Friday 12th May 2006 This week, to train for the Derby 10k run I was challenged to join a running club, South Derbyshire Road Runners in Swadlincote. My downhill spiral began at lunchtime on Friday, when as usual, I took my weekly pilgramage for a very unhealthy Friday lunch - not the best start! Bearing in mind the last time I ran anywhere was when I missed the Red Arrow into Derby when I was about 15, I knew this wasn't going to be a walk in the park. When I first arrived, I asked Kath, one of the more experienced runners, for some advice. She said: "Every second will be painful and every muscle in your body will be tired but the key is to fight it and just carry on." MARVELOUS, an hour of pain and fatigue, I'll be there, sign me up! Sure enough, I was in pain after two minutes.  | | Fact or fiction?: My t-shirt |
I had stitch from my steak and onion baguette and I was absolutely boiling. Around halfway round I saw an ambulance parked on a side street - I thought it was a mirage - I wanted to climb straight in for oxygen! And this was just a training run! One of the more depressing thoughts on Friday night was when Colin, who is exactly 50 years older than me and who had already run two miles to warm up, was overtaking me. My performance was disgraceful... however, we covered about six miles in around an hour and fifteen minutes, which I was incredibly proud of. After showers, we all gathered at the bar for a drink and cake, alright, alright, I know what your thinking but I'd earnt it. A really enjoyable night with a great group of people ranging from 20 to 70 years old. My next challenge is to complete the Derby 10k run. Saturday 13th May 2006 Today I have issues. I can't move a single muscle in my body and the 10k run is tomorrow, aaarrgh! My feet hurt, as I haven't used my trainers in years and my feet appear to have grown what felt like six sizes. I don't even have the strength to raise my hands to the keyboard anymore..... Sunday 14th May 2006 I did it! But never again! I'm writing this with the only limbs on my body that I can move.  | | My triumphant entrance into the stadium |
All the way round I was telling myself in a very David Brent style: "pain is temporary, success lasts a lifetime". With my sponsor sheet looking extremely healthy I knew I had to finish the course, not just this week, but in a good time, I set myself a target of 1 hour and 15 minutes and definately no later than 1 hour and 30 minutes. I had on my t-shirt reading "Claire Dares" on the front and, after Shanes phone vote, "I might be slow but I'm still faster than you" on the back - all very well and good unless I was the last one to cross the finish line. As I ran closer and closer towards Pride Park, I was hoping people were still there and that I wasn't propping up the rest of the field. Thankfully, I found out later, I wasn't last by a long way. After 1 hour and 20 minutes number 1749 crossed the finish line. COME ON!!!!!! The massage beds at the end were a godsend as I stumbled out of the stadium. Now, to collect my sponsor money. ---------------------------------------------- As usual any suggestions for a future challenge, please email me from the link above. You can hear my audio diary on Sally Pepper's show every Saturday between 12 and 2pm. | 
