Hairy Haggis - successfully completed

As a warm up for the main event next Sunday I took part in the Hairy Haggis relay marathon this weekend. Four of us - see picture - completed the 26.2 miles, I did the first 8.1, then Suzanne did the next 5, Margit the next 8 and Angela brought us home with the final 5 mile stint. We all got round in under 4hrs, but not got the official time yet. It was very, very hot but as I had the first stint it was not too bad for me, but harder for the others. Those who made the entire 26.2 miles all on their own have enormous respect from me.

Now all I have to do is rest up this week, make sure I have all the stuff I need ready for Sunday and try not to panic too much!!

Speed cycling

This blog is a little belated as I have been travelling this week and am just back from Denmark. I borrowed a friends racing bike weekend before last (thanks Jamie) after some persuasion and promptly took 14 mins off my cycle time for 20K. He was right all along, and I have now splashed out on a new-to-me race bike which I'll use for the event. The picture is of me with Jamie's bike, mine is the same in blue.

With ten days to go I am reducing the training, but getting the time to panic about all the things that can go wrong. I'm sure I'll be fine, mild worrying is probably good for me.

The fund raising is going well, heading fast to £1,000 with all the various groups who are helping me out, and the local gym have said I can do some promo there on Monday night. If you are in the Livingston area come and say hello at Bannatynes between 5:30 and 7:30ish.

Running Strong

Well I've had a good couple of weekends recently. Last weekend, 3rd May I did the Edinburgh 10K and my official time was 51:49, faster than last previous times, but the route was different.

On Sunday 10th May I also ran the Glasgow Woman's 10k, in 50:45, which was my best time on this route and 8secs faster than last year. I also managed to come 555th out of over 10,500 runners, so there were 10,000 people that I beat. I have to say that feels pretty good. It was a great event with fantastic support, especially the unofficial water station at the 2km mark - I was really needing that water at that point. I felt really strong all the way through and am pleased with my fitness. In the afternoon Jerry and I cycled to a local pub (he needs an incentive to get exercising). It was the first time he has used that for several months as he has had so many problems with his leg, so it was great to see him using it so well.

I also did a longer, harder cycle tonight, taking the long route to the gym, then swam 30 lengths and cycled back again. I was trying out the trisuit I have borrowed and wore it for cycling and swimming, and I have to say I did get some funny looks in the pool. I was hoping it would be quiet, but not only were there several swimmers, there was an aquarobics class on as well!! Talk about bad timing. I also got a few funny looks as I left the gym dripping wet wearing the same clothes I had in the pool, but it is all in a good cause.

I am now believing that I can actually do the race and finish it. I am now starting to worry about logistics, making sure I can get to where I need to be at the right time with the right stuff. A pal at work has offered to lend me a serious road bike for the event and I'll get to try it out this weekend, to see if it will make a big difference. That should be fun.

I have also been working on the fund raising. The posters are up at work and in the local pub and support has been great. Still not sure if I will reach the full amount, but anything is fantastic and I am starting to think that I will get into 4 figures.