Well I'm still alive... just! What an experience, physically, mentally and spiritually. I have to say that London in the 20 degree sunshine is a truly beautiful and majestic place and the residents who live along the marathon route and the thousands who come to watch really show how accommodating, supportive and entertaining they can be. People open their homes to the runners and hand out sweets, food and carb drinks that they have bought with their own money. We are one and it makes you very proud.
The London Marathon experience is one slick operation. It's so well organized, from registration at the EXPO (no queues, in and out in 3 mins) to the pre-race bag drop, toilets, tannoys, marshalls, water stations, advice, instructions and build up that lasts until the starting gun. Then your standing-shuffling-walking then jogging and across the line you go.
For me it had to be about the experience and pretty much all the way through I kept telling myself this and trying to take it all in. After all I'd only had 6 weeks training and was still wearing my 6 year old beaten up cross-trainers so it was never going to be a record breaking time trial. So for the first 13 miles I held my pace whilst all those around me were overtaking. I can certainly see how easy it would be to get carried away with the whole day and set off too fast as you kind of get dragged along with everyone elses pace - something I was conscious not to do.
I was told that the "race" (if you can call it that from my perspective) is all about the second 13 miles and how true that was. I pretty much maintained my reasonable pace and found myself overtaking a lot of the runners who had so enthusiastically overtaken me at the beginning and all was going well until about 19 miles when my left knee popped and pretty much stopped me in my tracks. So I stopped, tried to bend my knees and stretch them out but the pain was excruciating. My quads felt like someone had stabbed me in both of them and my left knee felt in pieces. I was almost in tears.
I tried to walk but even that felt impossible. Fellow runners offered encouragement but the pain persisted. Fortunately I'd brought some pain killers with me so I popped two of them and walked for half a mile or so before feeling like I could carry on. When I started running again everything felt a lot better and only stopped again when I heard the shrieks of "SSSTTTTTUUUUUUUU!!!!!!" from my wife and her family - it was just the lift I needed. A quick kiss, and cuddle with Gem and Reece and I was off again.
The last few miles felt dragged out (every mile literally felt like 2) but I knew I was nearly there. 800m to go... 600m to go and then I hit the gas, especially when I saw some guy dressed as Pingu in front of me, sod that I thought and sprinted past him only to see two guys dressed as roman soldiers, nope I aint being beaten by them either so sprinted past them and crossed the finishing line, hands held high for the best photo finish I could muster.
After collecting my medal and bag I then hobbled the mile or so to our meeting place and finally slumped down on the ground, cuddled by a joyous Gem and Reece - perfection!!
Looking back there is so much to remember. When the "red" start meets up with the blue and green start it really is a sight to behold and despite the hot weather it gave me a shiver. The shivers like this came think and fast throughout; the crowds encouragement throughout but especially in the second half was priceless (com'on Stuey!!); the beauty of tower bridge and the crowds; the skyscrapers at canary wharf; the hundreds of street bands and parties; seeing Gem & Reece at 22 miles; the London Eye; Big Ben; thousands of supportive fellow runners; the Children with Leukaemia team; The Mall... My problem at the moment is I have vast patches which I can't remember but I have been told that they will come back. It's probably my mind and body's way of desperately trying to forget!
My closing thought on this whole experience is really summed up in the words of a sign that someone was holding near the end of the run yesterday, it said "The pain and agony is temporary, the glory and memories will last forever".
Monday, 18 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Standing... on the edge of forever... At the start of...
So this is it... this is what it's all been about. One man battling against one man - himself...
If the work has been done they say that the day should be fun (well about as much fun as running 26.2 miles can be I suppose!). I've read blogs, reports and chatted to fellow runners on twitter about the day and they all say that the atmosphere is like a carnival, that the rush from the crowd carries you on (literally please!!) and that there is no feeling quite like it. However the actual London marathon news magazine actually says that if you "can't run 15 miles comfortably then you should not run". Can I?... probably(ish)...
Bollocks to everything... I've done all I can, run and trained as much as I can whilst juggling my life of running a business, raising a family, supporting a very heavily pregnant wife and being in a band. I would say "ah but it's been fun" but it hasn't. What I am proud of though is my body and how it's coped with cramming such a lot of training into such a short period of time. I've gone against all professional advice and rapidly increased my mileage week on week without giving my body time to adjust and aclimatise to the rigors of long distance road running and it's just coped and taken it.
Tomorrow I will be setting, without a shadow of a doubt, a PB (personal best) - more for the fact that this will be my first (and I can safely say last) marathon rather than the speed in which I shall complete it. Saying that everyone I speak to says it is quite addictive - pah... cigarettes and alcohol are addictive, what do they know! Anyway word on the street is that everyone is aiming for a 4.15 - 4.30 hour finish time which means we'll all be finishing at the same time so I may well hang back to avoid the crowds.
I just want to say thanks to my wife Gem for putting up with me and this blasted marathon (I can tell by the look in her eyes that she'll just be relieved when this is all over and we can return to some sort of normality). Next up: childbirth... I think I pulled the long straw there!
Also a big thanks to my very good friend Philip Gamble who has phoned me most days and offered countless words of encouragement, support and advice - thank you thank you thank you!
My aim - no time so no pressure but if I can just run all the way then I'll be elated. I've just to got make sure I don't start too quick. Apparently if you can see a motorbike with a camera on it in front of you then you've started too fast...
Last gratuitous plug for sponsorship (I'm £30 away from my target) - click here and then you can watch guilt free!!
So this is it... this is what it's all been about. One man battling against one man - himself...
If the work has been done they say that the day should be fun (well about as much fun as running 26.2 miles can be I suppose!). I've read blogs, reports and chatted to fellow runners on twitter about the day and they all say that the atmosphere is like a carnival, that the rush from the crowd carries you on (literally please!!) and that there is no feeling quite like it. However the actual London marathon news magazine actually says that if you "can't run 15 miles comfortably then you should not run". Can I?... probably(ish)...
Bollocks to everything... I've done all I can, run and trained as much as I can whilst juggling my life of running a business, raising a family, supporting a very heavily pregnant wife and being in a band. I would say "ah but it's been fun" but it hasn't. What I am proud of though is my body and how it's coped with cramming such a lot of training into such a short period of time. I've gone against all professional advice and rapidly increased my mileage week on week without giving my body time to adjust and aclimatise to the rigors of long distance road running and it's just coped and taken it.
Tomorrow I will be setting, without a shadow of a doubt, a PB (personal best) - more for the fact that this will be my first (and I can safely say last) marathon rather than the speed in which I shall complete it. Saying that everyone I speak to says it is quite addictive - pah... cigarettes and alcohol are addictive, what do they know! Anyway word on the street is that everyone is aiming for a 4.15 - 4.30 hour finish time which means we'll all be finishing at the same time so I may well hang back to avoid the crowds.
I just want to say thanks to my wife Gem for putting up with me and this blasted marathon (I can tell by the look in her eyes that she'll just be relieved when this is all over and we can return to some sort of normality). Next up: childbirth... I think I pulled the long straw there!
Also a big thanks to my very good friend Philip Gamble who has phoned me most days and offered countless words of encouragement, support and advice - thank you thank you thank you!
My aim - no time so no pressure but if I can just run all the way then I'll be elated. I've just to got make sure I don't start too quick. Apparently if you can see a motorbike with a camera on it in front of you then you've started too fast...
Last gratuitous plug for sponsorship (I'm £30 away from my target) - click here and then you can watch guilt free!!
Saturday, 9 April 2011
8 days to go...
It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, the tank is clean - the tank is clean?!!
Well today has been a day of firsts - the first time that I've gone out for a run and kind of enjoyed it; the first time that I've really felt strong whilst running; the first time that I've returned from a run and found myself locked out (!); the first time that I've got back from a run and found that I've actually run considerably further than I thought; and tonight will be the first barbeque of the year - yay!!
It's the eve of the Brighton marathon so a quick shout out to some friends running it - Emily Dale, Damian Andrews and Robby-Jon Garka - good luck y'all!! PLUS it's also the Paris marathon and my good friend Philip Gamble is running (run forest run!) - good luck MC! It looks like its going to be a warm one again so even more incentive for them to all make good time before the heat of the day.
For me... well today was the last long(ish) run before the London marathon. I'd done a very quick (for me) 5 miles earlier in the week (Wed) and today's intention was 9-10 miles. I felt really good and strong pretty much throughout, well apart from the first mile which I've learnt that all runners dislike (the body creaks an cracks as it gets into its rhythm). So much so that I picked up the pace pretty much throughout and then really stepped it up in the last few miles. The best bit though was when I mapped it and found I'd done 11.5 miles and I'd found it to be easy!! Easy? 11.5 miles - who would have ever thought!!
Apart from a sizable blister on my right foot I'm all set (should I drain it or leave it?) and am getting pretty excited. I'm perhaps planning a 2-3 mile run on Tuesday, London on Thursday afternoon for race registration and lots of carbs, water and resting throughout.
If you're interested where I ran today then click here
If you're one of the guilty ones who hasn't sponsored me yet (SHAME!!) then click here
Well today has been a day of firsts - the first time that I've gone out for a run and kind of enjoyed it; the first time that I've really felt strong whilst running; the first time that I've returned from a run and found myself locked out (!); the first time that I've got back from a run and found that I've actually run considerably further than I thought; and tonight will be the first barbeque of the year - yay!!
It's the eve of the Brighton marathon so a quick shout out to some friends running it - Emily Dale, Damian Andrews and Robby-Jon Garka - good luck y'all!! PLUS it's also the Paris marathon and my good friend Philip Gamble is running (run forest run!) - good luck MC! It looks like its going to be a warm one again so even more incentive for them to all make good time before the heat of the day.
For me... well today was the last long(ish) run before the London marathon. I'd done a very quick (for me) 5 miles earlier in the week (Wed) and today's intention was 9-10 miles. I felt really good and strong pretty much throughout, well apart from the first mile which I've learnt that all runners dislike (the body creaks an cracks as it gets into its rhythm). So much so that I picked up the pace pretty much throughout and then really stepped it up in the last few miles. The best bit though was when I mapped it and found I'd done 11.5 miles and I'd found it to be easy!! Easy? 11.5 miles - who would have ever thought!!
Apart from a sizable blister on my right foot I'm all set (should I drain it or leave it?) and am getting pretty excited. I'm perhaps planning a 2-3 mile run on Tuesday, London on Thursday afternoon for race registration and lots of carbs, water and resting throughout.
If you're interested where I ran today then click here
If you're one of the guilty ones who hasn't sponsored me yet (SHAME!!) then click here
Monday, 4 April 2011
13 days to go...
The ticking of the clock... inexorably goes on...
Ah yes, the countdown continues - 13 days? Pah... Well what seemed like an impossibility, 3-6 months worth of training crammed into 6 weeks is (kind of) working. I went for my longest run on the weekend, a run of pesky pedestrians (will they EVER get out of my way?), out of control dogs (attacked by one, attempted mauling by another) and confused footballers (when they hit me with the ball I'm guessing that it was actually meant to be a pass).
After a burst of road rage last week I joked that it's just as well that we aren't allowed to carry hand-guns in the car (not that we're allowed to carry them anywhere else obviously) as there would be drive-by shootings happening daily. But I've got to say that the further I run the more it appears that any law of the pavement that may ever have existed has definitely been thrown out along with manners, decency and respect. I'm not alone here either - just read any marathon training blog at the moment and they are littered with rants about "rights of passage" from apparent psycho runners etc... Now we know that you don't know that we've already run 5, 10, 15 miles and are decidedly knackered but just a little common sense wouldn't go a miss. I swear that some dog walkers purposely straddle the pavement with dog and lead and secretly train their dogs to jump at me as I run past before offering a comical "sorry" after drawing first blood... but maybe that's just me in my delusional exhaustion.
Anyway enough of this rambling and on to my longest run. I was on my own this week. I don't think I'm the best running partner for anyone if I'm honest - I don't talk rather grunt, moan and complain to anyone who wants (or doesn't want) to listen. I've never really enjoyed running that much and these distances are just insane. Just the thought of them makes my body physically rebel before and during. I have said it's only the feeling of elation after the run of what I've managed to achieve that makes it worth while but sitting here thinking about it I actually think it's just relief!!
So the run - I'd mapped 18.5 miles but during the run I took an extended deviation which I thought would push it over 19 miles but true to form it turned out to be 18.6152 miles (I've never come back and found that I've run further than expected!).
3 more runs (2 short and 1 long) and then it's the marathon (gulp!). Why am I doing this - for sick kids, so sponsor me, you'll feel a lot better about yourself once you have.
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
The long route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4399109
Ah yes, the countdown continues - 13 days? Pah... Well what seemed like an impossibility, 3-6 months worth of training crammed into 6 weeks is (kind of) working. I went for my longest run on the weekend, a run of pesky pedestrians (will they EVER get out of my way?), out of control dogs (attacked by one, attempted mauling by another) and confused footballers (when they hit me with the ball I'm guessing that it was actually meant to be a pass).
After a burst of road rage last week I joked that it's just as well that we aren't allowed to carry hand-guns in the car (not that we're allowed to carry them anywhere else obviously) as there would be drive-by shootings happening daily. But I've got to say that the further I run the more it appears that any law of the pavement that may ever have existed has definitely been thrown out along with manners, decency and respect. I'm not alone here either - just read any marathon training blog at the moment and they are littered with rants about "rights of passage" from apparent psycho runners etc... Now we know that you don't know that we've already run 5, 10, 15 miles and are decidedly knackered but just a little common sense wouldn't go a miss. I swear that some dog walkers purposely straddle the pavement with dog and lead and secretly train their dogs to jump at me as I run past before offering a comical "sorry" after drawing first blood... but maybe that's just me in my delusional exhaustion.
Anyway enough of this rambling and on to my longest run. I was on my own this week. I don't think I'm the best running partner for anyone if I'm honest - I don't talk rather grunt, moan and complain to anyone who wants (or doesn't want) to listen. I've never really enjoyed running that much and these distances are just insane. Just the thought of them makes my body physically rebel before and during. I have said it's only the feeling of elation after the run of what I've managed to achieve that makes it worth while but sitting here thinking about it I actually think it's just relief!!
So the run - I'd mapped 18.5 miles but during the run I took an extended deviation which I thought would push it over 19 miles but true to form it turned out to be 18.6152 miles (I've never come back and found that I've run further than expected!).
3 more runs (2 short and 1 long) and then it's the marathon (gulp!). Why am I doing this - for sick kids, so sponsor me, you'll feel a lot better about yourself once you have.
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
The long route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4399109
Saturday, 26 March 2011
21 days to go...
Well another week and yet another pair of trainers. This time I bought a basic neutral pair in Brighton on Thursday but even though I feel that in time they will be fine, I went for a run with them but felt a slight twinge. There's just no time to be experimenting so I'm sticking with my 6 year old knackered cross trainers and being done with it! Besides, I can always open up a trainers shop...
I also got a nice mention and photo in the local Worthing Herald - an accurate press report, whatever next?!!
Ok so on to today. The Brighton marathon is now just 2 weeks away and I have a few friends who are running in it. On the same day is the Paris marathon and my mate Philip Gamble is taking part. It'll be his 3rd marathon and so offered to give me the push and help I might need as I extend my mileage a bit further.
During the week I'd done two runs, both of which I'd spent upping the speed from 10.5 to 9 minute miles. Philip wanted to slow down... I needed to speed up. Well that was the plan anyway. Unfortunately it seems as though I am a plodder and although overall I had increased my mileage and speed I'm definitely not gonna break any records!
All that aside, last week I'd just managed 14.8 miles, this week ran a complete 16.7 miles. My plan is 2 more long runs to the big day but now I keep reading about tapering. Yeah, no time for any of that...
The route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4376866
Distance: 16.6363 miles
To donate: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
I also got a nice mention and photo in the local Worthing Herald - an accurate press report, whatever next?!!
Ok so on to today. The Brighton marathon is now just 2 weeks away and I have a few friends who are running in it. On the same day is the Paris marathon and my mate Philip Gamble is taking part. It'll be his 3rd marathon and so offered to give me the push and help I might need as I extend my mileage a bit further.
During the week I'd done two runs, both of which I'd spent upping the speed from 10.5 to 9 minute miles. Philip wanted to slow down... I needed to speed up. Well that was the plan anyway. Unfortunately it seems as though I am a plodder and although overall I had increased my mileage and speed I'm definitely not gonna break any records!
All that aside, last week I'd just managed 14.8 miles, this week ran a complete 16.7 miles. My plan is 2 more long runs to the big day but now I keep reading about tapering. Yeah, no time for any of that...
The route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4376866
Distance: 16.6363 miles
To donate: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
Saturday, 19 March 2011
28 days to go...
28 days?... Hmmm, that's not long... but hey it's even shorter for those of you who are doing the Brighton marathon (ha ha!!). That said, you'll be laughing at me when you've finished knowing what I've let myself in for.
Dare I say that Spring is finally upon us. I'm so lucky though, it seems like every time I go for a long run the sun shines and then when I stop the weather turns. Yesterday it poured with rain all day and then today, well not a cloud in the sky. I'm actually building up quite a nice tan on the bonnet!
The plan this week was to go on a mid-week 5 miler but due to work that didn't happen until Thursday night - I really need to be doing one Tuesday and Thursday but I'm jinxed with this training every corner I turn. On to today... I used one of those Nike Air sensors which pairs with your iPhone and I was amazed to find that when I got home I'd run 17.09 miles in 3 hrs and burnt 2,377 calories - bloody hell, that's amazing!! I've been dead proud all afternoon until I got home and mapped it for my blog on my usual website only to find that it looks like I "only" ran 14.879 miles... It certainly felt like 17 miles!!
The route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4360620
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
Dare I say that Spring is finally upon us. I'm so lucky though, it seems like every time I go for a long run the sun shines and then when I stop the weather turns. Yesterday it poured with rain all day and then today, well not a cloud in the sky. I'm actually building up quite a nice tan on the bonnet!
The plan this week was to go on a mid-week 5 miler but due to work that didn't happen until Thursday night - I really need to be doing one Tuesday and Thursday but I'm jinxed with this training every corner I turn. On to today... I used one of those Nike Air sensors which pairs with your iPhone and I was amazed to find that when I got home I'd run 17.09 miles in 3 hrs and burnt 2,377 calories - bloody hell, that's amazing!! I've been dead proud all afternoon until I got home and mapped it for my blog on my usual website only to find that it looks like I "only" ran 14.879 miles... It certainly felt like 17 miles!!
The route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4360620
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
Saturday, 12 March 2011
35 days to go...
Well after last weekends long run and a 3 day break to Prague at the start of the week the next chance I got to run was last Thursday and that was a 4.8 mile run after work which seemed to go pretty well. I've come to the conclusion though that I'm a plodder and am not (in the for-seeable future anyway) going to be breaking any running records or hitting any personal bests that I'll be shouting from the rooftops.
So fast forward to today and my weekend long run. I sat down at breakfast and mapped a run over the south downs - a tad optimistic but hey, unless I push myself further and further every week I'm going to struggle. Anyway the weather today was perfect, in fact it was the first day running without my hat and half way round I took another layer off. Another difference today was that I took some water and fueled up on some carbs (still not enough though), had a bigger breakfast and hit the road.
And what a run it was, finally passing my half marathon milestone and it was up and down the hills of the downs. The knee held up pretty well - I'm just having to be careful how I run and some of the terrain over the downs was pretty hairy. But I survived and after my ice bath I found myself being able to walk, go up and down the stairs and carry on as normal - this is a first!!
The route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4344084
Distance: 13.6473 miles
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
Saturday, 5 March 2011
42 days to go...
Well after my nightmare of a training session last weekend I thought it was all over. I've been in pain pretty much every day since I first started training and that's exactly what made me stop and think. This time last year inspired after watching Eddie Izzard do his 43 marathons in 50 days Gem & I started running. I never had any problem at all and yet as soon as I started marathon training everything went wrong - why?
Walking Murfey round the park last Monday I realised that I wasn't in pain any more so I started running - no pain... What was different? Why had I been in pain just walking from Brighton train station to the pier? Then it hit me - SHOES!! Thinking back I'd bought my new prescribed running shoes (which are slightly built up on one side to help combat my slight pronation) before I'd started marathon training. Then on my marathon day in London I'd bought a second pair. I'd not thought for a second that these specialised running shoes could do me any harm.
Armed with this information I went for a short run on Tuesday night. Result = no pain. I told Gem who was pleased and yet I kind of knew from the way she was that she didn't want me to carry on. So if this is the solution then my marathon training starts now and I've got 6 weeks to cram in 3-6 months worth of training - can it be done?
Ok, so the plan - firstly forget the appointment with the specialist, I think I've solved the mystery so I called them and put the appointment of until 17th March. Secondly don't make any firm decision about the marathon until I've been for a long run and really seen how my knee holds up.
Fast forward to today... it was cold but clear so I hit the road;
Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4328193
Distance: 10.6472 miles
Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
The good news was that the only reason I stopped before getting home was because I was physically exhausted. In fact by the time I stopped I was day dreaming and craving all sorts of food, plus I didn't take a drink so I'm now going to work on the nutritional and hydration side of things. My next tun will be a shorter run on Thursday followed by another long run next Sunday.
It's just a mad panic to cram in fitness without overtraining - do you think it can be done?
Walking Murfey round the park last Monday I realised that I wasn't in pain any more so I started running - no pain... What was different? Why had I been in pain just walking from Brighton train station to the pier? Then it hit me - SHOES!! Thinking back I'd bought my new prescribed running shoes (which are slightly built up on one side to help combat my slight pronation) before I'd started marathon training. Then on my marathon day in London I'd bought a second pair. I'd not thought for a second that these specialised running shoes could do me any harm.
Armed with this information I went for a short run on Tuesday night. Result = no pain. I told Gem who was pleased and yet I kind of knew from the way she was that she didn't want me to carry on. So if this is the solution then my marathon training starts now and I've got 6 weeks to cram in 3-6 months worth of training - can it be done?
Ok, so the plan - firstly forget the appointment with the specialist, I think I've solved the mystery so I called them and put the appointment of until 17th March. Secondly don't make any firm decision about the marathon until I've been for a long run and really seen how my knee holds up.
Fast forward to today... it was cold but clear so I hit the road;
Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4328193
Distance: 10.6472 miles
Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
The good news was that the only reason I stopped before getting home was because I was physically exhausted. In fact by the time I stopped I was day dreaming and craving all sorts of food, plus I didn't take a drink so I'm now going to work on the nutritional and hydration side of things. My next tun will be a shorter run on Thursday followed by another long run next Sunday.
It's just a mad panic to cram in fitness without overtraining - do you think it can be done?
Sunday, 27 February 2011
48 days to go...
They think it's all over... well it fells like it may be to me at the moment. I took the train over to Brighton this morning as planned and all started ok(ish) but as I reached Portslade the pain got too much. So I then started walking until the pain subsided and interspersed jogging and walking until nearly Shoreham when I found myself in so much pain that I had to walk... and walk is exactly what I did until I got home, fed up, pissed off and fit to quit.
The fact of the matter is that there's 48 days left and because of my knee I haven't been able to train or prepare anywhere nearly properly and despite spending ton of money on physiotherapists, acupuncturists, specialists and advice I feel worse now than I did 3 months ago. The best I can probably hope for is to have to walk 20 of the 26.2 miles but even that's going to be a major undertaking.
I've got an appointment with a knee specialist this week so will make a decision on the marathon after I've seen him but at the moment it looks like I'll have to put off the marathon until 2012.
The fact of the matter is that there's 48 days left and because of my knee I haven't been able to train or prepare anywhere nearly properly and despite spending ton of money on physiotherapists, acupuncturists, specialists and advice I feel worse now than I did 3 months ago. The best I can probably hope for is to have to walk 20 of the 26.2 miles but even that's going to be a major undertaking.
I've got an appointment with a knee specialist this week so will make a decision on the marathon after I've seen him but at the moment it looks like I'll have to put off the marathon until 2012.
Friday, 25 February 2011
50 days to go...
Ah... so the weather is changing for the better (for now) and after a low point last week when I did my back in again (don't ask) I'm starting to regain confidence. It all started at a last minute trip on Saturday to my wife's acupuncturist and the "miracle" that they performed. Less than an hour of treatment and I was pain free for the first time this year. Half of what the woman said I didn't understand (very thick far eastern accent and definite language barrier) but she did seem to comprehend that I've only got a very small window of opportunity to train left so booked in again yesterday and again tomorrow ahead of my planned long run on Sunday.
I was told way before I started all this training that running was the "cheapest sport you can do". To date I've spent more than £500 on trainers, clothes and treatment alone!! Ah well, I'm sure that it'll all be worth it in the end!
I've also booked my hotel stay in London the night before the marathon which I think also includes a coach to the start by the organiser, which is a bit of a relief as I'd left it a bit late.
Right so all eyes forward to Sunday morning and my attempt at 12+miles - wish me luck!!
I was told way before I started all this training that running was the "cheapest sport you can do". To date I've spent more than £500 on trainers, clothes and treatment alone!! Ah well, I'm sure that it'll all be worth it in the end!
I've also booked my hotel stay in London the night before the marathon which I think also includes a coach to the start by the organiser, which is a bit of a relief as I'd left it a bit late.
Right so all eyes forward to Sunday morning and my attempt at 12+miles - wish me luck!!
Saturday, 12 February 2011
63 days to go...
Oh... My... God... Ok so now I'm starting to realise just how far this marathon lark really is. Today I got an early train over to Brighton and then ran home. Alright, so when I say I ran home it was more of a mixture of jogging and walking. I wanted to run all the way but my knee wouldn't let me. Still, 2hrs 30mins on my feet has to be good training. Mind you, some of those roads just go on and on...
After all that I still haven't even hit the half marathon mark and considering how wearing I found today the full distance just daunts me even more!
Distance: 11.7712 miles
Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4286076
Conditions: Dry and calm
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
After all that I still haven't even hit the half marathon mark and considering how wearing I found today the full distance just daunts me even more!
Distance: 11.7712 miles
Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4286076
Conditions: Dry and calm
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
Thursday, 10 February 2011
65 days to go...
It's the 10th Feb, 65 days to go and I wouldn't say that I'm getting hysterical but reading some of the posts and blogs surrounding the London Marathon is kind of driving me crazy... "ran 15 miles on Sunday" says one... "felt great on my longest run so far, can't wait for April 17th" writes another...
Me? Well I did a gruelling 2 miler a few weeks back... I'm not going to go on and on about my knee and the problems I've been having. Instead I'm going to concentrate on the positive aspects - I'm doing the marathon, it won't be in record breaking time but I will finish it. To get a few miles under my belt I'm taking the train to Brighton early on Saturday morning and then run/jog/walk my way home. Who knows it might even be what my knee needs!
Me? Well I did a gruelling 2 miler a few weeks back... I'm not going to go on and on about my knee and the problems I've been having. Instead I'm going to concentrate on the positive aspects - I'm doing the marathon, it won't be in record breaking time but I will finish it. To get a few miles under my belt I'm taking the train to Brighton early on Saturday morning and then run/jog/walk my way home. Who knows it might even be what my knee needs!
Sunday, 30 January 2011
76 days to go...
These days seem to be counting down far too fast for my liking!! Yesterday I was up in London for the Virgin London Marathon "Meet the Experts" day. Basically a series of light-hearted seminars on nutrition, training, injury, clothing etc... and also what to expect on the day of the marathon. It sounds quite boring but was actually pretty good. I sat there in awe of myself - I'm part of this thing, part of something which I've only ever watched from a distance and part of something which I thought I'd never be part of.
Oh and I bought another pair of running shoes - Adidas (don't ask me the type, all I know is that they are very comfy and combat my "minor" pronation).
So today was another run - only 1.7708 miles but lots of stretching and 8 minutes in the ice bath. I'm just working out the right order of warm-up, stretching, run and ice bath as there are so many different combinations, one of which is going to work for me. Everyone around me seems to be up to half marathon distances which is a bit worrying but as long as I keep my head and don't panic then all should be ok....
Oh and I bought another pair of running shoes - Adidas (don't ask me the type, all I know is that they are very comfy and combat my "minor" pronation).
So today was another run - only 1.7708 miles but lots of stretching and 8 minutes in the ice bath. I'm just working out the right order of warm-up, stretching, run and ice bath as there are so many different combinations, one of which is going to work for me. Everyone around me seems to be up to half marathon distances which is a bit worrying but as long as I keep my head and don't panic then all should be ok....
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
80 days to go...
I'm back!! Ok so when I say I'm back what I actually mean is that I've been for a short run and survived. Twas last night, a quick run (as in both pace and distance) and then 6 minutes standing in a water but full of ice water (it's what all the pro's do... apparently and right now I'll try anything!). This morning I was back down the gym, lots of leg work and then an ice rinse on the leg at home in the shower.
It's far from perfect - the first half of the run last night twinged a bit but the second half felt better. I don't know, I'm just going to persevere and hope for the best. I'm hoping that the combination of ice buckets, stretching, strengthening exercises and physio will sort the problem. If not it's going to be a very long and slow 26.2 miles.
It's far from perfect - the first half of the run last night twinged a bit but the second half felt better. I don't know, I'm just going to persevere and hope for the best. I'm hoping that the combination of ice buckets, stretching, strengthening exercises and physio will sort the problem. If not it's going to be a very long and slow 26.2 miles.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
86 days to go...
Well it hasn't been a case of not wanting to write... or run... but I've been out of action all year. Typical isn't it, all my life I've been *touch wood* injury free (apart from a hernia and shoulder injury) but as soon as I get the opportunity to do something that I've always wanted to do I get a problem... Never mind, think positive thoughts (unlike some of those around me!).
So the story so far... well I went back to my original physio (Bruce) this week as the last one just made matters worse whilst ripping me off. This time Bruce crucified my lower back and attacked my right leg from 2 different angles and it seems to have had a positive effect. Yesterday was pretty much pain free and I'm now feeling like I may try and start running again next week.
Yes I know that I've less than 3 months to go and that I haven't even run over 10 miles yet but I think that as long as I don't suffer any more set-backs then I should be ok. Mr Gamble has also given me some much needed advice (I do listen, honest!) and I'm feeling more positive. Plus I've a get together with the Children with Leukaemia charity at the end of the month and hopefully that'll give me a bit of a boost.
On a different note and whilst thinking about milestones... Gem and I had our 20 week scan yesterday (well I didn't have a scan but you know what I mean) and we found out that we're having another boy. All looks perfect and healthy and by the time of the marathon she'll be nearing full term - exciting times!!
So the story so far... well I went back to my original physio (Bruce) this week as the last one just made matters worse whilst ripping me off. This time Bruce crucified my lower back and attacked my right leg from 2 different angles and it seems to have had a positive effect. Yesterday was pretty much pain free and I'm now feeling like I may try and start running again next week.
Yes I know that I've less than 3 months to go and that I haven't even run over 10 miles yet but I think that as long as I don't suffer any more set-backs then I should be ok. Mr Gamble has also given me some much needed advice (I do listen, honest!) and I'm feeling more positive. Plus I've a get together with the Children with Leukaemia charity at the end of the month and hopefully that'll give me a bit of a boost.
On a different note and whilst thinking about milestones... Gem and I had our 20 week scan yesterday (well I didn't have a scan but you know what I mean) and we found out that we're having another boy. All looks perfect and healthy and by the time of the marathon she'll be nearing full term - exciting times!!
Friday, 7 January 2011
99 days to go...
Oh cripes... 99 days to go?! I actually shuddered a tad when I typed that! Still, it's plenty of time to get myself mentally and physically prepared. So the training - running has had to cease for a while as the appointment with another physio for second opinion on my knee earlier in the week resulted in a confirmed "inflamed IT band". Basically the tendon that runs down the side of my leg past the outside of my knee has been rubbing and flicking over the bone on the outside of my knee with every step and is obviously not very happy. The prescription? Well 2 weeks off running, regular doses of ibuprofen, a bit of acupuncture and countless expensive trips to the physio. Who said running was a cheap sport?!!
What I have been able to do it get down the gym and do some cycling. So Wednesday I was hitting the weights, Thursday was 40 mins cycling and lots of stretching and this morning again hitting the weights. As long as I can keep my aerobic fitness up then when I start running again at least I won't be starting from scratch (even if I have to start at 1 mile again).
I'm not sure whether to curse old age (?) or accept it when the physio said I had a "design fault" with my knee...
What I have been able to do it get down the gym and do some cycling. So Wednesday I was hitting the weights, Thursday was 40 mins cycling and lots of stretching and this morning again hitting the weights. As long as I can keep my aerobic fitness up then when I start running again at least I won't be starting from scratch (even if I have to start at 1 mile again).
I'm not sure whether to curse old age (?) or accept it when the physio said I had a "design fault" with my knee...
Sunday, 2 January 2011
104 days to go...
Happy new year everyone! Hope you had a good one. Mine was quiet, in fact it was the first time I hadn't gone out and got hammered (cripes am I growing up?!!). So I was up on new years day fresh and hangover free - beauty!!
For the present time I have kind of resigned myself to the fact that every long run I do I will suffer for 48 hours. The problem with the knee persists. I'm off to see another physio on Tuesday afternoon for a second opinion so we'll see what he says - fingers crossed!
So with that in mind I did another longer run (furthest so far) today. Actually I'm slightly pissed off, I thought when I mapped it the run would have been longer - alas not, but hey, small steps and all that!!
The weather: Cold, dry and calm
The route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4212804
Distance: 7.734 miles
Time: 1hr, 21mins
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
For the present time I have kind of resigned myself to the fact that every long run I do I will suffer for 48 hours. The problem with the knee persists. I'm off to see another physio on Tuesday afternoon for a second opinion so we'll see what he says - fingers crossed!
So with that in mind I did another longer run (furthest so far) today. Actually I'm slightly pissed off, I thought when I mapped it the run would have been longer - alas not, but hey, small steps and all that!!
The weather: Cold, dry and calm
The route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4212804
Distance: 7.734 miles
Time: 1hr, 21mins
To sponsor: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartSpicer
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