one month + one day

since I ran a Kilomathon for Canine Partners...

And my left calf is still not happy about it. 

Why not make it worth my pain this payday and send some money the dogs' way.... 

http://www.justgiving.com/Laurabax

http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/Index.htm

400+ miles

Some of my bees made a flight last week, to a new home in Scotland.

Safe journey little ones!

Kilomathon London 2012

So, I did it - I ran the London Kilomathon. 

 

26.2k (16.3m) in 2 hours 38 mins 9 secs. 

I was in full on training mode earlier in the summer - by far the best shape I have ever been in.  My goal was to run the course in 2:40.  Then life got in the way of running a little bit and I could feel my muscles slacking off. 

As the days counted down I became increasingly terrified (mixed with waves of excitement, I will admit) and guessed at a more realistic 3 hours for completion of the looming 'ordeal'. 

So, when I actually got past the halfway mark of 12k and hadn't stopped running, I was a little shocked by the acheivement, followed by pain, followed by stubbornness. 

After 20k, my left calf muscle left twisted and my right knee was in agony.  Energy was low and the pack of fellow runners had thinned, which meant that motivation was beginning to deplete. 
Then the stitch kicked in.  Hard.

I think I slowed to a walking pace on two occasions for the last 4k - my guess is that the time I spent doing so was 2-3 minutes.  My priority was that I completed the course without stopping.

Also the realisation that I could do it within my original target of 2:40 really spurred me on. 

When I made it over the finish line it was a hard task not to cry my eyes out; I felt so overwhelmed.

Even now I don't think it has even sunk in that I made it and that I didn't stop once.

I couldn't have done it without the encouragement and experienced advice of my amazing friend Helena, who also went to the effort of not only meeting me at the finish line, but meeting me with flowers, hobnobs and the best medal ever.  The other runners were so jealous.  A massive thankyou to her & everyone else who supported me.

I have been rasing sponsor money from this for Canine Partners - an amazing charity which trains guide dogs for disabled people, they do incredible work.  (My sponsorship page is accepting donations until the end of January 2012).

The Kilomathon is not a fun run but an endurance event.  The London one of 2012 took place Sunday 28th October, in Lee Valley Park.  The beautiful setting certainly helped get me through.

WWF Earth Hour 2012

Every year, I think I'm going to take part in the WWF Earth Hour. 

It's basically an hour, where everyone turns their lights off and comes together to celebrate our world.
It's a demonstration of energy saving and 'doing our bit' for the environment. 

Obviously one hour in a year is not going to have much impact; but it's the statement, the proof that we do not need to consume & use so much energy.
And it's just seems quite nice to do.

Have a little looky at this video & let them explain it better!

So I've (finally) just signed myself up!

FIND OUT MORE & SIGN YOURSELF UP HERE

Knitting by candle light, anyone...?

(Please See) Japan

I've just gotten round to watching this two part documentary on Japan; one year after the horrific events which occured there last year.

It's heartbreaking, inspirational and uplifting.

I know it sounds so cliche; but to see how strong and forward moving the survivors are, from the terrifying earthquake & tsunami, is simply mind blowing.

Please watch both parts, as it gets to captivating to hear from the people themselves:

This short film also documents the aftermath from the horrific radiation contamination.

Their focus is on reducing energy consumption (more so, than switching to greener energy) which is something to keep in mind as the WWF Earth Hour is approaching this year. Perhaps it makes it easier for us to bear being without energy for one hour after witnessing the massive impact thrown upon their day-to-day living?

<3 The short film was uploaded by People Tree <3

Protect the Human - Help put an end to Guantánamo Bay

Not craft related; but a subject which I do feel strongly about.

I believe Guantánamo Bay is one of the biggest violations of human rights that exists today. 

I just wanted to spread the word and ask you all to please take a minute to

visit Amnesty International's website

find out more and hopefully feel the same. 

It takes a minute to sign your name on the petition for President Obama to put an end to this horrific injustice. 

Peace

x

The Big Knit 2011

As some of you may be aware, those lovely people at Innocent Smoothies hold a little known event every year called The Big Knit.  Knitters from all over the country get their needles going to make little wooly hats for Innocent's smoothie bottles.  These are sold throughout shops and 25p from each be-hatted bottle sold is donated to Age UK.  Brilliant!

So I've been putting my stash and wooly oddments to use and knitted up a few myself...

I think they could do with some bobbles though...

These little guys are around 1.5 inches high; guess I'd better brush up on my minature-pom-pom-making skills!

Golden Bees

I decided I wanted to try something a little different with my handmade bees and swapped the silver for gold to see how it would look....

 I think it suits them:

I will be crafting some hair slides in the gold version too, but for now you can
purchase the broaches from my Etsy store
or from my stall in the Backyard Market on Sundays, 10am - pm.

This little chap measures about 3cm long and including his wings in about 3.5cm high.
The wire I have used is very sturdy and really shines out. 

I am pleased with the result - as I hope my customers will be too!

20% OF PROFIT FROM BEE SALES IS DONATED TO THE SOIL ASSOSIATION TO HELP THEM SAVE THE HONEY BEES

Alex Monroe

I have just discovered a new favourite jewellery designer - Alex Monroe.

He creates some beautiful pieces, including gorgeous bee necklaces, in association with Burt's Bees and donates money from the sales to the British Beekeepers. So I am obviously going to be a fan!

Check out his website here: http://www.alexmonroe.com/.

Or if his exquisite creations are a little out of your budget, but you are pandering for a beautiful bee accessory of your own, then you can purchase my handmade bee hair slides from my etsy store by clicking on them here:

They are handmade from recycled plastics and silver plated wire and I am donatin 20% of my profits to help save the honey bees.

Long Live The Honey Bees!

Spend money & help save the honey bee!

From now on, I shall donate 20% of my profits from all bee related creations to charities which are working to help save the British Honey Bee!

Recycled plastic & silver plated wire bee hair slides - £6 per pair.

Recycled bee beer bottle top bracelet.

Gold, wooden & pearl beads.

Inside message 'Long Live the Bees'

Bee Broach £4.50

I'M ABSEILING DOWN CANARY WHARF FOR CHARITY! Please help sponsor me!

Hello one and all! On Sat 9th May I'm abseiling down Canary Wharf to help raise vital funds for Cancer Research!

There's a minimum amount of sponsor money I NEED to raise in order to be allowed to go through with it on the day; I won't tell you how much as I don't want to guilt anyone but it's a fair bit.... So any contribution will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Here is the link to my online sponsor page:

www.justgiving.com/laurabaxendale

It's all nice & secure & done through paypal without you needing an account :)

You can also come along on the day and watch me do it too!

I'm VERY excited and really want to do it so please please if you can spare any money however great or small to help me that would be absolutely fantastic :)

Also, all the funds go straight to CANCER RESEARCH UK so it's for a very grand cause and one I feel greatly about :)

Many thanks & best wishes!

Laura
xxx

www.laurabaxendale.co.uk