Author: admin

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%

After managing just a couple of runs last week, and although I had good intentions for running on the weekend, I found some “other things” to entertain myself with. This, unfortunatly, meant that I had way too much to drink on Friday, ate way too much pizza and chinese on Saturday and generally slobbed about eating “left over” chinese and tons of chocky on Sunday.. Which all in all means that I really need to be sorting myself out and taking this a little more seriously.

I also spoke with Peaky on Saturday, just as the massive chinese arrived – with my chicken balls, satay skewers, beef and black pepper and singapore rice, and he let slip that he had run a little in the day – his “little” being 15miles – swine. Peaky, along with GD are going to be accompaning me on the marathon, the only ones who have agreed to show me up.

Ok, here we go for the real thing – week 1 – went out this afternoon at around half four just as it was getting dark, and did around 1.2 miles – thats all!!!! – Just talking to the Mrs and she said that she used to run 4.5 miles around here “easily” … Don’t I feel like a fat lazy get.. ;o) So plan is to be able to run 3 mile by Sunday.. hmmm.

Oh yeah, and I also got my first pathetic little blister today, on the walk down to the start point, on the blumming walk down to the start of the run  – sometimes I think perhaps I should stick to watching telly.

So stats as its week 1.

BP – 125/80, 12st 3, pulse 66

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Days left: 146

Confidence: 9.0001%

Ability: 2.2%

Ok – second day, cant expect miracles – but its still sooo hard….

Did the same route, without quite so much break today – in all about 1.5 miles plus the walk there  in around 20 minutes. Didn’t get that stitch thing today, but the tops of my legs are pretty hurty just now – also my knees felt  a little painful and around the achilies.

So got home and feel light headed and my back is now hurting, and it hurts when i stumble down the stairs.

So all in all it must be doing me good – eh?

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Days left: 150

Confidence: 9%

Ability: 2.1%

Holy shiiite……..

So, just did the first run, the first real proper run, the first step in the journey that will enable me to run 26 miles. And it was the hardest thing I have done in a long while. I could cycle for a couple of hours – no problemo – I just ran for 12 mins and thought i would die.

I figured that for the first run, I would just take a brisk walk, then try running non-stop for 12 mins and see how far I got. Well 12 mins later (I think, I was so knackered I lost the power to tell the time) I seemed to have managed 1.07 miles. But I was shot, my legs and feet seemed fine, but my shoulders and fat gut were really sore. It was sort of like a “stitch”, but as I have not done anything to give me a stitch for 20 odd years I cant really remember. It felt a little like someone taking a very thick needle and pulling thick cotton through the ample skin above my shorts – so I guess that’s pretty close to describing a  “stitch” …

I stopped after the allotted 12 minutes – thank god, and walked a short way to get my breath back. I also realised its quite a good idea to take some water even on a short run. Then once I was ready, I jogged home (about a third of a mile).

After run 1 the main pain point is the muscles at the top of my legs, which I guess have not been used properly for a few years.

Planning to run the same tomorrow, then again on Sunday – but at least that’s day one finished.

I guess I only have to be able to do 20 of those and I would be most of the way round – easy peasy lemon sqeeezey

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Days left: 151

Confidence: 10%

Ability: 2%

So, yesterday I did my first “run”. Well I had to go down to the post office, so thought I would put on the new trainers to bed them in slightly.

When I came out of the post office it was pouring down, so I figured I’d run home, all 200 meters – I managed it – but was totally knackered.

It would appear I will struggle with the 385 yards at the end of the 26 miles at the moment – still that’s what training is for.

So its becoming real now…

Went into Cardiff early on this morning to see if I could get some running shoes to give me the push to do the *first* run.. Got into Cardiff around 9:00, and already there was a fair amount of traffic going into Cardiff, and I managed to find a space in the new fangled car park in Cardiff itself.

Walked over to the bus station and found Run and Become ( http://www.runandbecome.com/cardiff.html ) just across the road. I realised that when I worked in Cardiff I must have walked past it many times, but always thought it was something  like a “Nardos” shop selling second hand stuff for some kind of charity or another…

Luckily at 9:00 there was only one other person in the shop, so within 5 minutes I was rolling up my jeans and a very pleasant lady was getting a collection of shoes for me. First off you put on a pair (the comfiest shoes I have ever worn) – and then you have to do a little jog outside. The trouble is the little jog location is outside in the main street where people are waiting for their buses!!! So a jog back and forth, with40 people cheering doesn’t really let you run as normal, but anyway a couple of runs later and we were back in the shop with many shoes to check. After trying each there was an obvious choice and 10 mins later they were in the bag and I was on the way home..

So I have a pair of Saucony shoes which should be good for 500 miles!!!!!…

I also nipped into Debenhams to day to take back something for a relative – it was past its 28 days return, it still had the security tag on, and when I took it to the counter it also had already “been returned” according to their system.. Well, she looked at me as if I was a thieving …. but fair play they gave the £6 back on a card – thanks….

So what is the point of this…

Well – I quite like the idea of a “Blog”, but only if its got a purpose.. I went through a phase of creating a “killer app” a couple of years back and figured that it was a good idea to run a blog at the same time, so that when i was a millionaire I could (and others) look back at the blog and see where it all came from. I did it for a while, but the killer idea actually wasnt..

So this one is going to be about running a marathon as a beginner. In the past 20 years I have not run further than perhaps two miles, but after a drunken evening in Pembrokeshire the idea was formed to do a marathon in 2010. I had a look around, and decided that I would prefer to train over the winter – although it was going to be wet and misserable – in the late spring and summer all i want to do is have a pint after a days work, so the matathon I decided on is the Shakespear Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon on the 25th April –  http://www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk/

This gives me around 5 months, although Xmas will be in the way of that. Initially I had though four months, starting 4th Jan 2010 would be fine – but I realise now that perhaps I need to run about before this, so the initial goal is to be able to run six miles reasonably easily before the turn of the year.

First step is shoes – I have been told it is essential that i get a decent pair, so as soon as I get the chance I am off to Cardiff to visit Run and Become who have been recommended to me – http://www.runandbecome.com/cardiff.html.

I have just installed this blog in my web hosting system, so thought I’d write something initially, to really test it out.. Be back soon……