Counting down to Royal Parks Half Marathon 2010!

Less than 24 hours to go before the Royal Parks Half Marathon!
Can't believe its almost here, and I must admit I'm getting the jitters. An upset stomach, visits to the accupuncturist and massage in the last 2 days and cancelled final week training to 'save my legs'.

Strong winds howling outside, when it was supposed to be warm, certainly presents doubts.

But I must think positive.

Since the plantar fasciitis came on after Prague Marathon in May, and the allergies from the taping on my right foot, I have had the chance to force rest for a whole month. Then came 'Team Bonnie' - visits to the physio, sports specialist, podiatrist, chiropodist, accupuncturist...and listening to Marathon talk podcasts, reading 'Born to Run', attending running lectures in St Mary's, running trial at the Running school -- I have learnt (and invested) so much in the sport that it doesn't make sense to give it all up now.

In fact I was waiting for the 'rejected' magazine to come through for the VLM, after I tossed hubby's copy into the recycle bin on the grounds of 'too negative reading', I am still waiting. Last wednesday however, I got an email notification that I got through, I paid, and am in the system.

So Team Bonnie, or Bonnie is back again!

I'm still taking my learnings from last year's Royal Parks Half with me - it was a warm day, and the 2nd half all exclusively in Hyde Park, was confusing as it went round and round, and I got disoriented. My previous plan of training on the route itself (being at a very beneficial position of an office location along the half marathon route!) did not happen. Too hot in summer, too much travelling , raining, too many social activities..you name it.

I will try for a PB but at this stage I will do whats safe, as I have bigger plans ahead of me...distances across the pond (!) and of course, in London in April 2011.

Will I? Wont I? 2 images to keep in my head is Mr Richmond Parkrun Pacer last week shouting: follow me, you can do it! and The Email of the week from VLM. Things happen for a Reason. :)

Ok, off to relax, pack my bag, rest, and be in shape to take the first train out to London on sunday, bright and early, for potentially the last medal in London for me this year :)

St James's Park during one my lunchtime stroll this week.

The Mall (which cuts through St James's and Green Park, is along the Royal Parks Half Marathon route)



View my post of the event last year!