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!
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
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!!
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!!
Saturday, 20 February 2010
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.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, 7 February 2010
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!
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...
Anyway, the run was completed and it set me up for today's 15 mile attempt...
Thursday, 4 February 2010
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!
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!
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