Category: Marathon / Tri

Been away this week, off across to the East, in Martlesham – which is where I used to work at the beginning of my BT career some 16 years ago – now that is a scary thought… Was up there for a workshop, but the hotel I picked had a David Lloyd next door, so on MOnday evening, after I arrived I headed straight over there. I had to bring a towel from the hotel, and worked out from the girl at the counter how to get in, and was told it was “quiet” – it must get very bust then, then I was given a lock and key and away I went.

Massive changing rooms with a variety of people in various states of undress – some people are real exhibitionists, unfortunately  found my self a locker, and got into my swimmers. Remembered to take my glasses off, but then felt a little deaf and dumb with my ear plugs in and my glasses off. I stumbled around trying to find the exist it the pool, found it, then remembered I needed to get a shower first,m so stumbled back out again. Then to the pool proper. There were a number of lanes, one said “slow”, one said “fast” and two large lanes were full of children and parents. I felt a little lost.

Anyway, decided I should probably get into the “slow” lane, along with four other people – luckily with the pool being a full 25 meter, it was quite easy to get into a slot. Also after I was swimming for a bit I scared two of the people away. Had a reasonable session, no idea how many lengths  but was doing two at a time – partly down to my uselessness, but also because the lane had a bottleneck and I had to pause occasionally. So spent around 25-30 mins in the pool, then stumbled back into the changing rooms. It was now then I realized  after I took my key from my pocket, that there was no number on it. The woman had just given me a lock, and I had just picked a locker at random – how I had thought there might be a magical number on it I don’t know, but I didn’t really know which locker was mine. And there were people around, looking at me, as I tried a lock or two. Not being able to see very well doesn’t help this enterprise I can tell you. Anyway I found it (thankfully, otherwise I would still be there) and after a quick shower and a shuffling change of clothes I was back in the hotel.

That was the last I saw of David Lloyd – I had intended to go each morning – but, well, I didn’t. I did have two lots of burgers and six pints though – so not all bad eh?

Due to being away I had to run on Weds night when I got back – but I was tired after the long drive so just did two miles. Went down the Hilton pool on the Thurs morning – it was busy, I swam quite a few lengths – a few sixers. Went out for food with the in-laws on Thurs night down the Old Barn, but up in the morning to have a three miler in the morning.

Rained on Sat and Sun, so I shyed off the cycle or run on Sat, which was bad of me, but at least we went for a little walk down the wetlands. Then had a great session in the pool on Sunday. Got there about 7:30, and there were only a couple there, started sets of six. Tiring to start with, but I kept up, six lengths then about a 40 second break – each set taking around 3 mins. Did six of these after each other, then after the final pause I did a set of 14 lengths to take the total up to 50. So that was in about 30 mins – with pauses though but feeling a little more relaxed about the swim – even though that was only 900 meters and not in the sea, and not under pressure, and not competitive etc etc it still feels good.

So this week:

Run: 1 x 2 mile, 2 x 3 mile

Swim: 3 sessions – 6 lengths at a time, max 50 lengths in one session

Cycle: Nowt (although I have ordered £300 pound wheels

Beer: 17 Stella, 2 Fosters (thanks Ant)

Here we are at the end of the second week of the tri-training, and I cannot say I am any more confident! Been out running and swimming and cycling again this week and things are not currently getting much easier, but I suppose that is to be expected.

Went for a 9:30 swim on Tues, so started work at 6:30, got there and it was full of wrinklies again, luckily I kept to the edge and no one seemed bothered, quite a few of them seem to like to just stand in the pool chatting and then nip into the jaccuzzi on occasion  Only one shower working this week, so I waited whilst one bloke can out, then quickly ran in trying desperately not to glance at any white skin, I showered quickly, and it seemed like the guy from the shower was just waiting outside the cubicle, so I showered a little longer, still there, then longer again – in the end I just had to come out I couldn’t understand what he wanted, only to realise as I came out it was actually another codger shivering in his budgie smugglers waiting to get in the shower.

Couple of early runs this week, both normal three mile route passed Undy Football Club, both times dark, one time wet both times knackering. Seem to be running a 28 minute time for the three mile at the moment which is not great, but it is early in the training.

Had a 17 mile cycle again, bought a new seat this week, a charge something, not sure if its better than the stock seat, but it is red – and that matters. Really tiring again on the cycle, well at least the first few miles, I was stopping a truck overtaking in the first few miles so really had to work hard to gain 1`5 miles an hour up a hill, so was pooped from the start – but after five miles or so we get into a routine. Am currently looking at the possibility of getting new wheels, sometimes the interweb says it is the best thing you can do, other times it says you would be better off being fitter and getting new bar tape – who’d’ya trust these days, way too much information.

Bec’s birthday yesterday, so had a few extra beers, and the rugby was on – Wlaes lost to Ireland, so eat a load of crisps, also had a curry in the night, and we are off out to the Old Barn tonight so diet not brill, was 13:2 this morning, so amn actually getting fatter even with all this “training”.

Final session for the week, was not in the pool – as I am in Ipswich next week and may get some sessions in (and I couldn’t be arsed to get up and wet so early this morning) so did a “brick” session instead. This involved doing a cycle, then a run – sounds like a piece of cake – it wasn’t.

Only did a 7 mile cycle around Redwick, 22 mins (ish), which was hard going on the way thanks to the wind, but not too shabby on the way back. Got to the house and put my running shoes on and set off immediately. I had taken the precaution of wearing my TRISUIT today – once I managed to pour my big gut into it, so was ready for anything. Well, what I wasn’t ready for, was what they call in the tri trade “Jelly Legs” – I had read about it, but when it happens its a little odd – Its a bit like when your arm goes to sleep and you try to do something with it and it feels like it belongs to someone else, but with your legs, as you are trying to jog down your street, it full view, looking sozzled.

It took me a good half a mile before I felt anything like normal, I couldn’t breath and my legs were gone – but after that it got a little easier, although easier is a relative word. I also got sharp pains in the muscle in the front of my leg – hope that eases, or I might have to do some stretches in transition. 18 mins run so a 40 min session – it was quite tough.

Run: 2 x 3 miles: 27/28 minute pace

Swim: 2 x 35 mins – max 6 lengths in one go

Cycle: One 17 mile in sometime over an hour

Brick: 7 mile cycle, 2 mile run: 40 mins

Pints: 13 and counting ;o)

First day back on the bike so pumping tires and searching for gloves.

Set off about 8:30 and decided to cycle down to Nash. First 10 minutes was a piece of cake, but then it started to get a little bit more dificult. On the way out it almost seemed like i was cycling uphill, which isn’t the case, managed to get around and on the way back it did seem to get easier, so did 17 miles, which isn’t bad for the first attempt, but it took over an hour.

Got back and by legs were like jelly, really will have to practice cycle then run straight away. I have to say, and i know its only early, but i am feeling a little worried ;o)

Training this week:

Run, 3 times 3 miles – 28 minute runs
Cycle, 17 miles – 1 hr
Swim, 3 times (80mins)  max lengths in one go – 4

Pints – 10, Stella

So, went for the first swimming session today, with my new gym membership. It’s all icy still, but nipped down for an early lunch just before 10 – have not been looking forward to it much – but luckily when i got there it seemed as if there was no one there. So got scanned and got my towel and followed someone through the door…

Tried to juggle all my stuff around, what do i do first? Pick a locker, put my bag down, take my shoes off? Anyway, after much faffing I got into my shorts, got my gogs and ear plugs and jumped into the shower. Once I had finished I realise whilst walking back into the not completely empty changing room I still had my spectacles on. Like an idiot I had a shower with my glasses on – way too nervous..

So finally got in the pool, and a couple of wrinklies had materialized  but there was plenty of room. Gogs and ears in I started the stopwatch, took a deep breath and started my 1500m..

50 seconds and two lengths later I came to the surface spluttering and coughing – I was totally knackered. I cannot believe it was so bloody hard. I deliberately swam in a “proper” way head down, breathe out, turn breathe, cough, splutter, no oxygen, water up nose and could not believe how much out of breath I was…

So spent another 20mins going up and down slowly trying out this new swimming style. So after 25 mins I gave up and braved the changing rooms and the wet – dry dance of the cold bare swimmer.

Next swim Thursday, can barely wait.

First week back into “training” this week. Went out on Sunday, Tues and Thurs – just taking the old short course of just 2.5 miles taking around 23 mins, which is not too fast. But at least it means I am back out on the road, in the early chill and getting back to business.

Took some time to arrange a membership of living well this week also, after some mucking around I finally agreed on a price of £180 for the minimum of six months. They wanted me to sign up for a year, but they were not about to turn down the cash!. Managed to get a 9 pound a month discount thanks to the boys being employed in the Hilton Hampton, so £30 a month peak time user.

My problem is when to go when it will be quiet, looks like Tues and Thurs are best days, so need to reschedule meetings in work to make sure I can get down at the right times. I went there just after two, and there were a load of wrinklies in the pool and multiple people using the gym. One of them, who was particularly ripped took a casual glance at me, probably feeling sorry for me. But then he did the same later on, made me a little self conscious – although I think he might be one of our postmen, so he may be thinking where have I seen him before – otherwise I shall be careful…

Gog’s came yesterday and seem pretty good, although my eyes are so bulbous they touch the inside of the glass, which isn’t great. But we’ll give them a go and see. Final piece of the puzzle is the ear plugs which have taken a while to get here, hopefully will be able to get down there next Tues.

So to start:

13st 2lbs

I said I was going to do a Triathlon this year. A baby one, which they do in Pembrokeshire. Well – I am not. Instead I am doing a real, full fat one, at Broad Haven beach, June 29th.

http://www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk/pct.htm

I am scared. I cannot swim and I will have to do 1.5 Kilometers, and my knees hurt.

So its 1500m swim, in the sea – 43K cycle around lumpy Broad Haven and a final 10K run. Gosh.

Yes, another one.

After a fair bit of preparations, perhaps not undertaking in the right way, we were ready for the Cardiff Half today. Sian has put her name down a while back, so I thought that after the Llanelli one earlier this year, I would try for a sub 2 hr run. Sian basically went from not running at all, to being in a position where she was sure of making all 13 miles in the last couple of months. Unfortunately she had been quite poorly over the last week, with a heavy cold. So bad in fact that she even kept me awake at night with the wheezing and coughing. So she wasn’t feeling at all great in the morning – neither had she managed any practice runs for a week..

Race was due to start at 9:00, and roads were closing at 8:00, so we had to make sure we arrived early doors – so we set off at 7:15 (ish) with at least one of the party still half asleep. All the family was coming down, Becs separately – she was dropped off by her boyfriend in the end as the trains didn’t run early enough, but had to get back to play computer games.

So we arrived a little too early, and I didn’t have a jacket and it was chilly out. After at least two wee’s, we set off to the start with about half hour to go. We were in the “White” pen, for the slowest runners, and there were loads of people around – they had advertised 18,000 runners, but I think only around 14,000 actually ran in the end. As the bodies amassed, it got slightly warmer and then we were off. Due to the umber of people it took us 5 mins to get to the start line, then I was away.

With so many people it is impossible to get into a rhythm early on, bumping and jostling was the order of the day, everyone on each others toes – even after the first few miles it was still chocka blocka. I made great time over the first 3 miles or so, too fast perhaps, but after mile marker 3 I had caught the sub 2hr pace setter, but needed another wee-wee. Luckily for us boys that simply seemed to involve stopping on the side of the road – but already I had lost a minute. Two miles later and I had caught him again – just going over the barrage, where there was quite a spectacular fall over the speed bumps!!

Got to the Red Dragon center at 53 mins, I think 6 and a bit miles, so time was good – my possie was no where to be seen however. I scanned and scanned the sides of the roads but no support at all (I found out later they had arrived at 8 miles and only just stayed long enough to see Sian – I guess I had long since passed before they got there?) The run from about 8 miles was hard, once at Roath there was an uphill for a mile, then a slight down hill for a mile, so at about 12 miles here was a pretty steep hill which really took it out of you. Just before 13 there was another hill, and by this time I was completely wacked. I think that if you have not run something like this, you cannot have felt the complete exhaustion you have at the last bit of the run. As I had tried to keep a faster average than I had ever done, there was no let off for the whole 2 hrs. I was pooped.

Got to the final straight, and you would think you could speed up a little, but not this time, I knew I’d make it and I couldn’t make by legs go faster, I was hurting, and my face showed that – my gut swayed, my face grimaced, and I didn’t care – I’d made it, 1:55 – sorted.

Sian came over the line a short while after, but due to her state before the race, she didn’t feel too good, but once she’d had a kitkat and some drink she started to feel better, in between the coughing fits. No problem leaving Cardiff afterwards, and it was great to get home and chill out.

We had promised ourselves a Pizza after the run, so ordered early – Pizza, chips, onion rings, kebab lovely. Unfortunately after about an hour and half it hadn’t been delivered – so we phoned and was told there was a problem so it would be another 45 mins. So we cancelled – damn. Then we had to decide what to have – so Curry was decided – got the phone, just about to call and there was a knock on the door – it was the pizza fest.

So, we got to stuff our faces with Pizza anyway – nice.

Yep – I ran again.

Well, it has been almost two years since the big one, and I have been running a couple of times a week just to attempt to keep a little of the flab off. So I saw GD around 6 weeks ago, and he mentioned that him and Peaky were doing the run, so I thought – hey why not!!.

Entered that weekend, then found out that Span was doing it too, so there would be four of the old tasker bunch. I also found out that my Auntie would be running too, so quite a collection. Training began.

With six weeks, and only really running around the three to four mile mark I knew I had to create some type of training plan, so made up a list of milage I expected to do each Sat, increasing to around 10 miles by the Sunday before the race. Training went well, managed two 9-10 milers before the big day (Sun 4th March), I felt I was ready to get around.

Start was supposed to be 9:00, so we had to leave the house at 7:00 on the Sunday morning, stupidly I had eaten a chicken vindaloo on the Sat night, but managed to dispose of that early and before we set off. First stop was Llanelli to pick up my Auntie Linda, so we followed the Sat Nav into Llanelli and then down a very narrow road – you sort of know as you turn into it that this isnt right, and the road got narrower, and then suddently had a bollard in the middle of the road, so after a 23 point turn we were back driving around aimlessly. Luckely we did manage to head in the right general direction and before we knew it we had picked up our passenger and away we went.

Linda had suggested that we pull over by Lidl and jog the rest of the way to “warm up”, sounded like a good idea, except Lidl was some distance from the start line, at least a mile and a half. So it was a good warm up, but I was also knackered before I started. After a quick wee in the bushes we found Span, GD (with new girlfriend in tow – must be love!) and Peaky and we were off.

Very busy start line, I think someone said there were 1500 runners (should have been 2500, but the weather wasn’t too good and I guess a load shyed off). So we plodded on through the masses. Span had a time of 1:40 in mind, which I was very impressed with, and he took off like a whippet, I plodded along with GD and really wasnt feeling too up for it.

After about 2 miles I caught up with Linda, and GD went on ahead, Linda was running with a precise set time with a very smart GPS system the whole works, so I stayed in step for a bit and then stretched out. After about 4 miles we wound ourselves around and came back on ourselves it wasnt until here that I saw GD again, he was a fair distance away by now, and slightly later saw Span, he was really quite a long way in front.

By 7 miles I was pretty tired, and running on my own had no idea of times, at this point I ran passed the cheerladies of Kate and Sian, so they had hung around in the cold for an hour waiting to cheer for 5 seconds as my tired bloated sweaty body chugged passed. just after this I was running passed the start/finish line and the winner was just finishing! They must have been running around twice as fast as me for the whole distance.

Got to about 10 miles in and Peaky caught me up, I must have had a slowish middle section, and just behind Peaky was Linda, she was on a shedule so I ran with her to keep me on track. The course seemed never ending, as you went around one corner you could see runners in the distance, by this time the sun had come out, and I was a little warm!

At around 12 miles in, I saw that I had 15 mins to finish before 2:00, so thought I would give it ago, I left Linda and kicked for home. I was really knackered by then, and felt a little sick which I don’t normal feel like. Anyway I put on a spurt which was not easy at this point in the race, and as the minutes ticked away I was beginning to think I wouldnt make it. Just a final 10 mins I was saying to myself, push a little harder, if you do it under 2:00 you never have to run again!. So, after doing the last mile with my eyes closed in a painful grimace I bundled myself over the line – 2:01:52 – didnt make it, and came 1002 in the race. So I will return.

Nightmare to leave the place in the traffic, but went back to my Uncles for lunch of Salmon and potatoes and strawberries – I felt like a healthy person for a while. After some photo’s the lizard and a cup of what tasted like orange earl grey we headed home and I could put my feet up for a few days without feeling guilty….

Here I am two days later. My feet ache, my muscles in my legs seize up if I sit down, even my shoulders hurt, which didn’t happen in training. But I am content. I really honestly didn’t think I would get under 4:30, and even at 26 miles I wasn’t sure I would!

Its been a hard five months, not so much physically, but mentally getting yourself out on the road day in day out. Taking the pain, and trying not to have the beer on a sunny day because you have to run that day or the next. Endless painful hours plodding on the tarmac. But its worth it. It’s only now that’s I realise that I have achieved something that I have thought about doing for years and years. Its easy to be that person who thinks – yeah I *could* do that if only I had the time or real inclination to do it. To go from that initial thought and statement in the pub in Little Haven last year to finishing it,  is the bit I am most proud of, its the knowledge that I set myself a goal and now I have achieved it.

I am not sure I will do much running from here on, I may do one run a week – because it must be doing me some good. I will be taking to the bike come next week though, as we have arranged our cycle tour for the 1st weekend in August, so have to get my body into cycling shape ready for that.

Just want to say thanks to my family, and especially my wife who helped me to take all the time I did to run and run and run whilst she made sure that everything was covered whilst I was off “enjoying” myself on the road to nowhere.

Thanks to everyone who came up and supported us on the run, I really think it made a difference.

Thanks to any of you who may have read this blog – I hope you may be able to show this to other potential marathon runners, or even to get you out and completing one?

And finally a very, very big thank you to everyone who has donated to the Prostate Cancer charity I ran for. We have around £400 so far, and the donations remain open for a couple of months so we may get even more.

Thanks all.

Bye for now.

Andrew.

Results:   http://www.jandresults.co.uk/

The course: http://www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk/Maps.html

After the split it really opened up, the next runner I saw was a good 50 meters away, so head down I knew that I was half way home. The course following a duel carriageway for a bit, then turned back to join the first lap. Just before this passed the family, around 2 hrs since I had last seen them. They flew passed in an instance, with just enough time for me to get a bottle of water off them, and inexplicitly give my dad one of those weird American high fives as I passed. Strange.

Before long I had passed the “first” water station again, and noticed the people in the driveways cheering us on. That was nice, but strange, as they clapped, but sort of automated. Tried for a couple of miles to think of some amusing things to say, which I don’t think worked to well, but took my mind off things, I tried

“Its not as hard as it looks you know”

“Is this really only half way”

“Don’t clap, this is only my first circuit”

“I missed my bus”

“Don’t let anyone tell you jogging is hard – this is easy”

and so forth. They were a lot funnier to my exhausted brain I can tell you… ;o)

Got to 15 miles in and had been chasing down a lady in front of me, but just as I overtook I went passed a toilet stop and took advantage. Luckily as this was the second lap there was no queue, so a couple of minutes later,  I was away and tring to catch that woman again.

Did’nt have many people pass me from this stage on, a couple did, but not many – I was reeling  them in. I has noticed around the 15 mile point that if I kept up the current speed I may well be in for a sub 4:30. Which was to be honest, totally unbelievable.  I was around 4 mins less than 10 minute miles at that point, so with the extra 10 mins I had an extra 14 minutes on top of 10 min miles for the last 11. That was now my goal -with a mouth full of sticky, sweet ‘babies I picked up the pace a little.

I was feeling pretty good, my legs were a little achy, and my feet were starting to hurt, but you just know that this was the real deal, so you just have to keep on for another 2 hrs and you are home. The miles and minutes plodded by, I was dousing myself with the water from the cups at the stations, and pushing myself to overtake people who were slow, or walking up the hills. Then at 17 mile in I saw a woman on the side of the road with a hosepipe – “do you want some” she shouted – I put my arms up in delight and she soaked me, front and back – it was bliss. I am sure that without this and the sponges I wouldn’t have got round. Having that cold shiver of water down your front and back was wonderful, and I kicked on to the big hill.

This was about 19 miles in, the furthest I had ever run, and people were walking all over the place, head down with a good rhythm I plodded up and down the slope on the other side – you could see that people were suffering at this point. Next stop was the “sports drink” station – at 19.5 miles!! Slowed to a stop here, and got a cup of water and two cups of disgusting energy drink into me, ran off, knowing that this was the final push.

At 20 miles I had around 75 mins left to finish under 4:30, but that first mile took me 13 minutes – too slow, I had to speed up, but I was totally knackered – I felt almost as if I was having an out of body experience, people were walking all around, and my body was just saying stop, walk for a bit, you’ll finish now, just take it easy. My mind however was after that 4:30, next mile was around 11 minutes and this kept up for the next few, I was dreaming about that sign that said 25 miles, I had just passed 23.

The next 3 miles were terrible, as you are running every fibre in your body is saying slow down, stop you fool, why are you doing this – but my head knew that this was last chance, if I went all this way and didn’t do the time, then I would have to do it again, or always know that if I had just run that little tiny bit quicker I would have made it in time. I pushed on knowing that there was only around 20 minutes of running left. When I think now of “only” 20 minutes it seems like forever, then my mind told me 20 minutes was nothing, 2 miles, a little jog round the block.

Around this time I passed Peaky and GD cheering me on, then half a mile later the rest of the gang this helped spur me on, nearly there I knew it. Got to the end of the greenway with 4:15 on the clock, I had around 15 minutes to do the final mile – forgetting that there is another 300 yards after that! Up the road to double back on yourself I really pushed, I was panting, my legs were heavy, my hands were sticky and I was not feeling too hot, doubling back I knew this was it, I was looking at the watch every 30 seconds, as I went under the bridge for the end I was on 4:26 – not long now, I ran along the river, and with 4:27 on my watch I got to a place I had walked to the day before, the walk had only been about 5 minutes so surely I could run it in 3?

People ahead were walking, the crowds around blurred into one – all shouting not far, well done, keep going. I saw the finish, 4:28:30, nearly there. 4:29 and I got to the final grassy track with the finish in sight, a man had his one year old in front of me, walking down the track, noooooooooo, I swerve dodged passed, I saw the family, only seconds to go before 4:30 I sprinted, literally sprinted over the line. And that was that.

The end, I had finished, I walked slowely forward and a bloke put a medal over my head, my daughter came running over for a hug, but I wasn’t really there for a moment, I wanted to relax, lie down, something, but I could’nt will myself to actually do anything. I stumbled over to collect my water and banana, had a picture, the rest of the family came over – I struggled to the floor and lay down.

I had completed my first marathon, 26 hard miles – I finished in a chip time of 4:28:53 – I had made it……

It took us around 2 minutes to actually get to the “start line”, and everyone was running on top of each other. There were lots of cheering from the crowds, it was cool, with a hint of rain in the air – perfect. The beginning was a circuit of the town, before heading off out of Stratford for the first 12 miles. Went past the support team after a couple of minutes, then 10 minutes later and a mile in we past them again, 3 minutes after that they were there again of the side of the road, just before the first climb of the day.

The gumf before hand had said that the course was “generally flat”, with one big hill at 6 and 19 miles. Well, it wasn’t. They lied, this was a hill, and OK not massive, it was a sign of things to come. Heading out of Stratford, feeling good, and managing to keep up a conversation with GD , we got to the first drinks station, which had bottles (a very rare occurrence), but I already had my running bottle, so no need for me – although I did see people who had taken a sip then just left the bottle on the road.

Three miles in the running began to slightly spread out somewhat, and we had a good pace going, some blokes were already jumping into fields to have a wee, but we then came to another hill, and everyone bunched up. You could see that already at this early stage some people were finding it difficult. The sun also came out around here. Pace set at just under a 10 minute mile we were doing well. My lace came undone, so left GD carry on, but at this early stage there was no problem putting a little spurt on to catch him. Although he had no time in mind, I figured that he would help me ensure the timing around the first section, so away we went. Passed a few people who were suffering already, some gripping their hamstrings and wincing – I was feeling really good at this point, and so glad of the training – I knew mentally and physically that I would be fine to around 13+ miles, as I had a good few of these under my belt.

Around 6 miles in, it had begun to get quite hot, and as we got to the next drink station they had water and sponges. This was brilliant – its very difficult to drink from a cup whilst running, and after nearly choking a number of times I managed to get some fluid in, but the sponge, oh the heavenly sponge – squeezing that over your head was so unbelievably nice – something that small really made a difference to me as the miles went passed.

Got to the “big hill” and it was actually quite big, and long – me and GD plodded up, I think at this point GD was a little in front, as I had almost choked to death at the last water station, then other side of the hill, the down slope was really very steep and I found it difficult to jog down, some nutters were sprinting down it, there was no way I could.

My this point I thought I should get some energy in, I had packed up some jelly babies and a fruit string in one of those bags that hold the washing powder blocks for the washing machine, which I thought was a great idea – however the combination of the hot sun, and my even hotter hand and begun to melt the babies. Managed to get a couple into my gob, but had really sticky hands. Was just catching GD, when I pushed my glasses back up my face and my fingers (and jelly baby juice) stuck to them, as I brought my hand back my glasses flew form my head. There were still a lot of people around, and I did a pretty good Mr Magoo impression as I chased them around the floor – luckily they were undamaged and I jogged after GD.

Just before the final 3 mile straight we saw the other support team, cheering wildly at the runners and us, can’t remember the cheers exactly – something like “run fat boy run” ;o). Up the “greenway” next, which is this long dusty track which is flat, but very very long – and this was just the first lap. I managed to keep up with GD until the split, where he went off to do the final mile of his marathon, and I started the second, but longer lap.

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Days left: 0

Confidence: 98%

Ability: 89.2%

Last day before I head up to Stratford. So thought it would be time to go through some of the stats of the last few months

Personal Stats

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

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

Stats Now– BP – 122/75, 12st 0, pulse 62

146 days from start to finish, about 5 months or 21 weeks

433 miles run

63 days running

which gave an average of 7 miles per run

shortest run – 1 mile

longest – 19 miles

72 hrs of running in total, two working weeks

or 4330 minutes

which means I could have counted to 259800 one a second

Number of different pains – 127

Number of bad legs – 2

Number of pairs of shoes – 2

Number of running related paraphernalia I had for Xmas – 1026

Number of Marathons I will ever try – 1.

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Days left: 2

Confidence: 96%

Ability: 89.2%

Well, here we are, five months from the beginning and its all over. Been “recovering” yesterday, and I took the precaution of having today off again, so I figured it was time to get that last entry up on the web.

Got up to Stratford-Upon-Avon on a lovely Saturday afternoon, where we went to look around the delights of the town, have some nosh, and check out the starting section. Was concious that I shouldn’t have too much beer, so had a crafty pint in the first pub and a couple of cokes too. Went to the Pizza Express in the town for supper, again just with a Coke, and feeling pretty tired went to bed around 10 – dreaming of the day to come…

Didn’t sleep brilliantly, mainly down to the fact there was a loud humming noise coming from a generator outside – it sounded like the window was open, but checked it twice and it didn’t seem to be, so had a fitful sleep. Up around 6:30 checked the window, and it was actually open, so could have got myself a couple of extra Z’s if I had properly looked. Got myself ready, had a few trips to the toilet, half a chocolate bar and a piece of toast. Stopped drinking at 8, and went for a wee 15 times before we left at 9.

Met up with the others there then, Marsy, Peaky and wives and GD, who due to injury was the only running partner – although he was only commiting himself to the 13 miler. By the time I got near the start I had to take a leak again, so at 9:15 I was in the queue with another 3499 people ready to start. The “elite” runners made their way to the front, and I was squished in between a load of people who seemed quite desperate to get nearer to the front – I have no idea why. The klaxon went off at 9:30, and as I shuffled forward my first marathon had begun.

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Days left: 0

Confidence: 96.4%

Ability: 89.2%

Here we are, probably the last run before the marathon. Was going to do a couple of miles on Thurs but may not get a chance now, so don’t think its worth getting out and doing anything now before Sunday – but I may not be able to resist a little run – perhaps I am addicted. ;o\

Out and ran just over 5 miles this morning – nice and easy does it. I made sure it was not too fast, and felt pretty good. My foot is still too bad to wear the new shoe on the left hand foot, and unfortunately my old shoe has now broken, so hopefully it will get me around?? Knee was a bit painful this morning, but pretty good when running. All in all, although I could be in better shape, I think its going to be ok…

Its been 155 days since I started the blog, around 22 weeks – and 146 days or 20 weeks since I did that very first hateful one mile jog. To think that I am now almost ready to actually complete 26 miles is really quite amazing. I hoped that I would be in this position, and fingers crossed I will actually make it.

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Days left: 5

Confidence: 94%

Ability: 89.1%

Last week then. Not run for a few days, accidently had too much beers, so decided to get out there again today. Was speaking with the wife yesterday, as I slobbed on the sofa with yet another big glass of red, looking like a baby jabba the hut, that I am probably the “fittest” I have ever been. Not too sure what that means, but I am pretty sure this is the first time in my live I could run 19 miles…

Left foot has been pretty painful over the last few days, it feels like the right side of it and under the arch is bruised, not mark, put very tender. I am sure this is because my new running shoes have too much of arch support in, so it looks at the moment like I will have to wear one old and one new shoe for the proper run.

Did around 8 miles this morning, in 1hr 20, and wore my heartbeat monitor which I had bought a year or so ago, just to check the reading. Started out and was between 160 and 170 beats per minute, which seemed quite high – this stabilised to around 155 – 160, but by the time I was on the final approach I was down to 145. The machine also says that it can show how many calories you burn, for this eight miles it was around 900 calories – bargain!!!

Still not really loving running, but I must admit that I do  like it more than I did. Seems a silly way to keep fit, but pretty intense. Will be starting to cycle now in May ready for the yearly cycle expedition, so will be interested to see how tiring cycling seems in comparison…

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Days left: 7

Confidence: 91%

Ability: 88.21%

Another day, another dollar. Here we are on Thursday, the first Thursday of the “taper” – and I hurt, a lot. My legs have not hurt so much since December, my knees hurt like something else, and my left foot is really, really hurting on the arch – I blame those new shoes. Yesterday I said to the wife that I would probably give it a miss today, because I figured I needed to rest up a little longer. Then, this morning, at 6:40 I thought, hey – got to be tough and strong lets go out anyway, then I got out of bed..

Ow, ow, ow – it hurts this getting up after sleeping, my ankles hurt, my left foot hurts, my left shin hurts, my left knee hurts (see a pattern here?), my back hurts – but, because I am slightly stupid, and I like to tell this pain who is boss, I thought it would be a good idea to get out and run. So I did. It was a good idea.

Left around 7:10 for the 5 mile circuit, and I ran, actually ran, not pathetic slightly run-more-than-jog, I ran, like the wind – well like my wind – all the pains slipped away, and it was me, and my legs and my pain was no more (although it does transmogrify into “other pain”). Unfortunatly after the last run I feel that I can run faster now, which I can, but in small(ish) spurts, of about 2 miles, then I get tired and realise I am not in a race, and I just need to keep going..

But it was quite good, only 5 miles, but I am on a “taper” so just right – did the 5.15 miles in 45 mins, so slightly faster than the norm, but felt good, you know I might be starting to like this jogging lark – lucky we only have a week or so left to run ;o)…

Had my day, and the sun came out. Had no real lunch due to the “pressures” of work, so had a beer or 5 in the garden with the neighbour this afternoon which was very pleasant. I figure that all work and no play means that …. well anyway it was nice to have a beer – its been a week anyway!!!

Off now until Sunday I think, let those legs and especially the arch of my foot recover before an easy 8 miles – then its just a week to go – woohoo….

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Days left: 9

Confidence: 89%

Ability: 86.21%

Here we are, another Tuesday and only one more, to go and that’s that.. Was intending to go out early this morning, but didn’t get into gear before 7:30 and had calls at 9:00 so decided to go this afternoon instead. Had a really nice pain in the arch of my foot before the run, felt really tense, almost like cramp – and it hurt quite a bit, I couldn’t even wear my crocs. But anyway put one of the old shoes on as they are more comfy and off I trotted.

In was around 3:15, and still warm out, and I was knackered after 10 paces, with a really bad foot and knee – things not looking too god, to be honest I was toying with the idea of just going home – I generally feel very tired at the moment – but had to persevere, its all about Positive Mental Attitude and all that . Still hurting to 3miles and then it got a little better, other than a chest pain..

Went round and did around 8 miles again today, had a surge around the 6 mile point which felt pretty good, but I was really tired by the end – almost felt as bad as last Saturday, where I had an extra 11 miles under my belt. So stumbled home, and looking forward to having a sit down and read of the paper now.

Downloaded the Google Earth marathon course yesterday, and its great how you can “fly” over the course, looks Ok, pity its the same circuit twice, but I didn’t really think about that when I entered. Looks like a bit of a hill at 6 and 18 miles, and a massive 5-6 miles of straight track to finish, which I am sure wont be easy. So really looking forward to doing it now, just hope the legs hold out..

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Days left: 11

Confidence: 86%

Ability: 86.2%

Well, here we are – 2 weeks away and time for the last “big” run of the training. I did say that I wasn’t going to put myself through this pain again before the one off, but as Dave suggested in one of his comments it was probably a good idea to do another 20 miler.

Not 100% sure of the mileage, but 3:20 on the road today – looking at the route it says around 19, so still 7 miles off, just hope that the adrenaline will be flowing on the 24th.. Started really difficult today, was totally tired after the first couple of steps and didn’t feel much better 3 miles in. Haven’t really been looking after myself since Easter, Joey the Lips was down the last couple of days – so had at least 2 beers and a curry Thurs night. Will be really trying to stop that nonsense over the next couple of weeks ;o\

After the first 4 miles was ok until around 6 or so, then got a stitch, which lasted 6 miles! I tried to “breathe” it away, put it hurt too much – shandy.. After around 14 miles a cyclist pulled up, and kept up with me for a while, nice guy off on a trip to Monmouth, but too be honest if I want a chat I go to the pub, not run 20 miles, its funny that when you are out like that people feel its fine to just start chatting – I wonder if they do the same in the local pub??

Got an extra drink today from the support crew, it was very warm, even took my coat off, unfortunately I had my really tight ™ top on, which showed off my wobbly belly to good effect. Watching it shadow wobble was not fun.

15 miles in, and the real, proper pain started – legs and feet. Why does it hurt so, I didn’t feel too tired physically really, its more the pain in the legs and feet. Its sort of like cramp, every time you move a leg it hurts – I just feel like crying…

So there we are, 2 weeks to go, furthest run 19-20 miles, legs and feet very painful – can’t wait to get it all over with… Easy 2 weeks – will have to check out the interweb as to the “right” thing to do over the next 2 weeks…

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Days left: 14

Confidence: 81%

Ability: 86%

Back in Monmouthshire today, so had to get out and about and get a couple of miles in. Had a bit of a lie in and watched some of Roger Rabbit in bed, before setting off for a run around 9:00. Felt pretty good, and added a mile or so to one of the normal weekday runs so managed around 9.5 miles in just about an hour and a half – so pretty good.

Had a bit of a bad knee at the beginning, but not too bad in the pains department. Had a a time near the end where the ball of my foot was very painful, but that thankfully didn’t last long.

Got a little worried as I realised it is only 17 days to go until the big day. Hoping to do another big one this weekend, although I said I wouldn’t, then that might be the last big one, so over 20 would be good…;o\

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Days left: 17

Confidence: 80%

Ability: 85%

Here we are in Sunny Pembrokeshire. Well, we are in Pembrokeshire, and unfortunately its rained pretty much all the time since Friday… So been having a right good go and eating and drinking myself to death over the last couple of days. So felt I had to go out and at least get some kind of run in place this morning.

Set off around 8:00 to what was to be honest not too bad a morning, went down to the race course and then back around the Haven Road. Had to get away to do some stuff just after 9:00, so had a limit of 45 mins for the run (thank god!!). Probably did about 4 miles this morning, and to be honest it was pretty tough!!!!

Not doing anything for the rest of this break, will be back running when I get back home on Weds.

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Days left: 21

Confidence: 76%

Ability: 82%

Yeah! Easter holidays, I am off now until 12th April, and I can’t tell you how great that feels. Not that the job is particularly rubbish at the moment, just to have a week and a half without thinking about anything to do with it is great…

So to get off on a good foot (or very sore one actually) I thought I would get out there and do a far few miles, as I will be back in Pembs for the Easter weekend, and may well have difficulty getting the runs in  – so I am planning a few days off completely then a 14 or so miler on Monday. So today I went round the old “long one” with the hills. Standard route 12 miles(ish). So foot was still sore this morning, every step was painful, but after around 2 miles or so it started to ease – its funny how your body gets fed up of telling you about some pain, and although it was still sore, it was now more of a dull ache. The first 6 miles went brilliant, sun was shinning and it was almost a pleasure to run, so I thought to myself that I would take the longer way round, making the run ( http://routebuilder.org/3u7 ) around 16 – 17 miles (I thought it might have been 18 but perhaps not) which I finished in 3hrs, which was slightly less than the 10minute/miles. So on my feet for 3 hrs again, not too shabby.

Only had the one drink bottle with me, and was going to call for supplies, but as I got to the last hours I could see I was heading into the rain, which after 20 minutes I hit – it poured down, which actually was quite nice, but the wind was freezing – instead of thinking about my feet, I was now only worried about the icicles appearing around my mush.. Although feet were hurting it seemed ok, as long as I can get that out of my mind – the physical side of things didn’t seem too bad (I say that now! ;o). And this route has plenty of hills on – but it still leaves around 9 miles left to run – which hopefully, on the day – knowing it will be that “one off” will be OK…..

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Days left: 24

Confidence: 75%

Ability: 81.8181818181%

Here we are again. Had three days off since the hard long run, and have been living it up!!!.. So out this morning, tired and with a bad foot at 7:30 this morning. Was considering an eight miler today, but had to get back for a work call, so just did the usual 5.5 lap. I wore one old and one new shoe today, as my left foot is now very painful under the arch. It seems that my new shoe “lifts” the inside of the arch too much and its causing it to ache. It means I have trouble walking at the moment, which cant be good. I will have to get it iced up and hopefully it will be OK – at least its the only proper pain I have at the moment.

So didn’t bother with a watch or timing today, it was more just to get out there, and other than the foot it felt really good. I even “sprinted” the last three quarters of a mile, and felt great.

Had a bad foot since though, hopefully it will be better by Thursday when I am thinking about doing a 12 – 15 miler, as with Easter coming up, it will be difficult to get a long run in place. Although I am thinking of running to Broad Haven and back on the Sunday – we’ll see..

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Days left: 29

Confidence: 72%

Ability: 78.12%

Did I manage it? Did I actually get to the big two-zero? Could I have run for 3:30 hrs and burst the 20 mile barrier?

Well – to be honest I don’t know. It was probably close, and definitely over 19 (well I think so) but was it really 20 miles – I’ll never know. What I do know, is that it really, really, really, really hurt. A lot, a lot with cherries on, a lot with cherries and hundreds and thousands on.

Started well, out for 7:45 and decided to do the same route as last week, just add a longer beginning, which would have added at least a mile to the run. Feet and legs not too bad, but did find that I was a little out of breath. After about two miles got the usual pain above the heart which disappeared quite soon thankfully, and felt pretty good, although not fast. Things went very well until about 6 miles in. The normal route was closed as the electricity board were pulling through the overhead cables, so no chance of getting passed. This ballsed up the run a little bit. So as I was at around 6 miles, I figures 3 miles (or 30 mins) the other way, then run back will get me around 12 miles in total.  Not the best, running away for 30 mins knowing you are coming back again!!!

About this time the refuelling wagon, with my wife and daughter came along to swap out my drink. Our 8 year old then ran with me for a while, very keen to help me eat the few jelly babies I brought. Fuelling done I was left after around 2hrs 10 minutes with the final part of the run. I felt alot better at this time of the run than I had before so had good feelings about the run – that changed..

By the time I had 4 miles left my feet were really aching, I attempted to run through puddles to get some comfort to my feet – which helped a tiny bit. The rest of the run was terrible, my phone sat nav turned itself off after 17.6 miles, probably as knackered as I was, my legs hurt more and more, and I even had to stop and walk for 30 seconds or so.

But I got back – three and a half hours of running, well jogging – longest yet, but mean that a sub 4:30 marathon looks un-doable. My current target times are

5:00 would be brilliant (well to be honest just finishing will be brilliant),

4:45 would be fantastic and sub

4:30 unbelievable – so we will see.

This is now my longest run, and the longest I will be doing before the real one. I have completed around 3/4 of  marathon each week now for the last 3 or 4 weeks and I think my legs have just had it!!!! ;o) The super-interweb seems to suggest a tapering down, and with a month to go I think I will try to limit the rest of the big runs to 16 or 17 miles

Pretty much a month to go – soon be over!

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Days left: 32

Confidence: 78%

Ability: 76.12%

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%