New Year - New Gear

I promised I'd keep you updated with my Marathon training, sorry it's been so long since the first/last update. 

Well I ran into a little problem (excuse the pun). Just before Christmas my knee had been getting more painful with every run. And I was really scared of scuppering my chances of completing the Marathon. So before and during Christmas I rested - I rested and ate, and ate some more, as you do over Christmas time, obviously all in  the name of recuperation. 

The problem is my ITB- Illiotibial band syndrome according to Wikipedia is the most common problem cause of knee trouble in runners. So I've been to Physio and various other experts and I've been foam rolling like a motherfu**er, which I hate with a passion because it's so bloody painful, but then if it wasn't painful then that wouldn't be the problem I'm guessing. 

The next problem after a nice rest is how do I get myself motivated again after the indulgences of Christmas? 

Problem solved- get some new running gear and that helped in getting my bum off the sofa and out in the cold. My new favourite sports wear is FALKE, I cannot tell you how amazing their clothes are, famous for their fantastic tights they've branched out into innovative sport clothes. Now it's not cheap but neither are any really great sports wear, oh and they have a sale on at the moment. Here's what their website says about their Ergonomic Apparel:

Running Apparel, designed for ambitious runners, by athletes for athletes. Athletes’ needs and demands have been analysed and translated into products. 

Shameless selfie alert.

Me in my FALKE running top, which is perfect for this weather- warm yet breathable. Whenever I go to the running club it in, someone always compliments me on it. 

You can buy similar here.

The other thing I'm loving and that is helping me get back into it, are my new running trainers. I bought some Asics, and they are soooooo much better than my last running shoes. Go to a running store and get your gait checked so that you can get the best shoes for you. I also invested in some foot balance insoles that are moulded around my feet and are designed to counteract any misalignments and therefore prevent further injury.

  

If your interested in running the Marathon or just want to get running for fun or fitness. I can can highly recommend joining a running club. My local running club East London Runners has put me in touch with like-minded lovely people who have been invaluable in their tips and advice and running with others is fantastic for me as I wouldn't be so motivated on my own. There are people of all levels and there are loads of meet ups going on nearly every day of the week. 

So anyway the point of this post is- I'm back in the game, I'm out running again and whilst it's probably never going to be natural or enjoyable I'm determined to make it and complete the Marathon (at least once in my lifetime). 

Reminder: I'm running for St Francis Hospice, who cared for our friend Laura Popkin aged 31, who spent her last days battling cancer in a St Francis Hospice. They do truly amazing work and I'd be ecstatic if you would sponsor me, no matter how small. 

http://www.justgiving.com/natthechat

Laura

Thanks for reading.

Nat x

P.S You can read my 1st Marathon post here: http://stylemesunday.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/and-so-it-begins.html