New year, new goals

New school year that is!!

My three went back to school today, into years 1, 4 and 5.

Viks's youngest also started day one of reception, and with her eldest back at his school too, we were kid free!

So Vik and I went for run. After the obligatory new term photo of course! Absolutely smashed our first training day!!

I appear to have started a lot of things today, not least the rest of my life.. Sounds melodramatic, trust me, I know, but it's true.

In March 2013 I had surgery to put 8 pins in my spine. Spinal fusion. Before I needed surgery I was a new runner, fledgling triathlete and long distance cyclist. My husband had taken up sport 3 years previous and had excelled in long distance races. So all the time I was 'taking up sport' I was actually gritting my teeth and attempting to keep up with my husband, in case I got left behind. Or so I thought. As soon as I wasn't able to participate anymore the whole world ended. 

Only it didn't. It just took me three years, rehabilitation, depression, self pity, counselling and some sertraline to realise that the world was still running, cycling and training and that I could too. I just had to get up and do it.

So today I got up and did it. 

We went to school kitted up, dropped the kids off, then ran a loop round to the gym.

Once at thegym we did a token 1k on the treadmill

Training day one complete!! And we both came home to an email from itchen spitfires running club, officially welcoming us onto their beginners course next week. Win.

Intros

Welcome Effers and Jeffers! I am loving my use of that pun here. 'Effing' because My husband would say I have a mouth like a sailor, and I would agree that I do swear to much. And 'Jeffing' because it is an actual running term used to describe a mix of run/walk/run to enable you to go further distances. 

This is that awkward first post where I introduce us and big up our plans.. Welcome!

And here I am. Hi! I am Sarah, the primary narrator here. I am 36 years old, married with three children. I'm a part-time barista, potter and more recently, glass fuser! Cycling has always been my thing, the longest ride I've ever done being 66 miles. Cycling lead me to triathlon, and so swimming and running. I used to update another blog (see here) where you can read all about those exploits. Following some back surgery and a three year recuperation period (both physically and mentally), I'm coming back with a bang!

Meet Vikki. My partner in crime. She's a 35 year old badass. She's my bestie, my person, the one my husband has to share me with. Vikki has a boyfriend, two children and two step-children, she sits on the committee at our local pre-school and works for Fatface as a Crew Visual Merchandiser. This year she smashed the Southampton 10k running for 'Autism Hampshire'. a charity close to her (our!) heart. For more info on her Autism ties see her amazing facebook page B Proof:our life with autism

We've chosen 'Race to the Stones' as our event for a number of reasons (most of them foolish). Firstly, why train to do a marathon, when you can do an ultra! Its 100k over two days, starting in High Wycombe, ending at Stonehenge. There are tents involved - love a good campout. Its a personal goal for both of us (more on that to come). Its a year away and a goal that feels appropriate. I can't wait to get my teeth into a fitness goal!

So armed with new, gait analysed, technical trainers complete with 100% customised insoles, we are ready to start. I think its going to be quite a journey. Pun totally intended.