Carroll McCartan

Royal Parks Half Marathon

I'm fundraising for...

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page for my Royal Parks Half Marathon! Over 10 million peoplein the UK live with arthritis, affecting their ability to work, studycare for family, move free from pain and live independently. But arthritis is still poorly understood and far too little is done. That’s why Arthritis UK funds life-changing research, supports those affected and campaigns for change. Arthritis UK won’t rest until everyone with arthritis has access to the treatments and support they need to live the life they choose, with real hope of a cure in the future.  

My Achievements

My Updates

9K done & end of Week 5 🍷

Sunday 14th Jun
It was hard today but mom stop, Runna app told me my pace was above (faster) lot of time so indicative that the other elements of training are having an impact and working. The haribos were a welcomed addiction. Week five finishes in a high in terms of training but know next week is 10K long run and need to think about continuing to improve lung capacity and leg strength key, as well as mind over matter. The additional 1.58 k walk after was good as pushed me over the 9 k distance for cool down and e durance in prep for next week. Some lovely support too from PTI at work (work colleague) & the youngest today 💯

Week Five 6K and 9K

Thursday 11th Jun
This week has seen me progress to longer runs and gaining time on my pace. I’m doing this with some added personal challenges with diagnosis of tumour in pituitary gland and more tests and treatment plan to be confirmed, recognise some barriers ahead, but determined to work through and this is a positive distraction and goal for my self.. I’ve done an additional strength training session today and fighting fatigue and low mood. Something about taking a challenge on that no matter what your day or week looks like enables you to reset. Looking forward to my first 9K this weekend and then working towards my first 10K of the plan in week six.

Week Four

Wednesday 27th May
Completed 4.5 K on the Plan today. More strength building and a 3.5 K tomorrow followed by 5 K and strength training this weekend. Next week sees 9k factored into long run. Finding the speed is increasing and the road runs are making difference, as well as the interval training too.

Week Three

Wednesday 20th May
Busy week balancing training g plan and work and life. Really chuffed today hit first interval training regular speeds faster than usual for longer periods but good session. Also had a strength session and then weights and stretches. Feeling brighter and that making process and first time in ages can see the road running and distances are building my ability to run faster and ling capacity first time feel like a breakthrough. Small wins 🌟 good for mental health and decompression too. Have an early riser tomorrow 4k before work with separate strength session and then busy weekend ahead. Somehow need to factor an 8 K in. Determined to do it. Worse bit today was pushing against fatigue and low mood. Pay’s when you override the thinking and get to the gym. 💯🌟🌞

First 7K

Sunday 17th May
Managed to keep jogging non-stop, on my first long run of the plan.  Nerves, nd found it hard at the start but pushed through nd kept my mind focused. It would have been easier to stop or not do it but I’m chuffed I pushed through. Had a lovely message from fitness coach motivating me which was lovely.  Next steps will be to mix up strength building, interval training with distance and pace.  Apps are good. 

Week Two - Overcoming Self Doubt

Tuesday 12th May
“I am the greatest obstacle to my
greatest dreams.”  Today anxiety and over thinking, including usual fatigue, pain and low mood saw me struggling with my self inside my thoughts today as to whether I can do this and whether someone like me can do this. 
 
I feel like I’ve got a lot holding me back, I’m going through some of the hardest personal challenges currently and it would be very easy to give up, to fold, and to take the easy path.  But I watch both my daughters, I see friends and colleagues going through so much and it resets, makes you feel humble for what you have got and a reminder they’ll always be stressed, life curve balls and challenges. How you work through them is key. 

So I’ll take the small wins, remain patience and note that it’s ok if it doesn’t go to plan, if it’s not perfect, it’s a bad day because there will be better days to come.  Just got to hold out and take each step as it comes.  I’m glad I got my run done today small, but some  personal bests logged and for a run I was almost not going to do I’m pleased I did. It’s shown me when you feel your worst or you’re up against it you can flip the bad or the negative into something good.  Strength building this evening and then a early morning run before work tomorrow planned.  To those supporting me thank you and my inspirations still remain my daughters who are great examples of resilience and keeping it real and fun too 😁🌈






Week One 3 K Runna App

Tuesday 5th May
Week One, Day One 3.10 K 32.40 10/32 average minute - can work on speed once have the strength endurance distance.

Week One 3K goal Runna Plan

Tuesday 5th May
Set off early today to trial my first outdoor run in the Runna Plan.  Take away completed without stopping and got to see bright morning sun.  Was on the cusp of not doing this today and taking the path of least resistance. However important set out my habits and build up resilience to achieve this goal, and ultimately success is on me, and me alone. Pleased that I’ve started and pleased that I have completed first one.  Need to invest in better trainers and clothing and also ensure hydrate. 🤪

Apps for Preparation

Monday 4th May

Apps for Preparation

Monday 4th May

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.' — H. Jackson Brown,

Monday 4th May
On good advice I’ve downloaded two apps Runna & NHS Couch to 5K. I use Strava currently, but wanted to prepare with a sound plan that builds and enables me to adapts to distance and endurance, pace and mindset. Realise too important to learn about nutrition, stretches and how to avoid injuries in process! Alarm set first goal outside run aiming for 3k before busy day at work. 🤪

Training Session Goal 5k

Saturday 2nd May
Today focused on building stamina and distance. Got to 5k non-stop but took just under an hour so lot more work to do. Incorporated strength exercises and weights, with interval cycle ride for half hour included.   Want to build on distance non-stop and also start to do external runs to complement treadmill intervals and incline. You do pay for it after treble wise in pain but will be worth it and looking at better techniques for coping and working on pre post stretches.  



The Power of Action

Saturday 2nd May
As I contemplate whether to do this challenge and whether there is ever a good time to do this, I recognise sometimes you just have to go for it.  I’m totally out of my comfort zone on this but hey you gotta be in it to win it 🤪. Inspired by both my daughters I’ve joined the family team to raise funds for Arthritis UK.  My oldest daughter is diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and has just completed her 4th marathon, with more planned on behalf of Arthritis UK, this year and next. They both truly inspire me with both their drive to overcome personal barriers and their grit to change how society sees those struggling with hidden disabilities. I can relate having my own challenges diagnosed with Lupus. Running reminds me that even in my weakest moments you are strong - and life at the moment feels very much like one big challenge. Day one in my training plan let’s see what my baseline is and build from there. 

 

Thank you to my Sponsors

£22.80

Anonymous

£11.33

Holly

Good luck mum proud of you x