Mission Complete

I can't believe it, but I actually did it. Yesterday, I ran The London Marathon, and I have the blisters to prove it (and of course a lovely t-shirt and shiny medal!).

I keep having to let that sink in... It was yesterday that I ran a marathon. It feels incredibly surreal at the moment and if it wasn't for the aches and pains, I might not believe you if you told me that I had done it!

Having travelled down to London on Friday, we collected our numbers on Saturday and made sure we had everything we needed, before continuing with some last minute 'carb loading'. By this I mean we ate a lot of food, in particular, my favourite - sweet potato! This was followed by a very early night to make sure both Mother Dearest and I were well rested for the day to come.

Sunday was an early start - 6am to make sure that we were kitted out and ready to go. I taped up my knee, pinned my number to my shirt and off we went. Everywhere we went, there were runners. Even in the early hours, people were making their way to the different start lines, nobody wanting to be late and miss their chance.

The Fiance accompanied Mother Dearest and I to our starting area, but unfortunately he had to leave us at the gate as it was officially a 'Runners Only' zone. We said our goodbyes and Mother Dearest and I went in search of the toilets - very important pre-race! We were comforted by the number of toilets there were, which meant no queue... for now!

After a few laps of the area we decided to check in our kit bags at the baggage lorries and head over to our zones which would be opening soon. All the volunteers were having such a great time, singing and dancing despite the early and frankly, quite chilly morning - I couldn't help but take a quick video of them.

This was my first mistake.

For whatever reason, taking this video sapped my phone of its battery and it turned itself off and then, to my frustration, stubbornly refused to turn back on. The thought of running with a dead phone and completely redundant headphones frustrated me, so Mother Dearest and I called on the Fiance to come back and collect them from me. Even though this was annoying at the time, I am quite glad that the universe took the decision out of my hands and forced me to run without my headphones, allowing me to really be in the moment throughout the whole marathon.

It also meant that I was able to see the Fiance again and he was able to take this snap of me!

Once we were walked round to the start, the atmosphere was truly electric. I saw the Fiance once more before passing over the start line and in that moment, I was ready.

I set off through Greenwich and I was loving it. The first 13 miles felt great. My pace was good (if a little quick), but I felt comfortable and was able to enjoy it. The crowds were fantastic and hearing people shouting my name and encouraging me through the streets was all the boost I needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. My head was up, I was looking for all the landmarks everyone always talked about and I actually saw them... well.. most of them..

Look at how much fun I'm having here! 

At mile 19, I hit 'The Wall'. This was something new to me. I had always avoided considering 'The Wall' - that wouldn't happen to ME surely!? Well I can assure you, it did. And it hurt. A lot. From that point on, my pace slowed and it really was a struggle to just keep on going. The pain in my legs was all too real and it was a battle both physically and mentally. But with the support of the crowd and their incredible signs, I was able to push on and make it through.

Turning the corner onto The Mall was particularly moving. I had pictured it many times in my training, but I was actually doing it! And there was music blaring out and I remember thinking to myself "I like this song! This will be my marathon song!" And of course, I now can't remember what it was! I'm sure when I hear it again, I will know!

Here is my official photo!

Crossing the line was a feeling of sheer relief and elation, mixed in with a bit of disbelief. A medal was put round my neck and I was hugged and congratulated by strangers. I got an official photo and stumbled off towards my good bag and the baggage lorries. All of which seemed to be so far away.. Or maybe it was just because my legs were no longer working properly!










Looking back on my marathon experience, I have definite mixed emotions. I now understand why people run London with GoPros and cameras as I know that in the second half of my race, I missed so much. I would love to be able to revisit my marathon and do it all again without the pain, so I could truly enjoy it from start to finish.


As I am still in pain, I am inclined to say it might be my only 26.2 mile run that I do...

But I'll never say never.

The Home Farm Trust

Today has been an exciting day of sharing mine and Mother Dearest’s fundraising goals. We were even lucky enough to feature in The Harrogate Advertiser AND be invited down to Stray FM for a chat with Will Smith which was broadcast on the radio! It was great to be able to share what the Home Farm Trust means to us and what they do, but it was difficult to explain in such a short space of time. I would therefore like to revisit an older post about what The Home Farm Trust is all about, how they started and why we are fundraising to help support them.

One small group of parents that started the Trust, wishing to ensure a safe, secure and independent life for their children with learning disabilities. This small beginning in 1962 has now grown into a national charity, supporting 2,500 adults with learning disabilities across the country. 

Caravan Holidays! 

For me, The Home Farm Trust has always been there. When I was younger, I never considered how they came to be, or how they functioned. They were the people who looked after Uncle Stu, and that's all there was to it! Now that I am older and I look back on the life that Stu has had, it is so clear to me how instrumental to that the Trust has been. 

My Uncle Stuart has Down's Syndrome, which is a learning disability that for Stu means that he needs people to help him do things that we can do by ourselves. Stu doesn't really use verbal language like we do; he understands what we say, but communicates with us through a type of sign language called Makaton. 

Stu & Mother Dearest

When Stu was young, my Gran and Grandad realised that if he was going to be able to lead a life that was as independent as possible and be safe and secure, then they were going to need help. This is when they found The Home Farm Trust. They were able to support Stu and my family and have been responsible for him ever since. With the support of the Trust's amazing staff, Stu is able to live in a house with others who the Trust support; people

 who are his life long friends.  

The money donated to The Home Farm Trust provides so much to the people they support. It means that a person who can't speak is able to communicate and make choices about their own lives. It provides training to staff who work with the people the Trust support. It means suitably adapted living spaces so a person with learning disabilities can live independently. 

It means the people with learning disabilities can live the lives they choose, achieving their own dreams and goals just like we do. The money donated to The Home Farm Trust really does change lives. 

By running this marathon, Mother Dearest and I are hoping to help The Trust be able to continue to help new families who may be feeling how my Gran and Grandad felt all those years ago, looking for a place that can continue to care for their child with learning disabilities in later life. 

Stu & His Friends!

 If you want to learn more about the work that The Home Farm Trust does, please visit their website and read some of the stories of the people they support and the difference that they have made to their lives; it is truly inspiring. 

Please don't forget to visit my Just Giving page and help me to say thank you to this wonderful charity that does so much for so many. 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman 

Number 40887

When I first got the news that I had a place in the London Marathon, it took a while for it to actually sink in. The training started off steady away and I vividly remember aiming to achieve running 10 miles comfortably by Christmas. Well since then, I have run for over 100 hours and covered around 700 miles, which feels completely insane! 

The training has definitely been paying off, I am the fittest I have ever been and I have already achieved so much, including four new parkrun pbs, taking almost 2 minutes off my previous best and the fastest half marathon I will probably ever run in my life (1 hour 48!).  Now all that is left to do is to get a marathon time! No big deal right? 

Final preparations are now underway, the tapering is going well and I'm starting to think ahead to race day! I've so far been remarkably calm about it all, but the realisation is starting to set in now and I definitely have 'Maranoia" - The fear that something is going to happen that will prevent you from completing the race! The primary source of this fear is living with The Fiance A.K.A, Patient Zero. I don't know where he is picked up whatever virus he is harbouring, but he can keep it to himself! He has been officially quarantined and I am inflating sales of Vicks First Defence in an attempt to stay healthy!

Today I have enjoyed a short, 4 mile stretch of the legs and have only one or two more runs of a similar distance. I now have to trust in all the training and hard work that I've already done and hope that all will be well on the day! 
I've got everything I need and as long as I don't forget my trainers or my Rock Tape, I should be able to make it round the 26.2 miles! 

I've looked at the route and I can honestly say that the thought of running down The Mall and crossing that finishing line actually makes me feel quite emotional... Having just seen the TV advert for Sunday's race, I can't believe that I am actually doing it and not just looking forward to watching it. All the hard work come down to this. 

My race number is 40887, and anyone who wants to track my progress is more than welcome to and can do so using the London Marathon app. Remember to send me positive thoughts and keep an eye out for me on the TV! 

Being so close to the race day means that it's time for the last push with the fundraising as well. I've had a few donations this week and I am so grateful to all of you who have sponsored me so far. The difference that this money will make to the lives of the people supported by The Home Farm Trust is huge and they couldn't do it without the support of people like you. 

If you are still wanting to sponsor me, please head over to my Just Giving page:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Fiona-Kitchingman

2 Weeks And Counting

Well it's safe to say that The Marathon is looming on the not so distant horizon now! It is officially 2 weeks away and I am feeling somewhat nervous!

I seem to swing from feeling really confident to being unsure whether or not I'm going to be able to stagger around the 26.2 miles! At this point, I just need to trust in all the training that I've done and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Sounds simple enough right?

It's safe to say that my training hasn't been 100% smooth sailing; there has been a few injuries, niggles and colds along the way and I've had to scale back the training plan from 4 runs a week to 3. Even though I now don't have the same amount of distance 'in my legs' as others do going into the marathon, if I had continued on the path I was on, I really don't know if I would have made it to the start line.

I also ran(!) into a new issue on last week's long run. I set out with the intention of running 20 miles, taking on a new route running into Kirkby Overblow, finishing my run at Mother Dearest's house. Things were going well and I was enjoying running in new places (apart from the daring dash across the Bypass!), until the most recent in my string of disasters occurred:  An asthma attack.

I haven't had an asthma attack for such a long time, that I had considered myself to have 'grown out of it', so the sudden chest pain and realisation that I couldn't breathe easily came as a bit of a shock! Ironically, this all happened outside Kirkby Overblow Cemetery. Having reached 17.5 miles, Mother Dearest's house wasn't far away and I was able to make a slightly panicked phone call requesting rescue.  Luckily, I was able to have a quick word with myself, stopped picking out my plot in the cemetery and focused on breathing and the air that was in fact making it into my lungs. I was feeling better by the time Mother Dearest and S arrived, but was still very grateful for the ride home.

I'm currently putting the surprise asthma attack down the fact that it was a warm, humid day, with more pollen around than there has been recently, combined with the fact I was running out in the countryside, which I haven't really done much off recently. In any case, I have had a chat with the doctor and got a new inhaler in case it should happen again.

Today I was supposed to be running 15 miles, however after a busy weekend and a 2 day headache, I have decided to postpone this until tomorrow.. A decision I am probably going to regret as it does make my Monday rather busy! Too late to change my mind now though!
After that 15 miles is out of the way, I only have 5 more training runs (all ranging between 5 and 10 miles) to complete before we travel down to London, which feels very manageable after all the longer ones we have done!

Whilst I have (for the most part) enjoyed the training, I am really looking forward to it being done!

That's not to say I am going to stop running, but that I am looking forward to having a new focus to my running. I want to keep up some of the longer runs, but I want to focus on my 5K and 10K times, working on speed rather than distance.

But first.. maybe a week off!

I'm also pleased to say that I have reached my initial fundraising goal of £2000, which is amazing and I am so grateful to all of you who have already donated to this fantastic cause! If any of you haven't got round to it yet, have no fear - I am still accepting sponsorship and would love to achieve my new fundraising goal of £2600 - £100 for every mile of the marathon.

Please head over to my Just Giving page and leave me a donation and a message! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Fiona-Kitchingman 

Long Runs and parkrun pbs!

It's been a couple of weeks since my last blog post so there's a few runs to fill you in on! 

My furthest ever run now stands at 20 miles after last week's adventure with Mother Dearest to the nearby reservoirs. I made the decision before setting out on this run, that I would do my best to run with mum rather than running ahead at my own pace. I managed this for the first 10 miles, but found it really difficult to hold back and in the last 10 miles began running out and back at a pace I found more comfortable. 

During our run, mum and I were in agreement that we were really enjoying running somewhere different for a change... By the time we made it back to the car we were still in agreement, but this time we were agreeing that whilst the novelty was nice, we wouldn't be rushing back! The route was far more undulating than either of us remembered and resulted in two exhausted individuals, neither of whom could believe how hard the 20 miles had felt after such a great 18 miles the previous weekend! 

Luckily I feel like I have been able to right a few of those wrong this weekend with my 15 miles. Even though this is obviously 5 miles shorter than last weekend's run (quick maths!), I felt really good throughout. Those cheeky thoughts of "You could just do the extra 5... 5 miles is nothing, just keep going!" started to creep in, but the sensible part of my brain stomped them out, as deviation from the planned distance could always result in disaster! 
Overall I am happy with today's performance. I haven't actually studied the run stats yet, but I know my last miles were definitely faster than my first, which can only be a good sign! 


Post run, however, I have very sore feet. Definitely one of the less enjoyable and certainly less glamorous sides to marathon training (is there anything glamorous about running?!).

My other highlights from the last two weeks (and therefore the last two parkrun days - formally known at Saturdays-), have been TWO parkrun pbs! 

I am completely thrilled that I have now registered TWO parkrun times under 24 minutes - something I never really thought I would do! 

I did a 23.21 last weekend, taking a massive 39 seconds off my previous pb and then this week I knocked another 5 seconds off, taking it down to 23.16! Obviously all these long runs and marathon training is having a positive effect on my 5K times! 

Can I make it into the 22s before the marathon?? Watch this space!

On top of my pb highs, I have also loved enjoying the parkrun community this week. I headed over to Cafe Marconi after this week's run to sort tokens and learn about stopwatches! 

Overall, it's been a really good week's running.. I got pbs and a Strava crown! What could be better than that? Hopefully the coming week brings more of the same, as the marathon is drawing ever closer! The countdown is well and truly on as it's now only 4 weeks away. FOUR WEEKS... FOUR! 

Whilst I have an eye on the marathon that is looming in the near future, I also have an eye on the fundraising. I am getting closer to my target now, but still need your help in achieving it. Do it for my aching legs and feet!! 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Fiona-Kitchingman

parkrun Centurion!

Well, I am officially a member of the 100 club! It's taken a long time to get here, but I have finally made it! I'd like to say that it was a glorious morning for completing my 100th parkrun, but it was quite the opposite! Yellow weather warnings were in place across the county and  I must admit, there were moments before leaving the house where I considered giving it a miss! A decision that The Fiance would have been very happy to support I think! 

When we arrived at The Stray, it was clear not as many people had turned out as normal (and with good reason!), but I was pleased to see the smiling face of one of my class who had volunteered especially for my 100th parkrun! (If I am being completely honest, this was my primary reason for actually leaving the house in the pouring rain!!) 

The run itself was almost a swim! We paddled our way around most of the course, as even the paths were under water! I fear that my trainers may never be the same again and even after washing my socks, there was still mud caught inside them but it was actually quite fun! It was made even better by the high 5s I received from the lovely corner 4 marshal each time I past by! 

Post run, we went to The Empress for a cup of tea and in true birthday style, had cake for breakfast! To top it all off I also got my best finishing position ever and came 3rd female!! 

Today has been even more active as I have completed my longest run ever in my life! And thankfully the weather was much better whilst I was doing it! 

Today was an 18 mile day and I am pleased to announce that I actually managed to complete it and I did it at a pace that would give me a 4 hour marathon! Is that a glimmer of hope I see on my marathon horizon?!

For a change, I completed my long run in the company of others! After doing an initial 8 miles by myself (including a few horrible hills), I met up with some fellow runners, including Mother Dearest! Despite running at different paces, it was nice to go on one of our excursions together, as with the exception of parkruns and the Brass Monkey, we haven't actually doing any of our training together.  As there was a group of us, we were able to branch off into two pairs, running at our different paces, doubling back to each other where appropriate. 

Even though I do enjoy the solitude of running, and definitely do 'run in a void', where I suddenly realise how far I have gone and can't quite remember what I have been thinking about for the last 3 miles, I really enjoyed the boost of having company today. It spurred me on and kept me going even though I was sure my legs might have been about to fall off! 

As it stands, I have very achy legs, but also a sense of satisfaction that I have completed my 18 miles and made it through without having to call The Fiance to rescue me like that last time I set out for 18 miles! We call this progress!! 

Please remember to head over to my Just Giving page and leave me a donation and message! We are getting very close to the marathon now - it is a mere 6 weeks away!! Terrifying!! 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman

A Restful Half Term

This week's experimentation with Rock Tape has been somewhat limited as I made the difficult decision to take five days rest to try and help the knee/ IT band situation. 

It wasn't a decision that I took lightly, particularly as I am determined that I don't just want to complete the marathon, I want to do it well and to do that, I have to put in the required training! But that's the conundrum really isn't it? What do you do when it's the training that is causing the problem?! 

I have listened to all the advice received and decided that five days off wasn't going to hurt my progress, but would hopefully help whatever is going on in my leg, which it seems to have done.. for now at least.. 

On Saturday morning, I ventured out for the first run of the week (parkrun number 98!) and it was really good! I successfully taped my knee myself and The Fiance even came along too, seeing as there was an Up&Running SRG outing! My knee didn't bother me at all and I put in a great time, which has led to a classic combination of elation and frustration, as I was ONE second slower than my current PB, which means I was only TWO SECONDS away from a new PB and getting under 24 minutes! Even though I didn't quite make it to this next goal, I have to acknowledge the fact that running that pace felt an awful lot easier this time than it did when I set the PB a few months ago. Whether that is purely because I am fitter now than I was then, or because I was well rested after my week off remains to be seen when I try and chase it down next week! 

As I type this week's blog, I am enjoying a post 12 mile cup of tea, whilst The Fiance complains about his achy legs after yesterday's parkrun. I'm pleased to say he has acknowledged the fact that he expects no sympathy from me! 

P.S. This time I beat him by 42 places!! 🏆🏆

My fundraising percentage is currently hovering on 48% of my target and I would love to get over the 50% milestone. I am so grateful to all of you who have donated so far and thank you to those of you who are going to follow the link below and keep me running! 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman 

Rock and Or Roll

It has been quite a frustrating week this week. I've had more injury niggles which have been preventing me doing all the runs that have been scheduled on the training plan and making me even more worried about the marathon than I already was!

After my long run last weekend and the pain in my knee, I knew I was in for a bit of trouble; but not being able to complete a 5 mile run on Tuesday was a big shock. At this point in my training, running 5 miles is a short run and my Tuesday runs are primarily just for getting my legs going for the rest of the week. This week however, I couldn't even complete what I had planned and even had trouble walking down the hill to home (at which point I had to walk on tiptoes down the hill to prevent bending my knee as it was far too painful!).

Once I had made it home, the pain subsided and didn't cause me any problems, so I did what any person living in this technological age does... I asked Dr Google!

A quick Google search later, I had diagnosed myself with the flimsy problem of "runner's knee" - A generic term for knee pain cause by a variety of issues which arise as you increase your mileage - Go figure! Following my reading, I investigated things I could do to help, which included foam rolling and icing the problem knee: Two things well within my capabilities.

I also sought advice from a parent at school who is a physio and he was able to tell me that my problem is in my IT band, which is creating friction when I run : ergo.. PAIN! But the good news is that I can try and manage it through the foam rolling, sports massage and taping.

My very attractive pink Rock Tape!

So that is what I am doing. I have invested in a foam roller (which I might have fallen off whilst screaming in agony the first time I tried to use it...), had a sports massage (which has left me battered and bruised!) and purchased some Rock Tape (which is a borderline miracle!).

On the whole, I am feeling pretty positive now. I have listened to all the advice I have received and I am working very hard at listening to my body. I am doing the exercises to try and stabilise my IT band and I am sure that mine and The Fiance's taping technique will improve with practise.

Today was supposed to be an 18 mile run, but with the issues I have already mentioned, I had to cut it short to 11 miles. This was a difficult decision, as I am not known for giving up, but I know that it was the right thing to do. I had planned my route to give me plenty of options for cutting it short and heading home, but unfortunately my knee gave out at one of the farthest points. Normally I would have pushed through, but seeing as I need to manage whatever is going on with my knee, I need to be a bit more careful.

Now as I go into next week, I will be continuing to experiment with and perfect the technique of using Rock Tape and hope that consistent strengthening exercises and foam rolling has a positive effect.

Please help keep me motivated by heading over to my Just Giving page and leave me a donation and message! Things are really starting to get tough and the extra boost really makes a difference! 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman

Operation Knight in Shining Pyjamas!

It's been a little over a week since my last post, and so I've managed to do a fair bit of running. Unfortunately, I also managed to pick up a not so fun sickness bug from somewhere, but alas, that comes with the territory of being a school teacher! 

As I mentioned in my last post, I was heading out for a 14 mile run last Sunday, which I was hoping was going to be easier than the previous 14 miles that I completed in the snow and ice! Thankfully, the weather prevailed, Storm Eric kept his distance and I was able to complete my run in a more respectable time and felt like I had really achieved something. A definite lesson in self belief and perseverance!  

This weekend posed its own challenges however. As I already mentioned, I came down with what seems to have been a 24 hour bug on Thursday, which completely sapped me of any energy and left me unable to eat anything. Needless to say, Thursday's 7 mile run was cancelled; as was my working day on Friday. 

Not going into work is something that I really hate; not only because I have the typical fear of missing out, but because I know that it puts extra work onto other people and of course, I don't get to see my classes and be involved in all the lessons I had planned! 

Friday was no different. I sent in my lessons for other people to teach and tried to sleep off all the aches, pains and nausea, whilst wondering whether of not it was yet 'safe' to try and eat a slice of toast. (At this point, it is important to state that as The Fiance was away with work, I had no food in the house. Shout out to Mother Dearest who came to the rescue, delivering paracetamol, bread, satsumas!)  

Thankfully, by Friday evening I managed to eat a little bit of dinner, which combined with a good night's sleep, seemed to sort me out! And not a moment too soon - I have a goal of 100 parkruns to achieve! It was steady, but I went and I did it and it felt okay. Which was just was well, as I had a bigger mountain to climb on Sunday! 

Sunday was the latest in the "Furthest I've Ever Run" series. 16 miles. And boy, did it feel like 16 miles! The weather was great, perfect running conditions: I ditched the thermal leggings for the 3/4 length capris and was ready to go! The route was planned, I had my Camelbak of water on my back, my energy shot blocks in my pocket and my trainers on my feet. What could go wrong?! 

I shall tell you what could go wrong.. I could set off without my knee supports. Disaster! 

It was only at the first knee twinge, around mile 4, did I realise my mistake. All the usual thoughts crossed my mind. "It will probably be okay?" "Maybe I should give it a go without them today?" "But remember, you've never actually run this far before!" Logic (or fear) prevailed and I called The Fiance with some slightly odd instructions.. I needed him to locate the knee supports and take them to the end of Knox Mill Lane and leave them on the road sign, where I could run past and pick them up on my way! Luckily, my message was received and understood and "Operation Knight in Shining Pyjamas" was a go! 

As the run progressed, I was infinitely grateful that he ventured out in his PJs, as my knees were really beginning to feel the strain. 

I met a friend at around mile 8 and she joined me for the remainder of the run, which was nice. Two and a half hours is a long time to be out running by yourself! I was especially grateful to have her with me at the end, when my knees finally gave up! 

As soon as my Garmin announced we had reached 16 miles, we stopped running, and my knee just stopped working! The last 100 metres back to the house seemed to go on forever! 

Luckily it all seems to have settled down by today! Ready for tomorrow's 5 miles! 

Please remember to go to my Just Giving page and leave a donation and keep me pushing through all this pain! 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman

Wet and Wild Wetherby parkrun

Another Saturday morning, another parkrun! The warnings were all there before I went to bed last night: Fountains Abbey was cancelled and Harrogate was looking doubtful. But still, I set my alarm, hopeful that my plans for hitting my 100th parkrun in 5 weeks time wasn't about to be derailed! Unfortunately for me, the news on waking up was what I had feared - Harrogate was also cancelled!! A quick search on Facebook informed me that Wetherby was going ahead, so I jumped in the car and off I went! 

Having never ventured over to the Wetherby parkrun before, I didn't quite know what to expect. Now I do... At this time of year,  you should probably expect mud! It was definitely a challenge, what with the gale force winds, a bit of rain and all the mud, but I did it and I am still on track for the big 100 in a few weeks time! 

Needless to say, I wasn't the only Harrogate parkrunner who had made the journey over to Wetherby this morning. During the pre-run briefing, the question went out: "Any visiting parkrunners?" Many hands went into the air and there was a loud chorus of "Harrogate!" in response to "Where are you from?" 

The experience of visiting Wetherby parkrun this morning was really enjoyable and as usual, I found myself making friends at the beginning - Classic parkrun! We also caught up at the end and had a chat. Both of us being Harrogate parkrunners, we were used to the 3 lap format of Wetherby, and had actually run very similar times this morning so it was nice to have someone to share the parkrun ritual with even if my usual crew were M.I.A. We also shared some of our running experiences and discussed my upcoming marathon. I welcomed his advice, and he was very honest about his own marathon experience. We agreed that respecting the challenge of a marathon is vital and that the training is not to be overlooked! 

I also took the opportunity to speak to my new friend about why I am running the marathon and what The Trust does for Stu. This is something I have to do periodically, and not just to try and get people to sponsor me (even if it may seem that way sometimes), but because by articulating how important this charity is in my family's life I am able to dig that bit deeper and run that bit further or faster than I thought I could. I'm doing this for Stu and to say thank you. So when I come and chat to you about it, which I inevitably will, please  listen and offer words of encouragement as they mean so much and really do keep me going! 

The rest of the weekend holds more running (of course!). Another 14 miles tomorrow, which I am hoping will feel easier than last weekend's 14 miles, which was accompanied by an unforgiving coating of ice on all of the paths. This is the excuse I am using for why it felt so difficult anyway! I will therefore be going along the same route as last weekend in the hope that I can see and feel an improvement in more favourable weather conditions! Although if Storm Eric keeps doing his thing, then I'm not sure just how 'favourable' the conditions will actually be! 

Wish me luck! 

OR... 

Head over to my JustGiving page and leave me some sponsorship and a message of support. It's been a while since I had a "Someone just donated!" email and I would love to see a few more coming in, small or large; they all make a massive difference to the lives of the people The Trust support. 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman

Victory!

It's been a steady week this last week. Thanks to a wonderful array of germs, I've been feeling a little under the weather, which was definitely slowed me down, both metaphorically and physically! I still really struggle with listening to my body when it comes to things like this, as I hate feeling that I am skiving or not putting in the work that I should be. But, as I keep saying, I am playing the long game. Missing a few shorter runs now is preferable to missing longer, more important training later on! 

Keeping this in mind, I took 3 rest days in a row, which in actual fact only meant missing one scheduled run, but felt like an awful lot of staying home and not being active. I was also sure to eat lots of oranges and get some extra vitamin C in my system! 

After these three days off, The Fiance and I travelled to Glasgow on Friday evening to visit 'The Nana', which as you can imagine on a Friday evening, involved a lot more sitting still in a car! Knowing that we had a full weekend of travelling and family visits, I had to be strict and insist that I didn't miss my Saturday morning ParkRun! This meant... you guessed it! Some ParkRun tourism! The Fiance and I went and explored the Pollok ParkRun, which I can confirm is much hillier than those around Harrogate! This being said, I have come away from the experience both victorious and completely elated. Despite the seemingly never ending hills (which you get to experience twice, by the way, seeing as it is a two lap course!), I put in a respectable time of 25.16, came 8th female overall AND (and this is my favourite AND)  I BEAT THE FIANCE!!! The first time ever, in the history of us being together that I have been faster than him! And I have it in black and white, ParkRun results! And here they are!!

Be warned... I am unashamedly reserving all gloating rights over this for the foreseeable future and might even print and frame it for his birthday!  

Anyway, it's a new week and even though the runny nose/cold seems to be lingering, I'm hoping to get back to following the training plan to the letter, which means upping the millage to distances I have never actually run before. A half marathon has always been my biggest distance so this is where the real challenge begins; carrying on even after the legs feel like they want to give up! 

That's all from me for now though.. I should probably go run somewhere! 

Please don't forget to show me your support by leaving a donation on my Just Giving page, big or small, they make all the different to the people HFT support and the notification absolutely keep me out training whatever the weather!  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman  

Shivers Down My Spine

It might have passed a lot of us by, but this week, history has been made!

On Sunday, whilst I was exhausted after running 13.1 miles, an incredible group of people were setting out on an even bigger challenge: running 'The Montane Spine Race', an ultra marathon spanning 268 miles of The Pennine Way. 

I have always been in awe of people who even contemplate taking on the challenge of an ultra marathon and these amazing runners are no different. What they have achieved is nothing short of incredible and I am absolutely using them as a source of inspiration as I embark on the next phase of my marathon training! 

Now I mentioned history being made, and you might be wondering "Surely this race has happened before? What makes this one so special?" Well I will tell you what has made this one so special: An incredible woman called Jasmin Paris. 

Jasmin Paris, a mother of a 14 month old child, won the Montane Spine Race. She didn't just win the 'Women's Race'. She won THE RACE, finishing in 83 hours, 12 minutes and 23 seconds! This smashed all previous course records, beating the previous fastest man by 12 hours and 5 minutes and the record women's time by 26 hour and 42 minutes. WOW! 

What an inspiration for women in sport?! 

On the flip side, IronMan UK have just launched their 'Iron Girl' 5K race. Yes. 5 Kilometres, and on the same day as Jasmin Paris blew her male competition out of the water! What a marketing mistake! 

Women have had no problem in taking on the challenge of the regular IronMan, so why patronise female athletes with a 5 Kilometre race, marketed only at women? 

I understand that a full IronMan race might be intimating to athletes just starting out in the sport, but are there not male beginners too, who may not be ready to take on the full or half IronMan? Would they not appreciate access to a 5 Kilometre version of the race? Or is this privilege just reserved for we of the fairer sex? (I would not be surprised if you could actually hear my eyes rolling at this point!)

It seems that I am not alone in my outrage at this PR blunder and women and men all across the internet are voicing their opinions on this addition to the IronMan calendar; many of which refer to the fact that we have come so far in terms of gender equality, that they are horrified that IronMan Uk thought that this would be well received. One commenter even states she is concerned that if she competes in the race, she may not make it back to the 1950s in time to have the washing, ironing and cooking done before her husband returns home from work. 

I think this really highlights the importance of raising the profile of the incredible female athletes that continually achieve amazing goals, setting a fantastic example for girls and boys everywhere. We mustn't be limiting the aspirations of our future athletes by sending them the message that the 'girls'' race is only 5 Kilometres long! 

Our girls can do whatever they set their minds to and I am going to show them just that! Compared to The Montane Spine Race, the London Marathon is only a very short distance, but it is the metaphorical mountain that I have chosen to climb, and climb it I will. 

I am woman, hear me roar! 

The Brass Monkey - PB!

Well, I did it!! Despite the nerves and second guessing, I completed The Brass Monkey in 1 hour 48 minutes and 13 seconds! 

I am completely thrilled and over the moon with how today went. Mother Dearest and I got up at about 7 and had our pre-run breakfast of porridge. There was almost a disaster at this early stage, when I added regular milk to my oats rather than the dairy free oat milk that I should have. Luckily I realised and was able to start again, as that would have really ruined my race! 

By 8.15 we were on the road to York, being tormented by all the phantom pains that seem to plague runners in the build up to a race. For me, it was my hip that suddenly started to hurt, and was that a twinge in my knee? Disaster! 

On arriving at the Racecourse in York, we went for a a quick explore to find the start and finish and see what we were dealing with... Oh and have the compulsory extra toilet trips that you're not quite sure if you really need! 

Then it was time. The Garmins were set, the jumpers discarded and the runners ready to go. Just one more thing to do. Run it! 

I am pleased to report that everything went to plan! The tapering off did its job and my legs and body were ready to go and the pace felt good! I was slowly overtaking those around me and feeling strong, repeating my mantra "This is what you have trained for! You can do this!" and I really could! 

The first half of the race I was easily ahead of my target pace of 8.20 minute miles (which would get me in at 1 hour 50 minutes), however the second half didn't come quite as easily! This was probably due to the headwind that was attempting to pummel all of the runners into submission as we made our way around the largely unprotected course; the worst of which seemed to coincide with the final 800m. 

Turning back into the Racecourse, I could see that if I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, I was going to finish in under my goal time. But every runner knows you want to put in that final push on the home straight! Well the headwind soon put rest to that! I put in the extra effort, but that only seemed to maintain my existing pace in the face of the wind! Something that did help however was the friendly faces of some of the Knaresborough Striders, cheering and supporting all the club members over the line. It was actually remarkably comforting seeing the familiar blue and yellow vests out on the course, knowing that there were friends who would help carry you along to the end of the course with motivational words should you need it! 

At the end of the day, it didn't really matter. I still smashed my PB, knocking almost 12 minutes off my previous time and felt relatively good while doing it! However, if you had asked me to turn around and run back, my answer would have been very short and contain only two letters. NO! 

But that is the next challenge and I will now be getting myself ready, both physically and mentally, to do double what I have done today! 

A massive congratulations to all the Striders and other athletes who ran today's race and to all of those who helped to put the event together. It was a well organised event and seemed to go off without a hitch! Also a big shout out to Mother Dearest for her new PB as well! What a team! 

Please help me celebrate and ease my aching legs with a donation, big or small, to my Just Giving page for The Home Farm Trust. 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman

Smiling faces despite the aching legs! 

New Stuff and a New Race!

It's been a week of 'tapering' this week, easing off the miles in the run up to the Brass Monkey Half Marathon, which has worked quite well as it's also been back to work after the Christmas holidays! 

A few weeks ago I used the vouchers my class bought me to get myself some new running kit to keep me going through the rest of the winter as I keep increasing the miles. And what can I say? There's nothing like new kit to give you that extra bit of motivation! I have some fantastic new thermal leggings, so the cold is no longer an excuse for not wanting to run, as well as a Camelbak to keep me hydrated on my longer runs and so far it seems to be working well! 

I have recently survived a 13 mile run (and managed to complete it in a time that would a PB!), which is a good sign seeing as tomorrow is the Brass Monkey! You would think this would inspire some confidence, but no... Still the stress dreams come! I'm sure all will be well though! 

Mother Dearest and I did a bit of a practice run on New Year's Day, doing the 'ParkRun Double', getting to York in time for a Race start and running on the flatter ground across the York and Heslington ParkRuns. It was definitely worthwhile and we enjoyed the double ParkRun and both got new PBs for the courses! (Fairly easy when you haven't actually run the course before!)  

Once we have completed the Brass Monkey, we are officially into London Marathon territory! Moving on from the half marathon training plans and beginning those for the marathon. Even as I type that, I can feel the butterflies in my tummy! It's all beginning to feel very real and very scary! 

Having said that, I think it's important to remind myself, that despite the fact that I am finding this incredibly challenging, I am also really enjoying it. I can feel the progress and I am understanding the way my body is responding to being pushed further than it ever has before. I am enjoying the knowledge that I am fitter and faster than I have ever been before. And I love that I can go out and run for an hour comfortably, which used to seem like a big challenge! 

In other news, we have a new member of our running community! The lovely E joined us for her first ParkRun last week and she was great! She might correct me, but I think she even enjoyed it! 

Watch this space for the result of the Brass Monkey! Come Monday I should hopefully have a new medal and T.Shirt in the collection and fingers crossed for a new Half Marathon PB!

Remember that all of this hard work is for a very good cause and we need as much sponsorship as possible. I'm currently at 41% of my goal and would love to get over the half way mark with this half marathon, so head over to my Just Giving page and leave a donation!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-kitchingman