Multi Stage Marathon

In December last year I knew my 12wbt official journey was coming to an end as I was close to my goal weight.  I knew that I needed a challenge to focus on, to keep me from going backwards.  Lucky me found a running challenge.  It was 12 weeks of training and finishing with a weekend of 4 days in a row, running a total of 42.195km  - a multi stage marathon.

We could run or walk or combination of both, but me being me and wanting to challenge myself decided I'd run the whole way.

This Friday was the beginning of the challenge and I was prepared!!!  Prepared to run long distances four days in a row.  WOW!!!  I take my hat off to long distance marathon runners.  I have since learnt that I will not attempt a marathon!!!

Friday, I ran 10.25km at 5am

Nutrition is really important and after a day of teaching 30 delightful students I was tired, was so tempted to get takeaway, but my lovely husband cooked - Caramelised pork with sweet potato mash, beans and apples.  It hit the spot and was just what my body needed.

Day 2 - Saturday was an early start, at stupid o'clock with my lovely friend Molly and Garry tagging along.  I was going to aim to run 16km, to make Monday easier.  Molly is training for the Canberra Marathon and this was her 40km run.  The plan was for me to run 16km with her, go to the car and grab my bike, catch up to her and cycle with her.  Keep her company so she would last the whole distance.

It was a big day 5.45am - 11.20 am of exercise!!!!  Lots of calories burnt that day and my knees feeling quite ouchy.

After brunch it was home to ice the knees and wear my beloved compression tights.  I lived in the tights, slept in them and I'm sure they helped the recovery of my muscles.

Sunday morning and I was tired and my knees were sore.  I could very easily have stayed in bed.  I don't think the kms were the problem, well not the major problem, more the fact of having to turn up for four days in a row.

Garry and I headed to the Bay Run.  I would run 10km and he'd just hang around and meet me at the end.  He's a great support person.

The 10km was slow, a bit ouchy but doable and I did it!!!  I think the scenery helped, it's so lovely running next to water, so much better than the M7 cycleway

Monday was looming as the final 5km, and I was so glad I'd done most of the kms early, mostly because I was tired but also because it was a big day in the household.

5kms done at 7am with my lovely fur baby.  He doesn't get to run much with me anymore, he's too old for the longer distances and feels like he misses out.

Yay, 42.25km DONE in 5 hours 21 mins 52 seconds.

I can now call myself a marathon runner, well, over 4 days.  And just to let you know, a marathon is not on my bucket list!!!!  Total respect to all marathon runners!!!

Monday was a day to celebrate;

MSM complete
Hubby's 50th birthday
Our 24th wedding anniversary
Jake's 10th birthday (the dog)

Some stats from over the twelve weeks;

I ran 372.23km over the 12 weeks, averaging 31.25km a week.
I have run at the following places;

NSW - lots of places around Sydney, Cowra 

Queensland - Mt Tambourine,  Paradise Point 

Overseas - Penang, Kuala Lumpur

I've been committed and run on Xmas Day (in Penang), New Years Eve and New Years Day (in Kuala Lumpur) and on Australia Day.

My oh my, how my life has changed.

Now to find some energy for the Pinkie Tri this weekend .................. woooo!!!!

Pinkie Tri