13.92km - My personal best so far - mostly run

This long and circuitous route happened mainly because I got lost slightly. Ended up reaching a dual carriageway that I had to retrace my path from. Didn't manage to run it all, as I was negotiating finding directions and a few rather steep hills on the return-path.

http://runkeeper.com/user/Withoutmalice/activity/15404675

The weather was fantastic, and this route takes you through beautiful paddocks and fields. I made the mistake of not carrying water or anything to eat - so pretended to do Ray Mears eating berries on the way. Some pictures are tagged using Runkeeper. I found that the ForeRunner GPS works way better than the one on runkeeper.

I was careful this time about very carefully stretching before and after the run. I am typing this one day after the run, and I don't feel too sore. Makes so much sense to stretch!

1.6 km run - 2km cycle: Miserable weather

This was the recovery day, so I actually went into the gym only to do some weights and other muscles. The weather was miserable as usual, so I am unable to get any outdoor runs at all. Hopefully the long weekend will be kinder. When the treadmill was free I couldn't resist the temptation to hop on. I did a quick run of just about a mile indoors. Was a bit too knackered for my taste.

3.85 km First run after a break

My last 12 km run had me shattered for a few days, and gave me the excuse for taking a couple of days rest break. Weather and work helped a bit too. Before I knew, this break ran over a week. Not good with the race in less than 2 months.

Here's yesterdays run of about 3.85km

http://runkeeper.com/user/Withoutmalice/activity/15295584

The weather was not very kind yesterday, and was simply pouring it down. Went up to the gym. I was quite careful about stretching for a change, but didn't want to spend too much time in the gym. Ran for about 30 mins, and did a total of 3.85 km. Tried Fartlek slightly towards the end increasing the speed.

Running my first 10 mile

This is my first post on a blog where I am planning to track my training for the 10 mile run. For all of you have so kindly sponsored my run, I will be posting details about my training here. I am hoping writing this on a publicly accessible blog will keep me honest, and keep training hard.

I am posting below my fund-raising plea from the JustGiving website (http://www.justgiving.com/Anil-Alexander)

Thanks for visiting this link. I know the feeling when you go to yet another donations link and think this is another self-indulgent über runner supporting some cause you cannot relate to. I am going to appeal to you to put your cynicism aside on two counts: firstly because Marie Curie cancer care is charity that visibly really makes a difference to people’s lives, and secondly that, I am a struggling runner who has never really run this distance and will sweat and toil over every kilometre and mile. All the money raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer care.

As a family we have been touched by cancer twice this last year. We have experienced first-hand how difficult it can be for those who go through this, and the emotional rollercoaster it can be for their families and friends. We have met along the way, the hard-working support systems for cancer care: the nurses, the doctors, the researchers, the families, carers and friends. It is amazing to see how far the science, treatment and care for cancer have come over the years and it’s a tribute to their efforts. I would like in a very small way thank and support these people.

For those of you who know me for a while, over a year ago, I would not walk a few miles, let alone run 10! Over the last year I have managed to do a few 5 km, one 5 mile and few 10 km runs. I have never run a 16 km before, and have been completely knackered after 10km. So this is going to be a big challenge. So think of it as betting to see me break!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now