Celia's Race For Life Blog

I DID IT !!! See me jogging soggy in the rain ...

2009-07-14T22:29:00.026+01:00

IF YOU HAVEN'T SPONSORED ME YET,

PLEASE DO SO!

Click Pink Button to the Right ->->->->->->->

OR I WILL FIND YOU (I'm not joking...)

I don't notice the rain as I held my hard-earned Race For Life medal

SUCCESS! JUBILATION!

No injuries, excuses, or even death!

Yes, Dear Sponsors, Ceals actually DID the 5km Race For Life!!

Darren took a snap before leaving the house...feeling a tad nervous now!

What the Hell have I signed up to?!

Being Blackpool, it was, obviously, raining by the tine I was half way round!!! But frankly I was relieved, it kept me cool!! I didn't even use my Brolly, I was that focused (plus I'd decided to run, and you can't run with an open brolly!)

One and a half thousand women covered Lawson's field, waiting for the Shout-out to come to the Starting Line. We were all there for different reasons, but with one aim... to raise money for the UK's Cancer Research charity. The atmosphere was amazing; we were all as high as kites but nervous as Hell, lol! There were volunteer marshalls, Medics, First Aiders, and the Boys Brigade were helping out too. Radio Wave, the local radio station, had set up on a large stage, and were playing energy music, and shouting out Dedications.

Then an aerobics instructor from Bannatynes went up onto the stage, and lead 1500 women through a overly energetic warm-up! By the time the aerobics were finished, I must confess, I was ready to go home, rofl!!

Darren kindly videoed me doing the aerobics...and uploaded it to YouTube (he's dead).

Watch out for my patience beginning to wane around 1.45mins...I increasingly go paparazzi from there on in! I stood towards the back, but he captures the volume of women there as he scan across the fields.

Wow. What I'm about to do hits me.

And then, too soon, the Shout-outs to the Starting Line began. Heart is hammering with nerves and excitement as I stride away, outwardly confident...inwardly experiencing conflicting feelings of impatience to get going, and sh*tting myself...

Celia strides away (in centre, back to camera)

Celia has her brolly at the Start line, and carried it round...just in case!

The run itself was a mix of power-striding and running...and everyone, all ages, were in high spirits and having fun. I passed ladies wearing bunny outfits, a pvc clad Batwoman, groups of women casually walking, and panting 50 somethings cluthing bottles of water for dear life. Brilliant women going out of their comfort zone, for something more important than themselves. Amazing.

Being me, I made pals around 3km with two girls also doing the powerwalking/running. They had come from Manchester to take part, leaving work at The Trafford Centre and diving onto the motorways straight after work to get here. We pace-maked each other, and it was bluddy FUN as well as exhausting over the hilly parts! Yes no one warned me about HILLS!! And MUD, lots of mud! Reminded me of school Cross-country...but fun! And no lesbian PE teacher at the end watching us shower (no joke)!

Gwen dared Sue and I to sprint finish the last 1km, and I managed to get over the line before them...weeeee!!

Gwen, Sue (red tops) and I cross the line!

(P.S. I'm smiling but actually feeling v dizzy and at that point, thinking I was going to vomit. Seriously)

I beat my own personally-set target, so seriously happy.

But The Serious Stuff.

This is why I, one person out of 1500+ women, did what we did today.

Every other woman had a reason to walk, run, and just get round. Different names, but for all the same reason. To stop losing more loved ones to Cancer.

Deepfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who has sponsored and supported me through this. It was bigger than just training for a Run. I've come a long way, in more ways than one. Thankyou. You know who you are xxx

If you haven't yet been able to Sponsor me, for any reason, please donate what you can. It is not too late- my Donations Page closes in September! Click on the Pink Donation button at the Top Right of this page. Plus I have a Manual form, if you prefer pen and paper!

Do what the wonderful people who have Sponsored me already have.

Make a Difference.

Thankyou.

THE RUN IS TOMORROW!!!

2009-07-13T16:44:00.002+01:00

Waaay hey!!!

Yes, laydeeze and gentlemen, the Charity 5km is 7.30 p.m tomorrow!!

Needless to say, the weather is rain rain rain!!

BUT that can be a good thing, it'll keep me cool!! LOL

Let's get it on!

One Week To Go!

2009-07-06T13:33:00.005+01:00

Howdie!!!!

Well, can you believe how fast time has flown? Next week, I shall be coughing and spluttering my way around a 5km charity run.

After my morning training schedule this morning, I am still having the twinge in my left knee. Wish my dad was here, he'd had fixed this in a jiffy. He was a keen runner in his youth, and became a boxing trainer and remedial massage post-graduate specialist. My knee problem from 6 weeks ago has barely improved, despite resting, getting anti-inflammatories from the GP, walking instead, etc etc.

So I'm not planning on running the whole 5km, or even a good chunk of it. I feel very disappointed, but I am determined to finish the entire 5k come Hell or high water! Or, being Blackpool, I should say, come Hell or rain water, tee hee!

Celia & her dodgy knee

Overall, despite my left knee giving me jip, I'm really proud of what I have achieved. From 10 weeks ago, being scared to even go outside to the local shops without Valium, the fact I can go outside to my little park and do circuits, I know I've come on leaps and bounds. My Hypnotherapist says he can a massive difference from the shy, timid woman that opened to the door to him 4 weeks ago. And I know that my family on The Other Side would be proud of me too. But let's face it dudes and dudettes, this is NOT about me.

Next Tuesday is for everyone who has died or been affected by the loss of loved ones to Cancer.

Whether I run or walk, the fact is, we are all giving time and money towards Cancer Research, whether it be by doing the 5k, or supporting those doing the 5k through Donations.

So Thank YOU for making a Difference! Together, we can kick Cancer's ASS.

Now...a good long soak in the tub, and a Powerwalk tonight will do me the world of good and cool down those aching limbs!

Onwards and Upwards, dudes!! Please, if you haven't sponsored me already, please do so now. You can make a difference.

Huzzah!! Back on Track

2009-06-21T01:19:00.007+01:00

Howdie dear Reader!! Hope you have been enjoying the lovely Summery weather! It's very strange, as it is usually raining in the UK this time of year, lol.

Blackpool, usual Summer weather:

Blackpool weather June 2009:

Yes! it's been gorgeous!! So lovely, that I must confess, I have not updated this Blog in a wee while.

But do not fear, my lovelies, I have been doing the old sit-ups and cross-training. Infact, there is a risk that I am...getting FITTER! My working heart rate is a lot lower than it was when I first started back in April. No massive weight-loss mind, but I take heart in knowing muscle weighs more than fat. I've lost half a stone, and my complexion is lovely and clear.

Need to buy new running socks. One of my only pair disappeared into the 4th Washing Machine Dimension...two went in, but only one sock came out. Must be something to do with quantum mechanics...

Well I'm determined to be back out tomorrow on the Park. My agoraphobia has been a hinderance, and so I'm now seeing a Clinical Hypnotherapist, at £50 a pop, to try and get over this anxiety thing. I am NOT going to let anything stand in my way of doing this!!

Ciao for now, Cee xxx

Sore knee

2009-06-03T13:52:00.002+01:00

Hello there, Dear Reader!!

Sorry I haven't posted for a wee while. I had hurt my left knee, and so I've been taking it easy.

Someone's knee.

Do not fear, tomorrow I'm out running, so we'll see how much missing a week and-a-bit will punish me!

Solo

2009-05-16T17:39:00.004+01:00

Greetings, Dear Reader!

Another day, another run. This time I decided to Hell with it, and shoved on my trainers and was out on my own before Darren was able to get dressed! Yes, I went for a run on the Park.

Alone.

I was pretty nervous, don't get me wrong, but it felt great once I got into it. Due to my zealous enthusiasm to go alone before my brain realised what I was doing and sent "Error! panic attack warning!", I forgot to have a few puffs of the ol' asthma spray. So I didn't do as long as usual, just three laps. But I'm SO proud of myself! Especially as my knee was sore from driving to & from Sheffield the other day. Infact the run seemed to ease the knee soreness, and now it doesn't hurt. I guess I've run the tension out of the tendon. All good!

Done some sit-ups too. I'm up to thirty now.

Annoyingly, the weighing scales do not reflect my increase in exercise. Grrrrr. But hey ho, weight loss was going to be a hopeful side-effect of the training. If just because I was hoping weight-loss, even a few pounds, would help my body cart itself around the park lol.

Rest day tomorrow. I'm making sure I'm not overdoing it. I don't want to hurt my hamstring again like I did the other week. Every journey must start with a step, and I have no intention of hurting myself, now the Race is only about 6 weeks away.

Onwards and upwards!

Hugs

Cxx

Getting closer....

2009-05-13T19:59:00.005+01:00

Hellllooooo dear Reader!! Just want to say thanks and hugs to all those who are reading my blogettes! I find it uplifting and helps me keep going, after a hard week last week.

Can you belieeeeeve we've actually had two days of SUN!? Yes, SUN. The big golden thingy that hangs in the sky!

It's been seen in Blackpool! Huzzahhh!!!

In celebration of this, I have been doing my now normal 20 sit-ups and working those legs of lead into pumping legs of Iron!!

Joining the local gym tomorrow. Hopefully, it will help me get a better all round work-out.

Bysie bye for now!

Train train train!!

2009-05-05T17:45:00.006+01:00

Howdie peeps!!

Here I am again...over the Bank Holiday I did not go out training, I had a few rest days :)

Friday: attended Cath & Andy's beautiful Wedding in Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District. A marvellous, emotional, uplifting day.

Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues Did a wee bit of my cross trainer to keep my muscles relaxed. I've been having some pain my my Right hamstring, from an old injury I had years ago. Wish my Dad was here, he'd have sorted it out in 10 minutes, the excellent masseur and boxing trainer that he was. Saying that, he'd have used linament, so I would have stunk to high heaven, rofl.

Trainers and increased running time- Week 2!!

2009-04-29T15:48:00.007+01:00

I have new trainers! Went to the running shop, and had my stride and gait videoed. Then it was played back, in slow motion, so the manager could see how my feet land and rise on the treadmill. Very groovy, also enlightening. Then certain types of shoes were chosen that would correct the foot roll, then I nipped on the treadmill and videoed again. Result- trainers that kept my feet even on landing, without rolling. I noticed in one pair, straight away, the great arch support, and the pain in my left knee reduced.

Result!

Bought!

Tonight - 45 secs running, 2 mins walking, an increase from last week's 30secs. Gulp lol. I've walked to the shops today in my new trainers to bed them in, as advised, and then Darren and I trained around Crossland park, as is now our wee regime!

Went v well, managed longer than last week! Feeling more positive about the training, and being outside isn't as scary with Darren with me. Running round the park is lovely, especially on evenings like these. Dry, warm, light outside, kids playing footie whilst we run on freshly mown grass. Delish.

The extra 15 seconds made a difference. Running the length of the park before walking now. Feeling more capable of it this week. Shows our regime is working! But have a blister on Right foot, and my old hamstring injury was aching. Will call up trainers shop regarding the foot blister and ask

for advice tomorrow, as trainers have 30 day back guarantee and advice after purchase. It's my slightly smaller right foot. Left foot is perfect.

Feel good tonight after hot bath and now relaxing after healthy tea, fresh hamburgers on George Forman (or as I like to call it, the Formby Grill, like the idea of a health grill named after a banjo-playing flat-capped loon).

With a plateful of - salad.

SALAD? !?@$"!?

Yep, there was GREENERY on my plate. Usually it's in with a kebab, rofl!!

Kebab (strokes image of kebab on screen softly)

Don't worry, my pretty...we shall soon be reunited...:)

Rest day tomorrow, so on the cross-trainer I go! Up into the guest room, into the Dark Place!

Ciao for now!

Training v train..

2009-04-28T21:10:00.001+01:00

Now. WHY do they call running around, mindlessly wrecking every bone and tendon in your body, 'training'??!!

Trains

Have buffet cars
Trains have hot cups of tea and sandwiches
Get you from point A to point B quickly (well, supposed to)

Training:

Does NOT have buffet cars. Instead websites give you lots of crap about all the GOOD food you should put in one's tummy...carbs...blah blah blah...% fat blah blah blah
Suggests WATER is the best drink to have, not alcoholic beverages
Gets you from A to B via Pain, pausing at Dog Poo on the grass, with a change at Arrrgh

Cat after training

Today I have successfully 'Trained'.

Again.

Infact, on purpose!

Indeed dear Reader, it still damn well knackers yours truly out. But it is getting a tad easier. Actually that's a lie, but I must be positive!!! There are muscles that I had forgotten existed, but don't worry, they are reminding me with every damn stride, lol. And I forgot that shoes/trainers could rub. Oh and they're reaaallly showing me that infact, by scuffing my Right foot's leetle toe. Now this damn toe could be a problem. It's never been right since breaking my foot this time last year (the tendon doesn't work properly anymore, so the toe just curls under the foot). Grrrr.

But not to fear! For I have plasters! Huzzah! That will shut the wee sh*t up. I'll strap the wee sod up, if it comes down to it!

Tomorrow is the day I get my feet video'ed and gait scanned, etc etc, so I shall bore you stupid with that process and, hopefully, shall have new running trainers that shall not insult my feet or toes!

Rock on!!

Howdie!

2009-04-27T13:10:00.002+01:00

Another day, another dollar!! Thankyou for ALL the sponsorships so far...over half way there now!

I rested over the weekend, as per the training instructions. I've done some abs work today, and hit the cross trainer...ooh those babies are feeling it lol. In a nice way!

Despite the weather, I'll be out running again :) a wee bit of rain doesn't hurt anyone lol

Day after my first training session...

2009-04-24T14:00:00.003+01:00

Gingerly got up this morning.

I feel like I have gone 12 rounds with Tyson.

Neck- sore

Shoulders- sore

Abs- sore

Hips- reeeeally sore

Legs, ankles, feet- fine!

Okay. Can someone PLEASE explain why everywhere is ACHEY, except the bits of my body I am using to run, i.e. Legs?!! This is despite the inordinate amount of warm-up and cool-down I did yesterday. I was going to say I did more warm up than Paula Radcliffe, GB Olympic runner, but then images of squatting for a poo jumped into my mind. No. Haven't gone THAT far!!!

Saw GP this morning. He's all for the running, but cautioned me to watch my pulse-rate. To take it slow, because due to my anxiety, my heart will be pumping harder than a normal runner's without anxiety (due to the adrenaline caused by the panic fear response).

He's pleased I've researched running a lot on-line and sought advice from fit friends, he said he could tell. I am to take my valium half an hr before I go outside to train on the park with Darren. And due to previous neck injury/nerve entrapment, I am not allowed to run on pavements, tarmac is ok, grass is better. That is fine, as I used my common-sense last night, and did that anyway. I have a new prescription for my Ventolin, and I'm to take 2 puffs before starting training, so my chest doesn't spasm (which it did a bit last night).

So I'm okay. Despite my trying to be positive, the GP has signed me off for another fortnight from work.

Annoyed.

I was hoping that by undertaking the Race For Life, he'd see I was improving and sign me back to work.

He saw I was disappointed in not being able to return to work, but he said the last panic attack in work was indicative of extreme stress, he'd known me 13yrs, and he'd never known me react that way before. It wasn't my personality.

Dr Curzon said that I needed another 2 weeks at home for the meds he increased a fortnight ago, to "bed in", and to make sure I'm at least 99% before I return to work. He wants me to be able to go out alone, walking to the shops, before I go back.

Gulp!

I must confess, I haven't been able to go out of the house alone yet. I cancelled my appointment in Wrea Green to see the Running shoe consultant because I wasn't up to driving out there on my own today, but have rescheduled, & done some sit-ups for core strength. My GP actually said I shouldn't go today, it's too soon. For the moment he suggested I use my old comfy trainers for the next wk, so I feel physically comfy. Then get new trainers next week, when I will have been out by myself (yes he's given me homework! Systematic de-sensitisation, where every day, I now push myself to the door, then next day to the garden gate, day after the bottom of the road, and so on).

I accept grudgingly, that Doc does have a point, because I am going to be running alone in July, in a large crowd of strange women. D can't run with me in the Race For Life, he's not a laydee!!

Little Britain (c)

Darren & I on our Wedding Day.

Drinking loads of water and fluids still- it's weird how you don't feel thirsty, but then manage to down a pint of water in 3 gulps!! i think I've been dehydrated for sooo long, my body doesn't tell me anymore. Think that's now changing, the more I drink, the more thirsty I am!

I feel so thirsty all the time now, and I've only been training 3 days!

Keep those Comments coming, they're really spurring me on :)

Ciao for now!

Hugs Cee xx

St Georges Day & Training

2009-04-23T14:44:00.006+01:00

A MASSIVE THANKYOU to everyone who has Sponsored me so far. I couldn't

do this without you. I'm a third of my way to my goal already. It's really inspiring and it's making me really want to carry on for you. Thanks ever so much xxxx

Happy St Georges Day everyone!!

After chatting with Cynds over in the US, who is bemoaning her loss of 'proper' baked beans and Tescos own, lol, I decided to have Heinz Bakes Beans on toast for lunch. Two reasons:

1) Very English!! (well it IS St Georges Day, and I DID go to to St Georges High School)

2) Very healthy! Lots of protein, no doubt!

What, no crisps or chocolate? [Stop, now. Or your fired. Ed.]

Still feeling fired up people! Ooooh I just saw a man walk past the house with a Greggs pasty...No No No No!

Just realised- men cover your ears- need sports bra. With my Dolly Partonesque puppies, I think I'll need more than wearing just two bras together, like I did when I was doing Karate, lol...

Will have a look in the Sweat Shop tomorrow. They have a sale on clothes etc at the moment, and I've seen a bolster holster just right for my needs in the sales dept, so everything is falling into place!

Right. Just done some more core stabilising work and abit of cross training upstairs.

20 sit ups. Felt it today!

Crosstrainer. Did 10 minutes today.

Pulse at start=75.

Highest 168 (my max pulse rate should be 220 minus 37, my age)= 183.

I will be aiming to keep it around 60-80% of my max for best cardio benefit. So between 128-146. Shame my body doesn't know that. Heart

rate seems to climb v quickly, probably due to being overweight and out of shape. It has to work harder. That shall change!

First training run- 3 min warm up brisk walking. 30secs run, 2 mins walk, for quarter of an hour.

Well I tell ya folks...phew! Knacked but mentally alert. Started off feeling fine, but my chest started playing up half way through. Guess who forgot her asthma pump?! Yes, I have asthma too, rofl. Bit of a headache afterwards, and my right little toe was rubbing by the end. Can't wait to get a decent pair of shoes tomorrow! And d

efinitely need boob holster: they're large and today they were in charge ROFL!

Thanks for running round and round and round Crossland Rd park with me Darren, you're a STAR!

Got Stefan Dennis (from Neighbours rofl) "Gonna make Ya Feel Good" song whizzing round my head....that is a bad sign. Darren says I'm sick. I think so too. Feeling really giddy and positive after first training session. No one warned me about such bad side-effects!!!!

This will be harder to do when back at work next week. Making sure I run 3-4x a week after work will be a goal in itself!

Day off tomorrow, even though I want to run again (mentalist!!). Start gently, take it easy Ceals! Must allow body to rest. Afterall, I haven't exercised properly in about 4 years!

Day Two...

2009-04-23T14:36:00.000+01:00

Day Two.

Thanks to Clare Smith, fab runner extraordinaire, I have made an appointment with the Sweat Shop in Ribby Hall for tomorrow. Yes guys, I am taking this extremely seriously. Everyone is being so supportive, and I already have pledges made!!

At the Sweatshop, they measure your feet, your gait, and your running style, helping you choose the correct footwear for running. I have no intention of walking this 5 km. I am going to do this properly, and RUN.

First few steps...

2009-04-22T23:49:00.000+01:00

PLEASE SPONSOR ME HERE: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/celi arigbyoneill

After pressing 'Yes' to sign up to Race For Life, I decided to get started! Early bird catches the worm...or flu...etc etc...!

Celia dragged out her dusty and startled Cross Trainer. I thought I'd get 20-odd minutes in, just for starters. I'd done 20 sit-ups, and had that nice burny feeling in my abs. Nice warm-up. Good start!!

Oh.

My.

God.

I'm outta shape! After 2 minutes, sweat was pouring from my forehead. My pulse at start was 75. It hit a high of 138. Eek! With legs suddenly taking on the feeling of lead, I persevered, chugging away at a steady walking pace, on the 3rd from easiest setting. I wanted to give up by 3 minutes.

"Oh my God, " I thought, "this is going to be harder than I ever thought!" This was in the safety of my spare room, by the way. I carried on, staring at the picture of my Uncle Tommy and my Mum on the wall. I WILL do this. For Uncle Tommy. For everyone who's suffered from or lost someone to, cancer.

After 5 minutes, I came off the cross trainer, shattered. I decided to grab a shower and hit the laptop, asking for help and advice from friends! Clare Smith, an old friend from junior school and college, replied almost instantly. She is a keen runner, and has given me links and helpful advice.

runnersworld.co.uk

"start slow...30 secs running, 2mins walking, 3x per week"...I recall Karen, my best friend, sharing that advice a few yrs ago.

Cyndy in Arizona also sent me a helpful link to a site, also advising this kind of start to the new regime. c25k.com

Right. Will start this training tomorrow. Darren has agreed to come out running with me (as scared of the outdoors). I have valium from my GP in my purse, so I'll take that before going out, to stop, helpfully prevent, the panic attacks that I get when outside.

I'm seeing the GP on Friday, so I'll double-check it's okay to exercise and take valium just before to be on the safe side. I want to make sure, so seeking physican go-ahead and approval. I'm sure he'll love me running, as I'm overweight and the exercise will do me the world of good physically. Plus exercise IS good for depression, release pheremones or something!

Dad was a marathon runner in his youth...he'd be proud.

Drank alot of water (for me) today. Peeing as if going out of fashion rofl!!

I MUST BE MAD- RACE FOR LIFE 5km 2009!!

2009-04-22T23:05:00.002+01:00

Howdie fans!

Now. Anyone that knows me, knows I am more likely to run up a bar bill than run on the pavement.

So, why oh why has Celia decided to take on the 5km Race For Life Challenge, on behalf of Cancer Research?

Well. There are a number of factors. Firstly I, like many others, have lost loved ones to cancer. I lost my second dad, my Uncle Tommy, in 1990 when I was 17. Since then, I have witnessed close friends die of cancer, and then, my Dad, Alexander O'Neill, two yrs ago this week.

A distant relation of mine, who I met at my dad's funeral, emailed me today, seeking sponsorship for the Race For Life down in Chelmsford. I sponsored Fiona, but felt as if it wasn't quite enough. I stared at the laptop and hit the button for my area, Blackpool. There is was...Tuesday,14th July. 7.30 p.m.

That is when I decided to Do It.

Yes, I'm a size 20,

Yeesss I haven't run since High School,

Annnnd I'm 21 yrs older....

But I was driven to do something purposeful, make a stand against this dreadful disease.

So here it is, my Race For Life Blog, charting the next 12 weeks of my progress from couch potato sofa-hugging 30-something, into a lean, mean running (well jogging) machine!

PLEASE SPONSOR ME HERE: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/celi arigbyoneill

On this journey, I hope to inspire...sometimes you, sometimes myself...and keep an on-line log of all my experiences, good and bad. You'll follow my highs, my lows, and hopefully, you'll keep me positive and urge me on if I hit the bad patches, to keep going. This will be hard, I know it shall.

It isn't just the fact I'm outta shape, you see. I have a secret- well a secret to most.

I suffer from Clinical Depression and Anxiety, caused by an event that occurred at work last year.

You see, I am now terrified of going outside, and of crowds of strangers.

So this is going to be a massive challenge for me in more ways than one.

So, in memory of Dad, Uncle Tommy, and all those whose lives have been touched by cancer, here I am, Celia, Running Against Cancer.

Let's Do It.

PLEASE SPONSOR ME HERE: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/celi arigbyoneill