A Change of Plans

If you haven't been able to figure it out yet, plans are always changing around here. :) This time the change in plans was a hard decision, but I think it was probably the best thing to do.
I have withdrawn myself from the London Marathon. I've emailed the Guide Dogs events team and explained that because of training with my replacement guide dog, I cannot commit entirely to the training and fundraising that is necessary for such a large event; at least not this year. This decision did not come easily. I spent probably over a week thinking about it and talking to a few people about it including my husband and my current guide dog trainer. Both had logical things to say and ultimately their sensibility won out. The guide dog trainer knows someone close to him currently training for a marathon and talked with me at length about the commitment to training. Also, he expressed a concern out loud that I had had for a while now but had not voiced; I have not trained with my guide at all yet and 26 miles is a long distance to be attached to someone that you've never run with before. Sure, sometimes blind runners participating in long distance events such as marathons are paired with guides they don't know and consequently have not trained with, but since this was going to be my first marathon, I wanted to be familiar with my guide. As the guide dog trainer said, "marathon training is like having a job" and with the commitment I have to make to this new relationship between me and my new guide dog, I just can't do it right now. However, that does not mean I won't apply for the 2014 marathon. I will have bonded with my dog by then and it won't hurt our relationship for me to be involved in something like that or to have to travel.
I also have not given up on my challenge of running from Edinburgh to London to raise funds for Guide Dogs. Logistically the challenge is sort of running into a few glitches, but I figure that if I can't find guide runners, I'll just cover the mileage on a treadmill at my gym. Certainly not the same, but still works.
I feel a sense of relief having given up my spot. The fundraising and training were really quite stressful, knowing that I had so little time and so many things to do. I feel a bit guilty having said yes initially, but the London marathon is such a fantastic event that I think it is only fair that whoever participates put 100 percent into completing the challenge of running the 26 miles and raising the required 2,000 pounds. I know someone will fill my place and be better equipped than I am at this point to complete these challenges.
So, although I am a little disappointed at my change in plans, I am also relieved. Now I can focus on bonding with my new dog when the time comes. This eventually will mean more independence and freedom not only in every day tasks, but training for events such as the London marathon as well. Also, my MSc dissertation will get more attention if I'm not busy trying to train for a marathon. The proposal is due around the time of the marathon and perhaps it was wise even for just that reason to give my spot up.
It's amazing what growing up will do to you. Just three years ago I would have probably tried to do everything and been able to give ony part of my effort to three major tasks, resulting in some so-so outcomes. Now, I've come to realise that I can't do everything and that it's okay to be great at just one thing as opposed to trying ten different things and attempting to be great at all of them; it just doesn't work that way. :)

Ninety Days!

I just happened across a web page today that told me that the London marathon is only 90 days away. I nearly choked on my coffee. Can it really be that close? Where has the time gone?
In just three months I am supposed to run 26 miles and have raised at least 2,000 pounds.
What was I thinking?
I had a late start considering the marathon team didn't let me know that I had a spot until right before Christmas, but I only have about 80 pounds raised and there's no way I'm anywhere near being ready to run 26 miles. Sure, I don't have to do it tomorrow, but 90 days isn't a lot of time. But I'm committed now. Nothing left to do but buckle down and  figure out some fundraising plans and get my butt training even harder, or else I'm in huge trouble.
Wish me luck or if I can be so cheeky...if you're out there reading this and can spare a pound or two please sponsor me. Your money goes to a great cause. :)
PS: I was matched with my new guide dog on Friday. The dog still has a month of training left and so if everything goes well, we'll enter team training together at the end of February. It's been six months, but good things really do come to those who wait. Another reason why I feel so compelled to raise funds for this fabulous organisation.

My fundraising page can be found at:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=flippersrunning

Fundraising Frenzy

After being granted the charity ballot to run the London marathon for Guide Dogs, the deadline for fundraising really started setting in. I knew the training and the running of the race would be a challenge in and of itself and I knew the fundraising would be an added pressure, but I didn't think I'd be more worried about raising the money than running the marathon. Maybe when we get closer to the marathon I'll be more concerned with that, but as of right now I am more concerned with raising 400 pounds by March 31st.
According to the London marathon Guide Dogs events team, and the contract I signed with them, I have to have the first 400 pounds of the 2,000 pounds in to them by March 31st. I currently have 80 pounds raised. So, that means a lot of fundraising for me in the next few months; along with training, hydrating right, sleeping correctly and hopefully completing my MSc with high grades.
I never have picked the path of least resistance. ;)
I have a few ideas for fundraising, but the logistics of such things need to be worked out.
First of all, my Virgin Money Giving page is still up and that is where I've collected my donations for now. I'm incredibly grateful for the individuals who have donated thus far.
My next endeavor is to plan a Companion Dog Show. These shows are licensed by the Kennel Club and sound like a lot of fun. Not to mention, it's an inexpensive way to raise money. It definitely will take some work, but I'm actually really looking forward to planning the show. The organiser gets to select novelty classes, along with confirmation classes, for the dogs to compete in. I figure that since it's an event to raise funds for Guide Dogs it would only be fitting to have a class for "best guide dog" or something like that. Hopefully I'll be able to get some guide dog handlers and maybe some puppy walkers (AKA puppy raisers) out as well.
Of course there's always the good old fashion method of carrying around pledge forms and asking people to donate. I've never been very good at that, but it may become a necessary evil.
Since I'll be doing most of my training in my gym, I thought about asking if I could run some sort of event within the facility or put up a pledge sheet. I haven't quite figured that one out yet, but I think it'll be a good place to find sponsorship; I hope.
University starts up again on the 14th after about a month's break and I've also thought to ask the head of the department if I could have a bake sale or at least pass around the pledge form in class. There's got to be a way to tap into that population. I'm of the mindset that every little bit helps.
Other than that, I'm sort of stuck for ideas. One of my guide runners suggested bagging groceries as that is a popular way to raise funds in the UK, but I'm not sure I have enough man power to pull something like that off. I really can't help bag someone's groceries-okay, if it came down to it I could, but I'm not sure how well that would go-and I really don't know a whole lot of people here to ask to bag groceries with/for me. Again, another idea to look into.
There's a cafe we go to a lot and have become friends with the owner. Valentine's Day will becoming up soon and I thought about making a basket with a hand made blanket, some wine and chocolates-or something like that-for her to raffle off, or maybe some of the jewelry I make. Either way, I'd have to obviously ask her first and then make the stuff.
So even though it's only the 5th of January, I really need to  start fundraising. The 31st of March will come up really fast and the 23rd of April-race day and due date for 1,6000 pounds-will come even faster.

Virgin London Marathon

I'm guessing that by my title that you probably know what I'm going to tell you.
Do you remember my crazy idea of running from Edinburgh to London came out of me not getting a ballot to run in the London Marathon for Guide Dogs?
Well, perhaps I should learn some patience, or perhaps fate has a funny way of working things out, but I got a phone call about a week ago telling me that I had been selected as one of the people to run the London Marathon for Guide Dogs.
At first, I hesitated and wasn't sure if I wanted to do it anymore. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to raise the funds for both events and if I'd be able to train for both, but then I started thinking about it and I realised that running the London marathon was something that I really wanted to do. So, I said yes. It hasn't really sunk in yet; probably because my time has been taken up with Christmasy type things in the last week, but I think in the next couple of days, with the holidays winding down a bit, I'll have to start putting a plan into action for fundraising and training.
I've already asked one of my guide runners if she'd be interested in guiding me. She is supposed to get back to me once the holidays are over. She really wants to, but is training for an Ironman which is to be run in July. She is worried that the two events will conflict with her training schedule. If she can't, I have one other person to ask and if that doesn't work out then the Guide Dogs events team people will start asking the pool of runners they have to see if anyone would like to run as my guide.
Running strapped to a stranger for 26 miles may be a bit weird, but it could also be a great experience. Either way, I am so looking forward to completing this marathon.
I never would have thought four years ago, that my sprinting, swimmer self would be taking on a marathon, and the London marathon at that.
Exciting stuff! :)

It's Official!!!!!

I thought I had a few more days. I thought that my crazy idea was just that...an idea, but it's not just an idea anymore.
Nope.
I have just received my first donation. This first donation makes it so much more real. It means that I really have to do this, and do you know what? I am so excited about it. A little scared too, but definitely excited.
I think I'm justified in my little bit of terror though. You would be too if you had signed yourself up to run from Edinburgh to London in just over a year's time.
Yep. That's right.
Over 600 miles of running and all in the name of raising funds for Guide Dogs and also to raise some much needed awareness of the great need for accessibility to fitness/leisure activities for disabled people. (That was a lot of needs).
I'm not sure what the stats are in the UK, but over 80 percent of (just) blind/visually impaired people in Canada are obese. Not to mention, if you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you will be familiar with the difficulties of accessing sports and leisure activities as a disabled person.
The guide dog affiliation is probably quite self explanatory, but the short of it is that raising and training a guide dog is an incredibly expensive endeavor. The wait lists for guides are quite long due partially to this cost. As someone who has worked with a guide dog for ten years and is currently waiting for my third working partner, I am acutely aware of the benefits of these working relationships. I'd like to bring awareness to this organisation as well as raise some needed funds.
What better way to accomplish both of these goals than to run some crazy long distance as a blind person?
There are so many things that need to be organised before I can conquer this challenge. It is going to take a lot of support from family, friends and the general public. For example, I'm going to need guide runners to train with and to run different parts of the run with me; I need to map out a route; figure out accommodation along the way; organise fundraising events; recruit support vehicles  for the event. Oh, and train for approximately 21 days of extremely long distance  running. So much to do!
Baby steps though, right?
The most important part is that it is now official: this challenge of running from Edinburgh to London and hopefully raising 5,000.00 pounds (or more) for Guide Dogs is under way.

The Issue of Socks

As a swimmer there aren't many things to smell in relation to your sport. Your suit smells like chlorine, your towel may smell like soap after a shower and your skin may stink of chlorine despite showers and lotion. So, let me amend that statement: pretty much everything, including you, smells like chlorine. Sometimes if things aren't hung up to dry properly, things can get kind of "mildewy," but after one stinky swimsuit, I was quite conscious about hanging things out to dry. It is not surprising then, that I was shocked when my running shoes and socks started stinking something fierce. I think I've written about this shock before, but I was reminded of it this morning when I went to pull my socks out of my runners from yesterday's trip to the gym.
Originally, I was under the impression that socks and shoes got really smelly from running outside and the shoes getting wet and then having to dry over and over again. Living in Scotland, I decided that I'd live with this, since my shoes were definitely going to get wet multiple times a week and then have to dry. My understanding of how your shoes became stinky was quite wrong.
Of course I understood that shoes get stinky from your feet sweating in them, but I thought the extra stinkiness came from the wet/dry process. I was very incorrect in this assumption.
The shoes that live in my gym bag have never been used outdoors. I have done that specifically so that they have a longer life and so that they won't get as stinky as my "outside" shoes. Perhaps I was on to something with extending their life, but I sure wasn't spot on with the not smelling part. The socks that I pulled out of the shoes this morning smelled so horribly, I threw them directly into the washing machine. I wasn't about to put those foul things into my hamper in my room to have them stink up my regular clothes or my bedroom.
Admittedly, I probably should have removed them from the shoes last night, but I was so hungry and sleepy that I forgot. I will never make that mistake again. I had balled the sweaty socks up after my workout and stuffed them into the shoes in order to keep them from stinking up my bag. In doing so, I think I inadvertently trapped the smell in and made it worse.
Now, after all of that, you are probably wondering why on earth I would dedicate a whole post to my stinky socks. Do I not have anything more significant to write about?
I actually had a post planned about the Paralympics coming to a close tonight and how inspiring these Games were for me in my own quest for a coveted spot on the Canadian team in 2016, but the intensity of the stench from my socks was so profound that I thought it was necessary to share it with all of you. Besides, this whole training thing is what it is and I am going to share everything with you, whether it is glamorous or not. Smelly socks are definitely not glamorous, but they certainly are a part of this training thing, as I had discovered and was so aggressively reminded of this morning.
So, lesson of the day: your shoes are going to stink no matter what you do, but leaving your smelly socks rolled up in them over night does not improve the situation. So, to all you newbie, or would be runners, out there, from this newbie...air out your socks!

Ondon Marathon

Running a marathon had become a secondary goal for me-after the whole triathlon struggle I've had. I needed something else to focus on and a marathon seemed like a good idea. It took me a while to figure out which one I wanted to do, but I've put an application in for the London Marathon 2013 and will find out in October if I got a spot. Not only do I want to run the marathon, but I've applied for a spot to be the fundraiser for the Guide Dog organisation. It's a charity that is close to my heart and so if  I am selected, it will be very exciting.
The only obstacle I had to work around was finding someone who wanted to run the marathon with me. I hadn't really put too much effort in finding a race guide as October was a   ways off yet. However, I've been talking with a friend who I met through a mutual friend, and she is interested in guiding. She ran the marathon last year and so would be a great partner in that she knows what to expect.
We chatted on the phone tonight and made a basic plan to train until October, find out if either of us were accepted and then go from there. She currently lives in London, so we are a bit apart, but we figure we'll each make a few trips to visit one another and use that time to train together. It would be beneficial to visit her in London because then we can do some of the trickier parts of the course in order to solidify our running partnership.
The situation isn't exactly ideal because it leaves me still trying to find training guides here and running workouts on a treadmill, but on the other hand, what would be the point of all of that training without having a guide to run the race with you at the end? I'll just have to run on the treadmill and make good use of the runs that I do get outside.
I am really excited about this whole thing and I think Miss P is too, which makes this even more exciting. :)

It's all Good

Today I headed to my new gym for my "induction" session. Mr. K and I have been going there for just over three weeks now, but it took us a while to have our introduction. The guy who showed us around and explained the different machines was incredibly helpful and Mr. K and I were both extremely impressed at his instructions and explanations. He had obviously had thought out what he was going to show us and how best to deliver it. That in and of itself is impressive. We also may have struck an agreement that would be fantastic for my training.
As we were leaving the gym, he asked what we'd be up to for the rest of the afternoon. Mr. K said he had school work and I told him I had to give a massage. I haven't put a massage business into full swing, but I work on some clients from time to time. Today is one of those days. When I had been moving around the gym, I had mentioned my desire to compete in triathlon and he said that he'd be happy to help me with some workouts. He then suggested, half in passing, as I was leaving that we should trade triathlon instruction for massages. The more I thought about it, the more I thought it was a good idea.
Having some instruction would help me out greatly as I feel I've sort of run into a wall with regards to training ideas. Not to mention, he may know a person or two who would be willing guides. Paying for coaching is incredibly expensive and I just don't have that kind of money right now. So, trading skills works for me.
I've also been in contact with Para Triathlon Canada, thanks to a friend's suggestion, and they seem keen to help me with obtaining coaches, guides and perhaps a tandem bike. I don't exactly know what is all involved, but we're supposed to have a Skype conversation in the next few days. If I could somehow bring the personal trainer into the mix, that could make things easier for the Para Triathlon people.
It seems kind of funny to me that this whole triathlon thing, or even marathon running for that matter, is only slightly about the training and way more about finding the correct support network. I think all athletes need a support network to be successful, but I think athletes' with a disability networks have to be that much more larger and solid. I've been writing for months about small victories and potential help: I feel like that's all I write about. It's probably because, as of right now, I'm doing more of the leg work to get that network in place as opposed to training consistently. However, training consistently really needs to become a priority, otherwise, all of this will be for nothing. That said, at least it's finally all starting to move forward.
As for that training consistently, I'm off for a long run tonight with Laura. Let's hope the rain holds off.

Potential

With my training becoming more of a consistent thing, there seems to be more pieces slowly coming together. The pieces may not fit, but at least the opportunity to examine them and decide for myself is there. A lot of it  has stemmed from starting running with Laura. Unbeknownst to her, she has opened a whole lot of doors for me and I am truly grateful to her. When I thanked her she replied,
"you still have to run on your own two legs."
I laughed, but I really don't think she understands the full weight of what she's done for me. Because of her, I may have found a small pool of runners willing to run with me from time to time.
When Mr. K and I moved to our new flat, we not only moved closer to Laura but also to a different gym. She encouraged us to join this gym and after some discussion, we decided to do it. So far, I have really enjoyed my time at this particular gym and it's been because of this that I've met more runners.
The UK wide shop called the Sweat Shop organises community running programs and there just happens to be one associated with the gym we've joined. Laura spoke to the manager and he said it would be no problem for me to come along to the runs. They run Sunday, and Tuesdays and after attending my first run on Tuesday, I've found two other volunteers who are interested in guiding for me. There have been others who have put up their hands as well, which is very encouraging.
Laura usually only runs with the group on Tuesdays so having someone, or a few someones, there on Sundays would be great. I am supposed to run with one of the new volunteers tomorrow to see how she likes it and if we are a good match.
Laura and I are going to continue running on Tuesdays with her guiding me but as a part of the running group. We will also  do my long runs on Wednesday evenings just on the trails by my flat; just the two of us. She and I chatted this past Wednesday about a workout schedule and this week will be the first week I'm implementing it. I really hope with my new plan and potential guide runners, I can really get things moving even more than they already are. Exciting times.
On top of  all of this very exciting stuff, I've finally heard back from Triathlon Canada. I contacted them almost two years ago with no results. Para triathlon had not really taken a hold in Canada only two years ago, but with London 2012 approaching for Paralympians and triathlon being added to the 2016 line up, Triathlon Canada is starting to develop a Para-triathlon team. Originally, I had been in touch with the UK team, but no one was very interested in helping me go anywhere with triathlon. I suspect that it may be because I'm not from the UK and they'd be training me to compete against them. I hadn't entirely decided who'd I compete for, but if Triathlon Canada wants to take me on and support me, then I would compete for them.
The person I am supposed to talk to about my situation is currently on vacation, but hopefully I'll hear from him soon. The guy who responded to my enquiry, said that I was the type of athlete they were looking for and so, (hopefully again), something will come of all of this.
I also spoke to an acquaintance about potentially running the London marathon together. She ran it last year, but injured herself at mile ten. She finished the race, but she's hoping to better her time since she finished in over six hours. I've applied to raise funds for the Guide Dog organisation in the UK, whereas, she's applied for a general ballot with no fundraising pressures. We both kind of thought that if one of us gets a ballot, we may be able to work something out where we run together.
Again, more "hoping" and "potential," but I like this kind of "hoping" and "potential." A lot of good things could come of all of these things.

Looking Good

There really isn't anything pretty about someone who has been running for 16 miles and is in desperate need for some water, oxygen and a sandwich or two. Well, at least, I'm assuming there isn't because I haven't run that far yet, but the mud and the rain and the sweat shouldn't stop you from trying to look good, right?
Well, I'm not sure I entirely believe that, but I certainly believe that running in performance specific gear is helpful and with my 29th birthday quickly approaching, my friends and family generously bought me some great running gear to help me on my way to running a marathon.
Yesterday my best friend, Tenie, my husband, Mr. K, and I headed to a sports store in order to find me some better running clothes. The ones I've been running in are primarily cotton and from what I've read and experienced, cotton does not breathe or pull the moisture away from your body. I can deal with it if I continue just running 5 K or so and only three times a week, but once the runs start getting longer and more frequent, I'd really appreciate it if my body had as much help dispelling sweat as possible. Synthetic fabrics are much better at this, at least much better than cotton, and yesterday I was outfitted with a new pair of running pants, tank top and sports bra. We all know that a good sports bra goes a long way.
After doing some research, talking to Laura and observing what she wears, I quickly began to realise that I was in desperate need of more professional gear. One pair of my running pants had shrunk in the dryer due to them being cheap and cotton and the others have to be held on by a safety pin because they are too big. My shirts aren't much better. I have three that I primarily run in, two short sleeved and a long sleeved, and one of the short sleeved definitely is not meant for running. It too is primarily cotton and very warm, despite being short sleeved. The long sleeved is actually great as it was part of my gear from Team Canada when I was swimming, but seeing that it's summer here and your body is supposed to heat up 15 degrees warmer than the outside temperature when running, it isn't very helpful right now. The third shirt is better than the first, but when you are trying to run at least five times a week, and have plans of upping that to 7 or 8, you kind of need more than one comfortable shirt.
My sports bras are okay, but again, I'm lacking in quantity. I only have two that get the job done and when you are washing them so often, they will wear out very quickly; losing their elasticity and thus their usefulness. So, having three to rotate through would be beneficial.
Who would have thought serious, competitive running could get so technical with regards to clothes?
The pants I've been wearing were just a cheap pair I picked up from Azda, the UK version of Walmart, and when wet whether from sweat or rain, they are not comfortable; especially if I have to run in the rain with them. So, the new Nike made pants that claim to pull away moisture will be a welcomed change.
As for the tank top it's a part of the Dry Fit line and is purple. Dry fit, again, will be beneficial in keeping me from over heating while out running, but the fact that it's purple is just as  exciting. I know you're supposed to pick running gear based on its performance merits, and I did, but if I can get it in the colour I like, why not do it? I have a strong liking for the colour.
As for the sports bra, yes I'm going there, I am incredibly grateful for this little piece of equipment because of its snug fit and "moisture pulling away" fabric. I've read about chafing in unwanted areas and that a good fitting sports bra reduces this risk exponentially. So, of course a new bra was on the list of things to get.
The best part is that I still have room in y budget to get a new pair of running shoes. Mine aren't particularly old or worn out, but it's been suggested to me that I have a second pair so that I can rotate the shoes between runs. This helps the two shoes last longer as the workouts off allows the shoes to de-compress, giving you longer life. I'm not sure if that's true, but it sounds like good logic to me. Not to mention, running in Scotland means running in the rain more often than not, and so having a dry pair of shoes to wear instead of stuffing feet into day old, still wet shoes is also welcomed.
I also have good quality running socks on the way as well. When I initially started running, I thought that regular old cotton socks would do just fine, but since running in both running specific socks and just your every day socks, I've noticed the difference in foot temperature, and again, moisture. With only one pair of running socks, an extra few pairs wouldn't go amiss either.
So, am I necessarily looking good while running?
Perhaps I look a bit more like a serious runner, and maybe that means I'm looking good, but the biggest and most important thing is that I'm feeling good due to my gear functioning properly.
Now, all I have to do is go for  run and put my theories of good quality running gear to the test.

Slowly But Surely

I didn't write earlier because I didn't want to jinx it. I'm not normally someone who believes in the power of  your lucky socks that you never ever wash because they make you win,  but you can never be too sure. So, I kept things to myself until it seemed like a sure thing, and, it seems like a sure thing.
*Knocks on wood*.
It would appear that I have a part time guide runner.
I'll give you a moment to take that in.
Are you good?
I'm still not sure I completely believe it, but after two runs, one of which was 4.5 K, the woman I met for coffee almost two weeks ago has asked me to make a more solid running schedule with her. We'll call her Laura. I am very excited about this.
As of right now, we are running twice a week, Wednesdays and Fridays, with Laura's boyfriend offering to step in on days when she can't make it. I've never met him, but I'll take any help I can get. She's a bit worried that once I reach higher fitness levels, I'll be able to outrun her, but we'll cross that bridge if and when we get there.
Currently, she is training for the Berlin Marathon to be run at the end of September, so our runs together are more of a favor to me than to helping her train as I'm obviously running at much lower volumes. However, I'm sure the double runs she's getting on those two days will help her as well.
I haven't asked her about guiding in a race because I figured that we should get more comfortable with just training together. Running is a recreational thing for her and so my goals of competing competitively may not be up her alley, so to speak, but right now the training is the most important part. It's so nice to get two runs outside instead of being inside every day.
Last Wednesday when we had our run, she had asked me if I still wanted to go because it was raining. She said it didn't bother her and it didn't bother me so we went. It was just good to know that a little bad weather won't stop her; especially since we live in a country where it is almost always raining. Not to mention, we seem to get along quite well. We chatted the whole 4.5 K and that certainly made the time go by. I struggled a little on the last .5 kilometres, but she was encouraging without being too pushy. She was also good with her verbal cues and describing some of the scenery as we passed by. All of these things help a blind runner be distracted from the discomfort she/he may be feeling. Sighted runners can obviously receive these distractions via their own eyes, but we ocularly challenged folks need a little help and Laura did a great job.
So, where do I go from here?
I'll continue training twice a week with her and hopefully meet other runners along the way who would be interested in training and/or racing. I have researched the London marathon and thought that I'd love to run it. It may be a bit of a push since a half marathon before it would probably be a good idea, but it's something I really want to do. So, I'll keep moving forward and see if I can put the infrastructure into place to get me there by next April. If not, I'll keep training and make the 2014 marathon.

A Glimmer of Hope

As everyone who reads this blog regularly knows, finding sighted guides has been the greatest challenge for me as a blind athlete. Originally, I had wanted to compete in a triathlon and eventually attempt to make the 2016 Paralympic Games, but finding guides who are the same sex and who do all legs of the race has been quite difficult. So, I had made a few changes, deciding that finding a guide for just one sport, as opposed to three, would be easier. I'm not saying it was easier, but I may have made a small break through. In disability sport, every baby step is celebrated and so I am just excited to have made the progress that I have.
The website
Jogging Buddy
and the RNIB have partnered up to assist blind and visually impaired runners find guides. When new members create profiles, they are asked if they are blind or visually impaired or if they would be willing to be a guide runner. Because of this program, I may have made contact with two potential guide runners.
The first person I got a response from is a guy who lives in England, but he is very excited to guide and is willing to be a guide for races. We've already discussed some races to compete in and we're supposed to have a phone chat tomorrow evening. Sure, it's not ideal with him living so far away, but he's willing to travel for races and to help with a workout plan and that is a good start.
The other person is a woman who is actually quite local to me. Mr. K and I are going to be moving this upcoming weekend and our move brings us even closer to her. She and I had a little coffee date on Friday and then went for a short 2 K run to get an idea of whether or not we fit and to see if she liked it. We didn't use a tether, just draped my forearm over hers in order to learn how each other's body movements felt, but I think we did really well considering we had just met and she had never guided a blind person walking before, never mind running.
She is quite a bit taller than me, but I actually think that is good. Our stride is quite similar and we hardly broke step with one another. Her verbal cues were good as well. Once, she had to jump over a puddle, but I did not and she warned me well enough in advanced that she just hopped over, I kept running and then our feet fell back in sync.
We chatted the whole time we ran and I found her body movements really easy to follow. When she was going uphill, she leaned forward and I could feel the power from her legs pushing her up the hill. When going down, her weight shifted backwards and her stride lengthened, which I could feel without her saying anything. I was surprised at how well we worked together despite only having met an hour before.
After the run, I wasn't sure how she felt about it so I told her to think about it and to contact me when she had made a decision. We agreed that if she wanted to guide, we could make a schedule at the beginning of every week and go from there. Due to her working schedule, we can run together only once or twice a week, but that is definitely better than nothing
Needless to say, I was very excited when I received a text from her last night asking me if I wanted to run Wednesday evening. She's even going to pick me up. That last bit was every bit as surprising as the first. Here was a woman that I spent just over an hour talking with and then just under another hour running with and she already knows how to make things easier for me and she doesn't mind.
So, I think that if all goes well on Wednesday, I'll have a part time guide runner who is local to me. How very exciting.
I've always believed in the saying, "good things come to those who wait," but, to be honest, my faith had begun to waiver a bit. It definitely has been restored.
I've put a few more feelers out with other organisations and will continue to do so because the more guides I have, the better. So even though this has been a long process, I think persistence has won out here. There is still a lot of work to do, but each small victory moves me one step closer to my end goal of running a marathon.

Running Success

Yesterday was all I could have asked for. I met with the running club at the designated meeting area and was immediately welcomed into the group by the woman, we'll call her FJ, who had volunteered to attempt guide running. She came over and introduced herself and we pretty much hit it off right from the beginning. We're probably the same height, she may be a little taller, and this lent itself well to us running well together.
We started our jog with my arm draped over her forearm; sort of a beginner's stance that allows the guide and the guidee to get very intimate with each other's movements. It wasn't long before we switched from that position to using a shoelace doubled on itself, between us, which acted as our tether. We both were a bit shaky to begin with, but soon we were running along, as if we had known each other forever.
I did find that I had to change my stride a bit, but I think it's due to the way in which long distance runners actually run. From everything that I have read, shorter strides are better for marathons and such long distances and most of the runners were running in this manner; including FJ.
I really enjoyed myself and was impressed at how easily FJ adapted to running with someone attached to her. She easily navigated me around people, frolicking children and leash free dogs. We ran at quite a slow pace as she is saving her legs for the London Marathon that is being run this upcoming weekend and also because I haven't really been as active as I should. Surprisingly though, I managed to get through two miles feeling really good. I was shocked at how quickly the time flew by and with it the distance. I had no idea that I would be able to run two miles. That was really encouraging to me. Perhaps a half marathon in October is a realistic goal. If that's the case, I have a lot of work to do between now and then.
Sunday I am supposed to meet with more of the runners at a cafe after their long run for the week. FJ won't be there as she'll be off running her marathon, but it will give me a chance to get to know other runners. Apparently, there are at least two other women who are interested in guiding, which will be really nice. The more guides I have, the more likely I'll be able to get outdoor runs in and be able to run that half marathon in October.
One interesting thing that I learned about FJ is that she does triathlons as well. This obviously made me very excited because that means that there is the potential for her to guide me in a triathlon eventually. Obviously, that is something to be discussed in the future, but it's good to know that it may be an option. I really enjoyed my run with FJ and I hope it's something that will continue in the future. She's already said that although she cannot guide me this upcoming Monday, she'd be more than willing to run another workout with me the following Monday. I think it's a great start and is incredibly encouraging.

One Step at a Time

You'll have to pardon the pun that's in the title, but I thought it was kind of appropriate. After being a couch potato for the past month and a half-with the occasional visit to the gym when I felt guilty-I have managed to get in two beginner's workouts in the past two days. I feel really good about them.
Wednesday I headed to the gym, which is about a fifteen minute walk both directions. I count this as a part of my warm-up because Glacier, my guide dog, and I don't meander. When we are walking, we are on a mission and we walk at most people's jogging speed.
My workout would probably be considered a light one, considering I used to be able to run between six and seven kilometres without stopping, but I was happy with it. Just getting back into things, I didn't wan to over do it. Over training can lead to injury, fatigue and illness. I want to be healthy and ready to go on Monday when I have my first workout with the running club. So, I took things a bit easier than I would have liked to.
I started off with a 12 minute  warm-up on the rowing machine. It was supposed to be 10 minutes, but the gym staff forgot me and I was left rowing for a bit longer; not necessarily a bad thing. I think I went around 3.5 kilometres and I was feeling pretty good. Then I hit the treadmill for the first time in nearly two months. Every other time I've ben to the gym recently, I've avoided the treadmill; using the bike, or the cross trainer, anything to stay away from the treadmill. Knowing that I'm going to start actually running though, motivated me enough to get back on the treadmill.
My run was only 25 minutes long, with me going 2 minutes of walking and 3 of running. I only cycled through that four times and walked the last five minutes at a very brisk pace. I had thought to push through the last five minutes, but I told myself that I had set the workout out originally with the last five minutes just being a fast walk and that I should stick to that. No point in doing  it so that I wouldn't be able to come back the next day.
The intervals felt good, surprisingly, but I could tell that I was working at the same time. It's amazing how quickly you lose your fitness you've worked so hard to build up. However, I know that with a little consistent work, I'll be back there in no time. I think I'm lucky in that way: I don't know if it's because I was an elite athlete for so long or if my body is just meant for sports, but my body responds really well to physical activity and I am grateful for that.
Yesterday's workout was not at the gym and was just a very long walk. One of my friends and I walked from her flat all of the way into the down town area, which was calculated to be 2.7 miles each way; giving us a grand total of 5.4 miles. I'm sure with the extra walking we did downtown  that we hit the 5.5 mark. Again, she is a fast walker and I think a long, controlled walk like that was actually beneficial at this stage. Perhaps when I'm at the point of being able to run 8 miles it won't be as beneficial, but I think it was useful at  this stage.  The walk was  also refreshing because the sun was out and it was nice to be outdoors and not stuck in the stinky, stuffy gym, running on a machine that makes you feel  like you are on a giant hamster wheel. :)
All in all, I think the last two days were a good start. I actually wish I had a pedometre as I did a lot more walking than just the 5 or so miles into town. It would be interesting to know how far I really went.
As for today, I'm not sure what the plan is, but I definitely have to get some kind of workout in. My friends and I are planning for my husband's birthday and need to do a lot of grocery shopping, so perhaps I'll have to get a gym run in before we set out for the day. Either way, I'd like to exercise   today and tomorrow and take Sunday off,  but we'll see how it all pans out. If I mis today, or tomorrow, I'll be going in on Sunday. I figure I can have one day off; I'm just not sure which one it will be.
Now that I've managed to figure out this whole running club thing, at least it seems I have,  I have one more concern: I need to find running pants with a draw string. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but sizes here in Scotland are designed bigger and my gym pants fall down when I'm running. Do you have any idea how awkward it is to have to keep reaching around to yank your pants-or trousers as they call them here-up while you are running on the treadmill or outside with a guide? We stopped in at one running store yesterday, but all of the "trousers" they had in were much too big. Even with the draw string, which I thought I could just tighten up, the pants were sliding down. Maybe I need double sided tape or something? I may need to pick a few runners' brains to see if anyone else has this problem and if they do, how they go about fixing it; especially since I will be getting smaller if anything.

Coming Together

Isn't it funny how you go long periods of time just waiting, with nothing happening and then, suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, things come very quickly together; almost like a snowball racing down a hill, gathering speed. It almost seems surreal and like it's happening to someone else. Plans have been made and I'll be meeting some of my potential guides on Monday. One person in particular is interested and we're going to do a  light walk/jog workout to get the feel of the tether and whether or not guiding is something this person wants to do. Looking toward the future, knowing that this potential guide is going to be running the London Marathon on the 22nd, makes me hopeful that I will not only have practice partners, but people who will want to guide in a race or two as well.
We've also made plans for me to meet other runners on the 22nd, after their 8 mile run, in order to discuss the possibility of guiding. They seem like a very social group and I think that sitting down in a non-workout environment would be incredibly beneficial. It will allow us to all chat without having to worry about completing a practice, which means we can just focus on getting to know one another. This was something ERC had talked about doing, but it never actually happened. I think that because this is a part of this particular club's routine, it will be even more conducive to getting comfortable. I think this laid back attitude will translate well into finding a pool of guides.
A lot of the other clubs that I contacted were very serious and very focused on training. As much as I think that is great and want that, I come from that background and I want training to be enjoyable this time around. If I learned anything from my swimming career, it was that there is a place for being "all work and no play," but that enjoying what you're doing is just as important. I think this club may, in the long run, be a better fit. Not to mention, their laid back attitude may be what makes them more open minded and willing to try new things. Needless to say, I'm incredibly excited and also a little amazed at how open and welcoming this club has been thus far. It definitely is a breath of fresh air.
With more solid plans laid out, that means no more excuses: I need to go to the gym and increase my fitness. It's not fair of me to expect people to help me if I'm not up to par. So, it would appear that I have a date with a treadmill later this afternoon, but the difference is, I won't be dreading this workout as I have done in the past because I know that there is a point to all of the madness. I will get to train outside and eventually, I will get to race.

Running On

I realise that this blog has been silent for far too long. To be honest, my triathlon/long distance  running endeavors have pretty much been absent from my life basically since my last post here. I was feeling defeated and decided that perhaps competitive sport didn't have a place in my life any longer. I started thinking about how maybe that chapter in my life was closed and that I would just go to the gym three times a week just to stay healthy. I even stopped going to the gym consistently; although it shames me to admit it. :) Then, in the course of a few days, things changed very quickly.
One of the members of the Won with 1 team emailed me to see how things were going. She had heard through the grapevine that triathlon wasn't something I was actively pursuing anymore. Her email was very sweet and considerate and it got me thinking again. It didn't ignite that crazy, passionate fire in my belly, but it gave me a little push to do some more enquiring. Somewhere along the way, I found myself emailing two running clubs and I had a response from one of them within a couple of hours of sending in my enquiry. I was surprised when I went into my in-box and saw the reply email and was even more surprised when I read what it said.
Basically, the woman I contacted said that they had had a low vision runner once, but that he had his own guide. My hopes sunk when I read that line as I had explained to her that I not only needed a running club, but that I was attempting to gather a pool of guides. She went on to say, though, that it would be a new challenge for them. Her email seemed promising and it turned out to be when I received another email this morning explaining that the question of guiding had been put to a group of runners last night and there were interested people. There is even a woman who assists a blind woman to go grocery shopping and such and she was definitely interested.
I was speechless.
For months, I sent out email after email; had meeting after meeting; attempted to make connections with various sport/disability minded organisations and all it took was one email to a random running club I found on Google. I had picked them because I had liked their website and the message of inclusion  they had conveyed. They welcomed beginners to the very serious marathoners and train very close to where I live. That means, getting to practices will be quite feasible.
I've been invited to come and run starting on Monday, and although I am very excited by their openness and enthusiasm, I may need to take some time at the gym to re-establish some semblance of fitness first. I am really impressed at how quickly the club has moved on this and I really hope that I may have found a new running home.
If so, that means this blog will not sit silent any longer. :)

A Different Angle

If you haven't noticed already, I've been MIA the last little while over on this blog. There are a few factors contributing to my absence-mostly a fundraiser I'm organising on my other blog-but also because my motivation seems to have gone out the door. My motivation to write and more importantly my motivation to train. This last part is a bit troubling. I know the main reason for my lack of motivation in the training department is due to the lack of potential guides.
Quite honestly, training day in and day out on a treadmill or stationary bike, not knowing if your efforts will even lead you to racing, gets a bit tiresome. Finding guides in the triathlon world has proven incredibly difficult in the area that I'm living in. People just aren't interested. I don't know  if it is because I am approaching the wrong people or perhaps I am using the incorrect approach, but for whatever reason, I've been guideless for two months now and it is time something was done about it.
After a long chat with my husband, Mr. K, I decided that perhaps triathlon is not the way to go; at least not for this year. We both agreed that it may be more realistic to find guides for one sport as opposed to trying to find someone who is good at three. I am clearly through with competitive swimming and was just enjoying my time in the water since it was a part of the triathlon. The logistics of finding/purchasing/renting/maintaining/housing a tandem bike is way above and beyond me right now and so that left running.
I know. I actually picked running over the other two sports. Someone should take my temperature.
In order to get the process of finding long distance running guides moving, I've been in touch with a representative at Scottish Disability Sport in the hopes he will be able to reach out to his contacts and find me a few guides. An article was published on the SDS website in the hopes of attracting a few potential guides. Other emails have gone out to Scottish Athletics in the hopes that the representatives there may have more contacts who may be interested in guiding a long distance running event. There were a lot of "hopes" in those sentences.
My plan is to get involved in the sporting community via long distance running and slowly make the transition back to triathlon. Long distance runners and triathletes seem to chat and I figure somewhere along the way, I'll find someone who thinks guiding in triathlon is a good idea. Or, perhaps, one of my long distance guides will become interested in the prospect of competing in triathlon and I can convert him or her. Regardless of the outcome, I know I have to attack this lack of guide problem from another angle and long distance running is my grand idea.
Getting myself motivated again is another important aspect of my master plan. If, or should I say when, guides come along, I can't be completely out of shape because I've been sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself. To combat my lack of motivation, I've signed up for an online training log that tracks everything from times, calories burned, heart rates, distances, various sports/activities Etc. The program allows you to commit to group goals that other members have also committed to. This element of accountability will, in theory, get me back on track; or should I say, treadmill?
Tomorrow's workout has been logged as "pending"-a 3 mile run-and I intend to change its status to "completed."