Amanda is running London 2022 for Recovery Cymru

Picked up my number!
28829

So... It's marathon week.
How did we get here so quickly? It only seems like yesterday when I got the email to say "you're in!", and I had the "oh s**t" moment.

The miles have been hard. The legs have been tired. There have been tears. There have been blisters. There have been early starts. There has been chaffing. There was an awfully long and hot summer - note to all, winter training seems so much easier than summer training.

Last night I did my last run before the big day on Sunday. A mere 5k. I actually enjoyed it. Mainly because it was only 5k, and because I had some lovely people with me. I nearly did get emotional at the end. But, I'm saving that energy and emotion as power to get me over the start and finish line on Sunday.

All that I have to do now is pack my kit & get myself down to London.

I want to take this opportunity to thank so many of you for your generous donations to Recovery Cymru. Its an amazing small charity in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, creating a safe environment for people to come together in their recovery journey. I'm so proud to be part of their trustee team. Knowing that so many of you have supported me, and them will help me get over the line on Sunday.

If you haven't donated yet - there's still time to do so. I know that finding a bit of spare cash is tough for is all at the minute, but if you do have some I'd be really grateful if you send it their way. http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/ or on their local giving page https://localgiving.org/charity/recovery-cymru/

I also want to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to
Caerphilly Runners
Xena Warrior Fitness
Leisure Lifestyle - Caerphilly Saturday Morning yoga class members

Simon, Stuart, Julia, Branwen, Chris, Rachel, Jo, Angharad, Katie, Claire, Emma, Pete, Louise, Lucy, Tina, Trudy, Anne-Marie, Cath, Catherine, Elouise and Regina for joining me on my various plods around Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Cardiff and Penarth. You've been an amazing support crew and I could have covered those hard miles without you. ❤️🙏👏

If you want to follow my progress on Sunday, then download the Official TCS London Marathon app https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/the-event/the-official-app

If you search Amanda-Jane Oliver or Caerphilly Runners you'll be able to find me and follow me around the course. There's also a belief booster on there, which will send messages to the big screens around the route for me and others to see.

So details for sunday:
Start time: approx 10.15 - 10.25am
Start wave: Green, 5
Expected time: 6 hours 30mins - 7hours.
Number:28829

My aim is to do a little post from the start line, somewhere on the course and at the finish. But bear with me if I forget.

See you on the other side!

It's all getting a bit real now!!

So...
I know it's been a while since I've posted. Summer holidays & a brief pause in training have now passed. I'm back in the game!

So what's happened since I last posted.....
Well I completed a 15.5 mile run in July, followed by the hottest ever half marathon attempt ever.... In Chepstow. Do you remember that first heatwave, well that's when Simon & I attempted the half. After 7.5 miles we took the sensible decision and stopped. Better to be safe than sorry. We still got our medals though 😊🏅.

Because the weather was so hot, I decided to put a pause on the running element of the training, but still getting out for walks & strength sessions in the gym.

Holidays followed - trips to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games! ( to see how the professionals do it... 😊) and to London.. but I still kept the milage up with the walking.. I've been told many times.. its all about time on your legs. During my couple of weeks off, I averaged 12,000 steps per day. much more than the normal 2-3000 I manage without any running trips.

So last week I was back to it:
Monday - 5k (3 miles) run
Tuesday - 5k (3 miles) run
Wednesday - leg session with Xena Warrior Fitness
Thursday - 5k (3 miles) run
Friday - 2.5k (1.4 miles) walk
Saturday - rest day
Sunday - 25.7k (16 miles) run.

Total running distance last week... 41k or 25 miles... Nearly marathon distance!

A massive thank you to Julia, Branwen and Claire - good friends I've made through Caerphilly Runners and all of the other members who've been supporting me on my journey. A special shout out to the wonderful & mentally strong Stuart, who on Sunday, put up with my potty mouth 😳and a bit of crying. If it hadn't been for him I really don't think I would have got through the whole thing.

So next week, I'm aiming for 17- 18 mile long run... with another 9 miles in the week.

I know it's a lot to ask, especially when it's tough for everyone with money at the minute, but I would be really grateful for any donation to the lovely folks Recovery Cymru. This is the link to the page where you can donate http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/

They do a fabulous job supporting people through their recovery journey. If you know anyone struggling with addiction or recovery, then please sign post them to their services. You can find out more about their work here http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/recovery-vision/

Thank you 💜

Hi there,
So I know I said last time that I'd be posting more... And there would be more regular updates.. Hhhmmmm I know. I failed on that bit.. But happy to say that I'm still keeping up with the training.

Since I last spoke to you all, I've done three (in my opinion) very long runs.
12 miles
10.5 miles,
And I'm pleased to say 14 miles.

That means that my long run distance is well over half the marathon distance. I'm so proud of my achievement, and when I completed that run on Sunday, I must say I did have a little cry, followed by a cheer and whoop!

Only 12 more miles on top, and that's it job done, marathon completed.

So in addition to the long runs, I'm still getting in the shorter runs either with the lovely people from Caerphilly Runners or with a little plodding group that we've created to get out on a Thursday evening.

Prior to marathon training I considered myself to be a contented solo runner. But what this experience is teaching me us that you need really supportive people around you, even if it's just for part of the journey. Not only to keep you company, but the motivation that it provides on the tough bits, when you really feel like walking, or dropping to the floor because you *think* that you legs can't keep on going. That's when you need people with you.

It's the same for anyone on their ecovery journey, we feel like we're strong enough on our own, but actually you need people around you going through the same experience, or have been through that experience to pass on their knowledge and support. To keep you going in the tough times.

That's why I'm raising money for those lovely folks at . Without the foundations of a recovery community that they've built in Cardiff, a lot of people would find their too much of a challenge on their own, without being able to tap into the network of member led support.

So here it is, a big three cheers for everyone who is someone's personal cheerleader, supporter, or just there as a friend when needed. You're doing an excellent job. ❤️

Hi lovely people.
So it appears that it's been just over 2 weeks since I last updated you with progress on my marathon training.... And now we're less than 16 weeks away from the big day.

So what have been up to since my last post.

Running. Over the last coupe of weeks, whilst I haven't been out a lot, when I have been out is been for long runs. I've now passed the 10 mile mark in terms of longest distance covered. A big thanks to my fellow plodders Stuart and Chris for accompanying me on my trip from Caerphilly down the taff trail to Cardiff on Bank Holiday Friday.

I've continued with my strength training, with the wonderful, challenging and motivational Xena Warrior Fitness .ive had a couple of sessions which have focused on arm & core strength and a really tough session last week know as the crucibles. A set of 8 exercises, including my nemesis burpees, with 40 reps of each. Needless to say, I was completely shattered fir the rest of the day.

I've really found the benefit of continuing with yoga practice with sessions at Caerphilly leisure centre Leisure Lifestyle. It's been a help before and after my longer runs, giving me the opportunity not only to stretch out, but also get into a good head space, using mindful breathing.

So going ahead, it's going to be a tough couple of weeks going forward, with plans & work trips planned in, so I won't be focusing on the distance of runs, but making sure that I do more regular shorter runs, fitting them in when I can.

As you know by now, all my efforts are to help raise some cash & the profile of Recovery Cymru. So if you can spare some cash, I'd be very grateful http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/

If you want to find out a bit more of what Recovery Cymru is all about, then you can find out more about them, and their ethos here http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/recovery-vision/

I promise not to leave it so long until the next time...

TTFN
Amanda

Thanks for all of your support today. The was a hot one... Really developing my runners tan now.

I'm really happy with my chip time of 1hr 32mins 30 secs. I knocked 2 minutes off the time from September 2021!

Thank you to all of the support around the course & to the lovely people that I met whilst we were battling against the heat. There's such commeradery at the back of the pack - all cheering each other on and encouraging each other to take that next step.

If our stories can inspire others to get out then that's bloody amazing.

Now for the well earned afternoon on the sofa.









http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/

Please like and share this page. It really helps me to keep going on this journey. 💜

I'll be standing out in the crowd today, running in the . Another Sunday, another 10k training for my journey. Raising much needed funds for the lovely people at .

I know money is tight at the minute, but if you can donate a couple of quid I'd be ever so grateful. http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/

Hello lovely people.
I'm a bit late in posting my update this week. I'm not really sure where the time has gone. So week 4 on my journey is complete.

I won't deny it, it was a tough week. I really increased my running this week - up to 12 miles over the whole week, two lots of 3mile outings and the Caerphilly 10k - 6 miles.

To compensate I reduced the other strength training completed. I think what I'm learning is that it's a balancing act of trying to gef the miles in the legs, whilst not leaving out the other elements of strength and conditioning.

So here is my week in training.
Monday - a well earned rest day after my Sunday 10k training run

Tuesday - back to club running with my buddies at the Social Tuesday session with . 5k completed in quite warm conditions.

Wednesday - Lunchtime PT session with Xena Warrior Fitness. A figurative ladder up to seven reps and back down again, followed by Kettlebell playing cards...

Thursday - an impromptu 5k with a couple of my fellow Caerphilly Runners plodders. Thank you so much for this. Another warm one, but felt really good at the end of it.

Friday - treated myself to a day off from training. Went out to see friends in the evening & have a good catch up & put the world to rights!

Saturday - yoga session at Caerphilly Leisure Lifestyle followed by some gardening. Carb loading in the evening & eurovision 💛💙🇺🇦

Sunday - Race Day Caerphilly 10K ! Thanks to my newly formed running crew - Branwen, Julia & Stuart for their running support on thd day. The crowds were amazing & so supportive for us back of the pack runners. I particularly appreciated the hose pipe cooling showers around the course. I have some amazing memories of the day which I'll take with me on my training journey. Even though I had to have a word with myself between 8&9km, I knocked 3minutes 30 seconds off my training run from last week. Super happy with finishing!

Thank you fir support me in this journey. Please like and share my post - and if you can spare a couple of quid gif the lovely folk at I would be ever so thankful. Link to my fundraising page on their site is here.. http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/.

Not only can you see what support is provided, but you can also see my quick weekly video update.

Have a good week everyone!

Hello lovely people, it's time for my weekly training update!

So this week was a tough one, both in terms of temperature and workouts. Running in warm weather has never been a favourite thing for me, I'd much rather be out in the colder conditions - even though it affects my fingers and toes due to my Reynards Condition, but it means I get to cover up & not feel to hot and bothered. I hate running in shorts and a vest, I feel uncomfortable and self conscious - but as my unofficial Marathon Mentor says... .. "I pulled my big girls pants up and got on with it"

I think I must be the only person ever to be complaining about summer marathon training!

Anyway here's the review of my week in training

Monday - not actual exercise but more functional fitness as it was a Bank Holiday, it gave me the opportunity to get out in the garden and move some of the vast quantities of stones we have here.

Tuesday - I took the opport to get a lunchtime 5k in. I didn't enjoy one bit of this outing. My legs were very heavy from Sunday & it was very warm and sticky out... But I had to get out in the day as I was out in the rvening.

Wednesday - also known as double bubble day! Firstly a lunchtime session with Xena Warrior Fitness .. Brutal running and weights interval session.. 10 trips down and up the road where I live, interspersed with 5kg shoulder presses & 7kg squats. Secondly I subjected myself to an Elevate session at the Leisure Lifestyle Rec with Chris.

Thursday - a much needed yogalates session. However I wasn't banking on Tash brining out the fitballs... You have never seen anyone with such poor balance!

Friday - REST DAY. (but some dancing involved as I went to see a three time dalayed Postmodern Jukebox gig. Some much needed down time)

Saturday - this wasn't supposed to have been a rest day, but getting up late than expected meant the day was thrown out of kilter a bit. However, I did make a commitment to running the Caerphilly 10K on the 15th May - something that I've backed out of before.

Sunday - so having signed up to the Caerphilly 10k next weekend, I thought that I'd better get some training in. So it was up early for me & out to join with my fellow for a 10k training run. A massive thanks to Stuart Coates for staying with me at back of the pack.

So here we are, another week down, 20 more to go. 9 miles done last week, 13 miles planned for this week.



It would be great if you could throw a few quid the way of those lovely people using the link below. http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/

Your support really does make a difference to people using their services. We all need a helping hand sometimes, and this helps knowing that

Please also like and share this as far & wide as you can.

Have a good week!

Hello lovely people.
So training update from last week... Which involved me actually getting out and running.. Alongside some strength and conditioning workouts and a couple of sessions of yoga.

1) Elevate at Caerphilly Rec Leisure Lifestyle on Wednesday evening. First time at Elevate since covid and back to lifting 20kg on the barbells. Brutal as always but I do love this session because of the great people there & such a supportive environment.

2) brutal core focussed yogalates on Thursday night thanks to Tasha

3) Friday involved a PT session with the fabulous Xena Warrior Fitness ... I'm getting the hang of Bulgarian Split Squats.

4) double bubble Friday evening saw me undertake a 2.5mile /4k plod around Roath Park lake

5) another yoga session on Saturday morning & then....

6) 5k Whitchurch 5k (3.14 miles)... 42mins 29sec .

All in all a busy week.. But that's what this marathon prep work is all about apparently.

Anyway... Please remember those great people which this journey is all about & if you have a couple of quid spare throw it their way http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/ I'd be ever so grateful!

Whitchurch 5k done. Before & after videos here.

Hello lovely people. Just a quick update to say that my fundraising page is now live on the website. There's a quick update from last week's training there as well as a bit of a blub about why I'm supporting this amazing charity. http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/amandaoliver/

Amanda Oliver Fundraising Page | Recovery Cymru Amanda Oliver Fundraising Page Amanda Oliver Fundraising page London Marathon October 2nd 2022     Donate to support Amanda! JUST THE BEGINNING “My name is Amanda, and I’ll be running the London Marathon on October 2, 2022, to raise funds for Recovery Cymru. So my London Marathon place came as...

Amanda is running London 2022 for Recovery Cymru updated their website address.

Week 1 training.

So this was my first week training for London 2022. I'm taking it slowly & steadily so that I have time to build my fitness, strength and stamina.

So probably not the best week to start training, as I was on a family holiday... Lots of eating out and drinks, with not much sleep.

However, I wasn't completely inactive.
1) 5 mile round trip to Sidmouth from Landram Bay. Stunning views & great company.

2) 1k swim in the pool (avoiding splashing children)

3) 5k walk around Stonehenge. Beautiful scenery!

4) Finally, a 2.5k run locally. This was the first time that I'd run since I'd had Covid at the beginning of March. I did push myself, as it was only 2.5k and I wanted to see what I could do. I was impressed with my pace, but I certainly felt shattered at yhe end of the run.

By the end of the week I should have a dedicated page set up on the Recovery Cymu website, so you can donate there.. (I'll post an update when it's live) , and you can find out more about the work that they do here http://www.recoverycymru.org.uk/

Recovery Cymru | New Home Recovery Cymru we are here for youRecovery Cymru is continuing to operate throughout Covid-19. Our programmes have been adapted virtually and our friendly team is available to offer daily support, 7 days per week. Click for more information. Our number is 07944 851050 where Kaye will be hap...