Stop Press

I made the local press!! lol (and before you ask, my headline is to the right of my picture - NOT underneath!!)

Ben, the photographer, came round yesterday morning and took some pictures in the local park. So there I was, freezing my bits off, in my shorts and vest trying to strike a pose as other people in the park walk past in massive coats, hats and gloves - hilarious, but worth it. Hopefully this will help generate some local support. Click on the article above and you should get a bigger version which will be easier to read.

Still buzzing from Spurs' result against their arch rivals (can't bring myself to write their name!!) I didn't get much sleep last night. So the alarm went at 0600 then again at 0605 before I rolled out of bed at 0610. Not only was it cold and dark again, but now it was raining too! "Ah well" I thought "I'm up so I may as well get it done" So I was out the door at 0635 for another 3 miles. I think the time is right to get myself a stopwatch so I can start recording exact times and begin to work on getting round a bit quicker.

Back in, about half an hour later, to my freezing bath and muesli before getting ready for another day at work. Next on the agenda is 3 miles on Saturday and then another 5 miler on Sunday...cant wait!!!!

The fund is up to £200 and counting so thank you to all that have contributed so far. For all the newcomers to this blog, just hit that "sponsor me" button to the right there and do your bit for the Multiple Scelrosis Society...go on, you know you want to :)

Double figures

Training session number 10 today and I got through it with no new blisters, aches or niggles...things are looking up!

Up at 0600 this morning to make sure that the morning bathroom rota wasn't effected and both the Wife and I got to work on time...and boy it was cold! Contemplated staying in bed for all of 5 minutes before dragging my tired self out of my pit and downstairs for my usual slice of toast. The training programme said 3 miles today so 3 miles it was. After completing the 5 mile run on Sunday, I decided it's time to try and do the shorter runs a bit quicker...whoops!

I don't think I actually managed to get control of my breathing today until I had finished so I obviously went a little faster than usual which is good. I need to keep reminding myself that I am only into my 3rd week of training in a 22 week programme so I don't have to be at Olympic pace right away!!

I got a phone call from the local paper yesterday and they are printing an article on my event and fund raising which is great!! At least it will help spread the word and hopefully generate more support and money. They're meant to be coming tomorrow to take a picture of me for the article!! lol I asked my wife what she thought the headline of the article would be to which she replied "Fatboy does the Marathon"!! lol I'm glad she doesn't write for the paper!! Once the article has been published I'll get a copy on here for you to read.

So far the fund is up to £155 so a massive THANK YOU to all that have donated so far...and to all those that haven't, the button is on the right there!! :)

High Five

This morning I woke to the news that Juande Ramos has been sacked as Spurs boss and replaced By Harry Redknapp...that gave me something to take my mind off of the 5 mile run ahead of me!!

Yep, today I stepped up the mileage to 5 miles for the first time. Yesterday however, I'd have told you there's no chance I'd make it!! I haven't run that far before and the blisters on the soles of my feet are in such a tender place I couldn't see how I could run comfortably. But I decided to take the insoles out of my trainers, which caused the blisters, and take a chance with the heel pain instead.

I made it through the 5 miles today by playing mind games. The first 2 miles were pretty straight forward as I did the same course for the 4 mile run. Once I got the the 2 mile point, I told myself that I only had an extra half mile before I can turn around and come back. When I got to that point, I told myself I've only got half a mile before I get back in to familiar territory. Then, at that point, I simply told myself that I've done these 2 miles before so there's no reason why I can't do them again!! It worked. If I get the mind right, the feet will follow...I'm starting to enjoy it!

I've got today and tomorrow to rest up now, and hopefully enjoy Spurs first league win of the season, before I'm back pounding the streets for a 3 mile trot on Tuesday morning.

I can see my breath!!!

I've only just got warm...and I finished my run 2 hours ago!! It was freezing this morning. I was up at 0730 and out the door at 0800. Wearing my shorts, t-shirt and waterproof jacket I was off and running for the last 3 mile run before tomorrow's first 5 miler. As I turned the first corner and my breathing started to get deeper, I could see my breath it was that cold!!

My breathing was good today, under control, and I felt my recovery time when I finished was pretty sharp as well - I guess the training is paying off. Passed the Belly Buster and Bakery without too much of a problem this morning as I didn't get the whiff I normally do!! The cold bath felt even colder today...no surprise there...but still quite refreshing. My 5 minutes in the bath was spent just chillin (pardon the pun!) and thinking about the main task ahead.

I contacted the local newspaper yesterday to see if I could get a feature in it to try and generate some local support and sponsorship, so fingers crossed something comes of that. If anyone has any contacts that they think could help me generate some funds for the MS Society then please please let me know as all ideas are welcome :)

Once again if you haven't already, or even if you have and you want to again, please hit the sponsor me button to the right there and give what you can to the MS Society. It's an amazing cause for amazing people.

All we hear is, radio...JACKIE!!

I contacted Radio Jackie 107.8 yesterday and the awesome Steve Mowbray mentioned this blog and my justgiving page on his morning show!! He told his listeners that supporting the MS Society was a great cause and wished me luck. Hopefully it might generate a bit more support and money for the cause...thank you Steve!!

I was up and out at 0645 hours again this morning for my run. The toughest bit today was actually getting out of bed!! Once I was out I got my head down and just ran. Managing to get control of my breathing a bit easier and earlier with each run which is great. I've got my first lot of blisters today...and believe it or not they're from the insoles designed to make my run more comfortable!! They are pinching slightly just on the instep of each foot. Never mind...I'll take that over the pain in my heels any day!

I really need to find a new 3 mile route...although the belly buster cafe was closed this morning, the Ewell bakery wasn't and I got a whiff of fresh bread and cakes as I went past. But as tough as it was (and those of you who know me will know just how tough that would be!!) I passed the test by running straight past the door without going in!! I got back and straight into my freezing cold bath that I'd run before going out. I could quite easily have slept in it this morning!!

Just a gentle reminder to those that haven't yet made a donation to the MS society...the button is on the right there, just for you :)

afternoon update: The legend that is Mick Brown just gave me an afternoon shout out on radio Jackie - Thanks Mick

Run Forest!!

I went and bought some "orthotic insoles" yesterday, designed by bio-mechanical experts according to the packaging. They are meant to help relieve pain in the heel, shin, knee and back and you know what...they work!! :) I wore them for a couple of hours at work yesterday and they were brilliant. I've got a pair in my work shoes and another pair for my running trainers...it'll take more than a sore foot to stop me!! However, because they raise the foot in the shoe a little, I now have a couple of blisters on the back of my heel!! lol No pleasing some people eh!!

I was up at 6.25 again this morning. Usual routine of brushing my teeth, a quick shave and a slice of toast and I was out the door with my new insoles easing my run. It was dark and cold this morning, I wanted to get the run over and done with as quickly as possible today...until I remembered the cold bath waiting for me when I got home!! It seems the "runners community" I met on my first run is only a part time/weekend thing...I was the only one out this morning. At least that's how it felt anyway.

I got my breathing under control after about a mile today. It's weird, for that first mile I seemed to be panting like a nutter. Yet the last two miles I was breathing a lot more normally.

3 more miles on Thursday, then again on Saturday before I step it up to a 5 mile run on Sunday...that should be interesting!!

Promotional Cards

I've decided to get some business cards printed up to help generate some sponsorship. I think they look cool!! I thought they would be handy to have with me all the time. There's never really a bad time to tell people about what I'm doing and how they can help...and you never know who you're gonna bump in to!!

My foot is still sore today...thinking I may need some extra support in my trainers, like some insoles or something. I'll probably do that for tomorrow's run and see how it goes.

Sunday - A day of rest!!

I wish!! I've done my 4 miles today and my foot is killing me - but it's OK Mum, I'm not over doing it :)

I strapped my right foot up before going out this morning to try and support it but by the time I got halfway I thought I was going to have to walk back...that was until I took the strapping OFF!! Once off, it eased the pain a little and I was able to complete the run. 42 minutes today which is more than the last 4 mile run but bearing in mind I had to get my strapping off I don't think it's too bad!

I'm going to see how my foot is tomorrow night before deciding if I'm going to do Tuesday's run but for now, it's Sunday morning...that could only mean one thing...down town for a scone and a cuppa!!

I've done it!!

Well I ran my 13th training mile today...so effectively I've run the half marathon. All I have to do now is work on my time of 7 days!!

It was the thought of all the people that have sponsored me so far that got me out of my bed this morning, although I did hit the snooze button for another half hour. My calves are at me again today and I'm not looking forward to tomorrow's 4 mile run...my first back to back run since starting my training, but it has to be done I guess. No pain no gain!! lol

So week 1 is complete, only another 21 weeks of training to go and am I enjoying it?? Honestly, no not yet, but I'm sure I will start enjoying it soon...I hope I will anyway!! On the bright side, the Belly Buster was closed when I went past this morning!! lol

The total raised so far is £115 which is great, and thanks to everyone that has contributed...but it's a long way off of my 3 mil target so if you haven't done it yet, the button is on the right there :)

Rule 1 - Once in, don't move!!

Another 3 training miles done this morning and I'd like to say it's getting easier...I'd like to a but I can't quite yet!!

I nearly didn't make it today...got 3/4 of the way through the route and got to the "Belly Buster Cafe" with a sign outside saying 2 sausage, 2 bacon, 2 eggs, beans, tomatos, fried bread and tea....and it smelt wicked...it's the closest I've come to quitting!! lol But I thought "no, I've got a freezing cold bath and a lovely bowl of muesli to look forward to when I get home"!!! I made it round without stopping today, again just over the half hour mark.

I ran my bath before I left and when I got back, did my stretches and climbed in...OH MY GOD!!! Once I was over the initial cold shock, I sat there as the freezing water cooled my aching legs and I started to get comfy - then I made a fatal mistake...I moved!! The freezing water splashed up my back and took my breath away...I had to go through the initial cold shock again!! Rule 1 - Once in, don't move!!

Just a note for anyone who wants to donate...just click on the "sponsor me" button just to the right of and above this paragraph...it's really easy to do and even a small donation would make a difference to everyone at the MS Society so come on, don't be shy :)

Up at 06.25 hours!

The alarm went this morning at 06.25 and as I rolled my aching body out the bed, I thought to myself "what are you doing Rob??" But a slice of toast and a brush of my teeth and I was out the door for training run number two.

3 miles today, and once I got started it wasn't too bad. The legs got going, the heart rate increased and I was off. I focussed on trying to control my breathing and I got round in 32 minutes today, with my only stop being to cross the road without bouncing off a car...so that's allowed!!

I did my stretches when I got home...legs still killing me from Sunday's run...and was able to relax knowing that it's done for today and I can rest up until Thursday morning. I've been told that the best thing to do when I get in from a run is spend 5 mins in a freezing cold bath...I can't help but think people are enjoying seeing me suffer!! lol :) As I said, I am new to all this so any advice is welcome and I'm gonna give it a go after my run on Thursday and see how it goes.

Ouch!!

After the first run yesterday, I thought "this is OK, I don't feel too bad"...that was until I woke up this morning. I can't move!! lol

My legs are killing me, my back and shoulders are killing me and I think I must run at a funny angle because the outside of my right foot is killing me. I feel like I have had a serious beating! lol And I have to do it all again tomorrow!

I've been told that the first weeks are the worst weeks, having to get up and run again when you are still feeling the aches and pains from the last session. Apparently, after a while, I wont feel the aches nearly as much and will be feeling fresh for each run...I want to fast-forward to that point!!

I keep telling myself that early pain will result in long term gain and hopefully I will enjoy the actual 1/2 marathon as opposed to struggle through it...I hope I'm right!!

I want to take a moment to say a big THANK YOU to the people that have sponsored me so far and got my total to date up to £85. Every pound makes me that much more determined so please feel free to email this blog address and, just as importantly, the link to my "sponsor me" page to anyone and everyone...if it means just one more person will help me to help the MS Society then it is worth doing :)

First one down!!

I'm off and running!!!

I managed my first run this morning...4 miles with two 30-second walking breaks and completed in 39 minutes - not bad for day 1 me thinks!! At that pace I'll have the whole run done in 2 hours 10 minutes which would be quite a tidy time in my opinion :)

My calves are killing me though!! lol I've done my stretches to try and ease tomorrow's pain - I just hope it works!!

I've lived in this area for nearly four years now and spoken to probably 3 people in my road in that time...during a 4 mile run this morning I had 5 other runners acknowledge me. It seems I'm now part of a runner's community!!

Next on the agenda is 3 miles before work on Tuesday but for now, I'm off down town for a cuppa and a fruit scone :)

Training starts Tomorrow!!

Ok so I start training tomorrow with a 4 mile run/jog/walk!!! Feeling very nervous now...with the training starting it makes it all real!!!

I've planned my training schedule above but I'm struggling to get me head around the fact that I have to do well over 200 training miles for a 13.1 mile run...would I not be better doing NO training, saving all of my energy and just going straight in to the race?!?!?

Guess not! Wish me luck...

The Morning after!

Well, it's Sunday morning...the day after I decided to take part in the Silverstone Half Marathon after missing out on the London Marathon for the 3rd year in a row...what have I done!?!?

Oh well...it's done now so no turning back!!

Once I have sorted out my training and got my head around everything, I will be posting updates on here so keep an eye out. This is the first time I've done anything like this and I think there is somewhere on here where you can leave messages etc so feel free to leave me any message of SUPPORT!!!!! :)

Also, just a reminder that I am supporting the MULIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF GB & NI and would really appreciate it if you could take a moment to click the link below and make a donation. Regardless of how big or small it may be, I will know I have one more person supporting me on what will be the biggest physical challange of my life so far!!

http://www.justgiving.com/runneradams

Thanks...and keep an eye out for the next installment!!