LOOK What I Did

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

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

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

Happy birthday Becs for tomorrow….

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Days left: 86

Confidence: 53.75%

Ability: 50.1%

I am knackered.

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 88

Confidence: 53.45%

Ability: 50%

Yeah – running day, my favourite!

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 90

Confidence: 53%

Ability: 47.4%

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

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

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

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

OK, off to the Oath Breaker then….

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Days left: 93

Confidence: 51%

Ability: 47.2%

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 95

Confidence: 50%

Ability: 47%

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

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 97

Confidence: 35%

Ability: 40%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 100

Confidence: 12%

Ability: 12%

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

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 102

Confidence: 37%

Ability: 29%

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 104

Confidence: 32.2122%

Ability: 27.1%

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 107

Confidence: 32.2122%

Ability: 27.1%

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 109

Confidence: 39.3%

Ability: 27%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 113

Confidence: 35.1%

Ability: 25.5%

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 115

Confidence: 35%

Ability: 25.3%

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

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 118

Confidence: 30%

Ability: 21.3%

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

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

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Days left: 120

Confidence: 39%

Ability: 21.2%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 122

Confidence: 40%

Ability: 21%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Days left: 130

Confidence: 38%

Ability: 20.3%

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……