blonde poker forum

Yes, it's another diary thread...

I've decided to start this thread for three reasons.

1.  To help motivate me to do the necessary training
2.  To make people aware that I'm running to raise money for the NSPCC
3.  To hopefully encourage more people to take up running for fitness and/or for the challenge to run a 10K, half-marathon or the quite frankly ridiculous 26.2 miles of a marathon.

A fourth reason is that it might stop me posting as much elsewhere on the forum, and I'm sure that's the one that's the most important to many on here... :D

So what's it all about then?

Well, on Sunday 26 April @ about 9am - I'll be lining up alongside another 30,000 or so fellow runners (including Paula Radcliffe) to run the London Marathon.  It won't be my first time.  I ran it in 2004, as it was something I'd always wanted to do.  I only started running in the August of 2003, and 8 months later I was running the famous distance.  Unfortunately, I picked up an injury in training and this affected me on the day - making the run more difficult and making it impossible for me to complete it in my target time.  As I crossed the line I 'knew' I'd do it again.

Fast-forward to now, and I now have a little over 3 months to prepare myself for the race.  I've always done sport and been fairly fit - but I've never been a good long-distance runner.  Over the past few years, I've done less and less exercise, especially during the first 9 months of 2008, when I basically did nothing.  Poker isn't really conducive to a good fitness regime.  As someone who works the usual office hours and then spends evening playing poker or doing whatever, it's difficult to drag myself out of bed at 6 o'clock in the morning to go running in the pouring rain.

I've been trying to get a place in the London Marathon again ever since 2004.  In fact, I didn't get a place in the 2004 marathon via a ballot place - I had to get a Golden Bond place where I promise to raise a minimum amount for a charity who then give me a guaranteed place.  I ran for the British Heart Foundation in 2004.  Fortunately, the way the organisers run the ballot for London is that if you don't get a place 5 years in a row, you're guaranteed a place on the 6th attempt (maybe something that APAT could adopt for the clickfest?).  So the 2009 marathon would be my sixth attempt - and therefore I knew I'd get a place.

My plan was to start running in the summer, build up slowly and then be in good shape to start my training on the run-up (pun intended) to the marathon.  The training programme for the actual marathon is usually over a 16-week period, but you need to have a decent platform already - in other words, I really wanted to be doing at least 25 miles a week come the start of the year.  I haven't been doing 25 miles a week.  So I've missed my first target.  The thing with long-distance running is that you can't go from nothing (or very little) to putting in 15-20 miles runs.  It's all about putting in the miles, and it's something I need to focus on doing.  I hope this diary thread will help me with that.

tl;dr.....skip the rest, read this

If that doesn't interest you, this might.  I'm running for the NSPCC. 

You can sponsor me with an online donation here: 

It'd be much appreciated.

The next post will tell you why...

Some facts from the NSPCC:

What you need to know about child abuse
   

• Every ten days in England and Wales one child is killed at the hands of their parent. In half (52 per cent) of all cases of children killed at the hands of another person, the parent is the principal suspect.

   

• More than one third (36 per cent) of all rapes recorded by the police are committed against children under 16 years of age.

   

• NSPCC research shows that a significant minority of children suffer serious abuse or neglect. Our 2000 study of the childhood experiences of 2,869 18-24 year olds found that:

         o Six per cent of children experienced frequent and severe emotional maltreatment during childhood.
         o Six per cent of children experienced serious absence of care at home during childhood.
         o 31 per cent of children experienced bullying by their peers during childhood,
            a further seven per cent were discriminated against and 14 per cent were made to feel different or 'like an outsider'.
         o 43 per cent experienced at least one of these things during childhood.
         o Three-quarters (72 per cent) of sexually abused children did not tell anyone about the abuse at the time. 27 per cent told someone later.
         o Around a third (31 per cent) still had not told anyone about their experience(s) by early adulthood.
         o A quarter (25 per cent) of children experienced one or more forms of physical violence during childhood.
            This includes being hit or kicked, shaken, thrown or knocked down, beaten up, choked, burned or scalded on purpose, or threatened with a knife or gun.
         o Of this 25 per cent of children, the majority had experienced 'some degree of physical abuse' by parents or carers.

• Almost two thirds of children killed at the hands of another person in England and Wales are aged under five.
• The National Commission of Inquiry into the Prevention of Child Abuse estimated that the cost of child abuse to statutory and voluntary agencies is £1 billion per year in the UK. Most of this is spent dealing with the consequences of abuse rather than its prevention. The total cost of abuse far exceeds this estimate. Individuals and families bear most of the consequences, sometimes for the rest of their lives at an incalculable cost.

Why does the NSPCC continue to fundraise and where does the money go? (http://www.nspcc.org.uk/whatwedo/aboutthenspcc/faq/fundraising/fundraisingFAQs_wda60510.html)

"We rely on voluntary donations for 87 per cent of our income. Without your support we would have to close our vital services in just over seven months.
We work with very tight budgets and we ensure that every penny we spend on fundraising is spent with good reason. We are constantly assessing every method of fundraising, be it television, mail or catalogues (for example) to ensure that it will help us raise more money to help more children.
We are pleased to say that for every £1 we invest in fundraising, we raise £4.55 for our work to end cruelty to children.

For full details of our income and expenditure, please see our Annual Review and Report."

good luck Dan :)up

+1

Do you do any treadmill running or is it purely road?

Purely road running.  I find running on a treadmill mind-numbingly boring - although I suppose I could download every series of 'The Wire' and watch that whilst I run (I haven't seen any of them yet and I've been told I'll love it). 

Also, running on a treadmill doesn't really get you ready for running a marathon.  There's no wind resistance, and you have to have the incline set to 3% (I think) to replicate the effort of running outside.  it might suit some people, but it's not for me.  I don't like going to the gym in general.  If I had a decent treadmill in the house, then I'd probably use it as well as running outside.

running on a treadmill doesn't really get you ready for running a marathon.  There's no wind resistance, and you have to have the incline set to 3% (I think) to replicate the effort of running outside.

If I had to set the incline of my treadmill to 3%, I'd be on tilt.

GL Dan.

LOL @ Red. 

I've just done some googling, and you're meant to have the incline change between 1-3% to get close to outdoor running.  Or something...

I still think you're a wimp for not being able to run under 3.30 pfffttt

Good luck with this buster!

Thanks to those who've sponsored me already :)up

There's been some mention of the time I'm aiming to run. 

When I ran in 2004, I mentioned I was struggling with a niggling injury.  I was aiming to do it in 3hr 45m, but that plan went out of the window when my knee was very sore at the 5 mile mark.  If it had been a training run, I'd have stopped - but there was no way I was going to drop out on the day.  By the time I was a few miles from the finish, I'd worked out (it's hard doing maths whilst running, but it gives you something to do) that if I did the last few miles or so in a very quick time I could finish in under 4 hours.  So I did just that, culminating in a sprint finish down The Mall to the finish line.

The time on the clock was 4hrs 12m (or something like that), but it had taken me over 10 minutes to cross the start line.  All the runners have a chip that's attached to their shoes and their are mats across the course that electronically measure when you cross over them - so they can give you your splits - and importantly, your exact time when you cross the line.  However, this took a day or two to come through on the system in 2004, and so I had to wait to see if I'd done it in under 4hrs.  I had - 3hrs 59m 57s to be precise ;D.

This time out, I'd like to beat that time.  I'd love to do it in 3hrs 30m, but I simply haven't done the training to do that.  So I'm aiming for my initial target of 3hrs 45m.  I 'should' be able to achieve that, but we'll have to see how the training goes.  Boldie and technolog have already provided some encouragement (the sods), and I'll be out again tomorrow morning putting in the miles.

 

Tomorrow?  TOMORROW?!  Get yer arse out there this minute and start running la lazy git.  Run Forrest..... RUN!!!!

I'd love to do the marathon, but I'm just too fat, lazy and unfit for that kind of mullarky.  You do it for me.

Good luck Forrest, go break that personal best :)

This proves you a sick man. In my running days my thoughts at the end of a run/race were usually 'never again'

Good Luck with this, I will be an avid reader.

I used to live & work in Greenwich & those marathon runners were just a bunch of skinny troublemakers  ;)

Will you be wearing some sort of animal costume?  ;D

Good Luck Kin

Good luck Dan, I will be following this and wish you well in your efforts.

3:45 is a reasonable time for a recreational runner and there will be a few here who don't understand what it takes to get to the 3 hr level.

Will check the site and deposit shortly.

Geo

I prefer to run in the morning for a number of reasons.

Firstly, I'm usually knackered and hungry when I get home from work - not physically exhausted (as I sit at a desk all day), but ready to sit down, have my tea and relax.  By the time I've eaten it's too late to go out and run, even if I wanted to.  The second reason is that I like running in the morning.  There are far fewer people about, maybe the occasional dog walker, people on the way to work (or coming home from the night-shift).  It means I get the paths to myself most of the time.  It's difficult to drag my semi-concious body out of bed when the alarm goes off, but once I'm out the door and have done my first mile, I feel good and actually enjoy the run (enjoy is a relative term here).  Also, the feeling of getting back getting in the shower and thinking that I've already achieved something for the day is a good one.  Someone (I think it was Snatty) commented on another thread that there's no feeling quite like aches you get after you've done some exercise - and it's so true.   

Anyway, I was inspired by people's comments and by the thread so decided to increase my milegage (for a mid-week run), and did 8 miles this morning.  Felt comfortable, although I was running at 8m20s/mile pace - so that'll have to improve.

There's a few that can't understand what it takes to get to the 5 hour level :D

No matter how unfit people think they are, they can run a marathon.  It's all about putting in the miles in training.  When I first decided to run, I couldn't do much more than 5 or so minutes without having to walk or slow right down.  I gradually increased this to ten and twenty minutes, and after a few months it was a LOT easier. 

I know a few people who run/walk marathons.  They still do decent times (one does it in less than 3hrs 30m, but he does the running bit pretty fast :D). 

At the end of the day, the time taken is a personal thing.  Unless you're Heile Gebreselassie or Paula Radcliffe, there's always someone who can run it faster than you.  It's funny though, when you tell someone you've run a marathon the first thing they usually say is "What time did you do it in?"  You could say 2hrs or 6hrs, and they wouldn't know the difference - but I guess it's the most natural thing for people to say, rather than "how did it go?", or "did you run a PB?" or something like that.

Hours we'll never get back after going through that hell... an important bit of info.

All the best in this Dan.

Good luck Bosher. good move to avoid the treadmill - it's no preparation for the joints and outdoor conditions that you'll face when running an outdoor marathon.

Will sponsor you soon. Maybe next time I see you at DTD everything I take off you in the cash game can go to to your charity.

LOL @ the animal costume!  It'll be hard enough in my human costume.  Those that run as bloody rhinos are mad.  Those outfits aren't light, and it must get unbelievably hot in there as well.

Nope, I'll be travelling light.

What, I have to wait until the next Greek fest?  The marathon's in bloody April!

Just get on there and sponsor me now!  Don't slowroll me!

p.s. I assume you will wet yourself whilst running this thing...it seems to be standard.

Extra £20 in it for you if you do a Radcliffe.

How much for a No.2?

I thought Radcliffe did a Nr2...

She's done both.  You post was ambiguous as to what a 'Radcliffe' was.

It could have meant:

1.  a No.1
2.  a No.2
3.  break all the world records/world bests for every distance over half-marathon.

Well

1; I assumed was included in the sponsorship
3; Since Paula Radcliffe is the fastest girl in the world over long distances you can only hope to be the second fastest.

so that leaves Nr2 for the £20.

How do you propose to garner proof?

I thought Paula Radcliffe sort of touched cloth but stopped short of a full movement.  I think I recall criticising her for not trying hard enough because of this. 

Probably true...twas probably only a bit that came out.

Kin, what do you mean "garner proof"? You go over to the side of the road...do a  nr2..and then go and finish the race...you don't need to shit your self FFS!

All the best. I have been for one run since Xmas day, so even if a last minute gold place came through now, I doubt i'd be able to take it. Next year though.

Are u posting a weekly forerunner summary?

How will you know if I do it, or if I just say I did?

Best to wait until next year and you'll have time to prepare properly.


Good idea!  No hiding then.

Good point, we'd need some sort of evidence.

If I ever ran a marathon I would get as close to the start line as possible and sprint my bollocks off for like 2-3 miles being at the front before I would collapse on the floor and get trampled by 20,000 people. Imagine the TV time.

Unless your a very very good 5k runner your sprinting is very unlikely to get you to the front!

If you do get in front though, just shoot everyone as they come past and stroll to the finish when you're done.

Two problems with this.  Firstly, the elite runners are VERY quick.  They run at under 5minute/mile pace, and I wouldn't be able to run that pace for one mile. 

The other problem is that the elite runners start from a different line to the mass field. 

Nice one Daniel good luck with this,if you say pardon though your getting fuk all from me though  ;)

Sorry?

;)

Just been out for a run - managed 9 miles today, but my legs were heavy after playing hockey yesterday.  Still need to up my weekly mileage though.

LOL,I've been thinking about doing one of the cycling trips that mcmillan do to raise money for them but i'm lazy sigh,I will do it though but I just couldn't imagine even attempting to run a marathon,wp sir

I have some friends who do triathlons - nutters.  I'm a pretty useless cyclist, and although I can swim OK, I don't think my speed in the water would scare anyone.  The thought of doing all three, one after the other doesn't appeal to me as fun at all.  You should do the sponsored cycling thing.

I'm definitly going to,there's one they do through china which i think would be immense.

Went out this morning for an 8 mile run.  After 3 miles, I start to feel a pain in a toe on my left foot.  I decide to finish after 4 miles, expecting to see some rubbing on my toe or something.  Nope.  I take my shoe off, and the end of my sock is red from blood.  A small stone, barely visible had managed to get into my sock and had wedged itself between my toes.  After I'd cleaned the blood away, there's nothing to see except a minor scratch.  Bloody annoying though.

Out of interest what shoes do you run in?

Sounds like something like these

(http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:CfQ9eiI1HUcK7M:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/2216313693_b4d43494ec.jpg%3Fv%3D0)

Surely better that than a corn or something whichmay take a couple of weeks to get rid eh...

A good question, and one that should have had a different answer today.

I've got a pair of New Balance 900s (which they don't make any more).  Quite lightweight and have been perfect for me for quite a while now.  I run as a forefoot/midfoot striker, rather than a heel-striker.  That means that when I run it's the front of my foot that hits the floor first, rather than my heel.  Most running shoes are made with thick mid-soles to cushion the heel on landing, and this makes the shoes heavy and less-suited to someone like me that doesn't heel-strike.

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/kinboshi/new-balance-m900-d-running-shoe.jpg)

So I got the NB 900s because they didn't have too thick a mid-sole, and were fairly lightweight.  To be honest, I might be able to continue running in the same pair throughout my training and for London - but I don't want to get to a few weeks before and have them fall apart.  Nothing worse than running long distances in new trainers that might rub or cause discomfort.  So I'd rather replace them now, and have time to run them in.

I went and tried a lot of different shoes, and haven't found some that fit as well as the ones I already have (but unfortunately don't make any more).  So I thought I'd go for some other New Balance trainers - assuming that they'd be a similar fit.  I tried some on and found a pair that were lighter than my current ones and I thought pretty much ideal.  I decided to order them online from nbwebexpress.co.uk and they arrived yesterday.  But unfortunately, the shoes are slightly narrower at the front and felt as though they might rub if I ran in them. So I'll be sending them back (they have a very good, and free, returns system which saves a lot of hassle when buying something like this online), and looking for something else.

If anyone's interested in the forefoot/mid-foot/heel-strike running style debate, there's loads on the web about it.  This is an interesting piece:
http://crossfitatlanta.typepad.com/newsletter_archives/2007/06/june_7_2007.html

NB900 wouldv`e done  ;)

Oh definitely.  I was worried that it was something serious - and I'll be fine to go out tomorrow and do my proper run.  Just annoyed that I was up early and out running this morning in my bid to increase my weekly mileage and had to stop because of a bloody minute stone.

I was already going to write about my new shoes, so you just prompted me to write that waffle :D.

Might go for these - but need to try them on first, obviously:

http://www.prodirectrunning.com/prodinfo.asp?PID=RUN-401-002-071&DEPT=401&BRAND=2&SS=1

Tried them, they were a bit too basic and cut-down for me - so I got these instead:

http://www.prodirectrunning.com/prodinfo.asp?DPID=RUN-401-002-094&DEPT=401&BRAND=2&SS=1

Will be trying them out tomorrow morning.

Is it weekly mileage update time?!

What do you train in clothing wise, cold and warmer weather?

OK - whilst half the country was grinding to a halt yesterday, I managed to do an 8-mile run in the morning before going to work.  I can't believe schools in the West Midlands are closed today either, there's no snow on the roads any more!

Anyway, back to the running.  The new trainers are excellent, very comfortable and a lot lighter than my previous ones.  They do have a design flaw though, and small stones can get wedged into the sole.  So I'm going to fill the problem areas to stop this from happening.  When people design these things do they not think about how or where they'll be used?  As it's something I can sort it's not a major issue so never mind.

So now I'm clocking over 25 miles a week, and as I start to build my long run up slowly from where I am now to the 23 miles that's scheduled for 3 weeks before the marathon, that will increase.  I'm also finding the 8 miles a lot easier and I'm doing it at 8 minute/mile pace as well, even yesterday in the snow.  Today I went out to do a run at a faster pace, so I went for 4 miles and did it at 7m 38 sec pace, which is quick for me.  I have the Silverstone Half Marathon on 15 March, and I'd love to do that at 7m 45 sec - but I'll be happy with 8 minute miles to be honest.


Sort of done above.


Obviously my new trainers.  Then a decent pair of running socks.  Either a twin layer sock or a specialist sock with extra protection to prevent rubbing and blistering.  Other than that bloody stone, I've never had a problem with my feet when I run, and that's obviously important if you're running a marathon.

I always wear shorts when I run.  Even if it's -5, the cold doesn't really bother your legs.  I now also wear a base layer under my shorts and top.  These are excellent (and I wear them for any sport).  They help to wick sweat away from your body in the cold or when it's hot, and the layer under my shorts helps prevent chafing if my shorts get wet (and I've seen people with blood pouring down their legs from their thighs chafing against wet shorts - it's not a pretty sight).  Lots of people wear running tights in this weather - but they aren't really my thing. 

On top I wear a 'technical' top, one that's 100% synthetic that allows breathing and doesn't get damp.  Again, I've seen people run in cotton t-shirts and the rubbing on nipples that makes them bleed just isn't pleasant.  In weather like this, I have a running micro-fleece top that keeps me warm enough when I start, but makes sure I don't overheat when I've been running a while.  I also wear running gloves if it's colder than freezing, otherwise I don't bother.  Again, these are same material as the technical tops.

When it gets warmer, I might ditch the base layer under my top - I'll see how that goes.  I'll be running the marathon in an NSPCC running vest, so I'll be wearing that for training as well (when it arrives).

My running stuff is a combination of brand stuff and cheap stuff from Aldi (which does a brilliant range of running clothes every so often).

So that's my running kit, which is finished off with my Garmin Forerunner to monitor the pace and distance, and my MP3 player.  I much prefer running to music than without it.  I'll dig out the MP3 player and post up the tracks I listen to when I run.  Any suggestions would also be appreciated.

  So I'm going to fill the problem areas to stop this from happening.


What will you use to fill them Kin?

Sealant if it stays put, if not, I'll cut some foam from the mid-sole from an old pair of running shoes that I've got and super-glue them into the offending holes.

Sounds like its all starting to go well. I really need to get back out. I feel so tence and tired when I cant/dont run. I have only run twice since Xmas day, back pain has prevented any more. The pain has gone down recently and I have physio on thursday to hopefully get rid once and for all.

Your running stuff sounds similar to mine, but I struggle with the cold legs! I wear some football socks, but they have soft padded soles, I try to get them as high as T Henry as possible! I guess once I get back up to 13 miles runs I might have to revisit that. I have a pair of quite long shorts that I got in vegas in 2005, they are the only thing I feel comfrtable in, god knows what I'll do when they go, another trip to vegas perhaps!

The technical tops are unbelievable. an absolute must. I have two short sleeve adidas ones and two long sleep nike ones. I was tempted by the under armour one but I think that looks a little too thick! Over the top of that I wear my 2008 London marathon reject jacket!

Good luck with the rest of this and give me a nudge come april for some sponsorship.

Had my last 'weekend off' from running last weekend at the APAT in Walsall.  It will also be the last drinking session before London.  I wisely decided not to run on Monday morning, and on Tuesday I did a 5-mile run, but at a decent pace (7hrs 35mins).  Yesterday I did an 8-mile run and was surprised that I did that @ 7hrs 45min pace.  So obviously the training is helping and there are tangible signs of improvement.  The running is definitely getting easier.  Nearly fun.

I think I'm going to do a half-marathon training run on Sunday.  Playing hockey on Saturday, and that always takes a lot out of me, but hopefully I should have enough in the tank. 

I didn't mind running in the snow, but I'm not keen on sheet ice on the roads and paths.  Roll on the milder weather (but not too warm please).

Just caught up with this kin all the best with it gogogogogo

call me tight but we already do a monthly DD to nspcc so unless i get a big winski ill have to opt out of this 1 Gl ne way

No problem tight-arse fella. If you're already giving, you're giving. 

Have you ever tried this running on caffeine thing? After reading runners world talk about it a few times (helping with muscle contraction or something) I thought I'd give it a shot this morning. A quick can of red bull whilst waiting for the GPS to sort itself out and I was away. Managed a comfortable 7.5 mile run on an empty stomach @ 8 minute miles. to be fair my lack of running means I dont have too much relevant stuff to compare it against results wise, it just felt a lot more comfortable than I expected, especially given the lack of food.

It's worth a shot I guess.  I will try it, and if it works I'll be using it before any races.

Still not tried the Red Bull pre-run stimulation yet - but might give it a go tomorrow.

This week's been interesting.  I had two hockey matches this weekend (Sunday's was a rearranged match from a frozen weekend).  So I didn't run on Monday, but put in an 8-mile run on both Tuesday and Wednesday.  Wednesday my legs felt very heavy and tired.  I only managed to do 8 min/mile pace, and it was hard work. So this morning, I thought I'd reduce the distance and try and put in a fast run.  I did 4 miles, which is one circuit of the route I use usually.  Felt quite up for it, and so started off at a cracking pace.  Managed to get round in exactly 29 minutes - which is 7m 15s pace.  That's the fastest I've run 4-miles in, and so I'm obviously improving despite the lethargy of Wednesday's run.

Will be looking at doing over 10 miles tomorrow, hopefully at under 8 min/mile pace.

The ideal strength of Red Bull for this is to water it down.

I don't know what the 'ideal' ratio is though, I'm sure it's online somewhere.

Water it down with vodka?

lol - that would be my preference but I'm not the runner, my brother is.

Just read some forums onthe interwebz (so the advice MUST be accurate).  They're saying that the caffeine boost is good over short distances, but for marathons it can make you 'crash' as the caffeine wears off and I guess it's the downer after the upper.

Will keep reading though.  50/50 dilution seems to be the advice, and also to let the fizz go out of it before drinking.  I actually make my own electrolyte drinks.  Just a fruit cordial, some lo-salt (more potassium and less sodium), and some glucose.  Much cheaper than buying lucozade sport - and I get to control what I put in it.  However, on the day of the marathon, there are water stands throughout the course as well as stands giving out lucozade sport.  It makes sense to train using lucozade sport as well, so that your body gets used to the stuff when you're running.  Otherwise, it can come straight back up again...

You're a freak.

 :goodpost:

Thanks, Mr Kettle.

i read this


and i thought of you :)

http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ-trial.pdf

That's why cross-training is so important.  Lots of runners don't focus on building their core strength, and without it you're more prone to injury, your 'form' will suffer when you get tired, and you can't train for as long or with the same intensity.

+1

This is why I focus on my core strength ATM and have been for years...I reckon in a few years; I too will be able to run an 8 minute mile....either that or a 16 minute half-mile...but it'll be something.

Was planning on doing a 15-mile run yesterday, but after a tough hockey match and two late nights on the trot at DTD, I didn't really feel like braving the wind and the rain.

So I chickened out, and decided to have a rest day instead.  Went to bed before 9 o'clock (no donkfests for me), and got up at 5am this morning and ran 16-miles.  Didn't feel too bad either (my legs do now though), and I ran it at a little over 8min/mile pace and it was very comfortable.  So this bodes well for London. 

Next test is the Silverstone half next Sunday.  13.1 miles starting and finishing on the F1 track.  It's a very flat and fast course, so I should be able to run a decent time.  I'm not going to be truly running it at top speed though, as it's still a training run for London.  But if I can get round in around 1h 40m, I'll be happy.

Just hope it's not as windy as yesterday.

will you run the entire marathon distance prior to doing it for real?

No.  Some people do, but the benefit is marginal.  My longest training run will be about 22 miles, and that will be 3-weeks before the race.  After that I'll be tapering down my long-runs and the total distance I cover in a week as the benefit you get from putting the miles into your legs takes 3 weeks to reap any reward (or so the scientists and experts say).

so what is the normal recovery rate for your legs to feel ok after doing a mararthon? am seriously thinking about entering next year as long as i get the all clear from virus that i have...

Last time I ran London (back in 2004), I couldn't walk the following day.  That's because I didn't train properly and was carrying an injury.  The more training you do, the better your body is at recovering.  I know people who run a marathon, and then do 10 miles the following day to 'loosen off'.

I'll be loosening off at the bar.

be careful i have heard ironside has done that a few times and got insta banned

I ran home from DTD this morning.

I'm 90% certain of doing Chicago rather than new york towards the end of the year. I'm expecting a week without being able to walk but fully support the bar tactic over a ten mile cool down!

Yesterday was a rest day after the 16-miles on Monday.  So today I got up and was planning on either running 8-miles (standard morning run), or going for a 4-mile run at a faster pace. 

I decided on the 4-miler, and managed it at 7:09/mile pace - which is the fastest I've done so far. 

Tomorrow will be another rest day (in preparation for the half on Sunday), and I'll probably do a gentle run on Friday.  I've got a hockey match on Saturday, but have told the captain that I'd rather not play, but will be available as a sub if necessary.  Ideally, I won't have to play.

Looking forward to Sunday, and it should be a good indicator as to how well the training's going.

Are you intending to run the half absolutely flat out?  If so, it will give you a pretty accurate guide to your likely time at London. Double your time and add 8 minutes (10 if you want to be conservative).

Haven't read the whole thread, so apologies if this is old hat to you.

I use a calculator thingy like this one: http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6765  which does a similar thing I guess.

Basically, if I want to do a sub-3:30 full marathon, it says I need to be looking at a 1:38 half marathon.

We'll see how close I am to my target on Sunday.

Looking at my 8-mile times, it seems to suggest a 3:35 marathon time.  Not too far off my best case target of 3:30, and far better than my expected 3:45.

Good luck for Sunday.

I thought the Liverpool game was tomorrow?

Only way you will get a decent time IMO

:)

Just got back from Silverstone.

Had all my excuses lined up this morning - I had to play a full hockey match yesterday, I didn't get an early night because of the boxing, it was really warm today so the heat would slow me down, etc.

BUT - I managed to run it in 1h 38m - which works out at 7m/24s mile pace, so faster than my target time.

Going to download my splits for each mile to see how I ran it, but I know that I was really struggling at 12 miles. 

so you're on for a 3Hr 30min Marathon then?

Potentially.  I 'should' be able to, but of course, it's not as simple as the equation makes it seem.  I still need to put in the miles to get the endurance for the longer distance.  But yes, the time suggests that it might be possible.  Got a lot of training to do in the next 5 weeks though.

hmmm...I seem to remember a discussion we had "No Boldie, no chance of doing a 3hr 30 minutes..that'd be too hard"...So I post some motivation about doubling the pledge if you do do 3Hr 30 minutes...obviously never expecting to have to pay it out and now it's "I should be able to"????

I got grimmed IMO.

Not yet you haven't.  I still think I'll struggle to get under 3hours 30m.  But if it means you having to double your pledge it's all the motivation I need :)up

Many congratulations for the time!!

Here are my splits (the total distance I ran was 13.3 miles according to my GPS whatsit, rather than the 13.1 miles which is the shortest distance you can run on the course):

Mile - pace
1 - 7:14
2 - 7:24
3 - 7:23
4 - 7:24
5 - 7:26
6 - 7:30
7 - 7:28
8 - 7:24
9 - 7:22
10 - 7:30
11 - 7:14
12 - 7:30
13 - 7:45 (I was hurting)
last .3 of a mile - 6:11 (still had enough for a sprint finish)

Quite pleased with that to be honest.

Impressive stuff mate.

I'll raid the piggybank.

careful what bank u raid.........

I don't know much about these things but those splits look pretty good.

Did 8 miles this morning - @ 7:24 pace.  Looks like my accelerator is stuck.  Well consistency isn't a bad thing...

Pfft!!! Whats wrong with you man?

7 Minutes + for a split

I can do one of those in half the time!


















(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7LS4WnHcgiw/RutSfvmuE0I/AAAAAAAACO4/jwXQyLMYJfI/s320/banana_split.gif)


Seriously though, the times do look good and I wish you all the vey best for you run

Did 17 miles this morning (nice getting up at 5:00).  It wasn't comfortable at all.  From 15 onwards I was struggling, but hopefully that was due to lack of sleep, the running I did on Saturday playing hockey and also the fact that I didn't take a drink out with me.  Now I'm doing more than 12 miles, it's getting to the stage that I have to have a drink of something as I run, otherwise the tank hits empty and it's a struggle. 

Still got a few more long runs (19 miles and 22 miles hopefully), so will see how they go. 

I've had an idea.  I've just got a G1 phone - otherwise known as the 'Google Phone'.

Google has released a service called 'latitude (http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html)' that means you can transmit and share your location with others.  I was thinking of using the phone to show where I am on the course for anyone who wants to follow it (that'll be my mum and dad then).  Might be interesting.

[ ] I won't be using this to track you down and throw eggs

I'd like to sponsor you £1 per egg that hits him.

Here's a training tip from the London Marathon newsletter that they spam with with from time to time:

Training tip of the week
Prepare for the second half of the marathon

If you are well prepared, the first two hours of the marathon will be 'easy'. After that, things start to get a little more complicated. Not only will you become increasingly physically tired, but your mind will also be telling you that it's time to stop, have a rest, and take in the view. To counteract this, try to make your body move more efficiently in the first half of all your training sessions from now on. If you feel in control of your body, your mind will adapt to this and you'll gain a psychological advantage for the second half of the marathon.


That is so bloody true.  13 miles is a breeze now, but after about 15 or 16 miles then it's a whole different thing.

Although my times are putting me on course for a potential 3:30 marathon time, I think that 3:45 is a much more realistic time after the fatigue has kicked in and I'm hitting that 22-mile marker and thinking "what the hell am I doing this for?".

From past TV coverage (obv) I seem to remember, the cobblestone bit around the Tower, seems to be a section where runners start to drop. Is that around the 15 mile mark?

Guess you may get extra energy from the cheers (or jeers!) from the crowd lining the route.

When I ran it in 2004 I had to run over the cobbles, fortunately they've changed the course since and the cobbles are avoided.   You reach the tower at about 12.5 miles, and again at 20 miles.  I guess it's the ones who've done the 20 miles who are suffering there!

The crowd really does help give you a boost.  I had my name on my running vest last time (and intend to this time as well), and just when you feel yourself flagging, someone will shout "looking good Daniel" or "only 6 miles to go Daniel, great effort" and you suddenly get a new lease of life.

I assume we are making this into a BB? lets go and cheer the man on!

It'd be good to get some supporters.  Great atmosphere for spectators.  Last time I did it my brother based himself at a pub near the Tower.  When I ran past the pub at about the 23 mile mark, he was in the pub...

That sounds like a plan! We'll rail you from the pub garden...

Just have a beer for me for when I'm finished!

I'm not sure if we'll still be there when it gets dark, sorry mate.

How do you cope with hunger? I find myself being really hungry after two hours, I can't imagine what getting to four will be like. I guess gels might help?

Oooooh, you cheeky sod.

Jelly beans as I run, and also the lucozade sport drinks.  But yeah, some people have a chocolate bar as they run round.  I find them a bit too sickly, same for the gels unless you can wash them down with lots of water.

Lots of carbo-loading during the week preceding the race though.  That's vital.

I'm doing 16 miles next weekend, might try some haribo. The difficulty will be tryin not to eat them all in mile 1!

I've experimented with lots of different sweets - and jelly beans suit me best.  Still need some water to wash them down properly though.

Planned to do 19 miles today, and decided that was a silly idea and did 21 instead.  My legs hurt now, especially after a hard game of hockey yesterday as well.

Now off for a nice meal in a country pub. Rare fillet steak me thinks.  I've earned it!

Enjoy!!!

Very well done! Was it pre-meditated or did you extend it while en route?

Most impressive!

FYP

[X] My steak was lovely. 
[  ] My legs don't hurt.

Do you take em when you feel like it, or at certain points in your run. I know a few runners go for the every mile or half mile refuel.

I only really have them for a full marathon, not really necessary for anything less (imo). For something like London, I tend to have a jelly bean at each water station, with a dorp of water to wash it down.  So that must be every few miles or so.

I did my run today with a Lucozade sport pouch.  It's easy to run with (when it's not full) as it moulds itself to the shape of your hand and you can empty the air out so the liquid doesn't slosh about inside.  They give these out at London - but without lids.  So I will be taken a lid with me so I can have some and then carry it round with me and take the odd sip every now and again rather than try to take too much in one go.

Very impressed with your training so far, I am aiming for the Stratford half mararathon on the same day as london.

[  ] I can do 10 min miles
[ x  ] 11 miles on Sat gave me blisters, broken knees and a desire to never run again.

Have you found a route to run round Cardiff on Sunday at APAT? - I need to do an hour or so, just not found a route yet.

Good look with the half.  Quite a good one so I've heard.

Not found a route yet either, but imagine there are some nice places to run in Cardiff.  I'll have my GPS thingy with me, so it'll probably be a case of setting off in one direction and seeing where it takes me!

Saw people running around the dock that the Holiday Inn Express overlooks - probably not far enough for a pro without lotza circuitz

Taff Trail (http://www.tafftrail.org.uk/)

That should do it

:)

Slightly optimistic with the distance there Jon :D.  Might be worth a drive out and a run through some pleasant scenic parts though.

hows the training going?

I've cycled some of it - tbh picking and choosing a section in advance and getting a clear route is a good idea because some of the directions for the trail aren't very clear.

Directions are over-rated.  If I run 10 miles in one direction, I just have to run 10 miles back in the direction I came from and that'll be a 20-mile run.

Will look into it a bit more, but it sounds like a plan.

Got one more 'long-run' to do in training now.  That'll be a 22 or 23 mile run.  Then it's 3 weeks of 'tapering', and reducing the number of miles I'm running a fair bit.  Apparently there's no benefit for a marathon to be gained from doing any long runs within the last 3 weeks - it'll just increase the chance of injury and depletes your energy levels.  So it's more about just ticking over, resting, and building up the energy stores - particularly in the last week  before the race.

My run yesterday was deliberately slow.  The training guides say to run well-below marathon pace, as it's not about speed on this run - it's about making sure you get it done and that you're on your feet for a good few hours.  So I ran it comfortably at 8:32 / mile pace - and although I was a bit knackered at the end, it wasn't too bad.  If I ran the marathon at that pace, it would give me a sub 3:45 time - so I think it shows my training is going well (fingers crossed)

sigh...you're gonna break that 3.30 barrier, aren't ya?

I doubt it - but I hope it's close.

3:45 is definitely going (I'll be disappointed if I don't), and that's the time I have to beat in order to get you to double your donation.  Oh yes, I just checked.

#

Really?..thought it was 3.30.....hmmm I'll have to check again....I sense a grimming coming up ;)

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/kinboshi/boldie-pledge.png)

FML....please don't trip and fall....wouldn't want you to break anything over the next few weeks ;)

impossible you have his staking £££££££££'s

excellent point...everything on the national :)

you win no probs

you lose you die

I know what you're thinking- "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But, being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?

Kin, on your facebook you say you did 20 miles this morning, is that the 'golden training figure' to reach for anyone prepping for the race?  The extra adrenaline on the day should carry you from there maybe?

I was going to post an update on here - so I guess I'll do that now! 

I don't think there is a golden figure, and I actually wanted to do 23 miles today, but just simply didn't have the time (yes, I should have got up earlier).  But the training schedule has a few long runs of about 20 miles.  No point doing the full 26 (although lots of people do, just so they know they are ready for it).  On the day you're (or should be) well-rested, you'll have been carbo-loading and focusing everything for the day.  The extra adrenaline on the day certainly makes a difference too.  That, and the crowds of people cheering you on.

After this run, it's all downhill (as in easier, not getting worse) as I'll be tapering up to the race in 19 days time.  No more 20-milers, possibly a few 15-mile runs, but mostly shorter runs just to keep things ticking over.  Then lots of rest, trying to avoid picking up any injuries or colds, and lots of eating!!   

A number of years back, I lived in a guest house in Glasgow for a year where I met a pro boxer.  He was telling me about his pre fight training, and mostly it was fitness, then about 5 weeks before the fight, he did 4 weeks of sparring, mugs from all over the country sent to him to take a bopping lol, and then for the last week, no more punching or being punched.  He needed to let the bruises of the sparring heal, and also build his carbs up for a week, making sure he is doing something etc...  Some similarities to what you are doing, hows yer nose?

Me being diabetic, if my sugars go too low, I need instant sugars to revive me..  Doctor recommended to keep close to some sweets that you can only really get in the chemist...  They are called... "Dextro Energy" in about 4 flavours.  Says on the pack.. "specialy formulated to provide a fast-acting source of energy for both mental and physical activity.  contains over 80% dextrose - one of the body's main sources of energy.  Use Dextro Energy tablets for sport and mental concentration,to helpraise energy levels and to provide fast energy replacement.  Take 1-3 as required.  Always eat proper meals"

Maybe worth a try if you havn't already..

Cheers fella.  've had them before, when doing other sport.  They're a good idea as they're easily absorbed - the only problem is that they're quite chalky.  As long as I'm near a water station, then they should be fine.

Was browsing around looking at some running articles.  There's a saying a friend reminded me of the other day "20 miles is half-way in a marathon".  This is so true.  Whilst the half-way point is obviously 13.1 miles, it's at 20 miles where the real work begins and half of the total effort (both mental and physical) is needed.  If I've eaten correctly, and refuelled during the run, I should be able to avoid the dreaded 'Wall'.  I need to make sure I don't go off too quickly, as there's another saying that "it's the pace not the race that gets you".  Again, so very true.

Anyway, here are two links to articles that I enjoyed (YMMV).

http://www.nyrr.org/resources/training/marathon_strategy.asp
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?uan=2793

i suffer from that also

All the best for Sunday! I will be watching from the comfort of my bed, but I'm hopingnthe condition etc all go your way.

It's not this weekend, it's a week on Sunday.  Just checking you were aware of that.  At least I hope it's not this Sunday...

I just realised, but u beat me to it! Good luck in 8 days time then!

Got to find something to do on Sunday morning now, doing a 30 mile session tomorrow for my thing so watching the marathon would have been ideal!

Are you not gonna go out this Sunday and run a circuit just to get aclimatised?

LOL.  I'll be doing 12-15 miles on Sunday, but nothing more than that before London.

I still need to call you...

London is next week, no?...I'd better get the stone throwers organised.

No need i have a bucketful of marbles at the ready for the cobbles

Excellent...We MUST stop him at all cost!

have you set up the gps tracking thing yet so we know where to go to throw stuff at you?

did you rig the...

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/111/276879924_319cab6e1d.jpg?v=0)

gl roadrunner  ;D

I didn't think anyone would be interested.  My Dad will be following me, and anyone else is free to as well if they want.  Just PM me with your gmail address and I'll add you.

No stones, marbles or anvils please though.  It's going to be hard enough as it is!!

We don't want to kill you...just slow you down....for few weeks :)

Does it have to be gmail to follow you?  I'd like a linky too if poss.

I'll have one....I'll pass it onto Bolt :)

I quite often end up watching the marathon with a hangover, it's good smack tv, so may check where you are for a bit of added interest

gl with this m8

6 days to go now.

Went out yesterday and ran 12 miles in the afternoon sun - too warm for my liking and I'm hoping for some overcast and cooler weather next Sunday.  A little bit of drizzle wouldn't go amiss to be honest.  In fact, if the weather's warm, I will be very happy with 3:40 as my time.  Sort of looking forward to next Sunday, and also looking forward to it being over and done with.  I think I'll be sticking to half-marathons in the future, as the training is far less demanding and the preparation a lot easier.

So now it's time to really cut back on the miles I run, and I'll probably put in 2 or 3 more short runs this week, again at a lazy pace.  From Thursday it'll be carbo-loading time - surely the easiest part of the training regime!

FML...almost giving me hope but ever soo subtlely letting me know it will cost me more money.

In about 3 years you will be saying, "I think I will stick to the mile in future"..  and then a few years later "I think I will stick to the 400m"  LOL...

You need to call me..  I had an MSN yesterday, "Thought you were getting someone to call me"

It's certainly not guaranteed that I'll get round in less than 3:45.  You make it sound like it's a done deal!

Yeah, yeah.  I know.  I'm crap.

Although you will be happy to know that I was cheering your lot on yesterday.  Never wanted them to win so much in my life.  Goodluck in the final too!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/21o4rjs.gif)

Goodluck in the final too!

You obviously don't live close enough to Merseyside and know enough of them!!

It doesn't matter. Let them win their first trophy for 14 years.  If we somehow manage to win the league, it'll make it all the more sweet ;).

And with music...
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lig0ckkT_rc

If Everton win the cup and its a big IF, Would it be the hardest cup run ever?
Boro, Villa, Liverpool, Man Ure, Chelski

Next...  Chelsea to win the champions league..!!!  Big party for that lot..!!
Champions League Final  27/05/2009
FA Cup Final 30/05/2009

Sure it's a done deal...when it gets close in the final mile or two and you think "OH, I might not make it"...all you have to do is think of screwing me out of more money and you'll be moving faster than a speeding bullet :) I have nothing but faith in your running abilities.

You have a valid point there.

http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/londonmarathon/content/ss09/

If anyone wants to see my 5K splits as I do the run you can register there and these can be sent to your mobile.

My running number is 7500.

How clever is that.!!!  They even have a silhouette of you on that page..!!!

BTW...!!!

My brother's signed up, and it told him that he'd only get three texts - start, middle and end.  So I guess they lied on the site...

Same for me...  You actually running a 10k and it is actually recording every 5k?  LOL..

On Sunday, I think I might be wishing it was only a 10K.

Good Luck for Sunday Kin

Cheers taximan!

Looking at the 4-day weather forecast on the BBC, and things might be looking up!

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/kinboshi/weather4-days.png)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/8/

I take it you don't want to be running in a heatwave?

What are the ideal weather conditions for a marathon?

Is rain a problem at all? Would you prefer cool but no rain?

I don't expect much of your running has been in hot temperatures seeing as you train early in the mornings. Have you changed this at all recently to allow your body to be prepared for starting later than usual?

I would imagine that there's a bit of an issue when you usually run as soon as you wake up rather than 3 or 4 hours after. Obviously your carb levels etc. change a lot in the first few hours that you are awake.

Definitely not.  Heat's a big problem for long-distance runners, even those used to warmer climates.  Some can cope with them better than others, but all suffer.  So a hot day would see a much slower time for everyone - and I'd rather it be a lot cooler.


I guess everyone has different ideal conditions, but for me I've enjoyed running and found it easiest when it's about 5 degrees, maybe with a slight drizzle, and a gentle cool breeze (but not too windy as that's a bugger).


Rain itself isn't a problem, unless it's torrential.  Puddles can be a problem though as wet feet can cause problems with rubbing, etc.  I'm generally OK in the wet though - but again, nothing too silly.  If it's going to be 16 degrees, then some rain would be very welcome.


The race starts about 9:45, so I'm used to running early (rather than in the evening), but yes I usually run earlier than that.  My longer runs at weekends are usually later in the day, and the last long run I did was during the afternoon and it was a hot, sunny day.  So good practice for if it is warm on Sunday.


Starting a bit later does mean I'll be able to eat some toast and have a banana or whatever to give me some additional fuel before the race, which is the same as my weekend runs.  The worst bit about the marathon is the waiting around before the start, and trying to time the trip to the loo correctly.  That and trying to negotiate the runners who started to close to the front with the faster runners when they really should have started further back with those running a slower pace. 

[X] starts praying for a heat wave

[  ] you pray
[  ] your prayers will be answered
[X] there will be a heatwave on Sunday just to FML

 ;goodluck; Sunday Kin.

That'll do for me. :)

All the best for sunday Dan

local weather says it won't be as hot on sunday as it has been and if your as slow as Jordon and Peter you might get a little shower.

Yep all the best Dan :)  When do you head down, tomorrow?  Any special preperations the night before?

I've got a sodding wedding to go to tomorrow in Lincolshire!  So I'll be eating there (my mate's asked for a special meal for me as he's also a runner - in fact he's a bloody good runner), listen to the speeches and then shooting down to London to stay at my brother's. Fortunately he lives near the start so I don't have to mess around with transport in the morning.

Thanks for all the good wishes, and for the donations.  They're much appreciated.

Will have my phone with me so will hopefully be able to update on here over the weekend.

:)up

Will be watching out for you on the telebox, wave for the cameras please :D

have fun mate..3.46 FTW!

+1 but good luck!

 ;goodluck; Kin!

All the best for it!

Yep GL Boshi .. Run good !!

gl Dan

+1 gogogogo

ggoogooggoo

Good luck for today Dan.

Dont forget APAT League is at 8pm tonight...

just logged into google to track kin on his gps but it's showing him as still being on shooters hill road which is the start line so I guess he's decided to run without the phone

He's probably not running at all, recovering from the wedding he had to go to.

The London Marathon: A supreme effort.

I managed to get up in time for the start. Watching now with breakfast, so proud of myself.

;applause;  wd Robert :D

He's moved a bit now at least (Dan, not Robert!)

oh yeah although it looks like he's just taken a short cut across greenwich park. still nowhere near where he should be, looks like this thing doesn't update very well

Boshi why didn't u ask me for a donation you donut! Will sort something out at DTD with ya. Oh and good luck bud!

WD...I didn't make the start but happy enough to not watch it with a cup of tea :)..the only thing more painful than running the marathon is watching someone run the marathon IMO...so I won't even attempt it without sponsorship...maybe next year.

How's he getting on?


Think he has a link in his sig to sponsor him

Here's the link if anyone is looking for it.  http://www.justgiving.com/daniel-phillips

hmmm, cant see him near the front thats for sure.  get on with it kin.

fkin hell Kin, get a grip son. ;)

Good Luck Kinbo.  xx

maybe he tripped?

ffs he lost, what a dissapointment :'(

sigh....we should have known, the guy just doesn't have the skillz

looks a little warm there

Let's go round again...

Has he moved on anyone elses google thingy? 

don't know if this is the right info..

Name    PHILLIPS, DANIEL (GBR)    Club    
Runner No.    7500    Age group    M18
TIMES
5 km    0:26:42    25 km    2:08:44
10 km    0:51:54    30 km    2:36:01
15 km    1:17:27    35 km    3:04:02
20 km    1:43:05    40 km    3:34:55
half    1:48:38    finish    3:46:11
TOTAL
Position (overall)    6970    Position
(age group)    3154
Position (gender)    5886    Finish time    3:46:11

That's about the time he was after, prob is him.  Nice going Boshi :)

 ;applause;

FAIL! ...wooohoooooo!!!!


nice going Boshi!

so close boldie ... you should pay fee and a half imo :)

 ;tightend; ;cupcake;Well Done Kin. xx

Well done, cracking effort. The pace of the 5k splits is very consistant, the last one looks like it was pretty tough. Huge respect. Look forward to a write up over the next few days.

I've just checked and apparantely they were paying out up to 6969th place.

ul bubbleboy.  Excellent time though.  ;D

LOL.

WD Dan!!

rotflmfao...you're sooo slow compared to the rest of the kidz!

:hello:

Well, that was....tough.  So warm and humid, and it caught up with me.  Not happy with my time, and I had to stop and stretch my leg on 24 miles as my knee was in pain.  Then i walked for a few minutes, before running again.  Did a sub 6-minute last mile, but nod good enough to get under 3:45.

Great day though, and the support was brilliant and the atmosphere amazing.  Renews your faith in people.

I know if I can do that time on a day like today I can definitely get close to 3:30 in better conditions.

I beat Gordon Ramsey though who I passed at about 15 miles (I think it was then).

Thanks to everyone who posted on here wishing me luck or texted me - much appreciated.  Also many thanks to those who sponsored me.

Now I have to drive back from London...happy days.

Well played Dan, great effort ;applause;

I'll post a full report later.  Going to have a bath and a beer now.

well done Daniel.

Runs the Marathon AND over 19,000 posts on Blonde

You REALLY are a WINNER Kin.

Well played  ;tightend; ;topman; ;first;







(but you did get beaten by GIRLS)

well done m8 dtd on saturday 2 celebrate ill buy you a lemonade

Excellent result. Well done x

Well deserved. :respect:

PAH! Well deserved indeed; "I couldn't do a decent time cus it was a bit humid and I'm a delicate flower".. A wimp, that's what he is!

Very well done.

Amazed you can drive after it too!

I'll be on the beer now thanks :)up

'Tis true.  Can't really make excuses, it just means I'll have to run another marathon now to get a more respectable PB.

:)

Well done Dan - brilliant effort!

 ;applause; ;applause; ;tightend;

Slacker

finally a bit of common sense in this thread.

from yahoo;

Have you seen his PB?

  you playin tourny or cash or updatin

Cash.

also much faster than you, I take it?

It's easy to mock when you're a lazy arse who'll never even try to run a marathon.

;)

LDO, or I'd never do it!

Mate- in awe of what you've achieved- I know lots of people run marathons but trul;y cannot imagine doing it. VWD

I have never run a marathon but if I ever did so I'm sure I would do it in some kind of costume ldo.

gg wr nt

lmao hardcore

(http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/uploaded_images/Marathon-stilts-750908.JPG)

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38887000/jpg/_38887855_lloyd203.jpg)

From the interview on the BBC website:

Interviewer: 'Are you aware that you beat kinboshi, even with the suit on?'

DivingSuit Man: 'Yes, but did you see his PB?'

rotflmfao

Congrats on the time - how is the recovery going?

It took me till wednesday to be able to walk down the stairs, one step at a time without being in pain. (and i only did a half on sunday).

Recovery has gone well, might go out for a run tomorrow.

How did the half go, and which one did you run?

Recovery has gone well, might go out for a run tomorrow.

How did the half go, and which one did you run?
[/quote]

I did the Stratford HM - my time was a less stella 2:05 but just ahead the 10 min miles i was looking for. (but a few seconds slower than the winner of the London full which was sobering.

I remember you saying you were running that now.  I've heard it's a pretty good course - did you enjoy it?  Was it as warm for you as it was for us in London?

do you wear a hat?

Me?  No.

obv you. ok, just wondering

No probs.

so why don't you wear a hat? don't you have trouble with the sun in your eyes when you're heading east on an early morning run?

;carlocitrone;

Running in the winter in the UK means no sun in your eyes.

clever

Do you have a windows mobile powered mobile? This is nice

http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-sportypal.html

I can check my log daily and it confirms I have expended zero calories.

Its 11 weeks today until I complete attempt my first marathon, the Chicago marathon.  I thought I'd jump on the end of Kin's thread to pick up some tips and hopefully help keep me motivated.

Running a marathon is on my list of things to do before I'm 30, so it'll be good to get it done. I do however want to run a sub 4 hour marathon, though there is absolutely no way that is happening in this one. Hopefully London next year if I can finally get in.

I have a couple of problems. Firstly my knee still isnt 100% after the walk challenge in May. Its much much better but I dont have any confidence in it still. Hopefully it will build back up. I have just bought a new pair of trainers so that should also help.  The second issue is that its only 11 weeks away. Ideally I would have had a 14 week training programme, but the knee didnt allow that.  The third issue is that various commitments I have over the next 11 weeks are going to make fitting the required miles in pretty difficult. I'm in the middle east for two weeks in a few weeks, which is when I should be looking to really increase the miles, the blonde bash falls on the weekend I should be doing a really long run and the same for the Great North Run.

Well thats all the negatives out the way. I have made a plan and the weekly mileage looks like this:

Week 1: 27 miles (longest run 8 miles)
Week 2: 29 (9)
Week 3: 27 (11)
Week 4: 19 (5)
Week 5: 27 (12)
Week 6: 31 (9)
Week 7: 33 (10)
Week 8: 34.1 (13.1)
Week 9: 34 (18)
Week 10: 23 (8 )
Week 11: 8 + 26.2 on the big day.

Basically I would have ideally had a 22 miler in there to go with the 18 and perhaps could have done with a 20 in between them too. Its going to be pretty horrible. I am only hoping my knee doesnt play up and I get round.
 

hamstring stretches, good warm ups and deep squats massively improved/strengthened my dodgy knees. ymmv ldo. GL in the race

http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFit_AirSquats.mov

Good luck Rooky9 - hope your knee stays strong for you and you enjoy it.

9pm C4. Now THAT is a runner! :o

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/daredevils/episode-guide/series-1/episode-3


Ranting on about how he's running in  -25C in only his shorts.  ::)



This is the average scottish summer beach holiday ffs.

What a nutter!

Yes. I feel like such a slouch watching this.

Just got home and the London Marathon magazine has been delivered.

Looks like I'm doing it again next year!

you still doing this rooky?

:)up

going to actually hit your target next year?

How much is it worth (for my chosen charity)?

FFS, this is going to be an annual thing, isn't it? Depends on the charity obv (No "Missionary missions to Africa" this year please") £50 to be doubled if you hit a decent target (thinking 3.30 or something this year as you have plenty of time to prepare and were dangerously close to the 3.45 last time)

3:30 is my target this time definitely.  Obviously be ideal if it isn't as hot as it was last time, and I'm going to train more intelligently this time and hopefully be better prepared.

3:45 is a definite this time (proberly).


Oh and I doubt it'll be an annual thing.  Via the ballot I failed to get in 5 years on the trot, and so this year got in by default.  So this year was starting that process all again, and I get in first time!

OK, pick a decent charity mate and I'm in for £50.

Linux is doing it aswell this year.

I think he'll beat you.

lol...sounds like there should be a charity bet set up for this.

LOL - you want odds?

I got my London marathon mag today! I didn't make it in the first ballot but got one in the bequest draw. I'm hoping to get some serious winter training in for that one and attempt to break 4 hrs.

I'm still doing Chicago, fly out next Friday. Combination of looking forward to, and absolutely shitting myself. It's going to hurt so much!

Best of luck in Chicago.  Don't put any pressure on yourself with this one, set a PB you can beat next April! 

Make sure you post all about it on here.

Is there any sponsorship for your London marathon attempt Kin?

If so where do i go?

Lopndon marathon website has a page of charities that offer places.  Be prepared to commit to raising best part of 2k if not more though.

http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/marathon-centre/enter-2010-virgin-london-marathon/charity-entries/

I've not decided who I'll be running for this time yet. 

I've run for the British Heart Foundation and the NSPCC in the past.  Was thinking of running for Cancer Research this time (proberly).

Unpopular view coming up; Cancer Research gets tonnes of money...better off going for a smalller charity IMO..Marie Curie FTW.

help the homeless in vegas?

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/aboutus/whatwedo/ourresearch/ourachievements/

They're obviously not wasting the money (well, not all of it) and they need more.

Not saying they waste  it (they spend between 10 and 20% on admin, which almost every charity does).

Just saying they already get a ridic amount and tonnes of money is alreday put into Cancer research.

edit; ridic amount obv only compared to other charities.

...and a ridiculous amount is needed to achieve what they do and are trying to do. 

Wasn't sure who I was going to run for before, but now I'm 90% positive ;)

Absolutely bricking it for tomorrow. Chicago is a lot colder than I expected. When the race starts it is bearing going to be above freezing! Last year it was 25c! I have no experience of running in the cold. I have tops that I don't mind throwing away but only have shorts to run in. Could be interesting. I'd definately prefer it cold to hot, but a pulled muscle in the first mile could make it a lot tricker than it already will be!

all the best rooky  :)up :)up :)up

I think I agreed to do a 10K run in March tonight ... better get the trainers out ... one up in the eye of the docs that said I'd never run again woowwoo

Just above freezing is ideal marathon temperature.  Don't worry about your legs, shorts will be fine.  As for keeping warm before the start, some old sweatshirts/t-shirts and a bin liner is a plan, and just throw them away at the start. Once you get going you'll soon warm up, and it's unlikely you'll pull anything unless you start at a ridiculous pace.

Good luck, and enjoy it!

Thanks all. I'm up ridiculously early so just going to have a steady prep. Still feel very nervous - this is why I needed an assuring long run before today!

4h9m44s. Couldn't have asked for anymore, pretty much the dream result given my long run in training was the great north run. Kept a steady pace the whole way and just grinded it out, last couple of miles were pretty tough but non stop running for 4h's probably should be! The crowds were unbelieveable, give Americans their due, they were 'awesome' - thou I never want
to hear that word again! Brillaint set up in terms of drinks etc, top class.

Now, food then airport. Bed is only 14hrs away!

 ;hattip; ;hattip; ;hattip; ;hattip; ;hattip; ;applause; ;applause; ;applause; ;applause; ;applause;

top stuff rooky well done m8

 :respect:

bugger. yeah. we'd better find one.

Well done Rooky!!!  Safe trip home. 

Does that mean you're running it as well?

You do realise that cigarette breaks whilst you're running are generally frowned upon?

since when

i remember doing a charity 10k round an airfield in 87 4 times round an airfield hot dog each lap with a smoke as you run

oh and this  - should have read the rest of the thread before panic replying!

plan is to pack them in this week when i start my training.

Good luck with both parts of that plan then  :)up

Nice on Rooky!

Sounds like it all went to plan then? 

'Awesome' stuff :)up

Stood on the start line I still didn't really have a plan. I lined up in the 10min mile pace, but went out at 9.5's (mile 3 was the slowest on the whole thing at a touch over 10). I decided in the first few miles that if I ran 9.5's I'd give myself some slack so I could maybe walk a mile and still beat 4.30. The more miles covered the more the target got reduced. 4.15 was the target with 5 to go (but I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to run all of that), when it got down to 2.5 I realised 4.10 was on so I went for that. There were a few times towards the end where I wanted to just walk it home and not keep pushing, but I managed to see sense and bring it home. Apparently I came 13,441st, room for improvement there! My first half was 1.5mins quicker than the second, so I'm pretty happy with the way I dug in. I had three coin bags of haribo on me. I had one after 7.5 miles, one after 14 miles, a gel thing they handed out at 19 and the last haribo at 22. There were two 'hills' on the whole course, and the crowd noise came in all the right places. Highly recommended event. They didn't want to believe that the largest mass participation running event takes place in a nice northern English city. The biggest would surely be one of the American ones... No. 

Sub 4 hours will be the aim for April, then I'm quiting anything more than 13.1 miles....  Then again.....

Gr8 going rooky well done  ;hattip;

Congrats Rooky

I have just signed myself up for a half-marathon in March!!!

Silverstone?

No Eastbourne..lol

well done Rooky!

http://detroit.blogs.time.com/2009/10/18/detroits-marathon/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8483401.stm

Some of this article is obvious, but it just reinforces a lot of what I was saying about heel-striking being 'unnatural' and not necessarily good for the body.

Ive just realised its 11.5 weeks to London. I've ran a total of 11 miles since Chicago in October... best get the running shoes out!

I think I'm deferring my entry until next year.  A few injuries (from hockey rather than running) have meant that I haven't put in the miles and also I'm going self-employed at the end of this month so don't have the time or the focus to put the necessary training in.  I could run it, but wouldn't be able to run the time I want.  Think I'll stick to the Silverstone half this Spring and then focus on London next year.

I'm doing the New Forest Half marathon in three weeks time.
Training has been um.... 1 run a week for the past 8 weeks..lol
Just looking to get round relatively unscathed!!!

I just finished.... What I talk about when I talk about running.....Does that count?

Is it worth a read? BTW am loving the tales of the tube thread, top work!

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/kinboshi/2011.png)

Here we go again...

Do you worry Dan that in a couple of years and beyond when you hit your 40's that all the training/running will have lasting effects or your knees/joints, or do you think thats a bit of a myth?

Not a myth at all. My body is fked from all the sport and training I did when I was younger. I'm 40 now and I haven't been able to go out for a run for 7 or 8 years, it was nice being in good shape when I was younger, but I now can't do the stuff I want to do to keep in shape and have been pretty overweight ever since tbh........

Depends.  I think playing hockey is far more damaging on the knees - lots of people I know who play hockey who are in their 40s now have buggered knees.  Astroturf isn't a very forgiving surface.  I also know people in their 60s who still run or play hockey and are in fine health with regards to their joints (and overall to be honest).  Guess it depends on lots of factors, including luck.

As for running, well I've mentioned a lot of times on here about running technique being a major contributing factor to injuries runners sustain.  I definitely believe (based on my own experiences, anecdotal evidence and now some actual scientific studies) that fore-foot/mid-foot striking rather than heel-striking drastically reduces the chances of running-related injuries.

I've linked to this in the past, but it's a good read for anyone who runs:  http://www.williamsichel.co.uk/documents/Running_Fast_and_Injury_Free.pdf

Good answer, but diappointed at the lack of a 'bite'.  :D

LOL.

The marathon is the day after my birthday, and it's quite sobering to see on the acceptance form that it says I'll be 36 when I run it.  Sigh.

Bloody hell I'm unfit.

I've been out for three runs this week.  All just a little over 4 miles - so nothing substantial, especially as I'll be running 15 mile training runs 5 months from now and (hopefully) thinking nothing of it.  But now, the 4 miles is a struggle.  I moved to the North-East of Nottingham in March, and where I am is at the top of a hill - a big one.  So any run I do is easy to start with as I'm fresh and running downhill.  Coming home is the hard part.  I've managed to work out a route that takes me through a nature reserve, which is far nicer than running alongside the traffic on busy roads.  The only downside is that it is also at the top of a hill, a bloody high one. 

So anyway, this run of just over 4 miles is taking me about 34 minutes @ about 8m/mile pace, and it's tough.  The bad news (for me), is that 8m/mile pace is the pace I want to run the marathon in next April.  That's 26.2 miles - so a little bit further than the quite frankly embarrassing 4 miles I'm managing at the moment.  At this moment in time, my chances of running a 3hr 30m marathon next April are very slim.  But at least it's a target.

At least I'm not completely unfit.  The hockey season restarted last weekend, and the team I play for managed promotion last season.  So this year we're in a much tougher league, and the opposition seem to be younger, faster and fitter than the teams we played last season - as you'd expect really.  Last weekend we played Loughborough Town, a side made up mostly of students from the university who can't make it into the Uni teams (who are amongst the best in the country).   Anyway, we were 1-0 down at half-time and my role as the defensive midfielder is to man-mark their play-maker and he happened to be their fittest and fastest player on the pitch.  I somehow managed to keep up with him and did a decent number on him.  We managed to score two in the second half and win 1-2.  Couldn't walk on the Sunday, but the rest of the team said that my running has paid off as I played well (when they say played well, they mean I ran around a lot and got in the way of the opposition).  I'm hoping the hockey helps my running, and vice versa over the next 6 months.  Or, knowing my luck, I'll get an injury and it'll mess both up...

We've got a team who managed to win 9-1 last week and so are the early league leaders.  Sounds like another 70minutes of fun...

you still running the marathon for charity next year then, Boshiballs?

I certainly will be.  Not decided on the charity yet though.  I have a short-list and when I've chosen the one I'll be hassling all you good folk (and you boldie) for your 'hard-earned' cash.  The biggest disappointment for me last time was that I didn't break 3hr 45m, which would have meant you'd have to double your donation.  As I crossed the line, it was the first thought that came into my head. 

Fancy the same pledge this time?

Of course, was gutted that you couldn't run it this year as it felt like a win for me when you just failed last time...I even did a little jig :) and I really wanted a repeat fail.

;grr;

So same again? I break 3hr 45m you double your pledge? 

I know he's foreign, but pretty sure that's what he's agreed.

That's what I thought as well.

Tell ya what Boshi, ya enormous wimp. if you break 3.35 I'll treble it...seeing that we both know you will never EVER break 3.30.

BTW, I went to the doctor yesterday and he told my that I had the legs of an olympic athlete.





Well, athlete's foot..but mine sounds better.

...and how much are you going to pledge?  Trebling £2.45 isn't that impressive.

Dammit, got caught out there.

£50 better?

Actually...thinking about you failing so spectacularly last time. Don't you think you should pledge something if you fail (again)?

I pledge that if I don't beat that time, I'll run it again. Just not on the same day.

OK then :)

Going to start updating this again - thought we needed another diary thread on the forum :D.

15 weeks to go until the London Marathon, and I've got a lot of work to do.  Ran 10 miles yesterday morning, and didn't feel too bad after it.  My next two sessions this week will be much shorter, but focus on tempo runs and speed - rather than distance.  Next Monday will be looking to run 15 miles (oh joy).

Oh yeah, got some new running shoes.  They're excellent:

(http://www.achillesheel.co.uk/images/products/m_adios_aw10_g12988.jpg_400.jpeg)

The same ones that Haile Gebrselassie wore when he broke the marathon world record!!  Don't think I'll be worrying him on that score though - 2hrs 05mins is slightly out of my reach...

So is 3hrs 30 mins TBF... :)

Tosser.







(true though)

Today's focus was on 'speed'.  A friend of mine who's a fitness instructor and triathlete (and all round nutter basically) has given me a 16-week training schedule.

So today, was a 20-minute warm-up (@ 8.45m/mile pace), followed by 1 mile @ 6.39m/m followed by a minute recovery - repeated three times, and then 10 minutes recovery @ 8.45 pace.

That was hard enough, and then I realised a friend of mine runs at 6.18m/m pace for the whole marathon... so depressing.

Blatant I have 2 friends brag IMO.

6.18 is mental, you just stick to your 8.05 a mile mate.

Very good :D

This evening will involve rowing for about an hour, and then tomorrow is a rest day (sodding client meetings in London).

they're almost certainly the same person

No, it's true - I have more than one friend.

do they know this?

Good luck with this, my housemate is currently trainign for the Brighton marathon, but I just run.  Need some new trainers too, so how much these bad boys cost ? What is there actual name for me to take a look ?

They are Adidas Adios shoes (from the Adizero range).  They are made for light, efficient runners - so if you need any sort of support from your running shoe, they're not for you.  I've mentioned before that I'm a forefront/mid-foot striker, but if you heel-strike I'd say these trainers offer very little in terms of shock-absorption.  But if you're fairly slight and run 'efficiently', then they're cracking shoes. Very, very light and comfortable.   Adidas come up small, so best to try them on first.  I went into a running shop and tried on some similar ones from the Adizero range on their treadmill before I went and ordered these online (they didn't have them in that shop).  Cost me £60 (I think maybe £65 including postage). 

Just had a look, and it seems as though they're changing the colour of these (again), and the red/blue ones are being reduced if you can find them in your size in stock.

Is that because they're not cool anymore now that you bought some? You just fecked up the image of it being a shoe for cool people who can run a sub 3.30 marathon after all

Sigh.  The ones that were used by Gebrselassie were actually bright yellow - not a colour I reckon I could have got away with...

Darny Pheyleaps

Today was a warm-up of two miles (@ 8:49 pace) followed by 5 miles @ 8:00 (marathon target pace) followed by a slow mile or so at the end (@ 8:49). 

Was 10°C this morning at 7 o'clock.  What the hell happened to the winter?

Global warming innit

;)

OK, I've decided I'm running for Cancer Research UK this time.  Please sponsor me, even if it's only a tenner.

http://www.runningsponsorme.org/kinboshi

Go on, sponsor Boshi but give him an insentive to break a certain time..it's well worth the money if he fails spectacularly..trust me, the best money I have spent in ages.

Was meant to do my long-run yesterday morning, but gave my injured foot another day's rest and did it this morning instead.

15 miles @ 8:45 pace (marathon pace +45).  Ran round Colwick Country Park which a lovely place early in the morning with very few people around, just foxes, squirrels and birds that live on and around the lakes.  Nice and cold this morning too, which makes running easier even though my hands and nose might disagree.

Just rediscovered this boshi. All the best with your training. Will gladly sponsor you a few quid. Just  waiting for a new card then will sort.

It's not true what they say about you.

Wow, everyone on your sponsoring page is remarkably supportive.....surely they are all just taking the piss?

Yes, your message was particularly supportive :D

As I was running today with only a few miles to go before I got home there's a bloody big hill to climb - and it's a killer.  It was taking all my strength to keep going, but all I needed to do was think about beating 3:45 and you having to double your pledge and I found the stamina to carry on ;).

Meh, remember aim for the 3:30 and get me to treble it.



Obv hoping you'll blow up and fail spectacularly





again :)

Rest day today (from running, but will be doing 45mins or so rowing this evening), but tomorrow the plan is to run 17 miles before breakfast.  So an early start.

I dsay a book advertised that I fancied reading. "Born to run" by Christopher McDougall.

If you buy it, can I borrow it when you've finished?

Good find.  I've just ordered it...for my Kindle.  I'll read it and then tell you if it's worth getting. 

Sigh....

Tosser.

:D

What kind of typo is "dsay" anyway? Even I don't know what I was trying to write.

I was trying to work it out, but couldn't fathom it.  Nothing like "I saw" or "There's".  Were you on your phone, or or normal keyboard.  Maybe it's because of the weight-loss and your fingers are far more nimble and fleet of foot (so to speak)?

Managed the 17 miles (@ MP + 60s).  Again, not too bad until the sod of a hill that is the last 2 miles of the run. 

Now scrambled egg on toast for a well-earned breakfast :D

Does that mean you're still outside the 8Hr 45?

If not; Go on, have a sausage or 5 with your breakfast.

The schedule includes one long, slow run a week - where the mileage is the important element rather than the pace.  The other days are speed-work and tempo runs, designed to increase my speed.  The idea being that to run faster - you need to run fast, and to run longer, well....you run longer!  Obviously, as I get closer to 17 April, the long runs will get a little longer, but then the pace will also start to increase.  The speed sessions are pretty similar throughout I think (although, they probably get harder as well).

8Hr 45m should be achievable though ;)

I think them hills will get kinboshi under his target time.

...or kill me. 

From your mouth to God's ear.  ;pokergods;

I would recommend this book very highly, but then again I am a geeky runner!

Today was a 'tempo' run.  5 miles @ 7:49 pace.  Wasn't too bad at all, so the training is obviously working as a month or so ago I'd have struggled to run that at 8:10 pace.

Even the hills weren't as evil today...

A third of the way through this, and so far not too impressed at all.  Will read the rest and then write a short review.  It might improve dramatically...

Kin, I'm now doing 3 miles in 38 minutes. Are you impressed?

I am that.  I'm worried though, you lose any more weight, you'll need a whole new wardrobe!

Nah, I haven't bought any new clothes since I was 18. I was slim then, so this just means they'll fit properly again.

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Observer/Pix/pictures/2009/5/2/1241272962993/Magnum-P.I.-and-his-Ferra-001.jpg)

Tom and his clothes, aged 18 and three-quarters.

I had to sell that car when petrol went up to 60p a gallon.

It's only £5.70 a gallon now...

;gobsmacked;

POTD

Yesterday I was planning on doing my long run for the week, but didn't get to bed early enough - so instead did my 'tempo' run, which was 5 miles @ 7:39 pace.  Getting easier, but still far from 'easy'.

So this morning was the long run.  Got up at 5:30 and and an energy bar thing, a drink and then went out for a little over 3 hours - about 20 miles.

My legs hurt.

Legs still hurt.

good

Jesus, you've run for 3 hours before I generally get up.

Tempo run today - one mile warm up at easy pace (8:49) followed by a mile @ 7:14 pace, one minute recovery, then repeat another two times, then a mile recovery at easy pace.

Something wrong with me today, and felt full of running.  So did the three miles @ 6:27, 7:13, and 6:46 pace. 

Long run tomorrow - 15 miles @ 8:45 pace (MP+45). 

Excellent going mate!..Keep up the good work!



Well, I tried but have to say I don't like this "supporting people" thing very much.

TBH just trying to be nice to get you to come to Killarney in May...ya lazy git wonderful specimen of a man.

BTW..you have to some serious fundraising..still way off the target!

:D

Not sure on the Killarney thing.  Will have to hold fire confirming one way or the other until closer to the date. 

7/1 Dan makes Killarney.

Stick me down for £20 and I'll make it £50 if you go to Killarney

Perfect running conditions this morning.  5ºC and a 'light drizzle'.

Was aiming for 15 miles @ 8:45 pace.  Managed it at 8:31 pace, so quite pleased with myself this morning.  It's definitely getting easier - but still far from easy.

Do the legs still hurt?

A little after the run, but not as bad as after last week's long run. 

Still not pulled a muscle yet, no?

I'm starting to fear for me money.

Not really running fast enough to pull a muscle.  The only injury I'm probably susceptible to is tripping over something, or getting run over crossing the road!  The way I run means that I'm not putting excessive forces through my joints - and that's probably why I've never had an injury through running (since I started running 'properly').

I've still got 8 hockey matches left this season - so there's still plenty of scope for an injury there :D.

8 hockey matches?...cool, who do I have to bribe to give you a little knock?

No one.  I seem to manage getting whacked well enough on my own.

I have my debit card again so might think about sponsoring you.

This thread needs a bit more publicity I think though.

Do you want me to post a link in my diary? Or Greeky's?

Or how about changing the title to Marathon & the Aftermath - Diary.

Do it anyway Baldie...just to be sure.

A link in your diary would be HUGE in terms of publicity.  Just like getting a re-tweet from Stephen Fry on twitter.

:)up

lololol.

That's the plan. BTW, does anyone have Mrs Kin's tel nr? If all else fails I might have to ask her to make sure Boshi doesn't make it in one piece.

I've got it.  I'll PM you..

Tell her to book Killarney while you have her on the phone.

Will do.

No run this morning, as I had two hockey matches this weekend (one was a rearranged fixture).  My legs are aching after playing two hard games, and I cover a lot of ground during a match (I play centre mid, and think of Robbie Savage, Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt - but without any skill, and then you have my unique style) - but it's good cross-training I guess.

Tomorrow is a short, fast run, and then Wednesday is 20-miles @ 8:45 pace.  So that means a bright and early start - sigh.

A friend of mine (the one who put the schedule together for me) has just asked me if I fancied taking part in this in July:

http://www.tr24.co.uk/index.html

I stupidly said yes...

lol...you fool

Very much this.

I've told him we should have a team of 8 though :D.

Had a change of plan, and did the short run yesterday and did the 20-miles this morning instead.

Was all going well until the 18th mile and the lovely hills that greet me on the way home.  Going to have to start driving to the bottom of the hill and start and finish my run there instead - I'm just not getting any benefit from running dead slowly up the hills at the end of my long run. 

Two months to go now...

Failing at the 18th mile?...music to my ears :)

Not really failing, but I did the first 18 @ 8:30 pace, but the last two were far slower @ 9:30 pace.  Just don't really think they help that much, and would rather run a few extra miles on the flat at my target pace than trudge up a mini mountain when I'm already knackered.

You speak a lot and yet all I hear is "I failed at the 18th mile"

You listen like a woman, love (©  Copyright Gray & Keys 2011)

Isn't an 8 minute mile like a fast walk? 

Yes, it's about the pace of world-class walkers at the Olympics - 7.5mph.

I once ran a half-marathon and a walker overtook a group of us.  Very depressing, although he was in the GB team.

I never said I was a fast runner!

:D

FYP

::)

But I definitely can't walk at 7.5mph!

Did you finish 'Born to Run'?

Good luck with the training!

lol..True.

Yes, I did.  Will write up a 'review' in a bit - maybe later today. 

Today's run was speedwork (for me anyway).

10-min warm up at 8:49, followed by 3 sets of 2x1200m @ 6:39 with 2min recovery, then 10 min cool-down.

A 'short' long-run this week - 13.1 miles - otherwise known as a half-marathon.

Target pace for today's run was 8:20 (MP+20), but managed to do it in 1hr 46m = 8:15 pace.

8 weeks to go now (give or take) and I'm definitely feeling the improvement, but still a fair bit of work to do if I'm going to get close to my target times.

you're doing great mate...take some time off. I'd say you deserve a month's rest

Short-short run today, only 5 miles.  Schedule says to do it at MP (8:00), but where's the fun in that?  So I did it at 7:20 pace and that felt good.  Getting warmer though, and it was over 9° this morning and I definitely prefer running when it's colder, preferably under 5°.

Some improvement then :)

Did a short/quick run yesterday evening. I'm in France this week at Lyndsey's mum's house in the middle of Normandy.  Tomorrow is a 20-miler, nice countryside to run in - so sort of looking forward to it (a bit).

Today was a 10-mile run @ 7:45 pace.

It's still nice and cold first thing, but soon it's going to be a lot warmer and it does make quite a bit of difference.  Unlike the bald one, I'm hoping for a chilly 17 April this year ;)

If there is a God it will be 30 degrees on April the 17th.

If it's not at least 30 degrees he's a twat...unless he strikes Kin down just before the finishing line :)

30° Fahrenheit would be lovely, thanks.

YW.



lolz at Fahrenheit. I was actually going to specify Celsius but then I thought "Nah, Kin won't be that pedantic".

Should have known better.

Running this afternoon with the sun out (low temp) was a treat!

It has been a while since I enjoyed a run as much.

Reminds me, still got to post my thoughts on that book.

Today was a 15-mile run @ marathon pace (8min/mile).  In January I was struggling to do 4 miles at this pace, so that shows some progress.  Still another 11 miles to do on top of that on the day though - and I'm still some way off being able to a) run 26-miles and b) run 26-miles at that pace!

Got some new running socks - which I know is exciting news. 

pics of the socks or it didn't happen

rotflmfao

http://www.bournesports.com/1000-mile-fusion-socks-black-mens.html

You like?

Excellent, very fetching..and durable if the 1000mile claim is true.

They'll last longer than my feet & legs :D

 ;popcorn;

they overbook the marathon airline style expecting pullouts rather than reallocating places late on

Only a charity place,  and you'd have to pledge to raise about two grand.



Don't worry.  I'm pretty anal about my feet.

That sounds wrong.

 

Good point, well made.

Maybe tomorrow...

Today was the last long-run in my schedule.  19 miles @ 8:05 pace.

Got up at 5:15, which is a ridiculous time and headed off to Colwick Country Park, which is a lovely place to run and largely devoid of any human life at that time of the day.

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/kinboshi/Colwick.jpg)

Other than a few dog-walkers, some other idiot runners and the odd fisherman - it's largely just me and the wildlife.

But like I said, that's the last of the long runs and my 'taper' begins.  Next week my training schedule has me down to do a half-marathon distance and I'm thinking about entering a race to get some practice in the race preparation, etc.  But knowing me, I'll just run round Colwick park next week as usual.

A month to go...

are you still using a forerunner? I need a little advice

I'm normally figuring out if I'm on pace by doing calculations based on time and distance but it's obv not ideal to keep doing this all the time

is the solution as simple as setting a data field to vp pace, changing the pace to 8.00 and then letting it tell me how far ahead/behind  8min/mile I am without me having to calculate anything anymore?

I'm still using my Forerunner - fancy getting a newer version, but will probably wait.

I don't do any calculations, well nothing too complex.  But I don't have to.

On the 'main screen' I have it set to tell me the total time of my run (biggest part of the display), my current pace is in the bottom left corner, and the distance I've gone in the bottom right. 
If I go 'up' a screen, I then get my average pace in the big display, with my current pace in the bottom left and the time of day in the bottom right.

I alternate between the two screens so I'm either focusing on the distance/time and current pace (most of the time) and then I switch to the other screen to see if I'm close to my average pace overall (and if I need to speed up or slow down).

Is that what you wanted to know? 

nah, not really. wanted to know about the virtual partner but if you don't use it then I'll just experiment myself

I have the exact same fields as you normally (except with pace and distance swapping corners)

I don't use the VP.  I usually try and run a negative split, and the VP can't do that (not on mine anyway).  So I run the first half of the run slower than the second half, and this means my VP is minutes ahead at the half way point and then I have to run him down over the second half.   Maybe the newer ones can do something more intelligent with the VP, I don't know.


Do you have the Forerunner 201 as well, or a different one?  I've probably mentioned it on here somewhere, but I wear mine on my upper arm rather than on my wrist - I find it's far more accurate that way (less shielded by my body?).

you fit your upper arm through a watchstrap? wtf?

got a 405. vp pace can be adjusted mid run with a quick spin on the bezel but you've now got me wondering if it averages it out which would be bad or readjusts to the new pace which would be good. I'll have to have a play to find out

LOL - it comes with an additional strap so it can fit round the upper arm :D


That sounds more intelligent than the VP on mine.  Maybe another reason for me to look at getting a new one...

In exactly four weeks time, I will be struggling to walk properly - as it will be the Monday after the London Marathon.  Got a 15 mile and a 13 mile run this week, but really I'm starting the 'taper' in order to be as fresh as possible come the actual race.

If you haven't sponsored me already, please do - it's for Cancer Research UK:  http://www.runningsponsorme.org/kinboshi 

I haven't but I definitely will, so don't be shy to remind me again me ole fruit :)

I won't be shy - do you want daily reminders?

I took the virtual partner for a spin on sat morning. have discovered it's wildly innacurate at the start. I thought the first km felt a bit quick but didn't worry as it was only showing me 10s ahead of pace. then at 1.1km it calibrated properly and suddenly I was 53s ahead, turns out I did the first kilometre in 4.07 instead of 5 minutes

decided to take it up to 1minute ahead and hold it there and it worked perfectly from that point on

so lesson learned, don't rely on vp at the start of a run

5min/km is my target pace for London (I think).  Usually work in miles, so not too hot on the min/km paces.

Was talking to a friend who's putting our team together for that 24-hour race (tr24.co.uk).  We've got 7 for our team, and if we average 50-minutes for the 10K loop, then we'd complete 28 laps in the 24 hours.  If we could manage 40-minutes a lap on average, then we'd manage 36 laps.  I think it'll be nearer the 28 laps mark.

So that means 4 laps each spread over just under 24 hours.  That's 40Km or just under a marathon for each of us - but obviously with the rest periods in between. Going to be an interesting event, and quite an interesting one to train for.  We were discussing how we're going to train for it, and I think it's going to involve doing multiple 10K runs on the same day, and probably seeing how we fair doing 4 x 10Ks in one 24-hour period.  Also, the actual event is off-road and 'undulating', so that adds another level to it.

Anyway, I'll worry about that after 17 April!

I dream of daily messages from you darling  :-*

We've got a full team (it's not my team, I've been drafted in by the bloke who's entered us).

Depending on how it goes, might be doing it next year though - and might put in a team of my own...or, I might not :D.

Very short-sharp run today, only 3 miles @ 6:54 pace.

Definitely getting warmer now (beautiful morning out if you're not running).