h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

(10 + 2) x 3 completed. It was much harder than I was expecting but then it is quite hot today. I still managed to run up the stairs to The Nest at the end .

You're doing so well. I'm going to have to keep building up slowly - I had a sore leg after doing 2 x 5 mins a few days ago!

Are you stretching your calf muscles before and after you run?

I worked hard at the gym this morning. The new rowing technique is coming along well and I can feel the benefit of the improved upper body strength when I'm on the cross-trainer too. The cross-trainer is the only machine in the budget-level gym I attend that has a heart monitor and it's amazing how much harder I have to work now to put my HR into the zone and equally amazing how quickly it recovers when I ease off.

Only three running sessions left before the race .

What's the new rowing technique then? I always try and keep my arms parallel to my legs, I notice other people seem to do this rise and fall thing as their wrists pass their knees, if you see what I mean.

Are you going to keep up the running after the race?

I generally stretch after exercise but not before. Actually, though, my calves have been fine. It was my thigh muscles that were protesting a bit at the unaccustomed exertion. But I'm fine now.

The trainer at the gym has been teaching me to row really slowly but with maximum effort from my upper body. So with the lever set to 6, I row at about 22 strokes per minute but still 'moving' at faster than 3.00 minutes per 500m. It uses up loads more calories than scooting along at 33 spm.

I find it best to stretch before and after exercise or running. The ones I find I really have to stretch are my back, my chest and my calves. I'm going to see if I can find a good book on stretching.

Well, that's the last long training run done. 20 + 5 + 10 including hills. It went ok . There was a bit of a head wind on the way back.

I wonder how different the race will be when I have no distractions like looking out for dog mess, paving slabs set at jaunty angles and drivers who don't know the highway code.

Point 146 of the highway code clearly says: "watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way."

Why is this not understood by motorists? Where does it say "if there is a jogger in the road, run them over"?

I now go into the tapering phase . The run on Friday and the one on Sunday will both be (9 + 1)*3. I'll go to the gym tomorrow, Saturday and Monday but I'll rest completely on Tuesday.

Nearly there!

It looks as if I won't get to the gym today . The gasmen have removed the pipe that leads to the meter but now they have disappeared and I certainly can't go out while they still need access to The Nest.

Quick someone remind me when the run+meet is! *worry*

There are two runs. The first one - the subject of this thread - is on Wednesday coming but the second one - the mile - is on Saturday 10 July.

That's the penultimate training run completed. (9 + 1)*3 but strangely I ran further than ever - further than 3 miles - so by my reckoning a 30 minute time for the 5k is still on. I hope so anyway. But the main aim is still to run all the way round without stopping or walking. I just hope there aren't any nasty hills. The problem with Capability Brown landscapes is that he was a bit inclined towards inclines, so to speak.

I forgot to post yesterday. Training didn't go too well but it was Day 1 (Caer will understand, the rest of you may need to consult your mothers). I should have done (9 + 1)*3 but I could only manage (9 + 1)*2 and I was in so much pain that I had to stop.

I took a day off today. I'm planning to do some light gym work tomorrow and then it's race day . I'm already getting excited. They showed some footage of the first Leeds race, which took place on Sunday at a different park. There are markers every 1km - I was wondering about that. It'll make it easier to make sure I'm not setting off too fast.

I've found another series of 5k races in Leeds - in yet another park. These are proper races where the organisers time you and people care who comes first. They aren't for charity. There are three races about a month apart starting on 7 July. I might have a go at those - as well as my attempt on the ant landspeed record on the 10th, of course.

I'm also thinking about joining a running club but the most obvious one - the one nearest to the Nest - is the one where Tracy Morris (the fastest brit woman in the London marathon) trains and I'm not sure they'd want a wheezy old ant.

Amy, I think they would be most impressed with your dedication, go and join!

The problem is that on club nights they train together and I'm scared of being left behind. On their club page they say that training is relaxed and anyone who can do a 50 minute 10k will be ok. But I can't see me *ever* doing a 50 minute 10k.

I haven't felt too good today so I didn't go to the gym. I hope things are better tomorrow. The weather forecast is ok (although the pressure is too high for my liking) - cool, overcast, very little wind.

All the Fantasy Footballers' sponsorship donations have been safely received. So now all you have to do is run!

We're all rooting for you, Amy. Go ant go!

See? Look! I've got my t-shirt on!

Go Amy! Go Amy!

The race isn't until 7.30 pm but I'm already quite fired up . Silly really.

How did the run go Amy? Are you recovered enough to tell us about it (here or in another journal).

The run isn't 7.30 this evening, Phil. I hope I'll be able to post when I get back .