£100 per mile

As my final post its great to report that I've hit my £100/mile target for sponsorship.

I've run out of superlatives so just end by saying thank you again for the last time.

It took me till Wednesday after the race to recover fully and I took a well earned rest from running for 2 weeks. I've now ventured out again and in the last few days have done two 5 milers at lunchtime.

My days of running the full marathon distance are behind me, but I have been offered the chance to do the Birmingham and Black Country Half on 5th July.

I have yet to commit, but I probably will :)

Farewell and thank you again. Spain for Euro2008!

Henryk

Proof in Pictures

Just in case you thought I'd sent a "stunt-double" take a look at the following visions of athletism :)

http://www.marathonfoto.com/order_my_photos.cfm?RaceOID=19802008W4&LastName=SWIATEK&BibNumber=34660&Language=en&Mailing=10497&BFI=tg2l9objln&Frames=true&Flash=true&FlashVersion=8&Height=768&Width=1024&Index2Home=true

... and yes photo 47388568 does bring back painful memories ......

I think this was the point I'd just been passed my Spiderman and a giant cornish pastie.....

4:39

Well its all over. Enjoyed the start and the first 15 miles, even in the rain - may have even been spotted on TV as I ran past the Masai Warriors over Tower Bridge.

As we got to Docklands things got a bit tough and the last 5 miles were a killer. Spent the rest of the day in the bath or in bed recovering.

Vowed never to do another one!

However, echoing Steve Redgrave, today the sun is shining and surprisingly I can still walk so you never know ..... :)

Thanks for all your support. I'll be taking the week off to recover and will post some further reflections and piccies next week.

85 days in summary

Most of you know I have a degree in maths and so, accepting the risk I may be called "statto", having done my final run today he is the last 3 months in numbers:

Number of days trained: 85
Miles run: 388
Hours trained: 62.8
No of trainers used: 2
Furthest run: 21.2 miles (3hrs 32mins)
No of tracks on mp3: 56

And some other observations:

Favourite run: Richmond Park -- it can be quite tough getting up early especially if its cold and damp but the 7.25m cycle track is lovelly when the sun comes up and hits you on the back
Top ten hints:
1) Get a plan -- I used a mixture of runnersworld.co.uk and marathon news but there are loads of plans on the web -- I've attached my actual training schedule below.
2) Get organised -- You will never keep to a schedule unless you plan your life around when you can run and vice versa - never feel that because the schedule says x miles then you have to do it and forfeit a life!
3) Get decent trainers -- its worth the investment
4) Use vaseline - otherwise morning run like Haille Gebressallasse afternoon walk like John Wayne
5) Listen to your body -- if you are really feeling tired and worn out then consider resting -- resting is an important part of your training schedule (as is sleep!)
6) Try different routes --- www.mapmyrun.com great site that allows you to accurately measure routes
7) Use a gym -- In those dark days of January this was a godsend. I have realised that I'm not really very good at "dark,cold and wet", the treadmill allows you to do speed work and interval training and allows you to catch up on episodes of your fav tv shows or footie at the same time!
8) Blister proof socks --- Yes they really do exist!
9) Drugs --- Lucazade Carbo Gel is my choice, but other products such as Go-Gel exist -- experiment to see which ones work for you on your long training runs but don't over do it (max 1 per hour)
10) Race -- use races as part of your preparation to get used to running in crowds and practising in your race gear.

Expo

Going up to the eXcel arena today to register and get all the stuff. You have to do it in person and they advise that if you can do it mid-week as it gets really crowded.

Typical -- I've been laid up with a bad cold and sore throat the last couple of days, I've been shovelling down Lemsip, paracetomol, nurofen, you name it ...... if the race had been today I'd have been in trouble as my muscles are weak and achy.

No runs since Tuesday morning - perhaps I could manage a gentle 20 minutes later in the gym..

And so the end is near ... and so I face my final curtain ...

For the record I personally think the Sid Vicous version knocks spots off Frank but anyway ....

Thanks to Ant for keeping me company round Richmond Park at the weekend. A gentle 74 minunte jog - fortunately we didn't decide on Sunday morning as we would have had to brave more snow --- what is it with this weather anyway ?

Am now on 2 weeks leave. Kids are off school so we visited Sarah in Stratford and my mum at the start of this week. My Childline vest came today and I shall be giving it a test run tomorrow morning.

After that I have at most 2 more runs to go. Thanks to all of you who have been sending me good luck messages this week.

Its been a long long road and I shall look back on it with mixed emotions -- the early morning sessions are one thing I will not miss, but on the other hand after you come back having done one of those lond runs on staurday morning in the cold you do feel a bit of a buzz and a sense of acheivement.

Next post I shall give you the final training schedule as run... for those of you wanting to get in to next years marathon they are opening the on-line entry at midday on race day.... I think I sahll be somewhere in the East end at that time !

Countdown progressing .... T minus 9

Getting a bit nervous now ...... or is it just excited ......

I've pretty much done what I can now. This week I will finish with the Richmond Park circuit and that will bring my total mileage to date for this penultimate week to 26 miles and 375 miles in total.

I've laid off the fundraising for a while -- with the post-race pledges I will get up to just short of £2,500 which is much better than I had ever hoped for ---- once again thank you for the fantastic response.

As promised I've decided to post the contents of my mp3 player to give you a taste of the music that has kept me going for these past months (a few items are simply too cheesy to own up to !)

Led Zeppellin – Communication Breakdown
Foreigner – Fool for your Lovin
Blondie – Atomic
The Farm – Groovy Train
The Farm – Altogether Now
Coldplay – Clocks
Van Halen – Best of both worlds
The Undertones – Teenage Kicks
Run DMC – Walk this way
The Jacksons – Shake your body
George Michael – Freedom
Deborah Harry – I want that man
Powerstation – Get it on
Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas
Elvis Presley – Rubberneckin
Elvis Presley – A little less conversation
The Darkness – I believe in a thing called love
The Darkness – Growing on me
Ted Nugent (!)– Cat scratch fever
Catatonia – Road Rage
U2 – Vertigo
U2 – City of bright lights
Cult – She sells sanctuary
Guns N’Roses – Sweet child of mine
Gary Numan – Cars(Premier mix)
Tom Jones (!!) – Help yourself J
The Clash – Should I stay or should I go
S Express – Theme from S Express
U2 – Beautiful Day
ACDC – You shook me all night long
ACDC – Back in Black
Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Chile
The Chi-Lites – If everyone looked the same
C&C Music Factory – Things that make you go hmmmmm
Deee-Lite – Groove is in the heart
Fat Boy Slim – Right Here
Chesney Hawkes (!!!) – One and only (how did this get here !!! J)
Baby Bird – You’re gorgeous
Zoe – Sunshine on a rainy day
Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion
Blondie – Maria
Scissor Sisters – I don’t feel like dancin’
Bauhaus – Ziggy Stardust (much better than Bowie version !)
Pearl Jam – Loaded
**** delete to prevent further ridicule and embarrassment *******
**** delete to prevent further ridicule and embarrassment *******
Michael Jackson – I want you back
Sugababes – Ugly (blame this on my 10 year old daughter ! J)
The Killers – Smile like you mean it
The Killers – Mr Brightside
The Killers – Somebody told me
The Killers – All these things that I have done
The Knack – My Sharona
The Who – Pin ball wizard

April Fool!

At the weekend did the final 10 miler.

This week has been another manic one at work so I glad I'm in the "taper down" zone - its a lot easier to fit in short runs at lunchtime - I've sorted a 5.5 mile circuit around the Isle of Dogs which follows the actual Marathon course and because there are showers at work this works out very nicely.

Body seems to be ticking along - no niggles at all -- very pleased with that. At this stage its all about keeping injury free and healthy.

Couple of people have asked about what music I run to and the next post I shall give out the contents of my mp3 player (well maybe blanking out all those embarrasing tracks!)

This weekend I will do the final lap of Richmond Park - its where I started all those days ago so it has a nice feel of symmetry about it finishing there.

Big mention to Ant who has stepped up and offered to run it with me

Viva Espana

As you now know I have officially become a Spanish Football fan and will in due course change my name to Enrique; till then .....

Spain 1-0 Italy

Although we couldn't find anywhere in London to watch the match so had to resort to seeing England's dismall performance against the french.

This week has been a busy one away from the training so I have been unable to get more than a couple of 5 milers in, hopefully tonight I will try another short run and need to find some time over the weekend to step up to 10 miles, otherwise my body will start to forget what its like to do exercise ......

Snow on Easter morning

Nearly bottled it this morning, but decided to risk doing an outside run.

I found a nice route, start from Barnes Hockey Club and go west to Teddington Lock, turn round to Hammersmith bridge then back to the finish. ~19.5 miles. The very last very long run.

Anyway at 7:45 I got out of the car and it started to snow. I thought about it for a bit but went for it. Off I trudged, by the time I got to Richmond bridge it was blowing a blizzard - there were quite a few other runners about even at that time and in those conditions (many were obviously London Marathon training).

Anyway, felt very virtuous when I'd finished - the run followed the usual pattern -- first 14 miles comfortable, then from 15 miles onwards pretty tough and down to 10min/miling-- 3hr 19min -- Right shin continuing to hurt a fair bit but not quite as bad as after Cranleigh.

I am certainly looking forward to this "taper down" period. I have come to the conclussion that I am not naturally suited to these extreme distances.

Next week will consist of 3 shorter runs during the week and a weekend easy(!) 1 hour max.

Looking forward to watching the football on Wednesday - will meet up with the boys in town.

Now that England have failed to qualify for Euro2008, we have had to find another team to follow; after much discussion we have plumped for ............. Espana! Henceforth I shall be know as Enrique.

If anyone knows where we can watch Spain v Italy in Central London, let me know..

Easter Bunnies

Yesterday went to the gym and did 30mins on a low impact cross trainer. Today did a very gentle 45mins at 9kph.

I've been taking some anti-inflamatory drugs to ease the swelling of my right shin. Cautiously optimistic about getting through the worst. Still planning to do a final long run on Easter Sunday - probably 16-19miles along the Thames towpath - but will see how it goes next few days before commiting.

After this weekend I go into "taper down" - no longer than 30mins during the week, with the long runs at the weekend cut down drastically to 8-10miles weekend after next and 5 miles in the final weekend before the big day.

Will have to watch what I eat in this period as the anount of calories I'm burning off drops its important not to pig out too much!

Since I started training I've lost ~10 lbs

Cyber Stalking

Shins are gradually getting better but will continue to rest up and follow the advice of Jim Desmond "..this is no time for recklessness"

A reality check on finish times. Decided to look at last years Cranleigh results and pick some runners who finished in the same time and then check whether they ran later at London.

5 runners last year finished Cranleigh in times ranging from 3:25-3:33 then went on the complete in London in times ranging from 4:35-4:50

So I think thats a decent guide to what I can expect.

Soberingly that means the last 5 miles is done at ~14min/mile at best ---- Ouch!

As Glen said "To paraphrase Mr T I predict PAIN!"

Shin Splints

I hope I haven't got them but could hardly walk on my right calf today and according to the web I look to have the symptoms. Very very bad news.

Will have to lay off completely for at least 48 hours and see how it feels mid-week.

Cranleigh

3:32

Horrible weather. Went through half-marathon at 2:06 and then on the last few miles the wheels came off a bit and went from sub-10min/mile to averaging 10min/mile for full distance.

I think I need to consult my guru for advice as I would have probably lasted the final 5 miles but it wouldn't have been pleasant I fear!

Interesting observation - the pace I'm runing means after the first 6 or 7 miles I tend to be in a pack of young lady atheletes; there are some compensations for being slow!

Another observation was being passed my male atheletes at about 14 miles. At first I thought they were adopting some negative split race strategy only to realise that they were actually doing a final sprint to complete 21 miles when I was just finishing my first lap!

I nearly burst out laughing when I got passed by a guy in matching yellow fluorescent vest and shoes, black cycle shorts and "Paul Radcliffe-style" knee high white socks. Still fair play to him, he was seriously moving and I guess if you turn out in that kind of gear you'd better be good.

Will enjoy a gentle sauna tonight before reflecting on the final hard week.

Calm before the storm

Spending the day chillin'

The only training I'm doing is on the sofa watching England beating Ireland :)

My calf is really really sore though -- hope it gets better by 9 am tomorrow

Final preparation for Cranleigh

54 days ago I did my first Ricmond Park circuit and was pleasantly surprised at being able to complete the 7.25miles in 72 minutes.

Well today I returned to do my final run before this weekend's 21 miler at Cranleigh on Sunday morning.

I have a slight twinge in the front of my right calf which is a little uncomfortable but hopefully shouldn't be a big deal .... anyway today I went round in 65 minutes which I'm really pleased with.

Saturday will be a day of relaxation, I'll try and practise my "day before" schedule. No run. Gentle walk maybe. Porridge for breakfast, Pasta for diner. Early night. What is they call it ... oh yeah "visualisation" :)

With the day's gradually lengthening I'm just about getting to stage where I could do a training run in daylight. Makes a big difference to my mood.

Feeling cautiously optimistic.

Back on the blog

Met up with Glen at the gym tonight and he pointed out I'd been neglecting my blogging duties so apologies and here goes...

I got my marathon registration instructions today; where to go to get your number, kitbag, arrangements for travel to start etc etc.. Brought it sharply into focus that in 5 weeks time it'll all be over!

Tonight I did 8 miles in 76 minutes on the treadmill - test drove my new pair of shoes curteosy of Decathalon at Canada Water. Felt very comfortable so hopefully these will be the ones that will see me through on the big day. I may use them on the Cranleigh 21 this weekend - after that I plan to do only one more 3 hour plus run -- scheduled for Easter Sunday before I enter the "taper zone" - this is where the distances get cut drastically and I can slouch around eating masses of pasta. I need to restore some of the body weight I've lost in the last 6 weeks somehow!

Huge thanks to recent responses on my justgiving site from friends and old collegues at CAP -- my fundraising total stands at £2,365 which is amazing.

Finally, big respect to Charlie tonight -- the sly old dog did the WCTT 5km at the weekend in 24 minutes -- top time! -- well done..

Mickey Mouse

The weekend training schedule took second fiddle to a family trip to Eurodisney this weekend. So fresh from my encounter with Mickey and friends I've got to get down to it this week and prepare for the Cranleigh 21 on Sunday.

In the last 4 days I've only done 1 run -- Friday 5.5 miles, but I felt quite good so maybe it was a case of giving my body a bit of a rest from the grind.

Anyway, tonight 7 miles; Tuesday & Wednesday 6 miles each should get me back on track.

So far in 52 days of training I have racked up just over 242 miles - my tainers are now on their last legs so will look to replace them soon with the ones that will hopefully get me round on the big day.

Fundraising Target Acheived !!!!

Absolutely fantastic news ! Yesterday after 46 days I hit £1,800

When I first started I just looked at that target and wondered where the money would come from as I'd never tried to do anything like this before. The way that people have responded and the generosity with which you have donated has given me an enormous lift.

A massive, massive thanks to each and every one of you.

I've still got some more friends and family to approach so hopefully I can keep going and raise even more for ChildLine.

Inspired by the news I went out and did a 2o km yesterday in 2 hours, forgot my top tip of Vaseline (Won't be doing that again I can tell you!)

Since last week I've been suffering from a bad chest cough which has affected my training and this weekend we have some family plans so I have had to juggle the schedule a bit.

Last Tuesday did 9.5k, Weds did a 10 miler then was laid up on Friday and Saturday; Sunday I was on the point of panicking at the thought of spending 3 days without putting on my running shoes so dragged myself to the gym for a slow 40 minutes.

The Cranleigh 15/21 is looming - Jim Desmond assures me that if I can crack that then I'll be fine on the day.

We shall see!

Half Term Report

Coming up to the half way point so thought I'd share how I feel.

In terms of training, I've totalled just over 31 hours of running in 40 days. Feeling quite comfortable at distances up to 12 miles. Have only gone over this distance on 3 ocassions and still feel I have more hard work to do before I feel confidant about being able to cope with the full 26.2. In summary: B+

In terms of fundraising have stalled a little with £150 to go (assuming those who have pledged £180 on completion have the opportunity to fulfill their obligations). Have some more family and work collegues to target but am conscious of not being too over zealous in pursuing people as after all it is voluntary. If it comes to it I'll make up the difference myself. Would like to clear the target by the middle of March so that I can just concentrate on the training. In summary: A-

Top tip.... blister-proof socks!!

South Circular Sunset

Not the most glamorous of routes. Lewisham to Catford to Streatham to Tooting to Morden to Wimbledon.

But at just under 17miles a confidence boost, this time done with the aid of Lucazade Carbo-Gel. Not sure whether it was pysiologocial or psychological but did it in 2 hrs 55 mins and didn't feel too bad at the end.

There will only be a handful of runs of this length before the big day, with the Cranleigh 15/21 on 16th March as my last warm up event before the training sessions ease off a little. I need to do the first 15 miles in under 2:45 (11 min/mile pace) as the organisers operate a strict cut-off policy preventing runners continuing to the longer distance if they are off the pace. I "should" be ok but am still a little apprehensive.

Fundraising has gone quiet a little - perhaps its because its half term; next week I'll step up and try and get the final £150 I need to reach my target.

Finally, apologies to the organisers of the Wimbledon Time Trial - I was planning to do this with some friends but they have all cried off and I now will take the opportunity to do a slightly longer run in the afternoon before joining them to see England play France at Rugby in The Swann later.

Tough Times

This week and the next 3 are the ones where the really hard work gets done.

I've been able to get my body used to running continuously for 1 hour comfortably and 2 hours without panic.

What I now have to do is get it up to 3 hours plus and there is no short cut -- I just have to put in the miles.

This week so far I've done 70 mins on Sunday and 60 minutes yesterday.

Tonight I am planning to push it further than I've ever gone before and am feeling a little nervous about the prospect !

Vaseline

Top tip ...

Otherwise its morning run 15 miles like Haile Gabresellasse, afternoon walk 15 metres like John Wayne !

Ouch

Drugs

No don't worry I'm not planning to launch into a political debate on Dwain Chambers ....

The issue I have is how to go past 15 miles. Today I did twice round Richmond Park, the furthest LSR (Long Slow Run) so far -- 2 1/2 hours. I honestly can't image doing another 2 hours or so on top of that.

Jim Desmond has suggested using Go-Gel -- its like pure isotonic dectrose rocket fuel in a sachet; I'm sure that Paula Radcliffe doesn't need such artifical stimulants but she is not from this planet, so I'm off to Boots tomorrow to score and when I have recovered enough to venture out on the roads again will take one hit 10 minutes before kick-off and see whether that helps .....

Wednesday I did a fast 5 km 24:45 on the treadmill. Next weekend I am joining the boys for a 9am Wimbledon Common run www.parkrun.com but anticipate it being more of a "fun run" followed by a fry-up in the village

Two for the price of one

Two posts in one day. 5.5 miles in 53 minutes in the dark around Morden Park. First run outside for a week.

Oh, and I have to admit my running shoes do pong a bit - just thought I'd share that with you all :)

"Back in Black ...."

"..I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Yes I'm, let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging aboutI keep looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the herse 'cause I'll never die
I got nine livesCat's eyes
Usin' every one of them and running wild
'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back...." (credit A Young)

16.66 km in 100 minutes. Slowly feeling like I'm shaking off this chest cold.

Under £300 to go to hit my fundraising target.

Today is good day!

First Refusal

I got up with good intentions on Saturday - 6:00 am. Up I got and got my gear on, went outside and was met by minus 2. Decided to drive to Richmond Park. Arrived to find it shut (as usual) but this time the pedestrian gate was also closed on account of the deer cull. I was soon joined by a group of early morning golfers. They were all wrapped up in their thermals. I took a few looks at them and to my enternal shame marched back to the car and drove off. Within half an hour I was back under the duvet!

Managed to slightly rectify the situation by going to the gym that evening and ran 15 km in just over 1.5 hours, whilst watching Casulty on the TV.

I think this is going to be a long week ....

"Watching England play football is like making love to a beautiful woman ... " Swiss-Toni

So a winning start for Fabio!

30 minute gentle jog on the treadmill before joining Glen and Mick for a swift half to welcome in the new era.

Tonight is scheduled to be just under 7 miles -- but I do admit to feeling a bit lazy.

I must resist the temptation to sit and watch "Ashes to Ashes".

Oh what a fast and reckless life I lead!

**** STOP PRESS *****
10:06 pm, Just back from the gym having run 12km in 71 minutes - "Ashes to Ashes" recorded.
Feeling very virtuous

Ab Fab

No its not a reference to the state of my stomach muscles. Tonight is Fabio Cappello's first night in charge and I'm planning to meet up with the boys to witness the start of a new era.

But not before I've been to the gym and put in a shortish training session. Last night was a timed treadmill -- 50 minutes steady (8.45 km)

Unfortunately I seem to be coming down with a chest cold - unless the weather picks up I shall be doing more indoor sessions at the gym.

Back to Basics

After the bruising I got from the elements at the weekend decided to do some "warm weather" indoor training. If its good enough for Haile Gebrselassie is good enough for me!

6 miles in 53 minutes. After a initial improvement in times I don't appear to be getting progressively faster which is a little disappointing but its early days - still 67 days to go.

Special mention today for Bryn and the promotional offer at Radiance Health and Beauty 342 Kingston Road WimbledonSW20 8LR www.radiancehealthandbeauty.co.uk Ideal for Valentines pappering lads!

The Wall

It felt like the wheels had fallen off yesterday.

Decided to get up very early and go for the big one -- full half distance. So 6:20 am on Saturday 2nd February I gingerly stepped outside and started trudging towards the hill up to Wimbledon Common with The Killers blasting out so loud on the mp3 player that I thought my ears would start to bleed.

Within half an hour the batteries had gone flat and so by the time I had started the decent from Wimbledon Common down to Robin hood gate and the entrance to Richmond Park, I was all alone just me the dark and the mud.

After 2hrs 20 mins it was all over but the combination of the wind chill and the hills had really taken it out of me. Sunday should be a gentle warm down day but may think again and try and rest up, with a view to restoring confidence on Monday.

Have never felt quite so shattered. On the positive side though the fundraising continues to roll on and once again I am overwhemed by peoples generosity.

Hope the weather turns a little warmer. If not I shall switch to more indoor treadmill work -- I can't afford to come down with hyperthermia!

Bye Bye January

First up I've just checked and we are past the £1,000 mark --- Absolutely fantastic! Many thanks to you all for your generosity. Still a long way to go and I am beginning to run out of people to target so any ideas on fund raising much appreciated.

Back to training. Yesterday the weather was awful so decided to go to the gym and do a treadmill session, its a good way of accurately measuring speed and distance. 10 miles in 91 minutes. Its a bit sobering to thing thats not even half way!

Today is a scheduled rest day but I will be playing five-a-side footie with Jonny and the boys later in the evening (see if I can russle up a few extra pennies). Bit nervous about picking up a silly injury so will voluenteer to go in goal for a bit.

Tomorrow will be the weeks big one -- I'm planning to do a half marathon distance early in the morning. Wish me luck.

Fartlek

Hey I can speak Swedish !

Should be very handy when I next go to IKEA .......

Fartlek actually means "fast slow" or something like that. Its a posh name for interval training. So tonight was a gym session with 6 x 400 m sprints at 12.5kph with 200 m recoverys in between rounded up to 5km.

Not sure what I think of it to be honest but my training guru swears by it so there you go.

Off to put up that bookshelf up now that I can translate the instructions......

Another day another k

After yesterdays day of rest it was back to the grindstone - 8.6 miles (83 mins) in the dark around the streets of Morden. Thought about going up to Wimbledon Common but couldn't face the big hill so decided on a couple of laps round a street circuit. I need to mix up running on pavements with treadmill work and soft terrain. Tomorrow will be a fartlek session! I shall report back on how successful that is.

Rest Days

I like these :)

I am not a number I am a free man!

Well actually not quite -- I am number 34660.

Many Thanks to everyone who has donated so far -- its getting close to 50% of target. Please feel free to pass on my appeal to anyone that you know who many be able to support me.

Yesterday did 10 km in the gym (54:24) and today, due to family commitments on Sunday, was the weeks biggie.... twice round Richmond Park, with the second circuit cutting through the middle of Pen Ponds as the sun came up; 2 hours - legs feeling a bit sore so will take the opportunity of popping to gym and having a sauna later.

Philleas Fogg

My feet are really sore today - thankfully its a rest day. Yesterday did a short run through Hyde Park at lunchtime. Not looking forward to the next 3 days, especially the long run at the weekend.

Just under 80 days to go now. Given the option I would consider finding my own Passpertout and taking off.....

Sloane Square Shuffle

Its getting really difficult finding the time fitting in all this running around normal life and work. So today I hit on the idea of combining the daily commute with a training session. Jumped on a tube to Sloane Square then ran home along the Thames Path (a few interesting detours around Wandsworth) up to Putney, then up the hill (ouch) to Wimbledon Common and back home. Around about 9 miles or so -- 90 minutes.

Thanks to Jim Desmond for some top tips on keeping hydrated and suggestions for practice races in early March.

Special mention for the 5k Wimbledon Common Time Trial he organises every Saturday at 9 am - check it out at www.parkrun.com

Dawn at Richmond Park

Dark, Damp, Windy.......mercifully not that cold

Got to the gates at 6:45 and found them shut! Fortunately the pedestrian side entrance was open so let myself in and to the sounds of Led Zepellin (credit Glen) began to trudge round the cycle path in the pitch black.

Surprisingly didn't feel that bad, beautiful sunrise -- very grateful to find the public conveniances open at Ham Gate :)

Back at the car in 72 minutes. Bit of a shock when I saw my training schedule required a 100 minute run next Sunday!

T minus 85

About 2 days ago I did a very very stupid thing.......
I received an email offering a opportunity to run in the London Marathon. I'd been thinking of doing something like this for a while now but fortunately had been sensible enough to resist the temptation.

That changed on Thursday 17th January 2008
So now here I am with 85 days to go and £1,800 as a fundraising target. gulp!

I've been keeping up with some gentle running over Christmas but Ant sent me a proper training schedule. Yesterday I rolled my sleeves up and did 10km in 57:30 --- its a start.

Set up fundraising site and have had a fantastic initial response £330 --- Many thanks to everyone who is supporting me. Check it out on www.justgiving.com/henrykswiatek

Today is a rest day and tomorrow I'll try and run round Richmond Park as respect to Mickie boy :)