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
Saturday, 31 January 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
