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!