Author: admin

Another day another dollar. Went out this morning for just over 8 miles, pretty good run – found that I didn’t have much of a pain for the first few miles, then got a pain just above my heart, which moves across a bit but is just some kind of muscle ache I guess.

Although the run was pretty good, it didn’t seem too fast – checking my expensive(!) Casio I am still keeping a 10 minute per mile pace which is good. Tried wearing normal socks today as the others didn’t seem to help much, but because I have my shoes loose now they seemed to gather up a bit – although this might just be in my head.

Legs and knees been pretty good the rest of today, but my biggest pain area now is my feet and ankles. I am a little worried that the bridge of my foot seems to be aching more and more – but hopefully it’ll get better..

So, day off tomorrow, then off to attempt 20 miles on Saturday, or maybe Sunday – and I will attempt to get at least a little gardening in over the weekend.

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Days left: 34

Confidence: 76%

Ability: 76.1%

Well, woke up early today ready for the “little” run of around 5.5 miles, got up and ready to go by 6:45 and stepped out into the early morning cold. As I opened the door I noticed that the garage door was open about a quarter, so fearing the worst I looked inside and some ****** **** ***** **** thieving **** ******* people had nicked one of our bikes. They had obviously seen the opportunity of an open garage and with the complete lack of respect for anyone thought they’d make a fast buck out of someone else – the ******s. Why on earth is it that we have to live in such a hideous world that people who may well live in the area would go into someone else’s home and steal from them.  They’ll only get probably 40 quid for it, but it means i now have to pay way more to replace it. One good thing was that the pedal was knackered and falls off after a couple of miles peddling, hope it causes them a serious accident.

It also means that unless they just dumped it, someone, somewhere, probably a parent knows that their child now has something that they didn’t have yesterday. Unfortunately the families of these people generally just don’t give a sh1t about other people or their property, so nothing gets done.

So, anyway – got the police out, who after the initial stupidity of having to phone 101 rather than my local police station (because the sodding local police station isn’t manned), were very good. They said that a house just 50 yards away had actually been broken into and their car had been stolen, and they thought that perhaps it was the same gang – who apparently are “known” to the police. It just really, royally ***** me off that these ****** criminals get away with things time and time again when anything I might do slightly out of line (like over 80 on a motorway) I get hassled non-stop by the police.

Anyway – ran a bit and now I have a new pain which is under the arch of my left foot. Seems better tonight, hopefully fine by Thurs.

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Days left: 36

Confidence: 75%

Ability: 75.5%

Great, the weekends here again, and the dreaded “big run”. Was all ready to do the run on Saturday this week, but was dragged kicking and screaming down the pub on Friday afternoon so decided to give Saturday a miss, as any dehydration is a real killer now that the mileage is getting a little high. So spent a lazy, raining Saturday watching Wales finally playing a little better, the Scots doing over the Orish and France winning everything. With an exceptional flare for marketing some guy dropped a new Indian take-away through the door in the afternoon, so that sorted din-dins – would have been rude not too.

Up and around at 7:30ish, had a couple of pieces of yesterdays vindaloo chicken, and a piece of toast and i was ready for the world.. Got the sat nav working and my new fabulous watch, which i bought yesterday – has a digital stopwatch which helps me know how far I’ve gone – and only £7:08 delivered from Amazon. Yeah – jog on that man.

So hard for the first 20 minutes as usual, everything hurts, shooting, stabbing pains from everywhere, but then after a couple of miles the rhythm sets in and you just plod on. Pretty much the same route as last week, which is great – it is almost perfectly flat and big enough with slight variation to give up to perhaps 21 miles with only around 2 miles you have to do twice.

Some guy running crept up on me around 11 miles in, he was on 14 and off to do 22, he was in the London run and was making it look easy. We had a quick chat where he said if I was in a club, and I told him that i didn’t actually enjoy running and that once the 26 is over that may probably be the last time I run these distances – he looked at me with disdain and ran off at a far old clip..

Met up with the Mrs just after that for replacement water and our youngest joined me on the jog for a little way. Just after they left we were up to 2hrs in, so checked the mileage, and Mr Sat Nav said 12.8 miles, so not too shabby at all. After 13 miles is where the hurt comes back. A half marathon is a long way, but very do-able – I quite like that distance. It’s when you stupidly run further, my feet really start hurting around now. Had been running with my shoes quite loose, so didn’t get the pain in the top of my foot, but just underneath. It almost feels like my legs are seizing up too – hate it!! ;o)

Anyway looks like just about 19 miles today in a little over 3 hrs – could i run another 1.5 hrs – no too long to wait and see!!!!

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Days left: 38

Confidence: 73%

Ability: 75%

Nipped out for another little 7.5 mile trot this morning, left the house before 7 and would have GPS’d it but the battery ran out before I had the chance to. So did it in around 1.15hrs so another 6 mile/hour. Wasn’t so cold this morning, so doesn’t take long to get warm. Still running with no knee supports and seems fine, although I still get this pretty severe pain the the top of my kneecap after around 6 miles or so, but only when I then flex my knee back – stiff more than anything else.

My foot was better today, although the way my shoes are laced does feel like they might be too undone, but after 7.5 still no pain seems good. Did get more pains in the ankles though, still get this in the mornings as well after getting up – something’s not right, but only have another month and a bit and it will be all over.

Again attempting to have an easy night tomorrow, then good brekky and another 18 miler on Sat.

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Days left: 41

Confidence: 69.1%

Ability: 70.3%

So out around 7:00 and just went for around 5 miles – undid my laces quite a bit but my foot still ached. Am thinking about taping it up to my other toe to see if that helps, maybe try that on Thurs.

Very foggy this morning, and other than the foot went well, my legs were aching down by the shins afterwards, but I had to go to see HP in Bristol after the run, and walked around 3 miles to the station and back which didn’t help. Got some ice on it this evening so hopefully that will makes things better…

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Days left: 43

Confidence: 69.1%

Ability: 70.3%

Off work today, and was going to leave the run until Tues, but watched a film in bed this morning, so thought it would be a good idea to go for a quick run after, as payback to being so lazy. Just the 2 miles today, which was pretty pathetic really.. Figure I will do this every morning when I don’t run properly, just to keep the legs going. It’s slightly weird to think how hard 2 miles were only a couple of months ago, and today I had not even got into the swing of things and it was over…

Nothing really to say about it except it still hurt my ankle!.. Proper run tomorrow…

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Days left: 44

Confidence: 69%

Ability: 70.2%

Well, here we are – big run day. Watched Eddie Izzard last night to get some motivation and was almost looking forward to the run this morning. Unfortunately, as usual had a beer too many last night (only had a few) and had a slight bad head today. But all in all the legs and feet were feeling as good as they have been for a few weeks now.

Set off at 7:30, but the blummin sat nav on my phone wouldn’t pick up the signal, so I wasted 10 minutes fiddling with it, in the end I just stuck it in my pocket to check later. Lovely day again today, slightly chilly, but blue skies – nice day for it guv. Started OK, still always feels tiring at the beginning, but after around a mile and half you get into it – I also found that the sat nav had magically started working, which was nice.

Slightly different route this week ( http://routebuilder.org/3s5 ) with around an extra mile in the big loop, and it was not too bad up to around 8 miles then I started getting the pain in my toe again, it feels like my big toe is stretching itself upwards and its really sore, but if I run with my toes curled under the pain goes way – weird.

Met the Mrs at around 11 miles in for some replacement drink, this is great it saves having to carry two bottles, and gives me a half way point too.  Just after I noticed that the cars were really slowing down for me, then realised that there were a pair of runners just behind me, probably running at least 50% faster than I was they slowed as they overtook, they had already run 14.5 miles (I was on around 12 at that point) and after 30 seconds of chat away they went. Makes me realise that some\people do this for “fun” they probably run 17, 20 miles to see how fast they can do it, or just for a nice morning out – and I do it just purely to see if I can carry my aching body the distance.  Checked distance at 2:00hrs to make sure I was on time and the sat nav said 1:52, 11.6 miles so looking good for the continued 10 minute/miles. Toes was really hurting now, so stopped to undo my shoe – and I think that helped a lot, either that or I had become acclimatised to the pain!!

So last 5 miles were ok, if quite painful, you know your nearing the end so I think that this makes me a little more “tired” as I know the end is near. Legs, knees and feet were quite painful today – more so than last week. I think I really have to fuel up next week – decent breakfast, and take some munchies for the trip – I did have a piece of toast and took a fruit string for half way round – but next time I promise to try harder…

When I got back the sat nav had 16.8 miles on it, 2:48, but it was at the very least an extra mile, so I think I might have made 18 miles, but I’ll leave it with 17 and be happy!!!!!… Afternoon on the sofa, watching Wales hopefully beat Ireland, I thought it was in Cardiff, but in Croke Park is going to make it very difficult for them.. Oh well, if they win celebrate with a Chinese, if they lose commiserate with a Vindaloo ;o)

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Days left: 46

Confidence: 68%

Ability: 70%

Yippeee, another running day.. To be honest I felt more like it today, was out and about around 7:00 this morning and had decided to do a slightly longer than normal weekly run. So went for 7.5 miles in around 1:15 which keeps up on the 10 min/mile speed, which is fine.

Legs and feet biggest pain today, but the pain behind my knee is slightly better – I got some deep heat on it yesterday, and after the massager its not too shabby at the moment – still hurts but nothing like before. Worse thing now is the “bad toe” which actually is a bruised top of my foot. It seems that that my new shoes have been pressing down on the bone and that’s where the pain has been coming from – what a shandy. Also I seem to have quite a sore ankle, but that might be related to the bad foot?

So run seemed OK, tried it without either knee strap, both knees seemed good, one of them seems to be better without the strap,so may try that on Saturday. Have a 17mile route scheduled for Sat morning, shouldn’t be going out on Friday (saving it for the Welsh match on Sat) so will make sure I fuel up before and during. Can’t wait ;o)

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Days left: 48

Confidence: 66.1%

Ability: 69%

Oh, so fed up of running now. After the quite good weekend run, just wasn’t in the mood at all today. Felt tired before the run, my legs hurt all the time and too be honest i really just couldn’t be bothered today.. However, its days like this you have to get through to make sure you can actually do it in the end. And I am absolutely, definitely, without question, 100% sure I am going to complete this blumming thing after getting this far!!! ;o)

So, went round almost the same course which finished off the 16 miler on Sunday, and it was almost as hard.. Completed around 6.5 miles this afternoon just over an hour – and hated it. Only 50 days to go – thank god.

Bah humbug – running is rubbish..

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Days left: 50

Confidence: 65.1%

Ability: 68.43212%

Waited an extra day for the run this week. Accidently had a beer too many on Friday, just celebrating that we won the school quiz night though – honest!!. And for some ridiculous reason didn’t go to bed until two o’clock, so thought it was the best bet to forget running Sat morning and left it till today instead.

So out this morning at 7:30, feeling pretty good for a change. Arranged with the wife to get a mobile drink station at around 9:00 and out I went to a beautiful but chilly morning. Had been stretching before I left this morning, but my right leg, behind the knee, was still quite sore. Decided against the right knee support as I think its making things worse if anything. Legs and knees hurt from 10 meters in, but once you get to about 3 miles or so it seems to click into place, unfortunately for me this only lasts about 12ft, but you do get into the rhythm.  Did a slightly different route today, similar to the one I did for 13 miles, as its very flat and I thought that perhaps after the up and down running of the last two weeks it would be better for me.

Found the run pretty “easy” today, well up to around the 11 mile mark. I had completed this in around1:46 which was pretty good, but once I get over 11ish everything just hurts – a lot. It doesn’t seem to be physical tiredness, but my feet start to hurt and I tend to just slow down my running. I also noticed that I got a bad big toe again, not sure why that is but it seems to tighten. I find that in the first 10 miles you can think about anything, the world and how great it is, fluffy bunnies and all things nice. After 10 miles I can only think about the sodding pounding of my feet, and how much I want to get back and put my feet up.

Completed just about 16 miles today, furthest yet and although I was pretty knackered and my legs were sore it wasn’t “too bad”. Happy to get home, but for the first time I felt after the big run that I could have possibly carried on – not sure I could do another 10 miles yet, but am certainly feeling more confident. Knees are quite sore tonight, and that blumming muscle or tendon or whatever behind my knee is really sore and I am hobbling around around like a biddy. Also found that the new shoes have been over used and I may have the beginnings of a blister for the first time, so will get a pair of proper socks which should help, and the new shoes will hopefully fit better by next big run… There we are then, 16 miles in around 2hrs 40 – still hate running. ;o)

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Days left: 52

Confidence: 65%

Ability: 68%

Why does this blog, that only perhaps 5 people have ever read keep getting blumming spam everyday? They keep posting rubbish on the comment sections, pretty much every day I have to delete posts – crazy..

Anyway, back on the streets today, and although I was pretty tired this morning I was out and about around 7:15 (in the light!) and off for around a 6 miler. Little worried about my leg, but after some stretching it seemed ok. And was pretty good around the circuit. Not too much aches and pains today which I was quite surprised about – so nothing to moan about today…

Legs are OK this afternoon, still a little achey – as they have been for 3 months – but all in all feeling alot more positive tonight. Back for another 15 or 16 miler on Saturday morning so we will see how that goes, fingers crossed it’ll be ok. I will be doing a flat circuit this time so might be easier on the legs ;o)

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Days left: 55

Confidence: 60%

Ability: 64%

Had a day off yesterday, a real day off. So decided to head into Cardiff and Run and Become ( http://www.runandbecome.com/ ) to get some more shoes. Mine had completed around 250 miles now, and my legs are really sore from the last run, so I figured perhaps some new shoes might improve that. Also I would have had to have bought a new pair before the race, so good opportunity. Traffic was awful which was a pain as every minute was a minute of my day off wasted. Anyway, the bloke in the shop was very helpful, I tried on around 8 pairs but finished with an upgraded version of the Saucony show I had before, which should have a little more padding.

So went out with the intention of a little run, but ended up doing around 6 miles. Shoes seemed ok – not as comfy as the old ones, but that’s to be expected I guess. How ever my leg is really very sore now. I have had a sharp pain in the “tendons” behind my right knee which hurts a lot on full extension, I also have stabbing pains in the knee itself as well. Its not too good, and to be honest I am a little nervous and just keeping my fingers crossed that things don’t get worse. I would like to take a week off to get the leg fine, but I am worried that it would impact the training too much.

I am going to see how it goes this week, 6 on Thurs another 15 on Sat. If the pain is still as bad as it has been I will have to go see the doc or something, as it is just not right. Although I did work out that on a 15 mile run my feet hit the floor around 30,000 times!!!…

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Days left: 57

Confidence: 25%

Ability: 64%

Here we are again, another Saturday, another big run. So after the dehydration episode of last week I prepared well this time. Well, I say that, did have to watch Wales get beaten by France – so had half dozen beers, but, I also gulped down three pints of water before bed. This meant I was up half the night tho. Then this morning up at 6:30 and another three pints down my neck.

Well started the run and was off like a whippet, for the first 6 miles I had to stop at every lamppost for a wizz!… I also took two bottles of water which was a pain, but useful later – After 7 boring miles I pretended they were guns and shot a load of birds.

The run was hard, no question. I did think it would be that much easier this week, but it wasn’t, it was still so very very hard. Fifteen miles again, and over the first four or so I was shattered, but it got slightly better, but at around 9 miles in my feet started aching again. That’s not good. After 11 miles I have to turn away from home and my legs, and knees were very painful. Each steps actually physically hurts, it doesn’t really seem to be tiredness that is bad, its actually pain.

Managed to get round though, but the last two miles are a real struggle. Did it in about 2:45 but as I was doing the last bit I could not comprehend how I will be able to do *another* 11 miles. Still, got 60 days to go….

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Days left: 60

Confidence: 50%

Ability: 63%

Another day, another run, another bad leg. Had our daughters birthday yesterday, so celebrated with an absolutely massive pepperoni pizza and a hanking slice of cake. Also managed to sneak in a couple of beers, so as that mental punishment I was out in the pouring rain at 7:00 this morning.

Typically I had only mentioned the fact that I was so lucky not to have run in the rain much and it was very wet today. As my legs have been pretty bad since the 15, I figured take it slightly easier and did the 5.5 miler rather than the usual mile extra run. Went pretty well, legs are feeling ok tonight as well which is nice. The pain behind the legs is almost gone, so hopefully will be fighting fit for Sat.

Planning another 15 miles on Saturday, will try and be good tomorrow night, but its Wales vs. France so may have to have a beer or two. So here’s to  run free day tomorrow and the pain of the run on Saturday.

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Days left: 62

Confidence: 62%

Ability: 62%

Well, legs have been really sore since Sunday. I am actually very surprised that it has hurt so much – I know it was quite a long way but first time its been proper sore. It seems its mostly the back of my knee, don’t know if this is tendons or what but it hurts quite a lot when my leg is fully extended.

Anyway, real busy day today, and as it is our daughters birthday tomorrow and calls starting at 8 there will be no chance for a run, so grabbed a sandwich around 10:30 then ran over lunch, had calls all afternoon until just after 5, then took a quick time out to fix a friends computer which had been playing up..

Around 5.5 miles in the sleet today then, around 50 mins again, not too much pain on the actual run, but leg hurting quite a bit now – still feet up for the rest of the evening, with next run on Thurs morning – probably…..

Thanks to the first few folk who have made a donation – really appreciated…..

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Days left: 64

Confidence: 63%

Ability: 58.1%

In the immortal words of Jesus – “Holy shit”. I did think that 13 miles was a long way and really difficult, well, two miles further and its like another world, my goodness its sooooo hard…

Had a busy weekend, and managed to get out around 11:00 today,all ready and revved up for the biggest run yet. Figured that I had found last weeks pretty easy, so an extra 3miles should be easy – wrong. Maybe it was the prep, and a few beers and lots of junk was not the right prep I would guess, but it was not easy.

The first few miles were good, spring in the step and listening to the tunes on such a nice day was great, had to have a slight stop 4 miles in as some muppet wanted directions to the kennels, and then again just over 6 miles in when I had to make sure that son had gone to pick up daughter from the brownie hut, all was well – so continued on my way..

Got to about 10 miles in when my feet were really hurting, would have loved to have taken the short route and have only two miles left, but got to be tough, got to be strong and went on the extended route – that’s were it got really hard. I had about 4 miles to go and ran out of water, my legs and feet were really hurting at this point I then found that I started to get what might have been just a bad stitch, but felt like the worst case of stomach cramps in the world. I couldn’t breath and they didn’t seem to want to go away. I was so desperate for a drink that I was thinking of getting on my hands and knees and licking the puddles in the road, but my knees hurt so much that I couldn’t bend down.

Two miles to go and I was barely shuffling, I had to take off my hat because I was boiling so I managed to get back – just. Did just over 15 miles – http://routebuilder.org/3qf – in around 2hr 40 mins, and my legs really, really hurt. For the first time I have muscle pains behind my legs – it was hard, fingers crossed it gets a little easier..

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Days left: 66

Confidence: 62%

Ability: 58%

69 days to go, so still got nearly half of the training to go – so with a good wind I might actually make it. Up at 6:30 this morning to get an early morning run in before work. So out at 7:00 in the dark and the rain, I went round the Thursday route for around 6.5 miles in about an hour. Had a real bad pain in the top of my knee before I had even got my kit on, but when running it wasn’t too bad.

In other news, I have created a just giving site – as I am doing this to prove to me that I can, but if anyone is interested then I thought it would be a good idea to have an option to donate a few pennies to a good cause. Page is at – http://justgiving.com/26andabit .

And finally – I have realised that when you have one of those running bottles with the hole in the middle, if you put the thick bit towards you its a lot easier than if you don’t. More tips next week…. ;o)

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Days left: 69

Confidence: 63%

Ability: 56%

Well had yesterday off, and today I was allowed to go on a day trip with work – very exciting as this is something they are really clamped down on, with good reason for most, but occasionally you cant beat being in the same room. So, up around 6:30, 5 hrs or so driving today, 4 hr meeting so got back at a respectable time but was pretty tired non-the-less.

Was umming and arring about going out, but when I got back I thought I should go, so did one of the “usual” routes of round 5 miles, started great but was really physically tired after about 4 miles. I don’t usually get this, but perhaps early morning and very little to eat had something to do with it. Still finished in just under 50 mins I think, so not too bad.

Will do an early one on Thurs, then half day in work on Friday – brilliant, and as it is the youngest’s birthday party on Saturday I will hopefully get out to do another 12 miler on Sunday. I will do the 15 miles soon!!!..

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Days left: 71

Confidence: 57.1%

Ability: 55.1%

Had to take an extra day off this week. Had a twinge in the “groin” area after the last run, and whilst showing off that my injuries were more severe that the Mrs’ seemed to make it worse. This meant that I couldn’t raise my right leg at all without some decent pain, I really am quite pathetic.. So anyway after some advice to make sure it was rested, and nothing at all to do with not feeling to hot on Sat, I decided to leave it until today to run.

Leg felt fine today, and as I was on a schedule due to being the only adult here and having to take the lad down to rugby, I was out at 7:30 pounding the new weekend route again. Thought it was a good idea to limit the run, so instead of the proposed 15 I decided due to the leg, and the time limit on getting back I just did the 12 today.

Run went pretty well to be honest, not much of a problem with anything  – normal pains but seemed pretty good. So anyway, got around 11 miles in then had a “nightmare scenario”!! ;o) Just as I got to the junction around a mile from base a young lady, dressed exactly as I was, had run across in front of me, touched the telegraph pole and turned to run back, the way I was going. You could not have set it up any better, so as I turn onto the main road I am step by step with her – arrggghhh, I’m shattered and don’t really want to be accelerating the run right now . So she says – “how long have you been running”, hmm, so I respond “About 2 months” – and she looks at me incredulously and says “Geez you must be really tired, I’ve only be running for 20 minutes” – well she was blond, with that I picked up speed and left her to it…

12 miles, 2hrs 5 mins. Off to watch the lads rugby now, then feet up and relax this afternoon…..

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Days left: 73

Confidence: 57%

Ability: 55%

Be warned, relaxed trumping whilst running can take you very quickly from Trumpton to Skidsville. Luckily my trip to Skidsville managed to detour via QuickSqueeze City and we were fine.

Anyway, out again today just after 7 this morning -pretty cold and dark and legs began to hurt before I was out of the driveway. Starting getting a pain at the top of my legs now – not sure what its called but its the bit that hurts when you try to do the splits. Also had a nice pain in my toe again today (but only around 5 miles in).

Around 6.5 miles this morning, just over an hour and all in all didn’t feel too bad. Got a day off tomorrow, and as I am staying here for the weekend, I guess a 15 mile run may be tried on Saturday, feels like a long way just typing 1 5 but I know I can do 13 so another couple of miles should be Ok – shouldn’t it??  Been thinking about doing the Llanelli half marathon at the beginning of March, and I probably should do  but we’ll see.

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Days left: 76

Confidence: 55%

Ability: 53%

Had my sandwich on Saturday after the run, and before I sat down got a really sharp pain in my left knee. Figured I had just twisted it, I stretched it and bent it a little only to get another pretty serious stabbing pain just on the side of it. Hmm – little worrying, but it meant I had a good excuse to sit with my feet up for the rest of the day. Was still pretty sore yesterday, but today I thought I would give it another go.

Had been sitting down on the phone nearly all day, call that work – 8:30 till 11:00, then 11:30 till 12:30, then 14:00 – 15:00, that’s no way to get anything done, so was quite happy to get out on the road. 5 Miles today along one of the normal routes, didn’t really time it but it was around “normal” time. Strapped up the knee slightly harder than usual, and it was fine all the way round, so hopefully, as long as I am a little more careful it won’t stop me continuing for now.

Not too tired afterwards, which is good, another 6ish run on Thurs, then looks like I will be here for the w/e now, so probably try the 15 miler then.

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Days left: 79

Confidence: 53%

Ability: 51.676543%

Here we are again then, another week over, can’t believe it, and another Saturday to run a big un. So, managed not to go down the pub last night, so no beers what so ever, a “normal” dinner, but I did get a magnum down my fat neck instead. Didn’t seem to get to sleep very easily last night, but was up at 6:30, so I waited a while got ready and was out on the streets at just gone 7:30.

Is it easier to run without a hangover? Well, I suppose it is a bit, but its still bloody tiring. Took a different route, and old bicycle route of mine of just over 12 miles, so although less than last week, there were waaaayyy more hills.  The route was – http://routebuilder.org/3os – and if I had James Camerons budget I could transfer it into crappy pretend 3D so you could ohh and arrr at the supposedly 3D effect of the massive hills I ran. But I don’t, so you’ll have to believe me, they were colossal – nah not really, but they are *alot* higher than flat.

So ran out of water again, and still got a pretty bad pain the knee after around 8 or 9 miles – I tried doing a really stupid looking move where I ran for a while bending my knee completely hoping that would help this time – it didn’t, but it did make look like a dick – swings and roundabouts eh?. Felt as if I had run faster this time, but average was less than 6 – but I blame the hills, the hills I tells ya. My schedule for the 12 mile is 2.5 hrs as defined by the Marathon organisers, so with a good wind I should romp that ;o)

Think that next week (although I might be back in Pembrokeshire then?) I could do the same run, but add the Redwick loop to give around a 15 mile run – woopy doo.

OK, time to relax now, nice big bacon sandwich i think, then gets some beers in for the Wales / England match @ 5. Feet up with some ice packs, n-ice….

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Days left: 81

Confidence: 51%

Ability: 51%

I forgot to write the blog yesterday – naughty me…

So, went out early on Thurs morning, it was cold, rainy and dark(ish). But I had my gear on, my tunes and was ready for it..

Went out and did a 6 mile run this morning, round Redwick again in around an hour. Was certainly running slightly quicker than usual but that was probably just because I wanted to get back and to the comfort of work!!! Went pretty well, still tired to start with, but to think that I am now doing 6 miles as a mid week easy run, compared to what was a “big” run only a few weeks back.

Anyway, off for another 12-13 miler on Sat, will run round to Caldicot but along the back roads, another of my old cycle routes. This one has a few hills in it, so should be a good workout. Going to try not to drink much tonight to see if the run is any easier – will probably find that without my half dozen pints energy reserve I’ll be knackered by mile 3…

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Days left: 83

Confidence: 53.76%

Ability: 50.2%

Woohoo – weekends over and back to work.. ;o)

Thankfully had yesterday off, was really tired still, and legs and knees pretty hurty.But although the knees still hurt going down the stairs I figure I have to get back to the standard daily run. So after work, got my kit on and some tunes and went out for a little jog.

Planned on a 5 mile route, and tried to keep up a decent pace. Easier said than done. Did find the run OK tonight though, not too much aching, and did at least move slightly quicker than normal – around 45 mins for 5 miles. Do feel pretty good now though which is encouraging. So day off tomorrow, then squash then another 6 miler on Thurs – gosh doesn’t time fly..

Happy birthday Becs for tomorrow….

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Days left: 86

Confidence: 53.75%

Ability: 50.1%

I am knackered.

Went and did the “half” today, 13.15 miles – in 2hr 17 minutes. I can tell you 13 miles is a long way, a really bloody long way, a really, really long bloody way. Although with all best intentions, I still had a few pints, two enormous  glasses of wine and no dinner last night. I really must start behaving better on a Friday night -its can’t be helping my Saturday runs.

Well, started ok today (http://routebuilder.org/3oa) – set off at 8:00 and I don’t seem to get the old pains in my shins as I used to. First few miles were good, then after around 5 miles I came to a gypsy encampment. Fearing the worse I gained speed to jog past but luckily for me they must have been out rabbit coursing with their dawgs or laying tarmac as I didn’t see anyone. Turned left then down the never ending road, where things started to get tiring.

Got some new tracks on my GoGear, which was nice, when I put them on yesterday I didn’t have enough for the whole jog – so added enough for 2.5 hrs… Plodded on nicely until about 10 miles in when I ran out of water, and all I could taste was red wine. By the time I was on the last leg I was on my last legs, completely wacked it was a real effort to do the last mile or so – but here I am – I made it. Only got to do that twice and I’m done!!

Knees really sore now, and I feel sick and dizzy – just like a serious hang over – but a couple of hours slobbing and I will be right as rain. Off to the Indian tonight, so really looking forward to stuffing my fat face with all sorts of spicy delights!!!.. Relax on Sunday, perhaps watch the lads rugby in the morning then ManU vs. Arsenal in the after noon.. Back to the streets Monday.

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Days left: 88

Confidence: 53.45%

Ability: 50%

Yeah – running day, my favourite!

Day off Tues, squash last night and no aches and pains in my legs and back for the first time in 58 days.. Thurs = early run before work, so tired as I was I dragged myself out of bed got my tights on and was out and on the pavement at 7:00. It was so early that even my GPS hadn’t woken up and refused to work, so an approx 50 mins and 5 miles (see the route here – http://routebuilder.org/3o6 ). I had intended to run a slightly different route, but signs were it was flooded, so changed tack.

Decided to put some hills in this time, and although they didn’t seem too bad at the time, I blame them for making me tired my the end.. All in all the run was OK, wasn’t in pain much which is a good sign and 5 miles isn’t too bad for a midweek run – the schedule I am basing myself on seems to recommend 4  – 6 mile runs in the week.

Going to run a half marathon on Saturday, not an official one – just 13.1 miles. Was thinking of doing an official 8 miler, but really don’t want to be in a race environment at the moment, so might leave the racing until the Llanelli half in March.

So, the iPad – Apple announced a big iTouch, with no multitasking or camera. Can’t use it to replace your remote controls –  so its pretty but that’s about it – it could be great for just browsing, which is  fine, but you can get a great netbook for that price. And you have to sell your soul to iTunes if you want to use it at all . Maybe see what the next generation looks like, but for now – I’m oot….

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Days left: 90

Confidence: 53%

Ability: 47.4%

Title provided by my daughter Kate today.. ;o)

So a quick spin out today, almost 5 miles and although I did feel a little tired after Saturday, and my legs are still a little achy all in all not too bad. Going to have a day off tomorrow, then squash, then around a six miler for Thurs morning. Still not sure about running the “proper” 8 miler on Sunday but am keeping my options open.

No time to chew the fat today, wife has the laptop so I am attempting to get this out quick with the daughter rabbiting in my ear before I take her to bed to read her a new Spirit Walker book – Oath Breaker…

Watched Inglorious yesterday – very disappointed – as seems to be the norm, I like Quentin, but this was just too talky. Not bad, but not very good. His films do seem to be sliding ever downwards since Pulp Fiction..

OK, off to the Oath Breaker then….

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Days left: 93

Confidence: 51%

Ability: 47.2%

Weekend here again, did some excellent prep work last night with 8 pints and some fish and chips. Woke up this morning feeling pretty ropey – so as penance I made myself get on up and out.

Ran and ran and ran and ran and ran today – managed just over 11 miles today in around 1hr 50 minutes, another average of just over 6mph so pretty pleased I can say. Went round a similar route to the last run to start, but where I nipped off home on Thurs this was not even half way today. On I pounded, and with “Highway to Hell” blaring in my ears I started the second 6 miles..

Pretty shattered by the end of the run, and found that my feet where actually hurting for the first time today, although surprisingly perhaps I have not had any blisters even though I just wear “normal” socks. Also found my right knee was very painful by the end – but nothing some ice couldn’t fix – although I am walking round like a 90 year old.

Coming down the final mile today I realised that I would have to do the whole run again and some more to be finishing the full one – that’s a kind of scary thought!! So 2 miles off a half marathon today which gives some type of milestone reached – still can’t stand running though!!!

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Days left: 95

Confidence: 50%

Ability: 47%

Here we are then, three days after the last pathetic attempt at running and I haven’t given up yet!!..

Great to have a couple of days off, although I played squash last night which was a good break from the continual pounding of pavements but at least it gave me a little exercise which was nice.. ;o)

Had a call this afternoon from 4 to 5 with the bossman, so had to go running this morning instead. Set off just after 7:00 and it was great, so much better than last time. Did five mile again and although it is not easy it wasn’t too bad. Although at one point I passed a woman coming the other way going at least twice as fast as me – walking the dog..

Time was just over 50 mins, which I hope is going to improve, although it hasn’t yet. The Marathon T&C’s say you have to complete the first 12 mile in 2hrs 25 mins, which should be OK, but means at current speed I am only within the max time by 25mins.. There seems to be a consensus that “jogging” averages around 6mph, and you “run” about 8 or more mph. So I guess I should be saying I am attempting to jog a marathon! ;o)

Day off tomorrow, then 10 miles on the weekend. Can’t wait.

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Days left: 97

Confidence: 35%

Ability: 40%

Here we are at 100 days to go, should be a good milestone and one that I should have been super confident. But no, went out today for a “gentle” 5 miles. It was terrible, from about a mile in I was completely and totally knackered. Just couldn’t get my legs to work at all – it was such an effort I felt like I had gone back in time to before Christmas.

Pains and aches and no energy. My blumming headphones didn’t want to stay in, my feet, legs, hip, back, chest, arms, neck, head, ears and eyes all hurt. I hate running…..

Still – did manage 5 miles, which isn’t too bad really, and once I had done about 4 miles things did seem to get a little easier! Have decided to have a couple of days off, so will relax tomorrow and play squash on Weds then back running on Thurs and see how it goes.

Had an offer to take part in an “official” 8 mile race at the end of Jan (thanks Dave), but two things are putting me off – one after today I am not too sure how easy I would find it, the other that I would be right at the back of the pack as most of the people doing it “do 8 mile runs” for fun. I don’t for one second do any running for fun, just as a means to an end!! ;o)

So, we’ll see how the next couple of weeks go, and I just might register on the day – I think its probably a good idea to do, but am slightly worried that seeing many people so much faster might just be a little soul destroying at this stage of the “training”. Hopefully by end of Feb 8 mile runs will be a piece of piddle, so may or may not put myself through it so soon (and I have a birthday night out with beers and curry on the 30th)…

Here’s hoping after the 2 day break the next run is easier ;o)

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Days left: 100

Confidence: 12%

Ability: 12%

Wet and miserable this morning, but had decided I was going to do  big run – so no excuses was out pounding the pavement at 8:30 this morning. Got about a mile or so in and ran down a road which had a stream running over it, so 10 mins in had freezing cold wet feet – could have started better….

Ran round a 9 mile route today – so another record weekend run – strangely this route was one I used to do on my bike as a “training” run a couple of years back, and now I am running it – seems weird. Had numerous pains today, left knee, right knee, back but worryingly the balls on my feet were starting to ache. This is something which I was dreading, and I have quite a problem with my balls so to speak – just hope it was more imagination that real pain. Run was quite alright although when I got to the last few hundred metres my body just wants to collapse.

One problem with a “big” run, this one was around 1.5hr – was that around an hour in I needed a wee. Well when you are on your feet and 3 miles from civilisation there is not alot you can do. So luckily, I was on a quiet road, so just nipped in the hedge – its handy being male.. But over the course of a marathon I guess I’ll have to queue up somewhere??

Spent 2.5 hrs in the cinema just after (although spoilt myself with a SPAM sandwich in between) and legs are not _too_ bad just now, but really were quite aching while I was sat there, although cinemas have a fair bit of leg room nowadays,  but I should think so at 7.50 for adults and 6 for children (and I had to pay 80p for some “raybans”)…

Went to see Avatar today, well as usual was very disappointed.  What they have done with the cgi people its very impressive – you almost forget they are not actors – but the 3D – 3D is supposed to be like real life? This was just showing a depth of picture which made everything look really fake. Rubbish. Can’t see why “people” have been raving about it – its nothing like real 3D life, very disappointing. The story couldn’t carry it either… Thumbs down…

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Days left: 102

Confidence: 37%

Ability: 29%

Had an enforced day off yesterday due to the snow and the ice around – this weather is really mucking with the training plans, but although the snow is still about I figured the main roads should be OK so managed to get out for a bit of a trot.

Ran a new route to day which although was the same road up and back it was something different which was a nice change. The run was just over 5 miles so not too bad for a school night, but will probably look to build on these in the coming weeks. Got to admit that the running is getting a whole lot easier, but still only doing around the 5, 6, 7, 8 miles – so still a real big step up needed. It was cold and misty today, got all sorted and gave the Mp3 another go today  – well its going to take some getting used to as I dont like the “ear bud” fit at the moment, and when an album finished it just stopped. When I got back I just had a blue screen – something must be up with it, another thing to look at. Legs pretty good today, although while I was running had a new pain in my back, soon went once I was finished it was lamost as if I was leaning whilst running – perhaps due to the fact I only had one ear bud in?….

Managed to get our credit card removed from Xbox live today – not a trivial task! In the end once I got through on the phone it was easily sorted, bought our gold 12 months from cheapxboxlivecodes.com – very good service and value….

Hoping for a good 8 plus miles on Sat, have a route in mind – so another day off tomorrow, then back on the beat Sat or Sunday morning….

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Days left: 104

Confidence: 32.2122%

Ability: 27.1%

Took the day off on Sunday, which is normally my “big run” day as I had completed the 7.5 on Sat, so out today for a little scamper. Decided to do a decent run, so planned a 5.5 miler today which I started after work, and unfortunately didn’t time it, nor did my GPS work properly – although the bit it did record averaged 6.5 miles and hour – not sure why.

Anyway, now that I am back in my “office” I downloaded some funky music ready to help with the run. I had asked Santa for a simple Phillips Go Gear for Christmas, as I didn’t need anything wild or expensive. Well, plugged it in, and in automagically upgraded itself – then hung. I tried again and it whinged then hung, then again and then it seemed OK. Downloaded a couple of Albums (cant believe how quickly you fill 2GB these days!!) and set the player up pressed pause and I was ready.

Well I set off and attempted to “un-pause” the stupid device, it was blank – so as any normal technical guru I pressed the buttons really hard and swore under my breath until it came on.. So with Paradise City in my ears off I went. Not very long after I realised that I could only hear the music and no voice through the headphones, waiting for another song, and although just getting into my stride had to stop to try and sort. The bleeping blumming thing didn’t seem to be responding – so I did the only obvious thing when confronted with this sort of technical issue I ripped it off from its clip pressed it 14 times a second getting progressively harder and told it in no uncertain terms that I was going to stamp on its blummin head if it doesn’t start working – it was obviously scared at this point as it literally fell apart. So I stuffed it in my pocket and continued on my way – in silence. Although it wasn’t content to stay there quietly, no it had to shuffle and rustle and dig into my back……

Found my legs, or more specifically my shins are quite sore today. Not sure why that happens as they have been fine for a couple of weeks, but not good tonight. Anyway, a day off now, back on the road Wednesday unless we get snowed in?!?!?

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Days left: 107

Confidence: 32.2122%

Ability: 27.1%

Well, didn’t we do well with the snow then… Only snowed on the one day, Tues night I think, but we had a good 4 inches, and the temp does not seem to have got much over zero since then, so there is still alot of snow around, even on the roads. This means that although I managed a couple of walks, of only a couple of miles each, I had not been out until today.

There was a lot of ice and snow outside, and almost didnt go – but figure that a week behind schedule was not a good idea so out I went. Had my hat and tights on, and the weather was freezing. The road was mostly snow free, but there were many patches of ice, and when the cars passed I had to take  a quick detour onto the snow to avoid them, most are very considerate slowing down, but one guy in a pickup with a load of logs in the back was moving way to fast and even tho I moved onto the snow he still shot passed way too close..

Completed the first section, as I was only going to do a short course, but after I ran the “Redwick Ring” I thought it would be a good idea to go round again. I didnt really want too, but figured that this running lark means that you have to push when you dont really want to, so in all around 7.5 miles in, yep you guessed it 75 minutes.

Feet up and watching telly in snuggled up in the house is the order of the day today, and I am determined to get a ruby murry for nosh tonight.. There is some forcast of snow for tonight – so will see tomorrow if I can go out again.

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Days left: 109

Confidence: 39.3%

Ability: 27%

Ok, so Christmas eating has pretty much subsided now, so it was time to take that scary stand on the scales to see just how bad the noshing and drinking has been. And its been pretty bad, its been – drum roll….

Stats before – BP – 125/80, 12st 3, pulse 66

Stats today  – BP – 130/82, 12st 9, pulse 66

Half a stone then, half a little stone would be fine, but half a big heavy “real life” stone well no wonder the run was harder than normal this morning!!! That is proper chunky, and heaviest ever. Am hoping it will come off as quick as it went on, but I doubt that… Although I am now down to a tub of Pringles and only 5 bottles of beer a night! ;o0

I am starting the full training from this week, so went out and did a five miler this morning. Still off work until Thursday, so had nothing pressing to get back to – left at around 9:00 and it was pretty chilly, but I had my tights and my hat on.

Not a bad run, legs had felt very tight yesterday as if they could do with  really good massage, but after the usual 15 mins or so all felt pretty good. Should be able to get my computer up and running by the end of this week, so will be able to sort out some tunes for the MP3 player which might make the runing less boring. I am thinking of getting a language course, but from previous experience they are pretty poor but we’ll see.

Got back after the 5 miles, with an average of 5.8 miles/hour again – so nothing if not consistant, with a max of 7. Was very slow at one point as I attempted to negotiate a hill of ice, but again not a bad run.

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Days left: 113

Confidence: 35.1%

Ability: 25.5%

Thought I would try a “10K” today. In the old days that would be the memory size of a home computer with expansion pack, now it means a hateful run ;o) As the first run of the New Year I figured I would try a real distance and see just what kind of pace I have at the moment, I even used my phone GPS as a tracker, and I managed an average of 5.8 miles an hour (max of 7.7!) for 64 minutes completing 6.35 miles – which although not brilliant I was pretty happy with.

I find that the beginning of the run is the worst, but not just the first 10 mins or so, but the first 3 miles – its very uncomfortable the worst part is again the front “ankle” bit of my foot between the leg and my foot – it just feels very very tense which goes away after around 3 miles.

I did manage to get a new pain today though – this time in my big toe. I am so proud. !?&*

Got some of the new kit on today, got some tights and apart from looking like a right berk they were actually pretty good. Although half way round my legs were too hot, luckily the second half got colder. I did have to take of my bennie cap though, as my head was melting…

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Days left: 115

Confidence: 35%

Ability: 25.3%

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%