Day 58 - 18th Nov (152 day to go)
Going out in the evening to see my brother so I had to put a bit of speed on for the run. Only did 2.3 miles but broke my PB by 15 secs at 24 mins 49 secs. Very pleasing and my weight is down to 12st 7lbs. Still like to lose 9 - 14 lbs by April.
Day 56 - 16th Nov (154 days to go)
Surprisingly not too many aches and pains from Saturdays long run. My left hip is still a little tender and my right hip for the first time had a little twinge but I am concerned about it. My run today was very sluggish, probably not recovered from the last run yet.
Day 54 - 14th November (156 days to go)
The wind was blowing really hard so I thought the best plan was to run into wind going out and get carried back coming home. I had a bit a time on my hands so I thought I'll do a little bit extra today. I got to the Red Lion (1.2 miles) and then thought I'll run to Shoreham Airport and turn around. When I got to the airport I still felt really strong so I thought I'll run to the Lancing roundabout. Got there and instead of turning round I cut down to the seafront. Now I knew I was way beyond of my normal time and distance but I thought it would be good for my confidence to get some good mileage under my belt to see if there was any adverse reaction. With the wind behind me helping I eventually arrived back at my door 2 hours later. I then took the car on the same route or as near as and totalled up the distance. It was 7.5 miles, I must admit I thought it was going to be more like 10 miles so I was a little deflated. I then thought I've got to run over 3 times further than that on the big day. Still plenty of grulling work to do over the next few months
Day 52 - 12th November (158 days to go)
Red Lion run today, a bit of a cop out all these short runs, trying to get myself psyched up for a big run of 5-6 miles soon. My legs felt heavy, must have been the bike ride yesterday. Got some abuse from a couple of likely lads, a stone in my shoe and the wind seemed to be against me when running in both directions. Over minute more today than my PB.
Day 51 - 11th Nov (159 days to go)
As part of the new training regime worked out by Stuart, my Personal trainer, I have to do some fitness / core training. I went to an appointment to Hove on my bike at a much faster time than usual of 25 minutes. Feeling good.
Day 50 - 10th Nov (160 days to go)
Had to squeeze a quick run in between appointments today, I reckon I smashed my PB for the Red Lion run but unfortunately didn't time it.
Day 48 - 8th Nov (162 days to go)
Had porridge for breakfast then hummus with pitta and celery for lunch. Pretty healthy for me. Then went for a run two hours later. Decided to do the Southwick run because the wind would be blowing me home. It was an absolute doddle. 3.2 miles and feeling really strong at the end. Such a contrast from two days ago, maybe its the diet.
Day 46 - 6th Nov (164 days to go)
A rather pedestrian jog down to the Red Lion, felt like I hadn't run for weeks. Very lethrgic couldn't wait to finish. I put it down to lack of sleep the night before
Day 44 - 4th Nov (166 days to go)
I've employed the services of a highly recommended Personal Trainer. Was advised that to get my running at it's most efficient I need to strengthen my core (the stomach / abdomin area) and muscles. There are still a lot of bits of me that wobble furiously when I run. Stuart has given me a nine week programme to follow. I run 3 times a week to start plus 3 x 45 minutes sessions in between to strengthen the muscles I'm going to use most. We went through the warm up and warm down routines and the strengthening exercises. It's amazing how little you have to do to strengthen the muscles. Stuart suggested running for 30 mins so I thought I would do another Red Lion run. Amazing, I ran the distance in 25 mins 4 secs, that's 36 secs off my perosnal best. Ok so 2.3 miles is getting easier, still very apprehensive though about running over 6 miles though. Due to try that distance according to my plan in a couple of weeks. Have been told that if I can do 10 miles I can run a marathon, I really want to get that 10 miler under my belt to give me confidence, but I'm going to have to be patient.
If anybody would like to talk to Stuart about their own fitness he's a really nice guy and is very fit himself. When I say "fit" of course I mean that in the healthy way! He used to be a professional motorbike racer and you need to be incredibly fit and strong to do that.
Stuart Mansfield - Personal Trainer 07840 014246
Day 38 - Day 43 28th Oct - 3rd Nov
Ran down to the Red Lion and back and now timing myself. Friday took 26 min 1 sec for 2.3 miles, Sunday took 25 min 40 secs.
Day 36 26th Oct (174 days to go)
Heavy social weekend unable to get out to jog despite the extra hour on Sunday. Feel like I've gone backwards a bit.
Day 33 23rd Oct (177 days to go)
Four times around the park today, so around 4 1/2 miles, now beginning to feel that 26 miles is achievable. That was until I looked at the Brighton marathon website and viewed the video of the route. It seems to go on forever, I felt exhausted just watching it.
Day 31 21st Oct (179 days to go)
Three times round the park, I've calculated that the park is about 1700 yards in diameter. I counted my strides around half a lap and then measured my stride when I got home, not very scientific but it will do.
Day 29 19th Oct (181 days to go)
Twice around the park today, I haven't estimated the distance but about two and a half miles. It was different running on grass for a change, found it very difficult going up the slope the second time round but was determined not to stop. I'm definitely getting stronger and fitter. The hip is not so tender as it has been. Feeling good about the whole thing. Bought some trackie bottoms as it was a bit cold.
Day 27 17th Oct (183 days to go)
Thinking about energy foods, both the night before and 2-3 hours before the actual run. Plenty of fruit,veg,pasta and rice. Was half way through when a passing cyclist shouted out "Put some effort into it mate", without hesitation I told him to **** off. That put a spring in my step and completed the Southwick run today with ease (3.2 miles) hooray! Still had some left in tank as well.
Day 25 15th Oct (185 days to go)
Tried the Southwick run again (3.2 miles) as I failed miserably last time. Went further but still stopped about a mile from home. Walked for about 500m then ran all the way home.
Day 23 13th Oct (187 days to go)
Took the easy option and went to the Red Lion and back, I know its only 2.3 miles but I think I must have broken my personal best time. Managed a little burst of speed coming up the hill at the end
Day 21 11th Oct (189 days to go)
Ran to Southwick for a change, I only ran about one and a half miles and ran out of steam, must have been all the wine I drank with my friend from Devon who arrived at very short notice with a load of food and wine the night before. Trouble is I just can't say no. Anyway, I stopped outside a care home where my Great Aunt Peggy is staying I haven't seen her since Christmas and she was so pleased to see me. Spent about 15 mins and then ran the rest of the way home. Not ideal but nice to see Aunt Peg.
