Week 4/17

Day 22/119

2014: 
It was an early night last night for me - a day of inactivity is much more knackering than I thought

The morning brought a 40 minute jog and, to be quite honest, I didn't really fancy it

The weight loss did give me a bit of a boost though so off to the gym I went

There was only one treadmill free, second from the right, with a small woman running on the far right

I joined and within 30 seconds of starting the 6 runners to my left were clearly only warming up for a class as they all left simultaneously, making me look like a right treadmill idiot as it was just us 2 left

But what could I do? If I stopped and moved along one it would be like me saying she stank  - there was nothing for it but to keep on running with an apologetic look on my face

Legs and heels still hurt but as usual they both eased after a few minutes - this is starting to be the norm which is a shame but as long as it doesn't get worse, I'll keep on going

Start Weight - 84.4 kg
Last week Weight - 82.5 kg
Current Weight - 81.2 kg
Weekly Loss - 1.3 kg
Overall Loss - 3.2 kg

2011:
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, get off to the coffee shop.

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Day 23/119

2014:
Another early wake up makes me wonder if I'll ever have a proper night's sleep - maybe I'm excited to be going to work?

Unlikely - probably just wind.............

It's Kieren's birthday today so for my cross training I decided to do 30 minutes of pilates down in the squash court at lunch time

When you are down there with other people doing the same thing you feel stupid but you're bullet - proof as there is safety in numbers

Today, on my own, I did feel very vulnerable as this was a new routine and I was even more hopeless than before

It didn't help that I kept jumping at the sound of voices - desperately hoping no-one went to the viewing gallery for a laugh

To be fair having finished, I did feel better for doing it

That didn't last long though as afterwards I had to get changed next to the guy representing England in the Commonwealth games in the Marathon

Physique wise I think I have a better appreciation of why I'm so slow - just another 10 kg to lose then.....

2011:
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....

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Day 24/119

2014:
After a fantastic Belgium v USA game last night it meant I was completely shattered this morning

Today it was 12 x 400m sprints at the gym - not the news I was looking for

To be honest, half way through I started to wonder whether I'm just getting better at this or whether the pain I'm in is just accepted and now ignored

I'm going to be positive and say it's the former because the cardio work genuinely IS starting to feel easier

Lugging a bit less weight must be helping and sticking to the plan is the other not so secret ingredient

Or maybe it is the pilates kicking in - although I'm not seeing much improvement in those sessions

Best of all - it's my turn for an early night tonight - I'm so rock and roll......

2011:
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

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Day 25/119

2014:
Woke up this morning feeling better than I'd felt for ages - surprising what a decent night's sleep can do for you

Today was a 30 minute jog and we had to experience the always fun "changing room swap" day

No fewer than 2 women were caught by surprise by going into the wrong one although one of them looked a little too pleased with herself for me to view it as a total accident

I wasn't in the changing room at the time by the way - just as well, I wouldn't wish that on anyone

The  jog went the usual way of hurting initially then getting better - I guess it's better that it's that way rather than the other way but I do wish I could just exercise without pain, just to make a pleasant change

2011:
REST DAY! REST DAY! REST DAY! How I look forward to Thursdays. I even managed to eat a running book-recommended bagel for lunch - life doesn't get much better than this!

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Day 26/119

2014:
Last night I went to the pub with a mate and sat there drinking diet coke as he quaffed Amstel then rum - this had better all be worth it

It was cross training for 30 minutes today and I decided to have a go at swimming

It's something that I've never been good at and it was reassuring to know that I'd not got better......

What I hadn't counted on is a group of octogenarians (4 to be precise) deciding to swim in formation, one to the side of the other

I'd already adjudged that I was too slow even for the slow lane so I had no choice but to swim in the slipstream of this wrinkly man made barrier - all along thinking "just how wrong would it be for me to tell them to get out of the bleeding way"

My manners wouldn't allow that to happen though so had to wait until the coronation street conversation was so riveting they decided against the swimming part altogether and huddled in the corner of the pool

As I fear putting my head in the water (I know, girl) and I can't do crawl I had to perform the awkward looking breast-stroke which resulted in a crick in the neck that took until lunchtime to shake off

Still, at least it wasn't my legs that were hurting ......

2011:
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.....

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Day 27/119

2014:
Another 5am Saturday alarm and the weather was cool and cloudy which is perfect for a 13 mile run

I added a banana to my painkiller pre-run routine to see if that gave me any extra energy and had tropical flavour gels instead of orange for the run so it really was all change :-)

The coolness certainly brought out the runners this morning - I think I spent as much energy waving and nodding politely as I did running

Running is a good stress reliever and I spent the first 5 miles going over EXACTLY what I'd like to say to a few "colleagues" so the miles just flew

By the time I'd reinacted a few choice arguments and noticed the distance, I realised that I hadn't really been in any pain - you know what, this was all coming together

That epiphany was short-lived however as it was clear my anger had just distracted me sufficiently not to notice

I had a full mile of feeling I could run all day and wish I was allowed to run faster before this time BOTH thighs started to hurt and I went from wishing to run quicker to wondering how I was running as fast as I was

Conditions were great, I had plenty of water but I just felt rubbish - I'm hoping that the lack of sleep was the cause

The last 5 miles were really tough and I was so pleased to have made it

How I am going to run that distance 90 seconds per mile quicker then do it all again for the full marathon Lord alone knows

I'm putting all my faith in the plan that says this is where I should be after 4 weeks - I finished the run and it was 2 miles longer than last week so if I say it often enough, I'm still on track :-)

2011:
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 because   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

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Day 28/119

2014:
Today has NOT been a good day

I went out last night with friends we haven't seen for a while and sensible, healthy choices were not made

That and a paltry few hours sleep means I just don't know whether the pain and tiredness I've felt today was from training or from last night

I'm hoping for the latter, as this is temporary but fear it might be the former

Never have I needed a rest day more than today and my weigh in tomorrow should be the kick up the backside I need to start taking this a bit more seriously - I'm no spring chicken, after all............

2011:
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

Week 3/17

Day 15/119

2014: 
The alarm was no friend to me. I deserved it though - last week was shocking so it was back on the pilates

Just as bad as ever - really no progress being made whatsoever

Straight after to the gym for 40 minutes of jogging

There was only 1 free treadmill left and so I was forced to exercise next to people

A situation made worse when the guy turned to me and said "Good Morning!!"

Has he not read the gym rules ? NEVER' under ANY circumstances do you start a conversation - I was flabbeghasted

I think I've peaked too soon - this was just shocked - midway through the jog it was true flabberghastment

After 20 minutes he just shouted "BAH!!"

He then repeated that exclamation every 30 seconds or so until people were starting to turn around from the bikes and look around to find out who was doing it

I tried to help them by nodding slightly in his direction but my movement was limited as he appeared to be giving me the evils in the mirror opposite - it felt like I was being chased by the cop from the future out of terminator

Never have I been so happy as when he finished and left

My right leg hurt almost throughout the run from my hip to my knee down the front of my thigh so just as one ache seems to wane, on comes the next - bloody typical

The usual sit-ups and stretching followed followed by my weigh in

Put it this way, the dog's hiding at the moment...

Start Weight - 84.4 kg
Last week Weight - 81.2 kg
Current Weight - 82.5 kg
Weekly Gain - 1.3 kg (damn)
Overall Loss - 1.9 kg

2011:
Feeling a bit better - but not good enough to join Joss at the gym. I can't keep feeling sorry for myself though so hoping to do a gentle bike ride at the gym tomorrow - otherwise by the time I start I'm going to be the size of a house !!

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Day 16/119

2014:
It's the awkward day today when I can't get to the gym in the morning but I still plugged away at the morning pilates

My leg still ached from the day before and a poor night's sleep had my back as stiff as a board - I've got to keep telling myself - if I didn't put myself through this imagine how bad I'd be - something akin to the tin man from the wizard of oz (no heartless jokes please)

Today's task was 30 minutes on the bike and after work that's what I had a go at

The gym wasn't showing the England game but free WiFi meant that with my phone, I didn't miss anything

In fact, after watching the game I'm starting a campaign to get rid of the WiFi - why should I be the only one suffering - they obviously guessed how demotivating it would be so daren't have it on the many TV's

The ride was largely unremarkable although I did notice the extra strain it puts on the Achilles so I might have to think of something else to do for the next x-train slot

2011:
I've been feeling better today and so it was back to the gym. I did a 30 minute cycle on the "lazy" bike and then did a series of stretching that seems to have been devised to hurt rather than help. Joss showed me up again by cycling flat out for an hour. I on the other hand finished my entire workout in 50 minutes and wisely spent the waiting 10 minutes purchasing and eating a delicious flap-jack - who says I don't know how to train

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Day 17/119

2014:
From now on I think we can take it as read that I got up to do pilates and was absolutely rubbish at it - it will just save my time writing it and reading it back

It was the 400m sprints today - all 10 of them

Again the treadmills were busy and so I just had to fill the gap and the sneaky bloke from Monday started talking to me

In my defence he was wearing a different shirt and was doing a hill run instead of a flat run but I really should have recognised him - if I had I'd have rather run outside than be terrified again

Luckily, though, I must have turned up later than Monday as no sooner did I start he finished so it was relief all round

The runs were tough with my body not quite deciding whether it was the Achilles, the calf or the thigh muscles that were going to cause the most pain

Not the result I was hoping for from just week 3 but looking back at the Brighton blog it seems as if I was in a worse state then so who knows - maybe I'm doing well after all.......

2011:
When I go to the gym, I have this thing about personal space. I hate it when, in an empty gym, people choose to exercise next to me. There's simply no need. What is by far the worst offence, though, are people that have their own selfish agendas that turn up coughing and spluttering all over everyone else, putting these innocents' training plans in jeopardy. It is for that reason that I would like to publically apologise to the two girls who ran in the same line of treadmills as I did doing 10 x 400m sprints - nobody should be put through that level of sniffing, wheezing and coughing - but at least I survived ;-)

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Day 18/119

2014:
I said I wouldn't mention morning pilates yesterday and I have to mention it already as I couldn't be bothered today

Instead I had a 30 minute lie in and a cup of tea in bed - bliss

Today was booked in as a 30 minute jog or rest - so I chose the latter

I wasn't going to be totally lazy though as I was booked in to do lunchtime pilates in the squash court with my fellow old man inflexibles

That was until the courts were busy and it was suggested we carried on with the session on the carpet in front of the lockers

There was no way I was going to roll around in public showing how rubbish I was with us looking like we were reinacting a scene from cocoon and so luckily for me we changed the time so that a court WAS free

We didn't have our host from last week but Steve stood in and was excellent  - he showed a superb memory as I couldn't remember any of the exercises

We were all rubbish again but it still felt good to have made the effort - not bad for a rest day

2011:
It's another jog or rest day. You are right - it's a rest day. The cough is definitely going but there's no point in pushing it, is there ?

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Day 19/119

2014:
It was 30 minutes cross training today so I picked weights

It was my youngest's birthday so I was late in the gym and it was a real eye opener

There's clearly a shift pattern working where those doing cardio turn up early and those with biceps the size of my man-boobed chest come in later

I felt like a pygmy walking in the land of the giants as they grunted and growled their way through workouts

I couldn't even understand their "conversations" as there appeared to be no "joining" words so all that came out was "GRRRR RAIN RUN FIRE GRRRR"

I didn't last long and skulked off to the stretch area to laugh at the vain trainer looking at himself in the mirror

Right leg hurts, back in pain, achilles tight and worryingly achy - it's all going so well.....

2011:
It's New Year's Eve but it doesn't stop. Today, as usual, Joss showed me up by running for 45 minutes as I settled for a 30 minute bike ride. I am going to have to up my game cos I'm getting fatter, not fitter. Tomorrow, though, I plan to do an 11 mile run which will (hopefully) be the longest run I have ever done, so I wanted to make sure I came through unscathed. The only thing that could scupper me would be if a drinking event were to get in the way - but that's unlikely.... Happy New Tear!!

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Day 20/119

2014:
Last night I gave up a birthday curry because today I had an early 11 mile run (as I'd tried that before and it didn't end well) - I haven't got life right, have I ?

I was actually saying that yesterday as I've been getting up so early, doing pilates then going to the gym before work, then limiting myself to crackers for lunch

I was comparing myself to a colleague that did little exercise, eats baguettes full of bacon and sausages every day and spent 1 afternoon consuming a bag of wine gums the size of my head

Yep, definitely got life wrong at some point

It was to bed early for a 5am rise so I actually woke up at 4:30am - thanks body clock

Still I suppose it gave me more time for stretching - although even I'm struggling to see the real positive in that

Yesterday my brilliant wife bought me a surprise running waistcoat thing that enables you to carry to water bottles hands-free

This was genius - for 2 reasons

Firstly, for keeping me hydrated without any weight bias on either side it is fantastic and I don't know what it cost but it was worth every penny

Secondly, despite it being ergonomically designed specifically for running., the overall look of having a water bottle strapped to each moob did make me look a little 'special'

Not a positive you might think - but quite the contrary

Because of this 'look', rather than jeering me for running so incredibly slowly (it's in the plan, honest) they see the vest and think "Ah bless - he's doing a great job" which I think you'll agree is a top notch result

The run itself started badly with pains in my achilles but that did subside after a mile or 2

I timed it badly with the lifting bridges having run to one because the other was up, only to find that because of the speed I was going at, by the time I'd got to the other one - that was up instead

I'm using the power gels every 4 miles and although I'm not sure if scientifically they work, in my head they do and that's all that matters

The 11 miles took roughly 1:54 so all I've got to do is an extra 2 hours at a much quicker pace to get the job done - as they say in Wayne's World it's almost too easy .....

The stretching was horrible and the cold bath just took my breath away - and not in a good way

The rest of the day has been spent with a walking pain from my right hip to my knee, but that's normal, right?

Thank God it's a rest day tomorrow................

2011:
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!

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Day 21/119

2014:
I think calling today a rest day does it an injustice - it was a do naff all day and I am sure Joss would be the first to agree

The pain in my right leg has moved from "DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST NIGHT?" to "Are you going to mow the front lawn" (ie severe pain to just nagging) and I'm hoping another sleep will improve it further for my jog tomorrow

Last day of pager today so very much looking forward to the next week with a renewed spring in my step

3 weeks - Done

2011:
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 !!!

Week 2/17

Day 8/119

2014: 
I nodded to my feet again first thing in the morning (and last thing at night) and then it was off to the gym

Today's task was a 40 minute 8km/h jog and luckily there were plenty of free treadmills

On Saturday, prior to the 'average pace' debacle at the running shop, I had asked about the issues with my heals / achilles.

The background to this was that training for my previous, off-road race I was persuaded to try gel heal supports and they seemed to work pretty well

As this race was on the road, I bought new trainers and as I was told they had plenty of support, stopped using the gel inserts

I asked the blonde girl in the shop whether me stopping using them could have caused the problems and whether I should go back to them

She gave me a look as if I'd asked her to simultaneously tell me the square root of 3014 whilst sculpting a scale copy of the Mary Rose from a fine piece of cheddar, rather than asking her something pertaining to her job

Needless to say she was of no help so I thought I'd just give them a go again.....

....and it went rather well :-)

I'm not saying it was pain free - but it was a big improvement and certainly very encouraging for the next few weeks

Sit-ups and stretching followed and I'd started the week well

Day 8 - Done
Current Weight - 81.2kg
Weekly Weight Loss - 3.2kg
Total Weight Loss - 3.2kg

2011:
This snow and bad weather won't stop my enthusiasm and get me down, will it - to be perfectly honest it just might! I'm getting pretty fed up with slogging my way through slush and not being able to run outside. Still, I did a 40 minute jog and plenty of stretching afterwards. I need a few more people to join the gym so I can people watch my way through these runs - just so long as they don't exercise next to me - there's no need for that!!!

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Day 9/119

2014:
Is it wrong that when my alarm went off, the first thing I thought of was the deliriously happy thought that tonight it was my turn to have an early night and catch up on some sleep?

Yes - thought so, just checking.....

Pilates was the usual "how on earth does she do that?" fest and I had to  wait until the afternoon before I could tackle the day's task - 30 minutes on the bike - I upped the level from last week but still was nowhere near what I would consider a proper work-out

My dilemma is that maybe this is how it should be - ensuring that my legs are saved for the sprints mid-week and the weekend long runs?

It's either that or I'm just being lazy and trying anything to excuse myself

No excusing myself from the sit-ups and stretching but definitely no evening pilates today - today is all about the sleep :-)

2011:
I was up early to go to the gym this morning and Joss came with me for a workout. I realise now what I've missed by going alone when, as she stepped onto the treadmill and noticed me picking my own instrument of torture she said "oh you're doing the lazy bike today are you?". You just can't buy that kind of motivation. To be fair it would have been difficult to pick me as the one in training for a Marathon as she ran like the clappers for the time I was cycling. It was very festive though as I felt like I was being chased by Rudolf as the keys in her pocket were rattling so loud.

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Day 10/119

2014:
Pilates in the morning and then on to the gym

Today it was 8 (2 more than last week) 400m  "sprints" at 11.4 km/h with 2 minute breaks in between

It was the first time that I'd used the heal supports in my real running shoes and it felt weird - rather like I'd got a twig or stone stuck in my shoe so I did worry whether they were going to be the answer for the longer runs

To be fair it either got better as time wore on or I just had other aches and pains that distracted me

Sit-ups and stretching was hilarious though because someone was having a personal trainer where I was and although I don't know the trainer's name if I were to guess I reckon it would be narcissus

I don't think I've ever seen anyone manoeuvre a client so much just so that they could get a better view of HIMSELF in the mirror - oh the vanity

Went completely off the rails tonight with a couple of beers and a chip supper but I don't care - it was lovely watching the football

Not sure I'll feel that way at 5:30 tomorrow morning ......

2011:
Had a bit of a late night last night (and on a school night too!!) so have been feeling a little "tired" today and wasn't looking forward to training. Still, at least it means I get to leave work early so off I went at 3 for my 8 x 400m runs. Maybe this training is starting to kick in as it felt pretty good. The only problem came when the hot water failed at the gym without the gym knowing, hence no signs warning of this. I honestly thought I was going to pass out when the ice cold water hit me and because there were others having a shower (in their own cubicles) I had to refrain from screaming like a girl - but I so wanted to!!!!

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Day 11/119

2014:
Well I think you can guess how I felt - rubbish

I struggled through pilates and then went completely off piste, as they say

Today was meant to be a gentle jog but as I will be mostly drinking on Friday night I've brought the week's long run forward to Friday morning so today I thought I'd give the legs a rest

Weights was my torture of choice and on my phone I had written how heavy the weights were for each exercise (from 6 months ago) and I couldn't get anywhere near those levels

I was afraid someone was going to hand me the pink frilly dumb-bells next so I scuttled off for sit-ups and stretching

As an added bonus we had a former work colleague come into work to teach me and a couple of other old gits some core strength exercises and it was a real boost to the confidence

Not that I was any good - don't be ridiculous

It was just that the others were just as rubbiah as me - they say misery enjoys company - well that can be levelled at ineptitude as well

No late night pilates for me - tonight is all about England beating Uruguay - well, I can dream.....

2011:
It was a rest day today which was just as well as I'm feeling rough. The cough's back and doesn't look like going away anytime soon. Added to that I've just found out that the gym is closed tomorrow which mucks up the weights I was planning plus it's still too slippery to run outside. I know it's Christmas so should be full of festive spirit but if it doesn't warm up soon it could all get a bit tricky.....

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Day 12/119

2014:
Well it wasn't a dream was it? It was a blooming nightmare - thing is I don't even know why I'm surprised

The alarm went off at 5am and I had an hour to wake up, limber up, grease up (anti chaffing) and get on the road

I had a brief heart in mouth moment as my sparkly gps watch took forever to find a satellite signal - I genuinely thought I'd mucked it up when I upgraded the software but luckily it eventually kicked in

Off I trot then and having given the signal the night before to my mum to hang the water on her fence post at the 3 mile stage - I was feeling confident

Today's task was a nine mile jog at a ridiculously slow pace

This is what happened last time - I remember thinking "what if I just get used to this slow pace and it becomes my normal pace?"

Last time my solution was to ignore the plan and run quicker, which is why I lined up at the start so full of injuries

So this time, I'm sticking to the plan - I never was much I a maverick, anyway

This is still a tricky decision to stick to though because not only is it difficult to run at below normal pace, you suffer hugely at the hands of the spectator 

You have people that are walking the same direction as you that keep looking back wondering why you haven't overtaken them yet - and they look on fearfully as the overtaking process takes so long they think you've joined them

Then you have the people coming at you - who have plenty of time to study you as you shuffle toward them - each with a look in their eyes that says " you poor fella - is that all you've got?"

I'm countering this with a mantra under my breath that goes something like "forget you - I don't even know you anyway"

I did the 9 miles in 10:30 mile pace (still too quick) and it was only the last I/2 mile that had my Achilles tweaking as it was a steep incline to the finish

Much better than I could have hoped - but still a long long way from where I need to be

2011:
So, the gym is closed and I'm due a 30 minute workout of something other than running. It took some pondering but I came up with the ideal solution - leave work at 12:00 and go straight to the George. Barging your way through masses of revellers and carrying those very heavy drinks must count for something. Plus having a bladder the size of a pea meant that one way or another I was constantly on the move -oh well, there's always tomorrow

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Day 13/119

2014:
Last night was wine, rum and Chinese night with my sister and brother-in-law - thank god for rest days .....

2011:
Today I'm scheduled a 9 mile run. 2 things against this: 1 The pavements are too slippery to run on and 2 I now have fully fledged man cold. I can't breathe through my nose (I know, I know no cold could be that big), I have a headache and it feels like someone is sitting on my chest. I hit an all time low this afternoon as I ate (but could not taste) the best looking Christmas dinner ever and then had to go to bed. Happy Christmas one and all

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Day 14/119

2014:
Well, I've let myself down, haven't I

Not only did I do no exercise whatsover, but I also has a belly-busting carvery at lunch and wine in the evening

If only training was really like this

I feel I've undone all the good work achieved and seeing as this is only week 2, it really doesn't say much for my willpower

I will get my comeuppance tomorrow as it is weigh in day and I fully deserve what I get

Still - 15 weeks to go - if you're going to muck it up do it when there's time to recover

2011:
Today is a rest day and believe me that's all I'm capable of. Still feeling shoddy, still can't taste anything, still needed to go to bed in the afternoon. Tried a couple of glasses of wine but that just made me feel menapausal as I came over with hot flushes. So want to stay up and watch the cricket but just can't do it