Yes Race Day!

Hi blog lovers.

Its the day that we have all be working so hard for. Me, Nagging Sister, Vic.2, Smarty Pants and Happy Neighbour!



We were all up early in readiness for the big day. Rendezvous at Nagging Sisters house, and we are just going to enjoy the whole day.

But only a couple of days ago did Smarty Pants inform me that she was not too happy about going on the underground, she just didn't like it!

Oh well, we shall just have to give her knock out drops like they do to Mr.T on The 'A' Team!.



The train journey into London was fun. But the tube journey was even more fun.

Nagging Sister and Vic.2 arguing over which station we should be changing at to get to Moorgate. When we finally decided (after asking somebody in the know), we made our way to the right platform. As we converged, single file, waiting for the train, a complete stranger handed me a bit of cash and said 'Please take this for your charity' I mean, how nice are some people out there!.

Now to the run itself. We arrived at the right place. A sea of pink was filling the streets of London. Heart radio were there getting everyone in a relaxed happy mooed. The sun was threatening to come out, and those sprinkles of rain has not shown up yet.

First thing, loo stop!




Well, its always best to. Now, lets get into place ready for the warm up exercises, Oh yes, they wont let you neglect those warm ups here you know, they are professionals after all.



Now The anticipation builds.

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It was so exciting, the count down began, 10, 9, 8, 7...........3, 2, 1 We're off!



Well, we did get jogging as soon as we got around the corner! There were masses of joggers and runners.

Now, due to only one photographer in our group, and the fact that we were split into four groups as the race progressed, 'Runners' Nagging sister and Smarty Pants, 'Joggers' Vic.2 and Happy Neighbour, 'Wish they could have been fitter by now jogger' Me, the old girl and the walkers, Then photos are a little scarce but here is what he did capture.


Here is Nagging sister and Smarty Pants, head to head, keeping pace with each other.





























and here is Vic.2, but I don't see Happy Neighbour! Or me!






It was totally such a great day! Loved every second of it, Oh and the times for our individual times are,

1St Nagging sister, 31.08
2nd Smarty Pants 31.17
3rd Happy Neighbour 37.45
4th Vic.2 37.??
5th The Old Girl (me) 41.08
joint 6th The walkers, in less than an hour!

Here are some of the snaps of the day.

Not Good Thursday!

Hi blog lovers.

Its not a nice day today, its grey and overcast and that drizzly rain that gets you feeling horrid all the time. But having my little grandson here helped put a smile on my face, as well as all the exercise i got running after him. Still, I had him hooked and focused when I gave him a feather duster so he could help nanny clear up his mess! He did give us a little scare when he refused to put any weight on his foot after running across the grass after seeing his greatnan! (another horrid bit of the day)

Then as me and nagging sister always do, we left it till the last minute to get bits of stuff for us girls to wear while we do our fun run, (I still find it so hard to put fun and run together like that) We walked up and down the shopping malls, popping into all sorts of shops to find (cheap) tutu's. Do you think we could find anything, well anything that will go over both my thighs at once! I ended up buy just hats, ok so they are pink, but nagging sister is refusing to wear a hat, saying she don't want to have hat head after. Well, if she does the run in the time she says, hat head will look positively stunning to what her face will look like, ha ha ha.

Anyway, the run today. Well it was still raining, its still that drizzly horrible rain that gets you down, and I am really not in the mood for it today, and I felt quite pleased when Smarty Pants turned up and said she wasn't in the mood either.

But we went out and we did it. Same as usual, hard going for me, a breeze for Smarty pants. She decided, as she has been doing that for a while anyway, to go on the longer route while I stuck to the 2.61 route. I did mine in 34.43 minutes. An average time.

After a short while of being home I text Smarty Pants to let her know I was home, and to check she got home. She then told me that she 'got in the mood' and extended her run even further!! Smarty Pants!!

For now no more writing till Sunday or Monday, depending on time to write up the end of this blog and on to the next!!

Teaching The Kids To Keep Fit!

Hello blog lovers.

Today it was an evening jog with Happy Neighbour. Smarty Pants chose food and rest day today. I feel she is building up to achieving professional results on Sunday! But it was just me and Happy Neighbour, oh and her youngest son! He decided to tag along with us and give his mum some encouragement and support.

I, laughingly, said that maybe we should just do the short route! And by the time we turned the first corner, that became official. I think I over did it yesterday, my legs were cramping up, should have done a bit more stretching and warming up before we left.

Happy Neighbours youngest sproglet was hopping and running and jumping along with us, smiling, drinking mums water, and made it look as if he was just sitting on the grass having a picnic! Me and Happy Neighbour needn't of worried that he wouldn't do the whole of the long run, I feel sure he would breeze through it. Well, he is our next next world cup winning footballer, and is forever out playing football at school and clubs!

But what did get me as I am looking rather hot and sweaty after we had passed the first mile mark, young sproglet was running backwards Backwards I tell you!

AS we were coming down the last road both me and Happy Neighbour were feeling every inch of this 1.71 miles (yes that's right, were are doing tempo runs, in preparation of the big event on Sunday!) I haven't a clue what I just said, but its sounds so professional!

So this run took us 24.09 minutes, I will have to look back and see if that is a personal best for this particular route.

Oh yes, and yesterday Happy Neighbours hubby took a picture of her with me and Smarty Pants. Its a picture that Happy Neighbour has put up on her fund raising page, but I say fair game, if its when we all jogging together, then it goes in the blog! Right blog lovers?!

Monday Monday!

Hi blog lovers,

Well it seems I have recovered from the weekend! I think I may have over done the sun on Friday, and no, I wasn't sunbathing, I was fixing together the new bbq. I was quite ill, sick, weak and lethargic, almost flu like symptoms.

But today, I am almost fully recovered, almost back to race fit (was I ever race fit?) So today its me and happy neighbour. Now Happy Neighbour hasn't been running for at least 3 weeks, and considering Nagging sister says she couldn't quite run her route of 3 miles at the weekend after only having one week off, then I'm not expecting Happy Neighbour to make me to eat her dust as she speeds off!.

Jogging along with Happy Neighbour looking as fit as I do does feel good. She is chatting along and I manage to answer her, but as the jog progressed I need to get into the zone, so said to Happy neighbour 'I am putting on my earphones get some jogging toonz ringing in ma ears init' but only a short while later the battery ran out!

We get to the first mile mark, (unfortunately we did stop before here, the heat got to us) and I offer Happy neighbour the option of turning here and just do the short route or to carry on, .......guess what?............ she chose to carry on! Good girl (mutter mutter mumble) Onward and onward, till the last turn off for a short route. After that its, the 2.61 miler! Happy neighbour was happy to carry on, looking warm, and puffed out as me, thank goodness.

We head on to the turning that will start to take us back home, neither of us talking now, only the occasional errrmppff as we struggle to keep our legs on running. Finally the turning home.

Happy Neighbour look so pleased that this is where we start going on the homeward bound.

Down the road, I know what is at the end of this road, I shall let Happy Neighbour make her mind up what she will do with the incline home!.

We get there, jogging, walking, jogging mode and she takes at look at the hill, 'Have a go at running it' I say to her 'A small laughter sound escaped her lips with a whispered 'no!' some where amoung there.

Walk to the park and you can just feel the tension and the relief as you look towards the exit, knowing its not long now. And it was, Happy Neighbour tried her very best to run from the exit of the park to home, in fact I though she would reach there before me! But we both got to the door at the same time as I caught up with her!

And again my phone went off! so don't know for sure the exact time, but we worked it out from the start of the Jeremy Kyle show to 10:07 that it was about 35 minutes. So average time again!

Oh and one last thing, Happy Neighbour WAS going to sponsor me but has opted to ENTER HERSELF FOR THE RACE INSTEAD!

p.s, Me and Happy neighbour are going out again this evening with Smarty pants! Now this is really becoming keen!

p.s. jogged with the girls, me and Happy neighbour in 36.09 mines, Smarty pants in 39.12 mins, she ran a whole extra mile than us!

Got That Friday Feeling

Hi blog lovers.

Another glorious day out today, first thing this morning the sun was shining and it was nice a warm

Smarty Pants must have been really keen to get out today, she was at my door at 08:25 this morning!

I'm glad I had started to warm up at bit before she got here. Although yesterdays jogging and cycling had been quite heavy going.

I had aching muscles in my legs this morning, but I knew I could run through that, it was the niggling pain in my side, just under my ribs that was causing me concern. I can only imagine that maybe I pushed a little too hard up the hills on my bike.

But I tried to ignore it, pushed on with our jogging. It was hard, it was painful, in fact I had to stop and do some stretches as the aches and pains got hold of me. I had premised to go jogging with another neighbour later today, so though that just running through it would do me good.

I managed to jog the rest of the first mile non stop, which I am very pleased with, and even started to think that I could do well. But fatigue set in, pains niggled me and the breathlessness kept me from pushing further past this first mile.

Smarty Pants kept pace with me till just the first mile but I couldn't keep up any more, and she kept going. Although today she said that she couldn't do the same run as yesterday as she was suffering from the effects of the sun, she had burnt her knees!

I got back to my house at 35:33, which is my average time, so not too bad considering.

My brother had decided to give me a surprise visit today, so as I was putting the bbq together, we decided to test it, and dug into the freezer for burgers sausages, chicken and a nice salad (and of course some beer). I was quite appreciative of this unexpected bbq because I knew deep down that I was not fit to go out jogging with my neighbour, (no amount of nagging or still quiet voices will get me out this evening) not with this pain in my side. It feels like a stitch that just won't go away!

So cheers Bro, have another beer!!

What A Beautiful Day!

Hello bloggers,

Oh, how about today? eh? Not a cloud in the sky all day long, He was certainly giving us a glorious day.

Me and Smarty Pants out jogging again today. Nagging sister has work, Vic.2 has her kids home on school hols, and Happy neighbour is at work too.

This morning was sunny and bright, and warming up nicely. I have my determined head on again today. After running for a mile yesterday I feel the need to go even further today........And I did!

Smarty Pants kept with me again, she is pacing herself, ready to extend her run, and she was congratulating me when we reached our third road. How she had the breath to do that I do not know! I could just barely raise half a smile and make eye contact with her, just so that she knows I still have my faculties about me!

The third road that we run on is where the mile mark is, half way down before we turn off. I was determined to pass this as far as I could. I knew I if thought about it, if I thought 'this is the mile mark' then I would slow to a walking pace soon after.

The mile mark came. Crossing the road now, jogging still, jogging, keeping up with Smarty Pants. Oh yes, way passed the point where I stopped yesterday.............and that's where I slowed to walking pace. But still, I was happy with that. Smarty Pants, however, was on a mission, she has her pace sorted out and she was going for it.

From this point on I was jogging, walking, jogging, walking, nagging myself stupid all the way home.

I was so pleased to reach my road and urged myself to 'Move my ass!!!' and just go for it. As I passed the bushes I looked over to my house and no Smarty Pants! Shes only gone and done it! She was in the zone, she went for the next stage. The four miler!!!

I run to my house, grabbed my phone to check my time, but darn it! Again, it has switched off!. But I do remember when we left the house this time, ish! it was about 08:50 and I noticed the time on my IPOD as soon as I saw my phone had sweitched off, it was 09:24, so this must be my average time at this distance. However, Smarty pants came back at 09:28! bloomin marvelous time! (mutter, mutter, mumble mumble)

But, just for added bonus (and pat on the back for this old girl) I rode my bike to the local hospital, gave pints and pints of blood, just an mot on this old girl, and then rode back again, 6.2 miles, I was riding for about 25 minutes each way, stopping off, obviously to have test and then to chemist on the way home.

So, still loads of stamina! But when another neighbour asked if i wanted to go for a run this evening, I had to chicken out! But I am going to do two runs tomorrow!

Almost Missed My Tuesday Run!

Hi blog readers.

Well today was a lazy day, and a forgetful day.

First off, I didn't get up for my morning run, but I also didn't get up for my doctors appointment either!

After quickly ringing up the surgery to apologise and to try to get another appointment with the doctor, (another 2 weeks away!) my other sister had texted me to go see her at nagging sisters house.

I thought this would be a good idea. I packed my joggers in a carrier bag thinking that I would work the beast and fat wobbler for a while as I'm there. This of course didn't happen. We just sat and chatted, then all the girls ganged up on us to take them swimming, which we did try but being half term and raining, the whole of the borough decided to use the pool as well. We ended up at, dare I even say this, McDonald's!

When we got back to nagging sisters house again we just chatted, not even a mention of the beast, in fact the girls were just playing with it, toying with the beast.

When I finally got home, I though maybe I would go for a jog, but instead what did I do? ...... Switch on the computer and perused through FaceBook!

But then those still quiet voices crept in..... go for a run, go on, run, run!

I could no longer ignore the voices anymore and rang up Smarty Pants, in my reckoning, if I have someone else to run with then I have no excuse not to go. But when I rang her up she said that she had already eaten her dinner, a lovely curry she said, and had just this second opened a cool bottle of cider!! Darn it! So now it really was down to just me to get my head round the idea of going jogging this evening.

I went upstairs to get changed in to my running gear, but almost decided to tidy the upstairs of my house instead, when the phone started ringing. I ran down stairs and Smarty Pants has changed her mind, (with a little persuasion from her old man)

So that was that. So there we were, ready to do battle with today's run. Smarty Pants was really pleased that she was going out, but because of her full tummy decided to keep 'up' with me instead of sharing her dust.

She is a hard task master, but very encouraging too. Each time I jogged past my usual spot where I start walking she was cheering me on! I managed virtually to jog a whole mile this time! But then I did do loads of walking, and Smarty Pants was still there with me, telling me to 'Come on Old Girl, you're doing grand' which when it had filtered through my earphones sounded like 'Get a move on you lazy bag!' because to me, by then, Smarty Pants had metamorphosed into nagging sister, pushing me to go further and further.

Smarty Pants stayed with me until Greenway and then she took off. So now I was left to my own devices again. And we all know what that means...... that's right, more sneaky walking between lampposts.

Still, it was good to see Smarty Pants when I got into the park, usually by this stage she is normally probably doing her warm down stretches at my house. I kept pushing myself to keep going, just keep my head down, don't look ahead, jog, jog, jog!

I got to my house and looked at my phone. I had knocked off 2 minutes from my usual time, 33:36 minutes to jog 2.61 miles. I am happy with that, I wished it had been quicker, but, still happy with that.

My Old man was very encouraging though, he said knocking off two minutes on your usual time is quite a chunk! So maybe I should be more than happy with that. I had forgot to ask what Smarty Pants time was, still she looked as if she had just been out for a stroll by the time I got back!

Super Sunday!

Hi blog lovers.

Yep, that's right, this old girl went jogging again, on a Sunday, before church! How keen can this old girl get?? What it is really, it's that the race is two weeks away! And I still haven't run for the whole of the 2.61 miles, let along run for 3 miles! I must look on MMR to check where the 1 mile mark is and see if I at least get that far without slowing down to a walking pace.

Smarty Pants was here too, (keen, keen, keen, Smarty Pants has deffo got the bug) Actually, I think we both have! Because I really wanted to go today, yesterday I was so looking forward to today's run, but I think its good to have a rest day, isn't it?

8.30 we were out of the door, IPODs firmly in place, water to hand and the stopwatch ready to record.

Today was sunny but windy. It always feel such a struggle in the wind to keep going. But I remember when it was a bit chillier and the wind seemed to have taken everything from me, today however it feels as it its just stopping me from going faster.

Smarty Pants has decided to pace herself today, after Fridays total burn out day, she jogged along with me until we were level with her road and then went into second gear, leaving me trailing behind her. Still it was nice company until then.

Uneventful jog today, I felt as if I was going well, but tried not to think that, because psychologically I know I would ease up on myself. And guess what? I did slightly.

My time today was 35.20 seconds! my average! I must try harder, I must try harder, I must try harder!!

Still, Smarty pants was only waiting for about 5 minutes for me today! Does that make me feel any better??? Mmmmm!!!! NO! because I know that she took it easy today, she paced herself, in readiness for doing an extra 1 mile!!

Fit Friday?

Hi bloggers,

Its a very late blog today, I have had a very busy but very pleasant day today.

First off, me and Smarty Pants went out on our jog. Then we had some retail therapy at the Glades, and then my wonderful little grandson popped by. Top that off with a curry and its been a brilliant day, (even though we both felt so unfit today)

I was aching like anything as we prepared for our jog today. The backs of my legs feel as if that have been walked on by a whole fashion shows models wearing ten inch heels!

Smarty Pants said she is not feeling so good today either. Her legs are aching too. I think that maybe she didn't warm up so well yesterday after having 5 whole rest days.

Smarty Pants took off today even before we turned the very first corner! And again I tried to keep up with as best as I could, but, today, feels impossible. So I saw Smarty Pants turn into the horizon dot sooner than normal.

Its a warm day, not as warm as it has been, but enough to warrant me bring my water with me. The IPOD keeping me focused and trying to stay in jog mode, but the pain in my legs proving too much.

It felt as if I was doing well, but, by now, I know that is not always the case! more walking spots than usual, but more nagging from me to me to only do a few walking paces.

I got back to my road and I saw Smarty pants walking up the path to my house. Now this can only mean one of two things. First, I have been really outstanding and have managed to catch up to Smarty Pants (very unlikely) or two, I have taking so long that Smarty Pants came to the road to see where I was (more than likely).

But as it turned out neither of those scenarios were correct! The fact is that Smarty Pants had indeed, jogged the first shorter route, the 1.7 miler. and had been back at my house at least 15 minutes before I had got home after jogging 2.61 miles in 35.24 minutes!

Now what did Smarty Pants write on my facebook, she may be fast but she don't know where I get the energy from to do more!

So Smarty Pants, next time, warm up properly, get some good tunes on your ipod,don't forget your hat and bring your water with you. Oh yes, and don't run in a thick jacket when its sizzling out there, he he he

First Rain Test! Passed!

Hello bloggers.

Hi, I know there was no blog yesterday, that's because I had work to do. I could have got up early and went, I know, but I didn't. So I had rest day instead.

Today was the first day of rain that I had to go out in. I was praying for it to stop before Smarty Pants got here from the morning school run, and it did ease off, with only just a spitting of rain left, but still enough to get my hair curling up, Shirley Temple style (Or do we not go that far back anymore!!??)

Smarty Pants was raring to go, she hasn't been out for a good few days now, and she says she is missing. In a weird and peculiar way, I know what she means! 'I'm not setting the stopwatch' she says, 'I just need to get out and run' Well I need to set the stopwatch, I need all the help and motivation I can get, and if beating my PB each time is it, then so be it.

It wasn't too cold out there, but I am going to run with my jacket today, but no water to carry, just my IPOD and keys. (lighter = faster, right?)

We set off down the path along the short bit of road to the first real stretch. My word, you can tell Smarty Pants needs to run, I am struggling to keep up with her already, as soon as we get to the first real stretch of road, Smarty Pants goes into third gear already. I try to keep up with her, saying its only two minutes into the run, but my chest is saying 'If you don't slow down, I'm evicting your heart right now'

So I go back to my usual pace, the pace that right now is comfortable for me. Smarty pants will very soon be a spot on the horizon. Already I am thinking I will do the shortest route today, as its raining, and beside, I want to be first one back today, but that was the only time I thought that on this run. I was running slightly faster, but walking sooner than I used to. Because of this, I nagged myself stupid to only walk ten paces then jog again! Nagging sister has taught me well! When the down hill part of the jog came, it was such a relief! I picked up speed and jogged most of the down hill part. The aches in the back of my thighs were telling me to take it easy, but I am just hoping those pleasantries that are called endorphins will just take over at any minute now.

The rain was coming down more as I got further from home, but I was so into my jog today that I didn't really notice it, not did I notice the turnoffs for the shorter routes as I passed them by. Before I realised this I was well passed them and on to Turpington lane. The rain was coming down faster now, in fact I had to take my glasses off to see where I was going, as the were also fogging up!

I still couldn't quite run up the hill, I think if I had tried my legs would have buckled underneath me. Through the park now, not one person was out there today, not one dog or anything, just two crazy joggers passing through (Although not at the same time).

Down the last long stretch of road before my turnoff, I'm soaked through but feeling like I have done pretty ok today, now, turn onto my road and go like the clappers! ok just go a little bit fast then!

I take my phone from my bum bag and check the time. 26.14!! oh yes, but I did push the button earlier, about 6 minutes into my jog, so add six or even seven minutes onto that and I still beat my personal best so, shall we say 33.14!!

Now collapse on the sofa, smelling like wet dog, and analyze our run today.

Tuesdays Troubles

Hi blog watchers.

Today it was tough going again. And today's blog is called Tuesdays Troubles, because I know that when nagging sister and everyone else read this, then I'm going to be in big trouble.

One, for not taking it easy at the barbecue and two, for not trying harder today, even though I am still suffering from the effects of the weekend. That will teach me, when I am in training. Always have the option to say 'No thanks, I have had sufficient'

But that's by the by. So today's run not as good as my personal best, it was a tad breezy out there this morning, and the temperature was lower that yesterday. So I felt confident that I would do really well. I put my tunes on (my brother has given my my mums old mp3 player, with all her favourite tunes on there, to keep me focused) and open the door and out I go. Put the stopwatch mode on from my phone and start. But when I start running, oh boy, my legs hurt, that was because I did not warm up properly yesterday! But at least I didn't have a headache today. I felt every step, every aching muscles in my thighs and calves as I landed each step, and stretched for the next.

Again I was saying to myself, 'I will just do a short one today, as I'm not feeling particularly brilliant' But those still quiet voices just started in, 'No, Old Girl, you can do the long run, if anything extend it, not shorten' I suggested to myself that I just best shut up and get on with doing the 2.61 miler.

Nobody was in their gardens wanting a chat, no little dogs needed patting on the head, no neighbours wanting to stop me to say they will be sponsoring me, which means no long resting time and no excuse about what ever the time is going to be!

I got back to my house and grabbed my phone to check the time, it was 35:18. Not as good as a couple of days ago, but not as slow as I imagined it was going to be

Oh Summer Days!

Hi bloggers,

We wait and long and yearn for hot summer days. To be able to sit in our gardens, go to the beach, swim in the sea, and have lazy days with family and friends at barbeques. But trying to run in the heat is not the most sensible thing to do!

Now I could wait until evenings to do my running, but I know myself so well. The evening times for me is just resting up, watching drivel on the telly or chatting to family and friends via facebook.

So into the heat I go. Water bottle top to the brim with ice cubes rattling inside. Today, though, I am not feeling too well, (oh the excuses already!)I had a very good Sunday, running, church, then on to nagging sisters house where our brother decided to hold our first of this years bbq's. (Ah, too much beer then I hear you all saying) Yes, there was beer and plenty of it, and food, tons of food and a delicious healthy salad. But you're all right, I did over do the beer.

I woke up, not quite sure what day I was on, had to ask the old man! And then realise that I had to get up and make sure my son was out of the door for 8 o'clock. Then I can start my day off right, knowing that he is not going to get another late mark.

So after having my breakfast of yogurt, I tried very hard to get into the 'run frame of mind' Now remembering that nagging sister is no longer going to be joining me again, and Happy neighbour's bosses have conveniently called her back to the office. (I feel sure she is begging him for extra days so she don't have to run in the heat). And also Vic.2 has shied off today too, some totally lame excuse, which I wont embarrass her with on here, I am left with me, myself and I, to try and motivate myself into jogging.

Its getting warmer by the minute, my head is hurting, and I am wondering if there is any medical reason why I cant go jogging after a boozy session the day before. About 10 o'clock I managed to finally talk myself round by saying I shall just do a short one today, and set the timer and off I went.

It was boiling out there. I feel as if my legs have been replaced my lead weights, and I was so thirsty! Jogging along, trying not to think of the heat, knowing I will probably do the shorty route today. You will be glad to hear that I tricked my self, because as soon as the first short route turnoff came I said 'Ha ha, fooled ya, you're going to the next one' And so I glared at myself sternly and continued jogging. The next turnoff came around, and I was looking forward to turning there, after all, 2 miles is better that 1.5 right. But no, I had tricked myself again and went passed that onto the next turning which is the longest route!

I struggled so badly today, with the heat, and the consequences of the copious amounts of alcohol and food I had yesterday, that I knew it was going to be a bad session.

On the way back to my house a neighbour stopped me for a chat, I had no hesitation of stopping, and puffed back some words to her, until she could finally understand what I was saying. But it was a good thing I stopped, because she has said she wants to sponsor me for the race too, so it was a good stop.

I finally get back to my house and remembered to look at the stopwatch, it was reading 40:18:59. Now I could say that I was chatting to the ladies for a good 10 minutes or so, but I'm sure it was only for about 5 minutes.

But, ohhhh, it was such a welcome chat stop!

Oh My Giddy Aunt!

Well Good morning blog watchers.

Yes I know today is Sunday, and this is not me just writing because I'm bored. This is me writing because I actually went out jogging today, by myself, before church, before son even reached REM sleep!

A tiny bit of bittersweet news, nagging sister will not be nagging sister anymore, nagging sister, is going to be jogging alone, around her area and her routes. No, the nagging didn't prove to much for me, and I did not kick her to the kerb, in fact I will miss the nagging old bat! The reason is that she has found employment! Great news for her, but sad news for me, but I still have my other buddies to jog along with and keep me motivated and push me along.

So today, I thought I would try and start with an early morning jog, try it on for size, now the warm weather is here, it might suit better?? who knows.

The old man was getting ready for work, I was getting ready for my jog. Stretching etc, getting my water ready. I set off while the old man was still here, I'm not sure if that was some sort of amusement or amazement written on his face, I shall have to find out later. Jogging the 2.61 mile route which is the route that I have done for the past couple of times seems daunting on my own, but I wanted to conquer this feeling of loneliness and dread, and 'I cant possibly do this by myself' attitude and get on and do it.

IPOD switch on I'm heading up the road, I get even further than I ever did without stopping but I still cant quite make the whole way round this route, or any other route for that matter, without walking. A christian song came on my IPOD which kept me going as I was singing along, what the people thought as I passed by I don't know.

All the way round I am nagging myself like nagging sister used to do.........hark at me, she only just told me yesterday that she starts work on Monday and it already I'm speaking as it was ages ago that she was last jogged with me............ Actually it has been a while since we jogged together!

Anyway to cut a short story even shorter, (because I have a BBQ to get to) I did it 34:20 seconds! That's my personal best so far on this route!!! so Well done me.

Oh and church today was blinding, Mr.Preacher man was talking about that we are not alone, we are not unique, ok, so he was talking about our problems and stuff, but today I needed not to have felt alone because I know I got all you guys willing me along and Him upstairs keeping safe!

Brilliant day today, now, wheres the burgers and beers!!!???

How I love Fridays!

Hi blog readers.

What a glorious day out there today. The sun is beating down but already I feel sluggish and in need of a sun lounger in the garden.

But I am not going to do that. After me and the little stubborn one had breakfast and a little play time, I hand him back to his mother so that I can go and get ready for todays jog. I know! in this heat, I'm getting out there before it gets any warmer.

Smarty Pants is at my door, looking lovely in her make up and peak cap and bright pink top. I'm thinking both our faces will be matching that that top after todays run.

We set off, after having a huge giggle at what Smarty Pants son has put on her IPOD to go running too, the theme tune for Benny Hill!. I can Just immagine it. Smarty Pants in the lead, me trying desperately to catch up, her weaving in and out, around tress, then, cut to me on heap in the park!. Ha ha ha, yes that is amusing.

We set off, shuffle on IPOD, let it surprise me as I'm getting through this very warm run today. Struggling up the slight incline that takes me to my usual first walk stop, it is very warm! I am needing water before I get there, then those lovely down hills, it just helps so much as I'm trying not to think how far it is I still have to go. I'm sure I picked up so much speed there.

But as I go further into the run, along the main road, the heat is proving too much. more walking then ever, drinking loads, and still got to get to the 2 mile point. I was totally focused on the pavement, trying not to look as the shorter routes pass by me, in fact I was so focused I almost got flattened by a huge people carrier backing our of a drive. Must remember to check drive ways as well as roads!

I finally get to the turnoff that is the begining of the homebound stretch. I almost cry out loud as I turn a run down the road, knowing I am now facing the direction of my house. Up ahead I can see that road the one that goes up hill, almost mountain like at this stage in the run. End of the road, turning left now and looking up the hill. In my ears is Chris Rea singing "I can feel your Heart Beat" and all I could think of at that time is 'I'm not surprised because its just beaten out of my chest and is now on the floor waving a white Flag!'

I tried, I really tried to run up this bit, as I didn't do it yesterday. But my legs just wouldnt move that fast, and tiny gasps kept escaping from my body as I tried. I had to walk from here, arms hanging losely, ignorning imaginary nagging sisters cries of ARMS!

Finally in the park now, but with the sun heating the day up even more the exhilation I felt yesterday isn't here today. More walking, and more swearing at myself to get my 'Carcus' moving.

It was a tough one today. I know the time today will probably be a lot slower than yesterday, what with the amount of walking that I did today, I am heading on the last tiny bit, jogging, jogging, sweat bluring my vision and stinging my eyes. Grab for my phone and check the time. 35:42 minutes! a whole minute slower than yesterday.

Smarty Pants too felt the weather today, she also ran a mintue slower that yesterday.
But still, not bad. not bad.

Emotional RollerCoaster!

Hi Blog readers,

Today when I woke up this morning the sun was shining. I knew I was going to do the nearly three miler with Smarty Pants today! After having a rest day yesterday, (I didn't even jump, bump or grind in my kitchen, to any wickid toonz) I was physically prepared for it if not mentally.

I had brekkie of a yogurt and banana, didn't have a cuppa of tea, didn't want to much sloshing going on. I did some warm ups, stretches, running up and down the stairs for shoes, jog pants, tops, and hairband. Why I didn't look in the tumble dryer in the first place I don't know!

So now I'm set, waiting for Smarty Pants to arrive, IPOD ready, keys, water, bumbag, tissues. 09:15 Smarty Pants knocking on the door 'Morning, So are you going to do the long run today' She says with a smile. She looked well pleased when I said I was.

So, we start. Stopwatches set, IPODS in and off we go.

Now the emotional roller coaster begins. The Low Bit This is the beginning. You're looking at the road ahead, knowing that you still got nearly 3 miles to cover! The breathing is not settled yet and you just know this bit has a slight incline. The RisingYou Can see the top of the hill, you know from there its down hill, A Sudden Dip Trying to keep up with Smarty Pants has taken its toll, and I just slowed to a walking pace before I get there, Quick slug of water, back going up Up Up UP Yes now running down hill, oh why did I walk from there, my friend saw me walking tut. This is just so great, feeling good now, seem to be covering a lot of ground on the down hill. Don't think about where I am now, because that wont help right now.

All round the route this is how I was thinking. Pushing myself, trying to glimpse Smarty Pants was impossible now, she is not even a dot on the horizon!

But coming up to the first turn, blinkers on, look at the floor, oh and don't forget to check for traffic! And the next turnoff, I am not even looking, just stay focused look ahead, always ahead! Oh too late. I can see the road that I shall be jogging on in a few minutes, or half an hour, or how ever long it takes me to do this loop!

Its hard going, I know the turning is by the roundabout, but right now, I cant remember what it looks like, or how far it is ahead. Beginning to swear at myself again now. And Smarty Pants, an Nagging sister, and anybody else who told me to push myself, go further, jog for longer!! ARGGGGGhhh!

At last I get to the turn off, elation kicks in after the anger. Yes I got here, have some of that Smarty Pants Whoo Hoo. But still, long way from home, back down again, but at least I'm looking in the right direction, back up again, its not such a long road, going up still, and its UP HILL Crashing down! Flipping heck. Water comes out, and I walk. Can't run the hill today, no not today.

Getting to the park was another high. It just feels so near home now, and the high kicks in, I love it when I can catch my breath and carry on running. Through the park and looking down, down the long long road to my turn off, to my house, to my sofa. emotions dropping down into my mizuno trainers and oozing out.

Why, am I doing? Why the flipping Nora am I punishing myself like this? Nickleback is singing to me 'I wanna be a rock star' demanding, big tubs for ten, and jet planes! Why am I doing this?

All of a sudden, a picture of my mum comes in my head. The tears come with it, can't stop the tears, they are blurring my vision of the long road ahead of me. A picture of my mum that's keeping me jogging, keeping me moving. Its all worth it.

I get back to my house, dive into my bra to drag out my phone and check the time.

I am astounded! Not 45 minutes as I though, not even 40 minutes, AND not even 35 minutes........... Ok so! its still under 35 minutes. 34:47:82 YEAH YEAH YEAH BABY!!!

Smarty Pants......26:42 (but don't forget she is ten years younger than me)

There There Was One! (Again)

Hi blog readers, who ever is left out there reading the daily blog.

Today there is just me. People had other things to do, work, kids, try and unglue from action man. I'm on my own. Now do I, a. push myself or b. just take it easy as there is no one to impress, catch up with or to be bullied by.

I chose option a. That's right, I am thinking to myself, I have one month left to try and jog the whole 5k in June, one month in which I need to improve my fitness level. So I pull oh my new jog pants, and my socks with bells on (don't ask) and go get ready for todays run.

So this morning I mapped out a new route. I was thinking of doing the route that Smarty pants did, 2.7 miles, but I decided against that, there's pushing yourself and there's being down right cruel. So instead I mapped out the route that Smarty Pants did a week ago. Just over 2 miles, 2.05 so it says on the MMR website. (I know guys, I texted you and said it was 2.4, I just got over excited that I actually ran 2 miles in under 30 minutes)

I was just so tempted to cut down Parkfield again, just jog 1.75 miles. As I was approaching the turnoff I just looked ahead, 'The next road is not far ahead Old Girl, just keep going' I was saying in my head. And as I passed that turnoff heading for the next one I could feel all you guys out there urging me on (even though you hadn't a clue where I was)

The MagpieHall lane turnoff came up pretty darn quick. In fact I was so focused I nearly missed it and would have kept going to the next one! I turned down there so glad that now I am facing in the right direction for home, so glad that I am heading in the direction of my comfy sofa, maybe a bit of muesli when I get home.

On through the park, feeling sure that I at least would probably be well with 40 mins, maybe even 35 mins jogging time.

Keep going, pass the play park, jog up to the gate, that's it, then sip some more water. It was hard going, the stitch threatening to slow me down each time, by nagging sisters advice about touching toes till its gone seems to work.

I nearly home now, nearly time to check the time, nearly time to collapse in a sweaty heap on my doorstep.

I couldn't believe my stopwatch it was reading 27:21:23 I just, came inside my house, collapsed on the sofa and almost cried! I am well pleased with that time. Well pleased indeed.

Another Week, Another Monday, Another Jog!

Hi blog readers.

I am so glad its becoming warmer and sunnier out there. This morning at least, it was lovely, even jogged without my jacket hiding these arms of mine!.

Well, first thing this morning had a text from Vic.2 to say she was coming to me to do her daily constitutionals, she wants to do the 1.75 mile route. Then a little later had text from Happy Neighbour saying the her firm can't do without and have pleaded with her to go in for this week.

Vic.2 did give Nagging sister a call early too, but was greeted with grunts and snuffles and something else inaudible but Vic.2 said it definitely had the word 'off' at the end. So it seems its just going to be the two of us today, (Smarty Pants has returned to her work now.)

Vic. 2 came round to my house, changed into her joggers and said 'So turnaround lamppost and back then is it?' Of course I knew she was joking, although her face did look as if she wasn't. Even when she said 'Ok, well just go a little further to the church'

Do you know I almost said ok, just to see how fast we could do turn around lamppost. In fact I think I did say yes, but we talked each other into doing the 1.75 mile route. Me and Vic.2 are such a bad influence on each other sometimes.

No IPOD today, just me, Vic.2 and the open road. And you never know, if we are doing it right we will still be able to chat as we jog!!

We started off, stopwatch going, turning to go up the road, then turning up again to the long stretch of road. Vic. 2 came to the second turning on this bit and asked if this is where we turn. She gave me this peculiar look when I said 'no, its the next one up.' Its the turning I always stop at, have a glug of water, its where I do my first bit of walking, but today I carried on. Today I conquered the first "walk" point on the new 1.75 mile route. I don't know who was more proud, me or Vic.2 as she of course took credit for me going past that point. 'Its because I'm here' she says smiling.

And it was like that the whole way round. Yes, I did stop on route, and yes I did take sips of water, but I kept challenging myself to keep going, Vic.2 kept giving me another lamppost or tree to aim for when I said 'I will get to this tree then walk for a bit'

SO WHY OH WHY DID I DO THIS IN 23:37:02 MINUTES Why has it taken me a minute longer when I jogged more of this route than last time?! Huge Sigh!!

Oh Well, at least I beat some targets on this route. Vic.2 did well too, same as me, of course, well, maybe 00:00:02 seconds quicker!

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

I couldn't resist the urge to try and jog to turn around lamppost again, so just I went for it before I talked myself out of it

Did it 15:23:25 minutes!!!!

Best I done for ages!! So Nagging Sister, what you can you say about that then?

Yes, Made It To Friday!

Hi readers of the blog.

I love Fridays, don't you? Two days off exercising. Two days of aching! Two days of resting before I begin again.

Just me and Smarty Pants jogging today, I'm sure the others are missing us! or laughing at us, not sure which. So, we went around the 1.75 route. Well, when I say we I mean me, I went round the 1.75 mile route, Smarty Pants went 2.75 mile route. Virtually the same until the turn to the park. Not that we stayed together until the park! But still.

Just for my own curiosity and to check on how well I was going to do today, I looked at the stopwatch when we got to the place where we started yesterday. It was a whole whopping 2 minutes away!! Can you believe that?. So yesterdays timing, although still good and improved from previous attempts, wasn't that improved.

But today, we both feeling tired. I am trying to do the whole get breakfast down your neck an hour before you go out thing. But I just feel bloated and sluggish. Or it could be that its Friday!. But we both set off, Smarty Pants is leaving her jacket behind, obviously to pick up speed! 'Come on Old Girl' she says as I'm faffing about outside the house with the stopwatch and IPOD, 'I'm getting cold'. Brrr the air is still a little cool, even with the sun shining.

We set off, both aware of our times yesterday, (without the added 2 minutes) and both wanted to improve that, beat those times, annihilate it. ....But still those added two minutes.

Again by the second song on my IPOD Smarty Pants is pulling away, I try and go faster to keep up, but the pain in my chest tells me to slow down, go at your own pace, just blooming beat yesterdays time!

By the time I get on to the road with the school, Smarty Pants is a little running dot on the horizon. Now, just focus, listen to the bitchin' toonz. Think how you felt this morning, how good you felt, (ok so it was before I even got out of bed!) but that nice feeling. Get into that mode, think of nothing else.

Well, it kept me going. I wish I could write here that I jogged all the way, one day I will write that, well only if I don't extend my borders and stick to 1.75 miles! But I know I will get better, I know I will get fitter, it is going to happen!

It was hard going, by the time I got on to my road, the bit where nagging sister has told us to sprint I was hurting. I was talking out loud to myself, not only talking out loud but swearing at my self to move my *bleep*ing ass!. Just so glad the neighbours are not about.

Up the path to my house, grabbing my phone to check the time. 22:43:01 minutes! Slower that yesterday, but take off the extra two minutes that we didn't run yesterday and its round about the same time!! Ok I can live with that today. But next time, you wait and see.

Smarty pants came down my road just as my Ipod starting playing #Eye of the Tiger#. It amused me in my own, tired, jogged out way. she came in at 28:04:50.

So again, take of the two minutes and she did about the same as yesterday too! (which pleased me, I couldn't bear it if she beat her time yesterday!)

Blog Extra!

Hi Blog readers

A little extra reading today. I had to go on my bike to get some bits and bobs, its all exercise is how I see it, but this is the thing. I went to get my bike out and it had be adorned by mother nature itself. lovely little yellow beads on silken threads glistening in the sunlight.

Until I look real close and the little yellow beads started moving, all of them, with the 8 little teeny tiny legs. ARRGGGGHHH. Talk about freak me out.

I managed to compose myself and take a picture here, have a look at mother natures decorations.

OH YES! TAKE THAT YOU 1.75 MILER!

Hi readers of the blog.

I only flipping done it. I only gone and broke my personal best by at least 4 minutes going around the new 1.75 mile route.

I couldn't quite believe it myself either. But there it was. I made sure I didn't touch the phone until I got back to the house. Ok we did start a little up the road from where we normally start, but even if I add on the extra 30 seconds that it will take to get to that point (Smarty Pants had forgotten her water, tut) it is still far quicker than I thought I could go round.

As you can probably work out, it was me and Smarty Pants jogging again today, still the same reasons as yesterday as to why the others are not here with us. But now I have my music sorted out, ok, still needs tweaking, but so much better than yesterdays dirge we set off in the sunshine. There is still a nip in the air and when the wind blows it threatens to take your breath away too (We know a song about that don't we children? ......ooops sorry went into toddler group leader role then!) Smarty Pants is still wondering if she will do the extra mile today, going further down the road before turning in. I know I am not doing this........not yet.......I just want to get faster with this bit first, get through it non stop.

Already on the second song and Smarty Pants is taking the lead. Now, having a pace maker is good, I just wish I could keep up with her!. But seriously, knowing that she is in front of me, slowly getting further away is weirdly encouraging. Its almost but not quite as good as having nagging sister push you physically along. Just knowing Smarty Pants is up there, in the zone, with her Phil Collins ringing in her ears, is making me want to try and catch up to her and say 'Oi, Look, I'm next to you' .........sorry? What was that? Yes Phil Collins, her music as good as mine!!

All the way every time I slowed down to walking I nagged myself to get going again. Every time I even thought about getting to the next tree and then walk, I nagged myself. 'Go on, go on to the next tree' And it worked. All through the park, just a few steps of walking, a nag, then getting jogging again.

And boy did it show, because look at the time I did it in 20:23:45!!!Oh yes, 1.75 mile route, look at that and weep!!. And what pleased me even more is that I was back before Smarty pants (yes I know she did an extra bit) but still she followed behind, a whole 5:55:75 seconds behind me!

What Day Is This, Where We Meeting?

Hi keepers of the blog,

I am very confused today, not only that but I have got Smarty Pants confused too. I thought today we were meeting at Nagging Sisters House to workout on the beast, but, so I found out, she is having to hold action mans hand while he visits the dentist! I found this out only after I rang her house and her mobile and Vic.2, (again!). I may be working my body, and I may be working the fat right out of me, but it sure isn't working the old grey matter upstairs!. Of course I forgot about action mans fear of the dentist, or is it that he gets lost on the way?!.

So me and Smarty Pants had a nice cuppa and a chat instead.

But, after she went, I decided to get the laptop fired up, get the child to sleep and work out to fit guy on youtube. There is no day off for this old girl. There is always some sort of sweat inducing, heart pounding activity I can do to burn of some extra calories and work muscles.

Youtube fit guy was the same as before, of course, its the same footage (see what I mean about the grey matter) and of course those perky, smiley, bendy girls are just as annoying, (again, the grey matter, do I have any?) but I was determined to keep up, I was determined to follow to the (non puffed out) instruction, every single movement, every single leg raise, knee bending, hip swinging instructions that fit Guy said. And when he said 'Does it hurt?' I shouted out 'Yes, yes it does'

p.s. I kept up fairly well, but it is very painfull.

So there, today's blog, short, not so sweet, but oh so satisfying blog because I did something, I didn't take a day off, (not that there's anything wrong with that you understand, eh Smarty Pants?)

And just because I haven't uploaded any pictures for a while, and just to prove that I actually did do something today, here is a couple of pictures of me working out to fit guy.

T for Two T for Tuesday!

Hi watchers of the blog,

Another glorious day out there today, even with the chilly wind to start our day off. Today there is just the two of us. Me and Happy Neighbour. Nagging sister is doing secret undercover work, dealing with papers, for the government, Vic.2 has a small attachment with her today, and Smarty Pants feels she can take the day off! to be with her other half.

I tried very hard this morning to load a playlist on to my IPOD, to give some really bitchin toonz to focus my attention on and to keep me at an even pace. But me and technology are not well suited, the darn computer had a hissy fit wouldn't do what I wanted it to do and even refused to shut down!

So here we are, me and Happy Neighbour, and she is still laughing, how she does it I don't know! We set off, like I say with the chill in the air trying to put us off. You can see that we are both focused, we both want to do better than yesterday, (#Say you'll be there - Spice Girls#) looking towards our first goal on the new route, the next long straight road. (#My heart Will Go On - Celine Dion#, this is so not jogging music fast forward). Yes we made it, 5 mins and something, swig of water, power walk to the small road then jog to the main road (Rock 'n' Roll Star - Oasis#) Happy neighbour must be in the zone, she is doing well. Me, I'm power walking, I need to keep up with Happy Neighbour, there has to be at least one person among my friends that I can keep up with!

Now down the main road, jogging on, try to get in to the zone 'JOG WOMAN!' ........ Wow. Where did that come from? Was that really me, nagging myself,....again!!! Stay focused, whats on the IPOD now? (#Where is the Love - Celine Dion# no, no, fast forward) Oh my word! no wonder I can't get into the zone, Got to make a playlist, pick up the beat, get into the zone. Coming down pass the pub, mmmmm, is it too early for a lager? Stay focused Old Girl, Come on now. Jog on, jog on, Happy neighbour is power walking behind me!! Oh wow, I am in front of some one at last.(#Lord I lift Your name on High - Worship# hit the button again) Oh no, even these songs are not pace making songs!

That's it I try and skip the next couple of songs, Joe cocker, and Jenifer Rush purleeze!!! Ok, that's a good one, well better (#You Can Ring My Bell - Donna Summer#) Ok now old girl, get to the park, don't think about happy Neighbour is now in front of you, just get to the park check the time. That will encourage you.

NO! NO! NO! I must have squeezed my phone, because the timer has stopped working!! Don't worry, its not a problem, just stay focused, it feels quicker, it is quicker! just set the timer now. (#Against All Odds# - Phil Collins) What was I thinking.

That's it, catch up to Happy Neighbour and explain! Yeah, I would if I could breathe, but, I suppose it' like a dentist, he can understand you when you trying to talk with your mouth pinned wide opened, joggers can understand each other, when they puff and pant and point at things!

(#The Air That I Breathe - David Gates#, how apt is that) Can't think now, just do our best from here to home. So we go for it. All th way home from the park, keep jogging, non stop, (#Don't Stop Now - Crowded house#) on to the last bit the sprint! I said the SPRINT My legs were just not obeying my head, I am begging myself to sprint along and I am just poodling along. NOW! Sprint, just up the path. That's where I put the speed on. 5 minutes from the park to here. 5 minutes and 2 seconds. (#Shout to the Lord - Worship#)

So had I listened to all of these songs it would have taken over thirty minutes, but I know I shuffled through them, Im just hoping that we were faster than yesterday.

5 Weeks To Race Day!

Hi Blog readers.

Yep that's right. Five weeks to try and jog for 5 km without killing myself, 5 weeks to get fit enough to run the whole way round the Race For Life route of the City of London!

Me, Nagging Sister, Vic.2 and Smarty Pants! Now, between Nagging Sister and Smarty Pants, its going be a close run thing. There so much competition between them both that I doubt even the best athletes will be able to compete against them. It really is a competition between Vic.2 and myself. Who is going to get the coveted third place!

Well, today there was just three of us jogging today, me, Happy Neighbour and Smarty pants. We took Happy neighbour on the new 1.75 mile run that we mapped out for ourselves. Well, me and Happy neighbour did the new run, Smarty Pants went a little further, and still caught us up and over took us as we were on the last part of the new run.

Ok, I expect your ready for the excuses, so here they are. Obviously Smarty speedy Gonzales Pants didn't need excuses, she took off, in fact she is becoming addicted to this lark (Why won't that kick in with me), Happy Neighbour had a sore ankle, she had a slight mishap, maybe those who know her should ask exactly how she did it, its not a pretty storey!, so we didn't push our selves. My excuses is I had yet another wonderful weekend, beer, beer and more beer. It took its toll.

But both me and Happy Neighbour found that we were talking to ourselves, 'Keep going, don't stop!, just this little bit more' I tell you, keep fit might do your body good but the mind, well, that will need therapy to clear all the voices in your head. Now I will admit, we didn't jog for the whole way round this new route, we did have to walk, catch our breath and relieve a stitch!!

We got back from our jog to find Smarty pants waiting for us on the doorstep, she said she has been there for about 5 - 6 minutes. We did our jog in 24:42:74 minutes, bearing in mind, that Smarty Pants had jogged that extra quarter of a mile, she did blooming brilliant! Tut, making me and Happy Neighbour look as if we have been out for a Sunday morning stroll!

So, only to hear from Nagging Sister and Vic.2 to see how their regime is going, (I had to wait for the dishwasher repair man today so, we didn't have time to meet up early this morning), and to nag them if they haven't done anything!

Thank Heavens Its Friday!

Hi blog watchers.

Yes, its Friday, although it doesn't feel like it to me. I am very confused as to what day I'm in, what with the bank holiday and all. The jogging in the evening threw me too, and of course an inactive Wednesday, (well just pushing buggy to shops and back). This weekend is going to fun and laughter and, sadly, more drinking and eating. Its an extended families 50th birthday party, so just got to be there.

But today Smarty pants has decided to go and do the same route as we did yesterday, just to check her timing, because she is convinced that there was no way she did that in 09:40 min, where as I have decided to go to Normans Park and be nagged stupid by nagging sister and encouraged by Vic.2.

I was just getting ready to leave to go to nagging sisters house when my door rang, it was Smarty Pants, and she had already done her run for today and she did it in 16.30. Its still an impressive time! Considering I can only do 1.14 miles in that time.

I was going to take my bike and meet the girls at the park, its only just over a mile there, no problems, and its even down hill, so I should be well warmed up by the time I get there. But as usual things don't go according to plan with us, as you know. Nagging sisters action man boyfriend has had to take the car, which means that I have to go and collect her and Vic.2 from the house. I should have suggested that they run to the park and I meet them there on my bike, and then we jog round.

Anyway, from the park, nagging sister starts her relentless nagging 'Come on stretches, warm up, don't want no cramping up when we go round.' So there we were, the three of us, stretching, bending, at least two of us wishing this was all it was going to be. Then we start jogging. Straight past the horses smell, and for some reason nagging sister loves that smell, strange girl. Its a nice steady pace, I'm keeping up with nagging sister and Vic.2 half way round the first lap, still doing well, its a bit chilly, but with my heavy fleece on it is not affecting me. Up the last straight to the beginning of the jog, is where I start suffering. The eyes watering, the nose running, (at least one part of my body finds that easy) I stop to get tissues from my bumbag.

Of course nagging sister hates me stopping, but she does help me to get my tissues. 'Now, catch up with Vic.2' she says. I can see Vic.2 slowly getting further away, 'Friend!?' I call out pathetically but she doesn't hear. Only one thing for it, sprint up to her, then slow her down.

It was hard going, I did catch up to Vic.2 but then the urge to get away from nagging sister took over and she raced ahead. I was left with nagging sister pushing, shoving, nagging me to move it! 'Your doing this twice today' she says 'Even if you walk it, you are going around twice' My goodness, is she really saying that I can walk, is there a heart in there, surely, that is so unlike nagging sister.

But me and Vic.2 did go around again, sort of. Oh our first lap was 16:03, pathetic really, but I did inform Vic.2 that I have 10 years on her (I am so going to play this age card) and extra weight! But Vic.2 was wary of her aches and pains, (excuses and more excuses from me and vic.2) and knowing if she pushes too hard then they will become a huge problem, so we walked the second lap. We cut the first corner as we were watching nagging sister jog on, we then decided to cut through the middle of the park, go over the lovely little bridge over the stream, and still we could see nagging sister ahead of us. So I, in my great wisdom and laziness said 'ok, lets cut across to the left and be in front of nagging sister and try at least to stay in front of her.' This is me and Vic.2 trying to jog over long grass to try and cheat and get in front of nagging sister! Not a good idea, best place to jog is near the path, on the well worn grass!

well we didn't manage to stay in front of her, she caught us up, Vic.2 again escaping the nag while she nagged me all the way to the car. Somehow I managed to stop the stopwatch so I wasn't sure what that time was we did our half lap in, but nagging sister, she just kept on going, around for her third lap.

We think that maybe nagging sister did that lap in about 11:30 - 12:00 mins, we were busy talking in the car and forgot what time nagging sister left!

We are so bad!

Keep On Keeping On!

Hi blog readers,

Well today we could have gone to nagging sisters house to use the beast and the fat wobbler beauty, but the race for life is only weeks away now, and I know that I have to have loads of 'road time'. Loads of jogging on the streets, in the wind and rain (thankfully I haven't yet experienced that yet) and the glorious sunshine!

Smarty pants needs time on the roads too, so we decided to do just that, around our area.

Here is where Smarty Pants is living up to her name, she found this site on the Web that will 'map your route' and tell you how far it is. Its called 'Map my run'. So Smarty pants mapped out a route running on the roads, through the park and back home. And it was 1.75 miles. Half way through the race for life route.

I am still recovering from the binge eating and drinking of the weekend, and the thought of doing a longer Jog than that of Norman Park was daunting, but I did notice that Smarty pants had suggested going anti clockwise round (running down hill!) Clever Smarty Pants.

So IPODS firmly in place, (and Smarty Pants has found a stopwatch on her IPOD too) we set the stopwatch and off we go.

Ok so the first bit of this new route is slightly up hill but its not too bad, but by the time I am 6 mins into the jog Smarty Pants is trail blazing down pass the school, heading for the main road. I tried to keep up with smarty pants, but these extra few pounds (stones) and added 10 years really does show!

I must remember to get a jogging play list on my IPOD, because the stuff that's coming in my ears will send the zombies to sleep, definitely not jogging material. So its me, my IPOD, my new trainers and my heavy fleece! Just keep going Old Girl, you can do it, jog, jog jog, you can do it. Ok, so this is where I start talking out loud to myself again, as I tell myself to shut up. Seriously, that is what I said. And I start walking again, drinking my water. By then nagging sisters voice was in my head, those still quiet voices yelling at me to get a move on. 'Catch up to Smarty pants now!

I finally make it home, sweating, hot, thirsty, I leg it down the path watched by the now well chilled out Smarty Pants and look at the time.

For the 1.75 miles of the new route it took me 24.33 minutes. Smarty pants said 'I don't know what was wrong with mine,' looking at her IPOD in confusion, 'I don't think it was right, I must have pushed the button or something, it said 09.40'

I am so going to set Smarty pants up against Cruella De'Nag!!

Well I have loads of work to do to get up to Nagging Sister and Smarty Pants standards, in fact I would just like to get up to Vic.2's standards, but I think even she will now give me a run for my money.

Undeterred, I still had to go to the bank, I am getting my hair done today and need to get some cash out. And because of that I was so tempted to take the car, especially as the old boy wanted something for dinner that we haven't got in!

But I gave myself a stern talking to, imagining nagging sister telling me to take the bike, those still small voices saying, you have plenty of time to get there, do the bank, do the shopping and back again, with time to spare.

So I drag the bike out of the shed, grab a bike lock (no way will I have the time or energy to go back if I forget it this time) and out the door before I switch off those darn voices.

Now on the new route map it is a 1.24 (I think) mile there and same back.

So nagging sister, Smarty pants, voices in my head, I have done blooming brilliantly today, with regards to exercise, so ner! (actually Smarty pants to say 'well bloody done' when I text her that I took the bike.)

An Evening Jog! Please don't make me do that again!

Hi Blog lovers,

Have you missed me? Well I have missed jogging! In spite of what the title of the blog says.

Now, me and Smarty pants did go out jogging on Friday just gone, but as I was very busy packing up and getting ready to go on holiday I didn't have time to write up my blog. Needles to say Smarty pants zoomed her way to turnaround lamppost and back, I struggled both ways!

To be honest I cant quite remember what the times on that particular day was, I do remember that I was disappointed with myself!

Today's jog was even harder. Me and Smarty Pants went in the evening. I told you I really missed it! I felt after the long weekend away, eating drinking and walking of course, I really didn't want to miss anymore days of jogging.

I couldn't go this morning, I was looking after my grandson, the stubborn one, who is now turning in to the 'keep you on your toes' monster! bless him. So I spoke to happy neighbour and to smarty pants to see if they were willing to go this evening.

Only smarty pants could make it, but I said to her that I could probably only do to turnaround lamppost and back as I was feeling very bloated and very tired after having the baby all day!

So we did that, I set the stopwatch and off we went, smarty pants has definitely got designs on nagging sisters personal best at jogging to turn around lamppost and back again. Me, I was eating her dust again! She got to turnaround lamppost in 6.24 minutes I got that about a minute later.

On the way back we passed the children that we saw on the way there and one of the little cherubs said to me 'Your mate's got way ahead of you' while her other little friend just rode passed me on his bike laughing at me!

I still pushed my self, I did walk some of the new lampposts (12 minute lamppost has gone now, got to fine a new distinct marker) and I made sure that I ran as fast as I can on the road to my house, being urged along by the neighbours and the children playing footie on the green.

Jogging in the morning is so so so much better than im the evening, you're lighter, you're less tired, and there is no tea sloshing about in your tummy, or your grandsons bits of burnt waffle!

We Beat The Rain!

Hi blog readers,

Glorious morning out there again, but the weathermen have threatened us with rain. Well that didn't stop me and Smarty pants from getting out there and doing our thang.

Yesterday was a bit of a no go with the exercises because, of circumstances, little people not waking up on time for one. So I didn't meet up with nagging sister, but still, a nice walk up to the supermarket helped.

I also popped into the local sports shop to ask advice about running shoes. The man took one look at my shoes I was wearing and he said 'They're "hanging out" shoes!' Well after I have jogged in them I certainly don't feel like I have just been "hanging out". The man advised me on which shoes to get, so today, after my jog, and after I have done other stuff, I shall be investing in a pair of machizmo or magic or something beginning with an 'm' shoe today, and see if that will help with the aches and pains that I seem to get. And I thought I was keeping fit!

So, me and Smarty pants went for our jog today. We didn't go to turn around lamppost. No. We need to build up our length of jogging, (at least I do, I think Smarty pants can do her 3 miles then come back and push me round mine) Its a little further than once round the park wwhere we meet nagging sister and Vic.2.

I pushed myself to jog as far as I could, without hurting my neck of course. I kept to the grass for extra softness and springyness, to ease each and every heavy footstep. I had my IPOD on and there were so many very good tunes on there which kept me in a rhythm to keep going. Half way round I had a little break, a sip of water. This old girl was on the ball this morning, knowing it is a little further than turnaround lamppost and no nagging sister with her water bottle, I had remembered to bring mine.

But what did smarty pants say? 'Come on!' Well,I quickly offered her a sip of my water to stop her from going into full fledged nagging sister mode, which she thankfully took! Then carry on jogging for the second half.

Now, round the park where me and Smarty pants is jogging is a circular bit and a bit which leads on to the circular bit. That was where we had jogged from, and I was hoping to head off home as soon as we got back to the bit that leads on to the circular bit. But Smarty pants had other ideas. 'I think I can go around again' she says 'Just this bit. Are you coming' Are you coming she says to me. To me the pink faced, sweaty, lungs on the floor, I cant even get my water bottle out of the butt pack old girl!

Of course she goes off, leaving me in a heap on the freshly cut grass. I took a note of the time that I had stopped jogging and the time smarty pants went off. I stopped at 13.33, smarty pants took off again at 14:15. She got back to me when the clock showed 20:28. so that's 6 minutes if you're good at maths. And we still got to get the rest of the way done.

After a quick stretch from Smarty Pants, we head of the last leg of our session today. I need to jog the whole way home now, espcially as I had a 6 minute break! Non stop now, focus, some good toonz in my ears going. I'm in the zone now, got to keep going. Chest hurting, pain in the neck reminding me to stay on the grass, stitch hurting. What do they say about that, you got to run through it? Then you get the real nice endorphins, the feel good stuff, that makes you want to run and run! Yeah Right!!!!

We eventually make it back to my road. My road where nagging sister has this thing there, where as soon as anyone reaches that point they have to take off like the clappers. So there goes smarty pants, from 2nd gear, into 3rd then 4th, now into overdrive as the dust fills the space where she was.

I look at the time, she gets there in 4:?? (I started the stopwatch again instead of continuing) and I arrive about 20 seconds behind her.

So guys, I can't figure how long I jogged for in total or Smarty pants for that matter. But she so deserves that name.

But a good day, beat the rain, so hair is still straight, (apart from just underneath), must remember hair band next time.

Doh! What A Silly Old Girl!

Hi bloggers,

Part 1

Can you believe it, I was up early, done the washing up, got the dinner out, washing on and the son out to school all before 8 o'clock. Not bad indeed.

I was on a roll, I dragged out my joggers, and pulled on my shrunken hoody and out to the shed to get my bike. I am going to ride to nagging sisters house, and have it out on the beast for 30 mins.

Its hard riding up hill, and it still scares the pants off me when the lorries and cars come to close to me. Negotiating the roundabouts is not quite second nature yet, and I am glad that the school run has finished.

Up the hills. Down the hills, non stop all the way, except of course round abouts, feeling good, exhausting by now, and the legs are killing me, but I'm there. Outside nagging sisters house, Her car parked in the drive way, her boiler working away from some reason. I knock on her door, all pleased with my self and wait. And knock again, and wait.

Hmm still just me, outside her house. Banging, knocking, shouting through letters boxes. I even found a little stone to throw at the window in an attempt to wake her up, because surely that is why she is ignoring my attempts to get in. Nothing, not a sausage, not a movement from inside the house.

I rang Vic.2, and we both did a double barrelled attempt to wake her up, me calling her mobile, her ring the house phone. But nothing. It was until I looked down the road wondering which way to go home, that I had remembered. Nagging sister was signing some papers for the government today, Vic.2 was having an aunt paint her kitchen, so there is no-one in the house. DOH

Only one thing to do for that forgetfulness, and that's to make sure it never happens again. Punishment. Always works, so I force myself to ride up the hill, instead of going the long way, down hill, to get home. Not only that, but do a good time to turnaround lamppost and back again, and this time No Slacking.

Part 2

Yes! Yes! Yes! I just run the mile. Passed the workmen, who for some reason are spread out further from each other, not like yesterday, in one place so that I can walk some bits when I am out of view. Oh no, as soon as one lot are out of sight so another set is up ahead. Why didn't I pound the streets instead, just like all those other joggers I saw on my bike ride this morning, No, I have to go to turn around lamppost, I have a need to get there and back again, to check how my fitness levels are going. AARRGGHH Why, did I pick there to time myself for my first run?

But besides that, the added pressure of those workmen had me pushing myself harder, even though I did walk, but I did the power walking, with the arms, I must have looked a complete idiot, but I know nagging sister will be pleased.

My time today was a very pleasing 15:38:18, So much better than yesterday, and this is after that bike ride to nagging sisters house.

I am so pleased that I listened to those still small voices, and get my butt out there and do it.

Busy Busy Monday!

Hi blog Lovers,

Its been a busy busy morning for me, and fairly busy afternoon.

There was no happy neighbour neighbour today or Vic.2. Just me and the nag and the very creaking beast and fat hater beauty.

I have my determined head on today. I had a bit of a weekend, so had to make up for it. I should have rode my bike to nagging sisters house, but I had other plans. So this is how my morning went.

First of, drive to nagging sisters, do half hour, yes that's right, 30 minutes on the beast then get wobbled by beauty, quick rest up then off home. Park the car, go get my Ipod and set stopwatch on and go for a JOG to turnaround lamppost. Then back, quick shower and on my bike to the supermarket.

Confession time, didn't quite make the bike ride to the supermarket. My shopping list got more and more. I was looking in my house for a back pack where I could put some shopping, its not as if I didn't try, but, there you go. Confessions over.

So the beast. That thing is not sounding to good at all. Its creaking and squeaking. I think us girls are wearing it out. It just cant cope with all us working it. Now we should be out jogging today, the new schedule and all, i.e. jogging Monday, beast and beauty Tuesday, Wednesday, jogging or beast on Thursday, and out jogging again on Friday. But Vic.2 is still suffering from back ache, and nagging sister is still suffering from pains in the neck.........oh dear people, I don't mean her victims, a real pain in the neck, like I had. So for now its the beast only for nagging sister and Vic.2, and a little extra jogging for me and Smarty pants. (Happy Neighbour still having to do a full week at work). I did my stint on creaky beasty, calories fed to the beast was 237.1 and the distance (apparently) traveled was 10.1 km. I don't feel as if I supposedly traveled that far on the beast, but what do I know about techno stuff.

The jogging. Hmmm, that is a slightly different matter. The workmen out in force again, fixing the new lampposts, but on the way to turnaround lamppost is not a problem, is the coming back that I wasn't looking forward to, no way could I keep up the pretence. But I kept a steady pace, got to turnaround lamppost, a quick glance at my phone told me I am slacking and need to get a move on. The Ipod tuens need to change from Celine Dion, its not a good jogging track! A quick shuffle through and I come across Fox On The Run by the Sweet. That put a smile on my face, thinking of myself as a foxy lady, he he he. Oh maybe, one day, right now feel like a fat old badger. Anyway, I digress, again.

I was well into the zone, and I heard in my ears phones a motor bike, since when was a motorbike in this song?. But when I turned around I saw a motorbike, with a pillion passenger transporting a 32 inch flat screen t.v.!!!!

You see some sites when you go out jogging. Something that you don't see when you're on on beast, unless you call nagging sister coming down head wrapped in towel and no makeup (again) its the down fall of working the beast in her house.

So that was that! I didn't, couldn't even acknowledge the workmen on the way back. didn't, couldn't care that I was looking a complete wreck. Maybe next time I should wait an hour or so before going out for a jog, or maybe even save it till the evening time, before dinner.

The time for jogging to turnaround lamppost and back was 16.16! 16.16 I tell you, bad bad, 'should go out again', those still quiet voices were saying in my head, punishment for doing bad.

Lets see what tomorrow brings!

New Name For New Buddy!

Hi blog readers and fellow victims, and nagging sister of course.

Another glorious day in this wonderful sunshine, what can I say.

I was quite looking forward to today's jog, but I knew in my heart that I will only be able to do one round of the park. The pain in my neck, although just a slight annoyance during the early hours of this morning, was a reminder, that this old girl is not a spring chicken anymore. And besides which I had to make sure I was back home for 10.30 to look after the little girl.

So after me nagging Vic.2 and nagging sister to get a move on, me and Smarty pants (formally know as new buddy) jumped in the car to drive to the park. 'I don't think I will do two rounds of the park' she says to me as we driving along. And even after getting there she was still insistent that she was not going to be able to jog twice.

So after meeting up with nagging sister and Vic.2 we warmed up, stretched our muscles, looking like pro joggers we started on the first run. I had decided to run on the grass with Vic.2, to help with the whole impact thing crushing my little cushions in my neck. (got to try lose weight too, that will help), while nagging sister and smarty pants jogged on the path.

It was tough going. I managed to jog half round round non stop, but then had to remove my jacket, so had a little rest, but nagging sister wasn't having to much resting, and started pushing me, physically to get a move on again. I was puffing and complaining from then on. By now Smarty pants was in the zone, she had her ipod on and was totally in grossed in getting the job done, Vic.2 was not far behind her. Me? I was being pushed along by nagging sister. Why didn't she run off with the other two, show off what she can do. Oh no! She's having to stay here with me pushing, nagging, 'Come on you can do this, you have done it loads of times' shouts nagging sister.I know that! which is why I'm taking it easy, I remember what pushing yourself too far can do to your muscles!

Last part now, I can see smarty pants heading towards the car. 'Tell me when she is there' I manage to splutter to nagging sister between trying to remember how to breathe and keep on jogging.

Well, would you believe smarty pants was there by 13.20! Now you know why Vic.2 suggested the new name. But read the score board at the end, and then you will call her smarty pants yourself. Vic.2 wasn't that far behind her only 20 seconds between them. As for me, well I can in a pathetic 15.16, I pride myself though I got to the car before nagging sister, but i think that was just in case I stopped again and she would be able to push me.

After nagging sister and Vic.2 went off on their second lap, leaving me and smarty pants to recover, smarty pants kept looking at them disappearing, 'I think I can do a second lap' she says, and takes off after them a whole minute behind them.

Oh Vic.2 did action shots, right now, she has only sent one to me, but I will request the others and post them here, so for now its just me. And I don't know about you, but I think Vic.2 has managed to squish the picture, because I am not as skinny as this picture suggests, but I am quite pleased with it. Also the fact that Vic.2 says that the huge sitting area of my person seems to be shrinking too! She is not the only one to have said this. So maybe it is finally beginning to show, all these weeks of training and (not) dieting very well.


Nagging sister.......first lap 15.28 second lap 12.55 last lap 11.26.76
smarty pants..........first lap 13.20 second lap 12.30
vic.2........................first lap 13.30 second lap 13.55
Old girl....................first lap 15.26

So You can see from the times above that new buddy aka smarty pants, wiped the floor with both me and Vic.2, hence the new name!


Heres me, jogging, also with my ipod stuck in my ears, trying to drown out nagging sisters nagging. It didn't work by the way.