for the fact that I'm not doing this challenge alone for the whole thing. This support, we both provide as allowed us to finish the year with impressive stats that neither of us thought we would achieve at the beginning of 2010 - considering we had never run in anger before June. So here are the cold hard facts of a 6 month running period that ended 2010 with the both of us feeling and looking fitter than ever. Total runs for 2010: 62 Total distance for 2010: 453.1km Total time running in 2010: 42:57:50 Average pace for 2010: 5:47 min/km (9.19 miles/min) I'm impressed... B