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!
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
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...
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!
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
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!!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
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!!
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!!
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