In February this year my nephew Gareth Horton died, he too had contracted a cancer which couldn't be cured.
Gareth's mom, Elaine, had heard about Paul Ackrill and got in touch with Paul's mother shortly after Gareth passed away. This is how I came to hear about the Paul Ackrill charity.
I readily agreed with Elaine that I would run a marathon in aid of this charity if I could. It was such a joy to get a ballot place in the London Marathon and to be able to fulfill this promise so quickly.
Just the matter of some marathon training to do now!
Sunday, 30 December 2007
Paul Ackrill
I just got off the phone from a conversation with Gill Ackrill, Paul Ackrill was her son who contracted bone cancer and died in July 2001.
Gill and her husband Barry created a charitable trust to help others who find themselves in the position they were in. This is what Gill has to say about their charity:
Paul's charity is going from strength to strength. Since it was started in January 2001 we have given over £21,000 out in funding to young people under the age of 30 diagnosed with cancer. In addition to providing funding for private scans and treatment that these young people have to wait months for under the NHS, we are also funding patients to relieve financial stress. This is granted not for luxuries but to help with travelling costs, phone bills and normal household bills that build up when a young person is in hospital for any length of time. In most cases the patient or the parents of the patient have to give up jobs, which results in loss of earnings. In such circumstances the charity gives out up to £500 per patient, per year. Patients have to be referred to the charity by a social worker or health worker.
I've agreed with Gill that I will run the 2008 marathon to raise money for their charity.
I'll tell you more about how I came to hear about Paul Ackrill in my next post.
Gill and her husband Barry created a charitable trust to help others who find themselves in the position they were in. This is what Gill has to say about their charity:
Paul's charity is going from strength to strength. Since it was started in January 2001 we have given over £21,000 out in funding to young people under the age of 30 diagnosed with cancer. In addition to providing funding for private scans and treatment that these young people have to wait months for under the NHS, we are also funding patients to relieve financial stress. This is granted not for luxuries but to help with travelling costs, phone bills and normal household bills that build up when a young person is in hospital for any length of time. In most cases the patient or the parents of the patient have to give up jobs, which results in loss of earnings. In such circumstances the charity gives out up to £500 per patient, per year. Patients have to be referred to the charity by a social worker or health worker.
I've agreed with Gill that I will run the 2008 marathon to raise money for their charity.
I'll tell you more about how I came to hear about Paul Ackrill in my next post.
Yeah!! Marathon!
And then in late November I could've told you all about seeing a thin, polythene covered envelope lying ominously on my kitchen table..
You see I always bequeath my entry fee and in return, should I fail to get in, there's always a gift from the London Marathon organisers... This gift always comes in a much larger package... So a thin polythene package can only mean one thing...
I forgot to bequeath me fee...?
NO!! I got in again!! The odds against getting in two years on the trot must be quite high, I wish I'd put a bet on now with the bookies!
If I had done this is in November I would then have gone off to think about which charity to represent...
You see I always bequeath my entry fee and in return, should I fail to get in, there's always a gift from the London Marathon organisers... This gift always comes in a much larger package... So a thin polythene package can only mean one thing...
I forgot to bequeath me fee...?
NO!! I got in again!! The odds against getting in two years on the trot must be quite high, I wish I'd put a bet on now with the bookies!
If I had done this is in November I would then have gone off to think about which charity to represent...
Woohoo Marathon!
If I'd posted that note in August I might have shared some of the suspense involved in waiting to see whether you get selected... or not...
New Marathon
About August time in 2007 I should've posted a note to say that I'd applied for a ballot place in the 2008 London Marathon....
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
My Marathon - Chris Barnett
What a day I had on Sunday! It's hard to describe it all, if you've never been to London to watch the Marathon then I urge you to go! Better still, join in and raise some money for charity.
My wife, Hilary, came with me to keep me company for the weekend. We went into London on Saturday morning, checked into our hotel and then made our way over to the Excel Exhibition Centre to register for the race. The atmosphere was already running high and the good weather just enhanced the party mood.
On Saturday evening we joined the rest of the Macmillan Fund Raising Team at their pasta party. It was a great time to meet and chat with other Macmillan runners, swap notes and share our anxieties.
The London Marathon starts early on Sunday, 9:45 for the main race, this means getting up at 6:00 eating what you can for breakfast, put on your running kit and get on the Underground to get to the start. I ran from the Blue Start which was a good one mile walk from Greenwich DLR station, made for a nice relaxing warmup though.
Once at the Blue Start it was time for the last minute preparations... like queueing for 30 minutes to use the loo! It's at this point that you hand over your kit bag to get it transported by truck to the finish.
Finally it was time to start. What a huge start it is too! It took me a good 6 minutes just to get to the actual startline, it's here that the ChampionChip that you attach to your laces begins recording your actual running time.
The first mile was slow going, you're just falling over people left, right and centre, it pays to look where you're going! It's not a good place to end your marathon because you trip over a kerb trying to pass someone.
The next 12 miles (or so) went well, I knew that I was well on my way to a sub four hour finish, the running was easy, there was plenty left in the tank.
Around about this point though I began to realise that something was going a bit wrong! I began to feel quite nauseous... I ignored it for a while, it just happens sometimes when you're running... but it got worse and worse... eventually I was walking and running at intervals and feeling more and more sick... finally at 21 miles I had to stop running and just walk, I stuck with it all the way to the end and ran the last 200 metres. I didn't realise until later but I'd just covered the last 13 miles suffering from sunstroke, it was the hardest 13 miles I've ever done!!
Final time, 5.5 hours, 2 hrs for the first half and 3.5 hrs for the second. I finished though, I have my official finishers medal. I ran this one for my Dad, it was hard losing him and regardless of how hard it was to finish this marathon, it was still easier by comparison. I know he was there with me all the way, someone kept me going!
I'm going back next year to give it a good hiding :o)
See you there,
Chris.
My wife, Hilary, came with me to keep me company for the weekend. We went into London on Saturday morning, checked into our hotel and then made our way over to the Excel Exhibition Centre to register for the race. The atmosphere was already running high and the good weather just enhanced the party mood.
On Saturday evening we joined the rest of the Macmillan Fund Raising Team at their pasta party. It was a great time to meet and chat with other Macmillan runners, swap notes and share our anxieties.
The London Marathon starts early on Sunday, 9:45 for the main race, this means getting up at 6:00 eating what you can for breakfast, put on your running kit and get on the Underground to get to the start. I ran from the Blue Start which was a good one mile walk from Greenwich DLR station, made for a nice relaxing warmup though.
Once at the Blue Start it was time for the last minute preparations... like queueing for 30 minutes to use the loo! It's at this point that you hand over your kit bag to get it transported by truck to the finish.
Finally it was time to start. What a huge start it is too! It took me a good 6 minutes just to get to the actual startline, it's here that the ChampionChip that you attach to your laces begins recording your actual running time.
The first mile was slow going, you're just falling over people left, right and centre, it pays to look where you're going! It's not a good place to end your marathon because you trip over a kerb trying to pass someone.
The next 12 miles (or so) went well, I knew that I was well on my way to a sub four hour finish, the running was easy, there was plenty left in the tank.
Around about this point though I began to realise that something was going a bit wrong! I began to feel quite nauseous... I ignored it for a while, it just happens sometimes when you're running... but it got worse and worse... eventually I was walking and running at intervals and feeling more and more sick... finally at 21 miles I had to stop running and just walk, I stuck with it all the way to the end and ran the last 200 metres. I didn't realise until later but I'd just covered the last 13 miles suffering from sunstroke, it was the hardest 13 miles I've ever done!!
Final time, 5.5 hours, 2 hrs for the first half and 3.5 hrs for the second. I finished though, I have my official finishers medal. I ran this one for my Dad, it was hard losing him and regardless of how hard it was to finish this marathon, it was still easier by comparison. I know he was there with me all the way, someone kept me going!
I'm going back next year to give it a good hiding :o)
See you there,
Chris.
Friday, 20 April 2007
Not long now....
I'm getting very excited about running on Sunday! It's going to be a great day, I feel like I'm going to have a great run.
Have you noticed that we've raised / pledged over £2000 for Macmillan Cancer Care, I'm absolutely overwhelmed by everyones generosity.
Just in case you've been wondering my run number is 16984 and I'll be wearing a bright green Macmillan running vest with CHRIS splashed over the top.... There... you'll be able to spot me on the telly now won't you... ? :o)
Have you noticed that we've raised / pledged over £2000 for Macmillan Cancer Care, I'm absolutely overwhelmed by everyones generosity.
Just in case you've been wondering my run number is 16984 and I'll be wearing a bright green Macmillan running vest with CHRIS splashed over the top.... There... you'll be able to spot me on the telly now won't you... ? :o)
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Physio!
I've seen a great physio today, Sarah Duncton @ PhysioArt in Birmingham, well worth a visit if you're in need! You can contact Sarah thru her website www.physioart.co.uk
It seems that my ankle problem isn't an ankle problem at all.... it's all about referred pain from a trigger point in the calve muscle. Acupuncture and stretching should put it right soon.
The bad news is that the marathon is gonna hurt... (So what's new?)
The good news is that there's nothing permanent there so I can get running on Sunday without fear of any lasting damage.
It seems that my ankle problem isn't an ankle problem at all.... it's all about referred pain from a trigger point in the calve muscle. Acupuncture and stretching should put it right soon.
The bad news is that the marathon is gonna hurt... (So what's new?)
The good news is that there's nothing permanent there so I can get running on Sunday without fear of any lasting damage.
Monday, 16 April 2007
An update to 16th April
In the last few weeks in the run up to the Marathon I've been concentrating on one thing only! As I've mentioned already I suffered a very minor injury to my ankle a couple of weeks ago and I'm trying not to make it worse!!
It's at time's like these that many runners defer their place until next year. However, for one reason and another I really don't feel that I can do that. It's important to me that I continue and just make the best of my run on the day.
I've kept both circuit training and running sessions as easy as possible, and I'm resting for a whole week now before the event. A little bit of physio and sports massage before will be just the thing to put me at the best I can be on Sunday!
It's also been a learning process, I never knew just how supportive zinc oxide sticky tape could be!! This isn't a cure obviously, and isn't something any runner should entertain unless circumstance dictates some drastic action. You simply wrap the stretched muscle or ligament in such a way as too compress and support it, it's remarkably effective.
The weather was gorgeous this weekend... I'm sure you're wishing for more of the same next week... I have to tell you that I'm not!! An ideal day would be a little overcast, cool and even the odd light shower would help too...
It's at time's like these that many runners defer their place until next year. However, for one reason and another I really don't feel that I can do that. It's important to me that I continue and just make the best of my run on the day.
I've kept both circuit training and running sessions as easy as possible, and I'm resting for a whole week now before the event. A little bit of physio and sports massage before will be just the thing to put me at the best I can be on Sunday!
It's also been a learning process, I never knew just how supportive zinc oxide sticky tape could be!! This isn't a cure obviously, and isn't something any runner should entertain unless circumstance dictates some drastic action. You simply wrap the stretched muscle or ligament in such a way as too compress and support it, it's remarkably effective.
The weather was gorgeous this weekend... I'm sure you're wishing for more of the same next week... I have to tell you that I'm not!! An ideal day would be a little overcast, cool and even the odd light shower would help too...
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Tuesday 27th
Early morning run. I like it when the mornings are lighter and the weather's good, you can get out before breakfast!
Short run but fast, just 40 minutes. Planning circuits on Thursday and running both Saturday and Sunday. I think it's time to make Sunday a long run again and see how my ankle fairs.
Short run but fast, just 40 minutes. Planning circuits on Thursday and running both Saturday and Sunday. I think it's time to make Sunday a long run again and see how my ankle fairs.
Saturday 24th / Sunday 25th
No training this weekend. Two reasons, the first is because we had a family weekend in Sennen and secondly because I'm still getting some aggravation from my right ankle!
Normal sessions to resume next week.
Normal sessions to resume next week.
Thursday 22nd March
More circuit training. Parkside school has turned out to be a most popular venue... I reckon it' sthe Space Hoppers that people come for...
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Wednesday 21st March
6.5 mile run this morning and all is well.
Gorgeous day. Freezing cold. I felt like I could have run twice that distance without effort this morning. It's great when you get one of those days!
Gorgeous day. Freezing cold. I felt like I could have run twice that distance without effort this morning. It's great when you get one of those days!
Tuesday 20th March
Resting today.
I attended a meeting of the Dudley District Business Club in the evening and was very pleased to see the speaker that evening was David Healey a blind marathon runner.
Not only did he have a great story to tell he was very interesting to speak to and offered some great advice (this year will be his seventh consecutive London marathon). Next year he's organised a triple seven event for himself, following in the footsteps of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Seven Marathons on Seven consecutive days on Seven different continents. Amazing! He's raising money for a different 'blind charity' in each country.
Dave is a real inspiration, he makes you realise that nothing is impossible, you only make it so when you think it so....
I attended a meeting of the Dudley District Business Club in the evening and was very pleased to see the speaker that evening was David Healey a blind marathon runner.
Not only did he have a great story to tell he was very interesting to speak to and offered some great advice (this year will be his seventh consecutive London marathon). Next year he's organised a triple seven event for himself, following in the footsteps of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Seven Marathons on Seven consecutive days on Seven different continents. Amazing! He's raising money for a different 'blind charity' in each country.
Dave is a real inspiration, he makes you realise that nothing is impossible, you only make it so when you think it so....
Monday 19th March
Cold, wet, icy, snowy weather.... circuit training indoors. You have to draw the line somewhere...
Some great speedwork in this session, sprinting and turning for nine lengths of the Dolphin Centre sports hall is a tough speedwork session for anyone!
Some great speedwork in this session, sprinting and turning for nine lengths of the Dolphin Centre sports hall is a tough speedwork session for anyone!
Sunday 18th March
Decided on a more regular short Sunday run with Cliff, just seven miles to test out my new marathon kit.
The water belt is a huge improvement over carrying a bottle, I expected some discomfort but it was just fine, it sits around your hip line and I can honestly say I hardly noticed it was there. You do get a sense that you're always running next to a small brook though... it's the water sloshing around in the bottle!
I tested a Go Gel too about halfway through the run. Easy to open, easy to consume, managed to do it with out getting it all over the place and although it really does have the consistency of frog spawn it tastes OK. The main thing was that it stayed put, no nausea, no tummy upset. That will do me for the marathon.
Sunday was too cold for running in shorts if you ask me... cold legs!
The water belt is a huge improvement over carrying a bottle, I expected some discomfort but it was just fine, it sits around your hip line and I can honestly say I hardly noticed it was there. You do get a sense that you're always running next to a small brook though... it's the water sloshing around in the bottle!
I tested a Go Gel too about halfway through the run. Easy to open, easy to consume, managed to do it with out getting it all over the place and although it really does have the consistency of frog spawn it tastes OK. The main thing was that it stayed put, no nausea, no tummy upset. That will do me for the marathon.
Sunday was too cold for running in shorts if you ask me... cold legs!
Saturday 17th March
Hard circuit training class, good to find my ankle much improved and no bother whatsoever!
Also made a quick visit to Decathlon (a runners mecca if ever there was one) and purchased a water belt for a fiver and a handful of carbohydrate gels called "Go Gels". Both of these purchases came about a result of my experiences on the long run last Sunday. Testing tomorrow!!
Also made a quick visit to Decathlon (a runners mecca if ever there was one) and purchased a water belt for a fiver and a handful of carbohydrate gels called "Go Gels". Both of these purchases came about a result of my experiences on the long run last Sunday. Testing tomorrow!!
Friday 16th March
Ankle is now much better after some expert sports massage from Marie. It never ceases to amaze me just how much aggravation you can suffer simply due to tight muscles!
Friday, 16 March 2007
Thursday 15th March
Just time to test out my ankle injury with some gentle circuit training. Seems OK to be honest, no pain just a sense of something wrong and a bit stiff. I suspect it's the sort of thing that responds well to physio.
No Space Hoppers in circuit training this week, disappointing obviously...
No Space Hoppers in circuit training this week, disappointing obviously...
Monday 12th March
After a 20 mile run on Sunday clearly the thing to do is have a rest and take it easy for a day... or go circuit training...
So I decided on the circuit training, not a bad session to be honest, legs were a bit heavy but nothing to worry about.
However, at home later on I managed to injure myself! Getting up from the settee... It never ceases to amaze me just when minor injuries will creep up and get you. We'll find out what I've done in physio on Friday, something strange in my ankle.
So I decided on the circuit training, not a bad session to be honest, legs were a bit heavy but nothing to worry about.
However, at home later on I managed to injure myself! Getting up from the settee... It never ceases to amaze me just when minor injuries will creep up and get you. We'll find out what I've done in physio on Friday, something strange in my ankle.
Monday, 12 March 2007
Sunday 11th - Sutton Park
What a great day it was yesterday!
Thanks to Runners World magazine for organising an informal marathon training day in Sutton Park. 20 miles of tracks and paths around the park with Runners World pacers.
It was quite a challenge, 20 miles is a long way on foot, walking or running, but I got there and completed it in about 3 hours. I real journey of discovery it was too! I discovered that:
1) I've finally got the laces right on my new running shoes.
2) The pain I've been experiencing in my shoulders is actually concentrated in my left shoulder.
3) I've deduced that the pain in my left shoulder is caused because I carry a water bottle!
4) I've realised that you must replace lost electrolytes during long runs. I only had water yesterday.
5) Now I know that I can run 20 miles and I'm sure I can run another 6.2 miles.
I'm really grateful to all the people who were carrying GPS systems yesterday, it was the only way we were sure we'd completed 20 miles!
Thanks to Runners World magazine for organising an informal marathon training day in Sutton Park. 20 miles of tracks and paths around the park with Runners World pacers.
It was quite a challenge, 20 miles is a long way on foot, walking or running, but I got there and completed it in about 3 hours. I real journey of discovery it was too! I discovered that:
1) I've finally got the laces right on my new running shoes.
2) The pain I've been experiencing in my shoulders is actually concentrated in my left shoulder.
3) I've deduced that the pain in my left shoulder is caused because I carry a water bottle!
4) I've realised that you must replace lost electrolytes during long runs. I only had water yesterday.
5) Now I know that I can run 20 miles and I'm sure I can run another 6.2 miles.
I'm really grateful to all the people who were carrying GPS systems yesterday, it was the only way we were sure we'd completed 20 miles!
Saturday, 10 March 2007
Preparing for a big run on Sunday
I decided on circuit training again on Thursday, I'm still getting some pain in my right foot after bruising it last week... annoying.
Anyway, circuits was a laugh as usual, where else could you have an exercise station that involved climbing off a bench onto a window sill and jumping off and worse still another station that involve bouncing lengths of the hall on a space hopper? :)
This coming Sunday is the runners world 20 mile training run in starting in Sutton Park... I can hardly wait!
Anyway, circuits was a laugh as usual, where else could you have an exercise station that involved climbing off a bench onto a window sill and jumping off and worse still another station that involve bouncing lengths of the hall on a space hopper? :)
This coming Sunday is the runners world 20 mile training run in starting in Sutton Park... I can hardly wait!
Wednesday, 7 March 2007
It's Wednesday Morning!!
I've finally made it out for a morning run after weeks of darkness! Getting out of the house running at 630:am or even 7:00am is one thing but motivating yourself to do it in the dark and cold is another. The cold I really don't mind so much, but actually getting up in the dark is a challenge all on it's own for me let alone the running...
Anyway, you might appreciate just how glad I was to see that's light at 6:30am now!
This morning I decided to have a speedwork session for 40 minutes, easy jog down to the park followed by multiple laps of the various paths around the park at full tilt. It's a real killer first thing in the morning and it never fails to amuse me when I stop to stretch and I'm engulfed in a cloud of steam from my own efforts!
It's good to see all the dog walkers again too, I'm sure they all think I'm mad. They're having a lovely early morning walk, some gentle exercise for them and the dog and there's this mad bloke hurtling around the park.
Top marks to the guy that told me I'd started training too early for the Olympics!!
Anyway, you might appreciate just how glad I was to see that's light at 6:30am now!
This morning I decided to have a speedwork session for 40 minutes, easy jog down to the park followed by multiple laps of the various paths around the park at full tilt. It's a real killer first thing in the morning and it never fails to amuse me when I stop to stretch and I'm engulfed in a cloud of steam from my own efforts!
It's good to see all the dog walkers again too, I'm sure they all think I'm mad. They're having a lovely early morning walk, some gentle exercise for them and the dog and there's this mad bloke hurtling around the park.
Top marks to the guy that told me I'd started training too early for the Olympics!!
Monday... no run... too wet!
Back to circuit training on Monday because it's raining again! It's not that I mind running in the rain per se but 3 days on the trot is just a bit much...
The great thing about Jamie's circuit training classes is the variety, they're always different, sometimes just just slightly but mostly completely different. The beauty of this is that you can never see the pain coming! If you do a regular circuit training class that's the same week in week out you'll know which bit of the class you hate because it hurts and you know exactly when it's coming every time. You can see why Jamie's extra thought and effort pays off!
Anyway tonight's class was a tough one, plenty of sprinting up and down the length of the Dolphin Centre followed by varying levels of intensity in each of the exercise stations. If you're of a mind that Gym exercise requires a room full of complicated weights machinery I can assure you that it's quite possible to achieve much higher levels of exercise with a gym bench and a mat...
The great thing about Jamie's circuit training classes is the variety, they're always different, sometimes just just slightly but mostly completely different. The beauty of this is that you can never see the pain coming! If you do a regular circuit training class that's the same week in week out you'll know which bit of the class you hate because it hurts and you know exactly when it's coming every time. You can see why Jamie's extra thought and effort pays off!
Anyway tonight's class was a tough one, plenty of sprinting up and down the length of the Dolphin Centre followed by varying levels of intensity in each of the exercise stations. If you're of a mind that Gym exercise requires a room full of complicated weights machinery I can assure you that it's quite possible to achieve much higher levels of exercise with a gym bench and a mat...
Monday, 5 March 2007
Sunday Short Run
The source of the pain in my right foot became very evident as I pulled on my running shoes for my Sunday run. It's remarkable that you can have such a painful pressure point and not notice... I can't believe how long it's taking me to get these new running shoes laced correctly, I've already managed to cause a blister through over tight lacing and this latest pain is through the same cause. Laces adjusted, we'll have to see how that goes...
Rain again! Soaked to the skin within a mile, better today though because I had company. It never ceases to amaze me that you will invariably run slower when you're soaking wet and it's still raining. You might think you would get some extra pace on and get home sooner but it seems that the cold and wet conspires to slow you down.
Great run though, no floods and great route. About 6 miles I think, maybe a little more.
I've decided to make Monday a circuit training day, I feel the need to excercise somewhere warm and dry... otherwise I might begin to evolve webbed feet...
Rain again! Soaked to the skin within a mile, better today though because I had company. It never ceases to amaze me that you will invariably run slower when you're soaking wet and it's still raining. You might think you would get some extra pace on and get home sooner but it seems that the cold and wet conspires to slow you down.
Great run though, no floods and great route. About 6 miles I think, maybe a little more.
I've decided to make Monday a circuit training day, I feel the need to excercise somewhere warm and dry... otherwise I might begin to evolve webbed feet...
Saturday Long Run
Motivating yourself to get outside for a long run isn't always that easy, it's made worse when you're going to run it alone and worse still when it's chucking it down with rain and the winds blowing!!
Still, if you can get outside for a run under those conditions then I guess you can motivate yourself to do most things...
That's how my Saturday long run started. The rain soon stopped though, and even soaked to the skin it's surprising how quick you dry off when you're running. My route for this run was out from home, over to Dodford, keep going toward Timberhonger and then right out to Wychbold. I might have known that Coley Pits Lane would be flooded!! Shin deep and about 50 yards long in two places, soaked to the skin again...
A good run in the end though, two hours on the road and covered about 14 miles, not particularly fast but that wasn't really the point. Experienced an unusual nagging pain in my right foot the cause of which became evident on my Sunday run..
Still, if you can get outside for a run under those conditions then I guess you can motivate yourself to do most things...
That's how my Saturday long run started. The rain soon stopped though, and even soaked to the skin it's surprising how quick you dry off when you're running. My route for this run was out from home, over to Dodford, keep going toward Timberhonger and then right out to Wychbold. I might have known that Coley Pits Lane would be flooded!! Shin deep and about 50 yards long in two places, soaked to the skin again...
A good run in the end though, two hours on the road and covered about 14 miles, not particularly fast but that wasn't really the point. Experienced an unusual nagging pain in my right foot the cause of which became evident on my Sunday run..
Friday, 2 March 2007
Even more circuit training!
It's not been an easy week for running, had to make do with more circuit training on Thursday night.
I'm beginning to think it might be time to join the Redditch & Bromsgrove Athletics Club... serious runners there though... :o)
I'm planning a longer run on Saturday morning, 14 miles-ish and a shorter, faster one on Sunday.
Next Sunday is the Runners World 20 mile training run in Sutton Coldfield, that's going to be a real challenge. Worthwhile though I think.
I'm beginning to think it might be time to join the Redditch & Bromsgrove Athletics Club... serious runners there though... :o)
I'm planning a longer run on Saturday morning, 14 miles-ish and a shorter, faster one on Sunday.
Next Sunday is the Runners World 20 mile training run in Sutton Coldfield, that's going to be a real challenge. Worthwhile though I think.
Monday, 26 February 2007
More circuit training!
Monday nights is a circuit training night.
Aching a bit after the weekend but still able to put in a good session.
Glad to see Jamie went easy on the running... NOT!!
I'm definitely having a rest now, nothing tomorrow.
Aching a bit after the weekend but still able to put in a good session.
Glad to see Jamie went easy on the running... NOT!!
I'm definitely having a rest now, nothing tomorrow.
Training run
Who in their right mind would get out for a run after the circuit training we did yesterday? Good question...
Never mind, the weather was OK!!
We only did 6 miles, quick though (for me), nice familiar route all uphill into Catshill, thru Wildmoor and out into Fairfield, nearly all downhill then into Bourneheath and back home.
New running shoes, definitely got the laces tied wrong! I only wear Asics Gel 2110's and they never cause me any aggro... usually... made a great blister in my instep this time though because I pulled the laces too tight around the front of my foot. Never mind, fixed now! We'll see how they go during the week.
Never mind, the weather was OK!!
We only did 6 miles, quick though (for me), nice familiar route all uphill into Catshill, thru Wildmoor and out into Fairfield, nearly all downhill then into Bourneheath and back home.
New running shoes, definitely got the laces tied wrong! I only wear Asics Gel 2110's and they never cause me any aggro... usually... made a great blister in my instep this time though because I pulled the laces too tight around the front of my foot. Never mind, fixed now! We'll see how they go during the week.
Marathon Circuit Training Day
Saturday 24th February was the Marathon Circuit Training event at the Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove. What a fantastic day that was! Not only did we raise over £300 for Macmillan but we also had the support of dozens of circuit trainers and their friends and family!
Jamie, Steve and Matt ran the three separate 1 hour classes, each adding their own flavour to their class. I'm really grateful to them for giving up their time to do it, they made it a great day.
ASDA in Bromsgrove kindly donated all of the refreshments which were looked after on the day by my wife, Hilary and my Mum.
The whole event came together because of the selfless help of numerous people, for instance Pete Hember helped us immeasurably by arranging the printing of our event flyers thus making sure that we got the word out to every circuit trainer. We even managed to make the newspaper thanks to the interest of Pete McKinney at the Bromsgrove Advertiser.
An unforgettable day!
Jamie, Steve and Matt ran the three separate 1 hour classes, each adding their own flavour to their class. I'm really grateful to them for giving up their time to do it, they made it a great day.
ASDA in Bromsgrove kindly donated all of the refreshments which were looked after on the day by my wife, Hilary and my Mum.
The whole event came together because of the selfless help of numerous people, for instance Pete Hember helped us immeasurably by arranging the printing of our event flyers thus making sure that we got the word out to every circuit trainer. We even managed to make the newspaper thanks to the interest of Pete McKinney at the Bromsgrove Advertiser.
An unforgettable day!
First big training run
I managed my first big training run last Sunday 18th February, 17.5 miles of road all around Bromsgrove. I've run a half marathon distance on numerous occasions before, that's why I consider this my first 'big' training run.
17.5 miles is a long way... to be honest the first 12 were fine, I had my regular running partner, Cliff Hatton for company and the route was varied and interesting. The next couple of miles were still bearable as I found my way over to Stoke Pound. The last 3.5 miles were long though, hilly, and mentally and physically challenging.
I've never felt quite like that after a run... elated at having done it but also in pain as small cramps race up and down your leg muscles. A timely reminder that I really must sort out a 'proper' post run stretching routine!
17.5 miles is a long way... to be honest the first 12 were fine, I had my regular running partner, Cliff Hatton for company and the route was varied and interesting. The next couple of miles were still bearable as I found my way over to Stoke Pound. The last 3.5 miles were long though, hilly, and mentally and physically challenging.
I've never felt quite like that after a run... elated at having done it but also in pain as small cramps race up and down your leg muscles. A timely reminder that I really must sort out a 'proper' post run stretching routine!
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