Sunday 21st of March 2010
Started the morning with two banana's, honey and milk whizzed up; along with isotonics and supplements.
Nice sunny morning in Lincoln, with a bit of a nip in the air. The Burnley clan arrive at Yarborough school two hours before the race is due to start in order to get parked.
We're one of the first there and take a stroll down to the start.
Looking at some of the people arriving, I'm feeling rather confident that I have nothing to worry about, and certainly won't be last.
From a man in a thong, to people in costumes and the forces well represented in full combats, plenty of shapes and sizes.
Stood on the line, I was bursting for the loo but had just gone 10 minutes earlier and decided it can wait for an hour.
11:00am and the siren goes for the Elite runners, slowly followed by the rest of us filtering through.
I shook my mate, Julian's hand and bid him a good race as he sped off into the distance. I started at a very steady pace good advice from others.
Running the first 3k was fairly easy and was passed by many people, but I wasn't worried about that as I'd probably catch many of them up later anyway. At the 4k mark someone was being carried into an ambulance, he could hardly stand so obviously trained hard.
At this point I was still going okay and passed the 5k & 6k markers; by this time I was really needing to go to the loo.
Just before the 7k marker a bloke in full combats and bergen passed me, fair play!! Just after that, 6 more blokes from the RAF in full combats passed me and were getting great support.
At this point,my legs were feeling really heavy and I started to get into a breathing rhythm.
If there was one thing that was hacking me off, it was a bloke running in jeans, jumper and a pair of market trainers that had been with me all the way and I couldn't get passed him; I did in the end.
Between 8k & 9k I stared to pass a some of the people who'd sped passed me at the start but the Lincoln Cathedral was now in sight and the finish line not far beyond.
On the last half mile, the crowd started to grow and I saw some friends along the way. Rounding the Cathedral, I ran on the path as the cobble stones were a nightmare.
As I ran through the arches, I was greeted by Mother & Father In-law followed by Mum screaming, flanked by Keith and family, but no Louise and kids in sight just yet.
The little rise up to the Castle was a blur and I crossed the finish line at 1 hour 6 minutes non-stop.
At this point all those long hours on the road in the cold nights of winter and on the treadmill when it snowed and pissed down with rain, all became worth it.
I filtered through the finish and sat on a bench for 5 minutes before heading out to meet Louise and the kids who'd been watching me come through on the big screen in The Lawn.
JOB DONE !!! And thanks to everyone who supported me and sponsored me. Hopefully around £500 raised all told.
I've now signed up for the Woodhall Spa 10k and looking to get back out on the road after a week's rest in order to allow my legs to recover and the stabbing pain in my right foot to get better.
Later Folks !
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Nearly There, Time To Join The Flash Gits
Well, it's been a real hard slog over the last three months and I've had some fantastic support from family, friends and work colleagues and so it's time for me to do my part of the bargain.
The last week has been fairly relaxed as I don't want to pick up any injuries before Sunday 21st as I want to be running in as best shape as I can be.
I've done two main runs now and have concentrated on time, and then distance.
Last week I ran steadily for 45 minutes at a steady pace and then last night I ran for 55 minutes and have felt the best I ever have whilst running.
I have a small niggle in my right foot so will lay off it now until the day; might get on the bike in order to take the weight off.
One funny thing that happened last night was that I thought we were going to have a Ronnie Corbett moment in the gym. I'm not sure whether the bloke was trying to catch me up or he couldn't work out which button was the increase or decrease button, but he kept getting faster and faster and nearly fell off - very, very funny.
At the moment I'm predicting that I've raised about £400 pounds; maybe a bit more, which is fantastic support and thanks to everyone who has dug deep.
So, until the day, I'll bid you all a good day and will prepare to look good amongst the flash gits on the starting line.
Look out for me - # 1305 - I'll have a white t-shirt on with my name and charity on the back.
Later Folks
The last week has been fairly relaxed as I don't want to pick up any injuries before Sunday 21st as I want to be running in as best shape as I can be.
I've done two main runs now and have concentrated on time, and then distance.
Last week I ran steadily for 45 minutes at a steady pace and then last night I ran for 55 minutes and have felt the best I ever have whilst running.
I have a small niggle in my right foot so will lay off it now until the day; might get on the bike in order to take the weight off.
One funny thing that happened last night was that I thought we were going to have a Ronnie Corbett moment in the gym. I'm not sure whether the bloke was trying to catch me up or he couldn't work out which button was the increase or decrease button, but he kept getting faster and faster and nearly fell off - very, very funny.
At the moment I'm predicting that I've raised about £400 pounds; maybe a bit more, which is fantastic support and thanks to everyone who has dug deep.
So, until the day, I'll bid you all a good day and will prepare to look good amongst the flash gits on the starting line.
Look out for me - # 1305 - I'll have a white t-shirt on with my name and charity on the back.
Later Folks
Saturday, 6 March 2010
10K - DONE - It's In The Bag - Just The Race To Do !!
Last Sunday ran my furthest distance to date at just over 5 1/2 miles from South Hykeham to Waddington. It was hard work and I felt really knackered, I also had to walk some of it - maybe too many Magners the night before didn't help.
I started on a new project at Morrisons in Bradford this week and will need to find a new road route which takes me places where I won't get mugged - I've been warned as a colleague got done at 4pm in broad daylight in the city centre; so it might have to be the treadmill in the week and road at weekends.
Anyway, I went into the gym on Tuesday and got cracking, I got up to 5k and felt really good so decided to push on and see if I could last the distance. A couple of flash gits came and went which made me feel even more determined.
Having listened to the same MTV songs three times over I thought I must be doing well. Got to 7k and the bloody treadmill went into cool down mode. So reminiscent of a scene from Mr Bean, I frantically tried to get it going again, with a couple of bad expletives and frantic button pressing, I was back up to speed.
I crack on and got passed the 10k mark and finished off at 10.30k - which deserved a "git in theeeya" - good job no-one else was in the gym.
Nothing on Wednesday as my legs were knackered. So just some light bar work ;-)
Thursday I got some new gear and joined the flash git club. Only one problem in that the new shorts were on a Medium hanger and when I put them on, thought "ooh, they're a bit tight, I've lost weight"
I got to 5k on the treadmill and had to stop, chafing. Took the shorts off only to find they were small, and I had a bit of plum damage 8-0.
On Friday I went for a deep tissue massage to sort my back out and today (Saturday) I feel like I've been back in the ring again. Hopefully it'll sort things out and the person who did it was great and explained everything that was happening.
Nothing doing today as it's Lou's 40th and so I'll get out on the road tomorrow and it's looking like a good day.
Have a good weekend.
Later Folks
I started on a new project at Morrisons in Bradford this week and will need to find a new road route which takes me places where I won't get mugged - I've been warned as a colleague got done at 4pm in broad daylight in the city centre; so it might have to be the treadmill in the week and road at weekends.
Anyway, I went into the gym on Tuesday and got cracking, I got up to 5k and felt really good so decided to push on and see if I could last the distance. A couple of flash gits came and went which made me feel even more determined.
Having listened to the same MTV songs three times over I thought I must be doing well. Got to 7k and the bloody treadmill went into cool down mode. So reminiscent of a scene from Mr Bean, I frantically tried to get it going again, with a couple of bad expletives and frantic button pressing, I was back up to speed.
I crack on and got passed the 10k mark and finished off at 10.30k - which deserved a "git in theeeya" - good job no-one else was in the gym.
Nothing on Wednesday as my legs were knackered. So just some light bar work ;-)
Thursday I got some new gear and joined the flash git club. Only one problem in that the new shorts were on a Medium hanger and when I put them on, thought "ooh, they're a bit tight, I've lost weight"
I got to 5k on the treadmill and had to stop, chafing. Took the shorts off only to find they were small, and I had a bit of plum damage 8-0.
On Friday I went for a deep tissue massage to sort my back out and today (Saturday) I feel like I've been back in the ring again. Hopefully it'll sort things out and the person who did it was great and explained everything that was happening.
Nothing doing today as it's Lou's 40th and so I'll get out on the road tomorrow and it's looking like a good day.
Have a good weekend.
Later Folks
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Painful - Very Very Painful
Well it's been an eventful week, with some great progress and the discovery of a watering hole that surpasses even the Hykeham Rugby Club's value for money - well one can't be good all of the time.
Last Sunday I managed to reach the four mile barrier with a run from home, up to the bridge on the A46 duel carriageway to Newark and back. When you drive it, it doesn't seem like two miles away but when you run it there and back, it bloody well does and it certainly feels like it. But do it I did and has to be the most boring run I've done to date; not made any better by some flash git zooming past me and muttering some words of encouragement - thanks mate, like I needed that.
Monday was a non starter as I decided after a long day that a Nandos was on the cards, only to walk past Wetherspoon's to see recession beer on for £1.30 a pint and thought Nandos can wait for another day - well it would've been mad not to.
Tuesday was a good run. I extended an already known route and ran roughly four miles and discovered some new sights in the centre of Southampton, least of all a skateboard park in the middle, but don't worry, I certainly won't be putting the knee and elbow pads on to give it a try, those days are well over.
Left it on Wednesday as it was throwing it down with rain and I didn't want to get my hair wet; a fair weather runner me; and there was a footy match on.
Thursday I only did a couple of miles just to keep my eye in.
Friday - Na!
Saturday I went out with the sole intention of seeing how close to six miles I could do by now and set off down Newark Road to The Forum, down Baildon, back up Hykeham Road, up Moor Lane and back home.
Well, whilst I didn't run all of the way as my hips were killing me, I certainly ran most of it and was absolutely knackered at the end of 5.25 miles.
Who'd have thought, only five weeks ago I could do any more than 200 yards, just shows what you can do when you put the effort in and I'm really pleased with results so far.
Also had a go on Wii Dance last night, pumping up the jam in three minutes is as knackering as a couple of miles, but a bloody good laugh though.
It's Sunday and the snow has graced us with its presence and put a dampener on the golf and any thoughts of a run, so a lazy day ahead and a couple of jars down the club with the lads this afternoon.
Onwards and upwards
Later Folks.
Last Sunday I managed to reach the four mile barrier with a run from home, up to the bridge on the A46 duel carriageway to Newark and back. When you drive it, it doesn't seem like two miles away but when you run it there and back, it bloody well does and it certainly feels like it. But do it I did and has to be the most boring run I've done to date; not made any better by some flash git zooming past me and muttering some words of encouragement - thanks mate, like I needed that.
Monday was a non starter as I decided after a long day that a Nandos was on the cards, only to walk past Wetherspoon's to see recession beer on for £1.30 a pint and thought Nandos can wait for another day - well it would've been mad not to.
Tuesday was a good run. I extended an already known route and ran roughly four miles and discovered some new sights in the centre of Southampton, least of all a skateboard park in the middle, but don't worry, I certainly won't be putting the knee and elbow pads on to give it a try, those days are well over.
Left it on Wednesday as it was throwing it down with rain and I didn't want to get my hair wet; a fair weather runner me; and there was a footy match on.
Thursday I only did a couple of miles just to keep my eye in.
Friday - Na!
Saturday I went out with the sole intention of seeing how close to six miles I could do by now and set off down Newark Road to The Forum, down Baildon, back up Hykeham Road, up Moor Lane and back home.
Well, whilst I didn't run all of the way as my hips were killing me, I certainly ran most of it and was absolutely knackered at the end of 5.25 miles.
Who'd have thought, only five weeks ago I could do any more than 200 yards, just shows what you can do when you put the effort in and I'm really pleased with results so far.
Also had a go on Wii Dance last night, pumping up the jam in three minutes is as knackering as a couple of miles, but a bloody good laugh though.
It's Sunday and the snow has graced us with its presence and put a dampener on the golf and any thoughts of a run, so a lazy day ahead and a couple of jars down the club with the lads this afternoon.
Onwards and upwards
Later Folks.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
In The Clearing Stands A Boxer
Well folks it's been a hotch potch of a fortnight which has put me behind by a week due to what appears to be a torn muscle on top of my scapular.
Heaven only knows how I've done it, I don't know? Maybe the last tip run complete with a cabinet to shift; who knows.
Anyway, last week saw me popping the Nurofen pills, which if I'm being honest hit me more in the pocket than did the slightest bit of difference; Asda's gain and my loss.
I didn't get out at all last week because of this and so just had to shuffle in my chair at night with some apple juice and the odd grape juice ;-)
This week however has been slightly different. I've still been in pain but not as much, and have been out twice in the last three days.
Monday was hard and all I had in my mind was the Simon & Garfunkel tune, "The Boxer" which helped me get round and I ran about 2 miles with a bit of puff on; and some abuse from people outside a pub having a fag - arseholes.
Tonight was a lot better and I got out to do about 5k (just over 3 miles) and felt great, I could've gone a bit further which I'll try next time.
I planned this route a little bit better and I tried some of the tips I'd been given, which was to try and stay off my heels and ensure that I hydrate with the liquid beforehand.
I've also been taking some cod liver oil and Centrum Performance tablets to put some good stuff in my body that I might not normally get.
So all in all it's been a lot better and I'm starting to make some real progressive goals.
In addition I've had some fantastic support from Hykeham Rugby Club and the folks have really dug deep to sponsor me; I may even have a fellow runner on the day.
And so onwards and upwards; a little pain in the ars-- back isn't going to stop me. If anyone else out there is training for one of these, good on you and good luck.
Anyone kind enough to sponsor me, the children of my charity will be very grateful I'm sure.
Later Folks
Heaven only knows how I've done it, I don't know? Maybe the last tip run complete with a cabinet to shift; who knows.
Anyway, last week saw me popping the Nurofen pills, which if I'm being honest hit me more in the pocket than did the slightest bit of difference; Asda's gain and my loss.
I didn't get out at all last week because of this and so just had to shuffle in my chair at night with some apple juice and the odd grape juice ;-)
This week however has been slightly different. I've still been in pain but not as much, and have been out twice in the last three days.
Monday was hard and all I had in my mind was the Simon & Garfunkel tune, "The Boxer" which helped me get round and I ran about 2 miles with a bit of puff on; and some abuse from people outside a pub having a fag - arseholes.
Tonight was a lot better and I got out to do about 5k (just over 3 miles) and felt great, I could've gone a bit further which I'll try next time.
I planned this route a little bit better and I tried some of the tips I'd been given, which was to try and stay off my heels and ensure that I hydrate with the liquid beforehand.
I've also been taking some cod liver oil and Centrum Performance tablets to put some good stuff in my body that I might not normally get.
So all in all it's been a lot better and I'm starting to make some real progressive goals.
In addition I've had some fantastic support from Hykeham Rugby Club and the folks have really dug deep to sponsor me; I may even have a fellow runner on the day.
And so onwards and upwards; a little pain in the ars-- back isn't going to stop me. If anyone else out there is training for one of these, good on you and good luck.
Anyone kind enough to sponsor me, the children of my charity will be very grateful I'm sure.
Later Folks
Sunday, 31 January 2010
It Was a Poor Performance And I Was Knackered
It's been a few days since my last entry and progress has been fairly good and I'm getting ever closer to reaching January's goal.
Monday saw me moving in to my new digs down in Southampton and so I needed to do a recce of the area to see where to run, where to eat, and importantly, where to go for a snifter.
And so Tuesday was the start of the week for me and I had a run along the coast road (if that's what you call it) and thought I'd done really well; that was until I came back and plotted the distance, only to find out it was only just over a couple of miles (rubbish).
Wednesday I went in the opposite direction and had to give up half way into the run as my legs were killing me. So I'm not sure whether it was my arthritis or lactic acid; either way it was a poor performance and I was knackered.
Thursday didn't happen as I had to drive home during the evening and didn't get home till 21:00pm.
Friday started off with me getting needle treatment again; more blood taken just for a change, and then after spending the rest of the day reading documents, I went out for a run.
I notched up four miles but didn't run it all; probably about 3/4's.
The main thing is that I'm over half way and to many, it might not be too far, but for me, it's good enough at this stage.
Saturday didn't happen but a day off doesn't hurt. A few good things to come out was that I've lost nearly a stone in weight and managed a couple of swift ones down the club.
I also took down a sponsor form as I've had some great support from friends down the club and many were very keen to sponsor me.
I also invested in some vitamin tablets and sports performance powder to help counteract the effects of lactic acid; let's see if it works as I've never used anything like this before.
Sunday morning and I've woken up with a sore back and shoulder so I'm not sure if today will be a loss also. Having said that, I've got an early start at work tomorrow and it looks like I'm going to have to drive down to Southampton this afternoon.
Monday saw me moving in to my new digs down in Southampton and so I needed to do a recce of the area to see where to run, where to eat, and importantly, where to go for a snifter.
And so Tuesday was the start of the week for me and I had a run along the coast road (if that's what you call it) and thought I'd done really well; that was until I came back and plotted the distance, only to find out it was only just over a couple of miles (rubbish).
Wednesday I went in the opposite direction and had to give up half way into the run as my legs were killing me. So I'm not sure whether it was my arthritis or lactic acid; either way it was a poor performance and I was knackered.
Thursday didn't happen as I had to drive home during the evening and didn't get home till 21:00pm.
Friday started off with me getting needle treatment again; more blood taken just for a change, and then after spending the rest of the day reading documents, I went out for a run.
I notched up four miles but didn't run it all; probably about 3/4's.
The main thing is that I'm over half way and to many, it might not be too far, but for me, it's good enough at this stage.
Saturday didn't happen but a day off doesn't hurt. A few good things to come out was that I've lost nearly a stone in weight and managed a couple of swift ones down the club.
I also took down a sponsor form as I've had some great support from friends down the club and many were very keen to sponsor me.
I also invested in some vitamin tablets and sports performance powder to help counteract the effects of lactic acid; let's see if it works as I've never used anything like this before.
Sunday morning and I've woken up with a sore back and shoulder so I'm not sure if today will be a loss also. Having said that, I've got an early start at work tomorrow and it looks like I'm going to have to drive down to Southampton this afternoon.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Been a few days since my last post and a few things have happened.
Thursday, it was important for me to get into the gym at a decent time in order to get a good session in. Well, I got in there but it was far from a good session - I lasted about 15 minutes on the tread mill and was knackered; maybe over doing it a bit too much, so I got on the bike and did another 15 minutes to get a good sweat on and the blood pumping.
I followed it by a good steam in the sauna and felt really knackered for the first time in a few days.
Food for the night consisted of a ham and chicken salad with some crayfish tails on the side - which was just right as I couldn't hack anything heavy.
The funny thing was, was that when I went to the bar for a diet coke, the girl behind the bar asked me if I'd been for a run; state the blummin obvious. Anyway, stayed off the sauce all week and stuck to green tea, diet coke and diet Irn Bru (2 calories for 250ml), run that off in 10 minutes easy and a lot quicker that 250 - 300 calories per pint of beer.
Friday was a non starter as some shite called a 14:30 meeting which went on for an hour meaning I didn't leave Southampton till about 16:00 and got stuck in all of the rush hour traffic from Winchester to Newark - 4 1/2 sodding hours in the car, in the fog and rain.
Saturday morning - had to go for a scan as I've been feeling ill every time I eat something and my bloods had shown up a high liver count. The results showed that everything was okay, everything is still where it should be inside, no gaul stones, liver is perfectly okay and the conclusion is that it was a mixture of booze over Christmas mixed with all of the antibiotics and injections I've had recently. Also staying off the booze for long periods has helped heal any problems; fingers crossed.
So for training. Unfortunately I had to fast for my scan and so had nothing inside me before I went for my run.
Finn in tow, I set off over the memorial field North Hykeham, over to the yachting lake and followed round the outside to the by-pass and back again; all-in-all about 2 1/2 miles.
Not much, but just enough to work up a sweat and it was the first time I'd ran outside since starting this, and to be honest I found it a lot easier than running on the treadmill. Maybe the fresh air and not so hot and oppressive heat you get in a gym.
If I learned one thing about yesterday's run, it was that Jack Russell's prefer to be chasing rabbits rather than running round a lake, and don't take the blindest bit of notice of you when sniffing a bush is more important than keeping up a good pace.
I was a little naughty in that I went down the club for some cheeky apple juice yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it too. And the other bonus is that having spent so much time off the sauce, you feel quite light headed after a few pints, which saves on the pocket.
Anyway, enough for now.
Later Folks
Thursday, it was important for me to get into the gym at a decent time in order to get a good session in. Well, I got in there but it was far from a good session - I lasted about 15 minutes on the tread mill and was knackered; maybe over doing it a bit too much, so I got on the bike and did another 15 minutes to get a good sweat on and the blood pumping.
I followed it by a good steam in the sauna and felt really knackered for the first time in a few days.
Food for the night consisted of a ham and chicken salad with some crayfish tails on the side - which was just right as I couldn't hack anything heavy.
The funny thing was, was that when I went to the bar for a diet coke, the girl behind the bar asked me if I'd been for a run; state the blummin obvious. Anyway, stayed off the sauce all week and stuck to green tea, diet coke and diet Irn Bru (2 calories for 250ml), run that off in 10 minutes easy and a lot quicker that 250 - 300 calories per pint of beer.
Friday was a non starter as some shite called a 14:30 meeting which went on for an hour meaning I didn't leave Southampton till about 16:00 and got stuck in all of the rush hour traffic from Winchester to Newark - 4 1/2 sodding hours in the car, in the fog and rain.
Saturday morning - had to go for a scan as I've been feeling ill every time I eat something and my bloods had shown up a high liver count. The results showed that everything was okay, everything is still where it should be inside, no gaul stones, liver is perfectly okay and the conclusion is that it was a mixture of booze over Christmas mixed with all of the antibiotics and injections I've had recently. Also staying off the booze for long periods has helped heal any problems; fingers crossed.
So for training. Unfortunately I had to fast for my scan and so had nothing inside me before I went for my run.
Finn in tow, I set off over the memorial field North Hykeham, over to the yachting lake and followed round the outside to the by-pass and back again; all-in-all about 2 1/2 miles.
Not much, but just enough to work up a sweat and it was the first time I'd ran outside since starting this, and to be honest I found it a lot easier than running on the treadmill. Maybe the fresh air and not so hot and oppressive heat you get in a gym.
If I learned one thing about yesterday's run, it was that Jack Russell's prefer to be chasing rabbits rather than running round a lake, and don't take the blindest bit of notice of you when sniffing a bush is more important than keeping up a good pace.
I was a little naughty in that I went down the club for some cheeky apple juice yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it too. And the other bonus is that having spent so much time off the sauce, you feel quite light headed after a few pints, which saves on the pocket.
Anyway, enough for now.
Later Folks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
