Marathon Day - THIS IS IT !!

After a full 4 hours sleep, the alarm went off at 05:45 and I fully realised, this was it – no turning back now. After letting this sink in (while on the loo, obviously), it was down to stretching and banana eating, along with a cocktail of painkillers designed to get me through the run. Then I coated myself with enough anti-chaffing gloop to swim the channel, stretched ‘til I could stretch no more then off we went, leaving at 7:15. It was a foolish 2 mile walk to Preston Park by which time (8ish) I thought it best to queue for the loos. At the time I didn’t actually need to go but by the time the mile long queue was complete, there was only 30 minutes to go!!

Steve Cram then did the most boring motivational speech, mostly containing pure gold like “keep going as far as you can” and “it’s a hot day so take plenty of fluids” – he’s an Olympian, you know. So the run started at 09:00 and my ipod kicked off with “Don’t stop me now” – very apt.

At 3 miles, the crowd was cheering, the adrenalin pumping and my left knee went. It was a sudden, searing pain that went round the bottom of my knee and down my shin. It then went away as quickly as it arrived and came and alternated like this for the next ½ mile or so, until I established a gait that would reduce it happening. Ok, I really might not make this, what am I going to do. I appreciate that most would go the conservative route, but today of all days, that wasn’t for me. Chances are I wasn’t going to be able to run the whole distance so that was the last goal I had, gone, after I had already said goodbye to the 4 hour dream. Time for a new dream – if I was going to walk at some point, I was going to put in a bloody good half marathon time – so off I went.

The course blurb said that the first 11 miles were mostly uphill – and they weren’t kidding. Some of the inclines were steeper than the road past Upton house whereas other were shallower but seemed to go on forever. As the temperatures rose (hottest day of the year) I took to grabbing 2 waters at a time, one to pour over my head and one to drink.

At 9 miles my right thigh went but that just maintained at ache level so not too bad. By 12 I was unable to eat any of my carbo-gels as dehydration was making me feel too sick to keep them down and no-one came along to clap and see me bring up my breakfast.

Half way was reached in 1:55 dead and I was so pleased – even though I knew that in the heat I was pretty much spent, especially as I couldn’t take the gels. Joss was there to cheer me on but I was head down, so didn’t see her.

At 16.5 miles I stopped running for the first time for 2 minutes. This gave me time to drink a whole bottle of water, eat a gel and drink most of another bottle, before running to 18 miles. By this time, the roads were littered with runners lying down suffering from injuries and heat exhaustion. They looked terrible and were a grim reminder to take care of myself.

So, from 18 miles, I walked ¼ mile then run ¾ mile all the way to 25 miles. At that point I thought, “there’s no way I’m not running in from here”. So off I went. I knew that Joss would be somewhere near the end with Gary and Sarah so bu$$er the knee – I was going to stride out and look as good as possible.

At 25.5 miles I heard the unmistakeable call of “GULLIS” – no, it wasn’t Joss being a bit cool towards me but Joss realising that almost every male was called Dave and so wanted to make sure she was heard. There they were, all 3 waving and cheering, to which I replied with a bulldog stance and a “GRRRRRRR” which sent them, and the rest of the crowd around them into hysterics.

Less than a mile to go and I could see the finish line and I thought about what I had done and had happened today. Not just the bad stuff like bad knees and dehydration but the good stuff too. People who are running for the same charity patting you on the back and running with you, the crowd shouting “Keep going Dave” (my name was on my shirt – they weren’t psychic) and waters being shared amongst the runners when they could see others needed it more.

It was all this, plus the thoughts of all the hours of training in sub-zero temperatures, the weights and cycling sessions and with Joss being at my side all the time that made the last 100 yards the most emotional sporting time that I have ever had.

Emotional? Bl$$dy yes – an experience to be repeated – you have got to be kidding!!! Finishing time 4:19:37 – with the heat and injuries I couldn’t be happier and putting in a sub 2 hour half marathon topped it off nicely.

Training - Day 118 - 1 Day to Go

Ok, time to officially changing my status to "soiling myself". Today is Eloise's birthday so the morning was all about that followed by a trip to Dean Court to see Bournemouth on the same pitch as Tranmere - that's the best I can say for them. Home at 5:45 and Joss had lovingly prepared a big pasta meal - I love this carbo-loading and might continue it after the run :-) Then it was in the car and a short 2 and a quarter hours later we were checking into our room in Brighton, over a pub. Joss had a couple of glasses of wine and I stuck to orange juice and lemonade. What a good boy I am. Now, when we've stayed here before we have tended to gone to bed a little "tired and emotional" but with this being a sober experience we were able to fully enjoy the thumping music downstairs, followed by the arguements that come with a splendid night of drinking - brilliant!!!

Training - Day 117 - 2 Days to Go

Yes still a rest day but more importantly we're in the middle of of carbo loading. So, as I had the day off it's been a mixture of cake, bagels, power bars / drinks, painkillers and chips - I feel like a real athlete!! I bet Kelly Holmes never ate a diet quite like this - if she had who knows, she might have won 3 gold medals. Off to put some ice on my knee - been a lovely day though, hasn't it?

Training - Day 116 - 3 Days to Go

Right - it's rest all the way to Sunday now. I've taken this completely to heart, booked the afternoon off and slept for nearly 4 hours. Well, I must have needed it, yes? I also wnet to Boots and got some super strength anti inflammatories. The girl behind the desk said I should only take them for 3 days at most and I should have phrased my reply better than "that's ok I only have 3 days left" judging by the look on her face - oh well.
Sat here now with ice on my knee and just about to have pills number 2 watching the golf - could be a lot worse

Training - Day 115 - 4 Days to Go

Oooooo my goodness - I have been sooo tired today. Got home from the football at 1:15 and bed at 2:00 so it's been a real trip through treacle day. Got the prediction right - how did I do that, I wonder? Today was a 4 mile run and I had no confidence. This proved entirely accurate. Both legs really hurt and although I made it round there is no way on earth I have another 22 miles left in me. I'm hoping it's because I'm so tired but fear it's just a forerunner (no pun intended) of what is to come. I'll try to get a full night's sleep tonight and I'll see how I go from there

Training - Day 114 - 5 Days to Go

As I mentioned yesterday, today I'm treating as a rest day as I'm off to Bristol Rovers to watch AFCB. My prediction is that we'll lose 1 nil but dominate the game with over 20 shots......

Training - Day 113 - 6 Days to Go

Today is down as a rest day and tomorrow a 30 minute jog. Unfortunately I'm not free to jog tomorrow as I'm off to Bristol Rovers so wenrt to the gym today instead. In another 'read between the lines' moment I in fact did the most leisurely cycle ever. Legs were hurting more today than yesterday so hence the biking decision. Not a bead of sweat earned, I stretched on a cold mat and that's it. People kept out of my way, didn't invade my personal space and that's exactly how I like it  - I wonder if I'll mellow after this run is finished with - naaahh!!

Training - Day 112 - 7 Days to Go

Rest day today. Went for an hour's walk along the beach and did 2 sets of stretching at home. Finished that off with a mother's day curry and I think you'll agree that this definately was, a rest day

Training - Day 111 - 8 Days to Go

It was an 8 mile run today and I was extremely nervous. Joss had been ill this week so I was to be on my own. Yesterday I had bought myself some Deep Heat gel as I couldn't ever feel the spray doing anything. So, with that in mind, I coated both knees, shins thighs and hips - you can't be too careful, can you. Well, it appears you can. I applied liberally and then put on all the strapping that I intended to use. It was at this point I wondered exactly how hot the molten lava of a volcano was, and whether it would be slightly chillier than my legs. How exactly is having your legs on fire meant to help - except maybe evaporating lying water on roads for people to follow in a more safe manner? Joss followed me into the toilet (my place of application) and we are hoping that she will be able to come off the oxygen any time soon. From this run I learnt 3 invaluable lessons: 1 - Just because it hasn't hurt in the past it doesn't mean it can't hurt now. My right leg had eased but my left more than compensated for this. Lesson 2: Good music really does make you run faster. I was listening to some middle of the road songs and noticed that I was a few seconds per mile down. Then on came foo fighters and by the end of them I was 2 seconds under the pace I needed - a miracle. The 3rd and by far the most important lesson is, while running, never EVER wipe your runny nose with your hand unless you are ABSOLUTELY convinced that you have washed all the deep heat off. I looked like Rudolph and was breathing fire for a couple of miles and when you have a nose like mine it's much much worse. Still - live and learn....

Training - Day 110 - 9 Days to Go

It was a cycle at the gym today. I got there and realised that I hadn't already taken off my 50cm leg tube off and so was hoping for an empty changing room. Well, you can guess the rest - full to the rafters of blokes comparing muscle definition. Great - being in a room with a load of posers is bad enough but having to get changed out of something Miss Marple would be ashamed of is another level. I did consider stalling and hoping that they'd leave but there's only so many times that you can check your bag for contents before people start to wonder what exactly you're up to. So, after that embarrassment I went to the bike that had the least amount of fresh sweat and boiled sweets on it and settled down to an audio book and 30 minutes of cycling. After that it's time for stretching. Now in the gym, there are about 6 mats. On there, was a bloke with a personal trainer and they had decided that rather than just use 1 mat, it was perfectly acceptable to lie across 4. The other 2 being busy - I walked up to them and stared until they begrudgingly gave one over - the sweat laden one. I put my stuff down and went and got some paper towels and cleaning spray and made a point of cleaning it in front of them while slowly shaking my head. They had the decency to look a little abashed but I couldn't care less - so i then picked up my stuff and dragged the mat to another spot across the gym. You know what - the older I get , the more tolerent I think I'm becoming....

Training - Day 109 - 10 Days to Go

I woke this morning hoping that there were no side-affects from yesterday and that's no too far off the mark. Sure there are niggles but I would expect no less. I put my knee support on my left and this long surgical stocking like thing on my right. Very, very uncomfortable. The tube thing was especially uncomfortable with no dignified way of adjusting it - so I spent most of the day in trap 4. Rest day today - another one of my famed read between the lines sessions because in the book it said a 30 minute jog - but I just don't want to push my luck too much.

Training - Day 108 - 11 Days to Go

Right - today's the day - a 5 mile run at marathon pace. This will decide whether this is the last run I have before the race of not. So, with 2 knee straps on the left, 1 knee strap and 1 thigh strap on the right I set off looking very much like an impoverished robocop - none of that would stop a pea-shooter let alone a sniper. Approximately 2 seconds into the run I realised the thigh strap makes no bl$$dy difference at all - still painful. But I carried on even though I felt like I was rtunning sideways, dragging my chocolate leg behind me. At 2.5 miles my left knee kicked off - but to my relief it didn't get as bad as Saturday. Part of that might be that I knew there wasn't long to go but I'd like to think maybe there was an improvement? What I do know now is that when you're carrying an injury, it's not just the pain - running is actually HARDER - ie more effort. 5 miles completed and I was cream crackered. The thought that on the day I'd still have 21 to go just doesn't bear thinking of....
Still - I'll be running this Saturday ;-)

Training - Day 107 - 12 Days to Go

You know what I love leaving work early. I'm seriously thinking that changimg my hours to come in and go early. Just how good to you feel when you've had lunch and there's not long left - priceless!! Annnnyway - it was a weights session today. Lots of upper body and leg exercises. On the one machine I didn't even have the strength to pull the lever to adjust the seat height so had to pretend that I didn't really want to move it. When I got home I made myself, from a rolled up yoga mat and a roll of gaffer tape a strong hard tube that you are meant to roll over to simulate deep tissue massage. Well, I didn't thin it would work but gave it a go and as I rolled my calfs over it the pain surged through me just like when I had the sports massage - so maybe there's somethin in it. I did the same for my thight muscles and it really hit the spot - which is just as well because the position you have to get into to have an effect is more than a little inappropriate - can't wait to do it again ;-)

Training - Day 106 - 13 Days to Go

Trying to be more positive today - but it's not easy. Tried wearing a knee support at work but you just can't wear them sat down, they all bunch up. Went and bought a matching knee support after work and wore both at the gym. You know sometimes you see people in the gym that you think ahhh bless - he obviously can't dress himself. Well, today that was me. More strapping than robocop, I caught a view of myself in a mirror and just winced - but it was too late by then. So, I cycled for 30 minutes and then jogged for 10 - it doesn't sound ling but I really believed that 1 minute joging was going to be too long so quite chuffed. Finished off with a monster stretch session and that's it for me - apart from the hot bath and then ise pack to the knee - I'm taking no chances now

Training - Day 105 - 14 Days to go

Feeling blooming rubbish. My legs hurt hurt hurt. What's the point in all this training if I feel worse now than I did 2 months ago ;-( Uh well, rest day today, and maybe some more wine...........

Training - Day 104 - 15 Days to Go

It's been 2 weeks since I last ran. I've cycled, swam, stretched and iced. I've even had a sport's massage - and the difference it's made - bu$$er all!!!
3 miles in my knee started to hurt just as it did before and it never went away. I ran the full 10 miles to see if the pain got worse, which it did a bit but more worryingly everything else started to also hurt by the end. I think that's it - the dream of 1 race and a sub 4 hour run is over. I've got to face the fact that I've no chance of starting the run injury free - so the goal has got to be survival. No matter how long it takes - I want to make it to the end and not have done any permanent damage. Easier said than done for me - but I've got to be realistic. On the plus side I ran with music on my ipod for the first time today and it did serve to take my mind off things a little. It's difficult to say just HOW much it helped as this was  much shorter run - so the "wall" wasn't looming. I'm off to boots tomorrow for a knee support and I'm going to wear that to try to speed up recovery. I'll try a jog with it on to see if it helps next week but if not today's my last run before the main event - it was all going so well 4 weeks ago....

Training - Day 103 - 16 Days to Go

Rest Day - I left work early and went to Bournemouth for a sport's massage. I really wasn't looking forward to it and it turned out that my fears were completely.....justified. I tried to steer her to concentrate on my legs as they were causing me the most concern but she insisted on also doing my back as a lot of leg pains stem from the back. I have heard stories that people can fall asleep through a massage - LIARS!! The back session was an excruciating 25 minutes or so, culminating in a pain so severe that it actually only stopped when she slipped on the floor as my tears started to flood the lino. "Can you feel that?" she asked quietly "It should start painfully but ease off as you breathe into it" At this point I'd almost bitten through my tongue so answering was limited to a pathetic wimper. When she started to inflict the same treatment on my legs I managed to comment that she must have fingers of steel. She replied "No, not really, it's all about using your bodyweight - although for your back I did have to use my elbow" Yes, I thought, it did feel rather like she'd picked the hardest, boniest part of her body to help me "relax". 35 minutes, a man sized box of tissues and 2 breakdowns later it was all over, leaving me to hobble back to the car, sit in the driver's seat and just rest my head on the steering wheel until, several minutes later, I began to feel my extremeties. This run had better be worth it!!!

Training - Day 102 - 17 Days to Go

Had some house moving decisions to make last night and you can only make life changing decisions with a belly-full of wine - so as a consequence, today has turned into a rest day. I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions as to why, but it's not difficult...........

Training - Day 101 - 18 Days to Go

I did it - I fanally managed to get up early enough to go to the gym for a swim and weights session - what could go wrong? I'll tell you - the bl$£dy boiler at the gym has packed in again and there's no hot water. If I still swam and did weights, I'd be leaving the gym at the school ru time to go home for a shower - so i shelved the swim. Instead, I did a 30 minute cycle and afterwards I took the name and email address of the manager - it's happening just too many times!!! Feel like I'm not trying hard enough this week - but if it gets me through 10 miles on Saturday - it will all be worthwhile

Training - Day 100 - 19 Days to Go

100 Days - who'd have thought it!! At this point in my "journey" my guess is that you would have expected me to have come to some sort of deep and meaningful understanding of myself - an epiphany, if you will. Well, no. What I have learned is that running hurts, and running further hurts more. Other than that - that I'm an idiot for even trying ;-). Rest day today, and taking full advantage of it

Training - Day 99 - 20 Days to Go

Another morning that I couldn't get up early enough for the gym, so I went after work. I'm all for kids learning how to keep fit - but why do  they have to do it around me. There's something about kids mucking about around me that makes me come over all....violent. I did a 30 minute x-trainer today and although there were a few twinges I think it was pretty much pain free. I then went on to do some weights but found it very difficult to concentrate as a tatooed bloke with arms the size of my legs sat opposite me. How did he get like that?? It was a sight all the more incredible as he stood up - he was only about 4 foot nine. I spent the whole of my stretching session thinking, why would a small man need such big arms? - Maybe it's lifting himself up so that the barman can see him...or pushing people off him who think they're sitting on an empty seat - who knows?

Training - Day 98 - 21 Days to Go

I can't believe it - just 3 weeks to go and I'm not allowed to run!!! Starting to get really nervous now - I've almost forgotten HOW to run. Still I've got to stick to my enforced running exile if I've any chance of getting to the start line with a chance of finishing. Today is a Sunday rest and that is very much what I did!!!

Training - Day 97 - 22 Days to Go

As I wasn't running today I took advantage by having an enormous lie in, until 7:30. Usual breakfast and get up preparations done, we went to the gym for a 2 hour bike ride. Joss "needs" to be on the left of me and so I ended up on the far bike. As I settled in, sorting out seat height, location of drinks etc etc I realised that I must be on the popular bike. How else could you explain the 'tunes' sweet, jelly bean and 2 lots of chewing gum that were stuck in various places all over the handle bars. How do people live like that - don't they know how to behave in public??? Still, that took my mind off the pedalling for a while working out which bit was safe enough to touch. The first half hour was good until the pain started. Was it my dodgy right thigh - no. Was it my shin splints - no. Was it my hamstring - no - It was my backside. Whoever invented solid plastic saddles for bikes needs to have a large blunt object inserted into the point of pain mentioned while small animals are let loose on him to gather nuts for the winter. By the end of the first hour, (and 31km) it was pretty much all I could think about. But luckily Jos was on hand to completely take my mind off the pain with 4 simple words "I need the loo". Now prior to that, I'd not even considered going. But now it was mentioned, I realised that I had  drunk over 2 litres of water and maybe, just maybe, I could do with going too. Just a passing query at first, but that soon ballooned, as did my bladder, in the next 30 minutes. The last 30 (making 2 hours and 63km) were spent mostly in prayer - I had no idea what the effect of excessive water on the electric bike would be but I guessed it wouldn't be good. The 2 hour alarm finally came and I went to run to the loo, only to find my legs had been replaced by someone elses, and I veered off to the left, into a startled man working on his calfs. Still it's nice to make a new friend isn't it? The book advises a huge pasta meal after long training so I followed the advice to the letter and had a curry and wine - again, they call it 'reading between the lines' ;-)

Training - Day 96 - 23 Days to Go

I did it. I actually got up early and went to the gym. Actually, I went simming, THEN went to the gym - get me!!! In the pool there was only a 4 other swimmers. 2 that swam relentless front-crawl lengths (and both in budgie-smugglers - coincidence?) and 2 swimming breast stroke like meerkats - heads never dipping beneath the water. That's my staple stroke too - but I'm determined to get better so had my goggles with me. After a few of my normal lengths, I slipped the goggles on and swam a WHOLE length front crawl. How does the breathing go though? I've no idea. 1 length and I'm puffing like I've climbed 10 flights of stairs. It was because of this inability to control my breathing that I could only try every 10 lengths or so - I needed the other lengths to get my breath back. I did 5 full front crawl lengths and was very proud. 5 out of 50 - making a grand total of 1km!! At that point we were told that again there was no hot water in the showers. Great!!! Still, that didn't stop me - off to the gym and did a weights session. Even the drinking water packed in - so I made sure the bloke behind the desk knew that this was less than satisfactory - it's becoming a regular thing, me complaining to them. More ice and stretching tonight - planning a 2 hour bike ride tomorrow

Training - Day 95 - 24 Days to Go

It's a self-imposed rest day today. I'm still putting ice on my left leg and sitting against a wall with my legs in the air so a pretty normal Thursday really

Training - Day 94 - 25 Days to Go

Doc's yesterday - physio today. I told her it's my last one though as I've only got 4 more owed to me for the year and clumsy as I am I'm bound to do something to need more help so will keep them in hand. I've been given some more stretches and one of them I've got to lay on the floor with my bum as close to the wall as I can with my legs straight up the wall. I have to say that it felt weird, looked weird and you get a massive head rush when you get up - so all good as far as I'm concerned. Swam this evening - 700m . Now I know that the pool is for everyone, but if you're not actually swimming, surely common decency says that you move to the side doesn't it? Well, if you're in your sixties, male, with receding hair and a pony-tail - those rules just don't apply. I would have given anything to have had a pair of scissors and set his hair, and his dignity, free. And as for hit rotund, unswimming wife bobbing about wrapped in 4 woggles getting in everyone's bl$%dy way while calling "George..." at the top of her voice all the time - a harpooning would have been too kind

Training - Day 93 - 26 Days to Go

I meant to go to the gym early this morning but my alarm on my phone didn't go off. Apparently it was running out of juice so was sounding off all night and Joss found that "a tad annoying". I guess I'm lucky it's in one piece. Went to the doc's and saw someone new (again) but she had run several marathons herself so she must know what she's doing. After the briefest of examinations (I don't blame her) her advice was not to run for the next couple of weeks but if I had to - they had to be short runs. I'm ok to cycle / swim etc to keep up the aerobic fitness but nothing jarring on my legs. She also recommended a sports massage but warned that this itself was not a pain free solution - in fact, when I told Karrsey he said he had one and suggested he'd rather give birth than do that again so I'm really looking forward to it. Went to the gym this evening and cycled 31 km in an hour then did a load of stretching. It's the first time I can remember for ages feeling really good about a workout - yes it hurt, but this time in a good, I've been working hard, way. (not I think my legs are going to drop off way). Time to be more positive - of course I'm going to make it !!!!

Training - Day 92

Last night I packed my bag ready to go for a swim in the morning but after waking up at 3 in the morning I turned off the alarm in favour of more sleep. So I left work early (not a hardship) and met Joss for a 40 minute jog. At 5 minutes my leg just below my knee started to hurt again and by 20 I'd had enough. I left Joss to successfully complete the run as I sloped off to the bikes. I have got a doctor's appointment tomorrow and she had better have some quick solutions because at this rate I've got no chance of starting the race fit. I'm determined that I'm going to complete the run but it would be nice to make it home under my own steam and not from the back of an ambulance !!

Training - Day 91

It's the usual Sinday rest day and even though there's plenty to do - I'm just not doing it (no change there then, I hear from Joss). I'm shattered - and without a proper rest this weekend I can't see how I'm going to recover for the next bout of training. I have, however, slightly gone off the rails by eating the biggest roast dinner and pudding - so I have lots to carry around on me - back to bread and water tomorrow...

Training - Day 90

Today is a 14 miler and Joss isn't with me today so I've got to carry as much water as I can and adapt my route so I can pass the house and pick more up. I've even invested in some magic jelly beans that are meant to help running - feeling a little like Jack!! Started my run feeling tired but ok. At 3 miles however my left knee started to hurt. Tried to get into the music on my ipod to gorget about it and ran for another 5 before I really started to worry. The pain was no worse and I KNEW I could get to the end - but at what cost. I read an article recently where a runner was asked for his top tip for marathon running and he said "Always stand on the start line, injury free".
So, I'd reached Asda on Holes Bay and I stopped. I then thought - what a wimp - get running, and started again. 20 seconds later I thought - what am I doing, and stopped. This stop start continued all along Holes Bay - I must have looked a right idiot. Even now I can't work out why I kept starting - was it for me or was it that I didn't want to face people saying that I didn't make it. The irony was that this was the first time the wind was with me on that stretch!! I've got 4 weeks left - and I think it's time to listen to myself rather than rigidly staying to the schedule. Next week is meant to be the last of the long runs but I'm already thinking that might be too much - I want to be on that start line with the best chance of finishing - and if it's in a good time - well that would be a bonus

Training - Day 89

As we get nearer to Marathon Day, we get more rest days. Today was another - so that's what I did. In fact, the only exercise I did was 45 seconds on a treadmill when trying out new trainers. That would have gone smoothly had the assistant not wanted to film me running to make sure they did the job and made me roll up my trouser legs to knee level. Uh, and did I mention that the shop was packed and because I run so flat footed the noise of my steps brought the shop to a standstill and so they all turned to watch me in my office gear, trousers rolled up ridiculously. No you're right, not embarrassing, not at all

Training - Day 88

Sooooo tired. Again, no chance of getting to the gym early so (very happily) left work early to get some exercise. Decided against the X-trainer and went on the bike for 30 minutes. Set the resistance higher as I'm still gaining weight and managed to get through it all with just a little pain. This is no time for wimps, though, and so then did a weight's circuit. My favourite pastime when doing this is that some of the weights machines mean you sit at right angles to those on the treadmills and I like to stare straight ahead between sets. The aerobic people can sense that someone is looking at them but it takes a brave man to turn that far to see who it is while running. It's like a game of chicken that I can't lose, because if they DO manage to look - I then find my ipod really interesting and start playing with it and they just think that I was in my own world. After the session went and had a shower and as I got out to get changed, this freakishly tall instructor started putting his stuff in the locker next to me (don't get me started). A tad angry, and not a little intimidated I decided to front it out and get dressed as if he wasn't even there. An act I could have easily carried off had I not got my foot stuck in my underwear and the resulting heave upwards sending me crashing towards the locker opposite. Not cool, never have been, never will be.

Training - Day 87

Nope - couldn't do it. Try as I might there was no way on earth I was going to be able to haul my lazy ar$e out of bed to do an early morning swim. I had a contingency, though, in that Kieren  had a swimming lesson at 18:15 so I could go for a swim myself at the same time. However, it was a long day at work culminating in training the new guys in the afternoon and I had the dread fill me, getting worse and worse every minute at the prospect of the evening swim. I just wasn't in the mood. Then, a magical moment as I received a text just after 4 - The instructor had cancelled - hoorraay!! After all, if Kieren wasn't going there was no need for me to leave the house. Topped the day off with a nice chippie tea along with the thought that tomorrow will HAVE to be a gym day !!

Training - Day 86

As previously posted, today was meant to be a weight's day - but I was in a quandry. Although my legs hurt, should I avoid doing ANY leg exercises this week? I'd already decided not to run on Wednesday - am I going down the wrong path? So, I decided to do a 30 minute cycle. The compromise would be to set the resistance to really low and pedal slowly. Unluckily for me there were more people in there than I could ever remember for a morning, so they all witnessed my feebleness. At the end of the 30 minutes my face was flushed but from embarrassment rather than effort. Went to the channg room to get my water bottle and it was then that I saw the no hot water sign. AGAIN!! I know I'd not tried hard but not even I could go to work after gymming without washing so I had to go home first and did the full set of stretching there. I did try to put in a complaint over at reception but the poor chap looked so forlorn I felt sorry for him and didn't bother - I must have been in a funny mood - it wouldn't normally have stopped me

Training - Day 85

Woke up feeling a little better today and the day got better and better as I reread the schedule and today was ANOTHER rest day - yes 2 in a row. I couldn't stop smiling all day. Went to the physio this morning and was told that my back was almost back to normal but she could see why I was having problems with my legs. Unfortunately I was referred here for my back so she wasn't allowed to help me out - although unofficially she did "suggest" some extra stretches to do. I tried them tonight and they must be hitting the spot because they hurt like hell.
Weights tomorrow - bring them on !!!

Training - Day 84

Rest / Decorating day today. Legs are feeling very weak and having to constantly step up and down on a chair so I can reach the ceiling properly really isn't helping. Didn't even have time / energy / inclination to do the stretching exercises but did manage a decent lie in so hopefully I will feel a lot better tomorrow

Training - Day 83

A very nervous day today - failed at 7 miles on Wednesday, today was 10 miles. Went through the usual preparations: painkillers, porridge, banana, pre-match and then fully greased up before putting on the lycra. It was a colder morning (like Wednesday) but kept telling myself I've done this distance loads of times - I can do it. Deliberately went slower today and that seemed to pay dividends. Fine through Creekmoor, Upton, Hamworthy and just started to get the first aches of my knee running down the quay. Then through Poole and onto holes Bay and we discussed that one of these days, the wind was going to be with us - but not today. We decided that that one day will be the day after the Race !! With a mile to go - I speeded up and Joss noticed with a quarter of a mile to go at which point I said it was the first time I was confident that I was going to make it. It was at that point I almost got run down by a guy driving round the corner without indicating. I "calmly let the driver know my displeasure" and finished the run. I think it was this acceleration which made me descend the stairs at Dean Court this afternoon sideways as the pain in BOTH knees going down forwards made me cry like a baby. Live and learn.....or not

Training - Day 82

Another rest day, another day off another day of decorating. Feeling a bit achey from yesterday and my other leg is now playing up - I think it's jealous that it's not getting as much attention. Stopped decorating early today to relax a little for a change and have a big, energy giving pasta dinner mmmmmmmmm dinner

Training - Day 81

Today was a rest day AND I had the day off work. I would however, question the word rest when I was decorating like Mr Bean all day. That's probably doing a dis-service to him. In the first 2 minutes of decorating a bedroom, I'd smashed the light fitting, cut my finger open picking the glass up and dripped blood all over the carpet in the process. Brilliant!! I later managed to stab myself with a stanley knife and not notice the blood on the wallpaper until I was hanging it up. Long, hot bath at the end of the day followed by lots of stretching. My knee still feels a little dodgy and I am exhausted - Can't wait for Saturday's Run !!!

Training - Day 80

It's been 80 days but today is my first bitter taste of defeat. Today was meant to be a quicker 7 mile run and because of other commitments I had to do it at lunchtime. It was a cold sunny day but I still felt pretty confident as I waited for my GPS to get to the starting point. Confident that is, until I started running. I instantly had a pain in my right thigh and both legs just felt dead. Breathing was tricky too because of the cold. I mis-timed the run as Poole Bridge was still up so I ran through whitecliff and up to Evening Hill. At 3.5 miles I turned round to come back. At 4 miles I started to get a pain in my knee and for the next 3/4 of a mile I churned over in my mind whether I was doing more bad than good - I can't afford to get injured at this late stage. So I stopped and walked back to work. Feeling low, I bumped into a friend who remarked that I looked a c*ck in my lycra trousers (or word to that affect) and for some reason that picked me up a bit. I've 2 rest days now before a 10 mile run on Saturday - lots of stretching and I'll be back on form, I'm sure!!!

Training - Day 79

I've used this blog many times to complain about other gym-goers and see no reason why that should change but before that, here's the background story. I got to the gym this cold morning at 6:45. I had a jumper on but thought that the gym actually felt a bit warmer this morning so decided I didn't need it. I settled down to do some weights and apart from a fire drill (didn't have to leave or anything) it was all pretty non-eventful. There was just one other in the gym and she left just as I finished the last set. So, next was stretching. Unfortunately, these mats are quite close to a fire door which doesn't fit too well so it was a little cooler here. Right behind the mats are the rowing machines - well, behind and up, they are on a platform. So, to recap, door - mats - row of rowing machines - empty gym. Empty that is until some bloke came in and sat on a rowing machine. I was at one end of the mats so did he choose a rowing machine at the other end? No. He picked the one right above my head. So, not only was it inconvenient as he was exercising unnecessarily close to me, the spinning wheel was blowing cold air all over me. Mid stretch, I sat bolt upright and in my best Colin Firth acting style looked all the way down the line of mats. I then made a point of looking at the bloke and then down the whole line of running machines. Sadly, I then shook my head from side to side, got up and went to the mat at the far end. He only lasted a couple more minutes on the rower - I like to think that it was the shame that sent him off - good!!!

Training - Day 78

Went to the physio this morning and she gave my legs and feet a real pounding. Asking whether she'd managed to find the sore spot did, however, seem a little unnecessary as I hung from the ceilng by my fingernails, wailing like a baby. This evening was a 40 minute jog and if you can imagine running with milions of tiny needles in your legs and feet and every time your foot hit the floor someone wired them to the mains, the first 5 minutes were worse then that. Then, miracle of miracles, the pain started to fade away ....until at the end I was no longer running like the stage 2 of the evolution of man, hunched over so that my knuckles dragged on the floor. 45 minutes of stretching and I was a completely new man. I could walk pain free and was fully able to enjoy the sight of 2 personal trainers posing in front of a mirror - don't they know that we can see them doing that....?

Training - Day 77

If I've learnt anything from yesterday, it's that I've not been taking things seriously enough. I'm carrying a stone too much and eating what I like and drinking each weekend is doing me no favours. So, it is with heavy heart that I cast aside alcohol and rubbish food until the race is complete. So, to give it all a darn good goodbye - it was chips, wine and more wine last night. Awoke feeling a little worse for wear but to be fair I was much better than I deserved. Even my legs only scored a 6 out of 10 on the hurt scale and they have got better as the day progressed. A well deserved training free day today - back to the treadmill tomorrow

Training - Day 76

Today is a pivotal day – no question about it! I’ve gone from  “a bit nervous about the whole event” to “how the blinking hell am I going to do this”.  Training this week has been impaired by my foot hurting but I had no idea the effect was going to be this bad. Two weeks ago, I ran 19 miles slowly and had enough “in the locker” to speed up over the last 2 miles to finish with a decent time. So, this time I thought I’d follow the training plan’s mantra by starting quicker and slowing up which is what normally happens. At 5 miles I was ahead of marathon pace, feeling pretty good. At 12 miles I’d slowed considerably and just finishing was the goal – who cares about the time. At 13 miles I broke my personal trainer as she had started the route exhausted from a week’s decorating, so I was on my own. By 16 miles my only thoughts were that of survival. My legs were like lead, my feet killing me and mileometer on my watch had stopped completely – or so it seemed. A wise man (Karrsey – yes I know it’s difficult to believe but true) said earlier this week that the “wall” that runners face was as much mental as physical. I now know what he means. When the pain starts to kick in, it’s the fact that you still have so far to go that is the killer. True, most people hit it at the 18 – 22 mark when they want to give up, but it starts so much earlier. I must MUST wear an ipod next time because all I had to think of was how much it hurt and how far there was to go. At 18 miles Joss and Hattie were stood at the side of the road with water and cheers and I was really pleased to see them – but just had nothing left in me to do more than smile. The last 3 miles were more torture than was needed as my mind completely went and went the wrong way so the last 2 were spent going uphill. I counted the fractions of the last mile down and finished right in front of a packed bus stop. Embarrassing enough, you might think, but my body had a extra little trick to play. Having stopped, my legs decided “oh good, that’s over” and stopped, literally. So, the chortling audience, who had watched me barely moving coming towards them, saw me stop in front of them, then shuffle away like I had my shoe laces tied together – brilliant!! 21 miles took a shade under 3 hours and 13 minutes, the 1 mile walk home took approximately 40 minutes. In fact I was so long Joss came looking for me, pity I’d reached our road before she drove up to me. Another stretching session and cold bath ensued –  to Eloise’s raucous laughter and I’m now walking around like I’ve done something nasty in my pants. Overall – a lovely productive day – bring on the chips and wine!!

Training - Day 75

Getting a bit nervous about tomorrow's run. Today was a rest day and a dress down day so had the perfect excuse to wear trainers to give my foot the best chance of recovery. Also gunning down the anti-inflammatories just in case they might help as all the pain looms. Was very pleased with myself as every time we go for a run we go past Asda and the smell of hot-cross buns is so lovely it's not fair - so on the way home remembered (finally) to stop off at Tesco and bought 8 - that's probably enough ;-) - I'm not sharing, though......

Training - Day 74

In the past I've been known to sleep talk, walk and even decorate (don't ask) but today was a new one for me - sleep gymming. I stayed in bed a little longer but was still exhausted going to the gym and I have no idea how I did any weights. It got so bad that I closed my eyes when I was doing some sit-ups and got the fright of my life when I opened them to find that there were 3 other gym goers on the mats around me!! Where did they come from - and just how long had I had my eyes closed!!! Hopefully it wasn't too long and they assumed I was concentrating hard on what I was doing. Either that or they saw me gently snoring and dribbling into the mat......but I like to think it was the former

Training - Day 73

You know the old song "The knee bone is connected to the - thigh bone" well it turns out that there's more truth to it than I expected. At the physio this afternoon, I was told that my back injury was causing my hamstring tightness, which in turn was causing the knotted calf muscle, which resulted in my foot hurting. Who'd have thought it - unless it was her subliminal way of suggesting that as everything was so connected that I should try acupuncture - veerrrrry cunning - still not convinced. After work I went to the gym and went up a level on the bike but still didn't sweat too much so not sure if it did me all that much good. The stretching regime that I've now been given seemed to hurt quite a bit so I assume it's working. Big run on Saturday and that's what this week is all about!!!

Training - Day 72

Getting up and going to the gym first thing in the morning is tough. We all know that. Getting up and going to the gym first thing in the morning when there's no school, so no-one else in the house has to, or does, get up just isn't fair. I sulked over the injustice of it all throughout the first few weight machines but found that that seemed to keep people away even more than usual so at least I've learned something useful. The session itself went well but my foot is still hurting. I can't believe that I was so worried over my bad back and yet it's a part of my body that has never caused me problems before that seems to be the weak point. Maybe me pounding the pavements carrying the extra stone of blubber has something to do with it. More salads for me I fear....

Training - Day 71

Had a bit of late night last night so today I've been feeling a little "sluggish". My foot is showing no signs of real improvement so I switched from running to the x-trainer figuring that there wouldn't be much pounding and so would be better for me. Nope - still hurt way too much. I stopped after 5 minutes and went on to the bike. Managed to get my foot on the pedal in a way so as to not press down on the sore bit and managed to go for 30 minutes. As I sit here typing this, my foot is resting on an ice block and the coldness has so far gone as far as my knee, and just like these blinking cold baths, I just hope it's doing me some good because Saturday's run is going to be unbearable at this rate

Training - Day 70

That's it - 10 weeks complete. Today, as is every Sunday, is a rest day. For the first time in a few Sunday's, however, I had a full and proper lie in and it was bliss. I have been so naive throughout this process. At the beginning I thought as long as I kept up with the training I'd be fine. I really didn't take into consideration the general wear and tear it would have on my body. Today we walked to the shops and by the time I'd got there it would have been hard for me to point to some part of my body that didn't hurt. I did enquire about using one of the mobility scooters but was too scared to fight the old lady that also wanted it. Joss was game though and carried me home afterwards....

Training - Day 69

I know that I am not the first to come to this conclusion and I won't be the last but I feel it's important to say - I'm an idiot. I could end today's entry right there and most would be perfectly satisfied but I should put some unnecessary meat on the bone. Leading up to the marathon, the remaining Saturdays are split between long runs (20 miles +) and short runs (10 miles or so - I know I know not that short). The reason for this is so that your legs and lungs get used to running long distances and are " rested" every other week to prepare yourself for the long run. What you are meant to do is run all of the runs at a similar pace to conserve your strength and prevent injuries. What you are NOT meant to do, is run the shorter runs 25 seconds per mile quicker than you need to, cos "it's only 10 miles". Guess what I chose to do?  So punishment was required  and so it was another cold bath in my pants and t-shirt. Funnily enough - these baths are not getting any more pleasant and for Joss to join me (in the bathroom, not the bath) and laugh throughout really was the icing on the cake. Still, I guess I brought it on myself

Training - Day 68

Today, someone came up to me and said they were following me into the blogging world for a scheme of his own - I won't say who it as and what the plan is as I don't want to spoil it. When he told me I said how brilliantly motivating it was in that when I didn't feel like training it made me do it because I knew I had to write about it. Of course my smug spouting hadn't taken into consideration my underlying and not inconsiderable laziness. Instead of going to the gym to do some weights as I said I was going to do, I settled for going home and having a kit-kat. In many respects, I think you'll find the benefits are much the same....

Training - Day 67

It was a toss up between 30 minutes x-training or rest and as I had the day off I chose the rest day. Hadn't figured on the scale of walking Joss had planned for me so will be spending the rest of the day mostly sitting, and sighing

Training - Day 66

I've actually remembered to bring some bottled water to the gym - it's about time. Today was a quicker paced 6 miles which is just about the limit I can go to on a treadmill. I was a bit worried about my leg but within the first 2 minutes that wasn't going to be a problem, well, not compared to the pain in my left foot. It felt like I was running with a golf ball in my shoe and the more I limped away from the pain, the more the other side of me started to hurt as I over-compensated. So, I turned up the audio book and hoped for more deaths (not my own) to take my mind off it all. It did sort of work but I was looking at the distance monitor every few seconds so the miles seemed to be passing at a snail's pace. At 2, 3 and 4 miles I was ready to quit. Was it worth continuing if it might jeopardise Saturday's run? It was at 4 miles that a class of moody kids were led to the treadmills for part of their training only to find that there weren't enough treadmills for all of them and the ones due to miss out were clearly unhappy. That was all the spur I needed to stay for the final 2 miles. They won't learn how to take situations gracefully if I just got off at the time they wanted me to, would they? Cheered up no end after that and was genuinely pleased I got to the end

Training - Day 65

I was up at 6, yes, read it again, 6 in the a.m. to go to the gym. It was freezing cold and pouring down so ended up doing weights looking like michelin man with all the layers I was wearing. Some of the more cruel might suggest that's what I look like all the time....Anyway, the weight's session went really well. I fully rested my aching feet and legs and have now totally knackered the top half of my body as well. As I finished the obligatory stretching I noted that there were very few parts of my body now that doesn't hurt - who said getting fit was good for you!!!! From there I've got 36 hours to get ready for my next run hmmmm - I wonder what else I can read between the lines, maybe a nice sit down with a glass of wine....

Training - Day 64

i love my wife she's the best trainer ever love her love her love her. Went to the physio this morning and after a bit pf prodding and pulling she suggested I tried acupuncture. I told her I didn't believe that sticking pins in me would help as I reckon that you have to believe in that kind of thing to feel any benefit and I just can't see how it could possibly work. I think this must be a reaction she must get a lot as it didn't seem to phase her and it looks like it's still a possibility. Throughout the training I've pretty much stuck to the training plan but I think it's time to start "reading between the lines" - so, when it "suggests" I jog for 40 minutes, I now can see the small print that says that if your foot is hurting, 30 minutes of gentle bike riding will do just as well - so that's what I did. Did enjoy the new kids being taught how to use the rowing machines and was especially pleased to see a boy try to ride it side-saddle. Finished with some stretching and decided to have a hot bath tonight instead of the cold one's I have been having - much better. Note to self - don't let Joss type up my blog while I'm having a cup of tea - even though the sentiment is right!!

Training - Day 63

Woke up this morning with my head hurting more than my legs which is the best result I could have hoped for. The reason for that is I have a vast and extended experience / knowledge or curing headaches - whereas training pains are still relatively new. Rest day today so just did the exercises the physio gave me and that was that.

Training - Day 62

The day has arrived - 19 miles carrying injuries to back and both legs. It was a scary thought and we had to be up even earlier than usual to get kids ferried to various locations so preparation wasn't great. I decided that I had to be sensible about it and set off at a deliberately slow pace. The first mile was agony but as I climbed the hill past Upton house the pain started to ease as things loosened up. Joss had mapped out an extra part to the route to go round Upton and it was at that point that my feet started to hurt. I decided, though, that the more you thought about pain, the worse it seemed to get so tried to put all thoughts of that out of my head and concentrate on the take-away and wine I had planned for the evening. It was a long, hard run but the weather couldn't have been better and I was glad with my decision not to do any of the water carrying - if my legs hurt I wanted it to be for the running and not because of what I was carrying. At the end of the run there was the biggest high that I've felt throughout the training and we stopped and hugged in the street. Sort of regretted, though, that the end point was right outside the pub. WE knew how far we'd run/cycled but the locals after a few pints didn't.....
As we walked back home I shared with Joss my thoughts of not concentrating on pains and said how my feet had started to hurt in Upton (3 miles into the run) but I manfully thought past it. As you do when you speak, you act out what you're saying and so when I mentioned my feet I pointed to them. It was at this point I noticed the new red motif on my sparkling running shoes. Maybe I should have taken more notice. At home the reveal was non too pleasant but luckily Joss knows my strengths and weakesses and so had the smelling salts handy so it only took 5-10 minutes to come round after seeing all the blood. Another frrezing bath (they had better be doing me some good) cleaned me up so that you'd notice the blisters on the other foot more than the cut on the first and I feel that I have been truely initiated into the running world. That was nearly 3 hours of running - just another hour and a bit to go and I'll have run a marathon.....

Training - Day 61

I was giving my hamstring a good pummeling this morning (not a euphamism) and found that quite a bit of that area felt numb. When I went to the docs last week she specifically asked for that and at the time it wasn't the case so I panic-booked another docs appointment. Once in, I explained that I had been asked previously about numbness but wasn't told whether it was significant or not. She looked at me with an 'of course it's not' expression and explained it was just another symptom, adding "now get out and run you malingerer" - well - not quite but that was the message. So, mind put at rest I'm taking this as a rest day and although I just don't know whether I'm going to be able to do it - I've set my mind on the 19 miler tomorrow. Joss has been brilliant and mapped out a new course to keep it interesting - let's hope for more downhill stretches than uphill!! If I make it, it will be the furthest run so far and I'm expecting it to be the most difficult - but as I've said before, if it was easy - what would be the point!!

Training - Day 60

If the cold baths have had any effects I'd hate to think what my legs would be without them because I can't imagine my legs hurting much more than this. The left leg is now being overshadowed by the right and I'm walking like Egor, dragging the leg as I shuffle by. I still got up this morning and went to the gym but thought running might be too much for me so went on the bike. I did it at a level that was just shy of it turning the pedals automatically and then did some weights. That all seemed to go ok and then I spent ages doing some stretching. As the day went on, my leg got worse, putting the Saturday run in jeopardy. So, I stopped off at the shops and got some 'deep freeze' gel. I had a hot bath first to get the most contrast and then liberally spread the gel over my leg - rather too liberally as it turns out - still, I now know what it feels like to stick my leg in a furnace and then jump in a plunge pool - so I can tick that off the 'must do' list. Rest day tomorrow with as much ibuprofen as is humanly possible as I'm determined for these 'niggles' not to stop me.

Training - Day 59

Went for a run down Holes Bay this lunchtime with Gary. Always infuriating running with him as he always looks like he's running at a pace that's too slow for him, which encourages me to go quicker and quicker until I feel sick. Luckily, or not so luckily, my right thigh was hurting so much speed was never going to be an issue. We ran for just under 4 miles and to be fair it did feel easier as it warmed up but it is like it's niggling all the time with the menace of what might happen. Ibuprofen helped a little more and there was nothing for it - I had another cold bath. This time I wore a t-shirt and swimming shorts but when I got in it was still horrible. This time though I made it worse for myself as I hadn't put enough water in. Now, getting into icy water takes your breath away - sitting in a bath that is slowly still filling with more cold water is like a slow motion death. Managed to stay in for 15 minutes before fear of anything dropping off got me out. Not sure if it's worked on my legs but if nothing else it's given the rest of the family a laugh

Training - Day 58

It was a low day today. My legs were sore, my throat was getting sore and work getting me down!!! After a trip to the doctor's for Kieren's all clear (thankfully) there just wasn't time for training. No that's not true - for the first time I just didn't want to. Even the exercises I've been given for my back I can't seem to get right. I'm meant to flatten the stomach muscle below my belly button but try as I might, I can't feel anything moving. Admittedly it is a bit like the princess and the pea trying to feel a muscle through my full keg (so much more than a six pack) but still - nothing. Hopefully I'll get back on track tomorrow....

Training - Day 57

Went to the physio this morning and was a little alarmed as she started to chuckle as she looked at my back. Apparantly my pelvis is a little out of line and the muscles in the left side of my back are spasming so much she could see them jump. "No wonder you're feeling a little discomfort" she said. Well, that's nice, at least I'm not faking it. After lots of pulling, prodding and massaging she got the pelvis back into line and the muscles had a little rest. Tonight I went to the gym for a 40 minute warm down jog. Quite possibly the most painful run so far - lots of pain in my legs which the physio said was to be expected. But this is just 40 minutes super slow - I've got a quick 4 miles on Wednesday before a 19 miler on Saturday!! Seems very daunting at the moment. One of the other pieces of advice was to have a bath in cold water after stretching after a run - so I gave it a whirl. Now, I don't know where she comes from, no idea about her background. So it is only an educated guess that she hails from a very hot place, run by a fellow with a pointy tail, horns, and a less than happy disposition. It was unbelievably horrible and I said words in that bathroom that would have made a sailor blush before settling down to some serious sobbing. No cure should be like this, should it? I managed to stay in for 5 or 10 minutes before any real frostbite damage was done but since then I've had a hot shower but still feel freezing. There's quite a large part of my being that hopes it has no beneficial effects at all as I don't want to think about doing it all over again!!!!!!!

Training - Day 56

End of week 8 and today's a rest day. My legs are hurting and so is my head - although that's nothing to do with exercise and more to do with yesterday's curry and beer. Today is mostly about lounging.....

Training - Day 55

Woke early this morning happy to see that the wind had died down....no hold on...it's blowing a gale - Brilliant!!! We set off at around 9:15 for today's 10 miles and within the first few yards my left calf and right thigh was already hurting  - this was never going to be pleasant even though it is 7 miles less than last week and 9 miles less than next!! It started with the wind in our faces, having to get up the hill by Upton House on the way up to Upton. As we approached it I could here Joss chanting "Hurry up dear, Hurry up dear" Cheeky s*d I thought. It was only when she'd fully caught me up that I realised she was actually saying "Curry and beer, Curry and beer" - that was to be our mantra for the whole way round. To be fair the Gods were with us and the wind  not too bad - except for the first half of the holes bay part of the run. Oh my goodness. I was running like the clappers but seemed to be going nowhere. I fared better than Joss though as at one point I swear she was going backwards. As we rounded the corner though the wind started to help and after we'd gone past that we passed a woman on a bike coming the other way. Joss loudly cackled in a pantomime witch way thinking of what this poor woman had to face. We made it to the end and although Joss happily remarked that it wasn't too bad, that was undoubtedly the hardest most painful run I have done. How have I lost the 7 miles I did last week? and how am I going to find another 9 for next week? As the mantra goes, it's beer and curry tonight, I'll worry about next week's run later

Training - Day 54

Rest day - hooorrraaayyy!! I have a knotted feeling in my left calf and my right thigh hurts so just as well. Tried to jog over to Mammys Baps at lunchtime (not as exciting as it sounds) and that was a mistake. Still - managed to get through the day so far without any painkillers so a definite step forward. Joss ran for a whole hour at the gym today - it's still not too late to enter.....

Training - Day 53

I was meant to do some jogging today but the only time I had for exercise was first thing in the morning and jogging and early starts just don't go together. So, I went on the bike and did a 30 minute hill climb. Whilst there, I recognised a guy that used to go to my previous gym. He's in his 50's and trains old school. Slicked back hair, white vest top tucked into army style tight jogging trousers. He walks around with a swagger and at the old gym he used to be part of a gang of similar minded / kitted guys. When they got together they always tried to outdo each other with tales of extreme training until it got to the point where they would just grunt at each other and say things like "Run ....Ice ....Fire...Mountains..Grrrrr!!!"  I did consider engaging him in my tales of exercising but feared I'd end up using too many conjunctions for him and I'd hate to see the look of disappointment on his face as I described my niggly back. Instead I went into "what I call" (something for Miranda fans) my room and did some stretching. Not quite back to fitness yet - but getting there

Training - Day 52

The pills worked a treat last night so feeling much more confident about today. Tried a quick run on the way to the loo at work and my back held firm although my legs hurt. Note to self - make sure no-one is around next time before trying that!! So today was 16 x 400m sprints - the second hardest session of the week. I couldn't believe it - I thought that all this exercising was meant to make me fitter and it would all get easier. Instead I felt shattered after run 3. By the time I'd got to run 6 my legs were hurting and by run 10 I was feeling sick. Fortunately for me one of the poser gym instructors had started running next to me and the male ego kicked in - there was no way I was going to collapse and have to be rescued by him!! Made it to 16 and felt fantastically happy and relieved to have made it. Then went to the stretching mats and the only one that was free had someone on the rowing machine next to it. Inspiration hit me at this point. There's a room in the gym where they do classes but there was no class at the moment. I took the fact that the doors being unlocked meant "Come in here if you want", so I did. It was brilliant!! No rubbish music to get on my wick and being miles away from everyone else. It was like a grumpy's paradise and one that I shall be visiting again and often!!

Training - Day 51

I managed to stay in bed all night last night so was feeling a little more rested. Saw the doctor this morning and have got some stronger painkillers and something to help me sleep. I've also been put forward for some treatment with a sports physiotherapist - first appointment next Monday so hopefully can get to the bottom of what's going on. I decided to take the day off exercise and instead went to watch Bournemouth win against Swindon. It certainly made me laugh to hear 7000 Bournemouth fans chant "Cheerio, Cheerio, Cheerio" to the 2 Swindon fans being escorted out of the stadium after only 9 minutes - hope it was worth the trip guys
;-)

Training - Day 50

Re day 49 - it WASN'T the bean bag!!! Another night of only a few hours sleep and I'm seriously doubting today's 40 minute jog. That was confirmed in the first 60 seconds of the jog when it all hurt again. This will definitely teach me to not do a long run when injured. So, I did some weights and came home for the stretch part of the work-out (too many strangers). It's the first time I've deviated from the plan but figure as long as I am fit for the Wednesday and Satrueday runs - no lasting harm will be done. Besides, Joss DID manage to run for 45 minutes which I think counts for something, right? Tonight I will be mostly downing a cocktail of painkillers and praying it will all go away otherwise it's going to cost me a fortune in booze.....

Training - Day 49

Today was a rest day - was it restful - no!!! At 4 in the morning, as the effects of some well-deserved wine wore off, there wasn't a place in the bed that I could find that wasn't agony. Luckily, Joss didn't seem to notice my constant moving for the rest of the night...well, she might have mentioned it once....
Standing up is fine but sitting or lying down - not the best. In the evening I had a couple more medicinal wines and managed to find a comfortable position on a bean bag. I just hope it's the bean bag and not the wine that is working...

Training - Day 48

Blooming heck it was cold this morning!!! Had my woolly hat on and had no intention of taking it off!! As mentioned before, Joss had scoped out a brand new course and got the measurement of it down to the last few yards which is pretty impressive. That was the good bit. Have you ever seen that picture of the stairs on the top of a building where they have purposely got the perspective wrong? It looks normal at the beginning but if you use your finger to trace the path of the steps, it goes round and round and the beginning joins the end in an everlasting circle. Well, Joss had managed to replicate this but instead of the trick being that it never ended, the trick was that no matter where we went, it was uphill !!! Now I don't mind the old up hill section, but 17 miles of it !!! My only consolation was that Joss lost the feeling in the lower half of her body with about 5 miles to go. Seriously - this was by far the toughest run. There was, however, that fantastic feeling of euphoria as it finished and that lasted a full 3 minutes or so. It was at that point that the endorphins faded away so the full horror of the pain of the run could get through. If I were to offer to swap my hips with Karrsey I swear he would have the worse of the deal!!. Still, stretching and a bath has managed to ease the pain and I can now sit here rather smug that I managed it. Just think, on the day, I'd only have another 9.2 miles to run.....

Training - Day 47

Rest day today and boy do I need it - feeling as nervous as I have ever felt about tomorrow's run - will my back hold up....

Training - Day 46

I was meant to go for a 30 minute jog to get over yesterday's sprints but I think now's the time to think of the run on saturday and whether my back will make it if I run today. So I decided on a 30 minute cycle and some stretching. There were lots of "strangers" on the stretching mats and I'm sure they didn't mind as I went over, picked up a mat and walked to the corner of the gym to do my stretching alone. Rude? Well, maybe. Joss has been really good to me today by driving around Poole trying to map out a new route so that we don't become bored during Saturday's 17 mile run. My only slight concern is that I've fallen foul of her "short-cuts" before - so I may be running the marathon ahead of schedule ;-)

Training - Day 45

I've looked at my last couple of posts - what a bleeding moaner! This was meant to be a great adventure, stretching myself to the limits and enjoying it. Right - back on track! Today it was 16 x 400m at 12 kmph with 2 minute breaks between each run. I had a murder / investigation book playing on my ipod and tried to concentrate and focus on what I was doing. You can tell the age of the other gym goers though as they found it rather harder to concentrate. Was it a celebrity training amongst us - no. Was it a new piece of gym equipment being unveiled - no. It was a man having good luck, opening boxes. Yes, someone did well on deal or no deal. A crowd of 6 women were gathered around the telly and at the end they were hugging each other as if they actually knew him. "He played a good game" one was heard to say, yes he did randomly ask people to open random boxes very well! Training was tough but I made it and may reward myself with a day off tomorrow....who knows?

Training - Day 44

Today the plan was to get up at 6:15, be in the gym for 7:00 and do some weights. What actually happened is that I woke at 6:45 and could only get out of bed backwards, with a fair amount of wimpering. It took 3 goes to get in the car successfully and a similar number to get out at work. But, slowly but surely, with the aid of painkilling tablets, gels and pads my back started to ease. By the afternoon I decided to go to the gym with Joss and was pleased to be able to get changed in the changing room without having to ask for help. Joss ran for 40 minutes while I sat on various weights' machines. I say sat - I did push the weights up and down and to the side but it wouldn't be honest to say it was a full workout. Had plenty of time for stretching though so hopefully building myself up for the sprints tomorrow. A wise man would probably give them a miss - but where's the fun in that.....

Training - Day 43

Not a good start to week 7. I spent yesterday evening lying on the floor but have woken up with still a bad back. I have been walking around looking like I've had an "accident" but, dosed up with painkillers I went for a jog down holes bay. The run itself wasn't too painful as long as I could run in a straight line - any deviation or side step sent shooting pains down my leg. Ran for about 40 minutes then spent the next hour or so getting my socks off. By the time I'd showered I'd started to seize up so after a further hour and a half I gave up on socks..and shoes...and trousers... Much chillyer afternoon than I had planned but home now and hopefully another evening lying motionless on the floor will work wonders.

Training - Day 42

Today was a rest day and we had booked a family badminton session up at the gym. I'm not saying that I am overly competitive (ahem!) but I now have a sore back and am taking anti-inflammatories to get me back on track for tomorrow's 40 minute jog. I feel frustrated - but I've only got myself to blame.....

Training - Day 41

It's arrived, the big run of the week, 15 miles!! I've spent no time researching alternative routes so I'm going with the usual route, twice. That's Creekmoor, past Upton House, down Blandford Road through Hamworthy, over the bridge, past Asda, along Holes bay, past McDonalds (smells so nice...), past the water works (smells not so nice...) past Cabot lane, up to Beechbank Road and back to Creekmoor - twice. Neither Joss nor I were looking forward to it and Joss had been ill in the week so was more wary than usual. I think it's important to try things in these training runs to see if they will help in the real thing, so I decided that as well as carrying water at my hip, I would carry an extra bottle of water in my hand, to get used to the weight. I now have a right forearm that Popeye would be proud of and a shoulder so sore that I can't reach up to scratch my ear. A limited success I think it's fair to say, but proved that I could do it. It was a hard, hard slog in the cold and the rain, boosted momentarily by Neil beeping loudly on his horn as he drove past. Luckily the windows were up so I couldn't hear him laughing - I was especially grateful because at that point I still had 8 miles to go - I'm just glad he didn't see me at the end. There was still time for some hilarity at the end as Joss and I attempted to 'stretch out' our aching limbs - we looked like badly made robots trying to gracefully get to the floor but without any moveable joints, so in fact we just tumbled like felled trees and lay there for 10 minutes or so justifying who was in more pain Kieren then came into the room with a look that said 'so this is the healthy option?'- you just had to laugh!!

Training - Day 40

Today was different from previous Friday's in that I could choose between 30 minutes x-Training or rest. I could say that as the car was in for an MOT I decided that I didn't have time to train - but that would be me in a great big lie. I had the time , just not the inclination. Legs are still aching and with the big run of the week coming tomorrow, I decided discretion was the better part of valour

Training - Day 39

When Kieren was ill yesterday evening, we thought it was a 1 off. Then Joss was ill this morning so it's an epedemic. Full of sympathy and empathy, I have managed to avoid them for most of the evening - I can't let it stop my training, can I? ;-) Today was a 30 minute jog and I'm starting to get concerned about whether I'm developing shin-splints - they really hurt throughout the workout. I did lots of stretching afterwards and soaked for ages in the bath but still don't know if I'll be ready for Saturday's run. It's a rest day tomorrow and they do say time is a great healer - I just wish I had a bit more of it...Still, if it was easy, what would be the point?

Training - Day 38

I've created a new game for the gym - you have heard of blind man's bluff, well this one is called "Brave Man's Bladder". Let me fill you in: Today the schedule had me down to do 14 x 400m sprints - no easy task by any means. Hence you need to make the task more 'interesting' so the preparation comes much earlier in the day. What you do is agree to do some tremendously boring task at work, which has to last the whole afternoon. In order to break the monotony, you take little breaks to the coffee area and fill up on tea and water. You then go to the gym and go onto the treadmill for an exercise that lasts 60 minutes. For the first 10, your calf muscles are screaming and your thighs hurt. The next 10 minutes are much the same but there starts to be a nagging feeling that something isn't going well and that you've forgotten something. At 30 minutes you have a Eurika moment - you haven't had a pre-match wee. Minutes 30-40 go by with much less emphasis on the legs and much more on the bladder. The last 20 minutes you seriously consider whether anyone would notice if you filled up the water bottle as you run but decide the mess you would make probably wouldn't go down well. Finally as the 60 minutes tick over, you leave the treadmill, double your speed to the toilets, leaving towels and bottles behind and leaving onlookers thinking there's been a fire drill. 60 minutes of pain - 10 minutes of bliss aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Training - Day 37

I had to make up some time in work today so didn't get to the gym until 5:30 ish for a 30 minute cycle. It was worse that I could have imagined - it was FULL of people!!! I'm not used to it and I don't like it!! The scene was like that from an American College film set where evryone goes to their allotted clan - you had all the sporty blokes in one corner, showing where the exercises work by constantly taking their shirts off. In the opposite corner are the you girls who have turned up in full make up without a bead of sweat between them. Then there are the old ladies walking backwards on the treadmills not quite sure what they're doing or how any of this electrickery works. And finally, the grumpy old blokes with ill-fitting gym clothes and a bad attitude to all around them. I found them, slotted in and felt at home......

Training - Day 36

It's almost as if I'm programmed to not learn. Another late schoolnight has meant a particularly unpleasant Monday - not that many Mondays are all that welcome. Feeling tired all day, I was pleased to leave work early (no surprise there) to firstly take Eloise home (as she is on crutches) and then to a 40 minute jog at the gym. Again Joss decided to show me up for running the same length of time as me. All through it I wasn't sure which I disliked the most: was it the aching knees, the nagging right leg or just the boredom of running on the spot for 40 minutes. I would run outside but the Saturday runs are pounding the joints so much I think the soft treadmills are the way forward. If I can get a good night's sleep I reckon I can find my enthusiasm again - I haven't checked down the back of the settee yet

Not Training - Day 35

Rest Day today so it's a lie in and relax day. A bit of shopping, visit the parents and then back home for a MEDICINAL glass of red wine - I've read there's concentrated vitamin C in it - Hoorraayy !

Training - Day 34

A sober night preceded this morning and I remembered everything that went wrong from last week. Make sure that all delicate parts were completely protected, and instead of tea, a nice pint of water (with some paracetamol) accompanied my porridge and banana. I decided to wear my Max Wall trousers and after much, much arguement Joss convinced me I didn't need to wear shorts over them. I was worried about modesty but the cold and the wind took care of that for me. I do think, however, that it was a little unnecessary for Joss to ride ahead of me wearing a placard with an arrow pointing to me and a sign saying "Nothing to see here". A hurt that cuts a little deeper when you realise that she wrote it BEFORE she knew what the weather was going to be like. Still away from that - 8 miles ran , powerade tried and successful, and it felt pretty good, apart from the afore mentioned wind which I think is safe to say, Joss especially did not like ;-)

Training - Day 33

Today was the first time I've ever played smelly-man chess. Surely you have heard of it - the rules are so simple. What you do, is go onto an end treadmill for a warm up in a completely empty gym. Then you wait 2-3 minutes to allow the smelly man (yes, same one from last week) to get on the treadmill next to you. Part of the fun is that ALL of the other treadmills are free, but he has still picked the one next to you - check. I castled by cutting the warm up short and moving to an upright bike. He then counters by leaving the treadmill and sitting on the bike RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU - check again. Master-stroke time - I then slapped the handlebars of the bike I was on and very audibly complained that it wasn't working properly and I deserved better from the membership fee. I then get off that bike and got on to another at the other end of the gym - he wasn't expecting that - check mate. Managed to cycle through 30 nervous minutes without further incident

Training - Day 32

I say training, but it is in fact the 2nd best day of the week - rest day. The Gods were smiling on me this morning as the alarm was forgotten, resulting in a full 45 minute lie in - bliss. Today has been a mostly hobbling day. Legs have ached - but no more than that. The fear that it could get worse was greater than the pain felt. Cycling tomorrow....

Training - Day 31

6 months ago I used to start running at 12 kmph and build upwards for 30 minutes. Since then I have been running longer and slower and so today's task of 6 x 400m at 12 kmph was absolute hell. I quickly ran out of breath and my legs killed - especially my calfs. My stride got so heavy that several times people right across the gym turned to make sure that the rampaging elephant that they heard didn't mow them down. Oh the shame of it!! The worry for me is that next wednesday I have to run 14 lots of 400m at this pace - how the blooming hell am I going to do that!!!!

Training - Day 30

Today was a x-train day so, even though I had a bad experience last week, I went for weights. Fully organised and prepared, I was in the gym by 7 a.m. and was glad to see it largely empty. One woman was on a bike, reading a book. As far as I'm concerned, if you're able to exercise AND read, your not exercising properly so I walked past her with a distainful look. 45 minutes later after exercising arms, back, chest and stomach I was glad to hit the mats. Someone was already on one of the mats so I cut off any chance of "friendliness" by dragging my mat to the other side of the room. Yes I know it's grumpy - but I hate small talk with people I don't know and the sooner people realise I'm not interested the better !! ;-)

Training - Day 29

Today was a 40 minute jog and I was definitely not looking forward to it. Went to the gym for the run as it's easier to monitor my speed. Getting changed every muscle in my legs / feet and even arms (?) ached. Audio book on full blast, I set off and you know what, this training lark might actually be working. What started as stabbing pains in feet and legs after 5 minutes started to ease and by 10 had completely gone. The last 30 was a comfortable jog - there must be method in the madness. The only annoying part was when stretching afterwards the managers decided to do a photo shoot right next to me (not at me obviously - they want to show the gym in a good light). Flashing blooming cameras all the time. There was no way that I was moving though so they had to adopt a football lineup stance to fit everyone into the space that was left next to me - that cheered me up no end Nothing funnier than seeing a dignatory squatting uncomfortably for their own ego ;-)

Training - Day 28

Spent last night celebrating the run with chips and wine. That was the mantra Joss and I chanted as we faced each hill or headwind. The true secret of my success. As a result, feeling a little sluggish today and grateful for the rest day that is a Sunday

Training Run - Day 27

So, today was the first outing for my new running pants and utiltiy holster style belt to carry my drink and energy gels. If I keep going at this rate I'll look like robocop by the time the race starts. The belt was a huge success and has given me confidence that I'll be able to carry all the stuff I'll need on race day. The pants were rather less successful - but you really don't want to know why. Maybe their first outing should have been on a lesser run that the 13 miles of today!!! I started off quicker than last week with the thought that I'd probably slow down to a reasonable pace which would stop me speeding up at the finish. The wind didn't help but the moans from Joss as she rode into its teeth served to buck me up. Again the last 2 miles were very painful and I wish that I didn't live on a hill becase all roads leading home are uphill and that is the last thing you need. Nothing quite matches that feeling of elation / relief when the 13 mile counter finally ticks over. The time was good but I was completely spent at the end. Stretching afterwards produced a level of tears / wimpering that really doesn't befit any one other than a six year old girl. A bath seemed to ease the pain it's just a shame that the batchroom is upstairs because it took me 20 minutes to negotiate the 15 steps downstairs. At this moment I simply can't envisage me running that far, turning around and running back. These next 13 weeks of training must be miracle workers

Training - Day 26

It takes all different sorts of things to wake different people in the morning. We've all got our preferences. Some people like the smell of coffee, some the sound of rain against the window. For me, it is the eye popping smell of an old man exercising next to me. That unmistakeable heady combination of tobacco, cumin and a trace of wee is just the sort of cocktail I need when I'm gasping for air whilst doing some weights. Difficult as it was through the tears in my eyes, I wished him a good workout as I hurried away to be sick. The only consolation was that he didn't follow me to the mats because my stretching takes ages and had he joined me at the start of it, it may well have finished me off. May have to rethink what I do on these Cross - Training days.....

Training - Day 25

REST DAY! REST DAY! REST DAY! How I look forward to Thursdays. I even managed to eat a running book-recommended bagel for lumch - life doesn't get much better than this!

Training - Day 24

It's surprising what 8 hours of uninterrupted alcohol - free sleep can do for you - I woke up feeling almost human - I did say almost.... Today was my first day of the year back at work so it came as an even greater pleasure to leave early to go to the gym. Today was interval speed runs - 12 x 400m with a 2 minute gap between each run. Much harder than yesterday - I must have looked a right fool though because at the end of each run I had to write the time down the time because by the time I'd downed some water I'd forget what time I had to start again. A mixture of adrenalin and old age I guess. The age theory was confirmed as I pulled a calf muscle whilst doing the stretching exercises designed to stop me pulling muscles. I don't think it's too bad though and tomorrow is a rest day so should be ok

Training - Day 23

So last night was the last night of my holiday. The kids were going to school today though so it meant a 6:30 rise. The only sensible way forward would be an early night....but the cricket's on, surely watching an over or so wouldn't harm? So, at 2 am I figure now's the time to get to bed and after an hour of getting to sleep and 3.5 hours solid sleep I awoke thoroughly exhausted. Just the right condition for the 30 minute cycle. I waded through treacle for the full 30 minutes and after Joss woke me up on the stretching mats I was glad I had done it. Hopefully tomorrow's sprints will involve more sweating and less snoring....

Training - Day 22

It's official - I've hurt my foot. To be fair it wasn't bad through today's 40 min jog but this evening the top of my left foot is aching. I do admit that sitting through AFCB nervously winning today as both feet froze over may have had something to do with it but it's worth it for a win. At the gym 2 women started to cycle in front of me and for the 20 minutes they were there, not a bead of sweat was shed between them and I was thankful my audio book drowned out their constant chatting. If you want to get fit, go to the gym, if you want to catch up, bu$$er off to the coffee shop.

Training - Day 21

Yes, I know it's my fault. I have re-read the running book and I can't find the page that says ifyou miss any training through illness you can make it up by running 11 miles like a madman. So, the pain in my foot and my hip probably could have been avoided. Still it's a rest day today so won't know the full extent of my stupidity until tomorrow - I can't wait !!!

Training - Day 20

Every Saturday is a big training day - and today is the biggest so far. I've followed all the recommended techniques - stayed up late - check, drank loads of wine the night before - check. The alarm went off at 8 and I was eating my porridge by 8:30. At least that part went to plan. Run time was 10:15 and we needed all of that time to get me, Joss and Betty the bike ready. Weather was perfect for running but today's 11 miles would be the longest I'd ever run. Betty has a basket on the front and it was full of water and carb gels to get us through. The hardest part for Joss was balancing whilst holding out a drink or gel for me - we had a couple of handovers dodgier than the the UK relay team but no casualties. We went from home, to Upton, through Hamworthy, back to home then around Creekmoor to finish. With 3 miles to go my over-confidence spilled over and I thought I could have a little bit of a sprint finish. That lasted a creditable mile and a half before my legs asked "Excuse me, but what do you think you are doing?". So that last 1.5 miles was blooming agony, not helped by a steep inclined finish. But I am alive and only slightly walking like the 100 year old that my legs feel - tomorrow's a rest day - thank goodness!