8 MONTHS OF SILENCE ..............BUT RUNING STILL.............GEARING UP FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

Dear friends, ultra extremists, runners and crazies across the world and to all those who have sent messages..................

First of all my sincere apologies for my very delayed blog and updates, it has been somewhat eight months since I last did a blog entry, whilst I don’t have to justify myself, I do feel I owe some explanation, especially to all those who have sent messages and general enquiries over the months. 

After my rather amazing and epic first desert race, I was on an almighty high, and yes as with all things going up, eventually the emotion does come down. 

I am normally very good at containing my emotion and handling very difficult situations, however realising a dream and fulfilling it, puts one into a different paradigm altogether; at the same time, I finally dealt with the death of my unborn baby girl called Aayra who sadly died on the 1^st of January of this year, who was then delivered on the 3^rd of January.  Although I put all my reserve energy and emotion into fighting for my son whilst fundraising and getting through my Desert Run, I did put my grief on the back burner, so getting back from the desert, I was on both a high and when relived and that’s when grief took hold.

I had to go and collect her wee body shortly after I came back from the Sahara; we then held a ceremony which made somewhat of a closure in all of our lives.  Shortly after that, I went into hospital and had major surgery, which saw me taking time out to recovery, it was a big decision first of all from an emotional point of view, do go ahead with this surgery, taking into consideration my age, my thrombophilia and lupus, and loosing 6 children previously; it was I that decided that I wanted my body to rest & heal and wanted to be free from horrendous pain, and deep emotional and psychological trauma yet again. Being fortunate in having one son already was and is indeed a blessing.  

Not only the above, I had Bastian’s (my son) final diagnosis to accept and contend with as with a whirl wind media courtship.  His diagnosis was finally published in the American Journal of Medicine and Genetics in April 2014.  Although he is now diagnosed he is still on several studies being carried out by Cambridge and Oxford Universities whereby his DNA and Neuro spectrums etc. will be used and studied which will continue to enhance the medical world and all those who have since benefitted and who will continue to benefit.

Bastian in now one of six (1 of 6) in this vast world of ours with a syndrome called SETD5 (De Novo Loss) (Basically his major life building blocks which form the neurological basis of human life is damaged in other words his DNA is damaged, however even more scary, his RNA is missing) so really a gem of a child. It makes the fight and the challenges even more worth it.  I am humbled and honoured to have such a wonderful child.  It does not change life; it just makes it easier to understand him and how to implement new strategies in our every day, in order that he can have as near as a normal a life as possible.  No one will ever really know what the future will hold, however for now, his consultants say he should live to a decent age.

Anyway upon recovery from surgery, I then had to face another massive challenge (still on-going) which is the biggest challenge of my life, making and taking full responsibility of my disabled son, extreme swimming, extreme ultra endurance running, managing charities, home educating my son, university degrees, and work research projects all pail into insignificance really; whereby I have  ‘Taken on the UK Government’ seeing me going through arduous litigation and harrowing legal and court proceedings all in the name of securing a better future (education, physical, social and emotional wellbeing) for my disabled child.  This is enough to put anyone into an early grave. I can’t say much at the moment, as yesterday (19^th December 2014) I submitted my last set of litigation documents, and am now awaiting decisions from the Government Panel.  However I suspect the fight is far far from over, in the interim I have secured the media, press, specialist journalists and political parties at the ready, all of whom are all lobbing on my behalf.

As I am currently home schooling/educating my son, my time is now even more limited than before, and by the time I have been a mom, housekeeper, research student, teacher, and have taken my training into the equation, I am shattered.

I was due to partake in ‘Race to the Stones’ (100) in June, but sadly had to pull out due to shoulder pain and University Submissions, anyone who has ever been to University can vouch for me here, as these deadlines can be the cause of even more grey hairs.  I have to give my thanks to #MDX #Middlesex University who have been absolutely wonderful in supporting me throughout my hectic year. I however just about managed to pull through my 22 mile swim for Aspire over two day seeing it done in 12 hours in total.

Apart from this, I then went onto have my right shoulder replaced and repaired in October, and now feel just about fit and rearing to go.  (See training plans in next blog) Although I have to say my Lupus is a bit flary at the moment, feeling it in my spine, I can only think that stress is one of the major contributors for this. Besides this, I also took time out in Greece, where I took my son to see his dad, whom he has not seen in a years.

So that is 8 months in a nut shell….. Seems so easy to pen down in a few words, but, standing before judges delivering my case, will be my highlight of the year, whereby the judge told the Government they needed to get their act together. Although 8 months of hell, in reality, it has taken a toll on my life all round. Were it not for venting through running and planning my next challenges, I would have jumped upon Satellite and joined it in orbit towards the P67 Asteroid.  Your messages have been wonderful and I can only say, bring on the next 5 years of adventures raising awareness for my causes and being able to raise the bar in mental and physical attitude.  

I was thinking of changing my meme to VintageUltraRunnerWillicott….. But will stick with virgin as I like be young and fresh, despite the grey hairs hiding under the flaming curls.

Before I head off for today, I will blog tonight about my 5 year Ultra Challenge Plan and my strategies for all of them.  Stay peeled, some are really exciting. Going from one extreme to the other….. exciting times ahead, new sponsors, new challenges and hopefully a new frame of mind. The mind is ready; the body will tag along ;-).

Having just given another speech and presentation this past week, my charitable work is coming flowing in, and what with my next challenges stacking up, I will look forward to sharing them with you whilst at the same time, raising awareness and funds for those charitable causes so dear to my heart.

With #blisterfreewishes always

Jani 

#UltraMarathonVirgin

THE WHITE DESERT - OCEAN FLOOR RACE

HOME.......MIND - FEET - ANOTHER WORLD - DEMONS & A CHANGED WOMEN

Dear Followers around the World

I am finding typing this blog very difficult - a lump in my throat, my heart still running in 52.4C heat on the Sahara Sands...................... The Western Sands of Time, the White Desert has stolen my heart, my youth and my dream, for it to spit it out into a stronger woman than I ever thought I could have been.

My race review and my kit review will be done at the weekend, or perhaps later on next week, for now, I have been invited out to one of my good friends belated birthday party and will spend much deserved time with my son my inspiration to everything.

Apologies to all who have been waiting and asking questions, but getting back to reality when one was faced with pure virgin silence that was deafening to the ears and or being alone in the dark of night with nothing but ones heart beat for sound and sand for comfort; then hitting the tarmac in Heathrow and being hit by a polluted/rushed/destructive earthly existence is very hard to adjust too again.

The old cliché of a challenge either makes or breaks one is now old school, I now prefer to use the following:
Such a challenge has broken me - broke me down into the girl I always knew I was, the Desert is ruthless, its life and death, and noting else, it literally is nothing else, its life and death if you choose.....

To be broken is liberating, to be broken down even more is further liberating and to be completely broken down to that child within and the to be rebuilt is more than a life changing experience. 

Nothing can and or will ever prepare one...... NOTHING! Its simply blissful ignorance followed by the most amazing ruthless harsh reality of life. LIFE! Pushing yourself to the limit, listening to every organ in your body, listening to every pulsation, every heart beat, counting every step, watching each millilitre of water disappear, knowing every joint and muscle group work and work and work.

The mind and how it plays tricks, how you think you hear sounds, seeing the distance in complete white out heat thinking there are mountains to climb yet, when you get to your co-coordinate, its simply flat and ongoing, relentless, tearing into your very being, tearing your down more and more, your body screams stop and turn back....... however the reality is such, you cant turn back, there is nothing to turn back to, the Check point is no more, packed up and reset for further down the route, were you to turn back - death will be evident, no water, lost........ there is only going forward, forward to the next check point, WATER, WATER, WATER, WATER, looking at the millilitre's  of water disappearing into my dehydrating body, I have no choice but to keep going forward, I DO NOT WANT TO DIE of HEAT STROKE or DYHRRATION, I need water, down to 500ml, 400ml, 300ml, 200ml, 100ml, 90ml, 70ml, 50ml, 40ml panic............. I need water, I see the check point, I want to drink, but say to myself, I need to keep it just in case, I complete 49 miles in 52.4 degrees heat, with 40mls of water spare...... I collapse down in tears, I have made 49 miles, I am on track.... going 3.6 miles an hour, 9 miles ahead of schedule, I am starving, yet do not feel like eating, I drink 2 litres of coke I lay down and the tears come, I look down to see my knee..... the pain the pain pain........ my knee is 4 times the size.................. I cry and cry and cry........could this be the end.

This is a snippet...... the entire story will come up and so will my mistakes, my positives and the race itself.

SOMETIMES IN LIFE - YOU HAVE TO TAKE THAT LEAP OF FAITH, FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, GRAB THAT CHALLENGE, DO IT, SAY IT....... ITS FUNNY I CAN GO ACROSS THE SAHARA YET I CANT TELL SOMEONE I LIKE THEM....... HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE......... I THINK HE FEELS IN ADEQUATE, HE DOWNS HIMSELF, HOWEVER HE IS A TOTAL INSPIRATION, IF I CAN PLUCK UP THE COURAGE TO DO ONE OF THE WORLDS HARDEST RACES KNOWN TO MAN, HOW THE HELL CAN I NOT TELL HIM.

THE POSITIVE IS I CRIED FOR MY CHILD SELF, I CRIED AND CRIED, FOR THE LITTLE GIRL AGED 3...... FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 40+ YEARS I CRIED FOR MY LITTLE SELF A BREAK THROUGH.

I met or rather I know of my neighbour who lives around the corner from me, we bump into each other every now and then, we have had brief chats every two/three years or so, similar paths, yet parallel to each other, however today, coming to 'my' coffee shop to catch up with emails, I met David again and we got chatting, we are again on those split paths, but only this time we are both heading for greatness, he left me with this message, in fact a poem he is wanting to publish his poems and he deserves the recognition for trying and just as he encouraged me to keep going, I encouraged him to not give up and publish those poems; I am not ashamed to admit, I sobbed like a child in the middle of the coffee shop whilst reading his poem he penned me:

 

Perfection Maybe

 

You returned your tears

to the first ocean

only the Gods knew it was to become a desert

but it took your devotion

and courage

to meet your inner child - a little wild

release her to the sands

she is gone

so lift up your hands!

 

Endings and Beginnings

Sea to Sand

Perfection in all things

Beauty to Bland

and when you cannot stand

the world where most people live

look for perfect moments

where you can truly give!!!

 

                                                               David42

For now, I will leave you with pictures that speak a thousand words and more...... a journey that was alive within me for over 30 years, has been achieved..... am I mourning, yes, however it is far far far from over, it has only just begun, they say most Ultra Runners have something in common, something that keeps them together, they use ultra running to overcome traumas and addictions.  For me its trauma after trauma. 

 

 

I have so many traumas, with one truly resolved, I need to keep running to release the others. Of course I am doing it again, March 2015 and the desert are awaiting me.  I will not allow the desert to beat me.

 

If I can do it, so can anyone, it may not be a desert, it may not be a marathon or a swim, but for yourself and yourself alone, do what ever you have always wanted to do.  NO ONE STANDS IN YOUR WAY EXCEPT FOR SELF.

 

Ps I have not blisters by the way ;-)

 

Much love and keep reading - my story will continue from the girl who decided to give it a go. 

 

I dedicate this blog to the following amazing People:

 

Alexander Rudenko

Andreeva Zana

Christain Schiester

Ciara Barry

Ciara Cahill

Eamon Etherson

Gunnar Nillsson

Lee Payne

Marino McGowan

Petra Vladimirov

Rafael Fuchsgruber

Ryan Shaw

Shaun Braddock

Steven Sleuyter

Susan Braddock

Wanda Summers

 

Keith Gray and his entire Team at FAT FEET and to a man I admire and respect with my all - a man I trust with my life..... its not very often I say this, but a man and his tribe of Bedouin People who will go beyond to save a life.  Diaa Shawki Michail!!!

 

Blessings and #blisterfreewishes

 

Jani

 

#UltraMarathonVirgin



 



MUSCLES, BLOOD BLISTER, TEARS & SAFELY IN CAIRO - I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD FOR A CAMEL

Dear World, I know you have all been waiting for a blog, apologies.............

I have had a few issues come up with my son, and so priorities take place. The good news is I have arrived safely into Cairo.... today have  not been sold for 12 camels however have had a few stalkers/crazies..... clearly not used to a woman with red hair, or a strong woman at that.  Vulnerable I might be a ties, but gullible I am not........

I have come to the most notable of notable notions that people fail to listen, fail to read or fail to or want to understand  the most basic elements of communication...... which leads blogging about the most basics/essentials of life. In today's world of mass media -technology, Facebook, Twitter, Pin Interest, LinkedIn, Google, phone calls, emails, text messages etc, people still fail to communicate effectively or live in correctly.  In my life and I my line of work and or study, #communication is the key to leading a life of quality and not quantity. 

Although I use multimedia a lot, especially communicating with friend all of the world - #cheaper, I still prefer the real face to face and the human tough.  I am to admit and be really honest here, the modern technology I admire and think the world of is #facetime or #Skype, for as a mother, and being away fro you child, having the ability to speak in real time with your children is wonderful.

It has been a very try week on all account, the last of my training, the last of my preparations, and the agonising delayed and overdue wait for my sons Secondary School Placement.  I still cant come to terms with how the world treats people with a disability.  It ********* me off.  Why are governments so ******** incredulous. Needless to say I have had to remove that from my mind until the 30th of March when I get back into London.  As right now I have to focus on the hardest physical challenge my body has to go through. Bloody hell if #Davina #BeyondBreakingPoint can do it, so can I. 

The hardest challenge of all is removing this weakness which I carry within, "am I good enough, am I able, am I going to cope, will I manage, what if I fail, what I if I cant do it, what if others see me struggle, what if they think I am shite" - that is the hardest challenge of all, doing the race will be hard, I know I will #hitthewall at least twice (2), but I know I will finish, the issue or weakness I need to get rid of is, letting go of that negative thought process, and focusing on one of the most important tasks on hand, I AM IN COMPETITION WITH NO ONE BUT MYSELF.

And that is the hardest lesson in life, we all walk around comparing and or observing others, we all have weaknesses and we all 'can and can't' do things, however by removing limitations and or obstacles that prevent us from moving forward we will continue to be in the same place.

One year ago or rather 18 months ago, I underwent life saving surgery, I was unable to eat, I was unable to go to the 'powder room' -  I was unable to do the normal daily routine, and or to physically cope,  however 18 months later several stitches, and painful organs later, and with sheer will, determination, tears, swearing, sweating, humiliation, gruelling training, enough protein to produce methane gas to fuel London, I am sitting in the Novotel Cairo Airport Hotel, typing this blog, with 12 hours to go before I head off into the desert. 

Friend and Bloggers around the world are asking me, "how to I feel" to be fair and to be honest, I am scared, anxious, worried, nervous....missing my child to the point of wanting to book the next fight home, however I have waited 40+ years for this to come true, and I am not now giving in or up, just because I am scared and or nervous. I will do what I will do.

I did say the hardest part of training was getting up at 4am or having ice baths, but the truth is - the hardest part of training, was knowing that I was having less time with my son.  That is and was the hardest.  However with the knowing and the love we have for each other, one day I will look back and show him what I managed to achieve and hopefully with that, inspire him to do something of equally or greater magnitude.

I have to e honest here, I am sitting having a #beer, I don't normally drink and when and if I do, I normally just have a glass of wine or a champers, however the bitterness and coldness of a beer is what I wanted.  I have to say it has gone straight through me, the four sips I already have had.

This last week has had its ups and downs - however training went well and I ended off with one 20 mile jog/run and a steam yesterday.  Despite crying my eyes out in the steam room, (no one can see you) it was good.  Arriving at Heathrow last night I also managed to inspire another stranger to just do what he always wanted to do. I did not sleep much, in fact I did not sleep on the plane at all, I watched to movies, something I don't really have time to do anymore. 

I slept for most of the day with resting my legs and mentally going through waves of emotion.

I will do my last blog tomorrow morning and then that's it until the 31st!. 

I have to thank Stu at Manic Films, for his excellent service, and discount which has already been applied to my chosen charities. Stu you have enabled me to take a movie of a life time.  I cant thank you enough, my GoPro will capture it all.

http://www.maniacfilms.com/rental/

I have to thank #Brainwave and #Water for Kids for all their help and support, and all my suppliers. I have to thank friends, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers and anonymous donors who have opened up the wallets to support me.  I will write you all a letter and that's my word. All I can is promise to complete the race in what ever shape or form I am in.

I have to thank the most amazing close friends, Cor aka Frenchy, Kat, Debbie, Karen, Liz, Hayley, Charles,  (please forgive me if I cant think of the rest  beer going to my head) and a my fellow student colleagues in particular Ola and Vics and Sey and all the others who keep me entertained.

ONE MORE THANKS GOES TO MY SON - BASTIAN, WHO HAS PUT UP WITH MY EARLY MORNINGS, LATE NIGHTS, CRAZY EATING REGIME PATTERNS, TEARS, MOODY SWINGS, THE TIME SPENT DOING PUBLIC RELATIONS, RAISING FUNDS AND THE REST. BASTIAN AS I ALWAYS SAY, I LOVE YOU BEYOND INFINITY AND MORE THAN ETERNITY, YOU HAVE HELPED MONEY REALISE HER DREAM, AND HAVE HELPED CHILDREN JUST LIKE YOU HAVE A BETTER LIFE AS WELL AS OTHER FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION.  YOU ARE THE REAL HERO.

Its time for me to finish my beer and have a protein bar...... don't fancy any more pasta.

I will leave you all with this, as stated by the great Nelson Mandela:

"Everything seems impossible, until its done"

My next challenge: - the 4 deserts race - http://www.4deserts.com/ - why the hell not????

Signing off for the night so I can go and play with my GoPro Camera and learn how to use it....

One last word - the

TOTAL RAISED SO FAR IS £2579.58

 

 

 

 

 

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone - every message, every thought, every word, every txt, every call, every card, every hug, tissue and penny and cent given to me. All I can do is pay you back by paying it forward and running every last mile.

 

May you all be blessed and if I can go for a dream and at least go for this challenge, so can you.

 

With #blisterfreewishes

Jani

#UltraMarathonVirgin

 

Its never too late to donate:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JanetWillicott-160mile-desert-run

 

 

BBC 3 COUNTIES RADIO - JANET WILLICOTT & NICK COFFER

Hello Wonderful People world wide:

Herewith my Radio Blog, with BBC's Nick Coffer - Thanks to BBC and Nick for giving me the opportunity to spread the word.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sjqz3

If you listen from 2h15.

I literally made the studio by 1 min 33 seconds! Talk about timing...... at least I got to run 1km in the process ;)  Happy listening. You might notice that I was slightly short of breath due to me sprinting ;)

Thanks to Gerry Gould at Brainwave for her input.  Love you Gerry xxx

Happy Monday where ever you are in the world and #blisterfreewishes

Jani
#UltraMarathonVirgin

THIS TIME NEXT WEEK MY DREAMS WILL HAVE BEEN BIGGER THAN MY FEARS

Hello to all my readers the world over - greetings & welcome China,

With only 3 days before I fly and 6 days to my biggest physical challenge to date - I am feeling a little flat, whether is tiredness, anxiety and or just everything about the build up and the release and or realisation of achieving a dream.

Holy molies - we all achieve our dreams through the course of our lives - however how often do you ever achieve the greatest ones?

I wonderful yet complex person - whom I just so happen to know very well - contacted me yesterday with this note:

("Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions louder than your words. You can master this challenge in the desert."  JAM)  This is probably the most poignant phrase I have ever heard.  It sums the whole challenge up and well me in fact. 

I was going to run a gentle 20 mile jog this morning, but have a groin niggle, so instead I am off to the sauna for a steam and a bit of metal preparation.  My head is all over the place, it is just not that easy to go off, for I have a responsibility, my child and his well being is paramount.  He is all over the place, most children will be any way, however with Bastian's disabilities and complex neuro processing it is even harder.

Currently I am stuck down loading 7508 song to my new replaced iPod...... just typical - at the last second my iPod decides to give in......7508 songs I hear you say, well these songs are my 'just in case' seeing I will be carrying all my equipment on my back and running 160 miles in sand, less is really more.

Friends have asked how is the body..................... well apart from feeling a little fuzzy and flat, ok I guess, I did a gently 5km slow jog yesterday, to get the groin moving, its a little tender and feeling a touch effy..... I can't afford to have my joints, muscles and or anything disrupted.

For those who have asked about mental preparation, well here it is:

ICE BATHS
TURNING OFF TELEVISION
EATING CHOCOLATE CAKE
MEDIATION
BREATHING
BATHING
WALKING
REFLECTING
MUSIC
HUGGING MY SON
EATING & RUNNING WHILST LISTENING TO MUSIC
STEAM BATHS
HOT SAUNAS
FOCUSING AS I ALWAYS DO, SET A GOAL, DO, ACHIEVE AND GIVE IT MY BEST SHOT.

Lovely People of the world, I am off to do a show at the BBC Radio Centre in Luton now, I will be live on are at 2:15pm Greenwich Mean Time, BBC3 with Nick Coffer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sjqz3

STRETCH, FOCUS AND GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT, IF I CAN RUN AN ULTRA-MARATHON, SO CAN ANYONE ELSE, DETERMINATION, FOCUS AND SHEER HARD WORK IS ALL IT TAKES.


http://youtu.be/lcIaRGzJFuU - WATCH IT HERE!!! ONE DESERT, 160 MILES, 96 HOURS - DREAM, DO, ACHIEVE, PAY IT FORWARD.

THIS IS NOT JUST FOR MYSELF - BUT FOR THOSE WHO WILL STRUGGLE TO ACHIEVE TO EVEN WRITE THEIR NAME OR ARE DENIED THE MOST BASIC OF LIFE - WATER.  PLEASE SPONSOR ME - at http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/janets160miledesertchallenge and
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JanetWillicott-160mile-desert-run.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Having a glass of water or simply being able to write your name is taken for granted, please help those to experience what you automatically do every day. On behalf of Brainwave, Water for Kids & me, may you all be blessed abundantly & know that your monies do make a difference.


THANK GOES TO THE LIONS INTERNATIONAL FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP

 

 With love and #blisterfreewishes

Jani

#UlraMarathonVirgin

6 DAYS TO GO & BBC RADIO - AMAZING FUNRAISING NEWS

Well hello all those wonderful people across the world, from Alaska, Bahrain, China to South Africa to Venezuela and of course Europe and my UK Peeps.

My Friends and Colleagues have been brilliant helping me raise a staggering £1362.50 on my Virgin Money Giving.  I am so so humbled and thankful.  If you have a spare moment and a few coins, please log on and donate to my worthy causes. 
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JanetWillicott-160mile-desert-run

My crowdfunder is not going that well - however have to say I have £190 raised there so far so please any corporate bodies, donate and I will raise your flags.
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/janets160miledesertchallenge

With 6 days to go - I have managed to raise £1552.50, however not only that I have been provisionally given a donation from The Corey's Mill Lions Women's Club - http://www.hertfordshire.com/pages/entries/show-entry.asp?id=8036

however even more good news - BBC Radio have just phoned and I will be live on air on Monday the 17th March fro 2:15pm with Nick Coffer to do even more promoting.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sjqz3

Its truly a really good day, slowly my hard work is paying off, I cant thank my friends, colleagues, acquaintances enough.  A massive thanks has to go to Gerry Gould for all her help and volunteering  friends to help me with my PR work.  Gerry you are a lady in a million a whole chocolate cake is coming your way.

When its just me, myself and I doing a PR and fundraising campaign and training and looking after a complex needs child, the pressure is immense, let alone University work, however I can and will do what I can do to help this world we live in.

With 6 days to go, my friends are starting to ask me how I am feeling........ I do not have definitive answer...... its a mixed bag and a plethora of emotion rushing through me.  Excited, nervous, anxious, happy, a dream come true, worried, can I do it, will I do it...... its on the scale of having a baby for the first time.  For all my male readers, I have no other comparison other than to describe it as having a baby; that total mixture of love, worry and anxiety and excitement, that feeling of being in love, that feeling of knowing its going to be hard, but equally amazingly out of this world.

I can't wait...... however there is a sadness, well two "sadnesses" if I can call it that, missing my child, that dull ache that I know I will have, and that ache I know will come when the going gets tough, I know I am going to cry and I know I will laugh, however missing my child will be a hard one, but in doing this I will be showing him and the world that nothing is ever impossible. My other sadess, as previously discussed  in my FEAR post, what happens next, what happens when I come back and I have accomplished my dream of so many many years...... I will use both "sadnesses" to stand and face the world even stronger and more steadfast then ever before knowing that I have managed to raise awareness to two great causes - giving children a voice and given children hope and knowing that even the most basic of life's wills is and will be met in the form of water.

People have met me in the street and have asked - I want to do something but don't know what to do..... I say, what ever your dream is or what ever you want to accomplish and or challenge you want to achieve - just do it - start off small and gather momentum or just dive in deep.

Life is about living and doing and not waiting for that 'moment' - the right time never comes..... it never does, life is about the now and about taking it, doing and saying....be proactive, some say "I can't because I have to be fit or I can't because I have to loose weight, or I can't because I need to be more focused etc" the truth is you have to start some where..... choose to be happy and use your emotions for the betterment of self - a really good friend who inspires me was in the same place, until one day he set up a business and its now growing and growing -  is exactly what I have just mentioned above - its about #mindset and #mindset alone - change your #mindset and everything will flow.

If you have the time check out Paul Harrison's website on how to bring change management to your lives here it is: http://www.mobiv8.com/  - "The Last Weight Loss Program You Will Ever Need"

Some great news before I blog off - have just received another £20's I am so so so so happy.

With love and a changed #mindset and as always - #blisterfreewishes

Jani
#UltraMarathonVirgin

FOOD, BODY, HOT SPOTS AND 7 DAYS TO GO

Wello all you wonderful people around the globe......

Welcome to all my South America readers - I would like to say I could speak all the languages in the world - however I stop at 7....... I am fluent in 5, with the other 2 languages being as fluent as I can be more some when i have had too much champagne.

Currently sitting in my Hooley (Harris and Hoole) coffee shop, these guys are wonderful, I know it all part of their business model, but it works and its about the real good old fashioned welcome.  Check them coming to a place near you. http://www.harrisandhoole.co.uk/shops/barnet

I did say I would blog last night, however had PR work to get done and dusted, work emails and Uni filing my last push soft training.  Last night my training seem to go by in a wiz... why is that is it because I am fired on adrenaline.....?

DID I MENTION I AM RUNNING ACROSS THE DESERT???? I NEED TO REMIND MYSELF OF THAT - IT IS ALMOST SURREAL - AND YET I AM WEARING MY TRAIL SHOES AS PROOF. 

Right, so I did say how the food was going:

FOOD: The reason I have changed/increased my diet : I was loosing weight and wanted to keep a stable weight,  as currently burning on average 4000-5000Kcal a day.

I have now slowly increased my complex carbos and portions from 40g to 45g

CARBO'S
BROWN RICE
BULGUR WHEAT
QUINOA
WILD RICE
POLENTA
OATS

(Bananas are my quick snack)
Fruit as always in the morning and on an empty stomach, always first so as to cleanse the body and for the body to absorb the essential micro and macro nutrients.

I also use an excellent source of antioxidants - from Linwoods - http://www.linwoodshealthfoods.com/uk/
Milled Flaxseed with  Coco with Berries  - http://www.linwoodshealthfoods.com/uk/shop/milled-flaxseed-cocoa-strawberries-and-blueberries.html

PROTEIN

RECOVERY SHAKES/ ENERGY RELEASE BARS

I have reduced the shakes - as I am sure you know that too much of the 'protein shake' has the undesired effect of making one run - not on the road - but to the loo.....
So I have reduced my mid morning shake to a high energy bounce / cliff bar.

MEATS/POULTRY

My chicken/turkey has increased to 45g to 50g a portion for lunch and have included half an avocado and pumpkin seed oil and lemon juice as a dressing.

LEAN BEEF - BRAISED IN CARROT STOCK - WITH BLACK GARLIC

FISH

Monkfish, Mahi-mahi and Skate Wing - with pumpkin seed oil and lime juice.

PULSES/PROTEINS:

Mixed bean salads, chicken pea soup, lentils..... take care when eating these so as to keep portion size down to 30g - less is more.

SNACKS

Nuts, legumes, home roasted pumpkin seeds, a small piece of cheddar cheese every now and then.
Plain chocolate.

DRINKS:

4 X CUPS REDBUSH TEA WITH 10mls of A2 MILK
2 x 500ml CHERRY ACTIVE http://www.cherryactive.co.uk/index.html
1 CUP OF COFFEE A DAY
1 x 750ml fresh grapefruit juice with a multi vitamin (prescribed) {Forceval} http://www.forceval.co.uk/hcp/faq/forceval_soluble
1.5ltr OF WATER


BODY

I am mentally preparing now - lots of steam baths, ice baths and hot rooms.  Mentally focussing and setting a picture within my daily life.  I see the desert and I envision my self strolling through, managing the heat, managing my water, managing my muscles my back pack eating on the go, sleeping and resting; its all going though my mind - slowly and with clarity and focus.  Deep breathing and sleeping.  I am waking up feeling rested.  I am so focusing on my core strength and when the anxiety seeps in, I focus on my past struggles and know that I have come through them and I use that to push me forward.

HOT SPOTS

This is every marathon/ultra marathon runners nightmare - those inevitable hot spots, chaffing and muscle ache.  Now that my shoulder is pain free for the next 6 weeks, I still have the irritability and it does cause me to want to cry, but I dig deep and adjust my pace and or stride and I mix it up and I keep going.  Strengthening, stretching  and yoga always help.  My major worry is my second toe on my right foot....... or rather the pad just under the toe, that is my only hot spot, so its a matter of using my anti blister, anti chaffing and strapping techniques to overcome that one.  It is a worry, but strapping will see me through on that, the last six months has seen me changing shoes and loosing a nail, however that is all growing out now and I have learnt my lessons. 

7 DAYS TO GO

What else can I say, 7 days to fulfil a dream ad to raise awareness for two great great great causes.

BRAINWAVE AND WATER FOR KIDS............

1) Brainwave is Bastian’s (my son, Y6) Charity, a Charity that helps Children with Neurological. Psychical as well as other disabilities achieve their full potential through a range of specialist therapies - http://www.brainwave.org.uk/

2) Water for children is a Charity set up by Environmental Scientists and Practitioners to help our fellow human beings to have access to safe running water and sanitation. In this day and age, we can go to moon yet we can’t help our fellow human beings to access the most basic of needs -http://waterforkids.org.uk/index.htm

Right my lovely people, I am off to see my mental coach - currently known as the great Dr. Darcy - aka Mark - an analytical psychoanalyst  and strategy therapist.

I wish you all joy and remember I am just a girl with a dream and a girl with a voice  - if you have feet and have a voice - use it to make a difference and change the world  - change the world for your self and change the world for others.

#MANINTHEMIRROR

With blessing and #blisterfreewishes

Jani xxxxxxxx

#UltraMarathonVirgin

BONES, BRAINS, NERVES & A SHOULDER THAT I CAN FINALLY MOVE & GRULEING PUBLIC REALTIONS DRIVE

Wello Lovely World - and welcome to my latest followers in Bahrain

First of all I do hope you are all well - I have made a few adjustments to my life, sleeping more for a start. As they say small steps........long may it last I say.

Its been a tough few weeks since I last blogged, trying to balance looking after my son who has had several neuro moments, university assignments, PR work for my marathon, fundraising, training, university, trying to formulate a packing strategy photos to follow below, and trying to support my son and being a manager of life.  Crying helps, that's probably why I am so so tired.

Herewith the latest on my emotional status, training, food, nerves BONES, muscles, boy and mind.  With less than two weeks, well actually 11 days to go the pressure is on, now is the time to relax and to get good sleep, eat well and use mind focus strategies. 

Apologies for being delayed here, however  being a single parent to a child with neuro disabilities has its challenges and for me to go away I have to implement and plan ahead weeks and months in advance, not too mention my university work load and university responsibilities, being a student rep brings its challenges and supporting students is one other string to my bow.  Now that I am up to date with son, home, training, work load and university, I can give this blog my full attention.  I have to force myself now to focus and relax, a rested mind and body will yield great results.

Am I feeling nervous people are asking me........  YES, YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES , snakes, scorpions and those funny beings with 8 legs.......... that is what I am most anxious about.....doubt I could ever do "I am a celebrity get me out of here!"  and of course not being able to read my GPS - I am not very good at maps and or even using my SAT NAV i my car... and that's it.  The rest will happen as it happens, even if I crawl throw the last stages, I AM AND I WILL DO IT.

I want to give thanks to a wonderful man I have come to know, who yesterday said some amazing things to me, "Janet, he said, you are going to do this, you are one of an elite few, how many people an say they have trained and are ready to run across the desert? - You are a true inspiration".... I walked away feeling like I was someone and that I am not just a mom, not just a fundraiser, not just a girl who has come through life, but a woman ready for a one of her greatest challengers.

Thanks David - you are truly a wonderful man and you will make it, when you are ready you will get to where you need and want to be.

As the brains go into over drive and bones feel like they are pulling away from the my muscles, I sit and type my thoughts of what my journey has been like.

Nothing is ever impossible, and as I say again, "it always seems impossible, until its done - Nelson Mandela".

I have literally just come back from my rather lovely South African doctor and also my wonderful specialist physiotherapist - who have manipulated my right shoulder and have injected me with cortisone to help with the pain, and although I do not support medication and or drugs, I have to save that for the first time in 8 months I am pain free. I want to celebrate with joy and a glass of bubbles, but I will save that for my return on the 29th March.

I also want to give thanks to Brainwave - Phil Edge CEO, Gerry Gould PR Manager for their help in supporting me with PR and fundraising, as well Harris and Hoole for supplying me with chocolate cake not to mention that its at least 600Ckal a slice. 

But thanks goes to a BOY who has been supportive to all my moods, stressors and days where tears stream non stop a boy who has given meaning to my life. A boy that everyone wrote off except for my determined and rock hard heart and soul, without Basti and his understanding, I could never have achieved what  have thus far.  He may not know or understand what I a doing and why I am doing it, however one day when I am gone, he will know his Mommy did something she always wanted to do and for GREAT CAUSES.

I will be back tonight to give you a decent blog on KIT, FOOD, PACKING and MENTAL PREPARATION.

With love and #blisterfreewishes
Jani
#UltraMarathonVirgin

USELFUL TEMPLATES

Wello World

A lot of you have asked about how do I organise everything: Bottom Line I am a organisational Genesis - (with the help of spreadsheet and tables).

Here are a few examples:

Daily Food Diary:  Monday, February 24, 2014

Breakfast	# Servings	Est. Calories	% Daily Target	Comments
Grains
Vegetables
Fruits
Dairy
Protein
Water
Caffeinated Drinks
Fruit juice
Other…

 

Lunch	# Servings	Est. Calories	% Daily Target	Comments
Grains
Vegetables
Fruits
Dairy
Protein
Water
Caffeinated Drinks
Fruit juice
Other…

Dinner	# Servings	Est. Calories	% Daily Target	Comments
Grains
Vegetables
Fruits
Dairy
Protein
Water
Caffeinated Drinks
Fruit juice
Other…

Snacks	# Servings	Est. Calories	% Daily Target	Comments

OR

 

		FOR THE WEEK OF:		MON		TUE		WED
		24/02/2014
				24		25		26
	TASK			WHO	DONE	WHO	DONE	WHO	DONE
	15 km Run (morning)
	15 km Run (afternoon)
	15 km Run (evening)
	Warm-Up Cardio (20 min)
	Circuit Training (30 min)
	Free Weight Training (30m)
	Physio Stretching
	Yoga Stretching
	65 km Run
	Deep Tissue Massage
	Ice Bath
	Swimming
	Sauna & Steam Bath
	Free Walking
	Recovery Training
	Rest Days
	Recovery Food Intake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well that's it for today lovely people.

 

For now take care and blue skies here in the UK  - Have a wonderful week ahead.

 

Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes

 

Happiness & #Blisterfreewishes

 

Jani

#UltraMrathonVirgin