June

This month has been an incredible month for me and I haven't really taken the chance to write about it as I've been so busy! The first thing to happen (and I've cheated abit as it wasn't in June!) was the Bupa 10K my dad and I completed for Crohns and Colitis UK. I booked this run in January only a couple of months after I came out of hospital as a challenge for me to get better by and it definitely worked! Although my time wasn't great I didn't realise how long the race would actually feel and how tired it would make me. Coming past the finish line and seeing my friends waiting there was amazing and I'm so happy they wanted to come and support us. We managed to raise around £300, with £100 coming from my lovely grandparents and their friends. I'm so proud to have achieved this and surprised at how much my body can still actually do! 

                                 

Before my trip I decided to hold a party to say bye to everyone and also just because its a great excuse to have a party! We had a 90's theme as I love the music from the 90's and wanted a chance to make a playlist of all my favourite songs. My friend Izz made a quiz which was so much fun and we had a brilliant night. I also found out just before going away that my Crohn's is finally in remission! I'm so happy that my nurse has managed to find the right medication for me and I think that all the exercise and keeping healthy has played a big part in getting back to normal again!

                                            

The next and main thing from this month was travelling Europe with Lisa for 3 weeks! As you might have seen from my last posts we have been to 11 cities in 22 days and it was amazing! It went past so quickly but we had the best time, my favourite country was Vienna where we went on the worlds tallest swing ride and then into a music festival where Maximo Park were playing the next day! I've never had so much fun and I'm so glad I got to spend it with Lisa. Its encouraged both of us to keep going and do so many more things now we know we can do anything! 

                                     

Just a few days after getting back I had my driving test! This was my third test, but 1st with my new instructor (who happens to be one of my dads friends which helped!) and I passed! It was the best I have ever driven and I only got 2 minors! This week I will be getting mums car as shes getting a new one and I cant wait to be driving around and not relying on everyone else! 

The final part of my big month happened a few hours after my driving test, I had an interview for a job with the NHS and I got it! This will be so handy as I already spend enough time at the hospital so now I might even work there. This is a picture of my outfit and also the first time I have worn a pencil skirt, I think I might be converted!

Running

It's been awhile since I've posted an update on how my running is going. I am still trying to follow the app plan but it is proving difficult to fit in 3 runs a week especially while I was working. I am also having trouble with my shin but I don't want to stop and rest it! It had been a week since I did any running because of my birthday and on Monday night me and dad decided to go for a run and did a mile and a half! I am pretty happy with that considering I have been really bad with my diet this week. Here's a picture of me in my running kit! I can't wait to get back into it. Remember you can still sponsor me for the Bupa 10k here! Thanks everyone who has donated so far I'm so grateful!

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10k App

After the not so promising start with the training plan yesterday I decided to try a different route and do as the doctors always say which is 'listen to your body'. Pushing myself too hard, too fast is clearly the wrong way to go and although I want to get running straight away I know its going to take time and will be a slow process. 

I decided to put my iPhone to good use and have a look at the apps available. I came across '10k for Pink' which is free on the app store and is for breast cancer awareness. My run is in 16 weeks and this app is for 14 weeks so it gives me a couple of extra weeks to make sure i'm at the right level and just in case I get ill and cant train there is some spare time! This morning I was up again at 6:30am to meet Lisa, we ran around Earlsdon starting with the 5 minute warm up walk which warmed us up slightly (it was freezing!) The app then told us to start jogging for 90 seconds and then walking for a further 60 alternating for 20 minutes. It did vibrate to let you know when to change but as it was in my pocket I couldn't feel it! I hope that next time if i'm playing music it will pause it to let me know when to go into the next phase. We found this method much easier that constant jogging but both felt like we could have ran more but the gradual increase will be better for our bodies. I already do a lot of walking as it takes around half an hour to walk into Uni from my house so I am used to it which is why I am excited for the next weeks where the jogging increases. The eventual target is to run for 60 minutes which the app says will be 10k!


You can sponsor me for my 10k here! http://www.justgiving.com/Hannah-Isted

Warwick Sports

A few posts ago I mentioned the Bupa 10k i'm running in May for Crohns and Colitis UK, now that i'm feeling well again its time to start training! As it has been a while since I have done any real running I needed some new shoes and after contacting Warwick Sports they were kind enough to sponsor me them to get me going. I made the journey into Warwick today (which is lovely, if you haven't been I would suggest you do!) to go and see Ray to discuss what I would need. The store is really easy to get to with a huge range of sports goods and helpful staff. We tried on a few pairs and it turns out I needed a size bigger than I thought! In the end we settled on a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 which felt great and far better than any other running shoe I have worn before. Ray also gave me some running socks to go with them as my trainer socks didn't really cut it! I picked up a pair of black Ronhill leggings that fitted great and will be better to run in than my tracksuit. They were generous enough to sponsor me with as well.

I am overwhelmed by their generosity and how helpful they have been with getting me going. As well as the gear they gave some great advice and I left the shop feeling prepared and ready for my run. I'm very excited to start training now and plan on my first run tomorrow morning, I will definitely be posting more updates as soon as I get going! 

I really couldn't recommend Warwick Sports more, you can find them on their website HERE!