Month: December 2009

So hard today, might be something to do with the early morning and no food prep (dont think you can count the 37 pringles and chocolate from last night). Went straight out this morning and it was hard going. I can assure anyone who is thinking of running that wearing “all the kit” does not mean the run is easier… As people knew I was running – the core of my Christmas consisted of “running based products”, which I have found that the fit looking smiley people on the boxes of running stuff do not in any way equate to what you look like after half an hour with them on.

What is good about this stuff though, is that it makes the running more pleasent. I tried a “undertop” today which worked very well, and also a pair of shorts which prevented any of that naughty chaffing.. I also used my new water bottle – the ones with the hand hole in the middle – which allowed me to take a drink without drowning today.

Did almost 4 miles in just under 40 mins, but the first 2 miles were very hard today, not sure why but really didnt feel like it. At around two miles in I heard the voices telling me “Just stop you slow, unfit stupid fat idiot – just stop and give up you fat lazy get, its New Years Eve stupid face” – well, after telling my family to wind up the windows of the car and bugger off , Icontinued the run. Actually I jest, the majority of the family were still in bed whilst I was pounding the pavement – it was just the Mrs doing the shouting (she calls it “encouragement” ;o)

So this is it for the year, have put on a massive amount over the feastive period and will check the exact weight next year – the plan is to eat for the UK until Monday, then back to normal eating which doesnt include having pringles for breakfast or bread, dripping and cheesecake for elevenses..!

Again – Happy New Year, training starts for real come next year!!..

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Days left: 118

Confidence: 30%

Ability: 21.3%

Out again today, started around 8 this morning – it was still dark – and went out for a 3.5 miler again. It was around 2 degrees and pretty windy and wet, so changed the course slighly. Instead of the whole uphill section I went around the other way this time, and although you obviously go up the same amount it is over a much longer distance.

So managed the run in about 40 mins, and wasnt too bad – although I was very glad to stop. Sitting her in my mothers now, the only place I have a computer at the moment waiting for the Mrs to return so we can get off back home tonight. The weather looks like it is going to snow heavy to day and tomorrow, but we’ll see – they are always wrong.

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Days left: 120

Confidence: 39%

Ability: 21.2%

Well, here we are – 8 days after the last entry. So what have I achieved over the last week and a bit – an awful lot of eating and drinking, and very little running!!!…

We had snow last Monday and the ice kept up all week so that was my excuse for not running – I might have hurt myself on the slippery ice! Then of cource Christmas got in the way, and to show my total commitment to the running cause I ran approximatly, as the immortal Paul Daniels would say “not a lot” throughout this period.

But now, we are after that – and I did managed to run around 3.5 miles yesterday. I am back in Pembrokshire now for a few days before New Year, so had a new running course to try. Unfortuntaly the race cource I used to run around when I was a lad seems to be now all uphill. So I set off on the first section up to the Haven Road with the wind in my face and it was pretty hard. Managed to get round and then do the internal horse shoe, but I actually had to stop (just for about 30 seconds) which is the first time I have had to do that, but the front of my ankle above my foot was almost cramping – never had that so bad before. Anyway continued the run, and finished up at the sister in laws house to pick up the car I had to leave there the night before.

So day off today, another 4 miles or so tomorow, then back home and ready for the schedule to begin in earnest in the new year. I have had every possible bit of running gear possible for Christmas so am sure that will enable me to run quicker, faster the next year. ;o)

All in all its been around 5 weeks (is it really that long!!!) since the first post and run and I feel that I can now do 7 miles which was pretty much my challenge at the beginning – have a good 4 months now to really take it too the next level, and hopefully – if my knees hold out – will be there on the 25th April and crossing the line.

Have a very happy New Year – catch you laters….

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Days left: 122

Confidence: 40%

Ability: 21%

Ok, here we are Sunday before Christmas – had a slight drinkies on Friday – Black Friday, last Friday before Christmas, when people finish work and have a bevvy. This year, as is becoming an annual event Bradders and Joey the Lips came down to say hello and have a pint or two – so thanks for making me smile at least once (or twice).. There were quite a few out, but for some reason it was all a little subdued – not sure why, but still had a few pints and a sneaky chinese before bed.

Decided the best policy was to give Saturday a miss, and do another 6 miler today. After what is becoming one of two standard preperation of Singapore Fried Rice, Chicken Balls, Chicken Satay and Beef with hot pepper sauce (from a new chinese we tried which wasn’t too much cop – sorry New red lantern..) I got up this morning, and after a handful of prawn crackers and a fruit string I was off..

Pretty chilly this morning, even took my gloves to day – I did some stretching before hand which really does seem to be helping, even though I might not be doing it brilliantly. First mile or so, is still very hard – I am puffing and panting and its all uncomfortable, but after around 2 miles it does seem to get easier… Found that my left ankle was the most painful today, but again only till around 2.5 – 3 miles when it all gets fine…

Only saw people running after half way round, and I cannot believe what a miserable bunch of %^$£s they are – got one acknowledgement, 2 blanks, one grimace and a wave. On the way back in from Redwick it actually felt really good – boring, but reasonably “easy” seeings as it was so hard to start with. Although talking to a couple of ladies on Friday who ran, one did marathons, the other just ran “for fun” and she did 6.5 miles regularly just to keep a little fit. I think I still have some way to go.

One other thing I noticed whilst running with the sun behind me is that the shadow of my stupid floppy hair looks just like a frightened bird trying to escape from the top of my head, flapping its little wings like crazy trying to take off…

There were are then – 7 miles, 71 minutes – so still around the 10minute mile – going to run again on Tues, then Christmas break, probably will not run again until the weekend – but we’ll see..

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Days left: 130

Confidence: 38%

Ability: 20.3%

Would you belive who I bumped into today – Mr A.P Bradley. A professional sportsman from my youth. Unfortunatly AP’s career was cut short when he caught leg and back cancer from being in University, Although recovered now, due to this illness he now cannot play any sport he may lose, so has been left to play only Fifa 09 as means of release…. But I bumped into him whilst I was getting a parcel from the Post Office – what are the chances of that – and he advised to go meet up with Dave and the Newport runners in the New Year – something i think I might just do.. (Hi Ders – see you Friday!! ;o)

OK, went on a 3.5 run this afternoon – not easy, but not too bad. I seem to feel alot worse on the second day in a row, I even tried to wear a knee bandage today, which kind of worked – but when i put it on I noticed that it seemed thin and holey – only when I got back did the family let me know that it was actually a wrist bandage – the hole being for your thumb!!!…

Forgot to stop the timer again, as just as I was getting to the finish the boss rang and I forgot to stop the watch, but felt like “normal” speed – knees probably the worse at the moment, but have a couple of days now until the next run (another 6 miles I think) on Sat or Sunday. Sat would be best, but Friday is “Black Friday” so may be in no state to run come Sat….

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Days left: 134

Confidence: 30%

Ability: 17.6%

Its Tuesday, I jibbed out of running yesterday because my knees where still quite sore after the big run on Sunday. I figured that caution was the best policy, dont want to push it too much and was pleased to get 6 rather than 5 miles in on Sunday – will just have to keep it up now.

Went out slightly later than normal and it was dark and rainy – not the best. Did a few stretches before hand and went on my merry way.. Found that I will need to wear a knee support next time, as I seem to get some pain occasionally but it seems to be more of a twisting motion rather than the running – so if I can find one will wear it next time and see how it goes.

Did just over 3.5 mile today, in about 35 mins, so seem to have a set speed of about 10 mins per mile which if I could keep it up would give sub 5hr run.. Here’s hoping… ;o) The run was fine, not particularly tired, knees are somewhat sore though again, I think this is probably going to be the biggest problemmo..

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Days left: 135

Confidence: 34%

Ability: 17.5%

So, here we are on the second proper Sunday of the training regime, Sunday is the “long” day, so prepared myself for a good 4 miles today – running back from Caldicot. Well, when I say prepared, what actually happened was that we stayed over at the brother in laws last night, had a couple of cans, nice Chicken Vindaloo, Keema Nan handful of chips (is there a pattern forming??) – oh yeah and an onion Baji  oh and a few kettle crisps and cheese and biscuits and about 6 hrs sleep..

Ant had rugby this morning so had to be in Caldicot by quarter to 10, so we were on the road at 8:30, got back “unloaded some curry” got changed had a piece of toast and off to the rugby pitch.

So after the advice of Mr Marr I actually did some stretching this time, just basically leaning over sort of touching toes and holding my foot and pulling it behind – nothing to dramatic. Anyway, took off, with only a bad back to complain about, and it started pretty well.

I found today that the pains were almost gone, just “normal” niggles – the worst thing now is just the boredom – I have to have something to think about otherwise all i do is think about any pain..  So after about 3.5 miles I came back to Undy and as I was plodding along I was aware of a presence behind me, for every thud of my shoe there was 1.5 of someone elses.  Must be a pro I thought, as i heard him shoot snot from his nose – this was confirmed as he went past – not only could he do that thing with his nose that professional footballers do, but he had a water bottle with the gap in the middle of it where you can put your hand in, but he also had a cap on!!! – Expert – no doubt.

Well, he went my way, but a fair bit faster – obviously he’s done this before I thought, and indeed he did turn left for the big circuit when I went right and home…

So in the end I did 6 miles, unfortunately I was so happy that I actually managed to get home without a leg falling off that I forgot to stop the timer, so not sure of the timings, I think it was just over an hour, so between 10 and 11 minutes per mile.. Not too shabby, and pretty  pleased that in 2 weeks have been able to go from barely making a mile, to doing 6 kind of comfortably.. Knees aching a bit but not too bad as far as physical tiredness goes – very pleased to be honest…

Get the decorations up tonight, one more week of works then Christmas here we come……

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Days left: 136

Confidence: 33.33333333%

Ability: 17%

Ok, so yesterday was a one off.

Went out tonight and thought that I would only do 2 miles, but speed it up a little bit – mucho bad idea. I was knackered.

Managed to get back, and managed 2 miles in just over 16 minutes which obviously isnt fast, but faster than normal –  however it really knackered me out. Perhaps because of the longer than required run yesterday I should have been a little easier – lesson learnt…..

As Mr Marr mentioned yesterday I think I need to be looking at some stretching and other stuff, now that I can run further than the end of the street.

Two days off now, woohoo, probably going to run to Caldicot on Sunday, but out to brother in laws on Sat so may have a shandy too many ;o)

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Days left: 138

Confidence: 13%

Ability: 15%

Brilliant run this evening, planned for just over three, but due to some slack routebuilding on my behalf ended up doing just over 4 miles in around 40 minutes. By far the longest run, but by far the “easiest”.

Still had some aches in the shins, but this went away after about 5 mins -which was brilliant. However, as I didnt have the specific pain the shins to wory about, all the other little niggling pains waved their little flags, so that in all it was still painful but almost in a pleasent way!!! (oh errr).

Found that I got a slight cramp behind my knee, and ankles were a little sore – but in all went very well. Obviously was tired, but honestly believe if I had to I could have run it again.

Think I over did it slightly and will probably pay for it tomorrow morning, but at the moment feeling pretty good.

Things are getting a little Christmassy now, went up to get our tree tonight – cut the end and stuck it in water for a couple of days – hopefully bring it in when we get home on Sunday.

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Days left: 139

Confidence: 33%

Ability: 15%

Not because its getting cold, just because my legs continue to hurt when I run – I am such a girl.

Here we are in the second week, going to attempt to keep to a Monday, Wednesday, Thurs, Sunday regime – if I can make my legs work. Went out for an “easy” 2 mile run today, and although before I went out I was really looking forward to it, when I started yet again the bottom of my legs around my shins were hurting from first step. As I went through it the pain eased somewhat, but I am sure that when most people go out for a jog they don’t do it in pain??

It feels like my muscle under the shin is just very tense, it doesn’t  really hurt much after I have stopped, but each step is slightly painful.. Hopefully this is going to fade away – if not, I am in big trouble. Have noticed however that I don’t feel like dying after the runs anymore – so that must be a positive??

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Days left: 140

Confidence: 3%

Ability: 11%

So, sunny Sunday – and the longest run I have completed since I was 14, and it was only just over 3 miles…

I had decided to have a couple of days off from Thurs – to “recharge”!! – so I was planning to do the 3 miler today.. Initial plans were to run to Redwick, but with the things we had to do today, that wasn’t possible – well a lift back wasn’t, so as soon as I got up I went for a 3 mile circuit around the back roads around Undy..

Well to say I am not preparing myself physically may be an understatement.  Due to getting home late from work (yes – I had to come back from Cardiff at 5:15 on a Friday afternoon this week!!!) I didn’t end up in the pub in the evening, although I had a couple of cans and a glass of red – also had a chilli but really felt ill later on. The wife and a couple of the kids have had some sickness in the week so I think I might have had a little of that, luckily my chunky gut can manage any type of bug so didn’t feel too bad on Saturday. Was doing really well on Saturday, until about 6:30 when it went a little wrong, drank 5 cans after each other and managed to nosh off on a big Vindaloo and Keema Nan (oh and chips) and perhaps a sneaky popadum.

So to 8:30 this morning, it was wet, I was tired and had a shandy man’s headache. But had to be tough, had to be strong so off I went for the “big one”.. Started on the normal run and immediately I felt some pain in my shins, and upper leg, but after a couple of mins that subsided and it was going pretty good. Got a knee twinge again at the same point as on Thurs, but about this time I noticed a fellow athlete coming my way, also Marathon training no doubt – this perked me slightly and with a spring in my step and a smile on my mush I watched as we closed in. Think of something pleasant, but witty my mind was thinking between the thuds on shoe on tarmac – well I managed a friendly “Morning”, and you know what, can you guess? The miserable witch completely blanked me! Sodding runners, hateful freaks – well lucky for her I was already knackered  I would have shouted something unfriendly but I was gulping for air after my initial massive dialog.

I had decided to take a small bottle of water with me this time, seeings as I was going quite so far, but I have realised that I need to do some extra training on the art of drinking whilst running. Drinking whilst sitting in pub – piece of pee, drinking whilst standing – not a problemmo, drinking whilst cycling – easy peasy pudding and pie, drinking whilst slapping the concrete jungle – impossibubble. I managed to spill it first, then when I managed to get it actually into my mouth I couldn’t seem to remember how to swallow, plus I needed to breathe – arrggg, so I half swallowed and half breathed whilst my head was moving up and down in a depressingly spazzy way. Long story short – I nearly drowned, on the road, standing up – hmmm..

Anyway, I was following a route my wife had recommended which was fine for most of it, until the end, about 2.5 miles in, and already further than I had every dreamed about – then I hit THE HILLS… That was tiring I can tell you. But, I finished – 3.2 miles, 31 minutes – pooped.

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Days left: 141

Confidence: 30%

Ability: 10%

Ok, lets face it – my legs are shit at running.

Went out nice and early today, with the sun shining and went for a little run of approx 2 mile. Even as I had been sitting during the day my left shin had been giving sharp little pains. However, when I started actually running every step made the pain worse. After a while though, it did seem to get slightly better, but at about half a mile I started getting twinges in my knee – its obvious what the problem is – I’m pathetic.

Anyway, from a tireness point of view the run, which took around 18 minutes was not too bad, and I am sure I could have run it again if I had to, but i am wary of doing too much too soon. So Roger Bannister I am not, although 9 minute miles means that it would take me four hours which would be great – however there is a big diference between 2 and 26 miles!!!.

So, thats me for the week, well until Sunday when I am going to run to Redwick which is about 3 mile away – going to attempt to get there in 30 mins. If I do I might even call into the Rose for a bevvy!!.. ;o)

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Days left: 143

Confidence: 25%

Ability: 5%

Busy day today, so didnt get a chance to go out until about 5:00, when it was cold, dark and rainy. Still had to be tough and strong so went out – really didnt want to!!!.. As it was so dark, I thought it best to keep to the street lights so ran round the block a couple of times.

Found that my shins are hurting now – it actually feels like I have bruised the bone  – didnt expect that, but have a day off tomorrow to see if I can recover. Almost 2 miles tonight, and had some “stiches” but all in all not too bad. Not that I could really do much more at the moment but it does seem to be getting slightly more comfortable which is encouraging.

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Days left: 145

Confidence: 15%

Ability: 4%