RunKeeper Rules

I went to see Hachi - A Dog's Tale yesterday at the cinema. I didn't know anything about it other than Harrison and his friend wanted to see it and it was a 'U' certificate so it must be suitable. I've only just stopped crying - what a sad story! It starts off as a feel-good one but the end is heartbreaking. It is good but don't go unless you have something to cheer you up afterwards.

Fortunately I did. I made chicken casserole with dumplings, and in true Hale tradition, had syrup on the dumplings. They were absolutely gorgeous.

Being off work in the school holidays means it is difficult to get to the gym. When it stopped raining earlier I got N to watch Harrison while I went for a run up the Kirklees Trail. I set RunKeeper up on my iPhone with my partyparty playlist and off I went. I went a lot slower than usual (think Eddie Izzard after 25 1/2 marathons) but went further than normal. The only time I walked, for a minute or so, was when my dad phoned me. I wondered what was happening - The Spice Girls suddenly changed to the Russell Watson ringtone on my iPod. When I got back my horrible lot at home said I hadn't done enough! RunKeeper said different, but then I realised it had once again been confused with the clouds and had thought I'd done 6.05kms. I was in for 10 minutes then set off again (the sun had come out so the GPS signal was good), doing exactly the same route. I wasn't impressed when I got back as it was only 2.89kms (1.8 miles). However, that is 5.78kms altogether, 3.6 miles, and there was only that tiny bit of walking, and had my house been further away I could have managed more.

I'll be out of action for the next couple of days. Tomorrow I'm driving to Portsmouth for a funeral so it will be an early start. I'll have to make up for lost time at the weekend.

End of week 12

It's been a funny old week this week. I wasn't looking forward to it as I had to go to Leeds for 3 days, and the M62 is a nightmare. It wasn't as bad as I expected though and I like having the chance to listen to the radio my myself.

I got my official race notification from Bupa. It is definately happening then. Bupa give you lots of handy hints, and give you a checklist to make sure you are fit enough to run. The stipulation for a 10km run is that you can run 4 miles nonstop and still feel able to do more, 4 weeks before the run date. I am certain that is a misprint. Why would they put miles and kilometres in the same sentence? It must mean 4kms nonstop (I can't do that either but in another 3 weeks who knows...). I'll get sent a special computerised tag to put around my ankle, and that connects with something at the finish line to give me my time, which they will text to me. Very high tech. I also had to estimate a more specific runtime. There were really long ones to choose from, so there must be people much slower than me. I gave a realistic time, as on the way round they have bands playing (I think Madness and UB40), and you can have a shower half way, and a few drink stops.

I didn't get to the gym after Monday until Friday. I had a daughter disaster on Thursday that stopped me. Unfortunately it didn't stop my calling in M&S for comfort food, and walnut whips were on special offer (99p for 3 hmmmm). On Friday, after Bupa telling me I should be able to do more, I had a brainwave. If I went slower, I may be able to run for longer. It worked a treat. I did my 5kms but ran for at least 3/4 of it. However, at the end I'd done it in almost the same time as when I run fast and walk fast, only running about a third! I felt good though. Yesterday I ached. This morning though I could hardly walk downstairs. I was very tempted to have a cup of tea in the cafe and read my book while Harrison went to FitKids. I wouldn't let you all down though. In I went and despite the pain I did my 5kms. I was a bit slower, but not much, and I did it. Half way through I realised that I was amazing really. It was only really 9am due to the clocks going forward, and my body doesn't want to work at that time. I can be at my desk at 6.30am with a fully working brain, but body wise, I need a bit more time!

A lovely family go to the gym at the same time as us on a Sunday - a proper Kelloggs family. The 2 girls go to FitKids while their parents go to the gym. They always look fabulous before they set off, and as good when they have finished, unlike me who turns up straight from bed and looks worse afterwards! I have started going on the treadmills behind them so I can spy. Although they barely break into a sweat, my pace isn't too far behind the, Infact, 'Dad' did his 5km in 42 minutes, and I came in at 42 minutes 12 seconds. I was very impressed.

Paul was up when we got home, a miracle as he'd been out last night. He'd been into Manchester, hoping for a fairly quiet night in some good pubs. He was intending going to The Marble Arch for the real ales. That didn't happen. He ended up darting around in taxis to the different bars, and was danced for in Long Legs strip joint. He's told me how much the drinks were several times so he must still be getting over it. However, he thought £10 for a 'full dance' (put it this way, the girls must have been chilly) wasn't too bad. He did manage to catch the tram home so I think he did quite well.

As he was in good spirits we have been able to go out, and we went to Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival (see photo). It was heaving. It isn't that busy when the Christmas Fairs are on, and the shops and stalls must have made a fortune. Slattery's had a stall, and The Vineyard were there with samples of their chocolate wine and chocolate beer. The queue at the chippy was massive, and in the church grounds there were lots of owls. It was great, and I managed to escape without spending too much. I did have to treat Nadine though. We came back in time to feed the ducks along the Kirklees Trail. They must have been very well fed today - even the seagulls didn't want anything. Last year Paul planted lots of bulbs along the trail from the back of our house. The miniature daffodils are out now and they look lovely (see photo).

I'm off work for a week now. I have the pleasure of taking 2 7 year old boys to the cinema tomorrow. I'll train when I can but it may not be much. You can have confidence in me though, the 10kms will be done!

Week 12
Run/walk 15kms, 2 hours 33 seconds. I'm getting there.

For facebookers: Link for sponsoring http://beatms.mssociety.org.uk/netcommunity/judesmentalmoment

£55 raised for Cake Break!

The Cake Break (which also included a few butties, sausage rolls and goats cheese tart etc) did brilliantly yesterday. I did it at a meeting at work and asked for voluntary contributions. Far more than I expected was donated and I was very pleased - thanks to everyone who contributed. The cheque got sent this morning.
I went to the gym after Cake Break as I was full of motivation. Unfortunately very soon after the 5km mark I once again caught the emergency stop cord and came to a halt. Never mind.
I'm in Leeds for 3 days this week so I have to endure the M62 in the morning. If I get an early finish on Thursday I'll call in the gym on the way home, but I won't be upset if I can't!

End of week 11

56 days to go....
When I started this I'm sure I could run for 10 minutes. I can sometimes do 2 now!
I know I need to up things a bit so I've decided it isn't worth going to the gym (except if I'm literally driving past) unless I can stay to do 5kms. Fortunately it is taking me a bit less time to do the distance now. I did 5kms on Friday and today. The first took me 39 minutes 56 seconds, and today I got down to 39 minutes 41 seconds. Paula Radcliffe doesn't need to be worried.
On Monday I had a bit more time than normal, so I did an hour, and managed 7.3kms. I think I'm going to be OK, I just need to keep at it and not find excuses not to practice.
I've been to The Clough in Prestwich this afternoon for a walk. It is lovely and Debbie has moved to a great place. I've picked a house on St Ann's Road that I quite fancy. I can dream.
Tomorrow I have a team meeting at work (actually in person, not virtually) so I'm doing the MS Cake Break (like the MacMillan Coffee Morning). There aren't many of us but every little helps. I did fully intend baking, but I went to M&S instead. I will make my lovely tomato and goats cheese tart though as it is around lunchtime.
So, end of week 11:
Running walking: 17.3kms, 2 hours, 19 minutes, 37 seconds. A bit pathetic really!

End of week 10

Happy Mother's Day......
I was waiting (and waiting and waiting) in bed this morning for a cup of tea, and when I thought I'd suffer dehydration I sent a text to Paul. Breakfast didn't arrive though! Nadine wouldn't even acknowledge Mother's Day. She did ask me for money yesterday to get me a surprise, but as I suspected the surprise would be her coming home with cigarettes but no present I declined. I was a bit upset though, especially as I have spent a fortune on her over the past couple of days.
I had to go to church to Sermon Sunday as Harrison's school was doing something. The service lasted an hour and 20 minutes! Then it was off to Ramsbottom. I was starving by then so we went to the chippy first. Or rather Paul went to the chippy while I went 2 doors down for the takeaway coffees. As I was paying Paul burst in asking for money as he'd forgotten his wallet, so I paid for my own up-market treat. Having chips first was a good idea though. We didn't buy much at the farmer's market as we weren't hungry then!
To finish mother's day off nicely I did the ironing. I'm feeling very unappreciated and fed up.
Yesterday was better. I met mum in Manchester and we went to Pacific for lunch before going to the theatre to see Lord Arthur Saville's Crimes. Lee Mead was as lovely as ever and I am so jealous of Denise Van Outen.
I haven't been to the gym as much as I intended this week but have still done more than usual. I did intend to go on Friday but I couldn't escape from my desk at all during the day. So here goes:
Week 10
Running/walking 13.05kms/ 1hr 46 minutes! Hooray.

If reading via facebook click here to sponsor:
http://beatms.mssociety.org.uk/netcommunity/judesmentalmoment

RIP Valerie Javens

I had some sad news today. Val Javens, who I lived with for a while in London, died on Wednesday.
When I was 18 I did voluntary work in London for 8 months. I lived between the 17th floor of a tower block in Wandsworth, and Val's flat in Putney. Val had had polio as a child and needed a whhelchair. I cared for her for half the week, and I got all my rent paid, plus food while working and an allowance too. In those days all the London museums were free (a lot are again). I had a ball for those few months, while learning valuable lessons in life.
I had never pushed a wheelchair before and Val had lots of bruised shins while I had my L-plates on. I was a dab hand by the time my placement ended. Val worked part time and led a busy life. I would like to think we enhanced each other's time. My friends and family who visited me while I was in London all met Val, and they were made welcome in her home.
Val had one of those old 3 wheeled pale blue invalid carriages. They had just one seat in the centre, and there was room for the wheelchair, folded up, at one side. Val's carers would help her into the car, then have to catch a bus if going out with her, and meet her at the other end. We soon found a way of saving time, energy and money. There was just enough room for me to crouch at the other side of Val to the chair. She would then cover me up with a blanket as it was illegal to have more than one person in the car. One Saturday afternoon we had a shopping trip to Oxford Street. Even then it was free from traffic other than buses and taxis, and invalid carriages. We were able to drive down the busiest shopping street in the UK and park outside Selfridges (like when Del Boy and Rodney parked outside Sotherbys in their yellow robin reliant). Half way down the road Val told me to lie very very still. A mounted policeman was leaning into the car passing the time of day with her. We got a bit nervous after that but it didn't stop us. Going to the pub at the end of the street was easier as we could walk, but a few times we helped each other home!
Val has 2 daughters, Anita and Nicola, who are both married with children. It was a shock when I got an email from Val at work today (she send me things to cheer me up sometimes!), finding out it was actually from Anita and Nicola notifying people from Val's address book.
Here's to a great woman who taught me so much - cheers Val! And thank you for sponsoring me just last month. I'll try and run a bit more for you.

Sore Legs

Yippee, I did my first 5km on Wednesday! I was VERY slow but of course that doesn't matter. Later on I had my deep tissue massage to get rid of all the tension from my shoulders. The noises coming from my shoulders were amazing.
I had a day off exercise yesterday. The first of Nadine's AS results came out yesterday (secong one today) and it was not good to say the least. Today, my legs ache more than yesterday, but I'm still off to the gym later as I won't get there over the weekend.
Tomorrow I'm off to Manchester for lunch in Pacific with my mum, and then we are off to see Lee Mead in Lord Arthur Saville's Crime. He's lost a bit of his appeal now I know Denise is with child. Kate O'Mara and Gary Wilmott are also in it. On Sunday I'm, wait for it, going to church! Harrison has to go for sermon Sunday so I don't get a choice.
Full weekly update to be posted Sunday as normal.

Can't speak..... or breath...

30 minutes = 3.8km
31 minutes 48 seconds = 4km
35 minutes = 4.38km
The plan (which I'm ignoring now!) says you can determine your intensity by how you can talk when running. For example during low intensity running you can have a normal conversation, high intensity you are a bit laboured etc. I can't speak to anyone for about 30 minutes after finishing, and as for during running....not a chance. I was a lovely shade of red, or it would have been lovely if the colour was on a ripe tomato in a salad with mozzerella, not on my face. However, I did a bit more today!
This next bit is for anyone following in facebook. I'm going to include a link onto the bottom of the blogs in case anyone else will sponsor me. Blogspot already has the secure link at the top of the page, but this doesn't transfer over to facebook

Click below to view my MS page and sponsor me:
http://beatms.mssociety.org.uk/netcommunity/judesmentalmoment

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3

I've linked this up to facebook and it doesn't seem to be picking up the links so this is a little experiment.
I went to the gym today and did 3.67kms in 30 minutes. Rubbish I know but I'm aiming for 5kms on Friday. Watch this space.

End of week 9

This was the worst week (from a training point of view) since the start! On Monday I was too busy to go to the gym. It wasn't a problem, plenty more days etc. On Tuesday I was busy working all day. Then Harrison was ill for the rest of the week, so as Harrison was off I couldn't leave him to go out. Yesterday Paul got the same thing so was laid up on the sofa all day. I thought I was made of tougher stuff, but I'm very wobbly this morning and won't be going too far today! I even missed the Sunday morning gym session that Harrison and I always go to. I'm hoping I'm back to normal tomorrow.
I started work early on Monday and was having a cuppa and checking facebook just before 10am when I noticed Peter Kay was doing a warm-up gig for 150 people on Tuesday night at the Lowry Theatre. Tickets went on sale at 10am, and he was doing it for The Haiti Disaster Fund. I clicked on the link, got straight through, and got 2 tickets! I must have been good in a past life. I read that people had been waiting for ages for 10 o'clock and didn't get through to the site. As Little Bro Ben works at Salford Quays I phoned him to see if he fancied it. He normally goes to football, but had a think for all of a second and decided he'd cancel. I went straight to the Lowry after my inspection and took Ben for a Chinese. There wasn't much choice (or not as much as Peking Court, which I suppose does have a massive choice) but what they had was lovely. I gave the seafood sticks a miss - they looked like cylindrical fish fingers but were actually deep fried crab sticks. They also had desserts, includng fruit. We went there as there was a queue at Pizza Express and I'm glad we tried it.
We got to the theatre early but couldn't find anywhere to sit for a coffee. It was heaving with people going to see Swan Lake, and something else that was having it's opening night. It all went well. I had to take the card I paid with and photo ID (Ben was worried as he said my passport didn't look like me. I didn't need him to rub it in. I'm devastated that it runs out next year and I'll have to get a more up to date photo). We waited outside the Studio Theatre (such a tiny theatre space) and managed to get a front row seat. Peter Kay was 10 feet away, and hasn't lost his touch. He did 2 sets, each should have been 35 minutes but he over-ran on them both by ages. He still talks about normal everyday things. He's got his nana an iPod (or to quote, th'iPod) that she had in a dock in the kitchen. She can't turn it on or off, so she has it on a loop and just turns the volume up and down.
A woman went to the doctors with a piece of lettuce sticking out of the top of her knickers. The doctor looked at her and said "I can see what the problem is." The woman said, "Oh no, that's just the tip of the iceberg."
It was amazing, a great night, and I'm really looking forward to seeing him at the MEN Arena in May.
I've been surprisingly sociable this week. On Thursday night Maryam Khan, our new Labour candidate, came round with about 500 envelopes to stuff. We had a production line going. I did the folding, Paul stuck the address labels on the envelopes and Nadine and her friend stuffed the envelopes. It took ages but was a job well done.
On Friday night Debbie and I went to a Race Evening. I wasn't sure about going but thought I should, and it was a good laugh. We put £1 on each race (last of the big spenders), got raffle tickets, and as we won a race with a big payout we ended up breaking even.
The sponsorship is going well. We are up to £252!
With a bit of luck I'll be able to post a proper training update tomorrow. It is getting a bit scary!