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.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
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
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
I learnt that lesson after my spell in intensive care in 2008.
Well ! What a few days it's been !
Spent the weekend at work, you expect to get finished about 3 or 4 pm Saturday and Sunday - No chance; didn't finish till gone 7pm and so the last thing on my mind was to hit the gym; more like the bar instead.
I was good though, no more than four pints on either night and off to bed.
Monday was much of the same but only had two pints so a couple of quid in the kids kitty, who cares, I needed it.
Last night, still a late night but had to get into the gym before the football started so managed 20minutes on the cross-trainer and 10 minutes on the bike. Couldn't get on the treadmill as they were all full.
Last night's meal was a small piece of steak, three spuds, a slice of carrot, a slice of courgette and a few green beans; all washed down with some diet coke.
Tonight turned out to be another bloody late one; left at 7:30pm - need to sort this crap out as my training plan is suffering and my health and goals are as important as work; I learnt that lesson after my spell in intensive care in 2008.
So, hit the tread mill tonight and my goal was to increase the speed, run for 40minutes non-stop without worrying about distance. I need to be able to sustain running now and start building a constant pace in order to get up to my goal in the next four weeks.
Food was a light ham and chicken salad; didn't look much on the plate but it's filled my little stomach up.
So goal for tomorrow is to leave at a proper time, increase my running to 50minutes followed by a nice roast in the sauna, followed by a nice light meal.
Goal going forward is to try more ways of trying to get sponsorship to add to the two very kind donations I've had so far for this very worthy cause.
One good thing to come out of this weekend is that I think I've managed to maintain my weight loss and haven't put it back on with a few beers.
Later Folks
Spent the weekend at work, you expect to get finished about 3 or 4 pm Saturday and Sunday - No chance; didn't finish till gone 7pm and so the last thing on my mind was to hit the gym; more like the bar instead.
I was good though, no more than four pints on either night and off to bed.
Monday was much of the same but only had two pints so a couple of quid in the kids kitty, who cares, I needed it.
Last night, still a late night but had to get into the gym before the football started so managed 20minutes on the cross-trainer and 10 minutes on the bike. Couldn't get on the treadmill as they were all full.
Last night's meal was a small piece of steak, three spuds, a slice of carrot, a slice of courgette and a few green beans; all washed down with some diet coke.
Tonight turned out to be another bloody late one; left at 7:30pm - need to sort this crap out as my training plan is suffering and my health and goals are as important as work; I learnt that lesson after my spell in intensive care in 2008.
So, hit the tread mill tonight and my goal was to increase the speed, run for 40minutes non-stop without worrying about distance. I need to be able to sustain running now and start building a constant pace in order to get up to my goal in the next four weeks.
Food was a light ham and chicken salad; didn't look much on the plate but it's filled my little stomach up.
So goal for tomorrow is to leave at a proper time, increase my running to 50minutes followed by a nice roast in the sauna, followed by a nice light meal.
Goal going forward is to try more ways of trying to get sponsorship to add to the two very kind donations I've had so far for this very worthy cause.
One good thing to come out of this weekend is that I think I've managed to maintain my weight loss and haven't put it back on with a few beers.
Later Folks
Thursday, 14 January 2010
I Hit My First Major Milestone
It's been a great day today; early start, good breakfast, same as usual and that predictable, the hotel staff just go and get it without asking; well the toast and green tea anyway, and a good stressless start to work.
I haven't had any booze since last Saturday and starting to fall off to sleep a lot quicker and having deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Not bad, it's only taken nearly three weeks since almost cutting out drink in order to get a good nights kip.
Anyway, dinner consisted of ham, gherkin and piccalilli baguette with some Go biscuits and green tea.
Finished work quite late but hasn't dampened the need to get in gym. So, with that, in I went with the full intention of having an easy night on the cross-trainer but they were all full, as were the bikes, so treadmill it was again.
Not sure what I wanted to achieve, I decided a mixture between jogging and fast walking. So I ran a kilometre and walked 1/2 a kilometre.
And, for the first time, I hit my first major milestone which was the 5k mark which I'm over the moon about and feel the db's as a result.
With a hard week's workouts behind me I jumped on the scales and have gone from 11s 2lbs down to 10st 7lbs - where has it gone, I have no idea as my love cushion still looks as big as ever, so I can only think it's disappeared from my arse.
Hey ho! So after a large chicken salad and some diet coke, time to turn in.
Later Folks.
I haven't had any booze since last Saturday and starting to fall off to sleep a lot quicker and having deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Not bad, it's only taken nearly three weeks since almost cutting out drink in order to get a good nights kip.
Anyway, dinner consisted of ham, gherkin and piccalilli baguette with some Go biscuits and green tea.
Finished work quite late but hasn't dampened the need to get in gym. So, with that, in I went with the full intention of having an easy night on the cross-trainer but they were all full, as were the bikes, so treadmill it was again.
Not sure what I wanted to achieve, I decided a mixture between jogging and fast walking. So I ran a kilometre and walked 1/2 a kilometre.
And, for the first time, I hit my first major milestone which was the 5k mark which I'm over the moon about and feel the db's as a result.
With a hard week's workouts behind me I jumped on the scales and have gone from 11s 2lbs down to 10st 7lbs - where has it gone, I have no idea as my love cushion still looks as big as ever, so I can only think it's disappeared from my arse.
Hey ho! So after a large chicken salad and some diet coke, time to turn in.
Later Folks.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Some Flash Git Next To Me
Woke up to a good old dusting of the white stuff again this morning, so a good hearty breakfast was required. I've stuck to the same breakfast for the last two weeks;
Yoghurt, Almonds, Honey, Melon, pink grapefruit, pomegranate juice, green tea, mushrooms, white toast and grilled bacon.
After swapping the snow and ice for a nice warm office, and another large green tea, a day of metrics, spreadsheets and meetings made for a rather short and swift day.
And so into the gym. My aim by the end of this week is to get as close to half way through the 10k distance by running alone on the treadmill, as I'm buggered if I'm running on snow and ice.
I've covered more distance tonight by running alone, than I have for over at least 5 years.
I managed 4k - about 2 1/2 miles, which doesn't sound a lot at all to every day joggers, but trust me, for me it was a killer; and I sweated like a fat bird at the weigh in.
My ankle stood up tonight so hopefully on the mend, the main problems I had were the arthritis in my hips and some flash git next to me who would have given 'Bolt' a run for his money but was knackered in a couple of minutes; that'll teach him to try and impress the chicks.
So plan for tomorrow is light exercise on the cross trainer and a swim, with Friday being a good go at running 5k +.
Anyway, look after yourselves and feel free to sponsor me if you think what I'm doing is worth a few spondoolies for a great cause.
Later Folks.
Yoghurt, Almonds, Honey, Melon, pink grapefruit, pomegranate juice, green tea, mushrooms, white toast and grilled bacon.
After swapping the snow and ice for a nice warm office, and another large green tea, a day of metrics, spreadsheets and meetings made for a rather short and swift day.
And so into the gym. My aim by the end of this week is to get as close to half way through the 10k distance by running alone on the treadmill, as I'm buggered if I'm running on snow and ice.
I've covered more distance tonight by running alone, than I have for over at least 5 years.
I managed 4k - about 2 1/2 miles, which doesn't sound a lot at all to every day joggers, but trust me, for me it was a killer; and I sweated like a fat bird at the weigh in.
My ankle stood up tonight so hopefully on the mend, the main problems I had were the arthritis in my hips and some flash git next to me who would have given 'Bolt' a run for his money but was knackered in a couple of minutes; that'll teach him to try and impress the chicks.
So plan for tomorrow is light exercise on the cross trainer and a swim, with Friday being a good go at running 5k +.
Anyway, look after yourselves and feel free to sponsor me if you think what I'm doing is worth a few spondoolies for a great cause.
Later Folks.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Tom, Dick and Something Ridiculous
As the snow started to fall earlier this evening, bodies emptied from the office like Facebookers desperate to see what hapless woes have befallen their compadres over the last eight hours; to see who has set the record for becoming a fan of just about every tom, dick and something ridiculous - I was amongst them.
The gym beckoned, but not before I could work out which bloody door was the one for the stairs to the car park - I looked like someone casing the joint with my hoody on and scarf wrapped around my face like monsieur chavtastic. But find it I did and time to hit the treader.
I've had some real problems with a painful achilles and decided to start on the bike. I completed just over 10k at a fairly rapid pace in order to get the heart working and blood pumping; needless to say I was puffing like a 'good un'.
I followed this up with an attempt to run on the treadmill which failed miserably and I couldn't even manage 1k before the pain was too much.
Undeterred, I decided that I'd done enough and had 10 minutes in the Sauna; and followed this up with two glasses of diet coke, carpaccio of beef and a plate of pan fried chicken and veg that was enough for me but a bloody good job I'm not a fat lad ;-)
Anyway, I'm going on the cross trainer tomorrow night in order to try and relieve any impact damage on my ankle that running could do and see how it goes.
Be careful in the next wave of bad weather
Later Folks
The gym beckoned, but not before I could work out which bloody door was the one for the stairs to the car park - I looked like someone casing the joint with my hoody on and scarf wrapped around my face like monsieur chavtastic. But find it I did and time to hit the treader.
I've had some real problems with a painful achilles and decided to start on the bike. I completed just over 10k at a fairly rapid pace in order to get the heart working and blood pumping; needless to say I was puffing like a 'good un'.
I followed this up with an attempt to run on the treadmill which failed miserably and I couldn't even manage 1k before the pain was too much.
Undeterred, I decided that I'd done enough and had 10 minutes in the Sauna; and followed this up with two glasses of diet coke, carpaccio of beef and a plate of pan fried chicken and veg that was enough for me but a bloody good job I'm not a fat lad ;-)
Anyway, I'm going on the cross trainer tomorrow night in order to try and relieve any impact damage on my ankle that running could do and see how it goes.
Be careful in the next wave of bad weather
Later Folks
Monday, 11 January 2010
A Cheap Dig
Well, it's been a steady and relaxing weekend with little or no action. The weather hasn't helped much and neither did Finn when, after getting done up to face the elements, I couldn't drag him any further than about a mile.
I took the opportunity to break my booze fast (lasted 10 days) and had about 6 units in total, which is pitiful given previous performances, but I just didn't fancy it.
One thing that miffed me a bit over the weekend was that someone (they know who they are) had a cheap dig at what I'm trying to achieve here, but what I'd say to that person is think about fitness, health and ability, and then compare who is working the hardest to achieve something here.
Having a cheap dig is all well and good, and I'm always up for some banter; but compare like for like, or come and live in my world and see how hard it is or how long you'd last. It may not have been meant with any malice, but that's the way it came across. (rant over) :-/
Anyway, back down to Southampton today and a late finish at work meant I had to ditch the swimming.
Therefore I managed 6 kilometres on the treadmill, which doesn't sound a lot but it's two and a half more than I managed last week, which I'm really pleased about.
I didn't run, but walked as fast as I could without running; that will happen later in the week.
I'm looking forward to knuckling down again this week, especially as I'm down here for the next two weeks and so, can concentrate on getting as close to the 10k as possible for the first time.
Take care
Later Folks
I took the opportunity to break my booze fast (lasted 10 days) and had about 6 units in total, which is pitiful given previous performances, but I just didn't fancy it.
One thing that miffed me a bit over the weekend was that someone (they know who they are) had a cheap dig at what I'm trying to achieve here, but what I'd say to that person is think about fitness, health and ability, and then compare who is working the hardest to achieve something here.
Having a cheap dig is all well and good, and I'm always up for some banter; but compare like for like, or come and live in my world and see how hard it is or how long you'd last. It may not have been meant with any malice, but that's the way it came across. (rant over) :-/
Anyway, back down to Southampton today and a late finish at work meant I had to ditch the swimming.
Therefore I managed 6 kilometres on the treadmill, which doesn't sound a lot but it's two and a half more than I managed last week, which I'm really pleased about.
I didn't run, but walked as fast as I could without running; that will happen later in the week.
I'm looking forward to knuckling down again this week, especially as I'm down here for the next two weeks and so, can concentrate on getting as close to the 10k as possible for the first time.
Take care
Later Folks
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Zzzzzz!!! - Come On Then Channel 4
Well what to say today? It's been a long and cold drag.
I've had constant pain in my right ankle all day, and so to do any training tonight, may have made it worse.
So other than a gentle hobble over to Asda for some diet Irn Bru and Go Ahead biscuits, I've taken the chance to rest for a day.
Which has given me a chance to issue Channel 4 with a challenge; and that's to these so called food and exercise boffins to ignore the easy 9>5 eaters who want to, and can, drop a dress size or inches off their waist. To stop stating the bloody obvious and to come and spend a few weeks with me and my office waller colleagues who eat in hotels and restaurants all week, to see if their easy results programmes work on us. Will I get a reply? I doubt it.
A great result for me today is that I'm still off the booze and well into my second week. What's more is that I have an appetite back for three square meals a day and that I've been needing my alarm clock in order to wake up.
Something that's been a killer over the last two weeks is trying to sleep without a drop of apple juice to help the process; know what I mean.
However, remembering back to the days when I use to step into the ring; exercise, goals and booze have a habit of clashing; let's see how long it lasts. ;-)
Anyway, let's hope the snow stays off long enough for me to get home tomorrow for a brisk walk.
Later Folks
I've had constant pain in my right ankle all day, and so to do any training tonight, may have made it worse.
So other than a gentle hobble over to Asda for some diet Irn Bru and Go Ahead biscuits, I've taken the chance to rest for a day.
Which has given me a chance to issue Channel 4 with a challenge; and that's to these so called food and exercise boffins to ignore the easy 9>5 eaters who want to, and can, drop a dress size or inches off their waist. To stop stating the bloody obvious and to come and spend a few weeks with me and my office waller colleagues who eat in hotels and restaurants all week, to see if their easy results programmes work on us. Will I get a reply? I doubt it.
A great result for me today is that I'm still off the booze and well into my second week. What's more is that I have an appetite back for three square meals a day and that I've been needing my alarm clock in order to wake up.
Something that's been a killer over the last two weeks is trying to sleep without a drop of apple juice to help the process; know what I mean.
However, remembering back to the days when I use to step into the ring; exercise, goals and booze have a habit of clashing; let's see how long it lasts. ;-)
Anyway, let's hope the snow stays off long enough for me to get home tomorrow for a brisk walk.
Later Folks
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
4lbs - WHAT!!!! NEVER!!!
The day started with a fair covering of the white stuff and there was no way I was driving to work and so there was no choice but to walk it.
Would've been a 6 mile trip, only, it turned out to be one way; so a three mile trek with a laptop bag certainly gave the body an early workout in order to burn off the bacon butty and Earl Grey.
During the day, I've been suffering badly with a very painful achilles on my right ankle and so decided that I would rub in some ibuprofen to try and ease it and strap it up before hitting the gym.
No chance of doing a run tonight and therefore 13k on the bike was just the job; still knackered after it.
Anyway then I did the wrong thing; I weighed myself. Now, either theirs, mine or the doctors scales are wrong as it says I've put on 4lbs - WHAT!!!! NEVER!!!
I thought staying off the drink, eating well and exercising was supposed to lose a few pounds; need to get to the bottom of this over the weekend.
Anyway, had all good intentions for a swim but managed 5 mins in the sauna and a slow walk back to the shower.
Not a lot doing today, so hopefully the pain in my ankle will ease and I can give the running a go again tomorrow.
Stay safe in the snow and ice.
Later Folks
Would've been a 6 mile trip, only, it turned out to be one way; so a three mile trek with a laptop bag certainly gave the body an early workout in order to burn off the bacon butty and Earl Grey.
During the day, I've been suffering badly with a very painful achilles on my right ankle and so decided that I would rub in some ibuprofen to try and ease it and strap it up before hitting the gym.
No chance of doing a run tonight and therefore 13k on the bike was just the job; still knackered after it.
Anyway then I did the wrong thing; I weighed myself. Now, either theirs, mine or the doctors scales are wrong as it says I've put on 4lbs - WHAT!!!! NEVER!!!
I thought staying off the drink, eating well and exercising was supposed to lose a few pounds; need to get to the bottom of this over the weekend.
Anyway, had all good intentions for a swim but managed 5 mins in the sauna and a slow walk back to the shower.
Not a lot doing today, so hopefully the pain in my ankle will ease and I can give the running a go again tomorrow.
Stay safe in the snow and ice.
Later Folks
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
F5 Refresh Against The Snow
As talk of the impending blizzard swept through the office, the Met Office's website was brought to a grinding halt as terminal after terminal groaned at the amount of times the F5 key was pressed in order to see the immortal word - "falling"; that was the "Q" to do a runner in a bid to get home before the blizzard came.
Include me in that group, I wanted back to the hotel in order to get into the gym, as tonight was my first attempt at running any further than I would for last orders at the bar.
Staring at the lights outside the office, someone happened to shout "it's snowing" and with that, the Trumptonites departed in their droves, including me.
Not long after an email came through with my race confirmation and my number - 1305
So into the gym I fell, literally, and did that kind of walk up to the reception that hoped no one saw me, asking for my towel and a cup for the water machine.
I managed a 40 minute session on the treadmill with a combination of walking and running; distance was about 3 1/2 kilometres. Not very far given the time, but time wasn't my aim, it was to be able to run any further than about 100/150 yards without stopping; and I'm happy I achieved that.
Only problems I had were in my left leg, hip and ankle which hurt and burned like hell, so I just slowed it down to a walk until it wore off and then moved back up to a jog.
I followed this by 10 minutes in the steam room in order to relax a bit, and I'll give it another go tomorrow.
Other achievements today are that I resisted Bulmers in the hotel and Aspell in the pub; still alcohol free and feeling a damn site better for it.
Be careful in the snow; we've got bucket loads down here tonight.
Later Folks
Include me in that group, I wanted back to the hotel in order to get into the gym, as tonight was my first attempt at running any further than I would for last orders at the bar.
Staring at the lights outside the office, someone happened to shout "it's snowing" and with that, the Trumptonites departed in their droves, including me.
Not long after an email came through with my race confirmation and my number - 1305
So into the gym I fell, literally, and did that kind of walk up to the reception that hoped no one saw me, asking for my towel and a cup for the water machine.
I managed a 40 minute session on the treadmill with a combination of walking and running; distance was about 3 1/2 kilometres. Not very far given the time, but time wasn't my aim, it was to be able to run any further than about 100/150 yards without stopping; and I'm happy I achieved that.
Only problems I had were in my left leg, hip and ankle which hurt and burned like hell, so I just slowed it down to a walk until it wore off and then moved back up to a jog.
I followed this by 10 minutes in the steam room in order to relax a bit, and I'll give it another go tomorrow.
Other achievements today are that I resisted Bulmers in the hotel and Aspell in the pub; still alcohol free and feeling a damn site better for it.
Be careful in the snow; we've got bucket loads down here tonight.
Later Folks
Monday, 4 January 2010
Up Hill On Me Pushy
Steady day today, and I hear Finn is rather pleased that he only had to walk around the lakes.
Well, back to work it is and had to drive down to Southampton to start at a new client, Kingfisher Group (B&Q and Screwfix).
Concerned that I didn't know the area and whether it would be safe to walk or run the surrounding roads, luckily the hotel has a gym and pool.
So that's where today's events took place and I managed 20 minutes hill climbing on the pushy and 10 minutes in the pool.
That was more than enough; in fact it was more knackering than the four mile walk with the dog.
So it looks like the scene is set for the week, and tomorrow I'm going to give running a go. A little nervous that I may look a bit of a idiot if I can't do any more than a five minute sesh, but then there's always some stretching routines to do to look pro ;-) and I could dab some water on my bald patch to look like I've been busy.
Later Folks
Well, back to work it is and had to drive down to Southampton to start at a new client, Kingfisher Group (B&Q and Screwfix).
Concerned that I didn't know the area and whether it would be safe to walk or run the surrounding roads, luckily the hotel has a gym and pool.
So that's where today's events took place and I managed 20 minutes hill climbing on the pushy and 10 minutes in the pool.
That was more than enough; in fact it was more knackering than the four mile walk with the dog.
So it looks like the scene is set for the week, and tomorrow I'm going to give running a go. A little nervous that I may look a bit of a idiot if I can't do any more than a five minute sesh, but then there's always some stretching routines to do to look pro ;-) and I could dab some water on my bald patch to look like I've been busy.
Later Folks
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Day 3 - Brisk Walk - One Man, His Dog And The Missus
Day 3 in the House - Oops, sorry that starts tonight - even more reason to get out and exercise.
Anyway - Up nice and early this morning for a light breakfast, well about 10:30am anyway.
Looked out only to see Jack had done his bit in the night again - frost on the ground - but Lou was up early as she's joining the expedition party with Finn and I.
Still not ready to run just yet, it was time to get trussed up like Scott of The Antarctic; more layers than puff pastry.
Decided on a similar route, only a little further today, and resisted putting Finn in his Arsenal top; don't want to draw any attention; Lou not happy.
Headed off out of Hazel Close and the estate and down Newark Road, Finn hasn't quite grasped that this is supposed to be a brisk walk rather than a trot followed be a stop at every lamp post; slight encouragement sorted that out.
Past Moor Lane and Hathersage Avenue, pressed on to Dore Avenue; at this point my arthritis is giving me some real jip in both hips and my back is aching; also nearly went arse over tit on the ice which gave Lou some cause for concern.
Traversed Door Avenue and headed back up Lincoln Road towards Moor Lane.
Saw Mr Brown on the way, out for a morning stroll with the pooch, a good chance for a brief respite.
Headed back up through the Mill Moor estate and hobbling badly at this point, but onwards and upwards; the thought of dinner on the table was in the nostrils, as was the smell of real coal fires - nice and toasty.
Anyway, pressed on passed the Fox and Hounds, not a veer in sight; I've been off the sauce for nearly a week now and feeling good; and so is my wallet.
Finn has a trot on now as he knows he's on the home stretch, not long after, we arrive back at Hazel Close.
Apart from sore limbs, a sore back and a knackered dog, all three arrive back safe and sound, Man Utd are one nil down and now time for some Sunday afternoon chilli con carne.
The test will really start tomorrow when I start back to work in Southampton and have to find a new route or a gym.
Something you may be able to help with is advising the best way to sooth an aching back and legs? Please advise via comments.
Later Folks
Anyway - Up nice and early this morning for a light breakfast, well about 10:30am anyway.
Looked out only to see Jack had done his bit in the night again - frost on the ground - but Lou was up early as she's joining the expedition party with Finn and I.
Still not ready to run just yet, it was time to get trussed up like Scott of The Antarctic; more layers than puff pastry.
Decided on a similar route, only a little further today, and resisted putting Finn in his Arsenal top; don't want to draw any attention; Lou not happy.
Headed off out of Hazel Close and the estate and down Newark Road, Finn hasn't quite grasped that this is supposed to be a brisk walk rather than a trot followed be a stop at every lamp post; slight encouragement sorted that out.
Past Moor Lane and Hathersage Avenue, pressed on to Dore Avenue; at this point my arthritis is giving me some real jip in both hips and my back is aching; also nearly went arse over tit on the ice which gave Lou some cause for concern.
Traversed Door Avenue and headed back up Lincoln Road towards Moor Lane.
Saw Mr Brown on the way, out for a morning stroll with the pooch, a good chance for a brief respite.
Headed back up through the Mill Moor estate and hobbling badly at this point, but onwards and upwards; the thought of dinner on the table was in the nostrils, as was the smell of real coal fires - nice and toasty.
Anyway, pressed on passed the Fox and Hounds, not a veer in sight; I've been off the sauce for nearly a week now and feeling good; and so is my wallet.
Finn has a trot on now as he knows he's on the home stretch, not long after, we arrive back at Hazel Close.
Apart from sore limbs, a sore back and a knackered dog, all three arrive back safe and sound, Man Utd are one nil down and now time for some Sunday afternoon chilli con carne.
The test will really start tomorrow when I start back to work in Southampton and have to find a new route or a gym.
Something you may be able to help with is advising the best way to sooth an aching back and legs? Please advise via comments.
Later Folks
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Day 2 and had my arse hanging out of the under stairs cupboard to try and find anything that resembled a pair of running shoes and found my Nike Air's that I use to train in, and they still had their laces in.
Light breakfast of tea and crumpets (the toasted sort ;-p), followed by a look out of the window to see it snowing - great!! Never mind, it has to be done.
After shipping the kids out, decided a strong walk to start off with would probably be best, so plotted a 4 mile round trip to kick things off.
Kitted out looking more like someone going skiing rather than preparing for a 10K, I set off with Finn the dog and it was more like the blind leading the blind - Finn is partially sighted.
My arthritis started givin me some jip in my right hip and I could hear "stop being a wuss" in my head and caried on.
At the turn (Asda), the snow started coming down and my bins needed some rainX on them, not that I was going too fast, but getting piss wet through.
Heading up Lincoln Road, Finn decided he'd had enough but was gently dragged along (no animals were harmed in this) as we were too far from home and I wasn't carrying him from here.
Up Mill Lane and over the fields I realised that I had too many layers on and was starting to get rather sweaty, and my right achilles was starting to give me some agro; never mind.
I also started to get a stitch, strangely it was on the wrong side, opposite to where I had all of the surgery.
Onto Newark Road and Finn knew he was on the home stretch, started to gently drag me along (no humans were harmed in this).
I entered the house to a "look at the bloody state of him, you can get him cleaned up; and take your trainers off" - never mind - "how did you do love" - I also got "you haven't done that in a while have you dear hehe".
Well, time for some scran and out tonight for some fruit juice and a game of snooker.
Later Folks
Light breakfast of tea and crumpets (the toasted sort ;-p), followed by a look out of the window to see it snowing - great!! Never mind, it has to be done.
After shipping the kids out, decided a strong walk to start off with would probably be best, so plotted a 4 mile round trip to kick things off.
Kitted out looking more like someone going skiing rather than preparing for a 10K, I set off with Finn the dog and it was more like the blind leading the blind - Finn is partially sighted.
My arthritis started givin me some jip in my right hip and I could hear "stop being a wuss" in my head and caried on.
At the turn (Asda), the snow started coming down and my bins needed some rainX on them, not that I was going too fast, but getting piss wet through.
Heading up Lincoln Road, Finn decided he'd had enough but was gently dragged along (no animals were harmed in this) as we were too far from home and I wasn't carrying him from here.
Up Mill Lane and over the fields I realised that I had too many layers on and was starting to get rather sweaty, and my right achilles was starting to give me some agro; never mind.
I also started to get a stitch, strangely it was on the wrong side, opposite to where I had all of the surgery.
Onto Newark Road and Finn knew he was on the home stretch, started to gently drag me along (no humans were harmed in this).
I entered the house to a "look at the bloody state of him, you can get him cleaned up; and take your trainers off" - never mind - "how did you do love" - I also got "you haven't done that in a while have you dear hehe".
Well, time for some scran and out tonight for some fruit juice and a game of snooker.
Later Folks
Friday, 1 January 2010
1st January 2010 and I apply for the Lincoln 10k to be run on the 21st of March - that's not far away at all !
I've chosen my charity, http://www.forceschildrenstrust.org/ - looking after children who've lost a parent in conflict or the Armed Forces.
I've created a donations site, www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Burnley
It's possible that I may have some other runners who might take up the same charity which would be great.
And what's brilliant is that as well as a lot of wishes of good luck, I also have my first donation which means there's no turning back now.
I also got in the car to drive a 10k route and it's a bloody long way so looks like quite a task at hand and I may need to dust off my walking stick at some point, or at least till I get use to to the distance; I just hope my arthritis doesn't give me jip in the cold weather. God, I sound like an old knackered git.
That's all for today - training starts tomorrow !!
I've chosen my charity, http://www.forceschildrenstrust.org/ - looking after children who've lost a parent in conflict or the Armed Forces.
I've created a donations site, www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Burnley
It's possible that I may have some other runners who might take up the same charity which would be great.
And what's brilliant is that as well as a lot of wishes of good luck, I also have my first donation which means there's no turning back now.
I also got in the car to drive a 10k route and it's a bloody long way so looks like quite a task at hand and I may need to dust off my walking stick at some point, or at least till I get use to to the distance; I just hope my arthritis doesn't give me jip in the cold weather. God, I sound like an old knackered git.
That's all for today - training starts tomorrow !!
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