Onwards and upwards after Beijing

[Paula]

Hi All,

First of so many, many apologies for the lack of contact and updates. The way this year has gone I totally got out of the way of doing the updates and days have been spent stressing with physio, cross training and injury treatments! Also Jon has been really busy too so the site has been very neglected and I am very sorry for that. Hopefully it will improve now, Jon has updated the site and made it (supposedly) easier for me to post more regular updates, though I couldn't seem to get in there today! Anyway I'm putting it on like this so hope it works. Isla is taking a nap and I have an afternoon off so am taking the opportunity to write an update.

Thank you so much for all the support through this nightmare year so far. At times it felt that all that could go wrong was doing so, then I would look at Isla and think how ungrateful I was to even think that. Looking back I just think I didn't stand much chance from the time that stress fracture appeared with no warning at the end of April.At the time how things would progress were very unclear and as time passed the goal posts seemed to keep moving because of the seriousness and rarity of the fracture that I had. With all the time off it needed plus what i had already missed with the toe injury I had only had 11 weeks running all year by the day of the race and it certainly showed in my legs. It was very frustrating given how hard we had all worked and unfairly the cross training fitness couldn't count as my legs just couldn't handle the impact.

Anyway enough gloom. Maybe the Olympics just wasn't meant to be for me this year,but I still have another bite at it in me yet. Afterwards we took a break at home in Monaco and went with Isla to the beach everyday. She loved it and is totally fearless in the water and very funny. After 5 days off my calf had settled and i got back into running. it took a short while for my low back to settle back into running twice a day as it had become irritated in Macau but just needed gradual progression and time to get back to normal. Then we came here to the Mountains and got back into just running and enjoying training. We let things happen and found that as the strength and muscles came back into my legs (lots of weights and running up and down the ski slopes) my shape came on well. Thankfully that meant that my huge gamble trying to run in Beijijng didn't cost me the chance to run in New York and race this year at all. I am now so excited and looking forward to Portsmouth and New York.

Most of the work is winding up now, just a few key sessions left to do. We are staying at altitude a little later than normal for the inauguration of an improved running and exercise trail up here. The commune wanted to name it after me as I have done so many laps of it, so we are having a big group run on Saturday before we leave! Font Romeu is working hard to improve all the trails in the build up to 2012 and I support them all the way on this.

We have just had my parents and grandma to stay. Isla has been thoroughly spoilt and my grandma is amazing, running round after her and coping with the altitude aged 90! I really hope I take after her!!

Anyway, sorry again for the negligence and i promise the next update won't be so long, and might even be on the right page!

[hill strider]

Hi Paula

It's really great to hear from you again, and of course we realise how busy you have been, what with injuries, trying to get fit, looking after Isla etc.

Considering your lack of road running, your performance in the Olympics was amazing. Your hobbling, is my flat out pace these days.

I wish you all the best in the GSR, whch you will find flat and fast. The only drawback could be which way the wind is blowing along the sea front in the last couple of miles. I am not running it this year, which is the first miss for many years, which is a pity, as I would like to see you running the last mile or so, whilst I was still running in the other direction.

Good luck also in the NY Marathon. I know this is your prime objective, so don't use up all your energy in the GSR.
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I run, therefore I am

You can't burn out, if you never catch fire

[midnightfeast]

Thanks for the update Paula.

I too wish you luck for your next two races.

[Lincsrunner]

Thanks for posting Paula. Its great to hear things are going well and looking forward to seeing you at Portsmouth and NYC.

Good luck.

[mistar]

It's really good to hear from my inspiration,

but so disappointing that I won't see you in the Great South Run due to a UKAthletics coaching course, of all things. It makes you wonder what coaching is for when you can't even get to see people you admire run!

However, if it were not for you I would not now be coaching and spreading the enthusiasm you gave me. There is so much joy...

thank you
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{ I love Paula }

[AlexM]

Many thanks for the diary update Paula. It has of course been a very stressful year for you-it goes without saying that it takes a very special kind of person to get to the Olympics in the first place, let alone with very little running!! We wish you luck in your next two races and all of the ones to come!!
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“It doesn't matter how fast you're moving, as long as you're moving forward"
Deena Kastor

[Eli]

All is forgiven!

Seriously, we're aware that this year has been extremely frustrating for you, but as I've said on this forum many times, the thing I most admire about you is your spirit, your sheer determination, your interminable optimism! It's just inspiring!

Train well, rest up and get back to the top of the podium where you belong.

Good luck in NYCM!

Hugs,

Eli

[nevetssllim]

Thanks for the diary entry, Paula. It's always great to hear updates! The more I think about it, the more I find your performance in Beijing tremendous - it's incredible that you were able to stay in the top 10 for the first 32km (and in the group longer than Wami, Adere etc), on so little road-running.

Good luck with New York! We all look forward to you getting back to winning ways again and running fast times

BTW, on a sidenote, I wonder if the British Eurosport commentators will mention us again like last year?!
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I support;
Paula - Pavey - Yamauchi
Lebedeva - Kotova - Ukhov - Rybakov - Slesarenko - Klishina - Mbango
Balciunaite - Nakamura - Dominguez - Petrova - Alminova - Zakharova

Retirement home;
Bergqvist - Holm - Mutola

[xxSarahxx]

Thanks for the update Paula! Good luck for the GSR and NY!
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"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney
"In order to succeed your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."
PAULA, YOU ARE AMAZING!

[annaboniface12]

Hi

Just wanted to wish you luck for the next few races
and i hope you achieve everything you want to.
I think you did amazing to run in the marathon at Bejjing and I think you determination to compete was inspiring.
It would be great to see you run 2012!
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Anna x

[Alligator]

So good to hear an update and that the recovery seems to be going well - wishing you all the best for the GSR and the NYC marathon (sure the atmosphere will be amazing for both)....

[Paul A]

Great to hear from you Paula and great to see you are fit and ready to race again.

I'm sure you will enjoy the GSR in Pompey if only because you will no doubt have tremendous support.

Good luck for NY as well.
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Great Britain - Land of Fair play and sportsmanship. The BOA banning drugs cheats for life !

[rob91]

So great to hear from you Paula
Wishing you all the best for New York.

[sandyford]

Thanks for the update paula, well you certaily got me out of the woodwork

You were an inspiration at the olympics, you did so well on such little training, you are always my inspiration.
running the marathon in bejjing looked like it was one of the hardest races you have ever had to run, but you did what you went for and that took grit.

Looking forward to the GSR and NYCM, will be glued to my seat as always

Take care
all the best to you, gary and isla
xxxxxx

[Jnathletics]

Yes, Thanks for the update. It's good to hear you and your family are doing well.

Best wishes on your upcoming races. We are all cheering for you.

Thanks Again
James

[CaliforniaFan]

So glad to see your update. You've got guts, heart and smarts... very admirable qualities! I predict the best is yet to come for you. My family and I are always rooting for you.

[9120]

Its fantastic to hear from you Paula. I wasnt sure if you had forgotten about us lol! but obviously you have had alot to deal with. Like all of those on here i have been a fan of yours since the start of your international career but have never seen you run live before only on the box. I was wrapped to hear that you are running the GSR and i am going to drive down from Kent to provide support to both you and Jo Pavey.

I hope to be at the finish where if i am lucky you could spare me a couple of secs to get at photo of you and me. That would be great.

Best of luck as always. Hope to see you next weekend

Matt

[mistar]

Seriously fed up at not being able to see you at the GSR because of stupid coaching course. And I'm paying £100 pounds for the privaledge of being disappointed, thanks a bunch UK Athletics.
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{ I love Paula }

[SpeedyNaomi]

Hi Paula, It's great to hear from you and I am so gald your over Beijing you done your best and shouldn't be unhappy!!! :)
I cried when you stopped and me and my mascot were just sitting there in floods of tears!!! :cry: But when you kept going I was OVER THE TRACK!!! :lol:
Thank you for inspiring me and I will email Jon and please can you reply soon because it would mean the world to me and I know that you are REALLY busy with running, Isla ECT but when ever you have time for just a FEW LINES that would mean alot!!!!
Well done and Good Luck In The New York Marathon and the GSR!!!
And my Best Friends Mum is running it (and she is 40) and she said that she will try and get me an autograph!!!
From Your Biggest Fans
Naomi Watt and her mascot PUFF!!!!! :lol:
xxxxx
[/b]

[MattClapp]

Paula shouldn't worry that she will be too old at 38. I can say that it is a very good age. I am 38 and improving and though i will never be as quick as Paula i took 8 minutes of my best marathon this year running 2.35 and still think i can improve up until i turn 40 and beyond. I am sure that if you can avoid long term injuries then age is just a state of mind.

Matt

[wigley]

Well Done Paula on todays GSR.

It was a 1st for my hubby and myself to see you run in the flesh, Amazing. You looked in tip top shape. After watching you today it has inspired me after a lull in my runnin and to step up my training

Good Luck in New York
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Wig;-)

[Paul A]

Yep great run Paula and welcome to all the new posters on the forum. Keep posting.

Next stop New York
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Great Britain - Land of Fair play and sportsmanship. The BOA banning drugs cheats for life !

[mary.gent]

Hi Paula,
I really enjoyed seeing you back to form and I was glued to the TV. Fantastic!You must be delighted with your return to form. I am sure you pounded many a ski slope to get into that shape, what a testament to you strength of character. Well done. You are an inspiration to all women runners. I am a Chemistry teacher and I often refer to your sense of determination to succeed to my students. All the very best for New York. Show em all what you are made of. Good Luck.x

[hill strider]

Well done Paula A superb run, and with better conditions, I am sure you would have achieved a world best. I hope you found the Pompey spectators every bit as supportive as those for the GNR

All the very best for the NY Marathon

Welcome to all the new posters on the forum, and I hope you will become regulars
_________________
I run, therefore I am

You can't burn out, if you never catch fire

[gerrymob]

Paula

So good to hear from you again and to know that you are back to good health and full fitness.

Wow, that run on Sunday was something special, I am sure all your fans know that when you are in jury free you can compete with and beat anyone around.

Have a great day in New York. All your fans who are not there will be willing you on to the finish line.

Best wishes to you, Gary and Isla.

Gerry

[Eli]

Congratulations on your 10 mile win!

No doubt, it would've been a WR for you had it not been for all that #%)!@ rain and wind!

And HELLO to all new posters. Honestly, this is absolutely the FRIENDLIEST forum on the Internet. Please keep posting. The more, the merrier.

Good luck in NYCM, Paula!

Hugs,

Eli

[anya]

Thank you Paula for your inspiration, at 33, I am now registered to run my 1st marathon in May! Was in New York 3 weeks ago and the energy there is just revving for the run. I am so excited for you and will be watching and cheering you on this weekend! GO GO GO!

[666]

Hi Paula
Congrats for New York and Great South Run, you are my inspiration to keep running and raising money for my local hospice.
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Damian

[Debs]

Hi Paula
I watched you at Portsmouth at the Great South and thought you were great. A real inspiration. New York a mighty success and what impresses me is your grit and determination right to the finish line. Bring on 2012, it will be fantastic to have you as our marathon star in London. We always cheer you on and a whole running club I run with is right behind you and support you all the way. Well done Paula, a great inspiration

[willie]

Paula,
What an amazing race in NY! You were awesome. Thanks for the update and I look forward to future posts.
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