OK, OK, so I have been pretty poor the past couple of weeks. No blog updates and hardly any training done. I've been so busy at work and not been feeling too great so I needed a break. I did try a few runs but to be honest I was rubbish!

I've said it before but I'm going to say it again, this week I am back on track. I have to be because next week I'm on nights all week so I know now that I wont do any training!

I'm going to try messing about with my routine to see if I can refresh it all a bit and see if that can spur me on a bit more. Not just going out on all these runs but trying to focus on mini goals like doing laps and increasing my speed and putting some effort into some hill work too. I'm also going to go to a group session - I think that will really motivate me as I haven't seen them all for a while and when I see how much they have all improved I'll want to do the same!

With only 7 weeks to go I need to work hard now. People have been so generous with their sponsorship - I don't want to let them down! And I don't want to be seen on the BBC looking a right mess and walking because I haven't put enough effort into it :)

Wish me luck everyone!

Ok, so I've been a really bad blogger the past few weeks. But thats because I've been so busy out training all the time!

Done the 10-11k route a few times now and it's going good. As well as a few shouter routes to work on speed, pace and stamina. So we're all getting there. Had some nice weather recently too so it's been good to get out.

Dont get me wrong there a been a few days that I have not wanted to go and had to drag myself to set off. But there's only bee once when I talked myself out of it and then I got straight back on track.

We've missed quite a few of the group sessions due to work, times, and also because we have been enjoying our new routes so much. But we went to the group session on Wednesday and it was great to catch up and re-focus. Plus they started a new training route so it was good to have something else to focus on. I'm working this Saturday so no group session for me, but I'll be there again soon and in the mean time I just have to keep planning sessions with the girls :)

Fund-raising is going pretty well too! Took on form into work the other day and got another £50+ need to take in another sheet today. All makes it worthwhile! I've told them all they can eatch me on BBC on the day and that will keep me focused to do my best.

I've tweeted a few celebs to try to get them on board but no such luck - Gary Barlow's PA retweeted my tweet but think that was about it :( It would be great to have a stranger sponsor me too ha ha!

Just been catching up on some fund-raising for the 10k event. Can't believe I have raised £135 so far! Gotta keep up the hard work to help raise more cash but also need to work hard on my training now to make my sponsors feel proud for what they have given. Everyone has been very generous! Big smiles again ha!

Another great week for me this week!

Went out with the girls on Monday and managed 6.8k running most of it - we completed it in exactly an hour.

Went to Wednesdays training session with Love Running Manchester. I really wanted to see a difference in my training this week as for the past few weeks I have increased the amount I have been running yet only completing the same distance (those 3 full laps!). Anyway this week I had determination! I managed to run for most of the whole session - up and down the hill 4 times!!!!! A full extra lap!!!!! And I did the full hill every single time without stopping. The whole 4th lap I did without stopping. Boy was I tired at the end of it though. I finished with the stretches and then went for a McDonalds tea ha! Surely I deserved it after that! I was so proud of myself.

So then it came to Saturday's session. Ok so I didn't go to the session on Saturday. I know you're thinking I'm a let down but hear me out! We found out late on Friday night that there was going to be a professional photographer on Saturday morning - taking action shots! Well we were not ready for that ha! First thing on Saturday morning (the day after a 14 hours shift my I add) I did not want to try to look glam whilst trying to run around the park, tired and out of breath. We knew that if we went we would be conscious of it all the time and end not really trying our best.

So to make up for it we decided to make up our own new route and go it alone (well with each other really). Bright and early we were up and planning a route. We decided to combat one big hill (Old Kiln Lane - if you live near me) and then we'd head through a bit of countryside down hill and back our usual way. We mapped it out as about 9k give or take a little. So off we went.

We got the hill and although it was tough we gave our best shot - I only had 2 little rests and I'm determined next time to have none! Straight back down the hill we went and took the turning into the little country side bit. I thought "brilliant, all the hard bits are done now, all down hill from here Lyndsay tells me." And it was really lovely to run through the hills, past some horses and dog walkers. Then.... there's a hill! So up the hill we go to a bit of flat. Then what? Another hill! So up we go. There's a theme here - all hills! It actually made us laugh - No idea where we were, no roads to be seen, just hills, dirt tracks and horses! Oh and a reservoir which I took a picture of from one of the hills! ( I'll upload it later-HA) It was tough and we were beginning to get tired but determination kept us going.

Eventually we can to a road and guess what - IT WAS ALL DOWN HILL - YAY! We had made it! So off we go down the hill and we finally reached the main road to take us back home. We had made it near the Beehive in Horwich! We had to do a little cheer as we got on to that main road but we knew it was a good 4kish back and we were getting tired - but its that thing called motivation! We had run a lot of it already - unsure how much we had done (checking the app part way through is not allowed!). We managed to keep going, having a few short breaks as our muscles were screaming at us to stop!

First thing we did when we got to the end of that road? Check the app!!!! We had completed 10.7k in 1 hour 31 mins! We were so proud! Then we had to stretch - stop those muscles getting tight! I was so tired but so pleased. Felt good about it all day! Next time I want to do it quicker! And at least we will know the way!

So I'm sorry to disappoint those who wanted to laugh at me for torturing myself in to doing this 10k but at the moment I'm really enjoying it! Just a little blip a few weeks ago but back on track! I'm sure there will be another blip somewhere a long the line if you keep reading :)

Great start to this weeks training - and it's only Monday!

Been out with 2 of the girls (1 running the 10k with me, 1 not) and we managed to clock up 6.8k. We did have to walk a little sometimes but ran the majority and our average pace time was under 9 minutes per km so I'm happy with that.

I also managed to swap my shift at work which means I can go to the training session on Wednesday yay!

Also started my fund-raising this past weekend and so far I've got £30 of sponsors plus £7.50 gift aid. Makes all the training seem so much more worth while - so thanks everyone who has or is going to sponsor me.

Now I'm going to rest and chill out and have a twix whilst watching Biggest Loser lol! I deserve it!

Well I'm definitely back on track! Went to this mornings session and had a fab time!

Increased my intervals from 2 mins to 3 mins with 1 min walks in between. And we increased the overall session time to 32 mins. I was tired near the end but I did it! At one point I even miscounted so ended up doing 4 mins instead of 3 ha! I wasn't thinking straight by that point. I just kept thinking "I'm NOT going to let that whistle beat me!"

I was thinking about my blog whilst running and it occurred to that I bet you people think 2 mins to 1 min is easy! Try it! At a good, constant pace, that you're not usually used to. Also going up and down a hill! It's tough for us beginners!

I'm working late again on Wednesday - but I really don't want to miss the session as we're increasing the work there too. I really need to stay focused now - just need to keep thinking about crossing that 10k finish line!

I'll be happy just to complete my first ever 10k but it would be great to get a get a good time for it too!

Now I need to put some of my focus into my fund raising too! I haven't done anything about that yet. I hate asking people for money - even though it's for some great causes. So if you're reading this please take a minute to think about all the hard work I'm putting into it and spare even just £1 to keep me motivated to make a difference. Thanks :)

Stuck to my word and I'm back in the routine. Couldn't make it to Wednesdays session due to work but I have been out with a few of the girls for some practice. It's going good. Amazing how a week off can set you back - reminded me of the chest burning, leg aching pain that new starters go through. Ok so maybe it wasn't that bad really :)

I'm looking forward to Saturdays session now! Bring it on!!!!

Well... I have to admit I've been bad the past 2 weeks. And... to make things worse I didn't stick to my blog! Shock! Horror!

Basically after the snow I talked myslef into thinking running would be out of the question ha! By the Wednesday it had mostly cleared up. But that was husbands 30th birthday and so we had a jam packed day - starting with a full fry up breakfast we then went out for the day and went indoor sky diving. We followed that up with  a kebab and a visit to Krispy Kremes where we indulged in yummy doughnuts. I was tired and stuffed with fatty food but the girls convinced me to go to the running session so off I went. Due to the snow we changed from the usual routine of warm up exercises and running between lamp posts and went into a full on jog as much as you possibly can to keep warm. I was feeling positive about giving it a good go and also a little guilty about all the fat food I'd eaten so gave it my all. But I ended up with a stitch and feeling sick! All I could taste was doughnuts mixed with kebab! After the session I checked my app - I was feeling like I must have made a good improvement on time even though I hadnt ran much further than normal. Nope! Not at all! Disappointed!

I tried to put it behind me and look forward to the Saturday session in the park. That was the day of my husbands birthday party so I had alot of arranging to do but still wanted to go for the session first. I found myself moaning all the way through the session and wishing it was over. What was wrong with me!?!? I think I had so much on my mind a knew that it was going to be a busy day and night so didn't have the motivation. Again, I did worse than usual :(

By Monday I had decided to put that week behind me and try harder in the next sessions. Then I had 2 pretty rubbish days at work (Tues & Wed). I was so tired by the time I got home I wasn't in the mood for anything. The other 2 girls couldn't make the Wednesday session but I was determined I would still go. By the time I had got home and changed I had talked myself out of going. I knew I had to work a 14 hour shift the day after so decided I needed an early night. I still had Saturdays session after all!

Saturday morning came around fast! And... guess what.... I didn't even set my alarm to get up! So that's another session missed! But after a nice relaxing weekend I'm ready to get back on track! I feel really guilty now for missing the sessions and disappointed in myself.

So with only 13 weeks to go I am going to work really hard! I cant make it to this Wednesday session because I have to work so I have arranged to go out for a run tomorrow with a couple of girls to get me back into a routine. I've also arranged to go on Thursday too - and I will be dragging myself to Saturday's park session NO MATTER WHAT!

I am feeling so guilty but I only have myself to blame! We took the dogs out for a walk today and I had a little jog around the park with them and realised how silly I had been to miss both sessions. It's just hard sometimes to work full time and fit all the other stuff in. But instead of dwelling on the past I'm looking to the future. I'm still looking forward to the 10k race and I'm ready to put the effort in again.

Let's do it!!!!!

Made it to this mornings session in the park, boy was it cold! Had a good session anyway - managed a 2 min jog, 1 min walk for a total of 30 mins (ish). Trainer said we should see ourselves improving by this week - I think I have improved. Maybe not so much at increasing distance but definitely at a faster pace. Now I need to work on keeping up that pace for longer :)

By the time I got home and had a bath and egg sandwich it was snowing! So glad we had managed to get through the session before it started!

I'm going to miss Wednesday's session because it's my husband's 30th that day so we have plans. We then have his party to prepare for on Saturday - I hope I don't end up having to miss that session too :(

Gotta keep running! :)

Training again last night! And I get to go twice this week yay! We did the same as last Wednesday and pushed ourselves to do more lamp posts whenever we could. We had managed to complete the same distance as last week but a minute faster :) (Still an improvement!)

To be honest, I wasn't really in the mood for training yesterday. I'd had a busy few days at work and I was tired and it was freezing. I could have quite easily said I wasn't going, made up any excuse. But my two good friends were going and that spurred me on! Throughout the warm I was just thinking "it will soon be over" but then I found some motivation from somewhere!

Next we were running up the hill and laughing and I felt so much better! The stress of the day GONE! I just need to remember that the next time I don't feel like going.

Meeting at the park again on Saturday for another session. Looking forward to that because I have missed a couple of those sessions because of work :( #RollOnSaturday

Well Saturday's meeting went well. Got some more information about the training and the race and also about the chosen charities that we are going to be running for. Got our T-shirts for the race too (will upload a picture at some point) as well as some other free goodies and discount vouchers. There's a good recipe for Flapjack too that I'm going to have to try :)

We didn't get chance to do the bleep test. We ran over time for the meeting with so much to discuss and although they did offer to still do the bleep test for us we had to rush off as we had things to do at home. Part of me was relieved but I know that i should have attempted it. Maybe some time in the future another opportunity will come up.

So now I need to get working on my fund raising as well as my running! Cant wait to get my race pack! In 16 weeks the race will be over!

I'm going to both training sessions this week - Wednesday and Saturday but they're the only 2 days I'll have chance to get out and train so I need to make the most of them. Looking forward to it!

Wednesday's session came round quick! We were on the road again. This week we tried running for more lamp posts than the previous week. Going up hill we managed 3-4 lamp posts and downhill we were running for 6-7. We tried to only walk for 1 lamp post but sometimes did need that extra lamp post to catch our breath! Overall we did better than last week, we ran more distance and our pace had improved by at least a minute per km. Still enjoying it!


Saturdays session is going to be different this week. Its the launch of Love Running Manchester so it's going to be more of a meeting, to gain lots more info and our t-shirts and goody bags! But we're also going to do a bleep test - that makes me very nervous! Not looking forward to that if I'm honest. It reminds me of being at school and everyone watching me when I'm the worst one in the class! But I'm going to give it a go. I don't know if by being self conscious about it I will be able to give it my best shot but I'm going to try my best - that's all I can do :)

I recently subscribed to Runners World magazine. I thought it might give me some useful hints and tips for training and also good product reviews. My first copy arrived yesterday and it looks fab! Plenty of useful info for me to read through - My husband says I'm turning into a bit of a geek!

I missed Saturday's session just gone because I had to work :(
I really feel like I missed out but made up for it by going out with the girls tonight! We did a walk/jog for a total of 50 minutes, so very impressed! Can't wait for Wednesday's session! Bring it on!!!!

Went to the 2nd training session last night. Was a bit tougher than Saturday mornings session but we all did well again. With it being dark we ventured onto the road after the usual warm up. We did approx 25 mins of running the distance of 3 lamp posts and walking the distance of 1 lamp post in between runs. It was more tiring and there was more a hill but it was good training. It was definitely warmer too which helped!

Recognised a few people from Saturdays session but there were even more people last night - so lots of motivation! Seems like we're gonna have a really good team :)

I gutted I'm going to miss Saturdays training session because I have to work. Will have to make up for it another day - don't want to start falling behind! Roll on next week!

Went to the first training session yesterday. Had a really good time! We did a good warm up - a bit of jogging, skipping, side steps and step overs - to get the joints moving. Then we did 24 minutes of alternating between runs and walks for 60 seconds a time. We finished it off with some stretches. It was a really good start to the training and we all did really well. Cant wait to go again on Wednesday!

We showed good dedication seeing as it was freezing too! My fingers and toes were like ice! Been out and bought some gloves ready for the next session.

18 weeks to go! :)

So I've not set up my fundraising page. Still need to add more details to it yet but at least it's there! Visit www.justgiving.com/mariatickle10k

Ok, so in a moment of madness I decided to sign up for the Manchester 10k race in May 2012. This will be my first 10k race and although I have been doing a bit of jogging and completed a 5k I'm a little nervous! So I've joined a group called Love Running Manchester and hopefully with their support and training I will be able to complete it in a good time! Two of my close friends have also signed up and joined the group so there's plenty of support and motivation!

I thought I'd blog about my training so that I can reflect on my progress, keep some motivation and also as a diary to look back on after the event. I also thought it might be nice if the people generous enough to sponsor me had something to laugh at - which might encourage them to sponsor me more! :)

Anyway, the first official training session is on Saturday - just 3 days away! Im excited!!!!!

Wish me luck! :)