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!!
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Friday, 22 February 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
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 !
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 !
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Vaseline
Top tip ...
Otherwise its morning run 15 miles like Haile Gabresellasse, afternoon walk 15 metres like John Wayne !
Ouch
Otherwise its morning run 15 miles like Haile Gabresellasse, afternoon walk 15 metres like John Wayne !
Ouch
Friday, 15 February 2008
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
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
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
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 :)
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!
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!
Sunday, 10 February 2008
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 ....
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 ....
Thursday, 7 February 2008
"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
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
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, 3 February 2008
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!
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!
Friday, 1 February 2008
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.
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.
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