Where does the time go? Six months ago, I came on here full of beans raring to go and start my London marathon training journey. The plan was to come on here, keep everyone updated and have a great time.
I should know by now things don't always go according to plan. A few weeks after getting my marathon place, my brother was diagnosed with cancer. We have been on a roller coaster journey over the last few months, and he's not out of the woods yet.
I've kept up to date with my training but I will be honest, it hasn't been easy, and the stress of the last few months has really sapped my energy some weeks. I've been sensible, and when I couldn't function because of stress and sleep loss, I deferred some runs to another week.
I knew right from the start when we got the news the main stress would be Feb/March as he had his major op and over a month's stay in the hospital, so I got ahead of the game before then and prepared for having less free time in those months. One of my long runs was my home to UClH hospital, which was 17km. I don't really recommend it, as I had to keep apologising for being sweaty, but everyone understood as it was the day of the tube strike, and I wanted to see my brother. The bus home was a nightmare, and I felt sorry for the person sitting beside me. I had taken a change of top in my backpack, but I still felt grubby.
I was five days late with my 32km run, but I thought it was better to be ready for it a little bit late than do it and get injured because my body was too tired. I started my three-week taper last week, and true to form, it's been a bit of a nightmare. I'm not a big fan of tapering, but this time it has been made worse by having a sick cat. She is 18.5 years old and is up and down but is slowly on the mend. She is a tough cookie.
So as I come to the final week before the marathon, I realise I'm made of tough stuff, and whatever happens on the day, I'm proud of what I've got through to get here. I never thought I could do the training for a marathon, so to of ticked off all my training runs makes me feel accomplished. I'm looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere next week, and I'm hoping life calms down a bit before then.
Happy running. Rfc x
Written by
Realfoodieclub
Marathon
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Oh T, what a lot life has thrown at you, and you've taken it all in your stride. Running to the hospital to see a seriously ill brother is awesome, I'm sure I'd have found that stressful. And I'm sorry to hear about him, a month in hospital is serious indeed, in these days when they send you home as soon as they can. And your poor kitty too, what a worry that must have been.
I know, too, what you deal with personally, I bet most here don't know what you've been through here with your own health and your donation, trust you to be modest and not shout about it.
I think you are fabulous, having had my own thyroid problems I know now what a roller coaster ride it can be, you are fantastic to have got here.
Have a great time next week, I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. Big hug xx
Thank you so much. It's been a difficult year. I haven't said anything on FB, as not all family members know just now.
I'm in awe of what this body of mine can do. I ask it to step up to plate and it does. Food has been a major one through training. Get that wrong and you don't have what you need. In 6 months I've lost 1.5lb but changed shape in a nice way. 😀.
Carbs...... Up the distance and I've needed to carb load the day before and replenish higher carbs two days afterwards. So as soon as the distances got over 17km a week three days where higher carbs with good protein. Otherise I had nothing in the bank.
Actually, I kinda dropped the low carb stuff as soon as I had my op, my body told me to and I listened. I still do low carb recipes but I scoff toast and cake as well!!...so many Keto runners do massive distances, ultras even, on empty/fasted, but it's not for me...after my 10K last week I was starving the next day, I'd forgotten about that effect and wasn't prepared, that will be different this week...*runs off to get something out of the freezer!*
I think some metabolism runs on protein and some on carbs. I'm definitely a carb runner. I would even go as far to say mine loves running on baked beans. My favourite running breakfast 😂.
My problem is a small appetite, I normally have boiled eggs and toast for breakfast, a lunch with protein and some form of carb, then an evening snack, might be a crumpet or a slice of toast. I know it's not enough but I struggle to get more in. Perhaps as my runs increase my appetite might increase too.
I'll think about the baked beans, I had some for supper last week, and that seemed ok!
I have 1/3 tin baked beans heated up, then a soft boiled egg with two thick wholemeal toastie slices with butter. I've had that breakfast for year's. I use the baked beans as a starter.
For HM training, dried mango and a mix of half and half orange juice and water with some pink salt.
For 3 hours plus I've been using lucozade sports gels, I needed the extra pick up along side dried mango, but I've also been having a snack mini lemon soreen malt loaf (OMG, they are so good with a bit of butter, they are an Easter special) they come in a handy portable wrapper too.
I read recently that carbs are essential for longer distance runners not just because they provide slow burning energy but they fuel the body in a way that helps cushion it against injuries.
Lemon soreen malt loaf? I’ve not seen those! Yum, I could eat a whole malt loaf in one sitting 😋
I am a carb based runner, I feel ill if I do t have enough.
Oh the lemon ones are gorgeous, it's like lemon curd squidgyness in malt loaf form. It melts in the mouth which is lovely on a long run and it has a portable pouch.
Gosh, RFC - that sounds like a tough few months for all of you, on top of your training - but you have put in the miles and that ‘final lap’ around the streets of London is going to feel very special. Look after yourself on the taper …and lots of luck! 🙂
I was thinking of you the other day and wondered how you were getting on.
What a rollercoaster of a few months you’ve had RFC! The stress must have been awful and such a worrying time.
All I can say is that you’ve come through the other side and coped with the stress admirably so you’re clearly a very tough cookie 💪 You have every right to feel proud.
You’ve got this. It will be such an emotional day and one to savour and enjoy. Relish every moment and then come here and tell us all about it.
Your shiny Marathon badge is being buffed up and ready for you 🏅
If you want a big pompom cheer from your VRBs here then ask Cmoi to add you to the spreadsheet. Huge big fluffy pompoms at the ready 🥳🤗
Wow Rfc, what a few months. I hope your brother is ok; it must be such a worry for you and your family. Thinking of him on your runs will hopefully give you incentive to push on through. Good for you for fitting in all that hardcore training - it’ll repay you on the big day knowing you’ve done everything you can.
Here’s wishing you all the luck in the world. Enjoy. ❤️ Can’t wait to see your marathon badge by the way. 😍
Thank you. Hehe my brother thinks I'm mad running a marathon, he never quite got into exercise, but then he had a very physical job. When I tell him about my runs he just gives me the “you are a looney” look 😂.
I'm starting to feel excited now, I'm looking forward to sharing my event on here
Enjoy and soak up every single moment RFC, you deserve it! You’ve had so much to deal with but you’ve made it through. It’s amazing what our bodies can do 💪💪💪
Tough times make tough runners... and you are one of the toughest people I know...
What you have gone through, personally and beyond, and are still going through, would flatten a lesser being... but you, my friend.... will come through, even stronger !!!
Awesome, inspirational, and you are going to have a super time...just run.... your own pace and quite simply., celebrate every single step... and enjoy!
You really deserve that... I cannot wait to watch the race ( need your number) , and read your post ! xxx
awww thank you. I'll definitely give you my number. I'm going to get it on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on vet and brother visits.
I'm ready, I found out today they have 7.00, 7:15 and 7:30 pacers as well as 20 runners who come in at the half way mark to help the back of pack runners. I manged to see a tweet asking for volunteers. They sound so inclusive. So I should feel right at home. Rfc x
Oh goodness! I have been thinking about you such a lot, wondering how it was going. But of course I had no idea just how tough it was proving to be. What a mill you have been through, and I daresay you don't feel you're out the other side yet, either.So a massive pat on the back for getting to this point 👏
I hope you can go out next week and just enjoy the day. See the run for what it is - a celebration of what you have overcome and what you have achieved. You deserve the BEST day next weekend. We will all be cheering for you xxx
Wow, I’m so impressed by your commitment to your training plan whilst going through a seriously tough and stressful time. I look forward to reading your post after completing the marathon and will be cheering you on 🤩🎉🎊🏁
With having so much to contend with in your life but managing to maintain your own health and fitness - and getting the runs in - you’re well prepared for race day 🙂💪👍🏃♀️
Your such a strong and determined person, to be doing all this is the current circumstances. Even attempting to do all you are is hugely inspiring. I'm doing the same as you for the Belfast marathon at the end of the month, all I have to be worried about is a sore knee (which is gradually getting better) and I'm barely coping. I can only imagine what your going through.
You have done brilliant so far, be strong and continue this for you, your brother and your cat. Were here for you.
Thank you. The wobbles as you get closer get bigger it think. There was a runner on here a few years back who called hers “Gary the gremlin” and wrote wonderful posts about how he tried to trip her up before events. I like to think of my wobbles the same way. I hope you knee behaves itself. Good luck. Rfc x
I imagine your nerves are jangling RFC, I wish you bucketfuls of luck for Sunday, and hope you have a fantastic experience. You and your brother are tough cookies, you are well prepared, have done all the groundwork and deserve a great day and to get that medal around your neck.
Very excited for you, as I think your whole family will be. Your running family on here will all be cheering for you too!
Thank you. I went out for a lovely stroll in the sunshine with my brother yesterday which was so nice. Now to sort out some waterproof as it looks like it's going to be wet ☔. Rfc x
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First official half marathon 
Back panthering in the woods 😻