The Mad Dog is a 10k pancake flat race in Southport. In 2022 it was on Sunday 6^th February. It’s run along the prom and the weather was atrocious. I know it’s said no bad weather just poor choice of clothing but this was something else. The wind was so strong I could barely stand.

Here’s what I commented on the FB page with 393 likes, 69 comments and 1 share

Just want to echo the sentiments of everyone. My first Mad Dog. Fantastic communication and organization. Amazing marshals, especially the cadets who were so encouraging. The entertainment was superb. The goody bag was fantastic.

I hope it’s OK to be indulgent and share my story. I am a rather hefty lady pushing 60. My background is triathlon but I’ve “run” a couple of 10K’s round about the 1:30 mark so was confident I’d be pretty much at the back of the pack.

In December I was hospitalised with chest pain that ruled me out running so I requested a deferral.

Then the option of a virtual event was offered. I hatched the plan that I would be supporting 4 of my friends anyway so if I started an hour earlier walked the course virtually I should pretty much come in the same time as the back of the packers. I hadn’t  anticipated the impact of the weather and was slower than a tortoise plodding through treacle.

The support I got was amazing. Marshals and Jo Public checking that I was OK. From about 5k I wanted to stop and wanted to cry but I didn’t and plodded on and that’s when I was really lifted. Competitor after competitor encouraging and congratulating and check, check, checking I was OK. I was. My friends caught up with me and walked with me for a bit but I sent them on their merry way.

I don’t find any events easy but this was by far the most difficult. I try to always be positive and show a sunny disposition but yesterday I was the Lady Dog (translate as necessary) from hell and appropriately had what my husband calls a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

Mick Hall photography caught me towards the end when I thought I couldn’t walk another step. Again other competitor’s encouragement and support kept me going – I thank each and every one of you.

I finished in 2:44:03. I finished.

I would particularly like to thank the Mandolorian who I was captured on camera with at the start, who passed me towards the end, who came back to check I was OK and tell me how proud he was of me. The marshal on the roundabout where the course becomes an out and back. He spoke to me on the way out and ran over on my way back to say he was very happy to see me “back.” It meant a lot. Biggest shout out though are to my friends who supported, encouraged pushed and had faith in me when my faith in myself had evaporated.

I’ll be back next year and I will run it (and pray to the wind gods to be kind) I am a Mad Dog, Woof.

I read that somewhere very recently and am blowed if I can remember where and by whom.

On Wednesday 6^th April I tested positive for COVID. On 13^th April I had a negative lateral flow and on 14^th was out of isolation so could walk to have my lashes done. A 5 minute walk that took me 10 and gosh how I struggled to get up the stairs of the salon.

Whether it was COVID or not was a massive wake up call. I cannot continue being this fat and unfit.

Something popped up. Not sure if it’s a scam or not but signed up anyway. Couch to Fit a free for life programme sponsored by Sport England and The National Lottery. Three sessions a week for different abilities.

There’s been something popping up on my FB for ages. I’ll come back to it later.

On Friday decided to go for a tiny walk down the cemetery hill across the new cycle path and back home up Gas Lane. It was all of 0.97km. It took 20:49minutes and pace was a shocking 21:29 min/km. I won’t lie it was hard.

Saturday is market day in Mold. Headed into town via Tesco car park, up the ramp by the Police station, which nearly killed me, and around the market. Ended up buying a massive lump of meat which the butcher cut in 2. I carried the lighter 2.5kg piece home. Another reminder the excess weight is doing me no good. So all in all 1.97km in 52:42 minutes at a pace of 26:43 min/km.

Also yesterday had the lightbulb moment. I pay for gym membership at a reduced rate of £18 due to a referral NERS (National Exercise Referral Scheme) I haven’t done anything in the gym since 31^st October. Totally shocking especially as when we were in partial lockdown I was going 2-3 times a week. So referring to the picture above. Why would I want to go to another gym? Pay more. Lose my NERS place and forfeit the best PT in Mold.

Everyone knows Jim Freel is the best PT in Mold. He caters for all ages and abilities but has incredible results with middle aged ladies. He makes sense. He motivates. He provides practical and specific advice. He gets results. He pushes hard but understands limitations. He also happens to be my son.

So to hell with new gyms and programmes. I booked (via official channels) a 1 to 1 with him for today.

This morning we headed into town again. Much quieter than yesterday but I know I shouldn’t but did find it amusing to see folks queuing for Tesco and other shops that don’t open on Easter Sunday. The police station ramp was not painful at all and as we approached home I knew I’d got far more in me so continued to do my Dr Thom mile. 2.83km in 46:35minutes at a pace of 16:28 min/km. Felt good but I was definitely blowing by the time I got home.

I entered the virtual Vitality 10K which needs to be done by 8^th May. I intend to do it on 1^st May which will give me a week’s wiggle room. Redone the plan and it’s very doable if I’m consistent and if I’m not I winged Southport Mad Dog 10K with no training whatsoever. It nearly killed me but I did it.

What do I want to get out of this afternoon’s session? What am I willing to commit to? What is non negotiable?

I’m enjoying walking at the moment so aim to continue EVERY day. I know I can. I did it to get a medal last year. I struggle with dark nights but no excuses this time of the year. Much better for me to do it early morning but can do it after tea. Can do it in the rain but if I’m being a real wuss there’s the gym option.

Strength – I need to strengthen my core and would appreciate an exercise plan that addresses this. I need to ensure I have good form and can build from there. I’d love to incorporate my old session 2 & 3 weight training at least twice a week (don’t want to over commit.

Realistically, and this will be really hard for me, no wine on school nights. I know this will be my game changer and the ultimate goal is Alcohol Free.

Food – I’m not dieting and I’m not calorie counting. I may record via my fitness pal or in a book but my plan is to eat mindfully. Only eat when I’m physically hungry and stop when I’m no longer hungry (not full and definitely not stuffed). Nothing will be off limits but I do intend to make wise food choices and avoid white carbs.

Water – I pretty much drink 2l of fizzy water a day.

Caffeine – I only drink 2 mugs of coffee a day and both before 10am.

Sleep – cutting the alcohol should sort this but I’m under no illusions the first couple of nights will be hell.

Watch this space…

My Hopes and Plans

• I hope to finish the year eight and a half stone lighter – I plan to eat healthier and excercise more (I am not excercising at all at the moment.)
• I hope to control my alcohol consumption – I plan to follow the Annie Grace Alcohol Experiment book for the next 30 days.
• I hope to reduce/remove the bags from under my eyes and stop feeling so tired – I plan to stop watching crap TV and be in bed by 11pm most nights.
• I hope to be able to complete an event (OK Chester Marathon but let’s be realistic) – I plan on starting C25K tomorrow.
• I hope to create many happy memories this year – I plan on planning and comitting to get togethers with friends and family.
• I hope to be medication free by the end of the year because I plan on making all of the above happen.

My Horoscope 14 August 2021 (Scorpio Oct 24- Nov 22)

“We all sometimes indulge in pointless activities; like going out for a jog and taking a sugary drink along for energy. Or going out of our way to please someone who’s criticisising us. Such processes are doomed to fail. In order to make tangible progress this week, you need to persue a plan that stands a good chance of working and treat the cause, not the symptom of a situation that’s making you feel uneasy. Think about what’s really going on and overrule any seductively deceptive inclinations.”

I am fat, unfit and unhealthy. It’s fine – well actually it’s not fine but it will be.

This is my journey. I hope to have reversed those statements over the next year. I have blogged before and it gives me focus and makes me accountable – even if nobody reads it. If it’s in a Blog it must be true and I must make it happen. Late 2009 a colleague came in and recounted a radio interview. The lady in question wasn’t going to make Resolutions just hopes and plans. She hoped to win the Lottery and planned how to spend it.

My Hopes and Plans

• I hope to finish the year eight and a half stone lighter – I plan to eat healthier and excercise more (I am not excercising at all at the moment.)
• I hope to control my alcohol consumption – I plan to follow the Annie Grace Alcohol Experiment book for the next 30 days.
• I hope to reduce/remove the bags from under my eyes and stop feeling so tired – I plan to stop watching crap TV and be in bed by 11pm most nights.
• I hope to be able to complete an event (OK Chester Marathon but let’s be realistic) – I plan on starting C25K as soon as I’m given clearance by GP after my hysterectomy surgery.
• I hope to create many happy memories this year – I plan on planning and comitting to get togethers with friends and family.
• I hope to be medication free by the end of the year because I plan on making all of the above happen.

I also like blogging about random “suff.” Perhaps there is a news article that inces me, perhaps I see/hear something that makes me smile, perhaps my huband or one of my kids makes me very happy or very sad, perhapas something triggers childhood memories or stories about my late parents. It will be an electic mix.

One of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another.

So fasten your seatbelts, can guarantee the journey will be bumpy but welcome aboard for the ride.