Marathon Training recap - 10 weeks to go!

I am pleased to report that after ONE WHOLE WEEK of official marathon training I feel GREAT!
I shouldn't get too excited though... it has only been 1 week.
I've still got 10 more weeks to go...
AND I've still got the 14 mile long run tomorrow - which I am {surprisingly enough} looking forward to!
It will be interesting to see how I manage my first real long distance run since bambino numero due was born...

A factor that I'm having to incorporate into the marathon training is running with a buggy with 2 kids in it!
My on-line training schedule didn't bring this into consideration did it. No.
I had to swap a run this week - instead of doing a short 'brisk' run on Wednesday I did it today and Wednesday's run became an "easy" run  
(well, if pushing a buggy with 2 chunky monkeys in it can ever be classed as 'easy'?).
My husband was away for work so I didn't have a choice but to take the children with me on the run.
But it was fun.
Luca was very entertaining, once again, with his stretches...

...before he took off as fast as his little (yet long) legs could carry him.
Which is pretty fast.

He feels very special in his new running shoes.

My body's feeling good - although I've gained a kilogram this week... WHAT?!?!?!@*%?$!!!
Scandalous!!
Ah well, I'm still hoping to lose 5kg before I run the marathon. 5kg's less to carry around 26.2 miles is all I'm thinking about!

Anyways, had a good quick run tonight - felt really great to get those fast-twitch fibres into action again - they were loving it! It felt comfortable enough and felt pretty quick, yet I was only averaging 7:51min/mile. Was hoping for 7:30min/mile. Ah well.
I ain't bovered yeah innit.
And I've still got 10 weeks to get there!

Have a great weekend everyone with enjoyable running!

The Queen's Deer, Playgrounds and New Socks!

Today was my first run since Saturday. I have been ill with stomach 'issues' - got some nasty diarrhoea virus thing which left one feeling nauseous, dizzy and needing to visit the toilette every hour (or sometimes less...).

Not cool. At all.

So today, being one of the first day's I haven't needed to lie on the floor every 15 minutes until the nausea passes, I was determined to get out running with the boys in the buggy (which I did) even if it was forecast to rain (which it did).

And oh my goodness did it feel GOOD!!!

This was probably mostly due to the fact that I was wearing the most cushioned socks I have ever experienced! My feet were practically falling asleep they were so comfortable!

It wasn't a fast run at all, but it was a good run. I felt great actually! I even kept on going after cresting the top of the nasty hill on our route which we normally take a 'breather' at the top when pushing the buggy cos it literally takes your breath away. Yay for me!

Although there were moments of rain there was a whole lot of sunshine and it was still very hot and humid.

We spotted one of the Queen's deer grazing in a tree by the path.

Such beautiful creatures. Until they start moving towards you with a not very nice glint in their eye...

Our halfway turn-around point was the park at Kingston Gate where I graciously took a 15 minute break so Luca (son numero uno) could stretch his legs and swing from the monkey bars.

On the way back Luca ran down the nasty hill like he always does but didn't continue on with his usual distance as he spotted a juice that I had for him in the buggy and promptly decided he'd had enough of running for today and wanted to sit in the buggy and be pushed instead. I didn't blame him really.

 And so we continued on our journey home. Beni (son numero due) was already away with the fairies so it was a very quiet, relaxed run home. Nice.

A visit to the shops in the afternoon resulted in purchasing a pair of running shoes for Luca which he is very proud of!

Oh, and a football.

Tomorrow is our 14km 'family' run around Richmond Park again so I doubt these shoes will be white for much longer!

Happy weekend everyone!

Breeding a Runner

My husband and I love to run.
And we love to take our 2 boys running with us (in a buggy).

Our oldest son is 3 in August and he loves to go out for long runs with us, the wind blowing in his hair, encouring us to go faster
"C'mon Papa c'mon!!"
"Go fast Mamma, go FAST!"

And when we are climbing a hill, he comes out with "You can do it Papa!"

Bless his dear wee heart.

Once we get to the top of the extremely tough hill on our run we always use the excuse of snack-time or a toilet stop and this is where Master 3 likes to get out of the buggy and do his stretches...

As you can see it's very serious stuff. Oh to have that flexibility!

On the way back down the hill is his favourite part cos he gets to run down the hill himself, stretching out his long limbs - the reason why everyone thinks he is a 4 year old!

And he runs. And runs. And runs. His little legs churning rapidly and at such a speed that we are now having to actually put some effort into catching him!

After running down the hill and playing numerous games of "I'm gonna get you!" he would have covered a good distance - around the 1km mark which I'm thinking for a 3 year old is pretty impressive (?)

So now the hunt is on for some toddler running shoes, if such things exist...?

It has both surprised and pleased me immensely that he should love running so much at such an early age and that he actually has the stamina to keep going for quite a distance, so he even works up a sweat and is puffing.

I'm telling you though, when he does start entering into races I wouldn't want to be put up against him - he has the unfair advantage of long legs that will just eat up the ground.
Ooo I'm sounding like a proud mamma already!...

Anyway, watch this space I guess.