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!
Tuesday 17 March 2009
New Shoes!
A day of great excitement yesterday - after the Silverstone run I felt really good apart from some delicate knees and went to NikeTown in Oxford Circus for my trainers to run in on the big day. I had originally decided to go to the London Marathon Shop but it was way over in Covent Garden so convienence lead me to Nike.
I wanted to use their machine which videos your gait to see which trainers are best for you. It was amazing - straight away you could see when I ran I rolled my ankle from right to left and put a load of stress on my shins and knees (hense the pain!) and lost a lot of power.
I was recommended a pir that eliminated the roll and had a higher instep to support me and wow - what a difference! They are by far the most expensive trainers I have ever bought (£95) but they feel like a sock and help my running no end - today I ran 5k in 30 minutes and felt fine afterwards so money well spent.
To anyone looking to do something like this I would always now recommend doing this as soon as you start training. The shoes are good for about 400 miles so when you start to crank up the miles they really come into their own.
I wanted to use their machine which videos your gait to see which trainers are best for you. It was amazing - straight away you could see when I ran I rolled my ankle from right to left and put a load of stress on my shins and knees (hense the pain!) and lost a lot of power.
I was recommended a pir that eliminated the roll and had a higher instep to support me and wow - what a difference! They are by far the most expensive trainers I have ever bought (£95) but they feel like a sock and help my running no end - today I ran 5k in 30 minutes and felt fine afterwards so money well spent.
To anyone looking to do something like this I would always now recommend doing this as soon as you start training. The shoes are good for about 400 miles so when you start to crank up the miles they really come into their own.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Silverstone Half-Marathon
What a great week after the downers of the last two. I played badminton on Monday, football Wednesday and did a 30 minute 3 mile run Friday - all with no ill effects. I even managed some early night, a good diet AND no alchohol for the week! Net result - lost half-a-stone.
Anyway roll on today, and what a great one. Roger, Julian, Mandy, Emily and myslef all went to ilverstone Race Circuit for the Adidas Half-Marathon - ideal to guage our fitnes ahead of Paris and London respectively.
We all line up at the start - delayed by 15 minutes as there were over 10,000 of us and it was hot and sunny - not great for running! My plan was damage limitation, no tweaks or strains and so I took the fit 3 fairly easy - 10.30's. 3-6 were a good steady 10.30 - 10.45 pace and I felt fine apart from some tuummy cramps from over oing the sit-ups. This route took up around the circuit itself for 1 lap, then around the inner roads. I took Lucozade on at 6 miles.
A great boost at 7 was seeing my family cheering me on - even though my eldest, Emily shouted out "Well done Daddy. Hurry up, Roger ran past AGES ago!" It was awful hearing the tannoy announce the leaders were finishing at this stage - just an hour in!
I saw them again at 10 by which time I was just about touching 11 minutes per mil but no side effects which was great. I knew my pace wasn;t awesome but I had not stopped and didn't feel like it - more Lucozade!
The final 3 miles were back onto the circuit - and this was another big boost, nearly home. My legs were feeling heavy but my energy levels felt good - the heat wore me doen a lot. However, I was determined to finish in style and managed a kind of sprint finish at the end - not quite Lewis Hamilton but a great feeling. We then wen't to the pits to ollect our bags and rendezvous with the family.
The Lost Boys - the Three Peaks Band back together - Rog in 2.08, me in 2.24 and Jules in a great 1.50.
I felt great afterwards, no pulled muscles, twinges, blisers etc, but the London Marathon is now only 5 weeks away and I have to do twice tis distance. Thats the scary thing, I really need to start carting in some distance runs now - and the plan next week is to buy proper trainers to help as well!
For thiose interested this was the route:
Sunday 8 March 2009
Relief!
I can;t even begin to explain the elation I felt earlier today. I had done no training for 2 weeks after getting shin splints and having to rest. This was so very hard as I could see the dates for the Half-Marathon and the Marathon getting closer and closer, and my friends who are running getting further and further in their training. For me even walking was very painful and extraordinarily fustrating.
Today was really a make or break day, the Half-Marathon in next weekend and I knew that if I had any pain today then I would not be able to run and make reaching the start line of the Marathon incredibly challenging.
The sun shone, I took it easy and it was one of the most enjoyable runs I have ever done. I ended up running for 7.2 miles in 1hr 20 minutes and almost did another 4 but decided to be sensible. No pain, low heart rate and felt just great. All those demons from the last two weeks just fell away - I felt like I'd won a race when I got home, just so happy.
This has now given mea massive lift and stimulous to really push forwards. I know I can do this, I know I have to build up carefully to avoid further injury, but thnks to God, today felt amazing!
Today was really a make or break day, the Half-Marathon in next weekend and I knew that if I had any pain today then I would not be able to run and make reaching the start line of the Marathon incredibly challenging.
The sun shone, I took it easy and it was one of the most enjoyable runs I have ever done. I ended up running for 7.2 miles in 1hr 20 minutes and almost did another 4 but decided to be sensible. No pain, low heart rate and felt just great. All those demons from the last two weeks just fell away - I felt like I'd won a race when I got home, just so happy.
This has now given mea massive lift and stimulous to really push forwards. I know I can do this, I know I have to build up carefully to avoid further injury, but thnks to God, today felt amazing!
Sunday 22 February 2009
Shinsplints
Aaaargh! Just when I thought I was getting there. Got head right, ran 30 minutes on Tuesday, cranked up the speed and did another 30 minutes on Thursday and noticed a persistant dull ache in my legs, ran 3.6 miles in 34 minutes on Saturday and could hardly walk for pain in my shins by the evening.
Looked it on on Wikipedia and it's caused by excessive running in beginners - thats me and also not running in good enough trainers. Well it's my fault I've been talking about getting a pair for weeks. The upshot is rest until it goes away, but trainers tomorrow and walking around wlike a bear with a sore head today as I had a 13.5m planned which I am very p****d ff I didn;t do as I wanted a comparison on any improvement from last week.
I'm going to have to be more structured on my long runs - Silverstone is only 3 weeks away and I want to get two 15 milers in before then and have a low key week before hand. Then after I can really crank it up in the lead up.
Still, another lesson learnt - don't over do it and use the best equipment you can.
Looked it on on Wikipedia and it's caused by excessive running in beginners - thats me and also not running in good enough trainers. Well it's my fault I've been talking about getting a pair for weeks. The upshot is rest until it goes away, but trainers tomorrow and walking around wlike a bear with a sore head today as I had a 13.5m planned which I am very p****d ff I didn;t do as I wanted a comparison on any improvement from last week.
I'm going to have to be more structured on my long runs - Silverstone is only 3 weeks away and I want to get two 15 milers in before then and have a low key week before hand. Then after I can really crank it up in the lead up.
Still, another lesson learnt - don't over do it and use the best equipment you can.
Sunday 15 February 2009
Motivation
I don't know what it is but I have really struggled to get myself motivated for running over the last two weeks. I don't know if it was all the snow, the hours I work or what but I have found it very, very hard. I have only done one treadmill session, a 4 mile run last Saturday and then a 13 miler today... and wow did I realise what a lot I have to do!
This was todays course:
Roger ran it from his house yesterday, about a mile futher and did it in 2hr 20mins, I did it in 2hr 26mins, which I wasn't unhappy with based on my condition and the fact his marathon is three weeks ahead of mine.
But wow I suffered! The run itself was fine, all road and some great scenery but for some reason after 11 miles I started cramping up which just hurt like hell. I had to stop twice and stretch. It has brought it home to me that running is one thing, but being healthy to do it is another.
I really, really must start looking after myself and what I eat and drink. There is no way I could have gone much further today - and this is 9 weeks away from the real thing - twice the distance I did today. That scares me! In 9 weeks I need to double my endurance and shape if I am going to enjoy this.
It's easy to miss the little 20 / 25 minute runs during the week and to blame work etc. but i really noticed a difference today for not doing them. My overall fitness was way down and I think they keep you conditioned.
Lesson learnt on that one, I just need to get the other in my head and start to look after myself!
This was todays course:
Roger ran it from his house yesterday, about a mile futher and did it in 2hr 20mins, I did it in 2hr 26mins, which I wasn't unhappy with based on my condition and the fact his marathon is three weeks ahead of mine.
But wow I suffered! The run itself was fine, all road and some great scenery but for some reason after 11 miles I started cramping up which just hurt like hell. I had to stop twice and stretch. It has brought it home to me that running is one thing, but being healthy to do it is another.
I really, really must start looking after myself and what I eat and drink. There is no way I could have gone much further today - and this is 9 weeks away from the real thing - twice the distance I did today. That scares me! In 9 weeks I need to double my endurance and shape if I am going to enjoy this.
It's easy to miss the little 20 / 25 minute runs during the week and to blame work etc. but i really noticed a difference today for not doing them. My overall fitness was way down and I think they keep you conditioned.
Lesson learnt on that one, I just need to get the other in my head and start to look after myself!
Sunday 1 February 2009
Week Two Training
This was a strange week for me. Having got into the idea of training and used to it again last week I did Tuesdays 25 minute treadmill without to many issues apart from my heart rate being higher than I would have liked - around 180bpm which is too much - I think regular training and losing weight will help with that.
A problem that became apparent this week is the juggling work and running. My workload is heavy normally but this week I had a few late nights at the office and also a cold so I missed Thursdays session to at least try and get myself up to speed. The plan was then to do a 25 minute run on Saturday nd a 90 minute run on Sunday - things were about to change!
The phone rang Staurday morning - Roger - who had seen the weather forecast for Sunday (snow) and asked if I wanted to go on a 10.5 mile run with him. He is three weeks ahead of me as he is running Paris. I agreed and we set out on a predominantly cross country course. For the first four mles I had good pace and ahead of Rog but after that his better fitness kicked in and he lead me all the way. I managed to finish in 1hr 57 minutes which I wasn't unhappy with. My heartrate had been good (no burn out!) and I wasn't too achey. With more practise I can confidently build up th speed and distance. This was the route:
On Sunday, despite the freezing cold I ran a 3.8 mile course in 38 minutes - the ten minute miles I am aiming for and again my heartrate was fine. I had a couple of blisters on my feet which means I will have to look at getting some new trainers that fit me properly. I will go in a couple of weeks to a running store to have my stride etc. tested to get the best fit as these will be vital to my comfort in the Marathon.
Something else I am quite pleased about is that a lot of my friends are also doing the Silverstone Half-Marathon in March. This will be a good test for all of us. My best for this is 2hrs 20 minutes which I think I'll do well to beat.
Week 3 promises more of the same for now and I will also be oputting more effort into eating and drinking sensibly. Been saying that for years though!
Week 2 Schedule:
Monday: Rest Day
Tuesday: 25 minute run
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: Rest Day
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 10.5 miles in 1 hr 57 mins
Sunday: 3.8 miles in 38 mins
A problem that became apparent this week is the juggling work and running. My workload is heavy normally but this week I had a few late nights at the office and also a cold so I missed Thursdays session to at least try and get myself up to speed. The plan was then to do a 25 minute run on Saturday nd a 90 minute run on Sunday - things were about to change!
The phone rang Staurday morning - Roger - who had seen the weather forecast for Sunday (snow) and asked if I wanted to go on a 10.5 mile run with him. He is three weeks ahead of me as he is running Paris. I agreed and we set out on a predominantly cross country course. For the first four mles I had good pace and ahead of Rog but after that his better fitness kicked in and he lead me all the way. I managed to finish in 1hr 57 minutes which I wasn't unhappy with. My heartrate had been good (no burn out!) and I wasn't too achey. With more practise I can confidently build up th speed and distance. This was the route:
On Sunday, despite the freezing cold I ran a 3.8 mile course in 38 minutes - the ten minute miles I am aiming for and again my heartrate was fine. I had a couple of blisters on my feet which means I will have to look at getting some new trainers that fit me properly. I will go in a couple of weeks to a running store to have my stride etc. tested to get the best fit as these will be vital to my comfort in the Marathon.
Something else I am quite pleased about is that a lot of my friends are also doing the Silverstone Half-Marathon in March. This will be a good test for all of us. My best for this is 2hrs 20 minutes which I think I'll do well to beat.
Week 3 promises more of the same for now and I will also be oputting more effort into eating and drinking sensibly. Been saying that for years though!
Week 2 Schedule:
Monday: Rest Day
Tuesday: 25 minute run
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: Rest Day
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 10.5 miles in 1 hr 57 mins
Sunday: 3.8 miles in 38 mins
Sunday 25 January 2009
Week One Training
Well the first weeks training is done. I have to say I now feel a lot better about things than I did when I started and motivated again. Those first runs truly are awful!
The weeks schedule was:
Monday: Rest Day
Tuesday: 20mins jog
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 20 mins jog
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 20 mins jog
Sunday: 5 mile run
This was the route for Sunday which is fairy hilly:
I managed this in 54min 03 sec which is about 11 minute miles - very slow for all you seasoned runners out there! - but I felt comfortable and I could have gone further. I tried to keep my heart rate down to keep stamina.
Hopefully next week I will start to find things easier and also highlighted the need for me to lose weight. I was close to 15st 7lb at the start of the week and 15st 1lb by the end. I really should be etween 12st 7lb and 13st by race day, so a good motivater to stay off the beer and crisps - especially when you pull on the running top and see that wobble!
The weeks schedule was:
Monday: Rest Day
Tuesday: 20mins jog
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 20 mins jog
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 20 mins jog
Sunday: 5 mile run
This was the route for Sunday which is fairy hilly:
I managed this in 54min 03 sec which is about 11 minute miles - very slow for all you seasoned runners out there! - but I felt comfortable and I could have gone further. I tried to keep my heart rate down to keep stamina.
Hopefully next week I will start to find things easier and also highlighted the need for me to lose weight. I was close to 15st 7lb at the start of the week and 15st 1lb by the end. I really should be etween 12st 7lb and 13st by race day, so a good motivater to stay off the beer and crisps - especially when you pull on the running top and see that wobble!
Thursday 22 January 2009
Training Starts
According to the training schedule Monday was a rest day. I managed this but missed the first 20 minute run on Tuesday. Wednesday was a rest day, which again I managed (!) and today, Thursday was the first time the running kit went on since Christmas. Oh Dear God! It was a lot tighter than before and I looked like a beetroot after 20 minutes! BUT, writing this now I feel a lot better and that I have done the hardest part, actually starting running again. The next run is Saturday with a 5 mile run on Sunday.
With regards staying overnight I do not really think that it is feasible to arrange this close to 26th April and chatting so some friends who are also running they are going down on the morning so I think I will tag along with them.
With regards staying overnight I do not really think that it is feasible to arrange this close to 26th April and chatting so some friends who are also running they are going down on the morning so I think I will tag along with them.
Thursday 15 January 2009
Silverstone Half Marathon
OK... since the last post I have been doing a lot of THINKING about training without actually getting off my backside and doing any. I have got as far as taking my gym stuff into work but I do really need to get myself out and running. At least I'm starting to feel like I want to do it rather than loathing the fact!
I ooked at booking a hotel for the night before the marathon in Greenwich - an absolute joke - I'm obviousy FAR to late for this so I wil have to revise my plans. I don't really want to travel down on the day.
One positive thing I have done is registered for the Silverstone Half-Marathon in March - this is about five weeks before London so will be a decent run out at that stage. So, the schedue is all planned, it's down to lardy arse to get off his backside and start doing something!
I ooked at booking a hotel for the night before the marathon in Greenwich - an absolute joke - I'm obviousy FAR to late for this so I wil have to revise my plans. I don't really want to travel down on the day.
One positive thing I have done is registered for the Silverstone Half-Marathon in March - this is about five weeks before London so will be a decent run out at that stage. So, the schedue is all planned, it's down to lardy arse to get off his backside and start doing something!
Sunday 11 January 2009
It begins...
Well, I, along with thousands of people have been accepted into the 2009 Flora London Marathon. I applied back in August and heard I had a place in October. Race Day in on April 26th this year, 15 short weeks away. So, the question is... why?
I had always wanted to run the London Marathon - an ambition that I achieved in 1998. Since then many, many things have happened but two of the most significant in relation to this escapade have been 1) my general deteriation in fitness and 2) my mate Roger.
Without boring everyone to tears I used to be a lot more active, fitter and lighter and with work commitments and lifestyle have somewhat let myself 'go'. This saddens me as I know how I can be and look and I want to get that person back. A couple of years ago I came to an agreement with my best mate, Roger, that we would fight off the on-set of middle age and achieve an 'ambition' each year. In 2007 we completed the Three Peaks Challenge together with a great team (climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hrs), in 2008 we ran the Cambridge and Royal Parks 1/2 Marathons and this year we have hit a problem. The aim was to run the London Marathon - together. The problem was that I got accepted and he hasn't, which is gutting for both of us.
So we have decided to carry on regardless, me running London and he has a place in the Paris Marathon. After that we will do something together - probably the 12 Tors in Yorkshire. So, aside from some training I'm on my own on this one!
What concerns me is my drive and focus. Those of you who know me well enough know that I can become somewhat 'targetted' on acheiving things. The problem is that I have already done this race once. I've acheived the ambition and crossed it off my list. So I need a motivation and focus.
It's fair to say that Roger has attained a level of fitness to which I now aspire. He is already talking about Triathlons and other activites which I am in no state to consider - yet. So that is the first driver.
Last time I ran in 5hr, 33minutes. This I want to beat.
The more commitment I make to this the better the chance I have, so I have chosen a special Charity to run for which I will talk about in another post. However, this is a local group so the fundraising means so muuch more. Another driver.
I also don't like to fail in what I set out to do. The more public I can make this then the less likely I am to quit when it hurts.
So... this monsterous preamble brings me to where I am now.
At the start. The beginning. Day 1.
It's Sunday night on 11th Jan. I have opened the London Marathon Magazine and browsed through. I have decided to buy a good pair of trainers and also found and printed off a training schedule. I have made contact with the Charity to get sponsorship moving and also started this Blog to chart my progress.
Why the Blog? I am certainly no niaeve enough to think it will be a help or inspiration to others, but it would be great if it is. It's more to make public what I am doing so that it drives me forwards. Maybe then I can also look back at what I hope to achieve at the end.
So, here's to you Ahab - he's to dark nights, weight loss, stamina, Garmin Footpods and dodgy knees. But most of all, here's too Roger and I hope to God he has to go through all this crap too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)