Final run in Venice.

I was up early and out running before 6.30 this morning for my final run in Venice. I know I have said it before but it is a wonderful way to see the city. Even if you are not running, get up early and see Venice before the crowds arrive. It has gone from snow to sunshine. As I was running I was able to witness the sunrise over the city. Lots of bridges and steps but that has become normal now, I shall miss them when I return home :-). I was really worried I would have difficulty in running when I got here but it hasn't been a problem at all and I have seen runners every morning. In fact one lady I have seen every run, I recognise her as her colour code is opposite to mine, she has an orange hat and yellow jacket. I can't remember if I have mentioned this before but for runners who want a longer run you can run along the bridge to the mainland which is 3 or 4 miles long.

Longer run in Venice

Really pleased as ran just over 8 miles around Venice this morning, it was great as I saw parts of Venice I wouldn't normally have seen. Lovely run although going up up and down those steps and over bridges takes it out of your legs. It is good to experience a totally different kind of training. Although Venice is like a labyrinth it is actually quite difficult to get lost. I tried running away from areas I knew and in the opposite direction to signs but kept finding familiar places. If anyone is thinking about coming to Venice and are concerned how they will run, don't be, it is a great experience.

I shall try to add some pics now. Ciau for now :-)

More running in Venice.

I managed 4 miles this morning. An interesting run. I ran through what looks to be some of the residential area and got too see some of the 'real' Venice. I was out running about 7 am and although there was plenty of snow around the paths were clear. As I ran to the top of the bridge I found out why, there were a couple guys putting the salt down. I am enjoying running here but have lost count of just how many bridges I've ran over :-).

Running in Venice

My friend Lidia and I arrived in Venice yesterday. Before coming away I was interested to know how I was going to get my training in however after having a walk around yesterday I realised with maybe a little bit of imagination I could do it. We decided running early or later in the day would be the trick as it is more difficult with people around. We got up at 6.45 to run just after 7. Lidia was joining me and going to have a walk (her walking isn't that much slower than my running!!!!). We are fortunate enough to have a hotel that sits on the Grand Canal so I was able to run along the path and up to the park and back. Although I had a few bridges to cross it was a pleasant run. Fortunately they have put slopes over the bridges which made my life easier as I think running up steps may have hurt my knee. It was good to to and hopefully tomorrow I may be able to run a little further and explore.

If you like walking, Venice is the place to be. It feels like it is easy to get lost but the main areas are well sign posted and it is easy to find your way back although I did take us in a complete circle today :-).

I now have less than 9 weeks to go until the marathon!!! I am however feeling more positive as Tracy and I ran 13.1 miles on Sunday. I didn't get to write on here at the weekend as after the run I had a full day at work so was shattered. My Sundays usually involve my long run, hot bath then duvet day so Sunday was a bit tough :-).

It has just started snowing here!

Well that's it for now, I'll update again soon :-).

Whoooaaaa slow down - exciting and scary!!!

I can't believe it is nearly two weeks since I last wrote on here!  On Sunday it is only 10 weeks until the Marathon.  Although exciting that really is a scary prospect.  I now have to seriously look into the fundraising and arrange a couple of events - I actually stopped here picked up the phone and rang Panchos http://www.panchoscantina.co.uk/ which is a local Mexican restaurant who have charity fundraising nights.  I have now booked a meal for March 14th so if anyone is interested please email me at colly500@hotmail.co.uk. It is £22 (including service) of which £10 goes to Haven's Hospices.

Back to the running Dave and I had an interesting Saturday with some sprints and hill runs.  I chose what to do however I feel he may be returning the favour at some stage!!  We have a hill close to us which is short but steep and walking up is an effort so running is tough.  My first attempt was pretty poor and I only managed to get half way up however after that I managed to run up twice.  Dave, I take my hat off to him, as he managed to run up three times.

Sunday Dave and I met up with Tracy and decided on a run along the seafront.  Sadly Dave only managed about mile as his calf was painful and unfortunately he seems to have injured it!  He had to turn back but Tracy and I carried on and were extremely pleased when we clocked up a good 12 miles. It was a really good run.  Mind you as we were coming up to the 6 mile mark I said to Tracy how I was feeling this was probably one of the best runs I had ever had, it was flat, we were running a reasonable pace and it was comfortable.  That was until we turned around and seemed to be hit straight in the face with what felt like a gale force wind.  The running was then really hard and cold.  We got there though and it felt good.  I do have to thank Tracy though as she kept me going.

I haven't managed to get much running in this week however I went out early in the week for a few miles.  When I left home I thought it was cold but what I hadn't planned for was getting snowed on.  It only lasted about 10 minutes and then turned to sleet.  It got to the stage I had to take my glasses off as I couldn't see through then however (those of you that wear glasses will appreciate this) I couldn't see very far without them either, so a bit of a blurry run home - who needs alcohol :-).

Yesterday the sports therapists were at Havens so I popped down for a massage.  My muscles have been getting pretty tight and I hold a lot of stress in my neck and shoulders.  The massage was probably not the most relaxing experiences as it took some effort to loosen those tight muscles however I did feel relaxed afterwards and feel every pain was worth it.

Well that's it for now.  By the next time I write it is likely the weeks will be in single figures and the countdown will be well on its way.

I'll be back soon.

Colette :-)