moving forward bent at the knees

Quite happy pushing out a few miles every couple of days at the moment and tried to push my pace again last night – have been reading a lot about running form and tried some different things - found that I could easily extend my stride a little and add some speed too– tip - concentrate on moving forward not up and down and this seemed to work for me – also tried bending my knees a fraction that was easy enough too – its easy when you are not knackered. . Will do a few runs like this to keep pace up but do need to increase my mileage should be doing 5 and 6 miles at the moment – just been finding the time more difficult to come by.

run stats - 3miles - 26.5 mins - four lane loop

close shave

Run past the farm last night and it was stinking – we nearly bought a house across the road – would not have been happy to have the smell of horse shit in my nostrils everyday – lucky escape that was – makes you run faster – 9 min miles

dead slow

Seemed to be sprinting along last night - three miles - felt pacey but was disappointed to be timed at 9.30m/m - I'm damn sure I was running quicker than that -watch must be faulty - Grrrrr

let them eat cake

I’m being countersued by the garage I’m taking to court – that’s a laugh – they have fabricated documents to fit their story that I am avoiding paying their bill – the world is full of cheats and liars – still a nice run last night cleared my head after that bit of news - 3 miles prompt - 9 min miles – and ate a big cake on my return.

Run stats 3miles - 27mins - four lane loop

running bug!

Running bug – whets that all about –this comment has irked me nay pissed me off - catching the running bug – to me this implies a fad or temporary and fashionable pursuit – grrrrrrr – I run for fun and run for me – there are no rules or agendas – I run because I want to and like to – it is not a bug. Bug or not – been Back in action – that’s 2 weeks from the half marathon and though I've done a few short runs they were very casual – back to programme - though decided a 3 mile would be more appropriate – so did my 3mile loop – 10 minute miles – really tried to go slower but didn’t happen – still enjoyed the run after my stretching – I used an ice pack on my knees and this worked great they usually feel very swollen even after a short run but this stopped that – very good – all good undone with 2 glasses of wine before bed -

run stats - 3 miles - four lane loop - 30 mins

inspiration required

I've done some short 2 miles thurs. sun , tuesday since the half marathon and these have been very difficult though short and well within my ability the mundane nature of the runs have made these uninspired and difficult especially today. needanewrunasatargettogetplanupandrunning. Still have a pain in my left knee too this is a hangover from the half - not exactly limping but sorenevertheless.

run stats
tuesday - 2miles - 20mins - fourlane loop
sunday - 2miles - 20mins - newgate loop
sunday - 2miles - 20mins - newgate loop

What next columbus

Well started running last august with the Wilmslow half marathon in mind and that’s now done– feel as though my training was not up to scratch but got round in a reasonable time – got the race right though – started with the slower runners and was always overtaking - all through the race I was passing people which felt good especially near the end when many were too knackered and had started walking. Read somewhere that, after a race you should be taking it easy a day for very mile run – seems good advice to me, so I’ll take it easy for a couple of weeks – still a bit stiff but will try to get out and do a couple of 3 mile runs at a very easy pace.

Been looking for a few races to do – but now consider the wilmslow half my big event – really enjoyed it – there was a great atmosphere and met some locals I knew, as well as spotting plenty of sale harriers from Kid A’s club. Thinking I will do the macclesfield half marathon later in the year, and maybe the city of Manchester 10k. Still for the moment good rest and recovery and then back to training – my aerobic fitness seemed good but still need more leg strength – so need to keep up with training for longer runs. Still I am now the proud owner of a PB – unimpressive as it may be - it is mine and when I think back to that first run back in August 'onemilewalkrundistress' this was the return and every stride has been worth it.

Not dead yet

Well all in all I'm pretty chuffed with today’s show at the Wilmslow half – I was a little slow at 2hr 16mins being just over 10 min miles but all in all shouldn’t complain that’s the farthest I have run and really felt it from mile 10 still really enjoyed today and I am encouraged to do more race days.

I kept slow at the beginning and at mile 2 just started moving forward nice and slowly overtaking as many as I could - that continued for the next 11 miles. It was a great atmosphere and the lovely people of Wilmslow and Mobberley really cheered and clapped us on. Picked up a nice memento, new t-shirt and yummiest mars bar ever tasted.

Was really nervous before the race there are cut off times and scary numbers of top club runners – but fitted in okay near the back with the vomiting gents and ladies weeing in hedgerows – think kids were impressed dad did not get lift home in an ambulance.

After my colitis flare up I need to be pleased with myself – been a tough couple of months but that has abated now and will finish with my meds this week.

run stats 13.1 mile - 136mins - wilmslow half marathon

drenched

Did a nice 2 miles in rain last night but was was royally drenched by fu""wit driving a little black car he was honking horn behind me then gave me a puddle soaking - very funny - would have liked to have had a conversation with him but he bravely drove off - so thats it last run before wilmslow half - here I come ready or not

run stats - 2 miles 20mins - gravel and alderley road loop with big soaking on chapel lane

Ice and jedi

Week 32
Friday night run - - party on eh! – got girls off to bed about 8.30 and went out for my 3.7 loop – pushed the pace a bit and cam home a little tired with sore knees – these have become a bit of a feature – tried ice on them but didn’t seem to get much result – maybe the whole icing thing is for elite runners only – ordinary legs don’t respond to ice – stayed a little stiff – teehee- - but took heart I was doing good work to be ready for wilmslowgetround – still taking colitis emergency meds but seem to be over the worst more brown than red and that’s good.
planned my last long run for sunday and wanted to double my 3.7mile loop for a decent 7 1/2 miles - started out with a 12 min pace and kept this up for the first two, but usual my pace crept up and before long I was crusing along at just over 10mins felt comfortable though except for the kness which became progressively sore - not painful just sore - disaster though at about 5.5 to 6 mile I got stomach cramp and needed to drop a jedi this was verymuchanunfunnything to happen but after standing crosslegged in nonhilarioussituation in the park for a minute or two I managed to get back hope completing 7 miles - without disaster.

note 'jedi' = rhyming slang ie 'to jedi knight' is 'to shite'

run stats
friday 3.7 mins - 40 mins - fourlane loop withot newgate or nice offroad
sunday 7 miles - 76mins - fourlane times 2 via the pleasure

Last man home

Nine days to the wilmslow half marathon – have got my race pack with number and they seem to have a cut off point for runners at 2hrs 35mins – shit I’ll be close to this - my training pace is around 10min miles and I will be going slower maybe 12 for at least the first 5 means I'm gonna be aiming at 2hrs 20 eeek - sorry bud everyone’s gone home – could be surreal- changing landscape - everyone packing up - the finish line disappears and I keep running – lost – and searching for a non existent finish line. Found a decade later I make front page news - worlds slowest runner takes 10 years to complete thirteen miles.

nine miles

Week 31
Nine miles last night pretty good though was and still am knackered – this was my test and do feel that I can run the half marathon next week – paid dividends going at slower speed – will need to remember this next week - keep it easy - time is not important – just get round – other than sore knees and a bit stiff body coped okay –run past the local pub 6 times – could see the guys in the beer garden - they set their watches everytime I passed - 10.5 minute miles that will do me – friend had accident out running – pretty serious – I must always carry my phone when out running – Im real dinosaur with phone – still hate them – Im no luddite - but hate phones –must carry my phone.- could save your life.

run stats - 9 miles - 97 minutes - 6 times past the pub

lunarglide

Week 31
bought new running shoes - lunarglides in green - very cool and amazing cushioning - sad to see my old decathalon pair (tenner) which were great value but did need better for running on road and doing longer runs. Good run yesterday nice 5 miles wanted to do ful 6 but had a deadline so had to stop short.Slow guy with fancy trainers huffs and puffs.

run stats 5 miles - 50 mins - gravel lane then newgate loop -

blood and fears

Week 30
Been a little while I dare say since my last blog I've not een running because of health fears - but discussed these with my medical advisor at hospital and was given okay to do some running - apparantly my colitis will not be affected but of course there are some risk my runs will not be 'comfortable' ie will end up with blood running down my legs - nice eh? - ive not given up hope of running at wilmslow but know im not going to be properly prepared Im going day to day and will decide to turn up or not the day before If I do I'll probably devise a walk run to get me round and will plan for no more than that - other than ill health Im taking scumsuckingripoff garage to smallclaimscourt as they have wrote off my car through doing bodged repairs £3.5K they owe me and Im not going to give up.Okay so its not life and death stuff - actually it is - its the death of my car.

2.5 miles wedneday to get back running will try to do short and sweet and enjoy.

run stats 2.5 fourlane loop - 30mins

99% is £$%^

Week 28
2010 is officially a crap year – Father in law passed away – my car was written off by garage incompetence – I am suffering colitis flare up and I am still working for 25% salary reduction. I have court struggle with garage and no show at the Wilmslow half to look forward to. Really just want to hibernate right now despite appearing as cover star on recent architecture magazine – oh forgot Tory government is coming –you vote for it you deserve it.

Runstats 1 colitis 3

whitefenderjag

fight back

Week 26

Even though I reckon I shouldn’t have – I Risked a 4 miler last night and that felt good - really lifted my spirits too – running for therapy works too - still not better though and hope the fact I was worse this morning was not to do with my running – want to defeat this – will keep it all short and sweet – wish me luck – I need it.

Runstats 1 Colitis 2

4miles - 38mins knutsford road and gravel lane loop

troubles

Week26
No good news at al – no running and I think it unlikely ill make the half marathon at the end of march – have been looking into toilet bowls seven or eight times a day hoping for signs of improvement – don’t really want to shirk the cold facts of colitis it leads to poo obsession as this is where signs of health and remission are manifest – right now its more red than brown– so I excuse myself from running - sad as this makes me.

Run stats 0 colitis 2

maps

Week 25
Not been running but hve been running to every wc in manchester - colitis sufferers build up wonderful maps of cities based on possible WC locations and routes between - this is important -I have never had a public event - but have been close and know I need to be careful- my emergency repair kit will arrive today so Im hoping to be back to normal shortly. I'll try to go for a run this evening to see what happens. luck may be with me - though probably not.

unhappy me

Week 25

I now have bad colitis flare up – been slowly coming for a few weeks i think - I have a specialist nurse to call for these circumstances and she is very good – sometimes the NHS really works well – should have prescription for emergency treatment tomorrow - fingers and legs crossed this sorts me out – Icannotdescribehowfuckinmiserableasituatiuonthisputsyouin – now need to stuffthingsupmybum for a couple of weeks till I’m better – not good for running at all – I'm trying to spare the unpleasant descriptions of this condition but needless to say I’ll not be eating chili – drinking wine or drinking coffee for a couple of weeks and will be nervous when not near a public convenience.
Couldn’t run yesterday because of the snow fall still best not with my poor health.

Run stats 0 colitis 1

Crisps?

Week 24

My legs are bloody sore even though its only been two runs this week – only two but decent they were – I am putting this down to the extra mileage on a Sunday and my being unfit for so many years that my body is really out of its depth – blame everything but the bottles of wine, crisps and chocolate. They are in no way responsible.

run stats - 3.7miles - 35mins - gravel lane alderley road

blind, chaffed and bleeding

Week 24
7 miler on Sunday went okay after a slow start – last minute Kid A asked to come with me for the first 3 miles and I said okay – she had just eaten 4 pieces of hot buttered toast so only lasted the first mile before feeling sick – made sure she was okay then walked her home before continuing – after 3 miles my hat and gloves has to come off my head was over heating – the conditions were horrible - very wet but my running felt decent – and Vaseline to my inner thigh stopped recurrence of the chaffing – my toe was bleeding after the run – didn’t feel this will do a clip and buff to try and stop this happening again – running with specs on is a pain – prefer wearing contacts but most likely best that I run blind.

Run stats – Alderley road, Chapel lane and Newgate loop – 7 miles 70 mins

Banker is a Wanker

Fred Goodwin employed by RMJM – you have got to be kidding – do you know what profession suffered the greatest swathe of redundancies during the recent financial collapse – architects – that’s who – many of my colleagues too - very talented and creative guys walking out the front door to nothing – for those who do not know - RMJM are an architectural practice and they insult our profession – shame on them.

seventy six

Week 23
There is all sorts of rubbish goes through my brain while running and in everyday life for that matter but I’ve noticed an inadvertent counting thing that happens – will be merrily plodding along and suddenly realize I’ve been counting my rhythmic bounce or strides – didn’t twig till I got to seventy six last night – its not conscious but it happens a lot – it’s a bit trance like. Very happy with run last night – its good move to run in the evening rather than the ‘up at 6.00am’ that was too stressful trying to get to work and all. Its very quiet at night but there are lots of runners around - run hard and really pushed a 4 mile along – decided to have one eye on the programme but push along a little bit increasing the midweek 3 miles to a 4 or 5 if I feel like it – want to feel ready for the race by beginning of March so I can get a few before and concentrate on ‘confidence’ running – sorry cant be bothered explaining that better – still a lot to do though.

run stats - chapel alderley loop - 4 miles - 30 mins

bow legged cowboy saying ouch every now and then

Week 23
Good attempt by me yesterday - 7 miles – set out on a 6 mile run after not running for 2 weeks cos of the ice – I was route confused near the end and ended up saying sod it and running the longer length as I wanted to ensure the full mileage was done - it was very useful run – really didn’t have anything left in my legs at the end so that was right on my current limit – legs are bit stiff today but no real pains or aches to worry about – will take tomorrows 3 mile run nice and easy - I need to keep it up and aim towards 8 miles next – really important I keep the mileage up as I want to be mileage ready for Wilmslow as soon as I can – don’t want to go to the race not knowing if I can do it. Didn’t time this run accurately but it was around the 10 min mile mark. First experience of runners chaffing too – that’s not funny – they were my usual shorts but slowly burned at my inner thighs – think I was wearing them a little loose will need to take care this is not happening again – very painful – will be walking like bow legged cowboy for a couple of days and saying ouch every now and then.

run stats aldrley chapel newgat loop - 7 miles - 70 mins

Josef K

Week 22

I am guilty there is no doubt about it – you name it I’m guilty – I have guilt enough for everyone - no running – guilty as charged - even worse I actually enjoyed not running – maybe I should fill a rucksack full of bricks and do a big 5 miles – no fear not going to happen – on the plus side you have not had to read my constant cheeriness of positive thinking.

going back to the start

Week 22

Bit like snakes and ladders my progress towards running the half - Feel like Im back at aquare one again - the snow and ice has got in the way of my training - lost my mileage build - need to just start again - musnt give it up – worked out a target weightloss to aim for – not running but done some swotting - got a target weight loss - want to lose 10lbs before this wilmslow half – pretty obvious really this should help my time and make the run easier less weight to carry round – really tough trying to fit runs in – too dark too cold and I work all day – couldnt face the treadmill at the gym - I hate the place and find it really boring.

Found a great training resource – really cuts to the chase this even tells you how to lace your shoes. Never knew there was so much science involved in running but this one explains concisely and well.

http://www.fitnesssports.com/lyd_clinic_guide/Arthur%20Lydiard.pdf

2010

Week 21
okay all good in 2009 running wise –the big objective was achieved - start running - that’s done- I completed my runners world ‘run for 30 minutes programme’ and I’ve got five months running under my belt – dead chuffed - a little weight loss thrown in – booze intake was also down and since I was drinking wine nearly every night – this too is good - so its true running is fun and makes you feel healthier – since none of this was thought about or planned its all good start - when running you have less time for drinkingandhangovers - it’s a substitution really.

For next year I do have a plan – sort of – lose but clear - first off the wilmslow half marathon that’s the first target – given myself a target of under 2 hours for this – that’ll mean 9 min miles – I do around 9.5 in training so its possible – and it’ll be fun to try – beyond that I’ll do a couple of 10k’s methinks and then another half marathon towards the autumn – I don’t know what races – but that doesn’t matter – I’ll find those – for something different I might try a crosscountrythingy - think I’ll suit that .
Saboutit –after wilmslow will change my training plan to add some speedwork see if I can get some improvement in time – Last resolution – do not try marathon running this year

anyone seen a gritter?

Week21

Ice is great for cooling drinks in summer but not good for running on 3rd January 2010 – reached the newsagents today 200m from house and turned back – way too dicey for a run – both roads and paths were covered in sheet ice - ive been good boy over the Christmas period but run today would not be good idea – disappointed as this would have been my 6 miler still have been walking couple of miles every day as garage have royally ------ up my car.

happy new year !

Week 20
managed out at 10am this morning dragged out by Chlo for a festive 2miles - felt great it was frosty and clear morning and surprisingly so was my head - Chlo had great fun breaking ice on the puddles - and constantly chattered her way round my 2 mile circuit - telling me I was slow - still 2 miles is along way for her so i thought she would get tired and want to walk - i felt old as hell when I turned and saw her hurdling bollards by my side - chattering about secret paths and how slow I am - Chlo is nine.

run stats - 2 miles - 30 mins ( because of tourist information requirements when running with a ten year old) - newgate loop withstopoffatthe banimalsanctuarytoseeifthereweredonkeysinthefield