If you fancy finding out what point any one of the 36,000 expected competitors has got to in the London Marathon this year then take a look at Adidas' runner tracker.
Providing text message updates on runners' progress every 5km as well as knowing what time they started, their average speed and full statistics for the race you can follow any runner from the comfort of your own home.
The next best thing to being there in person the system is revolutionary when it comes to keeping runners connected to their friends and family for the duration without panting down a phone. All you need is their race number.
So to avoid missing out on a single stride, strain, cramp or tear either text RUN to 83040 or follow the link below.
Adidas London Marathon Runner Tracker http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/londonmarathon/content/ss09/
I am running number 2449!
Thursday 23 April 2009
Registration!
Ran my last 'run' over the weekend - 5 miles in 48 minutes which I was happy with - no aches and pains.
I have spent most of this week concentrating on diet - more carbohydrates and increasing this as the week goes on.
Today I went to the Excel Arena in London and registered for the race - I got my number - 2449 - and I am running from the Blue Start. It begins at 9.45am so I should think I'll be going through around 10.00am. I am aiming for around 5 hours which will get me in around 3pm.
The exhibition was great and really brought it home to me what I am attempting. It was quite emotional signing in, it felt like this is really happening now. I also have my race chip and a band giving mile breakdowns for pace. They also gave us a goody bag with all sorts of stuff in, including som Cranberry Sauce which I can't quite work out!
I really can't wait now and will do a post on Saturday evening before the event... the next time after that will be after I have done the race.
I am really looking forward to it and just hope everything goes well. It's been very hot and sunny this week so I hope it gets cooler by Sunday!
I have spent most of this week concentrating on diet - more carbohydrates and increasing this as the week goes on.
Today I went to the Excel Arena in London and registered for the race - I got my number - 2449 - and I am running from the Blue Start. It begins at 9.45am so I should think I'll be going through around 10.00am. I am aiming for around 5 hours which will get me in around 3pm.
The exhibition was great and really brought it home to me what I am attempting. It was quite emotional signing in, it felt like this is really happening now. I also have my race chip and a band giving mile breakdowns for pace. They also gave us a goody bag with all sorts of stuff in, including som Cranberry Sauce which I can't quite work out!
I really can't wait now and will do a post on Saturday evening before the event... the next time after that will be after I have done the race.
I am really looking forward to it and just hope everything goes well. It's been very hot and sunny this week so I hope it gets cooler by Sunday!
Monday 13 April 2009
Dispair and relief!
Wow, now THAT was an interesting 72 hours!
Went out on my final 10 miler on Saturday, ran fine for 4 miles and then in the space of a minute, just blew up completly - couldn't run another step and was leaning over a gate for five minutes feeling awful. Walked another mile and tried to run again but absolutely no chance. Very scary for me as I am very Churchillian in these things - never, NEVER surrender etc. and this just doesn't happen. Also, this close to the day etc.
Got home and talked it through with Kirsty and a fellow runner and I think it just boiled down to working too hard, drinking too much and eating the wrong food. Decision made, no more booze until the day and diet sorted.
The net result was I got up this morning and ran over 10 miles, no problems at all, and although the time wasn't amazing (11 minute miles) I felt fine after.
So, two weeks of decent diet and no alchohol. I think in a weird way Fridays blow out worked in making me realise I cannot do everything and that I have to give my body a chance.
Also bought a knee support from a physiotherapist friend and that seems to have worked for te knee over 8 miles when it has hurt in the past so a good investment there. Kirsty also has got some Ibrupofen Gel whic worked miracles on the knee after last week and another friend suggested plasters for the nipples to stop the rubbing. So all the gory parts are being taken care of.
It looks like there could be rail engineering works on the day (bloody typical) so we are starting to plan our travel arrangements - half of my family are coming down - even my sister who has found a loud hailer - oh my god!
I also have to get a running shirt sorted this week to get my name and my companies on who have sponsored me and then the fun starts next week - registration etc!
This is the last 10 miler I did and another post next week with the build up!
Went out on my final 10 miler on Saturday, ran fine for 4 miles and then in the space of a minute, just blew up completly - couldn't run another step and was leaning over a gate for five minutes feeling awful. Walked another mile and tried to run again but absolutely no chance. Very scary for me as I am very Churchillian in these things - never, NEVER surrender etc. and this just doesn't happen. Also, this close to the day etc.
Got home and talked it through with Kirsty and a fellow runner and I think it just boiled down to working too hard, drinking too much and eating the wrong food. Decision made, no more booze until the day and diet sorted.
The net result was I got up this morning and ran over 10 miles, no problems at all, and although the time wasn't amazing (11 minute miles) I felt fine after.
So, two weeks of decent diet and no alchohol. I think in a weird way Fridays blow out worked in making me realise I cannot do everything and that I have to give my body a chance.
Also bought a knee support from a physiotherapist friend and that seems to have worked for te knee over 8 miles when it has hurt in the past so a good investment there. Kirsty also has got some Ibrupofen Gel whic worked miracles on the knee after last week and another friend suggested plasters for the nipples to stop the rubbing. So all the gory parts are being taken care of.
It looks like there could be rail engineering works on the day (bloody typical) so we are starting to plan our travel arrangements - half of my family are coming down - even my sister who has found a loud hailer - oh my god!
I also have to get a running shirt sorted this week to get my name and my companies on who have sponsored me and then the fun starts next week - registration etc!
This is the last 10 miler I did and another post next week with the build up!
Friday 10 April 2009
The longest run...
Sunday was the day I was dreading - as the Marathon day gets closer I'm looking forward to it more and more but I had to get a 20 miler in before race day. This was it!
It sounds daft but it's really a case of not stopping. The first 2-3 miles are always the hardest as your body gets into it but once past that point it's keeping yourself within your fitness zone and not blowing up. In the end I managed 20.75 miles in 4hours and 5 mins. My target or the marathon is to get under 5 hours so I'm well placed.
It also a major phsycological boost as well, you KNOW you can run 20 miles so you KNOW you can finish. You can visualise your way around the course as you have done that distance and can tell yourself that when you do feel tired and want to stop so Sunday was a big day - wow did feel happy when it was finished and out the way!
Roger also completed the Paris Marathon this week and ran really well. It helps knowing he's done this as that also drives and inspires me to do this.
Finally I have to say I was simply staggered by an email to my work clients asking for Sponsorshp. The response was simply incredible an a massive boost to my target amount of £2,000. Thanks to my customers nearly another £600 has come in and I'm only £33 off the target now. Thank you, all of you!
I'm starting to wind the training down now - a 10 miler this weekend, then five and thats it I need to keep the cardio training runs going as I took the week off to recover from the 20 miler but back on the road again tomorrow!
It sounds daft but it's really a case of not stopping. The first 2-3 miles are always the hardest as your body gets into it but once past that point it's keeping yourself within your fitness zone and not blowing up. In the end I managed 20.75 miles in 4hours and 5 mins. My target or the marathon is to get under 5 hours so I'm well placed.
It also a major phsycological boost as well, you KNOW you can run 20 miles so you KNOW you can finish. You can visualise your way around the course as you have done that distance and can tell yourself that when you do feel tired and want to stop so Sunday was a big day - wow did feel happy when it was finished and out the way!
Roger also completed the Paris Marathon this week and ran really well. It helps knowing he's done this as that also drives and inspires me to do this.
Finally I have to say I was simply staggered by an email to my work clients asking for Sponsorshp. The response was simply incredible an a massive boost to my target amount of £2,000. Thanks to my customers nearly another £600 has come in and I'm only £33 off the target now. Thank you, all of you!
I'm starting to wind the training down now - a 10 miler this weekend, then five and thats it I need to keep the cardio training runs going as I took the week off to recover from the 20 miler but back on the road again tomorrow!
Sunday 29 March 2009
Everything improving...
A very busy week at work and training this week. The sponsorship at this stage is going well, we have had £1,200 donated so far towards my target of £2,000. I've been amazed by the support and generosity of everyone and t really does help me get out and train knowing that.
The short 30 minute runs are really helping my cardio work now, my heart rate is noticably lower and my stamina and speed are increasing. Toda I ran 7.5 mile in 69 minutes and felt pretty good afterwards. There is no way I can run at this pace in the race as I'd burn out, but knowing how far I was running meant I could push things and I was pleased with the result.
We're only three more weekends away before the big race - next weekend will see my last long run - a 20 miler and after that I start to wind things down endurance wise to build up energy and keep the cardio work going.
I'm now really paying attention to what I am eating and drinking to compliment that and will increase this with two weeks to go.
Thank you once again to all of you who have supported me through sponsorship so far!
The short 30 minute runs are really helping my cardio work now, my heart rate is noticably lower and my stamina and speed are increasing. Toda I ran 7.5 mile in 69 minutes and felt pretty good afterwards. There is no way I can run at this pace in the race as I'd burn out, but knowing how far I was running meant I could push things and I was pleased with the result.
We're only three more weekends away before the big race - next weekend will see my last long run - a 20 miler and after that I start to wind things down endurance wise to build up energy and keep the cardio work going.
I'm now really paying attention to what I am eating and drinking to compliment that and will increase this with two weeks to go.
Thank you once again to all of you who have supported me through sponsorship so far!
Sunday 22 March 2009
Cranking it up....
First major run with new shoes today - 15 miles. After Silverstone last weekend this is now getting into the serious part of training, Still need o do my base cardio runs but now conditioning my body to distance and building up endurance is key. I will build up the miles in the next two runs to hit 20 miles and then start to back down in preparatio for the big day.
My number in the marathon came through today - 2449 and I'm going from the Red Start. We've also started discussing viewing on the day - I really want my family there around 17 - 18 miles as this is when I need that extra support - they want to be there at the finish as well but I always find this so emotional I'll be even more of a wreck!
Anyway - today 15 miles in 2 hours 40 minutes which I was happy with. I'd LOVE to break 5 hours on the day so this wasn;t a bad effort - the real thing is another 11 miles though!
New trainers were good, but feet a bit sore from breaking them in. My energy levels and pace were good and my knees just about held up - might need to look at supporting them more.
Knowing I now have people sponsoring me and supporting me gives me a massive lift and drive. It gets me out the door and doing this. Thank you, all of you who have donated so generously already!
My number in the marathon came through today - 2449 and I'm going from the Red Start. We've also started discussing viewing on the day - I really want my family there around 17 - 18 miles as this is when I need that extra support - they want to be there at the finish as well but I always find this so emotional I'll be even more of a wreck!
Anyway - today 15 miles in 2 hours 40 minutes which I was happy with. I'd LOVE to break 5 hours on the day so this wasn;t a bad effort - the real thing is another 11 miles though!
New trainers were good, but feet a bit sore from breaking them in. My energy levels and pace were good and my knees just about held up - might need to look at supporting them more.
Knowing I now have people sponsoring me and supporting me gives me a massive lift and drive. It gets me out the door and doing this. Thank you, all of you who have donated so generously already!
Sponsorship: Lets Play! Project
We're finally up and running with sponsorship: http://www.justgiving/matthewizzard
This year I've chosen a very special charity. In the past I've done things every couple of years and raised money for national charities, which is fine but you never see a direct benefit of your actions. I have chosen Lets Play! project in Banbury as some close frends of mine have two autistic children who gain so much from going to this group and learning and developing through playing. They are a small group and anything we can raise will halp an amazing amount.
In turn this motivates me which is important when the miles get tough - I'm never going to say I find running easy but knowing what an effect your help will have drives me tremendously.
Please visit my sponsorship page, please give generously - every pound helps and is appreciated by real people that will see a real benefit because of what you have done.
Thank you!
This year I've chosen a very special charity. In the past I've done things every couple of years and raised money for national charities, which is fine but you never see a direct benefit of your actions. I have chosen Lets Play! project in Banbury as some close frends of mine have two autistic children who gain so much from going to this group and learning and developing through playing. They are a small group and anything we can raise will halp an amazing amount.
In turn this motivates me which is important when the miles get tough - I'm never going to say I find running easy but knowing what an effect your help will have drives me tremendously.
Please visit my sponsorship page, please give generously - every pound helps and is appreciated by real people that will see a real benefit because of what you have done.
Thank you!
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