No Marathon - Ever!

This is me signing off from marathons. I had a place for 2009, but have withdrawn. My achillies is still playing up and I have an appointment with a muscular specialist in November. Also, during the small amount of running I have done this year, my kidneys have ached like hell afterwards. I have decided that my body is trying to tell me something!

I am not giving up running for good, maybe I will try a half marathon instead in a year or two.

Over & out.

Wishing I was going to London

Quite a bit has happened since I last posted. Had my check ups in hospital, but had to stay in because of unbelievable fucking pain! I was hoping to come round from the anaesthetic with everything finished - but no. There were 2 (yes 2) catheters still inserted!! Top tip - if you are going to throw your guts up in the middle of the night, eat lots of chocolate first - tastes & smells much nicer! Needless to say I was in no fit state to attempt the half marathon 2 days later (couldn't even drive for a week).

After all that, apparently the x-rays they got weren't too clear (sorry doc, that was me writhing). Have had another CT scan recently and now have been called back in for another appointment at the end of April with a kidney specialist.

With the marathon due this coming weekend I really wish I was able to run - but hey ho, I am guaranteed a place for next year.

Good luck to all of you that are running - think of me sat at home in front of the fire with my coffee & toast!

Pissed Off!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday Feb 20th - I had to make the really difficult decision today to withdraw from the 2008 London Marathon. My achilies still isn't right, but mainly it is my insides playing silly buggers. I was peeing blood again todayand have been aching around my kidneys for the last 3 weeks or so. I am going for minor investigative surgery next week which hopefully will sort things out but it is playing havock with my training. At my pre-op check, some levels were too low so they changed my tablets around, which has made my ankles swell, which doesn't help with excercise either. After the op my medication will be changed around again to find the right combination.

I am entered in Bideford half marathon on 2nd March, but that is only 3 days after general anasthetic and not the best preparation. Doctor today said I should be careful so I have decided not to push it.

I'll hopefully be able to carry forward my entry to next year.

I am very sorry for those of you who have been drumming up support and especially to those who have already donated online. Unfortunatly, if you donated rather than pledged you cannot get your money back. But please be assurred that your money has gone to a very good cause, plus you can look at it as an advance sponsorship for next year!

Thanks to everyone, especially Kaz, Jake & Ellie for their support.

Today's Training: Profiteroles, chocolate & crisps!!

Panto ends

Monday 11th February - Panto is all out of the way & I have a week off work - ideal time you would think for pounding out some miles. Wrong. I've gone down with a bloody cold. I'm pissed off!!

Today's Training - Coughing for England

Panto panto panto

Monday 4th February - Had to go to Musgrove hospital today for my pre-op checks. Had blood tests & ecg. Most painful part was removing the sticky pads from the hairy bits!! Maybe I should have taken Paul's advice & shaved my chest for Panto!! Nurse talkied me through the procedure - no gory details here, just to say it involves a long probe!!!!!!! Glad I will be asleep!!

This evening is taken up with Panto rehersals - last before dress rehersal. All went too well for me - hope I haven't peaked too soon!!

Today's training - Trying to look seductive - to a bloke with stuble (It's ok - it was part of panto, not my hospital visit!)

Still Limping

Sunday 3rd February - Got up this morning a little worried about what my ankle was going to feel like.......... Well, whilst it is sore, it's not as bad as after last time I ran, so fingers crossed, it's on the mend.

With pantomime on all but one day over the next week, I will have very little time for training, so an enforced rest from running will probably be a good thing.

Thanks go to to Sue for today's sponsorship.

Today's training: Panto run through & trying on 4 dresses!

Half OK

Saturday 2nd February - Went for a gentle 2 mile jog this afternoon, just to test the ankle. Feels OK on the level and downhill but hurts going uphill. See how it feels in the morning.

Also, thanks to Caroline & Clare for recent sponsorship.

Today's Training: Transformers on the Wii