A new Rob Record

I dropped Tracey to work this morning as I needed the car today, got back to watch England finish off the South Africans in the cricket and decided that if I was going to try the 11 miler, it had to be now...before I got too comfy on the sofa!!

When I started there was a light, fine rain which didn't bother me so off I went. After the usual catching of breath over the first mile and a half I settled in to the rhythm, counting down the half miles to the halfway point of the run. I got to the 5.5 mile mark fairly comfortably but then I had a decision to make, a decision that had been on my mind for the whole run so far. At the halfway point, I could either carry on the same road and be home in 2.5 miles or I can turn back and be home in 5.5 miles! I knew what I wanted to do...but I knew what I had to do, so I turned around and started on the 5.5 mile return run.

I've heard of the phrase "running on empty" and now I know what it's like to do!! By mile 9 I could have quit. I felt like slowing up and walking the rest of the way because I felt like my legs just could not go on. My breathing was fine, it was just my legs. I don't know how, but I managed to push on and finish the run, all 11 miles, without stopping or quitting...maybe it was because I promised myself a mince pie or two if I did it!!! Either way, 11 miles - done!

Getting back in the swing

On the 20th December I attempted the 11 miler...and made it about 250 yards!! The ice on the pavements was just too dangerous. So there I was, all spandexed up and sitting in the living room waiting for the thaw!! About an hour and a half later I tried again and made it further...about 50 yards further. It wasn't going to happen. Since then, the weather has kept me from pounding the streets...that and spending Christmas at my folks.

So today saw me back out and running, albeit for only 3 miles. I was going to do a 5 miler but as soon as I left the house it started raining again so I cut it short. It blew away the festive cobwebs though, which was the plan. Hopefully tomorrow, I will give the 11 miler another go. All being well, I hope to do a 5 miler on Saturday before another 11 miler on Sunday. Then next week get back to the original schedule...all weather permitting of course!

I.T. Department

Now you may be thinking that I have an IT issue and that my computer isn't working given that I haven't logged a blog since last Sunday...and you'd be wrong! I haven't had a run since Sunday until today because...well, because I have been a little lazy! We were visiting on Tuesday and Thursday it just seemed too cold to leave the house!! Shame on me!!

However, I was out today for a 5 miler when I got in from work and it was freezing! I was careful to not go A over T on a patch of ice or snow and for the first mile and a half or so the bitter cold air was like razor blades on in my throat but as usual, once my breathing was under control I managed the 5 miles in good time...if a little cold!

Hopefully, weather permitting, I will be attempting to run 11 miles tomorrow...for the first time ever! I only managed about 10 miles without a walk break when I completed the half marathon earlier this year so if i can manage 11 tomorrow it will be my furthest run to date...wish me luck!!

Attack...of the pigeons!

After a 5 miler yesterday evening, it was tough going to climb out of bed and do 10 miles this morning...but I did. I was up and out at 0740 and the spandex was required this morning as it was so cold. I even had the gloves out today!!

About a mile out, I was day dreaming about getting back home to the warm house when all of sudden a couple of pigeons flew out of a tree, hitting leaves and branches on the way out and frightened the absolute s**te out of me!!! It certainly got my heart rate up, that's for sure!!

I managed to make the 5 mile mark without any further incident, turned around and headed back. The knees started getting sore around the 8 mile mark today but I managed to make it back in one piece to a nice warm house...and a freezing cold bath! Oh joy!!

Anyway, it's another 10 miles in the running bank. Next week it steps up another gear with a 4 miler, 5 miler, 5 miler and then an 11 miler next Sunday.

Tis the season...

In the season of "Christmas Do's" I missed Thursday's run because of one! So I got in from work today and set off on a 5 miler. It was done in good time with no incidents to report and I'm about to sit down to a nice curry, all in preparation for tomorrow's 10 miler of course!!

Floating

An evening run was on the cards tonight as I value my morning lay-ins too much to give it up. So, in from work and changed, I was out for a 4 miler.

I started off absolutely fine, feeling fresh an ready to get the miles done. A mile and a quarter in and bang, it hits me...the smell of the takeaway!!! It was fantastic. For a short while I felt like one of those characters in a cartoon, that floats along on the smell of food!!

2 miles in and I turned around to come back and that's when it started to get hard. I couldn't get hold of my breathing properly and it started to rain a little. It wasn't the easy 4 miler I had expected it to be. Still, I got it done and it's more miles in the bank.

Double figures

I was up at 0840 this morning and surprise surprise...it was raining! I got myself 1 couple of slices of toast an decided to give it a while to see if it eases off as I couldn't afford to miss another big run. The rain stopped around 0930 so I got changed in to my spandex, got my bottle of water and got started on my 10 miles.

The bottle of water was annoying to carry so about a mile and a half in to the run, I left it on a garden wall! About two and a half miles in and the rain started again but it was just a light drizzle so no harm done. It only lasted 10 minutes or so, so I just cracked on with the run and made it to the 5 mile point fairly comfortably.

This was the distance that I ran when I injured my knee earlier in the year so I was a little nervous this morning, but this time around though the knee held out. About 2 miles from home I was gagging for a drink...and half a mile later I had it when I picked up my bottle of water again!! Perfect planning !!

So, 10 miles conquered (finally) and injury free. This coming week sees me go for 4 miles, 5 miles, 4 miles and then another 10 miles so it's as full on as ever.

It's now or...now!

What a nightmare of a week! Firstly I'm too knackered to run on Saturday, then rain stops me doing Sunday's run, again I'm too shattered to run on Monday, the footy was on Tuesday (although in hindsight my time would have been better spent running!) and then I wake up this morning with the fattest headache ever! Not good!!

However, even though two lots of headache tablets failed to shift my head, I decided that I couldn't leave it any longer before running again so I got home, got changed and hit the streets for a 6 miler. It was tough going to start with, given that I hadn't run in almost a week. Still I got the run done in good time and the plan is for a 4 miler on Friday before trying the 10 miler again on Sunday...weather permitting!!

Next week I hope to be back on the normal schedule and back in the groove!!

Rain stopped play

After missing yesterday's run due to being absolutely knackered, I was up at 0810 this morning to get ready for my 10 miler.

I got in to my spandex and shorts and opened the front door...and it was hammering down! I decided to give it 20 minutes to see if cleared and it eventually died down to a drizzle. At 0840 I left the house and started my run.

I made it about half a mile in to my journey when the heavens opened again. I was running in the direction of an enormous black cloud and I thought I do not want to be 5 miles out from home with that hanging over my head so reluctantly (honest!) I decided to turn around and go back home and it's been raining pretty much since! It's the first big run I've missed and I really am disappointed. I want to make good, solid, steady progress with my training and it's frustrating when outside influence stops me doing that.

I'm not going to be able to run next Saturday so the plan is to mix up the training schedule this week to a Monday, Wednesday & Friday run before trying the 10 miler again on Sunday - weather permitting. The midweek distances are yet to be decided as I may do a little more than scheduled because of missing runs this weekend.

Up at all hours!

I was up at 0330 this morning because I couldn't sleep, so I ended up watching TV until about 0430 before going back to bed and finally getting some shut eye - so there was no way that I was getting up to run 5 miles before work!!

So again I was running after work tonight and it was cold enough for my spandex to make a mid-week appearance...along with a pair of gloves too. So 5 midweek miles needed to be conquered and they were, and in good time too. My calf muscles are killing me tonight which is strange as it's not the longest run I've done. At least I can rest up tomorrow.

This coming Saturday's 4 mile run sees the end of the 8th week of my training schedule...only another 21 weeks to go!!!

3 and easy!

I didn't run on Sunday because I was absolutely knackered! I had a busy old weekend which is why I did the long run on Saturday - Forward thinking!!

So after a little extra rest, I was out for a 3 miler tonight. I did contemplate giving tonight a miss too because I feel like I could sleep for a week at the moment, but then I thought I don't fancy doing Thursday's 5 miler without a run in between. I got in from work just after 1930, got changed and hit the road.

During the first mile, I was running in to the wind and at one point I felt like I was just going up and down rather than making any progress going forwards!! The second half of the run was easier as I was running with the wind behind me.

Thursday is a 5 miler before a 4 miler on Saturday, followed by my first 10 miler on Sunday...the furthest distance I managed before my injury earlier on this year - here's hoping for a better result this time around!!

A quicky!

Just a quick one today...I did 9 miles!!

Remind me, why am I doing this??

I did it again...I set my alarm for 0600 and when it went off, I reset it for 0700 and spent the whole day dreading the fact that I have to run after work!! On my journey home from work, I even went through reasons not to run tonight but it wasn't raining and it wasn't that cold so I was struggling!
I got in from work at around 1930 and Tracey was on the phone to her Mum so I couldn't even stall by talking to her. I thought 'stuff it - I'm not getting out of it' so I just got changed and hit the road for tonight's 4 miler. The first 2 miles were fine, steady, but when I turned around to come back I was running in to a headwind which made life uncomfortable. It has its pros as well as it's cons though...I didn't have to try too hard to catch my breath as the wind was blowing it straight in to my lungs!!!
After a rest day tomorrow, I'll be running 9 miles on Saturday (instead of Sunday) and then 4 miles on Sunday.
I've had a few moments where I've been close to thinking if I miss the odd run here and there then it wont make too much of a difference - but then I just remind myself as to one of the reasons I'm doing this...to raise money for CLIC sargent. It's such a worthy cause so please please click on the 'sponsor me' section of my blog (www.thebigone2010.blogspot.com) and give what you can towards the £1,500 target.

Early bird

I was determined to get my run done before work today to avoid having to do it later, so the alarm went at 0600...and then 0610 before I watched it move to 0615. Then I got up and changed and was out the door at 0630 for a 3 miler.

It's weird because when I get up, I feel like the only person in the world that's awake, yet when I go out and start running there are quite a few people up at that time - I even saw 2 other nutter's out running!! The wind was in my face for the first 3/4 mile so it made it even more uncomfortable than usual. I carried on though, breathing like a eejit until I got control of it about a mile in.

I made it round the route with no major issues or incident and in decent time again before getting back for a nice warm shower. It's a 4 miler on Thursday before the 2 runs at the weekend - 4 miles and 9 miles - but I may switch them over again and do the long run on Saturday as this Sunday is going to be a busy one!

Hip, hop!

I got up at 0900 and left the house at 0930 for today's first 9 miler. The weather was perfect, not too cold and it stayed dry.

Again I found it tough at the start today, finding it difficult to get my head right. Where I would normally tell myself that I have run the first 8 miles before so it shouldn't be a problem, I couldn't help but think that every step I take on the outward journey I have to make again to get back. I know that's an obvious thing to say but to keep telling yourself that at the start of a run really does make it more difficult.

I made it to the 4.5 mile mark and it was time to turn around and come back. The next 2.5 miles went by without too much to report but then I started to ache...in my hips!!! I felt like an old man...not good for a 31 year old!! Still, I kept going.

At the 7.5 mile mark I suddenly got a craving...for a cup of tea!!! I could have killed for a cuppa. I pushed on though and made the full 9 miles without stopping and in a decent time too. As soon as I got in, I asked Tracey to make me a brew, which she duly did and I went for my cold bath to ease my achy bones. It wasn't until I had showered and changed that I realised that I had some inner thigh chaffing for my troubles which stings like hell - so now I'm walking around the house like I've had an accident in my drawers!! Remind me again...why am I doing this??!!

And the rain rain rain came down down down

I wasn't working today so I didn't get up until 0820 and the rain was pouring down and the wind swirling again! I heard on the weather report that it's going to like that pretty much all day so I didn't hold out much hope of running today.

By 0930 there was a break in the weather, it stopped raining and the wind died down so I took a chance, got changed and started my 4 mile run. As I started, the rain began to fall - but only gently. I considered going back as I didn't want to get caught 2 miles out if it was going to chuck it down again. I decided to keep going and thankfully, the weather held off for me. I completed the run in good time. Today however, my body felt so heavy and lethargic. I don't know if it was due to the fact that I didn't run on Thursday, or that I am just very tired...or maybe it was to do with the meal out I had last night!!!

Anyway, I got in from the run and had a nice hot shower to freshen up and when I finished, the weather seemed to brighten up so I went to the shop to get some milk for breakfast. I stepped out of the shop and the heavens opened up - I got soaked and had to run back!!!! So much for feeling clean and fresh and relaxed!!

Faster than a speeding bullet

I got in from work, got changed and went out for my 4 miler...and stopped after about 50 yards! I wouldn't normally be put off by a little rain, but tonight it was raining a bit heavier and the swirling wind was blowing it horizontally in to my face as opposed to down on my head - which doesn't make for great running conditions. I decided to down tools and go back home as opposed to run in those conditions and run the risk of injury.

I will be running again on Saturday for 4 miles so hopefully that will go a bit smoother than tonight's effort.

It doesn't get any easier

It's getting colder and I'm not ashamed to admit that it's getting tougher too. Tonight was only 3 miles but it was hard to get motivated for it. My alarm went at 0600 and then 0610 before I reset it for 0715 and decided to run after work instead. The up side of doing that meant I got some extra time in bed this morning...the downside was I got to spend all day thinking that I have to run when I get home!!

When I got in at 1930 I got straight in to my shorts and T-shirt and hit the road for the run and again it was freezing. I tried to get round as quickly as possible, just to get it over and done with, and because of that it took me ages to get my breath under control. Still, I made it round and got straight into a hot shower when I got in.

Thursday I am scheduled to do a 4 miler and I'll be trying to get it done before work this time!

Blisters are doing it for themselves...

...forming on my own two feet, hurting like hell!! Yip, I have blisters on the arch of each foot and one more on the end of my big toe - the perils of being a runner I guess.

The alarm went off at 0800, 0810 and 0830 this morning before I finally dragged my backside out of bed...it is Sunday though, meant to be a day of rest not a day of running! 8 miles on the menu today and I was out in my spandex at 0850, and my goodness was it cold. So not only have I got the increasing distances to deal with, the weather is getting colder and colder. At least it didn't rain.

I felt good during the run this morning, after the mandatory mile and a half of trying to get a rhythm in my legs as well as my lungs. Once I had that rhythm, I pushed on through the first four miles before the turnaround. I kept my breathing under control until about a mile from home, when I started to open up my stride. My knees weren't too bad, although they did ache slightly towards the end of the run but I pushed on, lengthening my stride a little more until I reached home - I even felt like the last 300 yards were my version of a 'sprint finish'!!

I did the 8 miles in just under 1 hour 20 minutes - which, if sustained, will have me completing the big one in under 4 and a half hours. I've just set myself my target!

Hitchin' a ride

Last night we had guests over for dinner so it was a late finish, hence I didn't run this morning. It was effort enough just trying to get up for work!

I got in from work around 1545, frozen from the scooter ride home, and got straight in to my shorts and shirt (and running jacket!) before going out for today's 3 miler. I really did not fancy the run today because I was cold and very tired, but if I am going to run the big one in April then the hard work has to be done now - whether I like it or not.

About half a mile in to the run and I hear a 'toot-toot' as Tracey drives past me, back from the shops. At that point I had a passing thought that I could flag her down and just get a lift home! Unfortunately though, no sooner had the thought entered my head, Tracey was past me so I just had to keep going!! 3 miles later and I was home. Knackered, but I was home.

Tomorrow is 8 miler number two and I cannot wait...until it's done and out of the way!!

Listen up

As you may have noticed, I didn't do a blog entry on Tuesday. This was because on Monday, my right knee was aching and I ended up icing it for the evening. My right knee is the one that caused me problems earlier this year when I was training for the half marathon. I though to myself I am 4 weeks in to a 29 week training schedule, having done no running for almost 6 months, and I don't want to over do it and completely knacker my chances of running the big one in April next year, so I listened to my body and decided to give Tuesday's 3 miler a miss in order to rest my knee.

So this morning, the alarm goes at 0610 hours and I lay there thinking that I could easily use my knee as an excuse to miss this one too and just turn over for another hour's sleep. Then I thought that by doing that I'd just be kidding myself and making the next run just that little bit harder. So I rolled out of the bed, got changed and hit the street for a 4 miler. Again it was freezing this morning but it didn't take long to get warm once I got going. I managed to complete it in good time this morning, about 35 minutes or so, so I was pleased with that...and so far there's been no reaction in my knee. Again I forgot to run my cold bath last night so I just showered when I got back and I expect to ache a little more than usual tomorrow because of it.

Next on the agenda is 3 miles on Saturday before another 8 miler on Sunday. Next week it cranks up another gear!

Championes ole ole ole!!

First things first...we won the pumpkin carving competition at last night's Halloween street party - whoop whoop!!

We got back from Mum & Dad's about 1845 and after a quick hair cut I was out for the last run of the week, which was a 3 miler. My bones were still aching from yesterday's run and after a mile tonight I felt like quitting! But then I thought that I can either spend 20 minutes walking back and getting cold, or 20 minutes running the next 2 miles and keeping warm, so carry on I did. I managed to get my breath under control after about a mile and a half but I didn't feel too comfortable running tonight...maybe it was just running after eating a big Sunday dinner!!

4 weeks down and 25 to go. Next week is a 3 miler, 4 miler, 3 miler and another 8 miler...

Going gr8

0615 seems even earlier on a Saturday!! I rolled out of my bed, brushed my teeth, got the spandex on and left at 0630 for my first 8 miler.

It was just starting to get light and was fairly mild weather wise this morning which was good, but 8 miles is still a long way to run before breakfast!! Anyway, I got to the halfway/turnaround mark with my bottle of Lucozade still in the waistband of my shorts and started the 4 mile journey home. After last weeks 7 miles, I thought that that's as far as I can go without a drink, hence the lucozade this week. However, I was that knackered that I couldn't actually run and attempt to drink at the same time and therefore ended up drinking it when I got home...so I just took it for the run!! The last three and a half miles saw me running back in the rain...but then there was not a huge amount I could do about that except just keep going!

Anyway, off to Mum and Dad's this afternoon with my pimped pumpkin for a Halloween party before finishing the week with a 3 mile run tomorrow!

Night runner

After a stonking migraine yesterday evening, I decided to stay in bed this morning as opposed to running the 4 miles before work. The extra hour in bed was worth it!!

So I got through the day without another headache and went out this evening, at 2000hrs, for my 4 miler. I took the same route as I do for the long runs so I thought the logic would mean that as I only have to go about half the distance I normally do on this route, it will be easy...guess again!! At one point, I went past the Chinese takeaway and I nearly ended the run there and then because the smell was tremendous!! But I didn't, I kept going and got through the 4 miles in one piece. Although I have got a pack of peas on my right knee at the moment as it's aching slightly. I don't know if that is because I didn't have my cold bath after the run - I forgot to do it before I went out!

Anyway, another one done...and more miles in the bank. I'm going to switch my weekend runs over again this weekend as I'm at Mum & Dad's on Saturday night / Sunday morning so it'll be 8 miles on Saturday before work followed by 3 miles on Sunday when I get back from Mum & Dads.

Coach Adams!

After a 12 hour day at work yesterday, there was no way I was getting up at 0600 to go running this morning! Instead, I got in from work this evening and got changed to go for my 3 mile run, only this time I had coach Adams with me...on her bike! Yes, Tracey jumped on her bike and followed me round the 3 mile route just to make sure I did it!!

Again, I didn't enjoy it tonight because I'm not a fan of running in the evening but it's done and I still have a 100% training record so far. I even managed a little sprint finish over the last 100 yards in a race with Tracey...which I lost! Then it was back home to a freezing bath which I'm starting to get used to now.

Next on the agenda is my first mid-week 4 miler on Thursday which I will do in the morning, but for now, my feet are up and that's where they're staying!

Hands are shaky and my knees are weak...

I don't know whether it was the long run yesterday morning or all the dancing last night...but my legs were killing me today!! I'm so glad I switched the two runs over because there was no way, after the food and drink (and dancing) at the wedding, that I would have been able to run 7 miles today.

We got back from Eversham this afternoon and after a little rest and watching the football, I took myself out at 1800 hours for my 3 miler. It was quite a pleasant evening for running...if that isn't a contradiction in terms...although I did nearly go 'a' over 't' at one point when I turned my ankle, but it was nothing serious and I managed to style it out without looking too silly.

I got home to a freezing cold bath to ease my aching bones and I'm looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow before I step it up a gear next week. I have 3 miles on Tuesday and Saturday, Thursday moves to a 4 miler and Sunday moves on to 8 miles, although I may well switch Saturday and Sunday again as we're out again on Saturday night.

I done a bad bad thing!

After what can only be described as a shite ending to the working day, Tracey decided to take me out for something to eat last night to cheer me up...and I ended up having garlic bread, pizza and a cheesecake to finish...all washed down with a beer - Not good the night before a 7 mile run!! I could hold my hand up and say I could have ordered a pasta dish without the starter or dessert...but I blame Tracey for leading me to temptation!!!

Anyway, I bought forward the 7 mile run due for tomorrow as we're off to the wedding of Matt & Rhiannon this afternoon and I can imagine it will go on late in to the evening, so the last thing I want to do tomorrow is my long run. I was out at about 0750 this morning and about half a mile in it started to rain...and it continued to rain until I got home just over an hour later!

I made it through the 7 miles with the only real issue being a stitch in my shoulder from about halfway which niggled at me through to the end. But the end result was another decent 7 mile run under my belt and getting one step closer to the big one.

Boo!

0617 and I was out of the pit and in to my kit for today's 3 miles. Not only was it dark and cold, but the big man decided to let it rain a little this morning too - Oh good!!

My legs felt like lead today for some reason and I did struggle to get going, even though my breathing was pretty much under control from the start...that was until I had the fright of my life about a mile and a half in to it. Part of the run is alongside a fairly busy road so it's quite noisy, even at that time of the morning. There I was, in my own little world, dragging my fat backside round the route when all of a sudden this shadow appears to the left of me...then a body appears to right of me...I nearly ended up in the tree it made me jump so much!! It was the paperboy on his bike doing his round...the little shite!! I didn't hear him coming...a new set of shorts were nearly required.

Anyway, the run was done without any more drama so next is my 7 miler on Saturday before I strut my funky stuff on the dance floor at the wedding!!

Ding dong the bells are gonna chime

0610...I hate that time of day! I say 'day' very loosely as it was pitch black this morning so in theory, in my eyes anyway, it was still the middle of the night!! I should have been tucked up in my nice warm bed. Instead, I was putting on my shorts and hitting the streets for the latest 3 miler of my full-on schedule.

I felt relatively comfortable, if very cold, during the run this morning so I'm obviously making progress - which is always good to know! Thus far I have completed 35 training miles, which would have been 37 were it not for a trapped nerve in my neck on day one, so the miles in the bank are definitely starting to build up.

The rest of this week should see me do a 3 miler on Thursday and Saturday followed by 7 miler number 2 on Sunday. I will probably end up switching the Saturday and Sunday runs over, as I am at a Wedding on Saturday afternoon/evening and cant see myself being able to do a 7 miler the morning after!! Still, as long as they're done that's the main thing. I may well try and re-introduce the ankle weights next week for the 3 milers...we'll see!

Breath easy

Mum & Dad stayed over last night so I wanted to get my run done nice and early today so I could shower and get ready to spend the day with them and Tracey. So 0800 rolls around (far too quickly!) and I'm out of bed to get my gear on. My nose was blocked this morning and I thought the last I need is a cold, more commonly known as Man Flu! Believe me though, 2 minutes out this morning and it's amazing what a blast of cold air does. It was freezing today so the spandex made it's first appearance of the training schedule!! However, the cold air cleared my airways and I was able to get going with today's 7 miler attempt.

After my first 6 miler last Sunday, the schedule is continuing to push me on - no time to sit back. So to get through today I got it in to my head that I would do the extra mile in the middle of the run e.g. using the extra half mile on the way out before running bit back. Then I just told myself that I was back to where I was last week with 3 miles to go and I managed to run back from there so there's no reason why I cant do it again! To be honest, I didn't feel too bad when I got home having done the 7 miles without a break...until I walked in and my Mum said "are you supposed to look like that?"!!! I didn't know if she meant in general or because I was hot and sweaty!!

3 is the magic number

I woke before my alarm at 0659 this morning and added another 10 minutes to it before it went off. I rolled my fat, tired self out of my pit and went for the latest 3 mile installment. This morning felt extra cold to start with. Most of today's run was spent thinking about my 7 mile attempt tomorrow...and I'm not looking forward to it!! The plan is to get up and be out by 0830 so I am back home, showered and done by 1000...that's the plan anyway!!

I got through today's 3 miles unscathed and had my usual freezing cold bath when I got back to ease the legs in preparation for tomorrow. Fingers crossed it will be a magnificent seven!

Remedial Class

Yesterday saw my first big sponsorship, from AMIKA Nightclub in Kensington, who also supported me during my silverstone half marathon earlier in the year. You'll find a link to the club website on the side panel of my blog. With a very generous offer of £10 per mile, it takes care of £260 of the £1,500 I'm aiming to raise so a massive thank you to the man behind the sponsorship, I'll save his blushes by not mentioning his name! Get yourself down there at the weekends and if you mention that you know me, they'll let you in for the normal price!

0600 and the alarm goes, but this morning I open my eyes and my head feels like it's going to explode off of my neck! I have a thumping headache so reset my alarm for 0715 and decide to run after work, when hopefully my headache has gone.

Two lots of of tablets later and my head cleared - thankfully! I got home from work at 1930 and got straight in to my shorts and T-shirt before heading out for another 3 miler. If I ever need an incentive to get out of bed at 0600 to run, then I shall remember this evening's run. I went passed the first corner and could smell a fish and chip supper. Further down the road and there is laughter coming from the pub. I felt like everyone was enjoying their down time and there was me, in remedial class, doing extra work because I didn't do it earlier!! Evening running is not as much fun as a morning run. In the morning I feel like I have a head start on everyone else, I'm up before them, I've done my run before them and I'm ready for my day before them. I don't like the remedial class!!

Weight, not yet

0600 hours and the bloody alarm goes...I hate training mornings!! Rolled out the bed at 0612 and straight in to my shorts, T-shirt and trainers before going downstairs to get my trainers on. This morning I thought I would try something new to push on in my training...ankle weights!

As my midweek runs are currently 3 miles, I thought that if I could add some ankle weights during these shorter, week day runs then it will help me push on with my Sunday run which is the longest run each week. So I took my 5kg ankle weights, removed 2 kg, and strapped the 3kgs to my ankles. Then I went in to the kitchen to get a glass of water before the run and with the weight shift on my legs I nearly went arse over tit before I'd even started!!

Anyway, composure regained, I had my glass of water and left the house for my 3 miler. I got 50 yards down the road before turning around and coming back home. Bugger the ankle weights...I'm not quite ready for them yet!! So, with the weights off, I started my run again and got round the 3 miles without too much hassle. The usual erratic breathing for the first half mile before settling down to a good steady run. 3 more miles in the bank with 3 more to come on Thursday morning. I'm starting to get back in to this running lark and dare I say it, even starting to enjoying it a little!! I've attached my training schedule so you can see what's in store for me.

60 minutes later

The alarm went at 8:15 this morning and I afforded myself another half hour lie in before getting myself ready for my biggest challenge of this training schedule so far...6 miles. I took a slightly different route this morning and when I left the house it was raining slightly which wasn't a great start!!

On my previous runs this week, mentally I have been getting through each stage of the run counting down the mile markers until I make it round. Today though I started off by getting it in to my head that I would be going out for about an hour, covering 6 miles, as opposed to counting the mile markers. That way, I felt better prepared for the 6 miles. I got through the first 3 miles, catching control of my breath after about a mile, and at that point told myself that if I can get to the fourth mile then I can afford myself a walk break.

During that fourth mile, I started to get a 'stitch' through my shoulder and the blisters on the soles of my feet started to feel like they were burning. I made it to the 4 mile marker and kept going. I didn't think of it as still having 2 miles to go. Instead I thought, I have two straight roads left until I'm home - so I kept going. Just past the 5 mile marker and I was on the home straight, the road that was going to take me to my front door! I kept the legs going but my breathing started to get erratic again, like at the start of a run, but I kept going. I made it to the 6 mile mark, my front door, without any breaks in running - Job done. Albeit the time wont break any records, but that's 15 miles in the bank for the week, and just think it's only another 20.2 miles further than I did today for the actual race...piece of cake!!!

Change of direction.

Another three miles in the bank today without too much hassle. During the run this morning, I was thinking about tomorrow's 6 miler and thinking that the easiest way to do it would be the 3 mile route and then just turn around and go back, but that wont be happening! It just goes to show how much running, and sport in general, can be won or lost in the head before you even start.

Throughout my 3 mile route, which takes me in a loop back to my house, I have different markers which I use to keep myself going, with the hump bridge the final hurdle to overcome. I know, that once I am over that bridge I am home and dry. Then I thought, when I get through the first three miles and get over that bridge, am I really going to be able to turn around and go back after being used to finishing at that point? Answer - No!

So a new route will be undertaken for my six miler tomorrow...watch this space to find out how it goes.

CLIC Sargent

After a 15 minute lay-in this morning, I was up and ready for 3 miler number two. It was cold and dark this morning but 3 miles had to be done regardless, so off I went. The aim of today's run was to get through the 3 miles without any walk breaks - and add more miles in the bank.

This first mile wasn't so bad but the cold air was tough on the lungs. I got to the point that I stopped at on Tuesday and kept going...the first hurdle was over. I challenged myself to keep going and get to the point where I took my second break, without stopping. At checkpoint two I told myself that 'I'm on the home stretch. Get to the end and it's mission accomplished for the day'. As I get to last bit of the run, I have a little hump bridge to get over which, when walking, is just a little hump bridge, but when at the end of a 3 mile run in the first week of a 29 week training plan, it felt like a mountain! I reached my 3 mile check point without stopping

My challenge had been met full on and I had a nice, ice cold bath to look forward to when I got back in the house. As much as I hate the initial bit of getting in, it really does relieve the muscles in the legs!

Next on the agenda is 3 more miles on Saturday before I attempt a 6 miler on Sunday. The feet are already getting blisters which, if last years training is anything to go by, should start to disappear the further in to the training I get...roll on, because they are killing me!!

As some of you may know already, last year I raised money for the MS Society. This year my chosen charity is CLIC Sargent, helping children with Cancer and Leukemia - and it's not because their running vest is pink! Well, it's not the only reason!! Every day, 10 families are told that their child has Cancer. As the UK's leading children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent offers them all round care and support because they are with them every step of the way.

The aim is to raise at least £1,500 so please please take a moment to click the 'sponsor me here' link at left hand side of my blog page (http://www.thebigone2010.blogspot.com/ for those of you reading this on facebook) and please give what you can. You saw my determination earlier in the year with the half marathon and you will see it again next year for THE BIG ONE!

Account opened!

After a visit to Kevin the masseuse last night, my neck is sorted and a fat muscle knot has been removed from my shoulder so I was fit for a run this morning...finally!

6am and the alarm went off. The first thought that went through my head was re set it for 7 and do the run after work! The second thought was nope, get your fat arse out of bed and get running...you gotta a marathon to train for! So up and out in the pitch black for a 3 mile run and it was tough! I had two 6o second walks during the three miles to catch my breath but the main thing for now is getting some 'miles in the bank' so 3 miles completed is a good start. The 60 second walks were both a help and a hindrance because it let me catch my breath but my legs felt twice as heavy when I started running again!

Next on the agenda is another 3 miles on Thursday morning, hopefully this time with no walk breaks...but miles in the bank is the key.

He's off...no he isn't!

Up at 8am and ready for my first 3 mile run in preparation for the big one and a mile in to it...bang - I trapped a nerve in my neck and had to stop! Gutted. I remember starting out a bit like this last year when training for the Silverstone half marathon. I'm hoping it' s just to do with my posture whilst running and something that will sort itself pretty sharpish, as it did last year. Doesn't stop me feeling like I've just had a false start though. The training is going to be fairly intense if I am going to be ready to run 26.2 miles in 29 weeks' time so each mile under the belt is essential - I can do without silly niggling issues such as these but I had to stop today as it was pinching sharply in my neck and through my shoulder and continuing today would have only done more harm than good.

I think a visit to Kevin, the masseuse, is in order to sort out the tension in my back and shoulders which will then hopefully sort out my posture...hopefully! It's going to be a long 29 weeks!!

It's on!

The 2nd October 2009 will go down as a big day in the history of me, Rob Adams - because that was the day I came home from work and found a letter had been delivered that I had been waiting for for over 4 years...my acceptance letter for the LONDON MARATHON 2010!!

After 3 previous 'No's this was completely unexpected! I was expecting 2 more 'No's before a guaranteed place in 2012. I haven't really trained since running the silverstone half marathon in March and that's because of 2 reasons: 1. To rest my knee after the injury that hampered my training for that run and 2. I couldn't really get my arse in to gear! But all that is gonna change as of Sunday morning.

I celebrated the news tonight with an order of garlic bread and pizza...my last 'bad' meal for a few months because from hereon in it's all about the marathon - the training, the diet and the dedication. I've always wanted to say that I have run the London Marathon and 2010 will now bring me that chance. I've worked out my training schedule which will be going on the fridge and as with my last training plan, each session will be blogged in here until the big day arrives so watch this space.