Well this is it. What began in April in chilly Philadelphia is about to end - my first running blog. Yes, I'll update after the marathon, but the lead up is pretty much done. I ran today with Kate - it's been lovely doing our Tuesday morning runs and I look forward to many more of those and lots of other runs together and with all my great running buddies after we have recovered from our little run on Sunday. We did 10 minutes warm up and then 20 minutes at marathon pace, followed by 10 minutes cool down. The way out was great - wind at our backs; then we turned around. Oh my, talk about a brick wall. The wind was unbelievable. I sincerely hope it's nothing like that on Sunday. But we had fun and I'm glad I did it. Because of the back injury, I'm stopping the running a little sooner than I normally would have. I'll bike, walk, swim in the next few days and let my back recover as much as possible to give myself as good a chance of doing a good marathon as possible. On Sunday, I expect a sub 4 hour will be tough. I do think my running buddies will do it, though. They are definitely ready. I'll be thrilled if I come close, but of course I'll give it my best shot.

I've been a bit slack with my posting so I have some catching up to do. Last Monday I decided to do nothing after the half. I had considered the pool, but ended up not going. Tuesday, a group of us met for our 5.30am Mona's session. I found the pace running hard on my back and felt quite sore afterwards - it's a worry this close to the marathon. On Wednesday, I decided instead to go to the gym. I hopped on the bike for 30 minutes, then did 3km on the treadmill - it's interminable!

Thursday we did the track and I really wasn't in shape for that. By lap 3 I was already struggling and it took all my willpower to keep going. It was probably the one time I should have withdrawn, but I was worried about how that would make me feel ahead of the marathon. I pulled up really sore after track - my physio says because it involves going left the whole time, it requires your right side to do most of the work as that's where you're leading from, and as it's my right side that's the problem that really exaccerbated things.

Saturday I did 40 minutes and it was really painful. The rest of the day I was in agony, I couldn't sit in the car so had to cancel a visit to see my Mum. I decided to take an anti-inflam and some panadol. I think it helped a bit, because I was less sore by the evening (some good stretching helped too).

I was really nervous about Sunday's run - 15km! I took anti-inflams, got Sugar to strap my back and wore compression tights. It all helped quite a bit. Aside from when I ran across the Windan bridge (solid concrete), I wasn't in much pain, though when I hit the concrete in Ascot, my right quad began to tighten and I started running as though with a limp. I really hope this is sorted by marathon day, or it will be a long, long day!

Two-weeks and counting. Today was a bit of a dress-rehearsal for the big day. We wore the outfits we'll be wearing on marathon day and definitely all looked the part - Trish, Kate, Viv, Rod and me all turning up in our Simon Says Sub 4 shirts (Mary-Anne will make our group 6 on the day). The run went okay - had a few struggles during the tempo phases with tight calf muscles (looks like because of my back problems), but managed okay and after a stretch I was able to keep a comfortable pace all the way back. Trish and Kate came home in a handy 1.56.50 odd and Viv was just a bit behind (after a pit stop) in 1.57 something, then came Rod and I ambled in at 2.02. My biggest concern now is how sore my back is after the run. Monday I decided not to run or even go for a swim as it really has been hurting a lot. A physio visit was really necessary and hopefully will see it settle tomorrow. I'm concerned as it seemed to be getting a lot better last week and now seems to have regressed a bit - I guess it didn't like the concrete pounding during the half. Now I just have to hope it heals before the 5th!

I woke up earlier than I had intended, and knowing it was going to be a really blustery day, I decided to head out promptly and try to beat the weather. After much scoffing from Sugar, who was sure I'd get caught out, I set out around 6.20am for a 45 minute or so recovery run. I had the wind behind me on the way out and knew it would be a tough return. After 4km I turned around and while it was blustery, it wasn't as bad as I had expected. I hit a few high wind pockets, but overall it wasn't too bad. I turned up the road to home and felt the force of the wind then, but since it's just a couple of 100m I wasn't exactly bothered. I got home, was inside doing a stretch when I heard the rain begin and the winds really pick up. I dodged a bullet again!

There was no way on earth I could have managed a tempo today - just no juice in the tank. I set out with Viv, Kate, Trish and Damien. Trish was really good and did her tempo, with Damien pushing her along. Kate, Trish and I decided on a more lesiurely pace to save ourselves for Sunday, when we plan to throw in a little tempo. We had planned on marathon pace, but even that was hard. Talk about fatigue! Sadly, I now have visions of the day after marathon and no more running for a week or two - and I still have that 42.195km to get through! Still, the highlight of the day was the arrival of the shirts that we'll wear on marathon day. Kate did such a great job organizing all that. It will be a surprise for all when we roll them out, probably on Sunday for the half (you have to test drive the shirts before the big day!)

I also got to see Simon (Biscuitman) out there today. My apologies Simon if I blinded you when I turned to say hello! I forget how bright my head lights are. They're fantastic when we're running in dark spots, but they tend to create confusion for runners, walkers and cyclists (the last is just for fun, of course)!

We set out for our Mona's session today, Tuesday, with a bigger crowd than normal - Trish, Viv, Kate and I. Days of Voltarin were starting to take their toll and I soon needed a bathroom break. But the authorities of South Perth, in their wisdom, had locked the toilets, so it was a very uncomfortable run to the other side. I'm afraid it really messed with my Mona's session, and messed with everyone else's too (I'm the keeper of the watch) which I felt really bad about. Oh well, no more anti-inflams I think. The back is more or less on the mend so I can manage with a couple of Panadol and some toughen-up. The other issue was the blisters, which is a bit of a worry. I very fortunately got into see the brilliant Darren Sargent (podiatrist) who had the delightful job of getting rid of dead skin and buffing my seriously calloused feet (poor man). I've got a bit of an ulcer on one, but not too bad just yet, and another appointment with him on Friday so I know he'll get me through the next couple of weeks - after that it's time to find a longer-term solution (an orthotic adjustment perhaps) and enjoy a week or two of utter relaxation. I'll give running a miss tomorrow to helpd the feet heal and perhaps hit the gym for a bike session and some stretching (I've had enough do nothing days for now!)

After a very lovely Sunday (a stretch session with Kate, Jane and Cheryl - and a vague attempt at stretching by Rich), I did my usual KP loop on Monday. I met up with Viv, Damien, Jo and Di (Sugar came along for the ride but did his own run). It's funny, but these days I seem to do that run at the same pace every time. One day I'll have to try going slower or really pushing it (but that won't be until the marathon is done). Very annoyingly, I seem to have developed another blister. I think the new orthotics might be creating some issues, or it could just be that with my back being sore I'm running a little gingerly. Nevertheless, I do love this run. I'll probably skip it for a while now - next week is the half so a rest on Monday is wise and the following Monday is perhaps getting a little close to the marathon (the ones thereafter are out of the question). Still, it's good to know that when I get back to this it will actually be getting lighter again, if barely perceptible.

After a quiet, exercise free Friday, Saturday was set to be the last big long run leading up to the marathon. We had a large gathering at Zamia's at 6.45am -- Kate, Trish, Viv, Mary-Anne, Rod, Paul, myself and for part of the run Delia. There was much energy to be had and most of the group were soon doing a cracking pace - drawn on by the speedy Delia and perhaps eager to try out marathon pace. Kate and I decided a marathon-paced run just three weeks out would be a bad idea so we enjoyed a more leisurely pace. I felt okay until we got to Applecross and then the concrete was really jarring on my back. After a short detour to find some facilities (Heathcote is quite a climb and we had to beg them to open the toilets) we continued but I was less than keen to do 32km as I was hurting a lot by now (about 13km into the run). I suggested to Kate I would turn around at 15km and she very kindly agreed that would be fine for her. I think we were both massively relieved when the Garmin said 15km. At this stage the rest of the group (minus Delia who had left us at 11km and Rod who turned around at 13km with heel/Achilles pain) were still out on their 32km. We stopped for a water and gel at the Applecross tennis courts and the others caught up with us. It wasn't long, however, before they were off again. We shrugged and carried on at our steady pace. Even so, this was a really tough run. At the Narrows we had a water stop and when I suggested I would walk up the bridge (by this time hills were really hurting my back), Kate was more than happy to agree. We ran again come Mounts Bay Road but as we neared Kings Park Road (a shorter return) we both agreed we'd had enough. A short walk up the steep hill then a run along the road and down a little short cut and we were back at Zamia's. Boy was that sign a fantastic sight and never was breakfast more enjoyed.

I was really sad that Trish had had a battle at the end and was worried about what it meant. To be honest, I wasn't too concerned about this being a tough run - it's at the end of a very long, tiring programme (just a week after our epic 38km) and I know the taper will take care of the weariness. We just have to trust in the training. Now all I need is for the back to heal and the blisters to stop popping up!

No sooner were the blisters more or less healed then a new and bigger problem emerged. Wednesday evening during a daily park visit with Sugar and our dog Zoe, I was taken out by two dogs. They had been very exuberant and I was really concerned. I saw them head out wide for a big run but there was no way of working out there direction until it was too late. They hurtled into me, threw me in the air and I landed flat on my back. Because I am clearly not sane, I decided to try a run the next day. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. The first couple of KM I was a bit sore, though no worse than just standing so I decided to keep going. Pace was a bit of an issue and even though we were warming up, I just couldn't hold onto Viv and Trish until we were about 2km into the run, then I managed to catch up and everything started to feel better. After 3 1/2 KM we began our tempo. I managed 45 minutes of this (with one quick stop for a Gu and some water as carrying a bottle or belt today was not an option), then a cool down with Viv, who had caught me after a quick bathroom break. I did cut it a bit short, choosing the 14km instead of 15.5km, but I think I can give myself a brave medal. I'm so pleased this worked out.

The best part of this was my better half. Sugar, being the best spouse any girl could ever ask for, got out of bed at the ungodly hour of 4.45am, loaded up his bike and cycled alongside me (shivering all the way but never complaining). I'm lucky in many, many ways. The dog accident could have been a lot worse, I ran okay if not fabulously, and Sugar is a real Honey :)

After taking a day off, the feet were feeling a little better so, rather tentatively, I decided on a run. I joined Trish at around midday in King's Park for an 8.4km hilly run. The foot was a little uncomfortable, but not too bad; mostly though I just felt tired. Trish commented that she felt the same, so clearly our 38km on Saturday had some effect on both of us. Still, what a relief to be running again especially as afterwards my foot felt no worse. Looks like I'm over the hump on that one.

Today, Tuesday, I realised that intervals was not going to be an option. I'd told Viv the night before that I wouldn't make the morning session but when I got up I knew evening intervals would be a bad idea, too. Instead, I made my way to the gym (just as well I still have a membership at Melville, despite not using it that much) and did an interval session on the bike instead. This was a really hard workout and I sweated buckets, much to the horror of the gym girls who use cardio machines to do a little gentle peddaling or walking while they read their magazines (who knew fitness could be sooooooooo easy :) It felt great to get the heart rate up, even if it wasn't from running. I even did a few weights (okay, about 10 minutes worth) and then some good stretching to finish off. Tomorrow, I sincerely hope I can get back out there for a run ... 

I decided on Sunday not to run and instead went to support Sugar at Lake Monger. Foolishly, I wore the wrong shoes for standing around in wet grass (who knew the grass would be wet and that would be the only place to stand) and the blister I developed on Saturday turned quite nasty. I hobbled through most of the day but woke up Monday a little less sore and decided to go ahead with the run. I met Jo and Damien at King's Park at 6.15am - one of my favourite runs of the week. I could feel the blister the whole way, though not too painful, but it did distract from an otherwise lovely run. I tried to focus on coversation rather. Still, not sure if this was the best idea. The rest of Monday the blister was really sore - all red and just in that spot of the foot where it's difficult not to put weight on it. I joined Trish at Next Generation at lunchtime for a fantastic steam room and pool session, which was really relaxing, and then put my feet up (while working, mind you) for the rest of the day. 

With the biggest day of the marathon programme dawning, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being a little apprehensive. Saturday began very chilly, but with very little wind, which was blissful. We had a lovely big group for our run and began very jauntily. But I think most of us were a little nervous and we were quieter than usual (mind you, with those pipeline hills talking is quite an effort!). I felt pretty good along most of the pipeline though the road up to Jacoby Park was a haul and when we hit the short steep climb that takes us in the direction of the Discovery Centre, it was time for a bit of a walk. Another KM or so further on and we were at the Discovery Centre - 17.5km, but still not quite halfway into our run! The water stop and second Gu were most welcome and best of all we got to regroup. We all left together again, though with the stop I did find it hard to get moving again. I was running okay, but there was no chance of getting any pace so I stayed at the back of the pack. I was also worrying a bit about the big hill coming up as it was one I'd never done before.

Nicknamed Ian's hill, the climb up to Sawyer's Valley is long and pretty steep, though the gradient is reasonable enough to be able to run it the whole way. I was so happy with how I managed this one - so much better than I had imagined. It is relentless, but I found by keeping my head down and just focusing on the steps ahead of me I could keep going without a break. I made it to the top and the water towers and felt overjoyed, until I saw the big dip and another rise. Kate said the next hill went very quickly and she was spot on - nothing like the previous hill. At the top we were at the road and a short way down to the store where Kate, Viv, Trish, Jody and I stocked up on coke, gatorade and water (the others kept going - they don't know what they were missing). I hate coke, but today it was wonderful! A few belches later and we were on our way, across the road and to the entrance of the Heritage Trail that would take us back (in another 13-15km) to Darlington. Again, there was no way I could muster any speed - the long stop just causes my legs to cease up and refuse to do any pace, but as long as I went along steadily I felt fine. Viv ran with me to the statues. Kate, Jody and Trish were just up ahead and taking a gel and a stretch. This would be our last push - 9.2km to go!

Viv must have taken her Weetabix today, because she took off down the hill with Jody (and I heard did another KM or so beyond the finish!). Kate, Trish and I decided on a more leisurely return. At Glen Forest (about 3km from the finish), Trish was looking strong and kept going. I had a cramp in my quad so needed a short walk and refuel on Gatorade. Kate really kindly walked with me - she's such a champ. We kept the walk short, just to the little bridge, so about 150m, then got going again. It was good to walk rather than stop - that seems to work better for me. The last few KMs were just a matter of mind over matter. I wasn't sore or cramping, just tired. We both felt that way and got one another to the finish. Just 200m from the finish, we came across the most gorgeous horse. I was thinking it might be easier doing this on horseback! We got back to the tree for a hug, some liquids and a stretch. What a gorgeous run - really tough. We were just 4km or so shy of the marathon and on a much, much tougher course. I think we'll survive okay.

(addendum: Sunday I've pulled up okay, aside from a really nasty blister. I'm hoping by Monday it will be okay for a run, though I have a feeling running on it will probably toughen me up, so I'd best just get out there. Four more weeks to go ...)

Less than 12 hours later and I was back at Mends Street for a 9.5km. Despite the 14km the night before I felt okay, though the legs were not going to do anything fast. We set off at 6am - I only just made it as the Thursday girls were just about to head off. They did a pretty good pace the first 3km but after a quick drink Gina and I pressed on, still at a gentle but steady pace. As we got to the Causeway we heard a voice - Viv had done a tempo to catch up. Gina then took off - she had a lot more energy in her legs than we did - and Viv and I enjoyed a gentle run to the belltower, where we waited a couple of minutes for the others and then took off with Irene and Delia, before parting ways with Delia at the Narrows. I was pleased how decent I felt - certainly wouldn't have been able to do any pace, but given the half marathon on Sunday and the 14km the night before I really managed this one fine

Wednesday I headed down to the club in the evening for a 14 or 15km. I wasn't overly tempted as it had been raining off and on all afternoon and the trees were blowing around quite a bit, but who knows what kind of day marathon day will be. I ran with Jo and Mary-Anne. Jo was happy to go slow (her slow is a good pace for me) and so we set off at a gentle pace. The Perth side was pretty windy, but not as bad as I'd imagined and I was keeping up okay with Jo and Mary-Anne until we were a couple of KMs along on the South Perth side, by then I was starting to tire and Mary-Anne and Jo had picked up the pace a bit. It was enough just to keep doing the same pace so I watched as they become smaller dots and decided not to try to keep up. I was tired when I finished, but otherwise okay and glad to have the longer mid-week run out the way. We briefly lost Mary-Anne, who went off to find a toilet, but all was well in the end. Losing a running partner would not be good

Back in Perth and Mona's session beckoned. Kate and I met at 5.30am for our usual lovely run. We were both tired and stiff from our respective PBs (Kate did a 3 minute PB, at 1:48:30!) so took it very gently. Even the sprint part was more leisurely than normal, but it was great to remind the body that it can do some speed. I do love the Tuesday morning session - it's tough getting up so early but once I'm there I know it will be a great run, and I love our Tuesday conversation. No doubt we'll have more umph for our session next week, but we did pretty well all things considered!

Sunday night I did something I haven't done in 6 weeks - I had a glass of wine. It was lovely! I didn't plan on running the next morning, but Jo had decided to do a 4km recovery and Claire and I persuaded one another to join her. It was a slow jog out and on the way back Jo and Claire picked up the pace; I started to for a minute then remembered, this is a recovery run, so I enjoyed a gentle, solitary 2km back to the chalet. Sugar had headed out earlier for his tempo and about 1km from home I could see a dot behind me. He caught me 800m later (he is fast) and we jogged back the last 100m together (probably the only run we'll do together all year!). I felt good and pain free, but better yet Sugar had a great run - no pain, heart rate down and back close to his fabulous pace. Couldn't be a better running weekend and social break. I'll be back at Elleker next year for sure.

After checking out of the luxury spa place (yes, I'm going on about it a bit), we headed to Elleker where we were sharing a more modest place with Claire and Jo. While the accommodation was a bit of a come down, the company was fabulous and the stay so much fun it didn't matter at all. Anyway, I digress. Sunday morning was half marathon day. We were all pretty nervous - Claire because it was her first longer run (and race) since the London marathon, Jo because it was her first marathon in a long time (plus being so speedy she has a lot of pressure put on her), and me because races just stress me out. Kate was there too, staying in another place; we had got together the previous evening for a stretch session. She, too, was nervous, but I had little doubt she'd do a great time. We got to the start of the race with more than half an hour to spare. Kate and I decided to do a short warm up, more because we were cold than anything else. The Albany runners put on such a great race and this year was no exception. 

We began a little after 8.30am. It's a tough start and finish as you run past the start/finish to a cone down the road then out onto the main road. You do that again at the halfway and at the finish. I felt pretty good at the start and was going along at a nice pace, sitting just behind a couple of local female runners. One dropped back after 2km and I stuck to the faster one. Then some male runner decided he didn't want to be behind a couple of girls, so he surged past and plonked himself in front of both of us. The other girl overtook him, but he seemed to be holding her pace, so I was happy where I was. Then his pace dropped and dropped. Realising this, I went past him, which seemed to bother him as he did another surge, went past me, held the pace for a short while then slowed down gradully. I was battling at this stage but pulled past him again and again he did a surge and slowed down. I got near the drinks station, took my gel on the run and had a brief walk to get the water down. Mr. Annoying (as I've now decided to name him) had meanwhile carried on, but I soon caught him again. And yet again we played this game of him surging, slowing. Finally at about 7km we got a nice steep hill, which seemed to finish him off. Sorry to revel in someone else's bad experience, but yay! That was the last I saw of him. We were getting close to the main road and back to the start/finish area where we would do the same loop again. In KMs 7 to 9 I'd had a few runners race past me but soon realised these were the 10km lot. One of them was worse than Mr. Annoying - I will call him Mr. Gross because of the amount of mucous that seemed to be spurting from him - hack, spit, gag - what more can I say. Fortunately I didn't have to put up with him for long.

Lap two and I was feeling heaps better. I'd got into more of a rhythm and was enjoying the fact that I was more than half way there. I soon caught up with the girl I'd been tracking early on. She had started to struggle (probably not helped by her coach/friend/what have you who kept driving past and calling out instructions). But the two of us had a great run together for a while. She picked up the pace and I hung onto her, then as she tired I went past and she hung onto me. We kept this up to the 17km mark, going past 5 or 6 fading runners. At that stage, we hit the steep(ish) hill again. I don't mind hills so I just leaned into it and maintained the pace (more or less). She hung on but sadly ran out of steam at the top and stopped and walked. So I was then alone for the last 4km. I was feeling motivated and kept strong, passing another two runners. KM 19 to 20 was tough, but I held it together, of which I'm really proud. Then it was around the corner and back to the start/finish area where friends were yelling out support as I made my way one last time to the cone and back. As I got closer to the finish I could hear Kate should "come on Kimmy" so I pushed a bit harder. I saw the clock at about 100m out - if I pushed I would definitely come under 1:53, so I did my best tired legged imitation of a sprint, finishing in 1:52:49 (48, according to the photo finish, but there you have it). I felt a bit queasy for a few minutes - a sign of a race well run - but then felt so good. I did a PB, but most of all I beat my race demons. Now I'm totally excited about the Perth marathon!

It was a lovely weekend away in Denmark and Elleker, with a half marathon thrown in the middle. Saturday morning we woke up in our luxury spa suite in Denmark and dragged myself out into the cold morning. Sugar did the same and we headed off on a dirt track for our runs (his at a somewhat faster pace than mine). It was all about doing it easy - 30 minutes with a few 30 second half marathon pace "sprints" thrown in. I felt great and found it was nowhere near as cold as I'd thought and quickly found the gloves too warm. I was happy to finish and return to the luxury spa suite and a nice, hot shower (the place had heated bathroom floor - what more can I say!)