The Big One 2010

Wow! What a day. I woke at 6am on Sunday before getting ready for the Marathon. The run that I had been preparing for, for the last 6 months. I left the house at around 0645 and made my way to Blackheath, where my run started. When I arrived, I packed up my stuff and handed my bag over, which was to be taken to the finish line to (hopefully) be reunited with me again. I had no doubts that the bag would make it there...maybe a few that I might not!!

After forecasts of a heatwave, I was shocked to be freezing cold and soaking wet from a downpour before the start of the run. There were thousands of people around me, each with their own little race routines and rituals. Some just relaxing, others running, warming up and stretching. I just waited. Taking everything in.

0945 and it was time to run. I took a deep breath and shuffled my way to the start, bumping shoulders with other runners on the way. 6 minutes after the race had started and I had finally reached the start line - my Marathon had begun.

The atmosphere was amazing. Unbelievable. The crowd and supporters were in a carnival mood and that alone made the first 7 miles feel easy. I kept looking out for my Wife and Parents as they were going to be there to support me but as I reached 18 miles I was yet to find them. By this point it had warmed up significantly, my feet were sore and my legs were hurting. The thought of stopping crossed my mind. I was a tough point in the race. Maybe it was the 'wall' that people talk about, where the only thing that will send you crashing through that wall is a strong mind. It was at that point I heard my dad's voice shout 'There he is' and I looked up to see my folks and Tracey in the crowd. The feeling was indescribable. I gave them a clenched fist and shouted back 'I'm still going!' I got a massive lump in my throat and I could quite easily have burst in to tears at the moment. I was at breaking point but seeing them gave me the lift I needed to dig deep and push on. I told myself that I hadn't trained 6 months to quit now.

I was taking on water at every mile. Little sips. I made sure I went under every one of the 6 showers around the course, like car washes but for people, cooling me as I went through. I reached the 20 mile mark. 6 and a bit to go. From here on, psychologically I could start counting down. I pictured where I would be on my training run with 6 miles to go which made it easier for me to picture finishing. 21 miles. 22 miles. I kept chipping away and keeping one eye on my time. Before the run I wanted to complete it between 4:30 - 5:00hrs and if I kept digging deep I could still do it.

I saw the 25 mile mark. I was so close. I felt my phone vibrate and it was my brother "are you still running?" he asked to which I said "Yes...I'm dying!! I'm in the last mile and this is the hardest thing I have ever done". "Keep going" he said, " I'm watching it on the T.V"

I put the phone back in my arm pouch and pushed on. I crossed the line at the same time as Richard Branson! My official time was 4:59:05...I did it with 55 seconds to spare. The emotion I felt was unbelievable. I felt like crying at first, but then I took a moment to realise that I had completed my goal. My finishers medal was placed over my head.

I did it. I completed the BIG ONE!

Enjoy the video and if you haven't already done so, please sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/thebigone2010 and help children diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Thank you

Thats it!

Two days to go before the Marathon and I'm as ready as I'll ever be!! I had my last training run on Tuesday night, a 13 miler which I completed in 2:13, and unlike my half marathon back in March I felt I could have gone on to do more...a good thing considering I have to take on twice that on Sunday!!

With over 650 training miles under my belt, I have spent over 100 hours running and got through two pairs of running shoes all in the build up to Sunday. It's been a long road and at times a very difficult one, but I want to say a massive 'Thank you' to my wife, Tracey, for putting up with me moaning about my aches and pains and making sure my spandex was always clean for my long training runs!! Her support has been invaluable over the last few months. So I have made it to the start of the Marathon, which is an achievement in itself considering that when I stepped out for my first training session over 6 months ago I only made it a mile before I trapped a nerve in my neck and shoulder area and had to stop!

I went to register at the ExCel centre in London yesterday to collect my running number and time keeping chip, which started to make it all real. I've spent this week drinking plenty of fluids, eating plenty of carbs and making sure I'm in the best shape possible for Sunday. Keep an eye out for the Video of the whole experience next week and if you haven't done so already, please click the 'sponsor me' link to make a donation to CLIC Sargent - the charity I'm supporting for this year's Marathon, who help children diagnosed with Cancer & Leukemia and their families.

Here goes....

The morning after the long day before!

On Saturday I was out all day taking photographs at a Wedding in central London. Tracey and I left the house at 0900 and didn't get back home until 2230 so it was one hell of a long day. My feet were killing me and my back was sore so I decided to just do a short run on Sunday, just to keep me ticking over.

I'm going to do 13 miles tonight which will be my very last training run!! I'll then rest up and eat plenty of energy food before Sunday arrives. I'm going to the Marathon Expo on Thursday to register and find out what's happening on the big day. With the run fast approaching, I'm really starting to get nervous now!!

A friend of a friend completed the Brighton Marathon recently and after reading her summary of it, it sounds horrendous!!!!! It's too late now, I'm in and I'm going to do it!!!

It's the final countdown

After yet another stinking migraine on Tuesday, which meant I missed my run, I went for an 11 miler last night.

After 3 miles I got an almighty stitch for a short while, which returned again after 5 miles, and it was really uncomfortable. Last night was tough for some reason and I could have quite easily quit! I didn't though, and pushed on through the 11 miles in 1:50:05 working out to 10 minutes per mile - the time I am aiming for on the big day.

When I got home I had my freezing cold, 5 minute bath to ease the muscles before a nice hot shower. I have a week and 3 days to go, in which I will be doing a 16 mile run on Sunday and an 8 miler on Wednesday before all the training comes to a head for next Sunday's Virgin London Marathon...I hope I've done enough!!

Out of juice

My brother and his family were over at the weekend so after a 4 mile run on Friday, I went for 21 miles on Sunday morning. I left as early as I could so I could spend some time with them on Sunday before they went home, so I was up and out by 7am!

I made it to the 10.5 mile mark without too much issue, and I was setting a good pace too at just under 10 minutes a mile. I had my first energy gel and drink of lucozade before turning and heading back. It was warm on Sunday morning and after another energy gel 3 miles later and another drink, I started feeling the heat. I ran out of drink with 5 miles to go and I thought that there is no way I'm going to make it back without any so I called it a day and Tracey picked me up. On the day, there will be drink stations along the whole route and the bottle I'll have on me will be for between the stations, so that wont be an issue come the marathon.

I got in to the house and the first thing my little nephew said to me was "So you gave up then!!" Harsh, but I guess that all he sees is me not completing what I set out to do that day.

A dog's dinner

I got in from work on Tuesday and after getting changed, I headed straight out for my 11 mile run. Well, it turned out to be just short of 11 miles actually - reason being, I got to about 500 yards short of the halfway point when I saw a young lad with what looked like a pitbull. The dog wasn't on a lead or muzzled so I decided not to risk becoming a dogs dinner and turn back early! I'm going to need both legs if I'm going to get through this marathon.

It was quite a good run although I didn't have my cold bath afterwards and I ended up suffering for it yesterday. Lesson learned.

I was going to do a 4 miler tonight but my head is pounding...a busy week catching up with me I think. Next is 4 miles on Saturday before tackling 21 miles on Sunday - cant wait!

3 weeks and counting

After spending around 20 hours in the car between Tuesday and Thursday, it was good to get out running on Friday and stretch my legs again. I did 4 miles and although it felt like a struggle, my calf muscle felt the benefit of the rest over the last few days so it was a good decision not to run last Sunday.

Rather than try and tackle 21 miles today, I have decided to lead up to it again and complete 11 miles on Tuesday before another long one next weekend.

There's only 3 weeks to go now and I have to admit, I cannot wait to complete it!!

Marathon runner 1 2 3 5 5

After Tuesday's disastrous evening, I saw Kevin the masseuse on Wednesday and he managed to sort out my neck and shoulders. However, I was a little sore on Thursday so gave that run a miss.

Saturday saw me hit the road again and complete 4 miles (but I forgot to blog - again!) and although my calf muscle still felt quite tight, I got through to the end.

I was up at 0715 this morning and got ready for my run. I worked out the extra mile on my route planner and set out to attempt 21 miles. Unfortunately though my calf felt very tight today and, with only 5 weeks to the big one, I didn't want to risk ANYTHING. That's the reason I stopped and turned back after less than half a mile. As frustrating as it is, I know that my body has to be 100% on the day, as well as my lungs and willpower. I cant run this Tuesday or Thursday so my calf will get a full week's rest before I run again next Saturday. A blip, but I'll be back!!

I received my runner number in the post this week...number 12355...keep an eye out for me!

One of those nights

After getting through Sunday with a little chaffing and two sore toes, I got in from work this evening and got myself ready for tonight's 10 miler.

I Vaseline'd my nipples and crevices, put on my spandex, shorts and trainers, ran my cold bath and made my way out of the house. I got to the end of the road and thought that tonight feels different for some reason, then I realised I didn't have my knee support on! I should have realised at that point that this wasn't going to be my night. I turned back to the house and got my support.

When I stepped out of the house for the 2nd time, it had started raining...another sign! I carried on and about a mile and a half in to the run my left calf muscle started to tighten up so I paused at a lamppost to stretch it out. A little stretch later and I set off again when all of a sudden, I trapped a nerve in my troublesome shoulder/neck area. Could anything else go wrong tonight?? I tried to stretch it out but as soon as I tried to run again a pain shot through that area and I had to stop there and then.

Luckily, I had my phone with me so the first thing I did was text my masseuse, Kevin, to see if he could see me tomorrow to sort me out. The next thing I did was call Tracey to come and pick me up. 5 minutes later I saw her coming...then I saw her going!!! She went straight past me without seeing me. No problem, I thought, I'll just call her and tell her she's just past me...but guess who didn't take her phone with her?? There I was, with a tight calf, a trapped nerve in my neck, in the rain wearing shorts and now walking home because my Wife missed me!!! It was just one of those nights. The next time I saw Tracey was about 50 yards from the front door.

Dented

Today I had to give 20 miles a go...and I was dreading it! Believe it or not, after completing the Silverstone half marathon last weekend my confidence for the big one took a massive dent. I finished the half marathon with nothing left in the tank, I was spent, and I thought to myself 'how the hell am I going to get through 26.2 miles if I feel like this after 13.1?!'

I started my run this morning and spent the first 3 miles telling myself that I have got no chance of finishing this - I couldn't help it. Then, all of a sudden I had a swift mind change and thought to myself, yes I am. I had to, if I am to have any chance of completing the big one in 5 weeks time.

I pushed on steadily and reached my 10 mile mark before taking my first power gel and a couple of mouthfuls of drink. The run took me out to Oxshot and I passed some HUGE houses out there. The 'road' that marked my 10 miles turned out not to be a road but someone's DRIVE!! I turned around and headed back with the thought that each step now takes me closer to home.

After just over 3 and a half hours after I left the house, I had made it back home. I had completed 20 miles non-stop. Unthinkable 24 weeks ago when I struggled with 3 miles!!

That just leaves 5 weeks and counting...

A day late

Yet again I forgot to blog yesterday but I did my 4 miler. About a mile and half in to it and a little old lady who was coming towards me said as I went past "You're doing a good job there!" which made me laugh out loud. This woman didn't know me from the next man and yet had a quick pleasant line to say as I ran past!

Stop the bus!

My legs were killing me tonight and I think it was because I didn't get a chance to have a cold bath straight after Sunday's run. I tried every stall tactic possible tonight, to try and avoid the run, right up to the point when I got on Tracey's nerves...that was my cue to go!!

With my chaffing wrapped up, I headed out for tonight's nine miler with the thought in my head that in 6 weeks time I will have completed the London Marathon (hopefully!). All my hard work is coming to a head, but it will count for nothing if I don't give the next 6 weeks my everything.

I made it out to the 4.5 mile mark and turned back to head home, knowing that I would soon be showered and sat on the sofa with Tracey. About a mile and a half from home, a young lad was standing in the the middle of the pavement with his back to me so I had to swing round him through a tight space...just as he swung his arm out to hail a bus, digging me in the arm as I went past!! I heard a shout of "sorry mate" to which I replied "no worries". No harm done and I made it through the 9 miles in an hour and a half. I got in and jumped straight in to a cold bath to ease my aching muscles.

Next up - 4 miles on Thursday.

Ghost of Silverstone past

I didn't run yesterday because my chaffing was a little sore after Thursday's 9 miles. After travelling up to Silverstone on Saturday night and going out for a nice meal with Tracey, Mum & Dad, we made our way to Silverstone race track for today's half marathon and my chance to banish the ghosts of last year's injury hit attempt.

My aim today was to complete the run in 2 hours 15 minutes. Last year I completed it in over 2 hours 37 minutes as I ended up walking most of the last 3 miles because my dodgy knee prevented me training for the last couple of weeks leading up to it. However this was a new, injury free, year and I had to complete what I started last year, just to put my mind at rest!!

I made my way on to the the track and was surrounded by people of all shapes and sizes, all with their own reasons for being there - some having lost loved ones to illness and running in their memory, some suffering with illness themselves and some just there to be able to say 'I did it'. Their was one young chap there who was blind and was going to power walk the route with a guide which was so humbling.

The run began and I had to reign it in a little as I completed the first mile in under 8 and a half minutes...a pace I certainly wasn't going to be able to maintain!! I cracked on with the run and got to 11 and a half miles before I turned in to a very strong wind, right in to my face! It was so strong that it made the last mile an absolute nightmare, absolutely horrendous!!

I crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 12 minutes and 36 seconds according to my watch...job done, finally!!

Chaffing hell!

After my 18 miles on Sunday, I had chaffing like you wouldn't believe on the inside of my left leg. It was raw and meant I couldn't do the 9 miler on Tuesday night. Instead of doing the 4 miles I was meant to do tonight, I decided to do the 9 miles I should have done on Tuesday.

I felt good tonight. With my cut covered with a dressing, I was able to run as normal. I completed the run in an hour and a half which I was pleased with because normally my evening runs aren't as quick as my morning ones.

Next on the agenda is 4 miles on Saturday before conquering the Silverstone half marathon on Sunday.

Mystery honker

So the alarm went at 0700 this morning, crazy for a Sunday but it's that or spend the main part of the day out running. I was up, washed and in to my spandex before heading downstairs to put on two slices of toast while I worked out my 9 mile route out. The first attempt took me on to the M25 which wasn't a great idea considering I wasn't in a car!! So I backtracked and changed direction so I at least had a pavement to run on!!

The toaster popped and I slapped some jam on before demolishing the toast pretty quickly. I have to start testing what breakfast to have before the marathon run as I don't want any surprises on the day. So route worked out and toast demolished, I was out the door at 0750. I got myself an ipod nano during the week because the runs are getting too long to keep my mind occupied throughout, however I haven't had a chance to do a playlist yet and I didn't fancy trying to push through some hard miles to the sound of sweet love songs so I didn't take it with me today. I was however armed with my bottle belt and two packs of power gel.

Off I went and felt quite good considering I didn't do a long run last weekend. I pushed on through the 9 miles before I took my first drink and my first power gel. I think I actually went further than the 9 miles as I missed my checkpoint!! Ah well, it wasn't that much further and at least it was the right side of 9 miles. So I turned around and headed back. About a mile or so in to my return journey, I got honked by a car that has honked me a couple of times before but I have no idea who it is!! I managed to wave to the occupants but it all remains a mystery!!!

I also had the pleasure of running past a marching band too...not what I expected when I left the house this morning! About 3 and a half miles from home and I had my second power gel and pushed on through a weak moment when I nearly quit - but I didn't. I have never been so pleased to see my front door again, just over 3 hours and 10 minutes after leaving it. 18 miles - done!

Next weekend I have the Silverstone Half Marathon to complete and banish the ghosts of last year, when injury meant I walked most of the last 3 miles of it.

I forgot!

I forgot to blog yesterday but I did complete my four miler without too much fuss!

Back in business

I was hit with a rotten head cold over the weekend which meant I had to miss Sunday's & Tuesday's runs - gutted, and I really do mean that. The worst of it was on Monday but it didn't quite reach man flu strain A levels thankfully, so I was back out tonight for just 4 miles.

It wasn't the easiest of runs but I don't know how much of that was due to missing a couple of runs, the after effects of the cold or just in my head!! Either way, the four miles were done and dusted in about 35 minutes. All being well, it'll be another 4 miles before bypassing 17 miles and trying to conquer 18 miles on Sunday. Wish me luck, I think I'm going to need it!!

Four more

When I got in from work on Thursday is was pouring out of the heavens so I gave the run a miss. this morning however it was dry so I was up and out for my 4 miler at 0840. It started to rain when I was out but it wasn't anything major.

Apparently it is due to hammer down tomorrow which will put my long run in jeopardy but I'm hoping to go early enough to miss the downpour. It I do manage to get out, it'll be for 17 miles!

Grrrrr8!

This should be getting easier...but it's not! I had to do 8 miles tonight and I really didn't feel like it. I got in from work and the house was already nice and warm which made it even harder to go back out!! I got in to my spandex and after a little moan about how cold it was outside, I put on my woolly hat and gloves and made my way out the door. At least it was dry tonight I guess.

So out I went and although I wasn't up for it tonight, I got the run done without too much fuss. My legs felt heavy but I imagine that's because of the long run on Sunday and that was another reason why I made sure I completed tonight's run because the one after the long run is always an important one to do as it will be improving my ability to run through when my legs want to quit.

Next on the agenda is 4 miles on Thursday.

At least it's now done

This morning I was up at 0710, washed and brushed my teeth before heading downstairs for a slice of toast. I had to line my stomach as I knew I would be out for some time!! I taped my nipples to avoid getting the dreaded jogger's nipple, put my mobile phone armband on as 8 miles is a long way to walk if anything goes wrong and clipped my bottle belt on as I didn't fancy 16 miles running without a drink! I was now armed and ready to tackle the run.

I set out and during the first 4 miles I was running in a light rain which was quite pleasant for a while. Then it started to rain a little heavier until I was 6 miles out when it absolutely pelted down. Perfect timing as I was pushing on to get to the 8 mile halfway point. Although soaked through, I was feeling fairly fresh and was relieved to be at the turnaround point. I had a power gel, like an energy bar in a gel format, and my first mouthfuls of lucozade at the halfway point and was raring to go for the journey back. The legs still felt fresh but the rain wasn't letting up just yet.

I hit the 11 mile mark and my legs started to get heavy. I kept going and at about 12.5 miles I felt like I hit 'the wall' and I was ready to quit. Then the little voice in my head reminded me...no 2nd chances. I had my 2nd power gel and some more lucozade and pressed on for the last 3 miles. A mile and a half out and I took the last mouthfuls of lucozade and kept going as I was nearly there.

As I got to the corner of my road, there was an older gentleman who had just got home from his run and looked knackered so as I passed I said 'at least it's now done' to which he laughed and seeing the relief on his face that he was finished gave me the legs to push on home and complete the 16 miles. So that was the first target done, the 16 miles was completed. The 2nd target was to try and get it done in 2 hours 40 minutes but I managed it in 2 hours 49 minutes...not quite but I was a happy man, for today at least!!

Tough going

After my scheduled rest on Thursday evening, my legs felt heavy for today's 4 miler, very heavy!! I was out the door at 0910 this morning and it was a lovely crisp morning which was perfect for running. I made it through the run without too much fuss but it did feel like tough going at points, which is a bit scary considering I have to do this distance FOUR TIMES tomorrow!! Yup, 16 miles is on the agenda tomorrow so lets see if I can push on in my ultimate aim to nail the 26.2 miles.

Dry run...NOT!

I left work at 1730 and it was pouring out of the heavens...great!! I was due to do 7 miles tonight but thought I had no chance as the rain pelted down on the window of the train. It started to ease off as I got home so I thought stuff it, lets give it a go. I got my shorts and T-shirt on, along with my waterproof jacket, and set out.

The light rain was quite nice initially, that was until it turned in to a heavier shower again! I got to the halfway point without too much hassle, although a little wet, turned and started my journey back as the rain continued to fall. About 2 miles from home and 'splosh' - right foot went ankle deep in to a cold puddle. Nice! a mile and a half from home and 'splosh' - left foot ankle deep in in to a cold puddle. Then about a mile from home and I got what can only be described as a right old b'stard of a stitch for about 2 minutes, right in the ribs!! This wasn't funny anymore. The rain was now hammering down so I just kept going so I could get back in to the warm to shower and dry off. I was almost home when 'splosh' - both feet in what felt like a shin deep puddle this time!! This run was certainly full of incident! I squelched my way home and back in to warm - finally. I have a scheduled day off on Thursday so the next run will be Saturday before a 16 mile attempt on Sunday.

Just a reminder for those that haven't yet sponsored me (and those who have, but want to again!!) you can sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/theBIGone2010 to help me towards the £1,500 target for CLIC Sargent, a charity helping young children with cancer and their families.

No 2nd chances

After 7 miles in the week, my 3 miler didn't get done due to yet another stinking headache! This weekend I was at my Mum & Dad's so I couldn't do my 15 miler today...but I did give it a go yesterday!

I was up at 0715 and out by 0750 and damn it was cold!!! The aches and pains started quite early in the run yesterday, after about 4 miles, so I thought I was really going to struggle. I pushed on through to the halfway point and had the extra incentive as I went past Chessington Zoo and I heard a roar from what sounded like a very big animal!! It got my backside in to gear anyway!!!

I reached the halfway mark and turned to make my way back, counting down the miles left. I was gasping for a drink with a few miles left but I had to push on. I kept telling myself that I have no 2nd chances now as each week my schedule increases another mile so each target HAS to be reached.

I got to 13 miles and the only thing going through my head was "No 2nd chances, no 2nd chances" and I kept going. My time was never going to break any records but I was on the road home. The voice in my head then started saying that I have to keep going all the way to my drive way as "anything less than the driveway is failure"!! I made it - 15 miles done. Next week it's 16 miles...bring on April 25th!!!

Mission incomplete

The alarm went at 0735 this morning and I laid in bed until 0800. When I got up, I brushed my teeth and made some toast before plotting the route for today's 15 mile attempt. The I added an extra mile out to the 13 mile route but it is down a road with lanes off of it so it was difficult to work out where the turning point was. I eventually worked out that after I cross two lanes opposite each other, I need to go to the 7th lamp post before turning back!!

I was out the door at 0830 and felt a lot better during the run after chicken and rice last night (as opposed to the meal I had the night before!!) I got to the 7th lamp post and swung around, still feeling relatively good. I counted down the miles until I got to 13 and I was gasping for a drink. My legs were heavy but I tried to push on...until I couldn't go on any further and had to bail out at 13.5 miles. In one way I have at least progressed from the 13 miles two weeks ago but it just goes to show that missing the big run last weekend because I was away has hindered me slightly. I was gutted if I'm being honest, not least because the mile and a half walk back seemed to tale forever!!!

Tuesday I am due to complete 7 miles and I will be re-doing my schedule for the next 11 weeks as I am a little behind due the the weather and a few missed session...but rest assured, I will be ready for the April 25th!

A little struggle

I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday but I did make it out for a 4 miler. Although it was a little one in comparison to the other runs I'm doing...it felt like I struggled!! I don't know whether it has anything to do with the fish fingers and chips I had the night before...not the best running prep food I guess!!

Anyway, the run was completed and it set me up for today's 15 mile attempt...

Fright Night

After a tiresome weekend running around, visiting as many family & friends as possible in Ireland, I was due to run on Tuesday night but had an almighty headache so passed until this evening.

I got in from work at 1810 and got straight in to my spandex before heading out for a 6 miler. I didn't really fancy it because I'm still feeling very tired, but once I was out it did actually feel quite good to get going again. 3 miles out and I swung around for the return journey. About halfway home I was going through the motions and considering what to write in my blog when a car drove past and someone shouted out of the window...frightened the absolute cack out of me!! A cheap laugh for some youngster but it certainly got the blood flow pumping that little faster!!

I think its either a 3 or 4 miler on Saturday before tackling a fat old 15 miler on Sunday...for now though, I'm for my bed!

1, 2 miss a few...

Just a quickie tonight as I completed my 3 miles after work without too much fuss. The weekend runs wont happen this weekend as I'm away so the next run will be on Tuesday before I try and tackle a big old 15 miler next weekend...oh dear!!

7 up

After Sunday's 13 miler, my legs have recovered in time for tonight's 7 miles quite well. I got in from work and hit the road around 1830 hours. It was cold enough to get the spandex on again tonight and I'm starting to do distances where chaffing is becoming a problem!!

Anyway, the run went without too much hassle although running after work is harder than the weekend runs...even though they're shorter!!!

Wooah we're halfway there...

And I am living on prayer, that I make it through the 26.2 miles!! Today, I tackled the dreaded 13 miler for the 3rd time...and this time I made it!! Yes, the 13 miler is done at last. All I have to do now is the same again one after the other, plus a little bit more (as my Dad reminded me!!)

I set out around 0800 this morning, having had a slice of toast and a few sips of lucozade. Like last week, I made it to the 6.5 mile mark comfortably although my breathing felt heavier than usual for the first couple of miles. The split time was 1:06 for the first half of my run which was pretty much what I was aiming (hoping!) for. The key then, was to not just make it back the rest of the 6.5 miles but to try and do it in good time too. I turned back and started on the homeward journey, counting down the miles until I had done 11. This was the point where it went wrong last weekend as I only made it another half mile before the legs gave in, but this week it went to plan and I completed the 13 miles in 2hrs 14 minutes 14 seconds and I was a happy, if a very tired, man.

Justgiving are offering the added incentive of £500 for the London Marathon page that succeeds in getting the most people to donate over the next 8 days (until 1st February) You only have to donate £1 to count (but obviously, if you could donate more, then that would be even better!), but I would hugely appreciate it if you could take a moment to visit my sponsorship page wwwjustgiving.com/thebigone2010 and make a donation (regardless whether it's a big or small one) to give me the best chance possible of getting the extra £500 for CLIC Sargent.

It will take you less than 5 minutes to do but make such a massive difference tot he children and families that benefit from the care offered by CLIC Sargent.

A quickie

I didn't get a chance to update my blog yesterday but I did my 3 miler as planned, even though my legs did feel quite heavy considering it was a short run.

What I should've done

I know I said I was going to run 6 miles on Tuesday but I didn't, because I forgot I was giving blood on Tuesday night! Therefore, instead of running 3 miles tonight I did the 6 I should have done earlier in the week.

My legs had life back in them this evening after Sunday's gruelling effort so the 6 miles went OK, even though I did think to myself after about half a mile that I just want to turn round and go back home to the warm! However, the mince and onion pastie I had waiting for me when I got back made up for being out in the cold for an hour!! I am looking forward to taking on this elusive 13 miles this coming Sunday, once I've had a little run out on Saturday morning.

Unlucky for some

After a week and half being unable to run due to the adverse weather, today saw me take on 13 miles for only the 2nd time in my life. The first was last year's silverstone half marathon and that was wrecked by injury, so this time I wanted to conquer it...but I fell short again. Two weeks ago I got through 11 miles and then the snow came to hinder my progress, so getting through 13 miles today was always going to be a big ask.

I got through the the first half of the run quite well, turning at the 6.5 mile mark outside a hotel advertising a big fat steak with chips...how I didn't stop and go in I do not know!! Anyway, I turned on my heels and started making my way back. 7 miles, 8 miles, 9 miles and still feeling good. I got to 10 miles and my legs started getting heavier. Just short of 11.5 miles and they gave in completely. I ended up walking the last 1.5 miles because I just couldn't run anymore, my legs were done.

Next Sunday should see me tackle 14 miles but instead, I'm going for a 13 miler again and hopefully it will be third time lucky! Before that though I have a 6 miler on Tuesday and 3 milers on Thursday and Saturday to get through.

The weather outside is frightful...

After recovering from Sunday's 11 miler, I got in from work tonight and got ready for a 5 miler...which I didn't really want to do! I prayed for snow on the way home so I would be house-bound and unable to run, but it didn't happen!! So I got ready and checked my schedule on the fridge and to my delight I saw that I only had to do 4 miles tonight and not 5...awesome!

I left the house and it was freezing so I got a shift on and got through the 4 miles as quickly as possible...mainly because I knew there was a shepherds pie waiting for me when I got home, after my shower of course.

As I write my blog tonight, it seems my prayer for snow has been answered...a couple of hours too late!!

Not 1 Weetabix, not 2 Weetabix...

The alarm went at 0815 this morning and I then spent the next 15 minutes thinking of why I shouldn't run today! Too frosty...too cold...I'm too tired...my knee is sore...the list went on and on until I got up, brushed my teeth, got spandexed up and left for my 11 miler...no excuses.

The previous 11 miler was completed but I really struggled over the last 2 miles, but not today. It was tough, I'm not denying that, but it wasn't a struggle over the final period like last time. I made it out the 5 and a half miles to the halfway point before turning back for the journey home, counting back each half mile...6...6.5...7...I got to the 9 mile mark and expected my legs to start to give out but they didn't and I kept going. I actually told myself that if I make it back the full 11 miles I will reward myself with an extra 2 Weetabix for breakfast!! I was starving and that was all the incentive I needed!! Just under 2 hours after setting off, I made it back home after completing my 2nd 11 miler in 5 days...not bad for someone who had never run that far in one go before hey!

From hereon in the pressure is really on as each Sunday the mileage is cranked up a mile ever week, starting with 12 miles next Sunday. Between now and then, I have a 4 miler, and two 5 milers to complete first.

The Big One...THIS YEAR!

Well 2010 is upon us already and I can now say that I am running the London Marathon THIS year!! Scary!!!

The plan was to get up around 0800 and go for a run to get it out of the way. So I woke up at 1040 and ended up leaving at 1100...close!! I only did three miles today as I intend to do 11 miles again tomorrow and given that up until 4 days ago I hadn't run in 10 days, two 11 milers in the space of 5 days is a big ask so I wanted to leave enough in the tank for it.

Watch this space to see if I make it through tomorrow!