Saturday to stay with Stuart in Islington, a lazy afternoon in one of my favourite parts of the City. We meet up with Stuart's friends and go to his regular, local Italian.......'homemade lasagne please' would do the trick to boost the carbs and then onto the '99' Islington Comedy Club for 3 very talented comedians....in bed by 12 and shattered.
Surprised myself and slept like a baby....up at 6.30am for the big day....all prepared....the orange juice, smoothie, 3 Weetabix, extra Vitimin C, coffee for caffeine fix and banana. Stuart takes me to Charing Cross for 7.30am ( top host ! ) and I board the train to Greenwich Park. I am ahead of schedule but everyone else must have had the same idea...arrive early, take it in, chill and enjoy the build up.....we are packed in like sardines.....packed in so tight it was very intimate but the buzz in the air......was electric, the anticipation building of one of the greatest challenges 35,000 of us would ever take on.
Meet up with Lisa from work and Dud, her brother in-law. I decide to start the race with Lisa....we had been on a roller coaster journey to date and it felt right to start the 26.2 mile race with her....everyone is so, so friendly.....transpired the husband and wife team next to us live in the next road to Lisa in Rushden....how mad and likely was that !
Time flies.......9.15 passes and the wheelchair chaps are off, 9.45 the elite runners and soon after....us ! Months of training, months of doubt and this is it. I feel confident but aware we are both going into unknown territory in baking, hot heat.......never doing more than 16 miles in training before.
Lisa and I start together for the first couple of miles running alongside 'The Hoff' and 'Pamela Anderson' Baywatch lookalikes....I'm laughing and applauding them as the crowd cheer them on. The noise of encouragement already incredible and we have only done a mile ! I lose Lisa in the crowded road and then find myself passing the Baywatch team and using Batman and Robin as my new pace makers......my target time is 4 hours 30....my ideal I have not shared with others is sub 4 hours.....I have both pace bands on my arm to measure each mile against the clock.
After each mile I am losing seconds which build and build to put strain on the sub 4 hours.....I beleive I can make it up but it is so congested you just can't get into your Marathon pace.....the pace I'd trained at, was confident at but could not do on the day. I was losing momentum and getting frustrated. At 13 miles coming into Tower Bridge I just smiled, against the blueist sky I could ever remember it was stunning, inspirational.......just WOW ! I thought about what Paul and Andrew had said the day before.......'just smell the flowers'.......and I just accepted I would not do the time but would enjoy every second of the rest of the race !
At my lucky number,19, I hit the dreaded wall.....19 miles.I now have legs of lead and a head of doubt....I ran into Canary Wharf and the air just died and my legs along with it ! People all around were dropping, stopping, collasping with cramp and being looked after by the fantastic St.John's Ambulance team.
At that very point a colleague, Gary Lloyd, from work gave me a huge 'come on Jon! '....his words were enough to kick start my belief system....I will do this and I will make 4 hours 30. Over 3 miles I run, past more colleagues and friends and I'm feeling good as the crowd goes from 5 to 10 deep.....they are deafening......the 82 pubs I've past were all kicking, the bands banging out the big ballads, the deafening crowds shouting your name are the reasons your body and mind JUST DO IT!
With 4 miles to go I'm feeling ok but I must do the 4 hour 30 minutes.My legs a little heavy I catch up with a Royal Marine in full gear, boots and 36lb back pack on this hot,hot day. His knickname is Monty, my knickname is Monty with our names on our shirts the 10 deep crowd screaming 'come on Jon !','come on Monty !', was double the encouragement. We chat together, share stories together and run together. The last 600 metres I have to push on, dig deep and catch my last superhero of the day,'Superman',through the line at 4 hours 30 minutes and 32 seconds.......hitting my target on the nail !
Lisa had severe cramp at 8 miles and often questioned continuing.I'm so pleased she did ! Lisa was bitterly disappointed but you can't do anything if you hit the cramp levels she hit, in the high heat we had she did it when many gave up through exhaustion, cramp or worse.She did it and beat thousands of others including the well publicised attempt by Katie ' Jordan' Price and Peter Andre.
Do it again.....maybe !
A closing, massive thank you to all our sponsors ! We have raised over £ 7000.00 and it is still rising. It will make a difference to the girls ( nurses ) who make the difference for others at Bury and Cynthia Spencer Hospice along with MKSNAP.
We DID it !
THE END.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Friday, 24 April 2009
Smell the flowers.....2 days to go......
This will be the last blog until Lisa, I, hernia and 35,000 others attempt the greatest road race, the London Marathon....I'm confident we will both complete it !
In our final week we have had huge support from everyone......colleagues,friends, family, suppliers, customers and several whose loved one's have been supported over the years by Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
My great friend, Paul Tudor, has told me for years......' Jon, make sure you smell the flowers !'.....this week I must have used Paul's wise words over 100 times.....at the Monday networking event, at the pub discussing, HOPS, a new Charity were forming, the Northants Leaders Group and the Chamber Golf day.....we will enjoy the experience, enjoy the day and enjoy the 'smell of the flowers' !
Thursday I have a trapped nerve, more pain than the sports hernia of the last 6 weeks......I'm so pleased I met Vicki, the Saints physio, who, in 30 minutes releases the trapped nerve and seems able to give me a new body and back....top girl, big thanks and Happy Birthday for today....I won't tell anyone your 30 !!!!!
Ex-marathon runners tell me this will be one of the greatest days of our lives.......( sounds like a 'Take That' moment ).......I'm to be convinced and will let you know !
If you ever have to go to a Hospice,MKSNAP or most Charities you realise again how fortunate we are.......and how pathetic we can be for getting stressed out and negative about minor issues in our lives......it truly puts life into perspective.
Another great friend, Paddy Behan, puts this best, when, invariably after 6 pints says.....'WE ARE ALL BLESSED !'.......we will then proceed to carry him home and put him to bed ! When you STOP and think about this you realise how right he is and how grateful we should be.
Anyway, I am 'Mr. Pasta' this week...pasta for lunch, pasta for dinner.....carbs all week...I have lost over 1.5 stone in weight in the 12 weeks training and probably shot my knees in the process.....but hey....only doing this once and then a normal life again......maybe.
We are nearly at the £ 7000,00 mark - BIG THANKS to all those who have made this hard journey worthwhile with your kind sponsorship.
This is for Mum, for the girls ( nurses ), turning 40 and because we ( Lisa and I ) believe we can !
Thanks,going to bed - goodnight !
PS.Sponsorship still appreciated.....go on....give....it feels great !
In our final week we have had huge support from everyone......colleagues,friends, family, suppliers, customers and several whose loved one's have been supported over the years by Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
My great friend, Paul Tudor, has told me for years......' Jon, make sure you smell the flowers !'.....this week I must have used Paul's wise words over 100 times.....at the Monday networking event, at the pub discussing, HOPS, a new Charity were forming, the Northants Leaders Group and the Chamber Golf day.....we will enjoy the experience, enjoy the day and enjoy the 'smell of the flowers' !
Thursday I have a trapped nerve, more pain than the sports hernia of the last 6 weeks......I'm so pleased I met Vicki, the Saints physio, who, in 30 minutes releases the trapped nerve and seems able to give me a new body and back....top girl, big thanks and Happy Birthday for today....I won't tell anyone your 30 !!!!!
Ex-marathon runners tell me this will be one of the greatest days of our lives.......( sounds like a 'Take That' moment ).......I'm to be convinced and will let you know !
If you ever have to go to a Hospice,MKSNAP or most Charities you realise again how fortunate we are.......and how pathetic we can be for getting stressed out and negative about minor issues in our lives......it truly puts life into perspective.
Another great friend, Paddy Behan, puts this best, when, invariably after 6 pints says.....'WE ARE ALL BLESSED !'.......we will then proceed to carry him home and put him to bed ! When you STOP and think about this you realise how right he is and how grateful we should be.
Anyway, I am 'Mr. Pasta' this week...pasta for lunch, pasta for dinner.....carbs all week...I have lost over 1.5 stone in weight in the 12 weeks training and probably shot my knees in the process.....but hey....only doing this once and then a normal life again......maybe.
We are nearly at the £ 7000,00 mark - BIG THANKS to all those who have made this hard journey worthwhile with your kind sponsorship.
This is for Mum, for the girls ( nurses ), turning 40 and because we ( Lisa and I ) believe we can !
Thanks,going to bed - goodnight !
PS.Sponsorship still appreciated.....go on....give....it feels great !
Sunday, 19 April 2009
7 day countdown......
Funny old week really. Couple of 45 minute runs....Rich and family return to Holland - great mate I will miss until the next visit.
Had 5 minutes at the Club 100 Thursday breakfast meeting to explain the purpose of doing this run I was not built to do.......turning 40, people saying I can't do it and the girls/nurses at the Hospice and MKSNAP who are just amazing........surprised myself and walked out with £ 400.00 cash for the cause !!! delighted...only wish I'd started talking to strangers sooner !
Lisa is helping contact friends, family, business contacts of old and mates....were having some great success and are over the £ 6000.00 mark.....HUGE THANK YOU TO ANYONE WHO HAS DONATED....PLEASE HELP IF YOU HAVEN'T.
I've even been supported by my class of 1985......Philips High, Whitefield, Manchester, a great old school friend, Kelly-Lee Wilkinson emailed my classmates of '85 ahead of our reunion in July......old friends I'd not heard from for 25 years sent emails and sponsorship with great words of encouragement....many of them new my 'Mum'.....made me take time out to reflect once more on why I was doing this.
Saturday 'Toys' R' Us' for a Scooter for Isabelle, onto the Rugby where we beat London Irish and then dinner with the Bond's and Campbells......a full on week of work, running and play !
Sunday, the training programme says a 1 hour easy run.....1 hour so I do 7.5 miles around Pitsford Resevoir. Lisa and Isabelle jump in the car...it was a glorious day, sunny with a fresh breeze, sailing boats were racing on the bright blue, shimmering lake. Lisa hires a bike, with childseat for Isabelle, and they follow me on the relatively short run compared to a week down the road.
Just 7 days to the London Marathon.....nervous yes, confident....NOT !
Had 5 minutes at the Club 100 Thursday breakfast meeting to explain the purpose of doing this run I was not built to do.......turning 40, people saying I can't do it and the girls/nurses at the Hospice and MKSNAP who are just amazing........surprised myself and walked out with £ 400.00 cash for the cause !!! delighted...only wish I'd started talking to strangers sooner !
Lisa is helping contact friends, family, business contacts of old and mates....were having some great success and are over the £ 6000.00 mark.....HUGE THANK YOU TO ANYONE WHO HAS DONATED....PLEASE HELP IF YOU HAVEN'T.
I've even been supported by my class of 1985......Philips High, Whitefield, Manchester, a great old school friend, Kelly-Lee Wilkinson emailed my classmates of '85 ahead of our reunion in July......old friends I'd not heard from for 25 years sent emails and sponsorship with great words of encouragement....many of them new my 'Mum'.....made me take time out to reflect once more on why I was doing this.
Saturday 'Toys' R' Us' for a Scooter for Isabelle, onto the Rugby where we beat London Irish and then dinner with the Bond's and Campbells......a full on week of work, running and play !
Sunday, the training programme says a 1 hour easy run.....1 hour so I do 7.5 miles around Pitsford Resevoir. Lisa and Isabelle jump in the car...it was a glorious day, sunny with a fresh breeze, sailing boats were racing on the bright blue, shimmering lake. Lisa hires a bike, with childseat for Isabelle, and they follow me on the relatively short run compared to a week down the road.
Just 7 days to the London Marathon.....nervous yes, confident....NOT !
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Reflection, visualisation, sh*t 12 days to the toughest run of our lives !
Reflection has kicked in.....I have just read the first diary note on our blog six months ago. Six months!!!.....the journey so far, Christmas, New Year and now Easter have all passed....the wet, cold winter to warmth of Spring....the training,the lack of training, the highs, the lows, the family, the knee, the economy, the sponsorship, the hernia, the worry, the optimism, the cancer, the 40th, the nurses and now sh*t...just 12 days to go.
12 scary days.....sh*t !
Easter weekend was fantastic....a weekend in the West End to see Jersey Boys....the Frankie Valli and Four Seasons....standing ovation at the end, a must see, feel good factor show. Eileen and John kindly look after Isabelle and Lisa and I have a London weekend of food, fun, theatre and relaxation.
Made time for a Saturday 8am run along Oxford Street...beat the crowds, into Hyde Park onto St.James Park...past Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Big Ben and along the Thames, the London Eye, over Tower Bridge and back to Bloomsbury Square and our hotel.......a really enjoyable 13 miles around the City, I just typed... enjoyable...this running is getting addictive....probably saw more on that run than I'd seen of London in 20 years.
We collect Isabelle who does not want to come home - clearly very, very happy at the Harley's !
My Father arrives on the Sunday - he has still not moved on since Mum did ! .....still they did have 50 years together and she was a bit special to say the least.....made me really re-focus on why I want to raise this money for the nurses, for the hospice ! Only last week was he able to take Mum's things to the Hospice Charity shop....sponsor Lisa and I if you can....we really need it and appreciate it.
Anyway, the Necus family arrive from Holland and we have a family and friends, chilled, enjoyable remainder to the Easter weekend.
40 minute run with Sam and Rich last night...keep visualising the finishing line, how we will feel, the sense of achievement....finishing the world's most famous and challenging Marathon......sh*t, 12 days to go, 26th April 2009, 26.2 miles, the London Marathon !
12 scary days.....sh*t !
Easter weekend was fantastic....a weekend in the West End to see Jersey Boys....the Frankie Valli and Four Seasons....standing ovation at the end, a must see, feel good factor show. Eileen and John kindly look after Isabelle and Lisa and I have a London weekend of food, fun, theatre and relaxation.
Made time for a Saturday 8am run along Oxford Street...beat the crowds, into Hyde Park onto St.James Park...past Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Big Ben and along the Thames, the London Eye, over Tower Bridge and back to Bloomsbury Square and our hotel.......a really enjoyable 13 miles around the City, I just typed... enjoyable...this running is getting addictive....probably saw more on that run than I'd seen of London in 20 years.
We collect Isabelle who does not want to come home - clearly very, very happy at the Harley's !
My Father arrives on the Sunday - he has still not moved on since Mum did ! .....still they did have 50 years together and she was a bit special to say the least.....made me really re-focus on why I want to raise this money for the nurses, for the hospice ! Only last week was he able to take Mum's things to the Hospice Charity shop....sponsor Lisa and I if you can....we really need it and appreciate it.
Anyway, the Necus family arrive from Holland and we have a family and friends, chilled, enjoyable remainder to the Easter weekend.
40 minute run with Sam and Rich last night...keep visualising the finishing line, how we will feel, the sense of achievement....finishing the world's most famous and challenging Marathon......sh*t, 12 days to go, 26th April 2009, 26.2 miles, the London Marathon !
Monday, 6 April 2009
HELP,HELP,HELP !!! ....amazing girls ......
Have you ever considered raising money for a Charity close to your heart ?
You don't want to ask everyone as you tell yourself they have been asked before, last week, last month but deep down you really want to help the Charities that have helped you, your family, your friends and thousands of others alike.......so eventually you pluck up the courage and ask everyone you know for help.
This is our HELP,HELP,HELP !!!
Remember the fun of the 3 legged pub crawl days, a friends sponsored swim, diet, walk and so on....have you ever watched Comic Relief on that March evening and said to yourself or loved one....... ' I must give to Comic Relief.....it's amazing, they are amazing 'and then unless you do it right then.....right NOW.....get that credit card from upstairs.....it just does not happen......all the best intention but life, pressures, effort,kids, football, second bottle of red, sleep......all catch up and it just doesn't happen !
Well I think that's where Lisa, I and the nurses need your help......we need it to happen !
We have done 12 plus weeks of training for 3 Charities, MK SNAP, Bury Hospice and Cynthia Spencer Hospice. We are on target for over £ 2000 for MKSNAP but in the last 3 weeks before the London Marathon we need to accelerate the monies for the nurses at the two Hospices dear to our hearts.
They are amazing girls ( nurses ), who do an amazing job, giving amazing care for those fighting cancer.......my Mother lost her 7 year battle with cancer just over 18 months ago and these girls and the Hospices need our financial help to be able to keep giving this immeasurable care for those we love....our family and friends !
I've mentioned I was 40 last month....maybe a mid life crisis but I have parked the party until after the Marathon.......all I know is I want Lisa and I to achieve our £ 10,000 target.....we need your help which will make a difference for others. £ 5, £ 10, £ 15, £ 50 ( £ 1000 given by John and Brendan at Claremont - BIG THANKYOU CHAPS ! ) or whatever you can will ALL add up to make a difference.
So please help, HELP,HELP,HELP and get that credit card from upstairs, out of your pocket, wallet or purse.......and give to these amazing nurses and Hospices....hopefully you'll never need them but I think we all know someone who has been helped with fighting cancer and by these girls.
Training...oh yes...hard graft for both of us...didn't achieve Sunday's 20 mile run....cramp set in at 10 miles again....maximum is 16 miles so far.......will keep training and ensure hydrated....tips on hydration and stretching exercises appreciated.
Thankyou if you've sponsored Lisa and I already....if not.....
.......please,please give........a BIG Thankyou from Lisa,I and the amazing girls !
You don't want to ask everyone as you tell yourself they have been asked before, last week, last month but deep down you really want to help the Charities that have helped you, your family, your friends and thousands of others alike.......so eventually you pluck up the courage and ask everyone you know for help.
This is our HELP,HELP,HELP !!!
Remember the fun of the 3 legged pub crawl days, a friends sponsored swim, diet, walk and so on....have you ever watched Comic Relief on that March evening and said to yourself or loved one....... ' I must give to Comic Relief.....it's amazing, they are amazing 'and then unless you do it right then.....right NOW.....get that credit card from upstairs.....it just does not happen......all the best intention but life, pressures, effort,kids, football, second bottle of red, sleep......all catch up and it just doesn't happen !
Well I think that's where Lisa, I and the nurses need your help......we need it to happen !
We have done 12 plus weeks of training for 3 Charities, MK SNAP, Bury Hospice and Cynthia Spencer Hospice. We are on target for over £ 2000 for MKSNAP but in the last 3 weeks before the London Marathon we need to accelerate the monies for the nurses at the two Hospices dear to our hearts.
They are amazing girls ( nurses ), who do an amazing job, giving amazing care for those fighting cancer.......my Mother lost her 7 year battle with cancer just over 18 months ago and these girls and the Hospices need our financial help to be able to keep giving this immeasurable care for those we love....our family and friends !
I've mentioned I was 40 last month....maybe a mid life crisis but I have parked the party until after the Marathon.......all I know is I want Lisa and I to achieve our £ 10,000 target.....we need your help which will make a difference for others. £ 5, £ 10, £ 15, £ 50 ( £ 1000 given by John and Brendan at Claremont - BIG THANKYOU CHAPS ! ) or whatever you can will ALL add up to make a difference.
So please help, HELP,HELP,HELP and get that credit card from upstairs, out of your pocket, wallet or purse.......and give to these amazing nurses and Hospices....hopefully you'll never need them but I think we all know someone who has been helped with fighting cancer and by these girls.
Training...oh yes...hard graft for both of us...didn't achieve Sunday's 20 mile run....cramp set in at 10 miles again....maximum is 16 miles so far.......will keep training and ensure hydrated....tips on hydration and stretching exercises appreciated.
Thankyou if you've sponsored Lisa and I already....if not.....
.......please,please give........a BIG Thankyou from Lisa,I and the amazing girls !
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Happy Birthday Old man Thorpe, an amazing £ 1000.00 sponsor plus a half Marathon......
Well I'm back in training...can't beleive it and I've made great friends with my Pro V1 golf ball of a sports hernia....and the art of 'popping it back in' as the Doctor advised.( too much detail for some ! ...apologies ).
Redundancies at work.....a difficult couple of weeks but had to be done for the well being of the business and team within.....banks and Mr.Brown need to sort themselves out, make decisions and get the lending off the ground......really hurts though when you have to let loyal, quality, acs people go.....knowing how it will impact them and there families......and all due to the behaviour of the banks and government.
On a more cheerful note a needed family holiday. We went to Portugal, Prai del-Rei, for my 40th Birthday with my wife, Lisa and gorgeous daughter, Isabelle. We were blessed with the weather....no wind and 24 degrees on the Silver Coast ! The Townhouse we stayed at was literally, ' on the beach', and one of the greatest golf courses in Europe.
My birthday started with a 5 mile run on the golden sandy beach against crashing Atlantic waves, warm sun and steep red cliffs behind......this was my training each day.....a really tough start to the day !
Birthday lunch at the 'Fishshack' beach restaurant......a 5 minute drive....a wooden hut on the beach where 'What they catch is What you eat'....prawns followed by sea bream...service simple,food fantastic!
We play frisby on the beach and build more sandcastles which Isabelle and I are becoming quite creative with.
Onto Obidos - lovely, local 14th Century Medieval town....walked the cobbled streets upto the stunning Castle where the Annual Chocolate Festival was taking place......Lisa and Isabelle are in paradise albeit Isabelle is wearing most of her chocolate.
Sorry for waffling but a truly fantasticly, chilled, needed, laid back holiday for the family - can be rented at http://www.oceanviewportugal.com/ .
Anyway, the Marathin training.......arrive back and next day do the Silverstone Half Marathon with Lisa Ross ( my great work colleague and Marathon running partner ). It's mid-day, hot and hard to run on the reinforced concrete of the F1 circuit....Copse Corner at 7 miles an hour seemed like fun but at 10 miles my hamstrings and calves tighten and I find myself walking in pain. I finish in 2 hours and Lisa shortly after but were both disappointed......no way we can do 26.2 miles, double Silverstone with how our legs of lead felt today !
Back to work on the Monday and a letter has been received from one of our partners, Claremont Office Furniture in Glasgow. Brendan, John and the company have given £ 1000.00 in sponsorship for Lisa and I.....and a further £ 500.00 if Lisa beats, I quote, 'old man Thorpe !'
We are in disbelief, a huge gesture and a huge motivation to pick up the training, grin and bear the discomfort of the hernia and knee and focus on the task ahead and remember why,why,why were doing it.....for the nurses at the local, Northampton Cynthia Hospice and Bury Hospice in Manchester - great nurses, great men and women doing an amazing job for those with cancer and other illnesses. They find the right words and give dignity and hope in difficult times ( Bury nurses looked after my Mum's 7 year fight with cancer and still help support the old fella nearly 2 years later ).The other Charity is local, MKSNAP....a great, inspirational MK Charity for young adults with learning difficulties.....the staff giving them encouragement, a purpose and much,much more.
Come on - if you haven't sponsored yet.....help Lisa and I raise over £ 5000.00 and sponsor us....a fiver, tenner, £ 50 or £ 500 it all adds up....... a big thankyou and it really helps others make a difference for those in real need.
Fast forward to today......just did 16 miles around Brixworth Country Park....aching I am but feeling a little more confident about the last 4 weeks to what is considered the World's greatest road race, The London Marathon.
Next weekend is the 20 mile test before the training slows down in preperation for the Big Day !.....I'll let you know.
Redundancies at work.....a difficult couple of weeks but had to be done for the well being of the business and team within.....banks and Mr.Brown need to sort themselves out, make decisions and get the lending off the ground......really hurts though when you have to let loyal, quality, acs people go.....knowing how it will impact them and there families......and all due to the behaviour of the banks and government.
On a more cheerful note a needed family holiday. We went to Portugal, Prai del-Rei, for my 40th Birthday with my wife, Lisa and gorgeous daughter, Isabelle. We were blessed with the weather....no wind and 24 degrees on the Silver Coast ! The Townhouse we stayed at was literally, ' on the beach', and one of the greatest golf courses in Europe.
My birthday started with a 5 mile run on the golden sandy beach against crashing Atlantic waves, warm sun and steep red cliffs behind......this was my training each day.....a really tough start to the day !
Birthday lunch at the 'Fishshack' beach restaurant......a 5 minute drive....a wooden hut on the beach where 'What they catch is What you eat'....prawns followed by sea bream...service simple,food fantastic!
We play frisby on the beach and build more sandcastles which Isabelle and I are becoming quite creative with.
Onto Obidos - lovely, local 14th Century Medieval town....walked the cobbled streets upto the stunning Castle where the Annual Chocolate Festival was taking place......Lisa and Isabelle are in paradise albeit Isabelle is wearing most of her chocolate.
Sorry for waffling but a truly fantasticly, chilled, needed, laid back holiday for the family - can be rented at http://www.oceanviewportugal.com/ .
Anyway, the Marathin training.......arrive back and next day do the Silverstone Half Marathon with Lisa Ross ( my great work colleague and Marathon running partner ). It's mid-day, hot and hard to run on the reinforced concrete of the F1 circuit....Copse Corner at 7 miles an hour seemed like fun but at 10 miles my hamstrings and calves tighten and I find myself walking in pain. I finish in 2 hours and Lisa shortly after but were both disappointed......no way we can do 26.2 miles, double Silverstone with how our legs of lead felt today !
Back to work on the Monday and a letter has been received from one of our partners, Claremont Office Furniture in Glasgow. Brendan, John and the company have given £ 1000.00 in sponsorship for Lisa and I.....and a further £ 500.00 if Lisa beats, I quote, 'old man Thorpe !'
We are in disbelief, a huge gesture and a huge motivation to pick up the training, grin and bear the discomfort of the hernia and knee and focus on the task ahead and remember why,why,why were doing it.....for the nurses at the local, Northampton Cynthia Hospice and Bury Hospice in Manchester - great nurses, great men and women doing an amazing job for those with cancer and other illnesses. They find the right words and give dignity and hope in difficult times ( Bury nurses looked after my Mum's 7 year fight with cancer and still help support the old fella nearly 2 years later ).The other Charity is local, MKSNAP....a great, inspirational MK Charity for young adults with learning difficulties.....the staff giving them encouragement, a purpose and much,much more.
Come on - if you haven't sponsored yet.....help Lisa and I raise over £ 5000.00 and sponsor us....a fiver, tenner, £ 50 or £ 500 it all adds up....... a big thankyou and it really helps others make a difference for those in real need.
Fast forward to today......just did 16 miles around Brixworth Country Park....aching I am but feeling a little more confident about the last 4 weeks to what is considered the World's greatest road race, The London Marathon.
Next weekend is the 20 mile test before the training slows down in preperation for the Big Day !.....I'll let you know.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Lights blown....Hernia....but...?
A tough week on the work and training front. Sunday I do 45 minutes of my 2 and a half hour run and stop in pain...my left knee hurts but now also discomfort in my groin.
Monday night I get home and feel a tear in the groin as I get out the car, I then pick up Isabelle ( my lively, lively 2 year old daughter ) and feel even more discomfort in the groin....get changed, look down and a new found friend....what I can only describe as a 'golf ball' has presented itself ! Panic...I'm not good with surprises and ask the wife, Lisa, for a second opinion......'YEP, Doctors as soon as.....Hernia love....no Marathon for you !'
The rest of the week I am Mr.Doom and Gloom.....no training, no Marathon, the economy is getting to everyone, Brown and banks still need to have a word with themselves.....I'm confident in the journey ahead but my training was part of my stress release to keep focussed and fit for the day job.
Thursday I find myself at a Prince's Trust initiative with 20 local businesses at Kingsthorpe Grove Primary School.
Can you beleive 20% of the children had never been to the seaside ?....we agree to sort this out and take them !
It had been a long time since I'd been to Assembly....the Head, Assistant and pupils were truly inspiring....I will do what I can to support these kids and the school.
Reflecting on the day I had real highs and lows.......it made me wake up to helping these kids and the challenges they face, made me recommit to give wherever and whenever I could and to be there for those most important to me.....my friends and family !
In the same week I also find myself on the pop 2 nights.....convinced.....no Marathon for me !
Eventually, I get into the Doctor's on the Friday....he checks and advises it is a Hernia. I explain my need to do the Marathon....everyone taking the p at work...'is it a ProV1 ?'.....'good excuse not to do it! '.....he suggests if the Surgeon is in agreement and I can put up with the pain and work out how to put the 'ProV1' back in each time then the operation could take place after the London Marathon.
I leave delighted....and then Friday night go to Claire's 30th Birthday bash.....a great party but I'm in severe pain....I leave p*ssed off again thinking....no Marathon for me!
Miss Ross, my co-runner, has joined a running club......she is looking really toned, getting fitter and fitter and more and more focussed on achieving the goal ahead....I'm confident she'll do it !
Sunday night I just go to the gym to see how it feels running.....30 minutes into it I was ok....it hurts but not to the point of making me stop.
Longer runs may be more challenging but I'll kick start my training again and see how we get on.
Monday night I get home and feel a tear in the groin as I get out the car, I then pick up Isabelle ( my lively, lively 2 year old daughter ) and feel even more discomfort in the groin....get changed, look down and a new found friend....what I can only describe as a 'golf ball' has presented itself ! Panic...I'm not good with surprises and ask the wife, Lisa, for a second opinion......'YEP, Doctors as soon as.....Hernia love....no Marathon for you !'
The rest of the week I am Mr.Doom and Gloom.....no training, no Marathon, the economy is getting to everyone, Brown and banks still need to have a word with themselves.....I'm confident in the journey ahead but my training was part of my stress release to keep focussed and fit for the day job.
Thursday I find myself at a Prince's Trust initiative with 20 local businesses at Kingsthorpe Grove Primary School.
Can you beleive 20% of the children had never been to the seaside ?....we agree to sort this out and take them !
It had been a long time since I'd been to Assembly....the Head, Assistant and pupils were truly inspiring....I will do what I can to support these kids and the school.
Reflecting on the day I had real highs and lows.......it made me wake up to helping these kids and the challenges they face, made me recommit to give wherever and whenever I could and to be there for those most important to me.....my friends and family !
In the same week I also find myself on the pop 2 nights.....convinced.....no Marathon for me !
Eventually, I get into the Doctor's on the Friday....he checks and advises it is a Hernia. I explain my need to do the Marathon....everyone taking the p at work...'is it a ProV1 ?'.....'good excuse not to do it! '.....he suggests if the Surgeon is in agreement and I can put up with the pain and work out how to put the 'ProV1' back in each time then the operation could take place after the London Marathon.
I leave delighted....and then Friday night go to Claire's 30th Birthday bash.....a great party but I'm in severe pain....I leave p*ssed off again thinking....no Marathon for me!
Miss Ross, my co-runner, has joined a running club......she is looking really toned, getting fitter and fitter and more and more focussed on achieving the goal ahead....I'm confident she'll do it !
Sunday night I just go to the gym to see how it feels running.....30 minutes into it I was ok....it hurts but not to the point of making me stop.
Longer runs may be more challenging but I'll kick start my training again and see how we get on.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Lights Out ?
After Sundays Half Marathon my body is aching.....I give myself the Tuesday night off to rest.
Wednesday, Tennis and a run - no to the pub I tell myself.
We have What I can only describe as a 'Marathon tennis set', Jez and I against Rob and Jared...we are 4-0 up and then Jez's serve lets him down and our opponents are back in and gain momentum......4-4,5-4,5-5 all the way to 9-8 and then the break....over an hour and a half later we WIN 10-8!
Chaps go to the pub....I go home and run around the park....this is not my normal self.....pub or run ? normally the former, normally a no brainer !
One lap at threshold pace.....pushing myself I feel discomfort again in the left knee....Abington Park completed in 13 minutes....and ice pack to the knee.
In the morning I am in pain, my left knee has swollen and hurts to walk on....is this lights out ?
Friday morning, John Corrigan, London Marathon runner and IPSL Facilities Manager confirms a £ 150.00 Charity Donation to help kick start our fund raising....BIG THANKYOU JOHN....if your reading this and haven't donated...go on....GIVE !
Lunchtime, Lisa and I go to the SportsAID luncheon which we sponsor. We hope to raise some more money but fail in our attempts....I'll blame the credit crunch...not all bad as Lisa wins a REEBOK YOGA set....well done girl....and a client gives us the heads up on a large deal coming our way.
John, my business partner and I go to an Air Ambulance/Rotary 'Black Tie' event. I can't train so decide a night on the red wine.....helps to forget the pain, good fun and great company !
Saturday night and the knee is still not right.....a friend has given me a new deep heat product for my knee......I'll see how things are tomorrow.....fingers crossed....please,please sort yourself knee.....this was my main concern as my weekly training and mile bank increased......
Wednesday, Tennis and a run - no to the pub I tell myself.
We have What I can only describe as a 'Marathon tennis set', Jez and I against Rob and Jared...we are 4-0 up and then Jez's serve lets him down and our opponents are back in and gain momentum......4-4,5-4,5-5 all the way to 9-8 and then the break....over an hour and a half later we WIN 10-8!
Chaps go to the pub....I go home and run around the park....this is not my normal self.....pub or run ? normally the former, normally a no brainer !
One lap at threshold pace.....pushing myself I feel discomfort again in the left knee....Abington Park completed in 13 minutes....and ice pack to the knee.
In the morning I am in pain, my left knee has swollen and hurts to walk on....is this lights out ?
Friday morning, John Corrigan, London Marathon runner and IPSL Facilities Manager confirms a £ 150.00 Charity Donation to help kick start our fund raising....BIG THANKYOU JOHN....if your reading this and haven't donated...go on....GIVE !
Lunchtime, Lisa and I go to the SportsAID luncheon which we sponsor. We hope to raise some more money but fail in our attempts....I'll blame the credit crunch...not all bad as Lisa wins a REEBOK YOGA set....well done girl....and a client gives us the heads up on a large deal coming our way.
John, my business partner and I go to an Air Ambulance/Rotary 'Black Tie' event. I can't train so decide a night on the red wine.....helps to forget the pain, good fun and great company !
Saturday night and the knee is still not right.....a friend has given me a new deep heat product for my knee......I'll see how things are tomorrow.....fingers crossed....please,please sort yourself knee.....this was my main concern as my weekly training and mile bank increased......
Half Marathon Day....
Friday in London to meet business associates where we share ideas and try and park the economic doom and gloom swallowing us all up.
Mr.Brown really needs to get a grip on the economy and bank lending.........it's a joke.......he is killing good businesses all over the UK.....banks can't make decisions, banks won't loan.......learn from the Germans and make swift, good, economic decisions to support business, the people they employ and families they help support. I'll stop here as this is a Marathon blog and not a business blog but as Claire Oram at work would say.....they need to 'Get A Grip'!
Arrived half hour late at the Verseermany, Regent Street Indian Restuarant...a little posh compared to my good, local curry houses in Northampton....the chaps had a drink waiting for me.
A slippery, slippery slope as one drink led too many and then more in Soho......I'd broken my no alcohol plan until after the Marathon....no regrets it felt great !
Sunday I take on the half Marathon in the gym......1 hour 59 minutes solid running - boredom and belief challenge again.......I'd done the Great North Run 2 years prior so as long as I did not get injured I felt confident I could do it.
I complete it just as my wife,Lisa, daughter,Isabelle, brother,Ian and family arrive for a swim......not a pretty site as I try and broker a conversation in a state of exhaustion.... I have quick steam and jacuzzi before joining them in the pool.
Well Done chap I tell myself.......your on target to do this bloody Marathon !
Mr.Brown really needs to get a grip on the economy and bank lending.........it's a joke.......he is killing good businesses all over the UK.....banks can't make decisions, banks won't loan.......learn from the Germans and make swift, good, economic decisions to support business, the people they employ and families they help support. I'll stop here as this is a Marathon blog and not a business blog but as Claire Oram at work would say.....they need to 'Get A Grip'!
Arrived half hour late at the Verseermany, Regent Street Indian Restuarant...a little posh compared to my good, local curry houses in Northampton....the chaps had a drink waiting for me.
A slippery, slippery slope as one drink led too many and then more in Soho......I'd broken my no alcohol plan until after the Marathon....no regrets it felt great !
Sunday I take on the half Marathon in the gym......1 hour 59 minutes solid running - boredom and belief challenge again.......I'd done the Great North Run 2 years prior so as long as I did not get injured I felt confident I could do it.
I complete it just as my wife,Lisa, daughter,Isabelle, brother,Ian and family arrive for a swim......not a pretty site as I try and broker a conversation in a state of exhaustion.... I have quick steam and jacuzzi before joining them in the pool.
Well Done chap I tell myself.......your on target to do this bloody Marathon !
Monday, 9 February 2009
Let it snow,let it snow,let it snow !
Last week saw the worst weather for 18 years hit the South west.......Northampton gets away lightly with just 6 inches of snow ! Only 9 of our 86 employees make it to work...beaten by the hazardous driving conditions....some 'soldiers' walk in....we all muck in together to deliver a good customer service......engineers and some colleagues worked from home and played a great innings in remotely supporting clients.
My training comprised just 2 of the required 4 visits to the gym....Fartlek training ( previously discussed ) and interval training for an hour and a half.........Claire from work was working out with her son,Luke......Claire,1 of the 9 above....our first employee 15 years ago and acs through and through....we love this girl....top,top girl !
Sunday.....the weekly miles in the bank run......one and a half hours this week and 15 km please.....half an hour into the run I'm seriously bored and thinking of stopping when Terry, a business associate and friend walks in....can't stop now....keep going.....10 minute 'bite size' chunks again.....I'm f*cked but have done it.... quick shower, Starbucks Latte and 10 minutes with the paper before meeting Lisa and Isabelle for lunch.....return home and rebuild Isabelle's melting Snowman !
My training comprised just 2 of the required 4 visits to the gym....Fartlek training ( previously discussed ) and interval training for an hour and a half.........Claire from work was working out with her son,Luke......Claire,1 of the 9 above....our first employee 15 years ago and acs through and through....we love this girl....top,top girl !
Sunday.....the weekly miles in the bank run......one and a half hours this week and 15 km please.....half an hour into the run I'm seriously bored and thinking of stopping when Terry, a business associate and friend walks in....can't stop now....keep going.....10 minute 'bite size' chunks again.....I'm f*cked but have done it.... quick shower, Starbucks Latte and 10 minutes with the paper before meeting Lisa and Isabelle for lunch.....return home and rebuild Isabelle's melting Snowman !
Sunday, 1 February 2009
A week on and a 2 hour Challenge !
Tough but rewarding week at work but only once to the gym . Should of done 60 minutes of Fartlek training - yep...Fartlek - a Swedish word to mean running fast, slow,fast, slow to develop stamina....nothing in the tank and I only achieve 40 minutes. Lisa's training seems to be coming along - she is focussed and had a good run at the weekend with her Brother in Law.
Friday comes, Ron Hadaway's leaving bash - a legend in our business for 14 years who is taking early retirement. Nip to the gym and do an hours run before showering and catching up with Ron and everyone for a drink.....LOVE THIS CHAP....real quality man.
I'm on the waggon until the Marathon.....everyone is quickly half cut and I offer myself up as the taxi man for the evening !
Saturday, Isabelle and I hit the park for the afternoon, babysitter then arrives and Lisa and I are off to Ade's 40th in Town...good fun and another Lime and Soda night !
Sunday morning we have breakfast together and I'm back at the gym. After 50 minutes I hit the know, familiar wall of boredom and belief.....just make the hour I tell myself and start again. I do but I'm f*cked ( apologies Mum ! )so reduce the gradient and the speed down to 9.5km/hour.....just make one and a half hours - you've done it before so can again I tell myself.....then 5 minute chunks....1.35,1.40,1.45 and I have that faint and dizzy feeling of last week. What's 15 minutes ? I tell myself - come on you can't give up now.....and then you now your going to do it and your body kicks in again and I increase the speed for the last couple of minutes.
My t-shirt is totally soaked...not a pretty site, quick shower and back home to chill and relax with the family........Lisa makes her best Sunday Roast ever....the girls learning !
Friday comes, Ron Hadaway's leaving bash - a legend in our business for 14 years who is taking early retirement. Nip to the gym and do an hours run before showering and catching up with Ron and everyone for a drink.....LOVE THIS CHAP....real quality man.
I'm on the waggon until the Marathon.....everyone is quickly half cut and I offer myself up as the taxi man for the evening !
Saturday, Isabelle and I hit the park for the afternoon, babysitter then arrives and Lisa and I are off to Ade's 40th in Town...good fun and another Lime and Soda night !
Sunday morning we have breakfast together and I'm back at the gym. After 50 minutes I hit the know, familiar wall of boredom and belief.....just make the hour I tell myself and start again. I do but I'm f*cked ( apologies Mum ! )so reduce the gradient and the speed down to 9.5km/hour.....just make one and a half hours - you've done it before so can again I tell myself.....then 5 minute chunks....1.35,1.40,1.45 and I have that faint and dizzy feeling of last week. What's 15 minutes ? I tell myself - come on you can't give up now.....and then you now your going to do it and your body kicks in again and I increase the speed for the last couple of minutes.
My t-shirt is totally soaked...not a pretty site, quick shower and back home to chill and relax with the family........Lisa makes her best Sunday Roast ever....the girls learning !
Boredom and belief day.......
I have been in the gym every 2 or 3 days since Lisa gave me a hard time. My breathing is more or less sorted as I run....no longer a concern of other runners !
I arrive at the gym to achieve the one and a half hour run.....at 36 minutes my heart and motivation sank as I realised I was not even half way and would need to dig deep. Man United ( my team - NB.I am from Manchester! ) and Britney were on the plasma's in front and definately helped me take my mind off the seconds, slowly, slowly, ticking along.
The boredom of running - that devil in your head telling me to give up,no one will know - fighting against your inner belief to keep going and believe you can. It's hard graft, I break the last half hour into three ten minute targets.
I did it....the last ten minutes I even increase the speed with the excitement of achieving one and a half hours. I have run 15km and over 1000 calories burnt.....not bad for a fat chap, non runner !
I feel like a drunk getting off the running machine. Dizzy, faint and unable to walk in a straight line I am not the best example of a potential Marathon runner.
Tuesday I find myself with Keith, my physio. I have seen him a little too often recently - he is a tri-athlete, a top bloke who is seriously fit. My left knee is swollen, giving discomort and needs sorting if I am to increase my running time. He makes me do certain exercises and then gives me 3 pages of exercises for home - it is clear to him I am not a runner and will need to take it easy to remain fit in my training and on the big day !
I arrive at the gym to achieve the one and a half hour run.....at 36 minutes my heart and motivation sank as I realised I was not even half way and would need to dig deep. Man United ( my team - NB.I am from Manchester! ) and Britney were on the plasma's in front and definately helped me take my mind off the seconds, slowly, slowly, ticking along.
The boredom of running - that devil in your head telling me to give up,no one will know - fighting against your inner belief to keep going and believe you can. It's hard graft, I break the last half hour into three ten minute targets.
I did it....the last ten minutes I even increase the speed with the excitement of achieving one and a half hours. I have run 15km and over 1000 calories burnt.....not bad for a fat chap, non runner !
I feel like a drunk getting off the running machine. Dizzy, faint and unable to walk in a straight line I am not the best example of a potential Marathon runner.
Tuesday I find myself with Keith, my physio. I have seen him a little too often recently - he is a tri-athlete, a top bloke who is seriously fit. My left knee is swollen, giving discomort and needs sorting if I am to increase my running time. He makes me do certain exercises and then gives me 3 pages of exercises for home - it is clear to him I am not a runner and will need to take it easy to remain fit in my training and on the big day !
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Joined the Gym.....
Lisa had a word with me about my training.....or lack of it ! Lisa is doing really well and is a great motivation who keeps me incheck...I had been running once, maybe twice a week but not for long....when it is 5.30am, dark, freezing, -3 and everyone's asleep it is hard to get out of bed, put on your kit and run for more than half an hour.
Change of plan...join Virgin...I'm not a fan of the gym but I can pay monthly until April and train in the warmth whilst watching the footie and MTV.
Start with enthusiasm...do too much...legs buckle but, hey, it felt better than running in the cold, freezing mornings of recent weeks.
I have been 5 times in last 12 days and realise how at 15 stone, 6 ft 1" I'm not made for this running game......part of me wishes it was a tennis or golf challenge !
Anyway, each time I run I visualise crossing the finishing line....how I'll feel....how I'll feel for Lisa when she crosses the line.....the more I visualise the easier the running seems to get. If I can avoid injury, my left knee gives me slight discomfort, I honestly believe I can and will do this. I go to the boozer after work with colleagues and mention I'll be in the gym later - they do not believe me ! I have a coke, go home, play with my daughter, put her to bed and then go to the gym........I hit my 10km marker....a 1 hour run without stopping, a milestone in my early training.
Saturday morning Isabelle has me up at 6....my wife in bed unwell....we shower, have Weetabix and hit the Park. After lunch, with wife feeling better, I go with customers and watch Northants Saints demolish Toulon.....the team look quality and the customers clearly enjoying everyones company and free bar......I have a couple of cheeky pints of Guinness....well I knew the no alcohol objective would be a tough one !
Tomorrow is the 1 hour 30 minute long run....a test for the left knee and the mental challenge of boredom and belief I can keep going for this amount of time.
When I reflect on the last couple of weeks it surprises me how often people have said you won't do the Marathon....how often in life do we keep telling each other you can't, you won't ?
These friends genuinely care but just don't think I'm built for it. They are right I'm not....but equally they said that about the Great North Run in 2007 and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008....I will do the Marathon in 2009 !
I have always been a great believer in the saying.....if you believe you can or you can't your right !.....this Marathon Lisa and I can.
Change of plan...join Virgin...I'm not a fan of the gym but I can pay monthly until April and train in the warmth whilst watching the footie and MTV.
Start with enthusiasm...do too much...legs buckle but, hey, it felt better than running in the cold, freezing mornings of recent weeks.
I have been 5 times in last 12 days and realise how at 15 stone, 6 ft 1" I'm not made for this running game......part of me wishes it was a tennis or golf challenge !
Anyway, each time I run I visualise crossing the finishing line....how I'll feel....how I'll feel for Lisa when she crosses the line.....the more I visualise the easier the running seems to get. If I can avoid injury, my left knee gives me slight discomfort, I honestly believe I can and will do this. I go to the boozer after work with colleagues and mention I'll be in the gym later - they do not believe me ! I have a coke, go home, play with my daughter, put her to bed and then go to the gym........I hit my 10km marker....a 1 hour run without stopping, a milestone in my early training.
Saturday morning Isabelle has me up at 6....my wife in bed unwell....we shower, have Weetabix and hit the Park. After lunch, with wife feeling better, I go with customers and watch Northants Saints demolish Toulon.....the team look quality and the customers clearly enjoying everyones company and free bar......I have a couple of cheeky pints of Guinness....well I knew the no alcohol objective would be a tough one !
Tomorrow is the 1 hour 30 minute long run....a test for the left knee and the mental challenge of boredom and belief I can keep going for this amount of time.
When I reflect on the last couple of weeks it surprises me how often people have said you won't do the Marathon....how often in life do we keep telling each other you can't, you won't ?
These friends genuinely care but just don't think I'm built for it. They are right I'm not....but equally they said that about the Great North Run in 2007 and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008....I will do the Marathon in 2009 !
I have always been a great believer in the saying.....if you believe you can or you can't your right !.....this Marathon Lisa and I can.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Monday 5th January 2009
Tuesday 29th December
Straight form work around Brackmills, its cold but a pleasent afternoon, an easy run of 30 minutes I am meant to achieve, instead I do a steadish run and complete the circuit of Brackmills in exactly 30 minutes - not bad..
Thursday 1st Jan 09
New years day - after a lazy morning I go for my 40 minute easy run. I complete about 4 miles and pass many hung over people. Thank god I decided not to drink on New years eve. I have to remind myself what an easy run is so I don't get carried away. I must be able to hold a conversation, so I begin to talk to myself just to double check. Am doing well
Saturday 3rd Jan 09
Myr first real steady 40 min run, 12 minutes in and I am struggling, I get up to 20 mins, its freezing, I cannot catch my breath, I feel sick and am stuggling to swallow. I take a 10 second breather, releave my mouth of its contents and then struggle on, my mouth is so dry I am not sure I can make it home then I remember I need to run 26 miles. I make it home and have realised I have run my 40 minutes and run a further distance than Thursday, the fac tI couldn't talk at all on this run makes me know I ran it steady.. maybe a bit too much.
Sunday 4th Jan 09
My first official long run.... i plan a route just over 5 miles. Today it is bloody freezing, th epuddles are iced up but a steady 60 minute run I complete averagingin myself to just over 11minute miles. I am please, I go home have a hot bath to recover.
This is it. I am off the alcohol for a minimum of 1 month at least and am 1 week into my training plan. I have spent most of my Christmas money on running kit - how sad am I??? Four times I ran last week and am pleased with my performance so far. Have a few aches but nothing as bad as what I thought I would be feeling at this stage which is good news. Maybe I am a better runner than I thought. I think the key is I know that I can run this. I am still struggling with the mentality of it all and dread the Steady and long runs. I am also struggling to sleep, not sure if this is due to the increased amount of excercise or the apprehension of what I am actually going to do. I hope it isn't the latter as otherwise I won't have any sleep for the next four months. I received the good news that my brother in law has a place in the London Marathon, thank god, he is a much better runner than I and he does inspire me alot.... heres to week two!!!
Straight form work around Brackmills, its cold but a pleasent afternoon, an easy run of 30 minutes I am meant to achieve, instead I do a steadish run and complete the circuit of Brackmills in exactly 30 minutes - not bad..
Thursday 1st Jan 09
New years day - after a lazy morning I go for my 40 minute easy run. I complete about 4 miles and pass many hung over people. Thank god I decided not to drink on New years eve. I have to remind myself what an easy run is so I don't get carried away. I must be able to hold a conversation, so I begin to talk to myself just to double check. Am doing well
Saturday 3rd Jan 09
Myr first real steady 40 min run, 12 minutes in and I am struggling, I get up to 20 mins, its freezing, I cannot catch my breath, I feel sick and am stuggling to swallow. I take a 10 second breather, releave my mouth of its contents and then struggle on, my mouth is so dry I am not sure I can make it home then I remember I need to run 26 miles. I make it home and have realised I have run my 40 minutes and run a further distance than Thursday, the fac tI couldn't talk at all on this run makes me know I ran it steady.. maybe a bit too much.
Sunday 4th Jan 09
My first official long run.... i plan a route just over 5 miles. Today it is bloody freezing, th epuddles are iced up but a steady 60 minute run I complete averagingin myself to just over 11minute miles. I am please, I go home have a hot bath to recover.
This is it. I am off the alcohol for a minimum of 1 month at least and am 1 week into my training plan. I have spent most of my Christmas money on running kit - how sad am I??? Four times I ran last week and am pleased with my performance so far. Have a few aches but nothing as bad as what I thought I would be feeling at this stage which is good news. Maybe I am a better runner than I thought. I think the key is I know that I can run this. I am still struggling with the mentality of it all and dread the Steady and long runs. I am also struggling to sleep, not sure if this is due to the increased amount of excercise or the apprehension of what I am actually going to do. I hope it isn't the latter as otherwise I won't have any sleep for the next four months. I received the good news that my brother in law has a place in the London Marathon, thank god, he is a much better runner than I and he does inspire me alot.... heres to week two!!!
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Happy New Year !
mmmmmmmm.......for those that know me well will understand the blog never got updated after the November Business Awards Dinner that was the start of many late nights in December ! With all the doom and gloom around and projected for 2009 I thought I,friends and business colleagues had to enjoy what was left of the year ! 2008 was a tough year....2009 will be even tougher .....business, Marathon training......oh yes, and turning 40 in March ! Happy New Year to you....lets have a good one !
The company Christmas Party went smoothly for a change.....no misbehaviour I am currently aware of ??? and then Michael 'Lucky' Harley Junior winning £ 300.00 at the Casino.....I'm looking forward to his generous Marathon donation ! ( I'll thank you now Michael...no pressure ! )
My 2 year old daughter made me smile all Christmas...when Father Christmas asked what she wanted at the local Grotto, Isabelle answered 'a biscuit and a mushroom please'......I'm sure next year will be different !
On donations I'm 40 in March and will be asking for NO PRESENTS....Yes, NO PRESENTS BUT we would like donations.....lots of them.....for the Marathon Charities Lisa and I are running for.
Just to recap.....the nurses at Cynthia and Bury Hospice for helping my Mum and 1000's of others fight cancer in difficult months,days and hours and the emotional support they still give my father ( and many like them ). In addition, MKSNAP, giving opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities....they were ALL an inspiration, we left grateful for there time and our lot.....we have an opportunity to change what we have where many can't ! Hence why they need our support...financial, YES, but equally you may be able to give time ? to this and similar Charities.
Make the time and go to MKSNAP or a similar charity......they also offer some business services....you will leave inspired, motivated and may be able to give them some business or/and your time !
Side note...Congratulations to great friends, Sharon and Duncan, married at Fawsley Hall on the 30th December.....great day/night/party and no hangover......have a wonderful life together Mr & Mrs Brebner !
Oh yes, training.....I've done a run a week for the last 5 weeks......upto 3 miles on a good day.....just had my last takeaway curry and beer before the REAL training, no alcohol and diet begins tomorrow !
I am just over 15 stone, have a 1 pack and need to lose weight.....I have read my Marathon magazine and clearly understand the scale of the Challenge ahead......tomorrow my training and diet begins.
Objective 1 - 13 stone by March 10th - my 40th Birthday !
Objective 2 - no alcohol until 27th April ! ( 1 stag party and 40th birthday during this time ).....in my mind I am postponing 40th celebrations until I achieve the Marathon on April 26th !
Objective 3 - complete the Marathon with Lisa in less than 4 hours 30 minutes.
Happy New Year again......hopefully I'll improve my blogging frequency !
The company Christmas Party went smoothly for a change.....no misbehaviour I am currently aware of ??? and then Michael 'Lucky' Harley Junior winning £ 300.00 at the Casino.....I'm looking forward to his generous Marathon donation ! ( I'll thank you now Michael...no pressure ! )
My 2 year old daughter made me smile all Christmas...when Father Christmas asked what she wanted at the local Grotto, Isabelle answered 'a biscuit and a mushroom please'......I'm sure next year will be different !
On donations I'm 40 in March and will be asking for NO PRESENTS....Yes, NO PRESENTS BUT we would like donations.....lots of them.....for the Marathon Charities Lisa and I are running for.
Just to recap.....the nurses at Cynthia and Bury Hospice for helping my Mum and 1000's of others fight cancer in difficult months,days and hours and the emotional support they still give my father ( and many like them ). In addition, MKSNAP, giving opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities....they were ALL an inspiration, we left grateful for there time and our lot.....we have an opportunity to change what we have where many can't ! Hence why they need our support...financial, YES, but equally you may be able to give time ? to this and similar Charities.
Make the time and go to MKSNAP or a similar charity......they also offer some business services....you will leave inspired, motivated and may be able to give them some business or/and your time !
Side note...Congratulations to great friends, Sharon and Duncan, married at Fawsley Hall on the 30th December.....great day/night/party and no hangover......have a wonderful life together Mr & Mrs Brebner !
Oh yes, training.....I've done a run a week for the last 5 weeks......upto 3 miles on a good day.....just had my last takeaway curry and beer before the REAL training, no alcohol and diet begins tomorrow !
I am just over 15 stone, have a 1 pack and need to lose weight.....I have read my Marathon magazine and clearly understand the scale of the Challenge ahead......tomorrow my training and diet begins.
Objective 1 - 13 stone by March 10th - my 40th Birthday !
Objective 2 - no alcohol until 27th April ! ( 1 stag party and 40th birthday during this time ).....in my mind I am postponing 40th celebrations until I achieve the Marathon on April 26th !
Objective 3 - complete the Marathon with Lisa in less than 4 hours 30 minutes.
Happy New Year again......hopefully I'll improve my blogging frequency !
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