Hi again
Now I know people are reading this again I had better keep you up to date, I bought a new bike last week so I will be cycling to work soon, I also managed to squeeze a run in on Sunday morning, I managed 3 1/2 miles but running on empty having only just had 4 hours sleep after working until 5.30 am I struggled. Didn't come across any runners on Sunday, although I did get chased by a real yellow coated insect!!!
I am really focused again, and I am looking into joining my local gym and getting up early and going before work. The eating plan is back on track (except today, Lou in St Austell put on a big spread for a meeting!!)
Anyway going for a quick bike ride, speak to you soon.
Went for quick ride on my bike, who ever coined the phrase "it's just like riding a bike", this was the first time I've really ridden a bike for years, I tested it but that was just around the block. I nearly stacked it on the first bend as the brakes were a little too effective! but after 15 minutes the confidence grew, but I certainly got a sweat up as I took on the hills of Saltash and used about 15 of my 24 gears! interesting!
Cheers
Snooky
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Sunday, 28 June 2009
So here we go again
I went out for my first run since the Plymouth Half Marathon this morning, It's been a few weeks and I'm afraid to say it was just like starting over again, so there needs to be a lot of training to be done between now and September 6th.
New mission so new trainers, I decided to do the gait test etc and get the right trainers. Thanks to Frank at Frank Elfords I now have a nice new shiny pair of Reeboks, Incredibly comfortable.
So the run this morning, just 3 1/2 miles around Saltash, nothing major to report apart from I struggled with the hills again.
Anyway gotta go.
Cheers
Snooky
New mission so new trainers, I decided to do the gait test etc and get the right trainers. Thanks to Frank at Frank Elfords I now have a nice new shiny pair of Reeboks, Incredibly comfortable.
So the run this morning, just 3 1/2 miles around Saltash, nothing major to report apart from I struggled with the hills again.
Anyway gotta go.
Cheers
Snooky
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Hi Back again
Hi folks
Well I'm back, and things have moved on since completing the London Marathon, I have become addicted to shiny medals and running in for a challenge.
One month after completing the London Marathon I ran the Plymouth Half Marathon, and to be honest it was probably harder, I completed it in exactly 2 1/2 hours, but I was shattered at the end, there's a different mentality, there is a more urgent need for speed. They reopened the roads after 2 1/2 hours. There are a couple of really nasty hills and the finish is particularly evil as you run past the finish and then run away from the finish and then coming back round.
So why am I doing the Bristol Half, because I need a short term focus to maintain progress to train for the London Marathon next year. I have put a stone back on since the Plymouth half marathon. I also want to keep raising funds for the FSI as I believe in this current environment the small charities need them more than ever.
I will only be doing sponsorship through my new justgiving page (see to the right) as two months after the London Marathon I still have £138 outstanding from my sponsorship form.
In addition to the Bristol half I am in a team of rowers taking part in the Saltash Regatta "Race to England & Back" on Sunday 5th July, please contact me to sponsor our team, or just come down to cheer us on.
Anyway, it's nice to be back, I will be back out pounding the pavements this Sunday.
Speak to you soon
Cheers
Snooky
Well I'm back, and things have moved on since completing the London Marathon, I have become addicted to shiny medals and running in for a challenge.
One month after completing the London Marathon I ran the Plymouth Half Marathon, and to be honest it was probably harder, I completed it in exactly 2 1/2 hours, but I was shattered at the end, there's a different mentality, there is a more urgent need for speed. They reopened the roads after 2 1/2 hours. There are a couple of really nasty hills and the finish is particularly evil as you run past the finish and then run away from the finish and then coming back round.
So why am I doing the Bristol Half, because I need a short term focus to maintain progress to train for the London Marathon next year. I have put a stone back on since the Plymouth half marathon. I also want to keep raising funds for the FSI as I believe in this current environment the small charities need them more than ever.
I will only be doing sponsorship through my new justgiving page (see to the right) as two months after the London Marathon I still have £138 outstanding from my sponsorship form.
In addition to the Bristol half I am in a team of rowers taking part in the Saltash Regatta "Race to England & Back" on Sunday 5th July, please contact me to sponsor our team, or just come down to cheer us on.
Anyway, it's nice to be back, I will be back out pounding the pavements this Sunday.
Speak to you soon
Cheers
Snooky
Monday, 27 April 2009
The day after.......
Waheyyyyyy!!!! I only went and did it!!!! I completed the London Marathon in 5 hours 51 minutes and 7 seconds. So how was it.....
It was amazing, I arrived with plenty of time, the temperature was considerably higher than predicted. It took me 23 minutes to get across the start line and started off way too fast, I managed to run non stop for 13 miles and at that point I was on target for a sub 5 hour finish, however I noticed a bit later on (about 17 miles +) that quite a lot of people dropping out, through leg problems and dehydration, so I decided to ease back because I wanted to finish, at this point I managed to chat to a few people. I was chatting to Stevo so much both of us missed the 19 mile point, but we were well chuffed when we suddenly came across the 20 mile marker, we decided to run for a bit at which point i left Stevo behind, a little later I slowed to a fast walk alongside a chap called Matt who was struggling with 4 miles to go, we chatted and he was in quite some pain I told him I would see him through to the end as he was so close, we were joined by a guy called Chips and marched our way down the centre of the Embankment, The crowds made us feel like complete heroes, they were amazing.
We got to the 800 Metres to go marker and Matt let us run on, I hope he finished.
A wise OLD man (only joking) told me before,that there are many things in life that are so hyped up that they are an anticlimax but this is not one of them. The whole day was amazing, the crowds were fantastic, I got so much support on the way around and it was great that the same faces were even more vocal in the second half. Apart from my family and the FSI team who were awesome the sound of "here comes Snooky!!" and massive roar from total strangers was probably one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. So to all the supporters around the course, thank you, without you the experience would not have been a fraction of what it was.
Today... can I walk, since completing I have been back to Plymouth, travelled up to Sheffield and now I'm in Manchester so haven't really had chance to rest, but the only bit that is really sore are the tops of my thighs, especially when going up and down stairs. Other than that I feel good.
I just want to say a massive thank you to Paul, my brother who has added a further £500 to my donations taking me beyond my target, you are a star, thank you.
So the ultimate question....... would I do it again? (sorry Jude..) Bring it on........
So until next time
Cheers
Snooky
It was amazing, I arrived with plenty of time, the temperature was considerably higher than predicted. It took me 23 minutes to get across the start line and started off way too fast, I managed to run non stop for 13 miles and at that point I was on target for a sub 5 hour finish, however I noticed a bit later on (about 17 miles +) that quite a lot of people dropping out, through leg problems and dehydration, so I decided to ease back because I wanted to finish, at this point I managed to chat to a few people. I was chatting to Stevo so much both of us missed the 19 mile point, but we were well chuffed when we suddenly came across the 20 mile marker, we decided to run for a bit at which point i left Stevo behind, a little later I slowed to a fast walk alongside a chap called Matt who was struggling with 4 miles to go, we chatted and he was in quite some pain I told him I would see him through to the end as he was so close, we were joined by a guy called Chips and marched our way down the centre of the Embankment, The crowds made us feel like complete heroes, they were amazing.
We got to the 800 Metres to go marker and Matt let us run on, I hope he finished.
A wise OLD man (only joking) told me before,that there are many things in life that are so hyped up that they are an anticlimax but this is not one of them. The whole day was amazing, the crowds were fantastic, I got so much support on the way around and it was great that the same faces were even more vocal in the second half. Apart from my family and the FSI team who were awesome the sound of "here comes Snooky!!" and massive roar from total strangers was probably one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. So to all the supporters around the course, thank you, without you the experience would not have been a fraction of what it was.
Today... can I walk, since completing I have been back to Plymouth, travelled up to Sheffield and now I'm in Manchester so haven't really had chance to rest, but the only bit that is really sore are the tops of my thighs, especially when going up and down stairs. Other than that I feel good.
I just want to say a massive thank you to Paul, my brother who has added a further £500 to my donations taking me beyond my target, you are a star, thank you.
So the ultimate question....... would I do it again? (sorry Jude..) Bring it on........
So until next time
Cheers
Snooky
Thursday, 23 April 2009
On My Way
Well I'm on my way, I'm on the train to London, I am heading straight for the Excel Centre to register and get my number and bits and pieces and start soaking up the atmosphere, tomorrow I'm going to pop in to see the team at the FSI office.
I'm travelling first class, wow a table to myself, a chair that fits and peace and quiet!! The joke is it cost me £1.90 less than standard class on the same train last week!
I want to do a couple of thank yous, firstly to my taxi driver from Taxi Fast in Plymouth who gave me half my fare back as a donation. A Big thanks goes to Jury's Inns in Croydon who have agreed to give me B & B for the next three nights at a very low rate and also Jury's Inn in Plymouth for their various donations.
I would like to thank Trudy and her son for offering accommodation in London, it really is appreciated, but to be honest (despite popular belief) I am really shy and however much you tell me it's ok, I really struggle with the concept of imposing myself on people I have not met before, for three days. So once again thank you sooooo much for the very kind offer.
I would like to thank the staff and customers of the Bank pub in Plymouth for both their financial and verbal support and I'll see you all next Wednesday.
I would like to thank Little Miss Motivator from the FSI for her supportive emails, I will see you tomorrow when I collect my Tutu!! Thanks for making it for me Kim.
I would like to thank my team at A4e for my Mascot "Snooky Bear" he's awesome, also to Hayley and the Pathways teams in Wales
I would also like to thank my Wife and kids for putting up with my absence, and giving me the support when I have been out training.
Thanks to the yellow coated stick insects who gave me the motivation when out training and so much material for updating my blog!
So Sunday, If you are in London and watching I have Snooky on my shirt, so if you want me to hear you call out Mike, I'll be the one walking until I spot a TV camera and then start running!!! (only joking), I will be in my FSI T-shirt with a lovely purple Tutu and aiming to complete in about 5 1/2 hours.
There is still time to sponsor me either through my Just Giving account or if you are not comfortable with that just email your pledge via my website www.funmachine-uk.com. At time of writing I'm still about £500 short of my target. Although I still have sponsorship forms with Pixieland in Saltash and A4e Pathways Wales are still fundraising for me, thanks guys it's really appreciated.
Right I had better go while I still have a signal.
Speak to you soon.
Cheers
Snooky
I'm travelling first class, wow a table to myself, a chair that fits and peace and quiet!! The joke is it cost me £1.90 less than standard class on the same train last week!
I want to do a couple of thank yous, firstly to my taxi driver from Taxi Fast in Plymouth who gave me half my fare back as a donation. A Big thanks goes to Jury's Inns in Croydon who have agreed to give me B & B for the next three nights at a very low rate and also Jury's Inn in Plymouth for their various donations.
I would like to thank Trudy and her son for offering accommodation in London, it really is appreciated, but to be honest (despite popular belief) I am really shy and however much you tell me it's ok, I really struggle with the concept of imposing myself on people I have not met before, for three days. So once again thank you sooooo much for the very kind offer.
I would like to thank the staff and customers of the Bank pub in Plymouth for both their financial and verbal support and I'll see you all next Wednesday.
I would like to thank Little Miss Motivator from the FSI for her supportive emails, I will see you tomorrow when I collect my Tutu!! Thanks for making it for me Kim.
I would like to thank my team at A4e for my Mascot "Snooky Bear" he's awesome, also to Hayley and the Pathways teams in Wales
I would also like to thank my Wife and kids for putting up with my absence, and giving me the support when I have been out training.
Thanks to the yellow coated stick insects who gave me the motivation when out training and so much material for updating my blog!
So Sunday, If you are in London and watching I have Snooky on my shirt, so if you want me to hear you call out Mike, I'll be the one walking until I spot a TV camera and then start running!!! (only joking), I will be in my FSI T-shirt with a lovely purple Tutu and aiming to complete in about 5 1/2 hours.
There is still time to sponsor me either through my Just Giving account or if you are not comfortable with that just email your pledge via my website www.funmachine-uk.com. At time of writing I'm still about £500 short of my target. Although I still have sponsorship forms with Pixieland in Saltash and A4e Pathways Wales are still fundraising for me, thanks guys it's really appreciated.
Right I had better go while I still have a signal.
Speak to you soon.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 19 April 2009
THE HOME RUN!!!!
Hi folks, well this time next week it will be all over!!! Hopefully I will have completed the marathon and achieved my biggest challenge of my life.
Sorry I didn't let you know how things have been going over the last couple of weeks it's been crazily busy, we have had two birthdays in our household, my 43rd on Tuesday and My little boys 5th on Friday, so there was a bit of partying all week.
I did go out for a run last Sunday about 8 miles around Saltash, another glorious Sunday followed by the rest of the day spent on the beach in Looe.
Mid week I didn't actually go out for a run, however I went up to London for one of my birthday presents which was to see AC/DC at the O2 Arena, so although I didn't run, I walked from Canning Town to my Hotel at London City Airport and then back to the DLR and spent 2 hours jumping on the spot as the veteran rockers showed no signs of slowing down, with probably the most OTT live show I have seen for a long time and by far the best opening to a live gig. Ironically the O2 Arena did well to transport us back to the eighties advertising future gigs from UB40, Spandau Ballet and Aha!!! oh and Cliff Richard and The Shadows.
The realisation and butterflies really kicked in with this trip to London especially as a rode the DLR past Canary Wharf thinking I will be running around that next week!
Today and another glorious sunny Sunday, watched the Grand Prix then got up and ran for an hour around the hills of Saltash, no issues apart from it seems to go so quick. I tried some new running clothes today, all the proper wicking clothes. All seemed to be good and light. Having said that the long range forecast to be overcast and about 5-6 degrees C, so should be quite comfortable providing it doesn't rain.
I'm sitting here with Secret Millionaire on the telly, and it just dawned on me if it wasn't for this programme I probably wouldn't be running the Marathon, because the FSI wouldn't exist. Emma started the FSI after her experience and learning from her time as the Secret Millionaire.
If you are reading this and have yet to donate please visit my Justgiving site by clicking on the widget on the right. If you want to kn ow more about the FSI please visit www.thefsi.org to see what it's all about. Every £1 raised for the FSI is worth £7-£8 to a smaller charity in training and support.
I've taken leave from work for the next two weeks (a week to prepare and a week to recover), I am however having a fundraising Karaoke night this Wednesday at the Bank Pub in Plymouth. So please come along and give your support.
I'm travelling up to London on Thursday to register and get settled in, so this will be my last blog before the Marathon, so speak to you after.
Cheers
Snooky
Sorry I didn't let you know how things have been going over the last couple of weeks it's been crazily busy, we have had two birthdays in our household, my 43rd on Tuesday and My little boys 5th on Friday, so there was a bit of partying all week.
I did go out for a run last Sunday about 8 miles around Saltash, another glorious Sunday followed by the rest of the day spent on the beach in Looe.
Mid week I didn't actually go out for a run, however I went up to London for one of my birthday presents which was to see AC/DC at the O2 Arena, so although I didn't run, I walked from Canning Town to my Hotel at London City Airport and then back to the DLR and spent 2 hours jumping on the spot as the veteran rockers showed no signs of slowing down, with probably the most OTT live show I have seen for a long time and by far the best opening to a live gig. Ironically the O2 Arena did well to transport us back to the eighties advertising future gigs from UB40, Spandau Ballet and Aha!!! oh and Cliff Richard and The Shadows.
The realisation and butterflies really kicked in with this trip to London especially as a rode the DLR past Canary Wharf thinking I will be running around that next week!
Today and another glorious sunny Sunday, watched the Grand Prix then got up and ran for an hour around the hills of Saltash, no issues apart from it seems to go so quick. I tried some new running clothes today, all the proper wicking clothes. All seemed to be good and light. Having said that the long range forecast to be overcast and about 5-6 degrees C, so should be quite comfortable providing it doesn't rain.
I'm sitting here with Secret Millionaire on the telly, and it just dawned on me if it wasn't for this programme I probably wouldn't be running the Marathon, because the FSI wouldn't exist. Emma started the FSI after her experience and learning from her time as the Secret Millionaire.
If you are reading this and have yet to donate please visit my Justgiving site by clicking on the widget on the right. If you want to kn ow more about the FSI please visit www.thefsi.org to see what it's all about. Every £1 raised for the FSI is worth £7-£8 to a smaller charity in training and support.
I've taken leave from work for the next two weeks (a week to prepare and a week to recover), I am however having a fundraising Karaoke night this Wednesday at the Bank Pub in Plymouth. So please come along and give your support.
I'm travelling up to London on Thursday to register and get settled in, so this will be my last blog before the Marathon, so speak to you after.
Cheers
Snooky
Monday, 6 April 2009
Yikes 20 days to go
As I said last week it's time to taper down my training, So yesterday I just ran for 10 miles, the great thing was it was easy, not only did I run the majority of it, I also did it at much faster pace than usual, in fact I actually over took other runners!! I think the pace was psychological because I knew I wasn't doing 20 miles, The weird thing is when you finish running only 10 miles you actually feel guilty thinking you have cheated.
So as far as fundraising goes I will be taking the sponsorship form and collection tin to the Bank Pub in Plymouth for the Karaoke for the next 3 Wednesdays, so come along and please make a contribution and have a great night.
There is a bonus for the Karaoke fans I will be at the Hogs Head on Thursday night as well.
.
Remember check out www.thefsi.org to check out why I;m putting myself through this. £1 raised for the FSI is Worth about £7 to a small charity.
Cheers
Snooky
So as far as fundraising goes I will be taking the sponsorship form and collection tin to the Bank Pub in Plymouth for the Karaoke for the next 3 Wednesdays, so come along and please make a contribution and have a great night.
There is a bonus for the Karaoke fans I will be at the Hogs Head on Thursday night as well.
.
Remember check out www.thefsi.org to check out why I;m putting myself through this. £1 raised for the FSI is Worth about £7 to a small charity.
Cheers
Snooky
Monday, 30 March 2009
This week's run was sponsored by Lucozade!
26 Days to go, less than 4 weeks !!!!!
Last week my Marathon News magazine and registration letter arrived making it now very real. I have a nasty feeling the next 26 days are going to go really quickly. The magazine is a really good read and really supportive letting us know everything we need to know with loads of training and preparation tips. (could have done with it about 4 months ago).
The best bit is that from today it's time to start tapering down the training, yay! Yesterday (Sunday 29th) was my last really long run. I used it as a dry run to practice pacing and hydration and fueling for the day.
I changed the route around a bit to give a bit of variety but made sure I still did 20 miles. The start was the same but I headed off into Plympton and back before heading down the embankment and the cut up through Tothill back into the town centre.
Ollie (see blog link on the right) thinks that drinking Lucozade has a psychological effect rather than physical, I don't care because it worked. I drank half a bottle before setting off and took a bottle with me. After about 10 miles I popped into a petrol station to refuel!
I reigned myself in at the start ensuring I kept a steady pace and although I thought I was running slower I actually got to my 10 mile point 10 minutes quicker and was feeling quite fresh. The knee seemed to be holding out ok, as a precautionary measure I had put a knee support on. The knee was fine but the support was starting to chafe on my thigh!
At about 14 miles the knee started to hurt a little, nowhere near as bad as before, but I dropped down to a fast walking pace in case. I also popped into a corner shop and bought some Ibuprofen, took a couple and 20 minutes later all was good.
I got home in just under 4 1/2 hours a bit slower than the last time I completed 20 miles however the big difference was last time I was on my last legs, this time I felt like I could keep going. In fact I went on to spend the next 4 hours tiling my kitchen.
So feeling good and confident about the big day. What I need now is some more money for the FSI, we reached the half way point (thanks Dad) but still a way to go. Please check out the website www.thefsi.org to see what it's all about. In a nutshell it's a charity inspired by Emma Harrison's experience on the Secret Millionaire in which she realised that small charities often have the passion to fund raise and run their charities however are missing some of the skills to make the most of the money they have raised. The skills that the large charities can pay for. The FSI provide that training and support for free. So raising money for the FSI is supporting the thousands of small charities across the UK.
Anyway gotta go speak to you soon.
Cheers
Snooky
Last week my Marathon News magazine and registration letter arrived making it now very real. I have a nasty feeling the next 26 days are going to go really quickly. The magazine is a really good read and really supportive letting us know everything we need to know with loads of training and preparation tips. (could have done with it about 4 months ago).
The best bit is that from today it's time to start tapering down the training, yay! Yesterday (Sunday 29th) was my last really long run. I used it as a dry run to practice pacing and hydration and fueling for the day.
I changed the route around a bit to give a bit of variety but made sure I still did 20 miles. The start was the same but I headed off into Plympton and back before heading down the embankment and the cut up through Tothill back into the town centre.
Ollie (see blog link on the right) thinks that drinking Lucozade has a psychological effect rather than physical, I don't care because it worked. I drank half a bottle before setting off and took a bottle with me. After about 10 miles I popped into a petrol station to refuel!
I reigned myself in at the start ensuring I kept a steady pace and although I thought I was running slower I actually got to my 10 mile point 10 minutes quicker and was feeling quite fresh. The knee seemed to be holding out ok, as a precautionary measure I had put a knee support on. The knee was fine but the support was starting to chafe on my thigh!
At about 14 miles the knee started to hurt a little, nowhere near as bad as before, but I dropped down to a fast walking pace in case. I also popped into a corner shop and bought some Ibuprofen, took a couple and 20 minutes later all was good.
I got home in just under 4 1/2 hours a bit slower than the last time I completed 20 miles however the big difference was last time I was on my last legs, this time I felt like I could keep going. In fact I went on to spend the next 4 hours tiling my kitchen.
So feeling good and confident about the big day. What I need now is some more money for the FSI, we reached the half way point (thanks Dad) but still a way to go. Please check out the website www.thefsi.org to see what it's all about. In a nutshell it's a charity inspired by Emma Harrison's experience on the Secret Millionaire in which she realised that small charities often have the passion to fund raise and run their charities however are missing some of the skills to make the most of the money they have raised. The skills that the large charities can pay for. The FSI provide that training and support for free. So raising money for the FSI is supporting the thousands of small charities across the UK.
Anyway gotta go speak to you soon.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 22 March 2009
1 Month, 3 Days, 11 Hours and 37 Minutes to go..... That's 5 weeks!!!
What a week! I was off from the day job this week to redecorate my kitchen, I'll tell you redecorating is as a good a work out as you will ever get. By the end each day I was knackered and muscles ached where I didn't know I had muscles.
I lost another 3 lbs last week so that's 23 lbs since starting training, so back on track. Well until this week, because I am redecorating my kitchen, I haven't had the access to the cooker all this week which has meant a week of takeaways and sandwiches so if have lost any weight this week it will be a miracle.
Today's run: the plan was to do another 20 mile run in absolute gorgeous weather, it was so nice not to get soaked on the run. The run started well at a good pace passing other runners on the way, then about 12 miles in I opened up my stride and stepped up the pace only for my left knee to start hurting again. This is now becoming a bit of a worry, although I should have strapped it up knowing it was weak. I will from now on. I actually had to call for my wife to pick me up as my knee felt like it was seizing up and I didn't want cause any more damage.
It eased up in the afternoon when mowing the lawn so hopefully the damage isn't too bad.
Anyway better go.
Cheers
Snooky
What a week! I was off from the day job this week to redecorate my kitchen, I'll tell you redecorating is as a good a work out as you will ever get. By the end each day I was knackered and muscles ached where I didn't know I had muscles.
I lost another 3 lbs last week so that's 23 lbs since starting training, so back on track. Well until this week, because I am redecorating my kitchen, I haven't had the access to the cooker all this week which has meant a week of takeaways and sandwiches so if have lost any weight this week it will be a miracle.
Today's run: the plan was to do another 20 mile run in absolute gorgeous weather, it was so nice not to get soaked on the run. The run started well at a good pace passing other runners on the way, then about 12 miles in I opened up my stride and stepped up the pace only for my left knee to start hurting again. This is now becoming a bit of a worry, although I should have strapped it up knowing it was weak. I will from now on. I actually had to call for my wife to pick me up as my knee felt like it was seizing up and I didn't want cause any more damage.
It eased up in the afternoon when mowing the lawn so hopefully the damage isn't too bad.
Anyway better go.
Cheers
Snooky
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Injury worry!
1 month 10 days 11 hours and 28 minutes...
Hi, long time no speak, I did start to write a blog on Thursday, but fell asleep while typing, so here's 2 in 1.
So, Thursday I ran to work and back. The run in was great and it probably would have been my fastest time if it hadn't been for the traffic lights. I managed to do the 5 miles in 52 minutes, 1 minute outside my best. I was on target to also complete my quickest return, getting to Wolesley Road in just over 15 minutes. Then about half way along Wolesley Road I got a sharp pain down the outside of my left knee, not enough to pull me up but enough to slow me down and cause concern. I decided to walk the rest of the way. That evening my knee stiffened up and getting up and down the stairs became very difficult and I got even more worried.
Friday there didn't seem to much improvement although walking on the flat was fine stairs and hills hurt.
So today, the knee was feeling much better and going up and down stairs felt free, however there is still a niggling twinge there, so a decision had to be made, run, walk, rest or something else. With the twinge still there I decided to not run or walk to ensure the knee got rested, but I had to train. I decided to go for a swim, I swam for two hours and then the family arrived and we messed about in the pool for another hour and a half. When we got home it was down to an afternoon of gardening in the glorious spring weather.
So no long run this week, but my body certainly got a good workout, the thing with swimming is that you don't realise how much of a workout you are getting until you get out of the pool. I got out of the pool and all of a sudden I felt like I had done 10 rounds with Tyson.
The knee is feeling better, so hopefully I will get out and run a couple of times this week.
That's about it for now, speak to you soon.
Cheers
Snooky
Hi, long time no speak, I did start to write a blog on Thursday, but fell asleep while typing, so here's 2 in 1.
So, Thursday I ran to work and back. The run in was great and it probably would have been my fastest time if it hadn't been for the traffic lights. I managed to do the 5 miles in 52 minutes, 1 minute outside my best. I was on target to also complete my quickest return, getting to Wolesley Road in just over 15 minutes. Then about half way along Wolesley Road I got a sharp pain down the outside of my left knee, not enough to pull me up but enough to slow me down and cause concern. I decided to walk the rest of the way. That evening my knee stiffened up and getting up and down the stairs became very difficult and I got even more worried.
Friday there didn't seem to much improvement although walking on the flat was fine stairs and hills hurt.
So today, the knee was feeling much better and going up and down stairs felt free, however there is still a niggling twinge there, so a decision had to be made, run, walk, rest or something else. With the twinge still there I decided to not run or walk to ensure the knee got rested, but I had to train. I decided to go for a swim, I swam for two hours and then the family arrived and we messed about in the pool for another hour and a half. When we got home it was down to an afternoon of gardening in the glorious spring weather.
So no long run this week, but my body certainly got a good workout, the thing with swimming is that you don't realise how much of a workout you are getting until you get out of the pool. I got out of the pool and all of a sudden I felt like I had done 10 rounds with Tyson.
The knee is feeling better, so hopefully I will get out and run a couple of times this week.
That's about it for now, speak to you soon.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Run of two halves!
1 Month, 17 Days, 11 Hours and 27 Minutes to go.........
Hi, long time no speak, I have had a bad week for training this week, both with running and eating, the reason is simple ... time! Last week I was working both Saturday night and all day Sunday as I had a stand at the West Country Wedding show at Plymouth Pavilions, although I didn't run I was on my feet for seven hours, and my training helped out because normally my feet are killing me with an hour to go, but not this time my feet were fine.
During the week I couldn't run to work as I had the auditors in and I didn't think it would be appropriate to be "glowing" while sitting next to them, later in the week I had the kids while my wife had work commitments so again I couldn't get out. So today I had to make up for it.
I took a couple of bits of advice today, from Steve who's training for the Marathon Des Sables in Africa who suggested I upped to 20 miles and drank Lucozade sport on the way around, Kat Harrison who suggested we changed our route, I did all of this I planned a 20 mile route on the marathon route finder, it started with 4 mile lap of Saltash before setting off across the bridge and doing a slight variation of my 16 mile run in reverse.
I started off just after half eight, the sun was shining, I was dressed for the cold. but by the time I had done the lap of Saltash I was way too hot, so I took a quick detour back to the house and dumped my sweatshirt, a decision I was to regret in the second half of the run. So off I went across the bridge, once I got to the other side I took some more advice, this time from the marathon website. I stopped and re-stretched, while I was stretching I had a nice chat with another runner who's training for the Plymouth half marathon. I carried on at a good pace and headed through Central Park, found new bit of the park I hadn't ever seen before and I ran through Mutley, down North Hill and into town, feeling good and still making good time.
I got to the part of the embankment where the lovely 4x4 driver like to soak me and guess what.... No puddle!! I was well happy!! This is where I realised if there is a god he hates me, I got around the corner, the sky turned dark, the wind picked up, the temperature dropped by about 10 degrees and the heavens opened, It was raining razor blades, by the time I got to Marsh Mills I was soaked though and freezing, I struggled on heading straight into the wind, the rain was going in my eyes and was really starting to sting, then as fast as it started the rain stopped and the sun came back out. I then started the climb up the most evil steepest and longest hill I have had to do on my training so far. I have run down this hill twice before but never up!! by the time I got to the top my legs were screaming for mercy!
I plodded on and then back came the rain and wind even colder and harder than before and again I had run straight into it, at one point after Crownhill I had to hide behind a wall, at this point I seriously contemplated calling my wife to come and get me, but to be honest a combination of wanting to complete the 20 miles and my fingers being too cold to work my phone I set off again face to face with the elements. I managed to stagger/jog back through St Budeaux and to the bridge, stopped and popped into the loo to call my wife to start the bath running and when I came back out the sun was shining again!! So as I dried off on my last leg back to the house and warmed down by walking the last mile I gained the satisfaction that I had completed 20 miles in just under 4 1/2 hours.
The big lesson today I think about long distance running is not always about the legs, I think it's about making sure your mind can keep telling your legs to keep moving.
Oh by the way the bath was ready and was great.
Right gotta go.
Cheers
Mike
Hi, long time no speak, I have had a bad week for training this week, both with running and eating, the reason is simple ... time! Last week I was working both Saturday night and all day Sunday as I had a stand at the West Country Wedding show at Plymouth Pavilions, although I didn't run I was on my feet for seven hours, and my training helped out because normally my feet are killing me with an hour to go, but not this time my feet were fine.
During the week I couldn't run to work as I had the auditors in and I didn't think it would be appropriate to be "glowing" while sitting next to them, later in the week I had the kids while my wife had work commitments so again I couldn't get out. So today I had to make up for it.
I took a couple of bits of advice today, from Steve who's training for the Marathon Des Sables in Africa who suggested I upped to 20 miles and drank Lucozade sport on the way around, Kat Harrison who suggested we changed our route, I did all of this I planned a 20 mile route on the marathon route finder, it started with 4 mile lap of Saltash before setting off across the bridge and doing a slight variation of my 16 mile run in reverse.
I started off just after half eight, the sun was shining, I was dressed for the cold. but by the time I had done the lap of Saltash I was way too hot, so I took a quick detour back to the house and dumped my sweatshirt, a decision I was to regret in the second half of the run. So off I went across the bridge, once I got to the other side I took some more advice, this time from the marathon website. I stopped and re-stretched, while I was stretching I had a nice chat with another runner who's training for the Plymouth half marathon. I carried on at a good pace and headed through Central Park, found new bit of the park I hadn't ever seen before and I ran through Mutley, down North Hill and into town, feeling good and still making good time.
I got to the part of the embankment where the lovely 4x4 driver like to soak me and guess what.... No puddle!! I was well happy!! This is where I realised if there is a god he hates me, I got around the corner, the sky turned dark, the wind picked up, the temperature dropped by about 10 degrees and the heavens opened, It was raining razor blades, by the time I got to Marsh Mills I was soaked though and freezing, I struggled on heading straight into the wind, the rain was going in my eyes and was really starting to sting, then as fast as it started the rain stopped and the sun came back out. I then started the climb up the most evil steepest and longest hill I have had to do on my training so far. I have run down this hill twice before but never up!! by the time I got to the top my legs were screaming for mercy!
I plodded on and then back came the rain and wind even colder and harder than before and again I had run straight into it, at one point after Crownhill I had to hide behind a wall, at this point I seriously contemplated calling my wife to come and get me, but to be honest a combination of wanting to complete the 20 miles and my fingers being too cold to work my phone I set off again face to face with the elements. I managed to stagger/jog back through St Budeaux and to the bridge, stopped and popped into the loo to call my wife to start the bath running and when I came back out the sun was shining again!! So as I dried off on my last leg back to the house and warmed down by walking the last mile I gained the satisfaction that I had completed 20 miles in just under 4 1/2 hours.
The big lesson today I think about long distance running is not always about the legs, I think it's about making sure your mind can keep telling your legs to keep moving.
Oh by the way the bath was ready and was great.
Right gotta go.
Cheers
Mike
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Aaaaagh less than 2 months to go....
1 Month, 27 Days, 11 Hours, 52 Minutes to go.....
Today was run to work and back day, I nearly managed to run to work non-stop, I made it from home (Saltash) to Plymouth railway station non stop running, I just couldn't quite make it up that last steep climb to the bus stop, maybe next time! Despite running 95% of the route it took 5 minutes longer than last week, I guess I paced myself better to take on the hills.
Not much else happened on route, my knee gave me a bit of gip on the way home, but it is still only a graze and will stop stinging soon.
This week has been a bit of a struggle, with motivation, pain and the such, the fundraising total hasn't moved for a couple weeks, so if your out there and fancy popping some money in the just giving site it will give me a bit of a boost.
Anyway gotta go.
Cheers
Snooky
Today was run to work and back day, I nearly managed to run to work non-stop, I made it from home (Saltash) to Plymouth railway station non stop running, I just couldn't quite make it up that last steep climb to the bus stop, maybe next time! Despite running 95% of the route it took 5 minutes longer than last week, I guess I paced myself better to take on the hills.
Not much else happened on route, my knee gave me a bit of gip on the way home, but it is still only a graze and will stop stinging soon.
This week has been a bit of a struggle, with motivation, pain and the such, the fundraising total hasn't moved for a couple weeks, so if your out there and fancy popping some money in the just giving site it will give me a bit of a boost.
Anyway gotta go.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Jog down memory lane
2 Months, 3 Days, 10 Hours and 9 minutes to go.....
Today was a change, we had to make a flying visit to Kent this weekend to pick up my daughter from her grandparents, which meant if I was to keep to my training schedule I would have to take my gear with me and go for a run around the Medway towns. Now, I thought the combination of all the towns were about the same size as Plymouth, but having now run it I discovered they are much smaller. I thought if I ran to Rochester Bridge and back from Rainham I would be close to 16 miles, I was wrong it was only 13.2 miles which I duly completed in 3 hours.
The route took me past so much of my history, it started by running through the country park where I often walked my dog, the next part of the journey was a route I used to walk to keep my fitness after my operations on my stomach. I passed the council buildings where our lives were interogated by social workers when we went tried to adopt a child. Then past the building where we had our Sunday league AGMs. I ran past a whole load of venues where I have gigged such as the Tap n Tin, the Crown, the George Vaults, The Medway Manor Hotel, the George Hotel, The Star, Gillingham Golf Club and one venue which I both gigged at and regularly played football at, which used to be Lloyds Social Club now called 442 club.
I ran past the pub I had my last pint as a single man and then past the church where I had keep that last pint in for two hours!! then finally headed back to the house.
I took a tumble just as I got to the furthest point of my route, I caught my foot on a raised paving slab and stumbled trying to keep my balance but ended up on my hands and knees, grazing my right knee quite badly and a little cut on my right elbow. Two cars stopped but I was soon back up on my feet and thanked them for stopping and limped on. The pain soon eased off and I got the pace back up.
As for the difference between the Medway towns and Plymouth, hills!!!! I could actually run most of the route because what I had thought were hills in the past were just slight inclines really, the only real hill on the route was Chatham Hill and that was evil, probably on par with Lower Forder Road in Plymouth.
Anyway I'm back in Saltash now and my knee is stinging a bit but I don't think there's too much damage.
Speak to you soon
Cheers
Snooky
Today was a change, we had to make a flying visit to Kent this weekend to pick up my daughter from her grandparents, which meant if I was to keep to my training schedule I would have to take my gear with me and go for a run around the Medway towns. Now, I thought the combination of all the towns were about the same size as Plymouth, but having now run it I discovered they are much smaller. I thought if I ran to Rochester Bridge and back from Rainham I would be close to 16 miles, I was wrong it was only 13.2 miles which I duly completed in 3 hours.
The route took me past so much of my history, it started by running through the country park where I often walked my dog, the next part of the journey was a route I used to walk to keep my fitness after my operations on my stomach. I passed the council buildings where our lives were interogated by social workers when we went tried to adopt a child. Then past the building where we had our Sunday league AGMs. I ran past a whole load of venues where I have gigged such as the Tap n Tin, the Crown, the George Vaults, The Medway Manor Hotel, the George Hotel, The Star, Gillingham Golf Club and one venue which I both gigged at and regularly played football at, which used to be Lloyds Social Club now called 442 club.
I ran past the pub I had my last pint as a single man and then past the church where I had keep that last pint in for two hours!! then finally headed back to the house.
I took a tumble just as I got to the furthest point of my route, I caught my foot on a raised paving slab and stumbled trying to keep my balance but ended up on my hands and knees, grazing my right knee quite badly and a little cut on my right elbow. Two cars stopped but I was soon back up on my feet and thanked them for stopping and limped on. The pain soon eased off and I got the pace back up.
As for the difference between the Medway towns and Plymouth, hills!!!! I could actually run most of the route because what I had thought were hills in the past were just slight inclines really, the only real hill on the route was Chatham Hill and that was evil, probably on par with Lower Forder Road in Plymouth.
Anyway I'm back in Saltash now and my knee is stinging a bit but I don't think there's too much damage.
Speak to you soon
Cheers
Snooky
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Still getting quicker
2 Months, 6 Days, 11 Hours, 53 Minutes to go.....
Run to work and back again today, bit damp this morning but quite refreshing. I managed to run most of the 5 miles in only dropping to walking pace for three hills. I beat my best time again, getting my 5 miles in down to 51 mins, but still can't get the return to under an hour.
Not much to report about the run really, same old same old.......
Cheers
Snooky
Run to work and back again today, bit damp this morning but quite refreshing. I managed to run most of the 5 miles in only dropping to walking pace for three hills. I beat my best time again, getting my 5 miles in down to 51 mins, but still can't get the return to under an hour.
Not much to report about the run really, same old same old.......
Cheers
Snooky
Monday, 16 February 2009
Can you over train???
2 Months, 9 Days, 11 Hours, 55 Minutes....
So how have you been? Sorry I haven't written for a while, I've been a bit busy lately. I missed the Thursday training session due to being too knackered after having to go to Newport with only 4 hours sleep the night before.
So along comes Sunday morning, time for the big run/walk of the week, still struggling a bit with a cold from my drenching last week, had a good stretch set off on another 16 mile jaunt. What I did find that having missed a training session my legs felt great and so I ran and ran and then got somewhat carried away and ran even further all the way to Marsh Mills only slowing to a walking pace for the steeper climbs. At this point I was an hour ahead of last week!!
Then as I started the journey into Plymouth, my legs and feet started to complain, and would you believe it, when I drove past where "that" puddle was last week was all dried up, but yep today it was back as big as ever. I gave it a really wide berth and got through dry, although I was clocking the car regs as they approached. There was another puddle further along, but there was no escape route, so I had no choice but to sprint past as fast as I could between cars, which after about 1o miles at that point was no mean feat.
The last 6 miles were a struggle especially as the majority of it was up hill, I got home in 3 1/2 hours that 1/2 an hour of the previous week and brings me almost into the 5 1/2 hour target range for the marathon. So progress is still being made.
As far as the weight is going, another 4lbs off this week so that's now 1 stone 5 lbs lighter in 6 weeks.
cheers
Snooky
So how have you been? Sorry I haven't written for a while, I've been a bit busy lately. I missed the Thursday training session due to being too knackered after having to go to Newport with only 4 hours sleep the night before.
So along comes Sunday morning, time for the big run/walk of the week, still struggling a bit with a cold from my drenching last week, had a good stretch set off on another 16 mile jaunt. What I did find that having missed a training session my legs felt great and so I ran and ran and then got somewhat carried away and ran even further all the way to Marsh Mills only slowing to a walking pace for the steeper climbs. At this point I was an hour ahead of last week!!
Then as I started the journey into Plymouth, my legs and feet started to complain, and would you believe it, when I drove past where "that" puddle was last week was all dried up, but yep today it was back as big as ever. I gave it a really wide berth and got through dry, although I was clocking the car regs as they approached. There was another puddle further along, but there was no escape route, so I had no choice but to sprint past as fast as I could between cars, which after about 1o miles at that point was no mean feat.
The last 6 miles were a struggle especially as the majority of it was up hill, I got home in 3 1/2 hours that 1/2 an hour of the previous week and brings me almost into the 5 1/2 hour target range for the marathon. So progress is still being made.
As far as the weight is going, another 4lbs off this week so that's now 1 stone 5 lbs lighter in 6 weeks.
cheers
Snooky
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
A stone down a few to go.
2 Months, 15 Days, 11 Hours and 15 Minutes.....
Today was a run to work day, a little earlier this week because of work commitments. So now running 15lbs lighter than when I started training I managed to knock another 2 minutes of my run into work, that's 5 miles in 54 minutes. The run back was not so quick and a bit of a struggle.
The weather was great this morning, if not a little milder than expected as I was wrapped up well, too well. It was nice to run in the dry for a change.
Not really much to report in either direction, apt from the music on the Ipod showed great timing today, as i got to the hardest section JR Walker & the Allstars blasted out with (I'm a) Roadrunner, quite apt really.
That was about the highlight of the run!
Cheers
Snooky
Today was a run to work day, a little earlier this week because of work commitments. So now running 15lbs lighter than when I started training I managed to knock another 2 minutes of my run into work, that's 5 miles in 54 minutes. The run back was not so quick and a bit of a struggle.
The weather was great this morning, if not a little milder than expected as I was wrapped up well, too well. It was nice to run in the dry for a change.
Not really much to report in either direction, apt from the music on the Ipod showed great timing today, as i got to the hardest section JR Walker & the Allstars blasted out with (I'm a) Roadrunner, quite apt really.
That was about the highlight of the run!
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Lost and Soaked in Plymouth
2 Months, 17 days, 11 hours and 28 minutes to go... (11 weeks)
Today was a day to push the boundaries once again, and it was another day of learning,
Today was a day to push the boundaries once again, and it was another day of learning,
- How far I've come and far I still have to go with training
- trust your instincts
- 4x4 drivers are morons
- pace yourself
- tape them nipples!!
So to how was today? it was cold and wet, I set off just after 9 am fuelled with a couple of bananas and cup of coffee. The planned route was to do the reverse of what I planned to do last week, my biggest route yet and feeding off my walk/run to work on Thursday I decided to run and walk this week so really stepping up again. You'll guess what...... yes I have burst out of my cocoon and now have a flourescent yellow coat!!!!!
I struggled to get started and walked the first mile or so just to get warmed up, there was a light drizzle as I headed over the bridge to Plymouth but instead of heading down into St Budeaux I took a quick left and headed off towards Crownhill, I ran on and off along Crownhill road and made pretty good progress, then I got to the end of Crownhill Road and onto the road that drops down to the A38, but I was on the path on the right-hand side of the road and the path turned away from the road, my instinct was to cross the road and carry on down the hill, but no I decided to follow the path thinking that maybe there would be a path down to the road or it was just going around a couple of houses and then carry on down. How wrong was I, it took me into a housing estate, I walked the full length of a road expecting a path or steps down the hill, the road turned out to be a close, so I had to back up, I went up some steps and tried another road and walked/run for ages to find I was now on a crescent that ended up about 20 yards from where I joined it. I finally found a road that went down to where I wanted to be and carried on to Marsh Mills.
By now the rain had picked up and the roads were getting wet, I moved on from Marsh Mills heading down the embankment, by this point I was managing to pick up the pace jogging most of the way. A gaggle of yellow coats came the other way, then I came to the worst point of my run. I was just reaching the end of the embankment and as I said the roads were getting wetter, I got to a little recessed area which had a massive puddle where it joined the road, I didn't think much of it but then along came a complete and utter moron in his 4x4 who drove through the puddle just as I was passing, completely soaking me from head to toe, I was already damp but this was a nightmare, just let's say the air was a little blue, I watched about another 15 cars or so go past and not one touched the puddle, so I can only assume he did it on purpose.
I got through the town centre without any further incidents and once I reached the station it felt like I was on the home stretch, the usual climb up Alma Road, to the Britannia Pub. I started off jogging onto Wolesley Road and just as it began to rise up from the Milehouse Service Station where I normally drop to a walking pace another runner crossed over and started running in front of me, he was of the yellow coated stick insect variety, in kicks the competitive streak in me, I kept running, I overtook the stick insect going up hill! but then I had to keep going, so I ran and kept running all the way to Camels Head junction, I was really pleased with myself especially as I was 3/4 of the way through my run. Then I started the climb up through St Budeaux and I started to regret the last run, my feet were really starting to ache and my legs had suddenly got very heavy an the nipples were starting to sting (when I got home they had been bleeding!!).
The last 2 miles were painfully slow, but I got home. 16.6 miles in four hours which is 6.5 hour pace. So how far have I come? In 6 weeks I have gone from struggling running for a bus, to running/walking 16.6 miles, but right now that is about my limit. So how far to go in the next 11 weeks basically I need to find another 10 miles in these legs and lose an hour off my pace.
Oh and get some plasters!!!!
That's it for now, cheers
Snooky
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Another goalpost passed.... ye haa!!
2 Months, 20 Days, 14 Hours and 34 Minutes to go......
Today was another "walk to work" day, but I made the decision to try and run and walk to work and back today, so I prepared in advance taking 2 days worth of lunch and a change of clothes and shoes to work yesterday so I wouldn't have a heavy backpack today. Well it done the trick, I got into work in 56 minutes, 5 miles of hills, my previous best was 1 hour 10mins, I was ecstatic, to put that into context it only took me 15 minutes longer than if I had driven and caught the Park n Ride! The weather was fine this morning, dry and not too cold and the buses were hunting me down in pairs to taunt me today!! the 1a and the 43 both pulled up alongside me at the same time!!
The return journey was not so great, it poured down with rain although when you're running it doesn't seem to notice too much apart from your clothes getting heavier. The return took an hour and 5 minutes (a lot more up on the way home) again another personal best for the journey.
To be honest the lungs are fine with the training, but the legs are struggling, they are feeling really heavy, but I guess it's always going to be hard on them with the amount of weight they are carrying.
I'm doing the Slimming World eating plan again so hopefully the pounds will continue to fall off.
Anyway gotta go, see ya.
Snooky
Today was another "walk to work" day, but I made the decision to try and run and walk to work and back today, so I prepared in advance taking 2 days worth of lunch and a change of clothes and shoes to work yesterday so I wouldn't have a heavy backpack today. Well it done the trick, I got into work in 56 minutes, 5 miles of hills, my previous best was 1 hour 10mins, I was ecstatic, to put that into context it only took me 15 minutes longer than if I had driven and caught the Park n Ride! The weather was fine this morning, dry and not too cold and the buses were hunting me down in pairs to taunt me today!! the 1a and the 43 both pulled up alongside me at the same time!!
The return journey was not so great, it poured down with rain although when you're running it doesn't seem to notice too much apart from your clothes getting heavier. The return took an hour and 5 minutes (a lot more up on the way home) again another personal best for the journey.
To be honest the lungs are fine with the training, but the legs are struggling, they are feeling really heavy, but I guess it's always going to be hard on them with the amount of weight they are carrying.
I'm doing the Slimming World eating plan again so hopefully the pounds will continue to fall off.
Anyway gotta go, see ya.
Snooky
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
What snow!!!
2 Months, 22 days, 10 hours, 28 minutes... My poor kids watched TV this morning seeing the snow all over the country and then looked out the window and we must live and work in the only 10 square miles of England that didn't get any snow over the last couple days.
I got out to run tonight, 3.5 miles again. Although it was cold it wasn't a bad run and I made good time, so I'm going to add a mile on the next run. It's getting interesting now as the stick insects are starting to recognise me, lots of acknowledgments tonight.
Well to be honest not much else to report, I only lost 1 lb this week and work is hard at the moment so I'm struggling a bit with tiredness, but I'll keep going because I know you're all out there willing me on.
Cheers
Snooky
I got out to run tonight, 3.5 miles again. Although it was cold it wasn't a bad run and I made good time, so I'm going to add a mile on the next run. It's getting interesting now as the stick insects are starting to recognise me, lots of acknowledgments tonight.
Well to be honest not much else to report, I only lost 1 lb this week and work is hard at the moment so I'm struggling a bit with tiredness, but I'll keep going because I know you're all out there willing me on.
Cheers
Snooky
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Change of plans leave me walking the streets!!!
2 Months, 25 days, 12 hours and 17 minutes to go...... or 12 weeks!!!
So today I was going to walk from Mount Batten to Wembury and back (about 15 miles), but circumstances with the kids wanting me to meet up with them and me deciding to keep my feet dry this week I changed my mind. Also all my long distance stuff had been on soft ground, which in turn meant I wasn't getting a realistic impact on my feet and knees etc. So I planned a 16 mile trip from Saltash around Plymouth and back, taking in the Hoe, the Barbican and the embankment and then back through Crownhill to Saltash.
I managed 9 1/2 miles which got me to Sainsburys at Marsh Mills where I met up with my wife and kids for shopping and coffee. I had every intention to continue on back home but I received a phone call needing me to be back home in less than an hour, not possible to walk in that time.
However my pace had improved, although I'm still walking the longer distances I did the 9 1/2 miles in just over 2 hours, which if maintained for 26 miles would be just under 6 hours. So still some work to do.
Once again though, when walking you discover more than you do in the car, there are little plaques all along the embankment telling you all about the history of that stretch of the Plym. The walk was generally uneventful to be honest, but what I am glad to report is that my feet were feeling fine and I really believe I could have completed the walk, maybe next week! As I didn't complete the walk intended I may go out with the kids tomorrow, weather permitting.
I have finally managed to sort the videos out from the last two Sundays and you will find them on the right on the Video Bar, they are uploaded onto YouTube, my channel is "marathonsnooky".
Cheers
Snooky
So today I was going to walk from Mount Batten to Wembury and back (about 15 miles), but circumstances with the kids wanting me to meet up with them and me deciding to keep my feet dry this week I changed my mind. Also all my long distance stuff had been on soft ground, which in turn meant I wasn't getting a realistic impact on my feet and knees etc. So I planned a 16 mile trip from Saltash around Plymouth and back, taking in the Hoe, the Barbican and the embankment and then back through Crownhill to Saltash.
I managed 9 1/2 miles which got me to Sainsburys at Marsh Mills where I met up with my wife and kids for shopping and coffee. I had every intention to continue on back home but I received a phone call needing me to be back home in less than an hour, not possible to walk in that time.
However my pace had improved, although I'm still walking the longer distances I did the 9 1/2 miles in just over 2 hours, which if maintained for 26 miles would be just under 6 hours. So still some work to do.
Once again though, when walking you discover more than you do in the car, there are little plaques all along the embankment telling you all about the history of that stretch of the Plym. The walk was generally uneventful to be honest, but what I am glad to report is that my feet were feeling fine and I really believe I could have completed the walk, maybe next week! As I didn't complete the walk intended I may go out with the kids tomorrow, weather permitting.
I have finally managed to sort the videos out from the last two Sundays and you will find them on the right on the Video Bar, they are uploaded onto YouTube, my channel is "marathonsnooky".
Cheers
Snooky
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Evil Buses and St Poodeaux
2 Months, 27 Days, 11 Hours and 14 Minutes to go, today was the new walk to work day, to be honest the weather was fine and as I have now walked this route a few times so there wasn't any new things to see or observe. I managed 1 hour 15 min each way which is not the fastest but seems to be about average.
I did notice two things on the way into work today, the first being that buses seem to taunt you sitting there with the door open as approach the bus stop, I'd put money on that if I wanted to catch that bus, I'd be running for the bus and it would pull away as I reached the stop. The other was the amount of dog mess on the path in St Budeaux, it's actually disgusting, I had to spend most of the walk through St Budeaux with my eyes down, the paths were clear after Camels Head.
So as I said not much to report really, I'd like to say thank you to the latest bunch of people to add to the donations already made, I really appreciate it, it's one of the drivers that keeps me going to know you guys have enough faith in me to do the job to cough up with your hard earned cash in these difficult times.
Just to let you I'm changing my days around, I will now be doing my big weekend walk on Saturdays, this week walking from Mount Batten to Wembury and back so if you see me give me a toot.
Cheers
Snooky
I did notice two things on the way into work today, the first being that buses seem to taunt you sitting there with the door open as approach the bus stop, I'd put money on that if I wanted to catch that bus, I'd be running for the bus and it would pull away as I reached the stop. The other was the amount of dog mess on the path in St Budeaux, it's actually disgusting, I had to spend most of the walk through St Budeaux with my eyes down, the paths were clear after Camels Head.
So as I said not much to report really, I'd like to say thank you to the latest bunch of people to add to the donations already made, I really appreciate it, it's one of the drivers that keeps me going to know you guys have enough faith in me to do the job to cough up with your hard earned cash in these difficult times.
Just to let you I'm changing my days around, I will now be doing my big weekend walk on Saturdays, this week walking from Mount Batten to Wembury and back so if you see me give me a toot.
Cheers
Snooky
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
I've only gone and done it....
2 Months, 29 Days, 10 hours and 37 Minutes to go....... I went out for my regular 3 1/2 mile run tonight and I have achieved my first big goal which is complete the entire run without stopping. Now for you fit and healthy people out there that may not sound like a massive achievement, but just over 3 weeks ago I was over 20 stone and got out of breath running for a bus. Now I'm 11 pounds lighter and running 3 1/2 miles without stopping.
A really good night for running, not too cold, misty and and no wind, came across another new gaggle of yellow coats, Baby ones!! there was a group of ten and eleven year olds all in their little yellow coats all out on the streets.
Anyway see you down the Bank Wednesday night for a spot of Karaoke.
Cheers
Snooky
A really good night for running, not too cold, misty and and no wind, came across another new gaggle of yellow coats, Baby ones!! there was a group of ten and eleven year olds all in their little yellow coats all out on the streets.
Anyway see you down the Bank Wednesday night for a spot of Karaoke.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 25 January 2009
It's Sunday Again and the big walk.
3 Months and 12 hours to go.....
Yikes tomorrow will be less than 3 months to go, today was a day of wrong decisions, it started with the decision as to which walk to do, I was stuck between a walk from Mount Batten along to Wembury and back or a ramble over the moors. I have been itching to have a go at the moors since I moved down here, I looked across from my house and the weather looked good so I chose the moors. Now we had a lot of rain last night but I guess I didn't realise how much that would effect the moors.
So the route was to start at a car park called Bennetts Cross, which is just on the edge of Birch Tor, North of Postbridge. The route was a 9 1/2 mile figure of eight and I have to be honest if it was summer it would have been absolutely amazing, as it was it was just amazing. The views were breathtaking, I took the video camera again and took some footage, but until I get some decent software for editing, I'll have to describe the walk. I hadn't gone more that 20 yards before I found out how wet the moors were, promptly stepping in a puddle hidden by grass. The route took me over the crest of the hill leading up to Birch Tor and down the other side to a road which I followed down into a valley between Hookney Tor and Birch Tor. Towards the bottom of the road I had to take a sharp left up a hill, I was climbing a rock path which climbed alongside and then over a lively stream to the remains of Grimspound a 3500 year old settlement, this was a walled settlement of which most of the wall was intact, although according to my guide the walls used to be 31 m high surrounding 24 little houses of which you could still see the entrances and outside walls.
From Grimspound I walked across and then down the other side of the hill I came to a fork in the path both ended up at the same place so here came bad decision number two, I took the right and fork and promptly slipped and ended up on my knees, and to add insult to injury I hadn't seen a single human being since I had left the car park, but just as I slipped a couple walked up the other path and saw me go!! Typical!! Anyway now with soggy feet and soggy knees I carried on until I got to a wood at the bottom of the hill, this was a nice change of scenery, I climbed the first of many stiles and proceeded through the woods and although there was less water, path was still slippery. Once through woods it was onto the farm and fields section of the walk, and I have to be honest the worst section of the whole walk, the fields were boggy, the stiles were slippery and there were some almost impassable bits, at one point I had to climb over a 5 ft stile and then jump over a very fast moving stream. Later I had my "Dawn French" moment as I got to a field which did look a bit dodgy, but it was only about 20 yards to the next stile so I decided to just get across as quick as possible, mistake number three, two steps and I sank up to my knees, so follows a high stepping panicky run to the stile, praying my trainers stay on, they did thank goodness. So over that stile and cut diagonally across the next field to the next obstacle a wide stream running very fast. I had to pick out stepping stones and let the water rush over my feet to get across, into a farm yard full of geese and a very friendly sheep dog. From here it was the hardest climb of the day up alongside the stream on one side and old derelict mine buildings on the right, the up up and up and then over a hill and on up to the summit of Hookney Tor, where once again the views were breathtaking and I could see all around where I had walked, you could see Grimspound from above.
I stopped here for a few moments to take it all in and then strode on back down the hill to Grimspound and back to the road to start the second loop of the figure of eight, the majority of which would be on Challacombe farm, owned by the Estate of the Duke of Cornwall and this was by far the best paths and easiest part of the walk, it took me around the bottom of a massive hill past some medieval cottages and then onto the south side of the farm where initially path was totally drive. I walked over the crest of a hill and I could see the finishing post, my van was sitting proud on the skyline, unfortunately I then went down a hill and the van disappeared again. I walked through some really interesting old mine buildings and then came to my biggest obstacle yet, I could now see the van but there was only one path to it, problem - it was a fast moving stream!! I walked around to see if there were any alternative routes there weren't, so decision made to try and pick my way through the stream. I went for it and and after clearing the stream that was once a public footpath I promptly set off on the last leg up to the van on a track barely suitable for a mountain goat.
So 9 1/2 miles across the moors completed in 4 1/2 hours, with very wet feet. but to all you people out there who cruise around in their cars, you miss sooooo much. Much of what I had seen today, I would never have even known about, let alone seen them from the road.
Right that's enough babbling, see you on Tuesday.
Cheers
Snooky
Yikes tomorrow will be less than 3 months to go, today was a day of wrong decisions, it started with the decision as to which walk to do, I was stuck between a walk from Mount Batten along to Wembury and back or a ramble over the moors. I have been itching to have a go at the moors since I moved down here, I looked across from my house and the weather looked good so I chose the moors. Now we had a lot of rain last night but I guess I didn't realise how much that would effect the moors.
So the route was to start at a car park called Bennetts Cross, which is just on the edge of Birch Tor, North of Postbridge. The route was a 9 1/2 mile figure of eight and I have to be honest if it was summer it would have been absolutely amazing, as it was it was just amazing. The views were breathtaking, I took the video camera again and took some footage, but until I get some decent software for editing, I'll have to describe the walk. I hadn't gone more that 20 yards before I found out how wet the moors were, promptly stepping in a puddle hidden by grass. The route took me over the crest of the hill leading up to Birch Tor and down the other side to a road which I followed down into a valley between Hookney Tor and Birch Tor. Towards the bottom of the road I had to take a sharp left up a hill, I was climbing a rock path which climbed alongside and then over a lively stream to the remains of Grimspound a 3500 year old settlement, this was a walled settlement of which most of the wall was intact, although according to my guide the walls used to be 31 m high surrounding 24 little houses of which you could still see the entrances and outside walls.
From Grimspound I walked across and then down the other side of the hill I came to a fork in the path both ended up at the same place so here came bad decision number two, I took the right and fork and promptly slipped and ended up on my knees, and to add insult to injury I hadn't seen a single human being since I had left the car park, but just as I slipped a couple walked up the other path and saw me go!! Typical!! Anyway now with soggy feet and soggy knees I carried on until I got to a wood at the bottom of the hill, this was a nice change of scenery, I climbed the first of many stiles and proceeded through the woods and although there was less water, path was still slippery. Once through woods it was onto the farm and fields section of the walk, and I have to be honest the worst section of the whole walk, the fields were boggy, the stiles were slippery and there were some almost impassable bits, at one point I had to climb over a 5 ft stile and then jump over a very fast moving stream. Later I had my "Dawn French" moment as I got to a field which did look a bit dodgy, but it was only about 20 yards to the next stile so I decided to just get across as quick as possible, mistake number three, two steps and I sank up to my knees, so follows a high stepping panicky run to the stile, praying my trainers stay on, they did thank goodness. So over that stile and cut diagonally across the next field to the next obstacle a wide stream running very fast. I had to pick out stepping stones and let the water rush over my feet to get across, into a farm yard full of geese and a very friendly sheep dog. From here it was the hardest climb of the day up alongside the stream on one side and old derelict mine buildings on the right, the up up and up and then over a hill and on up to the summit of Hookney Tor, where once again the views were breathtaking and I could see all around where I had walked, you could see Grimspound from above.
I stopped here for a few moments to take it all in and then strode on back down the hill to Grimspound and back to the road to start the second loop of the figure of eight, the majority of which would be on Challacombe farm, owned by the Estate of the Duke of Cornwall and this was by far the best paths and easiest part of the walk, it took me around the bottom of a massive hill past some medieval cottages and then onto the south side of the farm where initially path was totally drive. I walked over the crest of a hill and I could see the finishing post, my van was sitting proud on the skyline, unfortunately I then went down a hill and the van disappeared again. I walked through some really interesting old mine buildings and then came to my biggest obstacle yet, I could now see the van but there was only one path to it, problem - it was a fast moving stream!! I walked around to see if there were any alternative routes there weren't, so decision made to try and pick my way through the stream. I went for it and and after clearing the stream that was once a public footpath I promptly set off on the last leg up to the van on a track barely suitable for a mountain goat.
So 9 1/2 miles across the moors completed in 4 1/2 hours, with very wet feet. but to all you people out there who cruise around in their cars, you miss sooooo much. Much of what I had seen today, I would never have even known about, let alone seen them from the road.
Right that's enough babbling, see you on Tuesday.
Cheers
Snooky
Friday, 23 January 2009
Bad day at the office and lessons learnt
3 Months, 2 Days, 10 Hours, 42 Minutes to go and what a day!
Today was the day to walk to work and back, so lesson one, don't try to walk 5 miles to work only 11 hours after doing a 3.5 mile run. The walk to work today was slow as my legs felt incredibly heavy following last night run. Next week I'll swap the days around, walking to work on Thursday and running on Friday. So the walk into work was fairly uneventful apart from a couple of downpours on the way. It took about an hour and 25 minutes to get in.
I then had pretty nasty day leading to lesson number two, don't answer the phone after 4.30 on a Friday afternoon, I took a call which led to me not leaving the office until after 6pm.
So the walk home and lesson number three, if the weather forecast for the night is below freezing wear thick trousers, not to keep out the cold, but to protect yourself from being gritted, yep I would like to thank Plymouth City Council/Devon County Council/Highways Agency* (* delete as appropriate) for ensuring I don't get covered in ice on the way home.
Lesson number four...... I've got it all wrong, while walking home tonight I came across a group of runners which I have previously referred to as a swarm, well I now realise I've got it all wrong, a group of runners should be called a "Gaggle". (Kate you are going like this bit!), I witnessed the best example of "Honking" I have ever seen, one of the group was setting the pace and then as they got tired they dropped back to help the poor young lady who was struggling at the back, a lady who I take my hat off to with total admiration as she was severely disadvantaged compared to the other runners in her gaggle (in the interest of decency I will say no more) and then a few hundred yards on the leader peeled off and dropped back to the lady. It was really impressive.
Anyway that's about it for today, speak to you Sunday.
Cheers
Snooky
Today was the day to walk to work and back, so lesson one, don't try to walk 5 miles to work only 11 hours after doing a 3.5 mile run. The walk to work today was slow as my legs felt incredibly heavy following last night run. Next week I'll swap the days around, walking to work on Thursday and running on Friday. So the walk into work was fairly uneventful apart from a couple of downpours on the way. It took about an hour and 25 minutes to get in.
I then had pretty nasty day leading to lesson number two, don't answer the phone after 4.30 on a Friday afternoon, I took a call which led to me not leaving the office until after 6pm.
So the walk home and lesson number three, if the weather forecast for the night is below freezing wear thick trousers, not to keep out the cold, but to protect yourself from being gritted, yep I would like to thank Plymouth City Council/Devon County Council/Highways Agency* (* delete as appropriate) for ensuring I don't get covered in ice on the way home.
Lesson number four...... I've got it all wrong, while walking home tonight I came across a group of runners which I have previously referred to as a swarm, well I now realise I've got it all wrong, a group of runners should be called a "Gaggle". (Kate you are going like this bit!), I witnessed the best example of "Honking" I have ever seen, one of the group was setting the pace and then as they got tired they dropped back to help the poor young lady who was struggling at the back, a lady who I take my hat off to with total admiration as she was severely disadvantaged compared to the other runners in her gaggle (in the interest of decency I will say no more) and then a few hundred yards on the leader peeled off and dropped back to the lady. It was really impressive.
Anyway that's about it for today, speak to you Sunday.
Cheers
Snooky
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Soggy Session
3 Months, 3 Days, 10 Hours, 48 Minutes to go, another running session tonight in the rain. I managed to push myself even further than I did on Tuesday, managing to run non-stop all the way to Devon and back, only stopping at the bottom of Fore Street and walking between the Co-op and Superdrug. 3.5 miles in 35 minutes.
While I was running I was thinking about what I was going to write in the blog, the first thing I was going to say was how few people were are out running, the first six I came across were of the cocoon variety like myself and I was going to talk about how there were no swarms of yellow coats until I was half way across the bridge and a swarm came at me from Devon. I then came across a new species, Obviously a former Cocoon who has made it to the independent stick insect but is struggling to let go of his past by carrying his weight in a back pack. I think my Ipod must have been smoking something before we started, as rather than selecting the usual upbeat rock and dance it decided to play the likes of Michael Buble, Katie Melua, not really the most motivating of artists although Foreigners "Urgent" managed to get me over the bridge from Devon.
If you have read my profile you will see in the past I have lost 11 1/2 stone, I did this with Slimming World, I used to attend groups for a few years and found the group sessions were key to my success, I haven't gone back to the group because I'm finding this blog is having the same effect. I would like to thank those of you again who have commented and given support verbally and by email. I would love to see some interaction on this site, It would be great to have some more suggestions for my training play list, so far I've got The Eye of the Tiger and F.E.A.R. by Ian Brown.
Anyway better go now got to get to bed early as it's walk to work day tomorrow.
Cheers
Snooky
While I was running I was thinking about what I was going to write in the blog, the first thing I was going to say was how few people were are out running, the first six I came across were of the cocoon variety like myself and I was going to talk about how there were no swarms of yellow coats until I was half way across the bridge and a swarm came at me from Devon. I then came across a new species, Obviously a former Cocoon who has made it to the independent stick insect but is struggling to let go of his past by carrying his weight in a back pack. I think my Ipod must have been smoking something before we started, as rather than selecting the usual upbeat rock and dance it decided to play the likes of Michael Buble, Katie Melua, not really the most motivating of artists although Foreigners "Urgent" managed to get me over the bridge from Devon.
If you have read my profile you will see in the past I have lost 11 1/2 stone, I did this with Slimming World, I used to attend groups for a few years and found the group sessions were key to my success, I haven't gone back to the group because I'm finding this blog is having the same effect. I would like to thank those of you again who have commented and given support verbally and by email. I would love to see some interaction on this site, It would be great to have some more suggestions for my training play list, so far I've got The Eye of the Tiger and F.E.A.R. by Ian Brown.
Anyway better go now got to get to bed early as it's walk to work day tomorrow.
Cheers
Snooky
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Good progress being made......
3 Months, 5 Days, 11 Hours, 6 Minutes to go....... today has been a real step forward in many ways, I have started this week carrying 1/2 stone less than 2 weeks ago. Also 2 weeks ago I bought a heart monitor and my standing heart rate was 79 beats per minute, today it was 59. Last week I ran about 2/3 of my route, today I ran further than ever, in fact I only walked for about 200 yds. So I could say I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself so far and the fundraising is going well too with 24% of my target reached already.
I was out a bit later than last week tonight, so I missed most of the yellow coated stick insects, only the three swarms today on the other side of the road. the bridge was totally clear of the yellow coat variety. I observed tonight that there are three types of runner out there, 1. The yellow coated variety that predominantly run in packs (or swarms as I have called them), 2. The independent stick insects, these are those who are very serious, very fit and seem to bounce along a one hell of a rate and totally ignore everyone else on the road and there is 3. the triers (the category I guess I fall into) or to keep the insect analogy going, cocoons. Individuals who have a little extra wrapping and running in order to get to the point where they burst out and become one of a yellow coated swarm or a fully fledged independent runner. There is a sense of unspoken camaraderie amongst the third type with nods and waves of mutual respect as they pass each other.
By the way I made a lot more video from Sunday's session which I really want to share with you because there were some great views, unfortunately I'm struggling to upload it, but I'm working on it.
Don't forget tomorrow night I'm doing the Karaoke down The Bank in Plymouth from 9pm, why not come along and have giggle.
Cheers
Snooky
I was out a bit later than last week tonight, so I missed most of the yellow coated stick insects, only the three swarms today on the other side of the road. the bridge was totally clear of the yellow coat variety. I observed tonight that there are three types of runner out there, 1. The yellow coated variety that predominantly run in packs (or swarms as I have called them), 2. The independent stick insects, these are those who are very serious, very fit and seem to bounce along a one hell of a rate and totally ignore everyone else on the road and there is 3. the triers (the category I guess I fall into) or to keep the insect analogy going, cocoons. Individuals who have a little extra wrapping and running in order to get to the point where they burst out and become one of a yellow coated swarm or a fully fledged independent runner. There is a sense of unspoken camaraderie amongst the third type with nods and waves of mutual respect as they pass each other.
By the way I made a lot more video from Sunday's session which I really want to share with you because there were some great views, unfortunately I'm struggling to upload it, but I'm working on it.
Don't forget tomorrow night I'm doing the Karaoke down The Bank in Plymouth from 9pm, why not come along and have giggle.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Walk with me
Hi, 3 months, 7 days, 8 hours and 45 minutes to go, today I walked the South West Coast Path from Looe to Tregantle, I think it was about 11 miles, I was hoping to walk about 15 miles, but there were some immense ups and downs and following last nights storms the path was a touch muddy. At times I felt like a frog in a well, 3 steps forward slide 2 steps back.
Anyway I took my handycam with me on this excursion, so if you feel up for it watch through the videos below to see how I got on.
Anyway I took my handycam with me on this excursion, so if you feel up for it watch through the videos below to see how I got on.
Friday, 16 January 2009
How much chewing gum on the floor?
3 Months, 9 Days, 9 hours and 43 Minutes to go and having missed my first training session yesterday due to a splitting headache, a guest, kids who were being a complete pain in the a***e, oh yes and bucketing down with rain. I walked into work today 5 miles in and then tonight 5 miles back. I managed to knock 5 minutes of my times each way which I was really pleased with, The walk is also getting easier and I jogged most of the downhill stretches.
When you are walking along you notice things you don't normally notice. The one thing I really noticed today was the sheer massive amount of chewing gum on the pavements of Saltash and Plymouth, the pavements are absolutely covered I'm amazed you don't get stuck walking along.
Anyway I would like to say thank you to the people at A4e Plymouth who told me they could see the differences in my shape today, it gave me a real boost. I think part of it is because I have lost a few lbs (5 last week) and partly I've noticed that since I have started my training my posture has definitely improved. I would also like to say a massive thank you to Pauline Broomhead for her very generous donation on my Just Giving site. Also welcome Kat as a follower, Kat can you start making the purple Tutu for the big day!!!
I had the Ipod on shuffle again today and for the most part the music was great and helped to keep my pace up, however a couple of tracks weren't so great, Katie Melua, Don Williams etc. So I am going to put together a playlist, I would love you to help me put this together, please leave your suggestions of songs to add in my comments. Could you also join as followers, it would give me an idea of who how many people are reading my blog.
So I'm off to plan my big walk for Sunday, I'm looking to walk for over 4 hours so based on last weeks walk I'm going to plan a 15 mile walk. I'll let you know how I get on Sunday evening.
Cheers
Snooky
When you are walking along you notice things you don't normally notice. The one thing I really noticed today was the sheer massive amount of chewing gum on the pavements of Saltash and Plymouth, the pavements are absolutely covered I'm amazed you don't get stuck walking along.
Anyway I would like to say thank you to the people at A4e Plymouth who told me they could see the differences in my shape today, it gave me a real boost. I think part of it is because I have lost a few lbs (5 last week) and partly I've noticed that since I have started my training my posture has definitely improved. I would also like to say a massive thank you to Pauline Broomhead for her very generous donation on my Just Giving site. Also welcome Kat as a follower, Kat can you start making the purple Tutu for the big day!!!
I had the Ipod on shuffle again today and for the most part the music was great and helped to keep my pace up, however a couple of tracks weren't so great, Katie Melua, Don Williams etc. So I am going to put together a playlist, I would love you to help me put this together, please leave your suggestions of songs to add in my comments. Could you also join as followers, it would give me an idea of who how many people are reading my blog.
So I'm off to plan my big walk for Sunday, I'm looking to walk for over 4 hours so based on last weeks walk I'm going to plan a 15 mile walk. I'll let you know how I get on Sunday evening.
Cheers
Snooky
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Attack of the Yellow Coated Stick Insects
3 Months, 12 Days, 10 Hours and 53 Minutes to go,
I have just completed my most intensive training session yet, helped by a swarm of the lesser spotted yellow coated stick insects.
I set off on my training run, at a reasonable pace, slowly increasing the pace.(to the point I suprised myself) I have set goals on my route where I want to run to before I need to ease off, unfortunately tonight I had to pull up a little earlier than last Friday, but this time not through my legs or chest, but I got a stitch in my stomach, I guess I must have taken on a bit too much drink before I started, anyway I walked for a little bit as it eased off and then picked the pace back up, as I approached the Tamar Bridge I decided to make a go of running the full length non stop, I did it, although 2/3 along I nearly got run down by a swarm of about 15 of the aforementioned yellow coated stick insects, bouncing along the bridge. I got to the end and another swarm came onto the bridge I let them go by and then tried to keep up with them as they ran across the bridge, about half way back I started to struggle and a third swarm came bouncing past, I picked up my pace once more and as both groups stopped for a breather at the end of the bridge I jogged past them (to more nods of respect, thanks guys) and started up towards Fore Street, as I got onto Fore street I looked back to see that both swarms were now following me again. I made the decision I was not going to let them overtake me again. For the first time I ran up Fore Street, it's amazing what you can pull out of the bag when you are being hounded down by 30 yellow stick insects!!! (I think these were the Devon variety on an excursion into Cornwall as they didn't appear to have the distinct markings of the Cornish breed (Tamar Trotters)) I beat them to the top of the hill just!!
Thanks to these guys being around it really motivated me to push myself further and it was by far my hardest session so far, but one thing it did prove to me was that I'm not ready to join them yet. But give me another couple of weeks I'll be there.
On another note, why not come down an see me in the Bank pub tomorrow night from 9pm for Karaoke.
Cheers
Snooky
I have just completed my most intensive training session yet, helped by a swarm of the lesser spotted yellow coated stick insects.
I set off on my training run, at a reasonable pace, slowly increasing the pace.(to the point I suprised myself) I have set goals on my route where I want to run to before I need to ease off, unfortunately tonight I had to pull up a little earlier than last Friday, but this time not through my legs or chest, but I got a stitch in my stomach, I guess I must have taken on a bit too much drink before I started, anyway I walked for a little bit as it eased off and then picked the pace back up, as I approached the Tamar Bridge I decided to make a go of running the full length non stop, I did it, although 2/3 along I nearly got run down by a swarm of about 15 of the aforementioned yellow coated stick insects, bouncing along the bridge. I got to the end and another swarm came onto the bridge I let them go by and then tried to keep up with them as they ran across the bridge, about half way back I started to struggle and a third swarm came bouncing past, I picked up my pace once more and as both groups stopped for a breather at the end of the bridge I jogged past them (to more nods of respect, thanks guys) and started up towards Fore Street, as I got onto Fore street I looked back to see that both swarms were now following me again. I made the decision I was not going to let them overtake me again. For the first time I ran up Fore Street, it's amazing what you can pull out of the bag when you are being hounded down by 30 yellow stick insects!!! (I think these were the Devon variety on an excursion into Cornwall as they didn't appear to have the distinct markings of the Cornish breed (Tamar Trotters)) I beat them to the top of the hill just!!
Thanks to these guys being around it really motivated me to push myself further and it was by far my hardest session so far, but one thing it did prove to me was that I'm not ready to join them yet. But give me another couple of weeks I'll be there.
On another note, why not come down an see me in the Bank pub tomorrow night from 9pm for Karaoke.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 11 January 2009
I just remembered why I live in Cornwall
3 Months 14 Days 15 Hours and 39 Minutes to go and it's Sunday again. The day of the long walk, I had to get up early today because I had to get back in time to go to the Panto in Plymouth...... Oh yes I did!!!... So I was up at 7 (I didn't know there were two 7 o'clocks on a Sunday!!) and got myself to Cotehele for 8am. I had looked up a 8.5 mile walk on http://www.walkingworld.com/ starting from Cotehele Quay. I started off as I left my solitary van in the car park and headed off into the woods. Ipod plugged in and on shuffle, the guide said this was a 4 1/2 hour walk so off I marched. Up a steep climb which lead up to a fantastic view up the Tamar River of Calstock Viaduct. The path then plummeted back down to the riverbank, It was actually quite warm this morning and I ended removing the coat hat and gloves as I walked through Calstock and past the sewerage plant (yum!!!) and up and around a disused mine, then up an incredibly steep hill (heart rate hit 152!) and along to a great view of Morwellham Quay in Devon. The walk took me down country lanes, across fields, through villages, over broken stiles, through kissing gates and down some "public" footpaths which are can only very loosely be described as footpaths.
The views were immense, the sound of the wind in the trees was so loud I had to turn my Ipod up, everyone I met was so friendly. Anyway 8.5 miles of hills and hills along the Tamar Valley completed in just under 3 hours and I got back in time to go to the Panto, which was brilliant, the sight of Lesley Jospeh dressed as a fairy godmother climbing over the seats in the stalls in search of smelly socks will be stuck in my mind forever!!!!
Finally for those readers in Plymouth just a quick note to let you know I take over the Karaoke Residency at The Bank pub (behind Theatre Royal) this Wednesday, starts at 9pm, so come along and have a sing.
Finally for those readers in Plymouth just a quick note to let you know I take over the Karaoke Residency at The Bank pub (behind Theatre Royal) this Wednesday, starts at 9pm, so come along and have a sing.
Cheers
Snooky
Snooky
Friday, 9 January 2009
Where's all the yellow jackets gone!!!!
3 Months, 16 Days, 10 hours and 32 minutes to go, I went for a run this evening, another 3.3 miles around Saltash. I managed to run for about 75% this time which was a marked improvement on Tuesday's session. I didn't bump into any other runners tonight (not a yellow jacket in sight) probably all down the pub, (not in Saltash though, because I ran past 4 of the 9 in Saltash and they weren't busy).
I bought a couple more bits today, a water bottle and heart monitor. I filled the water bottle and then legged it out the door leaving the drink on the kitchen top!!! Of course I remembered to plug myself into my Ipod, I had it on shuffle tonight and some weird stuff came up but Green Day's "Welcome to Paradise" gave me a great boost keeping me going, if not upping my pace over the Tamar Bridge. Although Softly Softly by Ruby Murray wasn't exactly motivating.
Got a few emails today from Katherine at the FSI, there are four of us "running" the London Marathon for the FSI, Myself, Ollie Gray (Sheffield), Steve Marsland (Sheffield) and Lynne Lewis (Exeter). Ollie has a blog too, I've put a link on the right . Steve and Lynne are veteran Marathon runners while for myself and Ollie it's our first time.
So that's nearly two weeks into training, 5 miles completed in the first week, 30+ miles in week 2. The pains are easing, the day of rest seemed to do the job. Anyway got to plan the weekend, speak to ya Sunday.
Cheers
Snooky
I bought a couple more bits today, a water bottle and heart monitor. I filled the water bottle and then legged it out the door leaving the drink on the kitchen top!!! Of course I remembered to plug myself into my Ipod, I had it on shuffle tonight and some weird stuff came up but Green Day's "Welcome to Paradise" gave me a great boost keeping me going, if not upping my pace over the Tamar Bridge. Although Softly Softly by Ruby Murray wasn't exactly motivating.
Got a few emails today from Katherine at the FSI, there are four of us "running" the London Marathon for the FSI, Myself, Ollie Gray (Sheffield), Steve Marsland (Sheffield) and Lynne Lewis (Exeter). Ollie has a blog too, I've put a link on the right . Steve and Lynne are veteran Marathon runners while for myself and Ollie it's our first time.
So that's nearly two weeks into training, 5 miles completed in the first week, 30+ miles in week 2. The pains are easing, the day of rest seemed to do the job. Anyway got to plan the weekend, speak to ya Sunday.
Cheers
Snooky
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
aaargh my feet!!!!!
3 Months, 18 Days, 11 Hours and 18 Minutes to go....
Hi
Firstly tonight, I have to say a big thank you to the A4e team in Plymouth, for all their support and encouragement today, especially Steve W, for a great email. Thanks also to Kate G and Karl for the pledges of sponsorship and Action for Blind People for their donation on my Just Giving account.
Someone asked me yesterday if I was doing the "Fartlek" training programme, this is a Swedish combination of running, walking and sprinting over a lengthy period of time. Well I have no issues with the Fart but have major issues with the lekking it bit!!
Anyway on to today's training, today was the day I walked to work and back on a work day! Another freezing cold morning but I made good progress, had a couple of issues with icy paths on the way in, especially as I passed the hand car wash place in St Budeaux. I was plugged into my Ipod once more, listening the "Best Rock Album Ever...." which was quite amusing because Phil Laws had suggested by email that I listened to Survivor and run up and down some stairs. Well I got to the Pennycomequick roundabout and on it comes (for those who don't know Plymouth, there is a nasty bit of hill going up from the roundabout past the railway station), I was starting to flag and a stick insect had just gone bouncing past me, but on comes "The Eye Of The Tiger" and I bounced after the stick insect!
The pain has started, the legs are OK, but it's my feet that seem to be struggling, when I reached work (5 miles 1 hour 15 minutes) and climbed the 3 flights of stairs to the office I could feel every thread in my socks, so lesson number 2, don't walk long distances with cheap socks!! I popped out lunchtime and got myself a couple of pairs of trekking socks.
So the return journey, armed with my new socks, off I trekked this time listening to Capital Gold Classic Rock album, I even had a little jog on the way back. I got back to the top of Fore Street in Saltash in 1 hour and 15 minutes, 10 minutes quicker than on Sunday. I then walked on to my son's after school club to pick him up and to his disgust walked back home, so an extra mile added to my journey. Although the last half mile was at a 4 year old's pace!!
One thing I noticed today is the camaraderie between runners/walkers, the nods of respect as you pass each other etc. (Note to self - must buy illuminous yellow jacket!!!!)
Wow what a load of waffle, tomorrow's a day to rest these weary feet and go back to polluting the atmosphere by driving into work. Speak to you Friday, don't forget to check the reason why I'm doing this by checking out some of the links on the right. See ya'll Friday.
Cheers
Snooky
Hi
Firstly tonight, I have to say a big thank you to the A4e team in Plymouth, for all their support and encouragement today, especially Steve W, for a great email. Thanks also to Kate G and Karl for the pledges of sponsorship and Action for Blind People for their donation on my Just Giving account.
Someone asked me yesterday if I was doing the "Fartlek" training programme, this is a Swedish combination of running, walking and sprinting over a lengthy period of time. Well I have no issues with the Fart but have major issues with the lekking it bit!!
Anyway on to today's training, today was the day I walked to work and back on a work day! Another freezing cold morning but I made good progress, had a couple of issues with icy paths on the way in, especially as I passed the hand car wash place in St Budeaux. I was plugged into my Ipod once more, listening the "Best Rock Album Ever...." which was quite amusing because Phil Laws had suggested by email that I listened to Survivor and run up and down some stairs. Well I got to the Pennycomequick roundabout and on it comes (for those who don't know Plymouth, there is a nasty bit of hill going up from the roundabout past the railway station), I was starting to flag and a stick insect had just gone bouncing past me, but on comes "The Eye Of The Tiger" and I bounced after the stick insect!
The pain has started, the legs are OK, but it's my feet that seem to be struggling, when I reached work (5 miles 1 hour 15 minutes) and climbed the 3 flights of stairs to the office I could feel every thread in my socks, so lesson number 2, don't walk long distances with cheap socks!! I popped out lunchtime and got myself a couple of pairs of trekking socks.
So the return journey, armed with my new socks, off I trekked this time listening to Capital Gold Classic Rock album, I even had a little jog on the way back. I got back to the top of Fore Street in Saltash in 1 hour and 15 minutes, 10 minutes quicker than on Sunday. I then walked on to my son's after school club to pick him up and to his disgust walked back home, so an extra mile added to my journey. Although the last half mile was at a 4 year old's pace!!
One thing I noticed today is the camaraderie between runners/walkers, the nods of respect as you pass each other etc. (Note to self - must buy illuminous yellow jacket!!!!)
Wow what a load of waffle, tomorrow's a day to rest these weary feet and go back to polluting the atmosphere by driving into work. Speak to you Friday, don't forget to check the reason why I'm doing this by checking out some of the links on the right. See ya'll Friday.
Cheers
Snooky
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Why is your wife always right!!
Hi, before I start to waffle on about tonight's training, a quick update on what's happened since my last blog. People are reading them!!! The word is getting out there, A big thank you to Gareth Edwards from Jupiter Unit Trust Managers for getting the donations started and Vic for keeping it going. Regarding after effects from Sunday, I actually have felt fine with no pain or stiffness and in fact instead of feeling lethargic in the morning I actually felt pretty sprightly this morning and the three flights of stairs up to the office are definitely getting easier.
So with that in mind, to tonight's training session, I'm all set to go out when my wife says it's very cold outside wouldn't it be better if I used the Wii Fit to train. No not me, if I'm going to do this, I'm doing it properly come rain shine or snow. So out I step into -4 degrees, I decided to step up the training and set off jogging, I must set off a bit too quick because I'd done about 500 yards and I had to drop down to a fast walking pace, I felt like I was breathing razor blades. I walked a couple yards and picked up the pace again and managed to get into a good rhythm and kept going for a good distance. Managed to jog and walk 3.3 miles tonight although I am feeling it right now. I wouldn't like to jump on the scales right now, I reckon my legs weigh a ton each!!!
Anyway tomorrow is the walk to work and back (5 miles each way) legs permitting. Speak to you tomorrow.
Cheers
Snooky
So with that in mind, to tonight's training session, I'm all set to go out when my wife says it's very cold outside wouldn't it be better if I used the Wii Fit to train. No not me, if I'm going to do this, I'm doing it properly come rain shine or snow. So out I step into -4 degrees, I decided to step up the training and set off jogging, I must set off a bit too quick because I'd done about 500 yards and I had to drop down to a fast walking pace, I felt like I was breathing razor blades. I walked a couple yards and picked up the pace again and managed to get into a good rhythm and kept going for a good distance. Managed to jog and walk 3.3 miles tonight although I am feeling it right now. I wouldn't like to jump on the scales right now, I reckon my legs weigh a ton each!!!
Anyway tomorrow is the walk to work and back (5 miles each way) legs permitting. Speak to you tomorrow.
Cheers
Snooky
Sunday, 4 January 2009
The first big training session
3 Months 21 Days 12 Hours 11 Minutes to go and I really know I have started my training. Today was the first long session. I decided to do a test walk to work and back, so walked into Plymouth from Saltash (5 miles in 1 hour 15 mins), I then spent the next 3 1/2 hours walking around town shopping having met up with the family who went into town by car!!.
The important lesson I learnt today was that your footwear is very important, the trainers I have been wearing so far are about ten years old and by the time I got into Plymouth my toes were screaming, so I bought a new pair of trainers from JJB Sports which definitely served the purpose. All of a sudden my feet were refreshed and after taking all the shopping back to the car, paying for the parking a said goodbye to the family and set off back on my journey home. Another 5 miles this time with a lot more ups than on the way in. It took a slightly longer 1 hour 25 mins to get back. (the last mile and a half was up hill apart from the Tamar Bridge).
I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself, although I probably won't be able to move tomorrow, I'm pleased that it didn't seem too hard but am worried about the after affects.
The important lesson I learnt today was that your footwear is very important, the trainers I have been wearing so far are about ten years old and by the time I got into Plymouth my toes were screaming, so I bought a new pair of trainers from JJB Sports which definitely served the purpose. All of a sudden my feet were refreshed and after taking all the shopping back to the car, paying for the parking a said goodbye to the family and set off back on my journey home. Another 5 miles this time with a lot more ups than on the way in. It took a slightly longer 1 hour 25 mins to get back. (the last mile and a half was up hill apart from the Tamar Bridge).
I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself, although I probably won't be able to move tomorrow, I'm pleased that it didn't seem too hard but am worried about the after affects.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
3 Months 22 Days 15 hours 25 Minutes
Hi
Aaaargh how I wish I lived in East Anglia!! Wednesday after my first training session I had pains in places I didn't know muscles existed, in particular hips and buttocks!!! Due to work commitments I couldn't train on New Years Eve, however I did get out last night (with the help of Aerosmith on the Ipod) and did a couple of miles around Saltash whilst giving a pint of blood half way round. One thing I have noticed is that places that we drive to without thinking aren't really that far away and easily within walking distance, we're just lazy.
Well it's a new year and now the festivities are over time to focus 100% on the task ahead. Tomorrow is the big one, I'm going out for a 4 hour walk, not sure whether to do the moors or a coastal path, I will be planning that in a bit.
I have set up my sponsorship account, it can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/michaelsnook or just click donate on the Widget on the right of this blog please donate and give your support to the FSI.
I'll speak with you again tomorrow after my 4 hour session, might even have some video footage for you, as I try out my Christmas present. Why don't you let me know what music you listen to while training, what's the best music to walk to. Is there anyone in Saltash who would like to train with me, I'm not running at the moment I'm doing power walking. Drop me an email or leave a comment.
Cheers
Snooky
Aaaargh how I wish I lived in East Anglia!! Wednesday after my first training session I had pains in places I didn't know muscles existed, in particular hips and buttocks!!! Due to work commitments I couldn't train on New Years Eve, however I did get out last night (with the help of Aerosmith on the Ipod) and did a couple of miles around Saltash whilst giving a pint of blood half way round. One thing I have noticed is that places that we drive to without thinking aren't really that far away and easily within walking distance, we're just lazy.
Well it's a new year and now the festivities are over time to focus 100% on the task ahead. Tomorrow is the big one, I'm going out for a 4 hour walk, not sure whether to do the moors or a coastal path, I will be planning that in a bit.
I have set up my sponsorship account, it can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/michaelsnook or just click donate on the Widget on the right of this blog please donate and give your support to the FSI.
I'll speak with you again tomorrow after my 4 hour session, might even have some video footage for you, as I try out my Christmas present. Why don't you let me know what music you listen to while training, what's the best music to walk to. Is there anyone in Saltash who would like to train with me, I'm not running at the moment I'm doing power walking. Drop me an email or leave a comment.
Cheers
Snooky
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