Hot and Cold Stone Massage

Kaya Therapy offers another relaxation therapy:

Hot and Cold Stone Massage


History

Stone therapy or stone massage was present in many cultures around the world. This therapy with records of its use, dating back for over 2000 years has the means of improving the function of internal organs as well as for heating our homes to sacred rituals of whether to build temples and pyramids.


What it is?

Stone therapy is a deeply relaxing treatment, which combines a massage with use water-heated smooth basalt stones and cold marble stones to tone, stimulate and rejuvenate the body as a whole. Hot and cold temperatures from the stones are able to penetrate the body up to a depth of 4 cm.

Benefits of hot stone massage:

• release physical tension
• improves circulation
• balances digestion and waste removal
• boosts immunity 

Benefits of cold stone massage:

• reduces swelling, inflammation and redness
• refreshes facial muscles andtissues
• reduces histamine
• revitalizes energy levels

Using both techniques in one routine can be very beneficial healing due to increasing flushing rates within the body, which helps detoxify the body and bring it back into balance.



Hot stones = Basalt stones

These are dense volcanic stones, rich in iron and high in silica. They hold the heat for a longer time and release it slowly. The colour of the stones are grey when they are dry but they usually turn black when using an oil.


Cold stones = Marble stones

The marble used for the cold stones is less dense that the heated stones. They can draw heat from the body. These stones are white or light coloured and are formed beneath the seabed.

Contraindication:

Massage should not be done directly over bruises, wounds, tumours or fractures

• people with rashes and infectious skin disease
• immediately after surgery and immediately after chemotherapy or radiation
• people prone to blood clots, with heart disease, high blood pressure and overweight
• pregnant women
• varicose veins, cold is beneficial

Products used by Kaya Therapy

Products used by Kaya Therapy

Massage plays an important part when it comes to health. For many years around the world, people have been using oil or cream for their skin, health and beauty. The oil or cream filters through skin which makes skin soft, smooth and moist.

Have you ever wondered what kind of products Kaya Therapy is using? Since I started doing massages I tried many oils and creams and here are my top five:  



Coconut oil 

Available from stores and online

• Protects skin from microbial infection as well as from drying and cracking
• It's rich in vitamin E, which means that it keeps your skin rejuvenated, young and healthy
• The fragrance is so earthy and soothing
• Oil melts easily and it's usually in a jar
• Good not only for cooking but also in industry 

Unwind massage oil by Arbonne 

Available from www.arbonneinternational.co.uk (using ID 441260495)

• It's non greasy oil and absorbs well
• Contains chamomile for calmness and ylang-ylang for relaxation
• Recommended for all skin types
• No animal testing, ideal for vegans
• Paraben and mineral oil free

Rubbeez made in New Zealand 

Available from www.rubbeez.com

• It's a pain relief cream for joints and muscles
• Very easy to use and it's not thick or sticky
• Ingredients: Arnica, Calendula, St John's Wort, Comfrey and sweet almond oil
• Treats tendonitis, strained muscles, bruising, sprains and other injuries 

Grace's Massage Wax (bees-wax) 

Available from www.gracemassagewax.com

• Contains Pure Sussex Bees Wax, Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil
• Good for deep friction massage as it is less "slippery" than oil
• Soaks into the skin and doesn't leave it oily
• Impossible to spill it as it is solid

Biotone Pure Touch Organic Massage Cream

Available at www.biotone.com

• Organic Chamomile Botanicals, Organic Sunflower oil, Organic Decyl Cocoate, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Sesame oil, Organic Safflower Oil
• It's hypoallergenic and Paraben-free
• Non-greasy finished
• Nut-oil free

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Kaya Therapy offers a new therapy. It is Lymphatic Drainage Massage and here is more about it.


What it is?

Lymphatic Drainage Massage was developed in the 1930s. It is an advanced therapy with gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system.


What are the benefits?

• clears blockages and eliminates metabolic wastes as well as toxins from the body
• helps in the transport of nutrients to cells and increases metabolic efficiency
• it also has a very calming effect on the nervous system and helps relieve stress and tension
• reducing swelling and puffiness
• has a positive effect on skin and helps rejuvenate collagen fibres of the skin and slow the aging process

What it is good for?

• Glandular fever (Hay fever, Migrane, Sinus)
• Recurring infections (Colds, Flu, Chest, Ears)
• Cellulite, acne and scar tissue (old and new)
• Pre and post operative cases (cosmetic surgery or where lymph nodes have been removed or the lymphatic system impaired in some way)
• Stress, anxiety and tension

When should it be avoided?

• any active cancer
• acute infection or allergies
• thrombosis or major heart problems

Medical permission is required before treatment for those who suffering from these conditions:

• treated or terminal cancer including skin lesions or raised moles
• chronic inflammation
• diabetes, thyroid or kidney problems
• asthma or epilepsy
• hypotension

What next?

For any questions or bookings please get in touch at kayatherapy@gmail.com

I look forward to seeing you very soon!

Karin

Post Ironman races September 2014

After Ironman Sweden, my main challenge of this year, I wasn't sure if I would be doing any races. I was afraid that I would be exhausted and I might get an injury. My legs were sore the day after but each day they were less and less achy. The first week I rested well and relaxed. I was tempted to do something though. A week later or so I started training again. I did only running as it's my favourite discipline. I noticed after the second run that I was getting strong so I signed up for a few races for this month.

6th September - Bray Big South Swim Challenge 10 km Team Relay

                                           
                                     From left: Jon, myself (Karin), Craig and Clara

A friend Craig was telling me about this challenege a month ago. As I haven't done any swimming races on their own I said 'yes' just for the experience. It was held in Bray Lake Watersports on Monkey Island near Maidenhead. We were a team of 4: Craig (captain), Jon, Clara and myself. We started at 6:35 am but we had to be there at least 45 minutes before for registration and briefing. The swim route was 3 times 2km and then 4 times 1km. Jon went first. His time was pretty fast. Clara in the meantime was waiting on the bay where our handover was. Clara went second and myself third. Then Craig went fourth but he did 3 km. Last kilometer was awaiting for me. I didn't mind swimming 3 km as the Ironman swimming distance I did was 3.8 km. The water was nice and warm compared to the weather. There was a light shower of rain but at least there was a big tent where you could hide and cheer. We did it! Our time for the 10 km swim was 3 hours and 29 minutes and 10 second.We also ended up second in the team relays. What an achievement! I never thought that I would get another trophy! Well done team The Datchet Splashers! Looking forward to do another event soon! ;0)

                                                                    
                                               Our trophy and medal



7th September - The Pharmalink 2014 Maidenhead Half Marathon

                                                   
                                              Brano and me before start line

As my fitness level from training for an Ironman was good, I didn't need to train much for this event. I always wanted to beat my PB from previous races. My half marathon PB was 1 hour and 40 minutes. The Maidenhead Half Marathon is good for PB hunters and competitive athletes as well as for beginners. It's a two lap course, flat and fast with the start and finish in the town centre. Because it's a local race to me, there were many friends running with me as well. My boyfriend came with me as support. The route was around Cookham, beside the river Thames and the North Town area of Maidenhead. Around 1000 runners were participating in this event. We set off at 9:30 am. The weather was perfect for running, not too hot and not too cold. There were 3 drink stations on the course and each time I picked a cup with water. I was also wearing my running watch to see what my speed was. The first lap I ran slower in a comfortable pace. Second lap I was pushing a bit until the end. I sprinted the last few meters to the finish line. I did it in 1 hour and 38 minutes. I was very pleased with it as I was faster than my PB by 2 minutes. My next target for a half marathon is 1 hour 35 minutes so let see if I can beat it next time. ;0)

From left: Becky, Brent, myself (Karin) and Yasuo

21st September - Etonman Middle Distance Triathlon (Dorney Lake) 

Last year I did this race in 6 hours and 22 minutes and I wanted to see if I could get any faster. For this event I maintained my fitness level but I didn't train as hard as for Ironman. I quite enjoyed training less. On the day we started early in the morning after the briefing. It was very straight forward. Swim 2 laps in the lake, Bike 10 laps around the lake and Run 4 laps on the side of the lake. The temperature of the lake was still warm. The sun was rising above the water and it looked very pretty. Within 5 minutes we spread out from the start. I swam much faster this time and I could feel it. Luckily I didn't feel sick. In the transition I changed for bike gear. The course was in U shape. There were 3 sharp corners where you had to slow down, and one drink and food station. About my 4th lap a strong wind began to blow. In some parts I had to push much harder. I tried to do every lap in 20 minutes or quicker. I also spotted my friends Robin, Denisa and Martina. My boyfriend couldn't come this time. It was great to see familiar faces. So the second time I reached transition to change for running. I started running a bit fast. On the run course were two drink and food stations. I was splashing water over my body as well as drinking. My sister Denisa ran beside me while she could. It was such a buzz. It really kept me going. I must have been pushing a lot myself on the bike. Anyway I managed to run faster to the finish line. Oh yes! I did it in 6 hours and 7 minutes. I improved about 15 minutes. That's awesome. My whole training this year paid off. I was dedicated. What a great finish to this season! 

And what is next? Hmm, Let's see! ;0)

                                         Martina, me, Robin and my sis Denisa

Ironman Kalmar Sweden 2014

Ironman Kalmar Sweden 2014

My big day has finally arrived. 3.8 km sea swim, 180,2 km bike and 42,2 km run. I prepared for it for 8 months. During this period I felt happy and motivated as well as tired and exhausted. I also had ankle injury for 2 months. It was hard as I was taking this challenge quiet seriously. I didn't want to just compete but finish in a good time too. The hardest thing was finding the time to train. Training for Ironman is a completely different lifestyle. 

My boyfriend and I arrived in Kalmar City two days before the event. I registered and then we had the race briefing. The day before the race we had to prepare our stuff for the race which was in bags marked as Bike (bike gear), Run (run gear) and Street wear (with post race clothes and flip-flops) as well as put our bikes into the transition area. These days were my rest days so I took  it really easy. I made sure that I hydrated well and was eating not just carbohydrates (pasta).

My Ironman challenge set off at 7 am early in the morning of 16th August 2014. More then 2400 people were joining me. Transition was open from 5:30 am so we had plenty of time to check our bikes and top up our nutrition. The sun was shining and the Baltic sea was welcoming us. There were signs posted with the times of the swim you are expecting to finish. My time when I trained for 3.8 km was 1 hour and 32 minutes. I didn't want to go to a faster group in case I will be slow so I choose 1 hour 45 minutes. When it is windy and the water is choppy it takes a little bit longer. My boyfriend was waiting with me until the start line. There were a few tears, a last kiss and off we were entering into the sea by wooden ramp. A big mass of swimmers was spreading around the swimming course. It looks like a stream.The Baltic Sea is not too salty. At the beginning of my swim I felt strong and I was overtaking lots of swimmers but when I swam over 2 km I was sick. I didn't stop but I change front crawl for breast stroke. When I felt better I swam front crawl again. Then I was sick two more times. I felt a little bit weak but I carried on. I knew when I'm out of the water I will be fine. 

As soon I've entered transition there was a shower. I was taking my time as I needed to get back to my racing mood. Then I changed into my cycling gear. I also saw Brano and I felt better. The route was 1 loop through the bridge to an island called Oland then back and 1 loop inland. I started eating my nutrition a bit later. The course was flat with a few little hills with stunning views and countryside. There were plenty of drink and food stations and toilets. Local people were very friendly and supportive and did Mexican waves. They shouted in Swedish "Heja" which in English means "Cheer". The sun was still shining but a strong wind came along. In a few parts I had to slow down. When I was approaching the bridge on the way back a hail storm started and then rain. Luckily it didn't last for long. Before I got to the transition again I dried out. I ate all my nutrition which I prepared as well as sandwich. I was counting down kilometres and kept telling myself it's only a few kilometres to go. 

The last part of Ironman was still waiting for me. Last time I get to transition to get changed. The route was 3 laps through the town centre and around. I received a coloured band each time when I did a lap. I started the run quickly. People were cheering and shouting. Children were waiting for high fives. The atmosphere was brilliant. Also on this course every 3 km were drink and food station and toilets. I saw Brano more often than on the bike. My first running loop was good. Pretty fast. I had slightly tummy cramps but manageable. Second loop wasn't too bad as the first one. Tummy was telling me off again with cramps. The last loop was harder. My legs become very heavy but I didn't want to walk. I ignored my tummy completely. I was fighting to the end. I managed to pick up my speed and I sprinted to the finish line. Yes, I'm Ironman! I did it in 13 hours and 23 minutes and 6 second. My race summary is Swim 1 hour and 43 minutes and 59 seconds, T1 (transition swim to bike) 9 minutes, Bike 7 hours and 19 minutes and 28 second, T2 (transition bike to run) 4 minutes and 27 seconds and Run 4 hours and 6 minutes and 12 seconds. I received a medal straight after. One of the volunteers was looking after me to make sure I'm ok. There was a group of them so everyone had turns to talk to athletes. They gave me a drink which tasted horrible but they told me that is good for my tummy. Then they took me to the Athletes village. On the way to the village I spotted Brano and he gave me hug and kisses and of course there were more tears. There was an ice bath which I had, a massage and loads of food. After my ice bath where I picked up my finisher T-shirt and met my boyfriend to celebrate. At the end of the event there were fireworks. What an amazing finish to the day! 

I wanted to say thank you Ironman for such a great experience. It was very well organised, roads were closed to traffic, well signed and there was no way to get lost. It was definitely worth it! Anything is possible! ;0)

Also I can't forget to say a massive thank you to all who were involved with my Iron mania. Even my parents who were worried about me, my partner Brano, my sister Denisa and her boyfriend Daniel Gooda, Robert, Yasuo, Robin, my coach Hank and Jenny Wilson for being my second masseur.  

And here are comments of some supporters: 

Branislav Rus

(Boyfriend)

I met Karin in September last year. She told me she does triathlon. I said to myself perfect! I am a bit sporty too. But when she told me she is training for Ironman and she explained what it is exactly I was amazed as well as surprised. So I started training with her. But it did not last long because she was exercise almost every day more and more and she was taking whole training very seriously. I supported her at the preparation races and she looked strong and focused. Every time she smiled to my camera when she passed me. We were worried about her training beginning of this year because she has twisted both ankles at Hellrunner race in January. She could not train for couple weeks and then she was on and off with training. Thankfully she recovered completely after two months. 

Karin also takes nutrition seriously. Sometimes she is telling me what meal is healthy and what to eat. ;0)

I believe she will succeed in IM Kalmar Sweden and I will be there to give her as much support as I can. Go my darling! You will be brilliant!

Denisa Polcerova

(Running buddy)

When my sister Karin told me about doing Ironman I thought she was mad. I have joined Karin for a part of her running training and she has greatly improved. I have admired her how focused and determined she has been, so many times she was exhausted, but still somehow motivated herself. Having to attend a few running races with my sister as well as seeing her training in general has given me a confidence that she is ready for the biggest race of her life and I believe that she will do well. 

Unfortunately I won't be able to be present on the race but my thoughts and energy will be with you! You already hold the title of Ironwoman! 


Yasuo Kimura
(Swimming buddy)
I've been training with Karin since November 2012. We swam in the pools, lakes and also in the sea. We both are encouraging each other. I'm always impressed with Karin pushes herself for training. Even if she is tired, she becomes strong once she starts training. Good luck!


Robin Allan
(Nutrition adviser and masseur)
I am very impressed with the dedication and determination karin has displayed during the long months she has been training for the ironman event in sweden on august 16th. She has done 100 mile sportives on the bike, 3 hr runs and long swims in a pool, a lake and in the sea. She has worked hard at fine tuning her diet to find foods that work for her during the event. All this whilst working full time has taken a lot of time and energy. Even if she doesn't start the event she's still my hero!


Robert Macmillan
(Cycling buddy)
I've known Karin for a couple of years. A some point she persuaded me to add cycling and swimming to my running and so do triathlon. (Yes, it's all your fault, Karin.) In the last year we have done quite a few cycle training rides together. This year Karin has been focussing on Ironman Sweden in August and I have been preparing for the half Ironman distance in Challenge Weymouth.
On the longer rides (50 miles upwards) I have noticed that Karin starts at a steady pace but as the ride goes on, and I start thinking about chocolate cake and recovery drinks, Karin gets faster. And faster. When I have asked her about this she looks at me in innocent surprise and simply says "I was pushing myself." (Yes, pushing me too...)
And this is the thing about Karin. She is highly focused and determined. Fatigue doesn't stop her. Pain doesn't stop her. When she has a goal she goes for it. When there are obstacles in the way, I feel sorry for the obstacles.
I believe Karin will succeed in the Ironman competition. Her spirit will triumph over the pain and exhaustion.Go Karin!


Hank Jandrell
(triathlon coach)
It has been a pleasure coaching Karin for the past few years. She is very determined and a pleasure to work with as she actually follows what is written in her plan!
She is great at giving feedback so we can adjust training to the changing needs of life. She goes into IM Sweden in the best possible shape and I know she will do amazingly well. Well done Karin and enjoy!

The GU Energy - Weymouth Bay Triathlon

The GU Energy - Weymouth Bay Triathlon

It took a while to decide which half ironman I would do before my big race in August. I needed to have some time to recover in between as well as a similar layout of the Ironman in Sweden. So I choose Weymouth Bay Triathlon in south coast in Dorset. My boyfriend came with me as a support and personal photographer.

The morning of the race 13th July I felt tired. I hadn't slept well because I stayed in a local hotel and there was so much going on. It is very important how you feel on the race day, especially when you do such a long distance. Mine was 1.9 km sea swim, 89 km bike and 22 km run.

We set off early in the morning around 7 am at the bay. We had the briefing a few minutes before the start. They mentioned jelly fish but I thought it was a joke. The sea was choppy and the current strong, mainly on the way back. The water temperature was around 13 degrees. The swim course was in L shape. After swimming a few meters I saw the first jelly fish. I started to swim faster. They freaked me out a little bit as I didn't want to be hurt on the swim and not finish the race. Then I saw another jelly fish and another. There were loads of them. As soon as I got closer to the bay they weren't any jelly fish. Apparently they caused only nettle rash. I was glad that no one was stung by them. 

My boyfriend was waiting for me at the bay close to the transition area. At the transition I quickly changed into my bike gear. I washed my feet from sea salt before putting my socks on as the salt could rub my skin. There was a nasty hill at the start of the bike course but I didn't know there will be more hills involved. The bike course was one loop with a maximum altitude of almost 200 meters and hardly any flat road. The first few kilometers I felt a bit sea sick. I couldn't take my nutrition yet. Later mostly on down hills I started to eat. The weather on the bike was cloudly and breezy. It didn't feel hot but I think I should have drunk more fluid. There was only one feed and drink station. As I was reaching transition again I had to push over the last hill and then change into my running gear.

The running course started with the same steep hill out of transition and carried on down hill and flat road with only one big hill. My boyfriend ran with me up the steep hill. It was very helpful as he was talking to me and encouraging me. We had to do two laps. There were also three drinks and one food station. The marshals were were friendly and supportive. The sun was coming out from the clouds and the temperature went up to 27 degrees. It was boiling hot. I drank water on every drink station. I had to stop at one of them to drink more fluids as I hadn't been drinking enough on the bike. On this course I could see my boyfriend once and he awaited by the finish line. I did it in 6 hours and 44 minutes and ended up 4th in my age group. I was very satisfied as I felt strong on the run and that I could have run a marathon. 

Overall thank you for BustinSkin for such a great event. It was well organized. I can truly say that I'm definitely ready for my challenge Mission possible - Ironman Sweden. Bring it on! ;0)

The PruHealth World Triathlon London 2014

The PruHealth World Triathlon London 2014

A month ago I received a present from my boyfriend. It was an entry for The PruHealth World Triathlon London Olympic distance. I did this race three years ago in a time 3 hours and 1 minutes. This time the distance was 1.5 km swim, 36.5 km bike and 10 km run.

The event was held in stunning Hyde Park on 31st May and 1st June. On the first day the Elite men and women were racing, with the world's best triathletes competing to become World Champion. On the second day were three distances: Olympic, Sprint and Super sprint. This race was open to everyone with all fitness levels. 

My wave started at 7:25 am in the morning. I had to be there at the latest for 6 am as I had to pick up my race number, and prepare my bike in the transition with nutrition and running kit. I was very excited about the race.

Each wave had a different coloured swim cap. Ours was orange. When we got to the the lake called The Serpentine, on the start there were numbered stands. Everyone had to stand on a number. We had a quick briefing and about 1 minute before our start, we had to jump in the water. Then they were counting down the seconds. As soon as we heard horn we started swimming. It was a big mass of splashing triathletes. After a few minutes everyone spread out and it was easier to swim. Our swim course was a triangle shape. As I swam along one guy who was faster then me swam over me but nothing bad happened to us because I was calm. He probably thought I'm a fish. After getting out from lake to the transition I started to take off my wetsuit. There was a long way to the transition area. I spent over 4 minutes to get ready for the bike.

We had to do 5 laps around Hyde park. It started from Serpentine Road, South Carriage Drive, West Carriage Drive, North Carriage Drive and back. There were many sharps corners so you had to be very careful when you turned. The weather was really nice and pleasant. Sun was shining but it wasn't too hot.
 

As soon I've entered the transition area from the bike course, I changed only my running shoes and I went off. We had to run 4 laps. I kept looking at my watch to see how fast I go. I tried to keep up my speed on certain level.
 

I saw my boyfriend and friends during the whole race. They cheered me very well. Thank you! It's such a great feeling to have support like that. It always give you a buzz. When I crossed the finish line I felt awesome as I could see the time I did it in. My time was 2 hours and 41 minutes and I was aiming for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Also I ended up 42nd woman out of 274 in my age group. 

 

My training is definitely paying off. I did a personal best in each distance as well as in Olympic triathlon distance. But there are still some races awaiting for me and one of them is a Half Ironman triathlon in July. So let's get ready! ;0)

Financial Times London Cycle Sportive 11th May 2014

Financial Times London Cycle Sportive 11th May 2014

Last year in June I did a similar cycle sportive with Robert. This time we decided to cycle 100 miles instead of 100 kilometres.

My bike training after my half marathon in Bratislava Slovakia was so so. The weather wasn't ideal as it was more rainy then sunny. At least I was mentally prepared for such a long distance.

We started off in Dulwich Park in London early in the morning. The route was going towards to the North Downs with stunning views over Surrey taking in Box Hill and Biggin Hill, then it carried onto Reigate and Dorking where it continued in a Northerly direction back to the North Downs way at Ranmore Common. The climbs totalled 1098 metres with a max elevation of 275 metres.

                                                   

On the first steep hill a guy got off his bike and he stopped right in front me. I couldn't overtake him because there was mud in the middle of the road. Luckily I was fast enough to unclip my foot from the pedal. That hill was so steep that I had to walk for a bit and jump on my bike later. I was little bit upset about it because I don't like stopping on the hills.

There were several hills but on the last quite long one (Pinch Hill), I was pushing and overtook some people who walked on it. Even Robert decided to have a little break. During the whole race there were many visible signs to show us the route. Lots of marshals were involved too so no one could get lost. It was very well organised.

Around 65 miles we were going down hill very fast around 25 miles per hour when a fox decided to cross the road when Robert was approaching. Robert shouted at her so she immediately stopped and went back to the forest. We could have had an accident as I was right behind Robert.

We had 3 feeding stops. We spent around 10 minutes on each stop. We ate bananas and pretzels. I had a 2 cups of pretzels on each station. I really like them.

The weather was reasonably good. We were lucky that the rain held off as the previous day there had been many heavy showers. The sun was coming through the clouds which was very nice but temperature was around 11 degrees.

It was a nice finish at the Velodrome at Herne Hill in London where professional cyclists train. We did 104 miles within 7hours and 48 minutes. Our average speed was 13.3 miles per hour. We got medals too. Surprisingly I wasn't tired at all and I still had some buzz which is good for my Ironman training. ;0)

Robert says: it was a great day. I hadn't realised that one person could eat so many pretzels - now I know what fuel Karin runs on. The incident with the fox was very scary - the three of us were nearly in a heap in the road. Fortunately the fox had good reactions.

Electric run London 2014

Electric run London 2014

I have done number of running races, but this one was different to all the others, it was electric run.

One of my friends Dawn has sent me an invite to attend Electric 5K run in London in aid of Breast
Cancer care charity, so I have accepted and I am really happy I have done it.

                                                                 
                                                             At the start line

Dawn was a captain of our team called 'The mummies'. Apart from us, my sister, my
boyfriend and a friend Niki was part of the team.

                     Team 'The mummies' (from left Branislav, Karin, Denisa, Dawn and Nikki)


When we turned up at the venue, it was full of lights, mad outfits and great buzz. We queued
up for about an hour to get to the start line, the time has passed
quickly as we were having fun caught up chatting away, taking pictures
and admiring some extraordinary outfits and jumping around to the music.
The whole our team ran together which made it great laugh, we were
looking out for each other and made sure no one was left behind. We
stopped at few picture spots and a drink station. All the cups with
water were glowing.

                                           
                                                     At the drink station

When you looked around there were so many glowing lights
around, running with the team, hearing music all the way, the atmosphere was
amazing. We all finished and still have energy left…We had fun and great
feeling as we did the run for the great cause. We as a team raised a
great amount of £568.50 for Breast Cancer care, so thank you to all who
helped us to achieve our target.

                                                                Finish line

CSOB Bratislava Half Marathon

As part of my Ironman training I decided to enter the CSOB Bratislava marathon in Slovakia. It was unfortunate that I had an ankle injury from the end of January until the end of March. It was difficult to train as my ankle was healing very slowly. My motivation was down as I was so behind my marathon training, but at least I kept training with swimming and cycling. 2 weeks before the race I changed from the full marathon distance to the half marathon distance as they did a few races on the same day - full marathon, half marathon and half marathon relay. 

On the race day I was nervous. I even couldn't finish eating my breakfast. I also didn't know how my ankle was going to be during the run. In the morning I prepared my homemade energy drink (water, pinch of sea salt and raw honey) and organic jelly beans. I carried them with me in my lap belt. My parents as well as my sister came along to support me. It was an emotional moment, especially when I gave them a kiss before my start.

 

 

The weather on the day race was slightly cooler and windier than the day before but still good for running. The route for the half marathon was 1 big loop going through town centre and by the river Danube. 

The race started slowly as many people were running it. 2386 people turned up for the half marathon. After 1km people had spread out so I started run a bit faster. I had my watch on so I could see what my current speed was. Every time when I saw that I was going slow, I picked up and I ran faster. All the way through people were cheering, as well as my family. The good thing is that I noticed. Sometimes it is diffucult to see your relatives in the crowd. My sister at some point ran beside me. This gave me a buzz. In three places along the route were live bands singing and playing. I also can't forget about the food and drink stations. There were 7 on the course so everyone could have what they wanted. I used took water as I had my energy nutrition with me.

During the race I felt strong and I was really enjoying myself. I love running so much. Luckily my ankle was not hurting at all. At about 17 km I started feeling tired and from that point I was counting kilometers. The kilometer between 17th and 18th last for ages. I had my last drops of my energy drink as well as jelly bean to kept me going. I was telling to myself that it's only 4 k to go which should be easy for me. I also started run a bit faster and tried not to slow down. Last 500 meters I started sprinting. I also could hear my parents and my sister shouting at me. It was my last push and then I crossed the finish line. My time was 1hour 41 minutes and 19 seconds. I was very happy with my time considering my injury and not training enough. It's only 1 minute slower then my personal best. I have also ended up 41st out of 495 women.

 

Straight after the race I met my relatives and celebrated my finish of the race. Loads of hugs and kisses were involved. I felt like a superstar. I can truly recommend this event. It was very well organised. So now it'stime for me to continue my Ironman training and I'm really looking forward to it!. ;0)