another week

Two weeks without running and I am a bit down. The injury is a strange one, no issue most of the time but occasionally tightness in the calf. I am going to attempt to run Tuesday weather allowing.Still unsure if I am going to continue with my current running club, go my own way or the Peel Runners.

signed up

This afternoon signed myself up for another challenge-Stratford Marathon. This one is road based and liable to suit me more-it is also a half/full run with a split around the 12 mile mark.

just for a change

Well it's been a strange week-freezing Artic weather, Xmas shopping and no moaning and yet again a bloody injury. Pulled muscle in my right leg just below my calf has curtailed my exercise. No exercise generally means scoffing like a pig and lazing about. When I'm not in the zone all sorts go through my head the latest is where my running future lies is it with the new more organised Tamworth Running club or with the Peel Runners? I am not sure why I no longer feel comfortable with my current group, maybe it's the fact that most in the group are just not in the same place as me when it comes to running, by that I mean they think it is sufficient to just run and not follow plans etc. Next week should have been a local race 5 miles in aid of St Giles but with the injury it's looking unlikely.

race day

Today is the first race since my Marathon, a rather unscenic 10k race around an airfield just outside Stratford upon Avon. In this case I know exactly what to expect, flat, unscenic and fast-everything the last race wasn't. My problem is I do not know how to run it. Do I offer to run with my fellow group member or do I try to blast it? I have struggled all week with pace, my slow runs seem to have made me one paced. All the very best to the five runners of Tamworth running club who are running today.

a new start

Today was about getting a few things sorted-sorted they were and the result was
1-I managed a gentle three mile jog-yes I said jog with Liz for Company, during which I was verbally abused for the first time by four youths who thought it great fun to shout run forest run, to which I asked for a bit of originality, they then offered me a stella cos' they thought I could run quicker.
2-Issues in the running were sorted with the loss of one of my running mates Janice. Janice was the babysitter of the newbies and will be missed (you stubborn old fool)-I hope we don't become strangers.
Time to move on Monday's and Fridays off for the next 24 weeks gout permitting.

back on the wheel

A week after my mixed marathon I have sulked long and hard and decided to get back on the proverbial bicycle and run another. The next one, subject to acceptance will be Stratford upon Avon in May 2011, this is a mixed half/full Marathon which is mainly road based and with one big hill (run twice), it does what it says on the tin. My diet is under way,old style w/w points for now and the training plan has been created, The plan is five days a week with far more miles and a variety of types of runs. The target is still sub 4.30. There are a number of runs pre marathon in the diary starting with a 10k Saturday, 5 mile run around Tamworth early December and most interesting a half marathon around Silverstone race track.

where to now?

After some thought the immediate future is dieting, my very own life style coach has offered advice and it will be taken. I am entered in the Carver Full Marathon next September but am sure I will be doing one before then. Some other goals need to be sorted especially the sub two hours half. We have agreed to keep the website going until the goal is completed in the manner originally stated.

thanks

I have this evening closed the facebook group and would like to thank the following for the support and kind words.
Abena Korantema
Akis Koskinas,Alan Gifford ,Alex Strutt ,Alison Burton,Alison Dolphin,Andy Perry,Barry Denney,Bell Hare House,Ben Hudson,Benoit Assou-ekotto
Bill Nicholson,Billy Hunt,Bob Hedger-Jahbuddha ,Bolton Spurs
Carl Mcgee,Chris GingerYido Evans,Chris Moore,Craig Merricks
Crystal Sayer,Cy Art,Cyprus Spurs ,Dave Gifford ,David Stonehouse
David Waddy Waddington,Dawn Armes,Dawn Brian,Dawn Haden,
Dean Armes,Debbie Birch,Elizabeth Mcgrath,Elyse Stilgoe
Emerson Matthews,Erica Knight,Errol Christie,EShip Shop
Essentialspurs Tottenham Hotspurs ,Fran Martin
Gaught Booardh,Gavinlee Ofalvey,Gaz Burton,Hazel Nannykins-burton
Heather Burch,Helen Duffen,Helen Green,Iain Brassa Yido Braithwaite
Ian Checkley,Ian Gibbons,Ian Hollick ,Jacqueline Peat,Jay Laverick
Jayne Callaghan,Jennifer Smith,John Mcmahon,Jonas 'red' Hainsworth
Jools Glanville-Berrecloth,Judy Parkes,Julie Dolphin,Julie Hanson
Karen Irene Jane Timbrell,Katie Papasavvas,Katie Robinson
Kaz Stockley,Kazbegi Marathon,Keith Tha Bass,Kelly-Ann Jones
Kevin Gurney,Kevin Pulcella,Lee Downes,Lee Longmore,Lisa Hall
Lisa Jane Wright,Luke Fisher,Lynn Churchill,Marathon Runners Unite
Mark Stevenson,Matt Reeves,Michael Ballard,Michael Ivory,Michael Storey
Mick Hall,Mick Wood,Mod Chronicles,Mowcop Runner,Neil Reeves,Nicci Parkinson
Nigel Planer,Orlando Monday Allen,Paul Barkhouse,Paul Darkes,Paul Holland
Paul Land,Paul Woodwright,Peter Hyatt,Recycle-sale Tamworth,Rena Tsirimiangou
Rich Halpin,Richard O'sullivan,Rob Wilkes,Robert Lane,Robin Laverick
SecondHand Distortion,Sharon Chouffot Higgins,Sharon Franks Was Macreadie
Simon Bassadone ,Simon Goodship,Simone Macarthy,Siobhan Garrattley
Soula Plotsika,Spitfire Rock'n'Roll,Stacy Jo Blackley,Steffe Sharpstrings
Steph Hill,Steve Robinson,Stevey Ross,Tamworth Townies,Ted Bami
Terry Duggan Jnr,Tim Hilton,Tina Hall,Tom 'Fantana' Podmore,Tracey Barkhouse
Trevor Stevenson,Val Blundell,Wayne Alexander and Wayne Elcock.
The following are members of Tamworth running group who are always there with a friendly word of support.
Liz Parry
Chris Charno Cogan
Yvonne Cowley
Joanne Southan
Lisa Fletcher
Linda Thomas
Lesley Fulwell
Janice
Tracey
Plus Emma G from Lucozade plus and Gareth Pugh
Phil Gooch
Karl Rawlins
John Waterfield
Ian Wright
Ben Smith
all the above the stout fella's from my office at work plus Jenny Mursch and Jo sayers.
Special thanks to two Flat feet, American Dave and Igor plus the very nice lady who offered me support around the race-apologies for not knowing your name

The superstars
Laura and Matt for being there, Emma for being there for every race, Chris for driving, being there and the website. Finally my number one fan, best mate running partner and person who puts everything into perspective the one and only Mandy.
Finally everyone who's ever said anything nice and that's the vast majority.

analysis

24 hours after the run the disappointment has subsided and the analysis of what I did right and wrong.
I fully believe that several factors affected the run namely, the gout attack, increase in weight,poor sleep and a slight cold. I don't believe in excuses and there is a problem with my pacing-more later.
The course which was supposed to be undulating was very hilly in my opinion (others suggest differently). The two laps around the penninsula with the better athletes flying past you was demoralising. Carrying far too much baggage as well.
There were several issues for me. The mile markers appeared all over the show, cups for drinking and the absence of marshalls along the main road was poor. Other than that the location was superb, most of the marshalls were lovely especially the ladies around Eagleton. The t shirt and medal are first class.

well there you have it or maybe not

The day has been and gone and the goal has been met, sort of.
Up at five after a poor night's kip. It was seriously cold upon arrival, nerves were shot. Picked up the wrong chip, returned it and five trips to the lav' later and it's down to the start. What seems like a marathon later and the start line is reached.
15 mins later and were off, running at my required pace it is soon apparant to me that all is not well. Two miles in and i'm struggling, rallies around six miles and seems ok. Unfortunately the penninsula appears and the assorted hills. After one lap of the penninsula and I'm shot. Eleven miles into the race and I'm walking, this is a distance I can do with no problems whatsoever. Walking/running through to the end see's me finish in a time of 5hours 36mins and 5secs. I do manage to running for some decent spells towards the end and I think that bodes well for future runs.

marathon eve

Today has never ending despite watching Spurs(less said) and having slept for an hour. The kit has been chosen, fuel assembled and arrangements made. Tomorrow starts at 5am, breakfast number one to be eaten(porridge and a banana), visit to the toilet(also less said) and on the road at 6am. It is an hour and forty minutes drive, which Chris is undertaking. I am travelling with Chris,Emma and Mandy with Laura and Matt meeting us there. Whilst travelling the second breakfast will be consumed banana and strawberry smoothie. There is nothing more I can do preparation wise to affect the outcome, it just remains to be sensible whilst running and not try to be a super hero. A number of runners will be undertaking their first marathon today and I wish them all the very best. I will be posting photos, result and thanks this time tomorrow.

This is the reverse of my running top, the front says Johnnyh and Tamworth running club. I will be number 876. I just hope I can do justice to myself, the shirt and everyone who has supported, offered advice and just been there. Your support has been greatly appreciated and without it, the journey would have been very much more difficult. Hopefully the run will see the goal achieved and new plans made. Respect to you all.

all done

The last little run is done all I have do is get organised and put me feet up. Still nervous going to sleep visualising the first part of the race.

just when...............

think that your free of grief the gout strikes back and I'm sat here foot iced and elevated. I am now seriously worried I wont make it. Just wanna run it's getting to me.
forward 15 hours and my foot is much improved but as I have been here before I shall not hold my breathe. This week is seriously dragging and I have a headache for the second day is this as a result of tapering?

seven days is too long

Woke up this morning 6.15 realising I hadn't changed the clocks. The gout is all but gone and will at some point today test it over a 3 mile run. Got get myself organised, what to wear, what and when to eat. I get the feeling this week is going to drag like nobody's business. Didn't do the run still had a niggle in my toe-thought I'd post a few of my friends who will be running with me.

great expectations

The thing with this hobby of mine is that you really cannot judge a book by the cover. You look at people on the start line and think they'll never finish ahead of me and blow me they do and conversely younger fitter people finish behind me.
Websites tell me that I should be able to run a marathon in 3hours 45mins based on a 5k run at 24mins 22secs, how this works bearing in mind a marathon is over eight times the distance. Looking at some of the names on the list of entries,I will be well down the list of finishers. I have been this nervous about a run ever.
When the race is over I will be on a strict diet and looking to lose 2 stone and will be looking to reduce the race times dramatically.

well pissed off

Woke up this morning with a gout attack so with two weeks to go I am seriously in danger of missing out again. This is getting boring and I am paranoid that someone somewhere is doing it deliberately. Twelve weeks of training possib ly up in smoke.

inspired

Yesterday I was support to Mandy doing her first half marathon. This was just as nervy as doing the event myself. She did the job and was only let down by the organisation, having to queue to get across the finish line. All the Tamworth team did well. It's now my turn to take centre stage and i've a lot to live up to. Strangely nervous this morning I am about to head out on my last longish run of twelve miles.

not a happy bunny

Woke up this morning feeling crappy-postponing my run. Received my race pack through the post to find water being given in cups, gates having to be opened and running over cattle grids. My running number is 876 which considering the race was closed at 650 is odd. Thinks back to bed might be a good idea.

nowt to do with me

This weekend sees the running of the Birmingham half marathon and Our Mandy is running it, her first attempt at the distance. Also running will be Lesley,Linda,Janice, Chris and Richard from our running club. Good luck to one and all.

a century of blogs

It wasn't so long ago that blogging was not in my vocabulary and a diary was something confined to love sick teenage girls in a different era and here i am 100 not out.
As the end of the journey rapidly approaches some nerves and doubts are raising their combined heads, failure to complete the twenty two hasn't helped.
Desparately avoiding sicknotes and hoping the gout doesn't return.
The gaffer thinks that I should abandon all thoughts of time and of course any time will be a pb.

make or break

This might sound a bit dramatic but tomorrow's run I believe is just that. Twenty two miles, two laps of 11 miles, This is a ten per cent increase on last week. If I can't manage this what chance 26.2 miles in just under a month. Wish me luck.

Mullered

There's a part of Michael Macintyre's show where he uses any word to describe being drunk. My new word for dead on my feet is mullered.
Today's effort was twenty miles. Two laps of ten miles,very hilly at the start and finish,interspersed with five miles of flat canal. Today's run was intersting in that I couldn't get across the road for about 100 bikers, then a squirrel raced me for fifty yards. The canal is great because it is flat but there are too many gates and today too many puddles.
Dead on my feet at the end but twenty miles completed for the first time ever and around the the four hour thirty minute pace.

cynical me

Someone said to me I don't appear to have much faith in people, they were right. When it comes to running they were spot on, people always seem to have great and good intentions. These intentions usually start around the end of March/early April and last as long as the next holiday or rain shower in some cases. The biggest draw is usually alcohol, getting bladdered is a much easier options that going out in the cold. Why is it that some prefer running in the blazing sun to a cold crisp December morning, do they not realise its much harder?
Yesterday I got my rejection letter from the Virgin London Marathon, this was not unexpected as my chances were approximately five to one. My major gripe with this race is that my rejection will allow someone who can barely run a mile attempt to do something that is completely out of their ability range. Fair play to anyone who attempts it and especially if they are raising money for charity but isn't it supposed to be a running race?
Tomorrow sees my first effort at running twenty miles, this will be two laps of ten miles around the Polesworth canal area. given the fact it is currently lashing down the path will be a touch muddy-oh no perhaps I should stay in bed instead.

furthest yet

Today saw me run further than ever before. Eighteen miles done in exactly 4hour 30 mins pace. These runs really test you mentally and physically and I fully believe a lot of running is done in the head. Have tried a few new things including protein shakes in an effort to inprove the stiffness after such runs. I only have two really long runs left and need to find another eight miles!!!!!!

sixteen down, ten to find

This week ended with a two lap 16 mile run on a hilly course. Ran the first lap on my own and the second lap with my lovely pacemaker Mandy. Managed it in sub race pace time.Ran on memory for the last two miles and am concerned that I've got to find another ten miles in six weeks.

another one down

This week ends with a step up to 14 miles, mt favourite canal route-hope the rain holds off. Perception is a funny thing, people at the running club seem to think I'm fast and I seem to think L'm a tortoise. The diet side of it is going down the pan at a rate of knots-just can't rid myself of the desire to eat unhealthily. Fitness/injury wise my shin splint issue seems to be improving but I think I have a slight hernia.

close of third week

The end of the third week and a sub two hour twelve miles in partial rain, breezy day, against me most of the way. The shin splint issue is still there but disappeared after about 3/4 miles. Developed a taste for lucozade carbohydrate bars and sports fuel drinks. Took a trip to Rutland water to see how the land lies and it's very picturesque and reasonably flat. There was an half iron man race going on, these guys are seriously fit and brave.

decision made

I have now entered the Rutland marathon, 26.2 miles around an exceptionally pretty part of the world. To understand what I am undertaking we are having a day out sampling the delights. On the injury front I think I may have a touch of shin splint. Treating the pain with Ibuprofen gel. On the Mandy scene she's doing very nicely. Pictures of Rutland to follow.

Rutland or Luton

This weekend's big question (other than what the hell happened at White Hart Lane) is do I run the Rutland water or Luton Marathon. The big negative for Rutland is the start time and element of trail running. The big negative for Luton is three laps and a five hour limit. The big positive for Rutland is stunning scenery, the big positive for Luton is that my support team is able to give me drinks etc twice. I will mull it over overnight.

The second weeks closes with a twelve mile run in under my Marathon pace. Felt pretty good and I lasted well. In the topsy turvy psycological world that is running (I jest you not,most of it is in the head) today is a good day and I'm feeling good. Mandy too is progressing nicely on the road to her first half around sunny Birmingham on October 24th. It will be a pleasent change to be the support team.

weighty problem

Decided to get my backside into gear and shift a few pounds 18 to be precise. This will get me back to my fighting weight. All the targets have been set, charts, spreadsheets and info all available. Weight watchers based diet to be followed.

change of heart

last time I posted I posted I was at the beginning of a ten week plan to Rutland water half marathon. Having found out that the race starts at 9am I've decided to moving the focus to Luton on December the 5th.
First week's training has gone quite well with tomorrow's run should test my level of stamina.

back on the wheel

Got up this morning with a view to a nice three mile run and hey-ho I have a cold this is beginning to feel like a conspiracy. Tuesday is the first day of a twelve week plan to Rutland Water Marathon-this battle is not gonna beat me.

square one

Just back from my annual hols in Sunny!!!!!!!!! Cornwall-lots of exercise-some involving arm bending and some running-Going to postpone my Wolverhampton marathon and defer till 2011 and then start all over again from square one. Need to search out a new Marathon of choice. Wish me luck.

start me up

Finally clear of illness and today started the first steps getting back to fitness. Three miles today was tough and tomorrow perhaps foolishly, am going to attempt ten slow miles. Six weeks to get up to 26.2 miles gulp.

on me knees

Following on from two weeks of gout I now have a potentially serious stomach problem. Tried running tonight and packed up after about 3/4 mile. Think its time to take a complete break till the tests are complete. The Carver Marathon is gonna be difficult if nigh on impossible to complete. This situation is a ball ache and very very irritating. Think I may just have to try and get the entry deferred until 2011'

Bored,bored and boring

Spent since Sunday sitting with my feet up watching daytime tv. Not been to work, not run and I cannot believe people live like this all the time. Whilst the pain isn't as bad as last time it been extremely uncomfortable especially trying to put a sock on nevermind shoes. I have cancelled all my training runs and am getting extremely pissed off with this illness/injury situation. Three training plans all messed up.

curse of the gout

Woke up this morning with an ache in my toe and a feeling it was a return of gout. Had a really nice session at a gym,pre arranged free of charge "trial" the highlight was a brilliant bike work out racing around a dirt track compter generated. Sitting here now with a pain in my foot, its back and I am dreading tonight's kip.

stepping it up

Yesterday in extreme heat I managed to complete very nearly 17 miles and just to make things difficult I decided it would be a good idea to put all the hills in the last four miles. The aches and pains came and went and I survived with no major issues. I have had to invest in a new pair of running shoes Saucony hurricane 10, reasonably priced at £39.99. As with my pro grid 7 these are discontinued. Off in a minute to get in a bath to loosen up for the Gate Gallop fun run. I am only enterng the fun run as I couldn't do myself justice in the 10k, added to the fact I am not up for climbing stiles etc. Mandy will be doing this along with a fair few of Tamworth running club for beginners, all in our club t shirts. Photos to follow.

been a while

Not posted recently, probably due to everything being honky dorey. Saturday managed 12.2 miles sub 2 hours-then ran Sunday it mullered me such a struggle. It seems that my running shoes are about knackered, as my calves seem to ache everytime I run, insoles haven't helped. My long run Saturday is seventeen miles and I am worried about the distance its nearly three miles more than I have ever run before. I am entering the Gate Gallop on Sunday but it won't be competative, a recovery jog only. Moving up from 3 to 5 days a week is taking it's toll.

here we go again

I yesterday stepped up to 15 miles and made a mistake in attempting to run up a very very steep hill at around 12 miles. The result of this was that my right knee gave way with a lot of pain. This morning was supposed to have been a three mile race in a local event. Que sera, has this set my training back again only time and rest will tell.

change of location

For the first time in quite a while I decided indoors would be the venue for some exercise. Wednesday is cross training day and Wilnecote High School is the gym of choice. I really enjoyed the cross trainer and Bike but can't stand tredmill running. Interestingly the heart rate monitor and gym kit gave the same readings. As it was persisting it down it was an ideal time to avoid the wet weather. I also managed to do a training session with my top on back to front!

The long and winding road

Today is the start of my Marathon training plan. I am building up to September the fifth and Wolverhampton. The thought is scaring me, full of self doubt. Firstly today's weight watchers weigh in I am hoping that I am back in the gold zone. I am taking a different route to this race, no sprinting, running on soft groung etc, just mile after mile. The plan routes are on fetcheveryone, all organised. Cross training needs to be incorporated-the gym on Wednesday. Going to give blood later today, get down there everyone.

turning point

today's run was bitter/sweet Mandy had to retire due to a calf injury but I managed a very creditable 65.05 over 8 fairly hilly miles this is approximately 11 secs per mile slower than I ran a flat 10k!!! is this a turning point. Get fixed soon sweety.

latest gadget

Today my latest running aid arrived a heart rate monitor and lol and behold it is telling me what I have told being telling anyone who listens I am an athlete.

The day of the big race

Up at 6.30 on a Sunday morning, the sun is shining and the birds are singing and I feel sick. Nerves have kicked in. Its been a struggle to eat my porridge, been to the toilet twice. Just going to get changed and its off to Coventry we go. Sub two hours?

running group

Me and Mandy ran with our first group tonight and I really enjoyed-young chap towed me round sub 24 mins for three miles. Wasn't sure whether or not I would enjoy running with others but it was great fun. Tamworth running for beginners to be found on facebook.

nearly there

Well I'm down to my last week and today's run was a mixture. I got a bad cramp that forced me to stop and stretch. At the same time thought it would be wise to take my running jacket off, two minutes of messing about cured my cramp. The remaining 7.5 miles went without drama and only used one of my gels. The wind down begins now coupls of short runs and Coventry here we come.

down down deeper and down

Tonights run ended after 1.5 miles just feel exhausted and I don't why-I have nine days to go and feel really deflated.

up and down-up and down

This running malarkey is odd, one minute you feel like a world beater the next useless. Thursday's run resulted in me stopping unable to carry on-four days of scoffing and drinking and tonights run didn't feel too good either. I think I may have run too fast but sometimes its hard to tell. Two weeks to next half marathon and I ain't feeling too good ab out it.

Virgin london marathon

I have entered the ballot for the VLM, if the number sent me is a reflection of the numbers entering the ballot then I am going to have a hell of game just getting into the race my number is 179000+. Tonight's run was tough still have the 22+ miles at the weekend in my legs.

the power of positive thinking

Today was a big test for me-three miles last night on grass is hard, so running the following morning was bound to be hard. The course today was very hilly, with one very steep downhill section, I am not fond of downhill running because it seems to give my knee some gipe. The 10+ miles was run in sub 2h half marathon pace and I did ok, my stamina is good, my cardio level seems ok, speed for me is always going to be an issue. Rest day tomorrow followed by 12.5 miles Monday as slow as I like. With three weeks to go and no real issue throughout my plan. no illness, no real injury niggles and my diet going well. there should be no problem with a personal best for my half marathon.

A warm glow

It's nice when people ask your opinion, even nicer when they seek you out for advice, Having run for a while now, I get asked how to do things, when to run, what to wear. I feel like a real expert not that I am but it does feel good. The training is going nicely, tonight's run in the rain felt comfortable, several short bursts with longer strides did not cause me too much grief and I am getting confident of a sub 2 hour half at Coventry and moving up to a full Marathon.

London Marathon

For years I have sat on the sofa watching the London marathon thinking it would be good to do that but secretly thinking i'll never get off me arse. Today I have run ten miles in the heat and better my previous best by over five minutes. Half way through my Coventry half training plan and it seems to be coming along nicely, today is one of those upbeat positive days. A big well done to the two guys from Facebook doing the Marathon, well done Ian and Matt.

trying to fit it in

Despite having Monday off work work I have had extreme difficulty fitting my runs in this week, football matches, rock gigs have taken a deal of my time and I now find myself having to fit runs in Friday,Saturday and Sunday, Today's run was hill based with bursts up hill, one of my least favourite sessions but it went very well and recovery after the hill was quite impressive. I have stuck to my weight watchers religously and hope to have lost big this week.

long slow run

Nice day for a run-not too warm so off I went on a mixed route down roads, canals and lanes for nearly 12.5 miles, nice and steady at just over 2 hours. pheasants,ducks, swans and a heron all helped me along the way. Friendly canal barge owners, occasional biker rider and people all said hello or morning, the exception being a guy running the opposite way (considerably quicker than I) who didn't acknowledge my presence-must read Runners world. These so called elite types do seem to look down their noses at us ordinary types. If anyone who has seen me run and thinks I have a funny running style should see the two pheasants legging across the field so funny.

Today

Today has been a proper pain. Down to do eight miles today to complete week two but Mandy developed an injury, unfortunately it was in the countryside and I couldn't bring myself to carry on. I had to walk home and Mandy hobble the three miles home. Fortunately I am off to work tomorrow and intend to run 10+ miles. Today also saw my beloved Spurs lose to Portsmouth thanks to a dreadful slip and a very poor referee. Thank goodness I only have to rely on myself which brings me back to Mandy she may well have to go solo from now on.

it's a mystery

I have no idea why but for the first time I had to stop running whilst not being injured. Three miles into a run, a run I have done many times I could not carry on. I had no energy, nothing in the tank, my legs were heavy and I had to walk home. On the positive side my sprained ankle was ok.
Tomorrow is another day and I have a four mile run with 30 second bursts.

The best laid plans always seem to have a negative aspect for me its germs and injury.

using the tools

Even at my low level of ability anything that can help you improve is to be used. My latest tool is a website called fetcheveryone it records all your training, racing, weight and ranks you amongst your peers.

aches and pains and costs

when I started this "epic" journey of trying to get fit little did I know that it would be quite as expensive as it is and that I would have as many aches and pains. To date I have had runners knee, Itb syndrome, pulled muscles and a numb foot, possibly Morton's neuroma. To help this I am about to being yoga, I am reliably informed that the Sun Salutation or surya namaskar to give it it's proper title will help.
Running in theory is free of charge after all you can just go into the street and run. Theory never works and in practice the very minimum needed is a pair of running shoes-no not trainers. The problem does not end there running in ordinary socks may well give you blisters. Those Matalan shorts will look particularly naff especially when running in a race. A decent top will help with the sweat and of course if it is cold you will need a hat and gloves. When it rains you'll need to have a wind/shower coat. Is it posssible to have just one set of everything? So therefore a free of charge activity has cost so far over £100 and that assumes entry level gear.
Bearing in mind my advancing years I also take the following suppliments: Glucosamine sulphate, cod liver oil and vitamin c.
This brings us to the entry costs so far I have been in five races and entry fees alone have cost £65.
Training itself doesn't come cheap-gadgets such as watches, heart rate monitors, gels and something to hold these things when your doing this all add up.
So why do I do this so called free activity because I love it.

the next episode

No not the Dr Dre song but my next venture into the world of half marathon running. I am entered into the Coventry half on May 23rd and running as a part of children today. Children today are trying to get into the record books for biggest group I have started an eight week plan. Last night ran 4.7 miles from work to home and during the run ended up having to help and elder rather drunk gentleman called Fred and his motobility scooter into his flat. That episode and two blisters made it a run i'll never forget. Now five pounds lighter than last run.

after the lord mayor's show

Bit of a strange feeling having completed my first half where do I go from here? The answer is another so I have signed up for the Coventry half on the 23rd of May. Now feel fully recovered and with eight weeks got to work on the speed to get under the two hour mark. Determined to loose a stone by then as well. Many thanks to all at Weight watchers for the round of applause. Lost two and a half pounds since the last weigh in can't till this weigh in feel much better already

stafford half marathon

My first half has come and gone. So glad I was part of it, the moving one minute applause and local support was fantastic, as you can see I have my name on the T shirt and the locals called my name, youngsters wanted to high five me and the dj name checked me at the end. The course was hilly and I got the pacing all wrong and missed my target by 3mins 11seconds. God Tixall bank was a killer. Can't wait to get back to this race-loved it just loved it. Once again so glad that Mandy, Chris and Emma managed to attend for the race-their support is invaluable.

nearly there

Well tomorrow's my big day and I'm a bit nervous, have no idea why. The distance shouldn't be an issue, it's just a question of time. All the kit is ready just got to get up at 7am on a Sunday.

Impatience

Impatience is taking over, really want Sunday to roll round. Mandy is feeling poorly and I hope she gets well and does'nt pass it on. I will be really pissed if I'm ill.

last week approaches

My big race day is fast approaching and its last minute training. Long slow run tomorrow 10/12 miles and then a couple of short jogs. Have come across Google street views which shows one decent hill and some country lanes.

Street entertainers, Dj's etc to keep my valiant supporters entertained for the 2hrs approx'.

2000 runners is going to be a touch scarey and I can only hope I get the start right and don't get bogged down.

The injury's seem to have ceased and have been practising using the gels when running, isotonic drinks to see if my stomach takes it ok.

The web page events section has been updated to include proposed future events which I hope to enter beginning with a half Marathon in Coventry.

banana smoothie

1 banana
splash of orange juice
200ml of orange juice
2 tbsp of low fat natural yoghurt
handful of muesli

blend the banana with the splash of orange (or other juice)-add the 200ml of juice, natural yoghurt and muesli-blend till smooth and drink.

two weeks today

Well I'm down to two weeks to my first big effort and I have woke up all week feeling I have a cold coming. Yesterday's run went nicely although Mandy missed the hour target by less than a minute and a half, it was a good run. The course at Long Marston is run down but the organisation is enthusiastic. A big thank you to the kind lady from Lucozade who donated some gels for my big run and some advice on their usage. Off for my last long slow run then tapering down .
Felt a bit leggy probably due to yesterday's run, the gels are easy to use even without water. On a different note what is wrong with drivers that haven't got two seconds to wait while you run across a junction.

nothing in the engine

Tonights three mile run was as poor as I have known-putting it down to lack of fuel, no energy, nothing in my legs and to make things worse I needed to pee for most of the run.

I have my number for the Stafford half Marathon sooooo excited number 104.

Mandy's first competative 10k in Straford at the Long Marston airfield-have previously ran this race, flat and P.b is achievable here. Hoping to get her round in sub 60 mins.

new goal setting

Having been sat on my backside for very nearly two week and still with some foot pain I have decided that I need to re-evaluate my goals rather than try to do something and fail I shall "compete" in the Stafford half but with a view to getting round. The goal of sub two hours will be attempted in the Coventry half. On a different note who would have thought that running had such snobbery value Runners world forum is one such case in point. I will no longer frequent that particular one and will go to the Running bug one from now on. Heaven save us from pompous pratts.

Ran this morning nice and easy pace. Turns out my 10 mile run was 11.5 so both Mandy and I completed the full half marathon distance and massive well done to her.

feeling down

Currently sat at home on the sofa feeling a bit sorry for myself. I have not trained since Sunday the 14th due to gout. I am in my 7th day of this condition and they usually last between 3-10 days. Worried that a large chunk of the training programme has been missed and I am going to have to settle for just getting round and look for a sub 2 hours on the next run. March the 6th 10k is in doubt also.

ten miler

Did my first ten miler for a long time yesterday and managed in 1h36 mins-picked the wrong way around the route too hilly as usual. Am concerned that I am going to miss my goal of sub 2 hours for my first half marathon. My run along the picturesque Polesworth to Fazeley canal, nice amount of runners probably training for the run for life mile.

discharged

Five weeks to my first half. Today I have been discharged from my physio, I have made very good progress. The plan appears to be working as I managed to run fast(ish) up a very steep hill twice and still finished a five miler. Five miles tomorrow and ten miles Sunday. I have decided that I am going to make the step to a full Marathon in November as long as Stafford half and one other half goes ok. The picturesque Rutland water is the venue.

nearly half way

Been a really frustrating week, pulled up with a bad ankle on Tuesday, Mother having an operation and visiting her has curtailed my running this week. Finally got out this morning and did a nice five miles, still having a numb foot issue which is apparantly called Morton's neuroma. The condition is basically a nerve that causes issues with about 40% of runners. Week finishes with a eight mile run tomorrow morning-This means I will have missed only one of my runs. Looking to improve my nutrition from now on.

end of week three

Coming to the end of week three and the work is getting harder, a three mile run feels much longer. Have developed a numb foot issue, which apparantly affects a lot of runners. One week into the physio and the knee pain has gone and so has my Itb problem. It is probably an age thing but I get rid of one issue and get another. Going to study chai running. The week finishes with an eight mile run around Dordon and Wood end.

two down eight to go

finishing week two on a high. I have been to physio and have been told I have a dodgy hip. I have got to do three different exercises twice a day and can continue to run.Three miles tonight nice and easy. Looking forward to a nice six miles on Sunday. Need to get back to eating properly.

ten week plan

Pinched a plan of the internet-ten weeks to half marathon runner. I only have nine weeks and two days until my first half marathon. Three miles to day the lay off and xmas has set me back a bit, knee issues seem better-physio Friday. Up for another run tomorrow four miles this time, nice and slow-hopefully no snow, ice and a running partner to keep me in check.

2010-when to begin

Not been able to do anything recently-got man flu (bad cold)-knees hurting and I've eaten like a pig. I have bought a diary and looking to be able to run 21st March half marathon in Stafford-currently not convinced I will be able to. Need to get some info on curing these issues.