Is this...chafing?

I tried the treadmill at the gym again on Monday night. The less said about that, the better. Suffice to say, the prospect of running 4.5 miles (a huge leap from the previous 3.2 mile maximum) in the dark tonight was a little nerve wracking, having only been able to run for 60 seconds at a time on the treadmill.

Running outdoors is entirely different though, and a thousand times more enjoyable. The first mile was pretty hellish as my calves and shins begged for mercy, but I ignored them and eventually they got the hint and agreed to help the rest of my body with what had to be done.

The route I planned had an uphill climb at the start, and another big climb between miles 3 and 4. Such is the joy of living in Saddleworth. I walked the first half mile to warm up, then set off at my usual slow plod - which I have worked out is roughly 6 1/2 hour marathon pace. And, after that first mile, I just kept going. Even up the hill - slow as you like, but I kept going, which I was quite proud of.

It's been quite a stressful day at work and I've been worried about deadlines and all of the things I should be doing, so it was nice to clear my head and just listen to music and concentrate on my breathing. I find counting in-in-out-out helps me keep my breath steady and it seems to shut out that pesky inner voice too. I was also imagining the marathon, thinking about how nice it will be to see my family and friends along the way and how nice it will be to finish it!

One thing I do need to STOP doing is working out what percentage of the way I have covered, and how much longer it's going to take me. That way lies madness. But I do have quite a mathematical brain and this has always been my way of entertaining myself when waiting for time to pass...I can remember getting into some quite complex calculations during choir practice at school!

I can't imagine, though, that at Mile 20 (which based on research I am anticipating having to crawl), I'll be motivated by the thought that I have another 20 odd percent of the course still to go.

Oh, today's other discovery - I had pasta for lunch (I tend to eat my main meal late in the evening) I think it helped. Might have to become a lunch person...

My husband seems to be sponsoring me £1 a mile at the moment, texting every time I come back from a run. I don't think he's considered just how many miles this training is going to take me! If you'd like to join in with a couple of quid here and there, text ZOMB76 £2 (or however much) to 70070.

Oh and chafing. Something's hurting on my upper arm, on the inside. Chafing against shirt or bra perhaps. Needs to be investigated. Watch this space, if you dare....!