On November 29th I ran the Seattle Marathon in support of Cancer Research. They are one of the world's leading charities feeding money to Doctors, scientists and researchers to try and help those with cancer, and prevent you from ever suffering from it yourself. You may donate a small amount to Cancer Research by clicking here www.justgiving.com/SecretinSeattle.
I starting training for the marathon exactly six months ago. I didn't stick rigidly to the training schedule, but I got through it all, in secret. Why in secret? In case I failed and looked stupid, but also to surprise my Mum on her birthday, all money raised is being donated to Cancer Research in her name.
I know what you are thinking, "there is no way Al ran a marathon, he can barely tie his shoe laces and the only trainers he's ever owned are Converse!"
I did, it hurt, and here's the story.
Monday, 30 November 2009
FOUR HOURS, FORTY FIVE MINUTES AND TWELVE SECONDS
I did it!
Yesterday morning I got out of bed at 6am, walked across a cold Seattle to the start line and ran 26.2 miles.
I hardly slept the night before, I was definitely nervous about the time of reckoning approaching - but once I got into the crowds of spectators and other runners it all just seemed a bit surreal. The race started at 8.15am, I crossed the line about two minutes after that and we were away.
I'd purposely started at the back of the crowd, I didn't want to get passed by all the fast runners immediately, but I soon found that I was overtaking a good number of people. I got talking to an English guy at the second mile marker - he saw my Saltire on my chest and I saw the Union Flag on his fully loaded army backpack that he was heefing around.
The course went straight down 5th Avenue to the Interstate, where we ran out to Mercer Island and back. It was good to see the lead runners coming back the other way, and it made me realise that I wasn't going that slowly compared to everyone else. Ish. The route is here if you are interested.
The furthest I'd ever run before was 17.5 miles, so as we were heading past Kurt Cobain's clay pigeon coops there was a huge leap into the unknown. I'm proud to say that I completed my main objective for the race. I ran every step. Even in the last six miles where the organisers threw in some huge hills, I ran up and back down them again. I even caught up with the 4.45hr pacing group, then they overtook me again, but I was running and that's the main part. To finish at all is surprising/satisfying, to do it in less than five hours is amazing, to be just twelve seconds over the 4.45hr mark is inexplicible.
So I kept this a secret for six months, in case I failed. I didn't, so now I'm going to email everyone I know to try and raise some money for Cancer Research. If you would like to donate, clicky here www.justgiving.com/secretinseattle. If you would like to buy me dinner and hear the full story...well more fool you.
Happy Birthday Mum, the medal is in the post.
Yesterday morning I got out of bed at 6am, walked across a cold Seattle to the start line and ran 26.2 miles.
I hardly slept the night before, I was definitely nervous about the time of reckoning approaching - but once I got into the crowds of spectators and other runners it all just seemed a bit surreal. The race started at 8.15am, I crossed the line about two minutes after that and we were away.
I'd purposely started at the back of the crowd, I didn't want to get passed by all the fast runners immediately, but I soon found that I was overtaking a good number of people. I got talking to an English guy at the second mile marker - he saw my Saltire on my chest and I saw the Union Flag on his fully loaded army backpack that he was heefing around.
The course went straight down 5th Avenue to the Interstate, where we ran out to Mercer Island and back. It was good to see the lead runners coming back the other way, and it made me realise that I wasn't going that slowly compared to everyone else. Ish. The route is here if you are interested.
The furthest I'd ever run before was 17.5 miles, so as we were heading past Kurt Cobain's clay pigeon coops there was a huge leap into the unknown. I'm proud to say that I completed my main objective for the race. I ran every step. Even in the last six miles where the organisers threw in some huge hills, I ran up and back down them again. I even caught up with the 4.45hr pacing group, then they overtook me again, but I was running and that's the main part. To finish at all is surprising/satisfying, to do it in less than five hours is amazing, to be just twelve seconds over the 4.45hr mark is inexplicible.
So I kept this a secret for six months, in case I failed. I didn't, so now I'm going to email everyone I know to try and raise some money for Cancer Research. If you would like to donate, clicky here www.justgiving.com/secretinseattle. If you would like to buy me dinner and hear the full story...well more fool you.
Happy Birthday Mum, the medal is in the post.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Highlights
I realise that there is a lot of text on the page here, most of it is waffle that I got down onto paper to motivate my geeky little self, but there are some posts that are worth reading to flesh out my six month story. By all means read the whole thing, but here are some edited highlights. Don't forget the whole page is in reverse chronological order.
It Begins, But Will It End?
Mixed Bag
Proof
Fail
There IS Another Way
Not On The Run
Back
Unicorns and Pixies
17.5 Miles Don't You Know
Almost Enjoyable
Yer Update
It Begins, But Will It End?
Mixed Bag
Proof
Fail
There IS Another Way
Not On The Run
Back
Unicorns and Pixies
17.5 Miles Don't You Know
Almost Enjoyable
Yer Update
The Night Before
So today I've been walking around Seattle doing my best to be a tourist, taking a couple of photos and walking around galleries etc. What I've really been doing is trying to distract myself from the insanity that is the task tomorrow.
As I was walking alone 3rd Avenue it struck me that I'm running a sodding marathon tomorrow. I nearly had a panic attack, even now writing this I can feel the adrenaline kicking in. It's not fear, but it's not nerves either. I guess it's just anxiety.
It's do or die.
Sink or swim.
Run or fail.
Wish me luck, because I don't want to have to train longer to complete another race if tomorrow doesn't go well.
For the last time, No Snickering.
As I was walking alone 3rd Avenue it struck me that I'm running a sodding marathon tomorrow. I nearly had a panic attack, even now writing this I can feel the adrenaline kicking in. It's not fear, but it's not nerves either. I guess it's just anxiety.
It's do or die.
Sink or swim.
Run or fail.
Wish me luck, because I don't want to have to train longer to complete another race if tomorrow doesn't go well.
For the last time, No Snickering.
Friday, 27 November 2009
It's Getting Worse
It's midnight on Thursday, I've been in bed for four days. I should have been enjoying short runs and fresh air, but I can't even sleep.
My cold is definitely getting worse, I've to be up and out of bed in six and a half hours to get the coach to Seattle. Even the night flu remedy pill isn't working.
I've decided that if I don't finish the race on Sunday I'll keep quiet and entry another marathon in 2010.
Sincerely hope I don't have to.
No Snickering.
My cold is definitely getting worse, I've to be up and out of bed in six and a half hours to get the coach to Seattle. Even the night flu remedy pill isn't working.
I've decided that if I don't finish the race on Sunday I'll keep quiet and entry another marathon in 2010.
Sincerely hope I don't have to.
No Snickering.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Three days
Three days to go, the last three days spent in bed with a cold.
Am I fit enough to pick up a 50 quid note? Yes.
Am I fit enough to go to work, hypothetically? Just about.
Am I fit enough to run around Seattle for five hours with an estimated temperature of 10'C in swimming shorts and an Aussie singlet? I leave tomorrow morning, we will find out.
Am I fit enough to pick up a 50 quid note? Yes.
Am I fit enough to go to work, hypothetically? Just about.
Am I fit enough to run around Seattle for five hours with an estimated temperature of 10'C in swimming shorts and an Aussie singlet? I leave tomorrow morning, we will find out.
No Snickering.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Colder and Colderer
I've stayed in bed for the last two days, apart from a two hour goose chase around the city by bus, but I can feel myself getting worse.
I'm grumpy (more grumpy), I can't sleep well, I'm feverish and my throat is about to close up.
I've searched online for advice on what to do in this situation, and the rule of thumb is "If it is above the throat, run. If it below the throat, run and possibly move the infection into your lungs and ultimately your heart endangering your life." See these Americans and their namby pamby "it's OK to fail" attitude?
It also says that if you are ill and capable picking up a £50 note up from the ground, it's not the flu. It's not the flu, but what I'm doing isn't quite free money.
I joked about getting ill and having an excuse, I'll be gutted if I can't go.
No Snickering.
I'm grumpy (more grumpy), I can't sleep well, I'm feverish and my throat is about to close up.
I've searched online for advice on what to do in this situation, and the rule of thumb is "If it is above the throat, run. If it below the throat, run and possibly move the infection into your lungs and ultimately your heart endangering your life." See these Americans and their namby pamby "it's OK to fail" attitude?
It also says that if you are ill and capable picking up a £50 note up from the ground, it's not the flu. It's not the flu, but what I'm doing isn't quite free money.
I joked about getting ill and having an excuse, I'll be gutted if I can't go.
No Snickering.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Baby It's Cold Outside, and In.
Everything is in place;
I believe I've done enough training to get through the race,
Possibly enough training to finish in under five hours,
I've booked travel,
I've booked accommodation,
I've changed my accomodation,
I've missed the online registration for the marathon,
I've found out that there are no-limits on the number of participants,
I've bought Vaseline,
I've bought tape,
I've bought energy Gu.
I've maybe got a cold coming on.
In my lovely circle of friends, all courtesy of JenCor, there have been a couple of people with very bad colds - we've all joked that it's pig flu, but it actually might have been. The three effected have been laid out in bed unable to do anything for days, and yesterday I got a tell tale feeling in my throat.
I don't know for sure that I'm coming down with anything, but I'm not taking any chances.
I'm staying in bed.
I've ran before with a 'bit of a cold' and it is terrible, so hopefully by eating lots of pasta, staying in bed and resting I'll stave off the cold. Hopefully I'm not just delaying it. I'm not going to cancel if I can get out of bed, but it will make the whole weekend an even more horrible experience.
No Snickering.
I believe I've done enough training to get through the race,
Possibly enough training to finish in under five hours,
I've booked travel,
I've booked accommodation,
I've changed my accomodation,
I've missed the online registration for the marathon,
I've found out that there are no-limits on the number of participants,
I've bought Vaseline,
I've bought tape,
I've bought energy Gu.
I've maybe got a cold coming on.
In my lovely circle of friends, all courtesy of JenCor, there have been a couple of people with very bad colds - we've all joked that it's pig flu, but it actually might have been. The three effected have been laid out in bed unable to do anything for days, and yesterday I got a tell tale feeling in my throat.
I don't know for sure that I'm coming down with anything, but I'm not taking any chances.
I'm staying in bed.
I've ran before with a 'bit of a cold' and it is terrible, so hopefully by eating lots of pasta, staying in bed and resting I'll stave off the cold. Hopefully I'm not just delaying it. I'm not going to cancel if I can get out of bed, but it will make the whole weekend an even more horrible experience.
No Snickering.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Almost Enjoyable
Saturday, eight days to go. I knew that I had to get out there and put in another fairly lengthy run before Seattle, so today seemed like as good a day as any, factoring for injury and recovery and all that.
Blah blah run. Blah blah run run blah.
Pat the Trutch practically promised me that it wasn't going to rain this afternoon. He was wrong - I got soaked through but luckily it was a balmy 5'C which kept me going fine.
Anyandalltheroads, a pretty good run, even thought the route was lined with brass monkeys, I wore gloves for the first time which was great - until they got soaked and made it all worse. I've not mapped it as I've done the route before - I've just worked out that I ran 13.6 miles in 2 hours 15 mins.
That's a half marathon.
Again.
Bosh.
Off for a film, curry, a beer and some Class A drugs.
Well, probably more than one beer.
No Snickering.
Blah blah run. Blah blah run run blah.
Pat the Trutch practically promised me that it wasn't going to rain this afternoon. He was wrong - I got soaked through but luckily it was a balmy 5'C which kept me going fine.
Anyandalltheroads, a pretty good run, even thought the route was lined with brass monkeys, I wore gloves for the first time which was great - until they got soaked and made it all worse. I've not mapped it as I've done the route before - I've just worked out that I ran 13.6 miles in 2 hours 15 mins.
That's a half marathon.
Again.
Bosh.
Off for a film, curry, a beer and some Class A drugs.
Well, probably more than one beer.
No Snickering.
Friday, 20 November 2009
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Cold
Damn cold today. Also had to see a lady about a dog, so I just ran 50mins - Granville Island and back.
Knee Worries.
Oh come on!
No Snickering.
Knee Worries.
Oh come on!
No Snickering.
OPEN!
Hi there,
I've put off my registration for your event until I was given the all clear by my Doctor to take part, and I now see that online registration has closed.
As I have to travel down from Vancouver, is there anyway to guarantee a place will be available for me when I register at the Expo?
Yours Hopefully,
Alan
Hi Alan,
Thank you for your interest in the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon!
There is no registration cap or limit, and therefore, your spot for the marathon/half marathon guaranteed as long as you can make it to the hours of EXPO.
EXPO
Friday, Nov. 27 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 28 11 am – 7 pm
(free and open to the public)
Registration/Packet Pickup
Friday, Nov. 27 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 28 11 am – 8 pm
The Westin Seattle
4th Floor, Grand Ballroom
1900 Fifth Avenue
Downtown Seattle
Glad to have you joining us for this year's event, and we'll see you soon!
Damn it - I need a new excuse now. One of my new housemates has got a really bad cold....hmm.
No Snickering
CLOSED!
Online registration for the marathon has closed.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEENNRNRNERN@!E#!!$%@%$@%
I can now choose to go to Seattle on spec, and hope I can get a place in the race there.
I can't believe this.
No Snickering
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEENNRNRNERN@!E#!!$%@%$@%
I can now choose to go to Seattle on spec, and hope I can get a place in the race there.
I can't believe this.
No Snickering
Rubbish Soup
So with just ten days until I attempt to run a marathon - what am I doing? Training hard, eating vegetables and sourcing vaseline?
You'd think so, but I'm not training hard. Once again, as I've managed 17.5 miles I know think that this is all a breeze and I've nothing to worry about. Had a bottle of wine and a huge takeaway meal last night too, plus I can't find a small pot of vaseline. I don't want to be that guy who has a pot of vaseline just kicking about the house. I want a small pot of lubricant that I can use in the next week and a half then be done with.
I am however, trying to eat properly, last night aside. I'm currently struggling my way through a bowl of "Scotch Broth". It's not. There is no whisky in it for a start. I've basically loaded it up with seasoning so it now resides somewhere between the Dead Sea and my Dad's celery soup, which I have to drown with pepper to make it go down. It's made of celery, then watered down! Sorry Dad, but it's not for me.
Training - should and will go out for a run this afternoon. False Creek loop in the rain, which is about six miles from memory. Hopefully it'll go better than two days ago.
I need to book this whole marathon thing in now I think.
No Snickering.
You'd think so, but I'm not training hard. Once again, as I've managed 17.5 miles I know think that this is all a breeze and I've nothing to worry about. Had a bottle of wine and a huge takeaway meal last night too, plus I can't find a small pot of vaseline. I don't want to be that guy who has a pot of vaseline just kicking about the house. I want a small pot of lubricant that I can use in the next week and a half then be done with.
I am however, trying to eat properly, last night aside. I'm currently struggling my way through a bowl of "Scotch Broth". It's not. There is no whisky in it for a start. I've basically loaded it up with seasoning so it now resides somewhere between the Dead Sea and my Dad's celery soup, which I have to drown with pepper to make it go down. It's made of celery, then watered down! Sorry Dad, but it's not for me.
Training - should and will go out for a run this afternoon. False Creek loop in the rain, which is about six miles from memory. Hopefully it'll go better than two days ago.
I need to book this whole marathon thing in now I think.
No Snickering.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
F.N.B.O.O
Today was already a crap day at 10am, so I thought a wee E Mall loop would be a nice wee run to make it all better.
I started at too fast a pace, I've hurt my right knee and ankle now, and I stopped at just the anchor monument. Jogged back and now away to take loads of drugs to make myself feel better.
Boo Tuesday 17th. F N boo.
No Snickering.
I started at too fast a pace, I've hurt my right knee and ankle now, and I stopped at just the anchor monument. Jogged back and now away to take loads of drugs to make myself feel better.
Boo Tuesday 17th. F N boo.
No Snickering.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
17.5 Miles Don't You Know.
I'll have you know I'm delighted with that. That's the same as running from Edinburgh Castle to Haddington.
Doing the science bit reveals that if I can run at the same pace I should complete he whole marathon in less than five hours. In theory.
All I have to do is the Trutch to East Mall loop twice then the False Creek loop, and that's the marathon covered. Will I? No! I'm only doing this once and where's the fun in getting to Seattle knowing I've done the distance before. Everyone says it's a race of two halfs, the first twenty miles and the last six.
I like a challange, sometimes.
No Snickering
Doing the science bit reveals that if I can run at the same pace I should complete he whole marathon in less than five hours. In theory.
All I have to do is the Trutch to East Mall loop twice then the False Creek loop, and that's the marathon covered. Will I? No! I'm only doing this once and where's the fun in getting to Seattle knowing I've done the distance before. Everyone says it's a race of two halfs, the first twenty miles and the last six.
I like a challange, sometimes.
No Snickering
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Unicorns and Pixies
After the last update I had a serious think about what I was doing and why, and I feel a lot better for it.
I created my justgiving page (www.justgiving.com/secretinseattle) and by writing the plea for donations I feel remotivated, knowing that I'm not destroying my knees for no reason, not just on a whim that started in Australia on a bored Tuesday morning.
I really should thank Mr King for his working practice theories - get it done and do what you like around that time. Well that's what I took from him, and that's what allowed the first 10 or so posts here to be written. I was invited to Dinner with the Dicksons, the first proper meal I've had in a long time, followed by some cracking cheese on toast. In the morning I had a proper breakfast in the Trutch. All this nutrition must have been good for me, as I had the energy to run for THREE HOURS AND FIFTEEN MINUTES NONSTOP.
Muck fe, it wasn't even that hard. I listened to both Sarah mixes, a new Chopup I've made here and Radio Soulwax Pt3, before heading to some Primal Scream and finishing back at my favourite bench with Mr
Brightside and Juicebox.
I've not been able to map the run accurately yet, and I don't know when I will be able to (though seeing as no-one knows about this blog and won't until Dec 1st it doesn't really matter) but as a rough estimate I believe I covered SIXTEEN MILES. That's Trutch to East Mall and back, in for a drink and Advil (best idea ever), then around False Creek, back over Burrard Bridge and home to Trutch. I just kept going, and though I was tired and a bit achy today, it has renewed my positivity in maybe being able to finish in Seattle.
Originally I had wanted to complete the marathon in around four hours, but I now realise that finishing in that time isn't going to happen. If my estimate of 16 miles is correct I am paced for the marathon at about five and a half hours. Five hours would be great, but as all the books I read in Australia told me, for a lazy fat bastard to finish at all having started with the fitness of a wet couch just six months ago is pretty good.
I just hope I can walk after all this.
No Snickering.
I created my justgiving page (www.justgiving.com/secretinseattle) and by writing the plea for donations I feel remotivated, knowing that I'm not destroying my knees for no reason, not just on a whim that started in Australia on a bored Tuesday morning.
I really should thank Mr King for his working practice theories - get it done and do what you like around that time. Well that's what I took from him, and that's what allowed the first 10 or so posts here to be written. I was invited to Dinner with the Dicksons, the first proper meal I've had in a long time, followed by some cracking cheese on toast. In the morning I had a proper breakfast in the Trutch. All this nutrition must have been good for me, as I had the energy to run for THREE HOURS AND FIFTEEN MINUTES NONSTOP.
Muck fe, it wasn't even that hard. I listened to both Sarah mixes, a new Chopup I've made here and Radio Soulwax Pt3, before heading to some Primal Scream and finishing back at my favourite bench with Mr
Brightside and Juicebox.
I've not been able to map the run accurately yet, and I don't know when I will be able to (though seeing as no-one knows about this blog and won't until Dec 1st it doesn't really matter) but as a rough estimate I believe I covered SIXTEEN MILES. That's Trutch to East Mall and back, in for a drink and Advil (best idea ever), then around False Creek, back over Burrard Bridge and home to Trutch. I just kept going, and though I was tired and a bit achy today, it has renewed my positivity in maybe being able to finish in Seattle.
Originally I had wanted to complete the marathon in around four hours, but I now realise that finishing in that time isn't going to happen. If my estimate of 16 miles is correct I am paced for the marathon at about five and a half hours. Five hours would be great, but as all the books I read in Australia told me, for a lazy fat bastard to finish at all having started with the fitness of a wet couch just six months ago is pretty good.
I just hope I can walk after all this.
No Snickering.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
17 days to go
Last night I walked 15 miles just for the crack, I started walking and only turned for home when it felt right. Today I have two blisters which is my poor excuse for not running today.
Poor excuses this week:
Tuesday - Don't have time before going out to dinner and drinks. Plus I'll run on Thurs, Fri and Sun.
Wednesday - Hungover, though walk almost made up for it.
Thursday - Blisters and tired even though I slept 10pm through 11am last night.
Friday - Unicorns and pixies probably.
The long walk wasn't a bother, legs ached slightly but nothing to write about (sic). The 12.5 miles I managed last week was hard, and I don't know if realistically I could have forced myself to keep going for the same distance again. It's dawning on me how far 26 miles is. Less than three weeks away, in a city I've never visited before. I'm doubting if I can do it. I don't want to fail. I want to complete the race, but I'm sitting here making excuses to not go out and practice. I'm shying away from it because it's hard, as usual. One of the ideas behind this was to stick at it, something challanging, and feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of it.
What I'm actually doing is the bare minimum and thinking about crying off from it. Maybe this is just a bad day, I've not eaten much in the last few days so my energy is down - I've partied quite hard the last two nights as well so maybe tomorrow will be better and positive.
I can't think of anything worse than doing this Seattle Marathon and failing. This is going to be my Mum's birthday present, and what am I going to do if I can't make it 26 miles around the city?
Maybe I should run it, and if I fail I might learn something from it.
Definitely No Snickering today.
Poor excuses this week:
Tuesday - Don't have time before going out to dinner and drinks. Plus I'll run on Thurs, Fri and Sun.
Wednesday - Hungover, though walk almost made up for it.
Thursday - Blisters and tired even though I slept 10pm through 11am last night.
Friday - Unicorns and pixies probably.
The long walk wasn't a bother, legs ached slightly but nothing to write about (sic). The 12.5 miles I managed last week was hard, and I don't know if realistically I could have forced myself to keep going for the same distance again. It's dawning on me how far 26 miles is. Less than three weeks away, in a city I've never visited before. I'm doubting if I can do it. I don't want to fail. I want to complete the race, but I'm sitting here making excuses to not go out and practice. I'm shying away from it because it's hard, as usual. One of the ideas behind this was to stick at it, something challanging, and feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of it.
What I'm actually doing is the bare minimum and thinking about crying off from it. Maybe this is just a bad day, I've not eaten much in the last few days so my energy is down - I've partied quite hard the last two nights as well so maybe tomorrow will be better and positive.
I can't think of anything worse than doing this Seattle Marathon and failing. This is going to be my Mum's birthday present, and what am I going to do if I can't make it 26 miles around the city?
Maybe I should run it, and if I fail I might learn something from it.
Definitely No Snickering today.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Monday, 9 November 2009
Can't talk
2.75 Miles in .41 hours - 6.7 mph
6.5 in .67 - 9.7 mph
8.17 in 1.35 - 6 mph
6.5 in .67 - 9.7 mph
8.17 in 1.35 - 6 mph
No Snickering
Friday, 6 November 2009
The Day After is Knee too Bad After Half All
Just a quicky, I was predicting paralysis but the knee isn't too bad. It hurts, but it's not locked solids as I thought it might.
I've been doing different stretches before and after the runs, so I guess that is helping tremendously. I've also discovered that Advil is essentially Ibuprofin (sp?), which helps for the swelling and pain. Can I take it before/during/after a race? Is that doping?
Away to book accomodation, but not the race quite yet. Only three weeks and two days to go, but after the length and pain of yesterday I'm only 75% that it's doable. I'll have to set a D-Day, as it'd be horrible for the marathon in Seattle to be overbooked.
No Snickering.
I've been doing different stretches before and after the runs, so I guess that is helping tremendously. I've also discovered that Advil is essentially Ibuprofin (sp?), which helps for the swelling and pain. Can I take it before/during/after a race? Is that doping?
Away to book accomodation, but not the race quite yet. Only three weeks and two days to go, but after the length and pain of yesterday I'm only 75% that it's doable. I'll have to set a D-Day, as it'd be horrible for the marathon in Seattle to be overbooked.
No Snickering.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Back
OW ouch etc.
Got lost on the way into Stanley Park, so I ran around Beaver Lake instead. Could not go on after Burrard bridge on the way back, I made it directly underneath before I quit through cronic leg pain.
It's going to be HELL on LEGS tomorrow, don't see me getting out the house.
I've also discovered that the Gu Gels are pretty good, they give an instant mental boost and offer 150 calories of refined sugar, so the body basically gets a half hour turbo charge - will experiment more.
Also discovered that this is going to take more than will power, I set out to finish a half marathon today, and I found myself making up excuses in my head as to why I should stop. Pain mainly, but I can't simply say I'll finish the full thing no matter what because the body doesn't work that way. Very disappointed in myself.
Literally just back in, legs are on fire, egg and sausage burrito consumed, and I thought I'd update the map to show my short comings and the change in route.
Turns out that Beaver Lake is smaller, but further away making up the difference. The First Aid symbol is where I stopped running, I ran ALL the way up to that point in 2 hours 24 mins, then walked/cried back to 3230 in a total of 3 hours.
The First Aid Point is 12.52 MILES. That's 0.6 miles away from a half marathon. That's just 1km.
I'm taking that. I'm delighted and slightly emotional.
Here it is..
No Snickering.
Got lost on the way into Stanley Park, so I ran around Beaver Lake instead. Could not go on after Burrard bridge on the way back, I made it directly underneath before I quit through cronic leg pain.
It's going to be HELL on LEGS tomorrow, don't see me getting out the house.
I've also discovered that the Gu Gels are pretty good, they give an instant mental boost and offer 150 calories of refined sugar, so the body basically gets a half hour turbo charge - will experiment more.
Also discovered that this is going to take more than will power, I set out to finish a half marathon today, and I found myself making up excuses in my head as to why I should stop. Pain mainly, but I can't simply say I'll finish the full thing no matter what because the body doesn't work that way. Very disappointed in myself.
Literally just back in, legs are on fire, egg and sausage burrito consumed, and I thought I'd update the map to show my short comings and the change in route.
Turns out that Beaver Lake is smaller, but further away making up the difference. The First Aid symbol is where I stopped running, I ran ALL the way up to that point in 2 hours 24 mins, then walked/cried back to 3230 in a total of 3 hours.
The First Aid Point is 12.52 MILES. That's 0.6 miles away from a half marathon. That's just 1km.
I'm taking that. I'm delighted and slightly emotional.
Here it is..
No Snickering.
I may be some time
I didn't go on the half marathon run on Tuesday as Special, Brighton and I had a very messy Monday.
I'm going now.
It's raining, I've not eaten, it's dark and I'm wearing sunglasses.
Hit it.
No Snickering.
I'm going now.
It's raining, I've not eaten, it's dark and I'm wearing sunglasses.
Hit it.
No Snickering.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Knee Problems Pal
That is supposed to be a pun. As in "Nae problems pal".
Doesn't work does it?
The reason for the pun is that after the 8km run, my knees were NOT knackered! Don't know what the difference was/is, but I wasn't sore at all. I was overheating either through lack of fluids or simply as I had a thick cotton t-shirt on in humidish weather, but otherwise 8km was knee bother.
Oh come on, it's still not working for you?
How about this: this is a half marathon distance. This is where I should be in the original schedule. If we ignore the 6 week (minimum) gap in the training then I'm a living deity. If I can manage the distance. I'm doing it tomorrow afternoon, rain or shine. I've even bought some energy gels to give me a boost along the way. I'll bet my knee hurts on Wednesday.
In other news, I'm off the booze until St Andrew's day. Going to Seattle 27th Nov - 1st Dec, St Andrew is the day after the race, although I'll probably have a beer on the 29th if I can lift my arms.
Well done to Marsha who finished the NYC marathon this weekend. No news on the time/condition of Ruskie knees, but no doubt a solid effort by a top young lady.
Here's the run, half now, half later, see what happens.
Doesn't work does it?
The reason for the pun is that after the 8km run, my knees were NOT knackered! Don't know what the difference was/is, but I wasn't sore at all. I was overheating either through lack of fluids or simply as I had a thick cotton t-shirt on in humidish weather, but otherwise 8km was knee bother.
Oh come on, it's still not working for you?
How about this: this is a half marathon distance. This is where I should be in the original schedule. If we ignore the 6 week (minimum) gap in the training then I'm a living deity. If I can manage the distance. I'm doing it tomorrow afternoon, rain or shine. I've even bought some energy gels to give me a boost along the way. I'll bet my knee hurts on Wednesday.
In other news, I'm off the booze until St Andrew's day. Going to Seattle 27th Nov - 1st Dec, St Andrew is the day after the race, although I'll probably have a beer on the 29th if I can lift my arms.
Well done to Marsha who finished the NYC marathon this weekend. No news on the time/condition of Ruskie knees, but no doubt a solid effort by a top young lady.
Here's the run, half now, half later, see what happens.
No Snickering.
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