St Albans 10k 2012

On Sunday 13th of May 2012, i lined up in a field of about 700 or so amateur runners to blaze down country lanes of my most favourite of all runs, the St Albans 10k. The weather was perfect and we were really lucky as the preceeding and following days were an absolute washout. Just after the start the sun came out and made the pleasant run just that litlle bit harder. Some of the hills i’d forgotten about but still, what goes up must come down. Towards the finish i was hoping to do a sub 50 min time but managed to get a 50 min and 8 secs time; i’m happy with that. This was my 4th consecutive time of doing this run, and it was the first time they used chip timing; the cost of this is probably why we were all presented with a wooden medal on a piece of string, rather than metal with ribbon. Oh well, you can’t have everything! Good times!

Brighton Marathon 2012

It’s been a while since i’ve put anything up here and since i did an organised race/run last week, i think i can begin to do so again. The last few months since New Year have been a bit up and down due to Plantar Fasciitis of the left foot but due to some exercises, temporary sole inserts and new shoes, i began to put my feet back on the road. Leading up to the Brighton marathon, i still wasn’t sure if i would make it…but i did. Wahay!

The Brighton Marathon was, quite simply, awesome. I made a weekend of it and my lovely girlfriend Molly came along to be my support; wicked! I prepared quite well and knew what i had to do to make sure all was well with feet and planned my strategy! The crowds were awesome along the superb scenery and coastal views and, apart from the really grim part around the power station (miles 20 – 23 were soul-destroying) i would recommend doing this to anyone as an alternative thats equal to London. Coming along the final 800 metres, i nearly blubbed due to unexpected emotion at having made it to the end (something that did not happen at London) but pulled it all back due to wanting a good photo at the end!). A personal best of 4 hrs 18 mins 41 secs welcomed me across the line…a pint beckoned!

My First Week in 2012…

New years day and i was out of the door. Out of shape and slow to go but indeed, out the door! 2 laps around the block and i was good to stop…glad to be back! 3.5 miles.
2nd Jan – 1 lap around the block – taking it easy so i can carry on further. 1.75 miles.
6th Jan – 3.5 miles
8th Jan – An afternoon run felt really good as the day was mild and, once i started running, quite warm. The pain in my left foot always arises for the first half a mile or so but then subsides into nothing. Once i get home, a quick bit of deep tissue massage on the affected spot seems to do the job of making it f***ing painful! Until the morning, and it magically disappears…3.5 miles.

50% of the year – done!

Restart and Reload.

New year, stuff to do! Been out of running for 4 months due to a foot injury that just WILL NOT GO AWAY! But, well…it is now . Slowly. I’ve learnt a lot about stretching , massaging, freezing, resting, rotating, levitating and just about everything you can do with a left foot short of bloody amputating it. Just been out for a 2 mile run and the foot was not too bad, but i am so out of shape. I’ve got a place in the Brighton Marathon in April and although i stopped thinking of doing it due to the foot injury (plantar fasciitis), well, one can only hope. Yesterday booked a 3 month swimming lesson course so i can try to do the front crawl properly. And get away from the tv at least once a week anyway.
As for this blog, it’s been a long time since i last posted and although work takes up a lot of my time, i should be able to post on here at least once a week, if only for me.
2012? Should be a good year!

End of the road.

Today, i got in from work, got changed into my gear, sat down and thought…i know this is a challenge but i’m just not enjoying this Janathon lark. I’m starting to not like running and before i really start not liking running, i’m going to stop. I could say its because i’m tired, i’m too busy at work, my personal life is suffering or any other excuse that could be true. But its not that, its because i love running that i’m stopping my Janathon. In the (almost) 2 weeks that i’ve been running everyday, i’ve learnt a bit more about myself, about running and about the fantastic running community that exists, supports and encourages everyone else. I don’t really have to explain myself, but i thought its only right because, well….you guys are great! Good luck with your Janathon, and any other personal challenges you may have! xx

Lucky for some, Number 13!

Thanks to Amoxycillin, i’m up for it a bit more today.  Yesterday was a bit grim for me, but today is another day! Got in from work and discovered 2 ladies and a niece talking about wedding dresses, colours, fabrics, etc…trainers on and i’m out the door! Lightly raining and quite warm, a young woman runs past me with a pair of shorts on and a t-shirt, and i’m thinking i should have worn less but still feeling good. Two big laps around the big block in near total darkness and back to the front door. Checked watch for time and trudged indoors. I was going to replace my Nike+ sensor with a new one but even after i calibrate it to my stride, it is still widely inaccurate; i never minded when i first started using it but when sites like mapmyrun, amongst others, give spot on measurements, why bother? Once i get an upgrade to another phone, i’ll be well away with all the apps available now…

Thanks for the comments i get, they really do give a lift when needed…and sorry i haven’t looked at many blogs this week, i’m doing my best! Come the weekend, i can see myself at the computer for a couple of hours, admiring all the efforts…big up the Janathoners!

Distance/Time                    3.5miles/28m28s

No ipod.

 

Toothache…

Long shift and toothache = short run and short blog…

Distance/Time                1.3miles/10m40s