Mike Snook's Marathon Training Diary

25/04/2010

2010-04-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Another Marathon over... 5 Hours 19 Minutes and 25 seconds of sheer Pain and Ecstasy. 32 minutes faster than last year, so really chuffed. A little disappointed as my brother beat me and I didn't get my original target of between 4.5 and 5 hours.

The weather was mixed, hot, humid and wet. I found the humidity a little restrictive and the sheer volume of people was a bit of a nightmare.

Cheers
Snooky

4 Days and 20 hours to go.......

2010-04-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

Well it's this Sunday!! (4 days 20 hours!!!) a quick update on the last week, because it's been so busy with preparation and things..I didn't get to run midweek last week because on Tuesday I had no child cover and on Thursday I had guests who didn't leave until about 9pm, by which time I was ready to pass out with hunger so a run was out of the question. Friday night I had a scare when I tweaked my knee lifting my DJ gear up some stairs at a venue, the pain was still there on Sunday and I was concerned as I started my hour long run, but all was good. What ever damage was done seems to be more twisting that straight so doesn't effect my running. It was hot Sunday but the run was comfortable and I felt good at the end of it.After the run it onto a train to sunny London for an inspiring conference (Phil Packer was amazing!), where I finally met Henry and Darren. Lovely to meet you guys. After the meeting we had some time to kill so took a stroll down the Mall.Tonight's the last fundraiser, another quiz night down the Admiral Stopford 7.30.If you haven't already sponsored me please help support my challenge by visiting my justgiving site at www.justgiving.com/MichaelSnookVLM2010.CheersSnooky

The last big run in the bank...

2010-04-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

20 days to go.... Today was the last big run before the big day, 20 miles in 3 1/2 hours, that was an hour quicker than the same time last year, so again good progress is still being made. From here on in it's time to taper my training (yay!!!:)).

Today started as a nice steady pace in a chilly but sunny morning and for the first 8 miles or so there was nothing to really report. Then I had a bit of a row with a cyclist who shouted at me to get out of the way as he was riding along the path. I was in the wrong as although the the path was narrow it was indeed a cycle path and pavement.

Then as I passed the Marsh Mills Sainsburys the heavens opened and wind picked up right in my face. It was constant for the next two miles and then as quickly as it started it stopped and the temperature raised again. It stayed dry for the rest of the run. I needed all three Gels I had with me today as I took in a lot more hills than I have on any of my previous runs.

Anyway I feeling good, but now need to raise the money for the FSI so if you are reading this, please visit my just giving site and make a donation to help me along.

Cheers
Snooky

25 Days to go....

2010-03-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, just a quick note to say I am still about and still training I didn't get out Sunday because I only had 3 hours sleep Sunday morning courtesy of the clocks moving forward, and my date with my stand at the West Country Wedding Show on the Sunday.

I got out tonight and ran at pace with no after effects, it was interesting actually as I followed someone who was a lot younger and fitter than me and then bounce past someone who was about where I was about 6 months ago.

It is time to start the fundraising in earnest now, if you not sure whether I'm making an effort that justifies a little donation to the FSI, in September last year I was just short of 3 stone heavier than I am now and ran the Bristol Half Marathon in 2 hours 43 to running the Silverstone Marathon in 2 hours and 2 minutes. The hard work for the London Marathon is the preparation and the day is the reward, so please dig deep and donate to help the small charities.

Don't forget if you're anywhere near Plymouth on Thursday night pop into the Admiral Stopford Arms on Devonport Road, Stoke and join us on our charity karaoke night. Fun starts at 8.30

Cheers
Snooky

Sport Relief, but no relief from training

2010-03-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

1 Month and 3 Days (5 weeks) to go.... Today was Sport Relief Mile day, my daughter had signed us both up to do the 6 miles without realising how far that actually was. The Plymouth 6 miles was just 6 laps of the Hoe, Fiona managed to run the whole of the first lap and then walked the back stretch and only ran for cameras and when running across the start/finish line. I found this incredibly frustrating especially when we got overtaken by a cow twice!!! When Robin Hood came past the second time saying "keep it up, you're doing well" I wanted to scream at him "I'm a 9 minute miler, it's not my fault!"

Anyway we completed in just over the hour and I then ran home, I was so frustrated that I got home faster than I have before 6 more miles in 50 minutes, the difference being 4 of the 6 miles on this particular route are up hill.

I don't know if you can over train but I think my body is starting to tell me to ease up a bit, I got a really nasty eye infection with a ulcer on my cornea on Wednesday, which is causing a lot of pain and leaving me struggling to keep my eyes open. I am also feeling really tired and I can't see where the next break is coming from.

I think I really need a boost and would love to see some money coming into my justgiving account as the big day rapidly approaches.

Cheers
Snooky

Silverstone Half Marathon Joy,,,,,

2010-03-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

1 Month 10 days to go...

Today I ran my first competitive race of the season, the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon, It was also the first time I was running "with" my brother prior to the London Marathon. The weather was great, a slight cloud cover and quite mild considering recent weather. We were in the pen for quite a bit of time before the start and as soon as we started my brother started off at quite a fast pace and then had to make a quick "pit stop" and I left him to it. I thought I was being a ambitious by picking up a 2 hour pace band, but I really wanted to go for a personal best today. So mile 1 and I did an 8 minute mile, so I reined it back a bit because that scared me and I worried about burning out, I managed to get a good rhythm going and keeping pace with others around me, at every mile marker I always seemed to be that 1 minute ahead of pace and very comfortable.

I had lost Paul right at the beginning, and there were a couple of times where we were running back on each other, the first time I couldn't see him and got a little worried about him, but the second time around the 7 mile mark I saw him and gave him a high five as we passed, at that point he was about 1/2 mile behind me. Between miles 10 and 11 my pace started to drop and I noticed I had lost a minute on that mile, between 11 and 12 another minute lost, after the 12 mile marker I tried to pick up the pace again and went for it. The finish was in sight as my watch clicked over the 2 hours, and as I reach the 13 mile marker the realisation hit me I was about to take 28 minutes off my personal best, I filled up and then started to struggle to breathe as I was blubbing!!! I pulled myself together as I crossed the line (2:02 on my watch, still waiting for official time) for the photo's and then started again as I collected my goodie bag. I then waited 20 minutes for my brother to limp across the line! He did well for his longest distance so far, but he is suffering now!

Bring on the London Marathon and aiming for 41/2 to 5 hours finish!

Anyway this on one very happy chappy signing off.

Cheers
Snooky

1 Month and 13 days to go...

2010-03-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hi, gotta tell you about a couple of days training, far too busy to update on Tuesday.

So Tuesday night, I took my 13 year old daughter out for run with me, she is preparing for the Sport Relief 6 mile, so 30 years my junior, how did she get on? she did quite well for the first mile and half and then she stopped and walked, I managed to get her running again, but she kept stopping and struggling, I obviously didn't get as good a work out as I would have liked.

Tonight was a short steady run, in preparation for Sunday, the weather is really good again, cold but dry. This Sunday I'm running the Silverstone Half Marathon and I'm hoping to achieve a personal best this weekend. I am lighter than I have ever been since I started my running addiction, and I;m feeling really comfortable with my running at the moment too.

I have organised a couple fund raising events over the next couple of weeks. The first next week, on Thursday we're having a fun quiz night and on 1st April I will be running a karaoke night. Both events will be at the Admiral Stopford Arms, in Plymouth.

Anyway just catching up with the bosses latest tv appearance, so better go.

Cheers
Snooky

Comfortable at 13 miles...

2010-03-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

1 months and 17 days to go until the London Marathon, only one week until Silverstone. Quite ironic, my wife is a massive F1 fan and I'm making her miss the opening race of the season to take her Silverstone the home of the British Grand Prix, to watch me run around the hallowed tarmac. Maybe one day I may be able to take her when Lewis and Jensen are at home!!

So today's run, it was shorter than the last couple so that I can have fresh legs next week. I was a pleasing run as I was really comfortable all the way around, even enough for a fast finish. It was a run of two climates, on the open country roads in the direct sunshine it was warm and calm, in the town where it was shaded, it was bitterly cold and windy.

Another uneventful run along an amazing coast road, lots more people out and about this week, but didn't bump into anyone I know. The key things from today's run was that the climb to Saltram house was definitely easier and up the Hoe was really comfortable.

I was under strict instructions to be home early today so I picked up the pace and what a day 13 miles in 2 hours and 3 minutes, the fastest yet. this bodes well for next week. Bring it on.....

Speak to you soon.

Cheers
Snooky

Hills are becoming irrelevant

2010-03-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

1 month 20 days to the VLM 2010 or just over 7 weeks to go... tonight was a nice steady 50 minutes run. Although tonight was the same old run as the last few Thursdays, but tonight it felt fresh and the great thing was where hills on the run are normally a chore, they were ok just made me breath a bit harder, but I managed to keep the same pace.

I got out a bit earlier tonight so bumped into loads of other runners once again all going in the opposite direction.

It's got to the time where I have to start thinking about why I'm doing it, thinking about the support the money I raise can help the small charities. I need to start getting some sponsorship money in. Please visit my Just Giving site or drop me an email msnook@a4e.co.uk alternatively watch this space to see where I will be running a charity quiz night (next couple of weeks) and the charity karaoke night (early April probably 1st). I will be confirming the dates and venue tomorrow.

Oh I forgot to tell you on Tuesday I lost 4.5 lb weeks last week, which is now 2 st 6.5 lb since I ran Bristol, the weight lost is coming off great. I should start the London Marathon about 1 1/2 stone lighter than last year, the difference being I intend not to put it back on after!! Hence why I have signed up for the Plymouth half and Bristol Half later in the year.

Anyway better go.

Cheers
Snooky

1 Month and 22 Days to go

2010-03-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

A great night for running, mild, calm and quiet. Tonight's schedule was another interval training session, 15 minutes easy run warm up and then 6 x 5 minute full on sessions with 90 second breaks. This led to my normal 4.5 mile route being extended by a mile as I used the bridge for 3 of the intervals, 5 minutes each way.

Quite late out tonight so didn't really meet anyone this time. So not much to report tonight.

I'm looking to hold a couple of fundraising events, a quiz night in the next couple of weeks and a Karaoke night on Thursday before the Easter break, venues to be confirmed. If you can't make it please help by visiting my Just giving site.

Cheers
Snooky

There is a god and he loves me.....

2010-02-28T13:29:00.000-08:00

No I haven't found religion, nor am I about to start preaching. But, with 1 month and 24 days to go to the big day I had to get on with my longest run this time around, 17 1/2 miles around Plymouth.

So when I woke this morning to the sound of gale force winds and driving rain on my bedroom window, I didn't want to even get up. However I had missed my training session on Thursday due to hosting a quiz night, so I had to get out today. As I got in my van and drove to my starting point at Sainsbury's I had my wipers on full blast. I parked up, popped into the shop to get a bottle of Lucozade Sport and when I came out the clouds had gone, the sky was blue and the sun was shining and it stayed like that for next 3 hours and 13 minutes.

The run was basically the Plymouth Half Marathon route (with all the hills) which I joined at Saltram house, running out of the back and up to Elburton before turning and heading back into Plymouth around the Hoe and then the extra bit that took the mileage up to 17 1/2 miles which was a loop out to devils point and back before rejoining the half marathon route back on the Hoe and running back through the Barbican and then back out over Laira bridge and up the climb back up to Saltram House through the park and then headed back to the van.

This week was another week of practicing fueling, I used 3 carbohydrate gels this week although the first seemed to have the best effect, giving me a real boost as I started my second hour heading into the Barbican. I struggled with the last stretch up the hill to Saltram house, I knew I had only just a couple of miles left so I didn't want to waste another gel.

Anyway another pay day has come and gone and as my training is getting tougher it would be great to start seeing my sponsorship going up. So if you have few spare quids please visit my Justgiving site and sponsor me, so we can help the smaller charities survive in these hard times.

Cheers
Snooky

Don't Panic..... I'm still here!

2010-02-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

2 Months and 1 day to go....

Sorry I didn't blog on Sunday, but I had to write a quiz for Thursday and didn't get time to write my blog, but I am still training.

So Sunday, still ramping the miles and this week I had to run 15 miles, I had been around to Angie my Slimming World consultants house on Saturday and realised my training sessions are running exactly one week behind hers. She told me of a really good 15 mile route, so I went for it. This week was also the first week I trained using carbohydrate gels, last year I used glucose tablets.

So the run, I drove to Sainsburys at Marsh Mills and struck out straight up a steep hill to to Saltram house (all of a sudden I wasn't that impressed with the the route!!!), but once I reached the house I decided to run off the path for a bit, whatta mistaka to makea, I hit the grass and did a really good impression of Bambi on ice to the point as I tried to rejoin the path I nearly took out a whole family. Then I was on familiar territory (all be it in reverse) as I joined the route of the Plymouth Half Marathon down to Laira Bridge, around Cattedown, around the Barbican, up and over the Hoe and off down to Stonebridge passing the ferryport, around here I discovered the little messages in the pavement and they were all along my route as I ran along the South West Coast Path, this added to the enjoyment and intrigue of the route as I headed out to Devils Point the turnaround point and the point where I consumed my first ever carbohydrate gel, not knowing how it would effect me, well it was weird and amazing within a really short spell it was like I had had a leg transplant, which lasted about half way back. Enough to get me back up onto the Hoe again taking on the tourists, I even got competitive as I chased down another runner actually going the same way as me!! I caught him as we passed the infamous Capn Jaspers. I got back to Sainsburys in about 2 hours 50 minutes, which is dropping the pace to 11 minute miles.

So tonight, well I love Liz Yelling, how shocked was I when I checked the schedule to find out what run I was to do today and it was onlya 30 minute run, 10 mins easy run, 10 mins steady followed by 10 mins easy. There's not a great deal of difference between my easy run and steady run, especially when you know that you only have to run for 30 minutes. I just stretched out and went for it, so 30 minutes later I was back home having covered 3 miles and feeling great and very sweaty. I think the thought behind this session was boost your confidence and give a little recovery time. Because tonight I feel great and looking forward to 2 1/2 weeks time for the for the Silverstone half, followed the next Sunday with the Sports relief 6 mile which I am now running with my daughter!! I will have to go off and do another 12 miles or so afterwards as this should be the Sunday I do my longest run before starting the taper down to the marathon.

Weight loss this week by the way was another 1 1/2 lb, that's 2st 2lb so far.

Anyway it's getting late, gotta go.

Cheers
Snooky

Is Motivation mental or physical?

2010-02-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

2 Months 6 Days to go... I wasn't at work today, I spent the day taking my son around the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and got back home about 4ish and the sensible thing then would be to get changed and go out for run. Not me, I made a coffee and sat down and caught up on the Brits from Tuesday. So when you sit down ans chill does your body go into shut down, because when I did lift myself off the sofa and get ready to go out my legs were not impressed.

I went out about 6.30, and although I knew I was only going to run 4 1/2 miles and my mind wanted me to beat the time on Tuesday, my legs thought otherwise, I just couldn't get them moving at any sort of pace. I passed the stick insect swarms nest just as they were starting out on their runs, as usual I was going in the opposite direction. It was good to see there was equality and diversity in their nest as the last pack to leave were of the larger slower variety of the yellow coated blob insects (the particular breed I belong to).

Later I followed a ghost pack, I was gaining on them and thought I was going to overtake them when all of a sudden they just disappeared, I thought they had gone around the corner, but as I went round they were nowhere to be seen, bizarre!

As I have said in the past running are moments of freedom, freedom from phones, email and other people, just one man, his mind and tarmac. I often think about what to write here, but tonight my head was all over the place, I spotted some tailors dummy's in a front room and my mind spun of to thinking about whether we are going through another Industrial revolution or devolution. I have worked in welfare to work for just over 2 years and we have helped loads of people get in self employment. I think we are heading back to a stage of cottage industry as the large businesses go bust and more and more people set up their own small businesses.

My weekend run with my brother has been cancelled this weekend as I have taken a late booking for Saturday night and so can't make it up to Kent this weekend after all. I will still get out here and step up again for a 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Anyway best wrap up for now, speak to you Sunday.

Cheers
Snooky

Swarms of stick insects out tonight

2010-02-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

2 Months 8 Days to go.... another damp night in Saltash, another 4 1/2 miles clocked up. My brother the other day accused me of being slow, so today I pushed myself harder than ever and really tried to stretch my stride out and pushed my lungs to bursting.

My enthusiasm was further driven by crossing paths with swarms of the now infamous yellow coated stick insects, you have to be seen to be making an effort, that's the competitive side of me. The run was uneventful but I was driven by the thought that this Sunday I could be running with my brother as I make a brief visit to Kent for the weekend.

Great music on the Ipod again finishing with Bonnie Tyler's holding out for a hero, what a tune leading to a sprint finish and edging closer to breaking the 10 minute barrier over 5 miles.

Oh yes, lost another 1 1/2 lb this week, that's 2 stone now since I started at slimming world. I'm hoping to lose another stone and half if possible by the Marathon so there will be a lot less to carry around than last year.

Anyway, better go.

Cheers
Snooky

A Hill Too Far....

2010-02-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

2 Months and 10 Days to go... 13.1 miles today in 2 hours 20 mins (10.6 minute miles), a personal best, however it was tough, really tough, unfortunately when you increase the miles around Saltash and Plymouth, you cannot avoid the hills.

Today's run took me into Plymouth and a lap of Central Park and then down into town and up onto the Hoe and running along the front and into the Barbican around Bretonside and then back up the hills to Saltash. I struggled with the crowds around the Hoe and some people were polite and moved over and some were really ignorant and just walked at me and forced me onto the road.

It was also the first time since these training sessions started that I actually got warm from the sun, but only on the return home. Quite a few stick insects out today, they make me sick bouncing along the road with long skinny legs and no weight to carry on them. Then there's me dragging my 18 1/2 stone frame around the streets punishing my feet and legs, to be honest it is my feet that take the most of a hammering.

Anyway as I didn't get to bed until 4am this morning (awesome gig at the Senior Rates Mess at HMS Raliegh), I'm knackered, so we'll speak again on Tuesday.

Cheers
Snooky

The power of music

2010-02-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

2 Months and 12 days to go.... Oh it was a cold moonlit night and the air was like breathing razor blades. Tonight's training run was a straight forward 50 minute steady run according to Liz Yellings training schedule. My definition of steady running is basically start running and then disengage brain, leaving the legs to just go into auto pilot and amazingly enough I completed my 41/2 mile circuit in exactly the same time as when I ran on Tuesday running intervals.

So brain disengaged from legs my mind went of wondering on its own, what to write in my blog, what was I going to have for tea etc.. Then "Turned to Stone" by ELO started playing on my Ipod all of sudden my mind had whizzed back to 1981 and I was 15 again. (only my mind unfortunately my legs remained 43!!), Isn't it funny how a song can place you at a place and time. In this case it was BFES Windsor School, Hamm, West Germany, school disco's 1981. In those days everyone sort of belonged to a group based on their taste in music, we had rockers into heavy metal etc, punks, two tone etc. Every school disco when the DJ put on turned to stone on we all got into circles of our peers and started spinning to the music deliberately bumping into each other on the dance floor. Not a place for the meek.

This got me to thinking about music and what memories it invokes, Bon Jovi, Bed of Roses places me in my first pub, and the whole pub singing to the chorus. Iron Maiden Run to the hills, to my girlfriend's (at the time!!) house playing pool, Beautiful South, Rotterdam was playing on the radio when we told my daughter was going to have to be delivered by emergency cesarean.

Anyway it's getting late, speak to you on Sunday.

Cheers
Snooky

It's getting serious now.....

2010-02-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

2 Months 15 days to go, Good run out tonight, as I have said before Tuesdays are about building pace. I was doing interval training tonight, it's the first time I really got this intense in training. 10 minutes of easy running the 6 x 3minutes interval runs with 90 second breaks. The interval runs are pushing the limits, the first three intervals I really stretched out and got a good pace going, but by the time I got to intervals 5 and 6 I don't think there was a great difference between the breaks and intervals, but I think it was a case of the easy run pace picking up and the intervals slowing down and meeting in the middle. Although I managed to practice my sprint finish as a gritter chased me up Fore Street, I beat him to the top and avoided getting gritted as he took the left fork as I took the right.

I was out early enough to bump into two swarms of yellow coated stick insects, one swarm almost stopped me in my tracks as about 20 of them came at me head on. I spotted the three fools I mentioned previously and realised they were half as foolish as I thought because they were only joining my hill half way down.

I also had good week weight loss wise as well, another 1 1/2 lbs of making it 1 st 13 lb since I started with Slimming World, it would have been better than that if it hadn't been for December, I put 61/2 lbs back on over Dec. So another lb to the 2 stone off mark, and 2 lb to my 10% of my original body weight lost. hopefully get there this week.

Fundraising is a little slow at the moment, but looking to do an event at the end of Feb.

Gotta go now, speak to you Thursday.

Cheers
Snooky

Rain stopped play

2010-02-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

2 Months 17 days to go.... Unfortunately my run on Thursday was cancelled due to horizontal rain, the wind was so harsh it just wouldn't have been sensible to try and run. I thought I'd make it out on Friday, unfortunately (or not) a gig came in for Friday night so that put paid to running.

So today I ran just over 11 miles, a circuit of Saltash and then into Plymouth and out again to Marsh Mills Sainsburys, where I met my family for a quick shop.

The run was comfortable and a reasonable pace, the hills were still tough but I did run non stop, even up the hill by Plymouth railway station which is particularly tough. I completed the 11.05 miles in 2 hours which if I had continued at the same pace for another 2 miles would have been a personal best for a 1/2 marathon, So I think with a month to go before the silverstone 1/2 I am confident a PB is for the taking.

Not much happening on the run to be honest, music was from Scooter, Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper.... One track in particular was quite apt was by Matt Taylor and called The Open Road.

Anyway, bit tired so better go.

Cheers
Snooky

Cure for the common cold...running

2010-02-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

2 Months, 22 days and 10 hours... Another late run tonight again, I didn't hit the road until 8.20pm, by which time most of the yellow coated stick insects were tucked up in their beds. I got lucky though, because they were all out running in persistent drizzle bordering on proper rain. I managed to miss it all and ran in a mild pleasant evening.

I wasn't even sure if I was going to run tonight, I've got a stinking head cold, my nose was running faster than my legs ever will. But I remembered an old adage, above the neck keep training, below the neck...rest. So off I went, within 5 minutes my head was clear and since I've got back apart from the odd sneeze and sniffle I feel great.

I met couple of stick insects on the way round but not too many, 3 fools ran out of the bottom of my road. I don't know what the exact gradient my road is but it's a 2nd gear one in a car and 1st gear in a loaded van!! Running down it is more foolish than running up, running up is good stamina building and if you can run up my hill you can run up any, but running down is dangerous on the knees. It was running down a hill that seems to have ended my next door neighbour's running (and he was serious!!) career during the Saltash Half Marathon last year. My training was almost brought to halt last year by running down a hill as well last year, luckily with the aid if a knee support and a packet of Ibuprofen I battled on!!

Today's run was Fartlek night again (it's Swedish for changing pace or something like that) anyway it's my favourite session as I took a leaf out Heather Mills book, well they weren't my legs because I was proper running, bouncing along the street at one helluva (Cornish term!!) pace. I had to be out for 50 minutes (I'm on week 5 of Liz Yellings Plan 2 training programme) I thought as I was Fartleking I would run my 1 hour route and hope to come in at 50 mins... I had to add an extra bit as I took 20 mins of my 1 hour route!!

Great music on the play list tonight, starting with Don't stop believing, into Don't stop me now and so on. I also found the ultimate Fartlek tune......Freebird by Lynyrd Skynrd that came on as I was on the bridge, I reckon that's the fastest I've crossed the bridge. Favourite track of the night though was Fairies wear boots by Black Sabbath, I put this one on because I love the track, but I wasn't sure it should be a great running track, but in a weird way it worked it's got a really bouncy bass line and if you run to the snare drum it does keep up your pace.

Anyway it's midnight and I had better get some rest, speak to you Thursday.

Cheers
Snooky

Isn't the Internet Amazing..

2010-01-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

2 months and 24 days to go until the London Marathon and 6 weeks until the Silverstone Half Marathon, Each week I'm increasing the length of the runs (time wise) by 15 minutes. So today was 1 hour 45 minutes and 9.5 miles, which is still 11 minute miles. I do want to increase the pace but that's what I concentrate on mid week, Sundays is about banking the miles.

I ran an old route from last year which I hadn't tried this time around, from home to Crownhill Police Station and back plus a loop of Saltash. As I was running I normally try to get inspiration for my blog, but today was a bit short of inspiration. The biggest inspiration was that I ran up one hill that even towards the end of my training last year I usually dropped to a walk. No such problems today. It's a weird route, it feels long and like you're running a lot but probably more because a large chunk is very straight. It was actually disappointing when I got home and worked out I had only done 9.5 miles.

As you can see not a lot to report, so what a pleasant surprise when I log in to write my blog and find I have a new follower and it's not someone I know. Welcome Jennifer. Jennifer is over in the US and running in Boston. I love Boston, my brother took me over for my 40th Birthday and I had a great time, it was the first time I went in pub with smoking ban, oh how times have changed. I also would one day love to run the Boston Marathon (Boston is really flat!!!).

I'm going to follow Jennifer as well it's like virtual camaraderie, there was no honking today but a few other runners out there today, it's great when everyone acknowledges each other.

I just want to say thanks to all the people who emailed me after I sent out my email around A4e.

I now have a good running playlist, but would still welcome some more suggestions to keep a variety going. Today's started with Ace of Spades and ended with Dancing in the Dark.

Anyway gotta go, speak to you Tuesday.

Cheers
Snooky

Loneliest run so far....

2010-01-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

2 Months 27 days to go....

A little late out tonight, I didn't hit the road until just after 8. Either there was something really good on TV tonight or I missed all the normal running crowds, in fact in the whole hour run I only saw two other runners on the route.

The weather was absolutely perfect for running, no wind and fairly mild, there was a slight misty rain towards the end of the run. It was the most comfortable run so far, I even found a really good turn of pace as I passed a big group of hoodies!!! (obviously not interested in what ever was on the tv).

Anyway feeling really good at the moment and looking forward to the Silverstone Half Marathon in 6 1/2 weeks (I miscounted the other day!), It will be a good test and also the first time my brother and I will run together in competition. It will be interesting to see how we compare, I'm nearly 6 years older, a few stone heavier, but have the experience of one Marathon and 2 halves. My training is pounding the streets 3-4 times a week clocking up the miles. Paul has a personal trainer working in a gym, doing boxing and weights with the occasional run.

That's all for now folks, speak to you soon.

Cheers
Snooky

2 Months and 29 days to go...

2010-01-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, Tonight could have been a potential banana skin to my training regime as I was down in Penzance for the day and my wife was in Birmingham and not getting back until past 9pm. I didn't fancy running that late so I managed to get back from Penzance and squeeze a Fartlek session in before I had to pick up my boy from after school club.

I ran my short route (3.5 miles) and then ran to my son's afterschool club to pick him up, he decided he wanted to run home with me, bless him and off he went, he had good pace and I had got a better work out than I expected. What gave me a boost was the pride he showed as he ran alongside me. He said "look dad we're running together", "I want to run the Marathon with you one day" (He's got to wait another 12 years before he can do that). I promised him last year we would run the Saltash Fun Run this year, and we will (it's the week after the London Marathon).

Anyway best go and get some sleep, speak to you Thursday.

Don't forget keep honking!!

Cheers
Snooky

Keep honking!!

2010-01-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

3 Months and 11 hours until the London Marathon and only 9 weeks until the Silverstone Half Marathon.

I had a look back at last years blogs to see what I was doing this time last year, exactly a year ago I was still walking, I walked 9 1/2 miles over Dartmoor and it took me about 3 hours, today I ran/jogged 8.2 miles in just under 1 1/2 hours (11 minutes miles which is under the 5 hour Marathon rate). So I'm well ahead of last years training.

Today's run was under the midday sun and although I felt cold as I left I was soon stripping off . The weather was perfect, no wind and mild. I must be running a bit faster, because I had to keep adding loops to the run (yes I remembers to start my watch this time!!) Including another hill in St Budeaux, which I have never run all the way up before (it was the last leg of my run from home from work), but this time I just ran all the way up, again it seemed to have shortened. I then decided to run my short route backwards (predominantly up hill). The Sundays runs will keep increasing week on week so it's time to start protecting those sensitive bits again. Oh yes break out the micro pore tape next week.

In a previous blog (last year) I talked about honking, both in geese and groups of runners, well I want to thank two lovely people for honking me on the way around today, Thanks Steve and Thanks Angie (my Slimming World consultant who is also running the London Marathon this year!) Both gave me a honk from their cars as they passed and it gave me real boost. So if you see me out there please give me a hoot with your horn, it does make a difference.

Music today was again courtesy of the shuffle, but today it seemed to play more rock than anything else which suited me just fine. Although after this blog I'm off to put that play list together.

Anyway signing off, speak to you Tuesday.

Cheers

Snooky

Is a swarm a collective noun?

2010-01-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

3 Months 3 days to go and another wet and miserable evening, I am glad to report I have my running mojo back (watch out Bro'). There was no question as I donned my running tights and yellow coat, plugged myself into my Ipod (on shuffle) and stepped out into the rain.

The run was a quick one, as Tuesdays and Thursday night runs are about improving pace and therefore are relatively short runs (3-5 miles). I got out a bit earlier tonight, just after 7, I didn't see the usual swarms of yellow coats, however there were still plenty of other runners out, and the camaraderie was really good. There were a couple of small groups but not the usual swarms, which lead me to think about the definition of swarm, is it a collective noun for insects or is there a definitive number where some becomes a swarm. The free dictionary.com says:

"An aggregation of persons or animals, especially when in turmoil or moving in mass: A swarm of friends congratulated him." but still no definitive number.

Most of the other runners were from Devon, as once again I met most of them twice on the bridge, despite the weather (which bizarrely enough was harder in Devon than in Cornwall) everyone acknowledged and smiled at each other, which left me smiling all the way around.

Anyway feeling good, the plantar, knee and ankle all holding their own (I hadn't told you about the ankle because I didn't want to worry you!)

Speak to you soon.

Cheers
Snooky

Make or break day

2010-01-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Hi, 3 months and 5 days to go, and today was another rainy evening in Cornwall, time to make a decision about commitment. I could sit there and it's raining I'll give it a miss or get wrapped up and get out there. The other option was to join the gym, I thought about it for about half an hour, decided I could afford to join a gym right now and plugged myself into my ipod (Paolo Nutini -Sunny Side Up), donned my dayglo yellow jacket and stepped out into the rain!

Tuesday nights is Fartlek night, that's basically pace training, randomly increasing and decreasing your pace through out the run. I was late out tonight so missed the swarms of stick insects, instead I only came across an unmarked stick insect of the Devon variety. I know he was from Devon because I passed him both ways on "the Bridge".

For those who are not from these parts, a quick geography lesson, Devon and Cornwall (or England and Cornwall as the Cornish like to refer to it) are separated by the river Tamar, for which the main connection is the Tamar Bridge which connects Plymouth (Devon) and Saltash (Cornwall). Basically for runners both sides of the river the bridge is always included in their routes for two reasons 1. the psychologically running to the next county and back is a great boost, secondly and probably the most importantly it's the flattest bit of pathway in Devon & Cornwall and very conveniently is exactly half a mile from one end to another.

I have to be honest it's this blog that keeps me going, but I would love to know you're out there reading, (thanks for letting me know Jessica & Henry). So far I have had Eye of the Tiger suggested for my training play list. I found a good track for Fartlek training "A simple Life" by Paolo Nutini check it out you'll see what I mean.

My brother has finally had his place in the London Marathon confirmed, so now it get's really serious!!

Anyway best go.

Cheers
Snooky

Why the FSI?

2010-01-17T13:51:00.001-08:00

So 3 months and 7 days to go until the London Marathon, I managed to get out for another run tonight, did just over an hour. Another glorious day, but once again I had to wait until it was dark before I got a chance to get out. I only saw one other runner tonight (and pulled away from him!!).

While I'm running I tend to think about what I'm going to write in this blog, today I was thinking about why I'm doing it and more importantly why for The FSI.

Most people support a charity that they can relate to, that they have had a close relative or friend who affected by the illness or disability that the charity helps. I thought about who I should be supporting, my mum died of heart failure aged only 50, My uncle and grandfather both passed away with bowel cancer, my father has diabetes and also has had a growth removed from his bowel, I have two good friends who suffer from Crohns, My daughter needed to go into the special baby unit when she was born, plus a lots more. Even if I wanted be totally selfish I would love to run for a charity who's trying to find a cure for Psoriasis or obesity! So which one do I choose, which is more important than another? Well none are and that's why I'm supporting the FSI, a charity that supports many different charities, helping people who have that focus on one goal, one cause, helping them to make the most of the money they raise, give them the skills to manage their charity more efficiently, raise money more effectively etc. I don't have enough time and money to give to all the charities that support the people close to me, so I'm giving it to someone who does have time and drive to support them all.

Support me to support others by visiting my justgiving site.

Speak to you soon.

Cheers
Snooky

What's that coming over the hill, is it a monster?....

2010-01-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

No.... with 3 months and 14 days 12 hours to go its a lesser spotted yellow coated blob insect, a larger cousin of the yellow coated stick insect often found swarming in packs of 15 -20 at a time on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Tonight I was running alone, I guess on Sundays most people run during the day, unfortunately I had other things to do during the day. So as the sun set over Cornwall I set off on my first longish run for about 4 weeks. Guess what... it only started to snow! It was only that dusty snow so not too bad. It was warmer tonight than Thursday so the lungs were fine, however after so many weeks of inactivity the thighs were feeling it today, but I've just got to keep it going.

Music this run was supplied by my Ipod on shuffle with a variety from 80's soul to the title track of this report which helped me get up the last hill of the circuit. Let me know what I should include in my playlist.

The target for this years marathon is to finish around 4 1/2 hours, that's an hour and 20 minutes quicker than last year, but having said that I'll be happy just to beat last year.

Anyway that' it for now, speak to you soon.

Cheers
Snooky

Back on the road again

2010-01-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

3 months, 17 days to go

At last I have got back out and running, just a short run of 3 miles. There were loads of runners out tonight grabbing the opportunity as we experience a short break in the poor weather.

The run went ok, as I took it quite easy (first run for 4 weeks) and also the paths were still very icy in patches. especially where people obviously used hot water to clear cars. A large section of the route I had to run on the road. The foot injury seems to be holding up well, which is a relief.

I don't know where the time has gone but it's only 9 weeks until the Silverstone half marathon and 14 weeks until the London Marathon, so it full steam ahead from here on in.

If anyone wants to help with my training playlist let me know what I should be listening to. Tonight I was running to Gary Moore Blues Live, it was right for the pace I was attempting and the opening track was quite apt....."A Cold Day In Hell"!!!!

Anyway that's it from me, speak to you soon.

Cheers
Snooky

Damn this weather

2010-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

I haven't had time to update this site, but here's a brief summary of the last couple of months. Training started well following the London Marathon training programme, the weight fell off and I was 5 months ahead of last year. Then a combination of a foot injury and horrendous weather means I haven't run for the last 4 weeks and gained 6lbs over December.

So Christmas and New Year festivities over the plan was to run tonight, along comes the snow! So restart delayed again. However eating plan in full swing, so hopefully the weight will start coming back off.

So here we are 3 months 19 days 11 hours to go, I am still a good 2 months ahead with my training over last year.

The fundraising is for the FSI again, please look at their website for more info. I will be warming up by running the Silverstone Half Marathon in March.

Speak to you soon, hopefully once I've got back up and running again.

Back up and running

2009-07-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

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

So here we go again

2009-06-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

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

Hi Back again

2009-06-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

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

The day after.......

2009-04-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

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

On My Way

2009-04-23T03:20:00.000-07:00

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

THE HOME RUN!!!!

2009-04-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

Yikes 20 days to go

2009-04-06T14:56:00.001-07:00

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

This week's run was sponsored by Lucozade!

2009-03-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

Injury worry!

2009-03-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

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

Run of two halves!

2009-03-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

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

Aaaaagh less than 2 months to go....

2009-02-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

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

Jog down memory lane

2009-02-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

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

Still getting quicker

2009-02-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

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

Can you over train???

2009-02-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

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

A stone down a few to go.

2009-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

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

Lost and Soaked in Plymouth

2009-02-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

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,

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

Another goalpost passed.... ye haa!!

2009-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

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

What snow!!!

2009-02-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

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

Change of plans leave me walking the streets!!!

2009-01-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

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

Evil Buses and St Poodeaux

2009-01-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

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've only gone and done it....

2009-01-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

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

It's Sunday Again and the big walk.

2009-01-25T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

Bad day at the office and lessons learnt

2009-01-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

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

Soggy Session

2009-01-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

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

Good progress being made......

2009-01-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

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

Walk with me

2009-01-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

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.

How much chewing gum on the floor?

2009-01-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

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

Attack of the Yellow Coated Stick Insects

2009-01-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

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 just remembered why I live in Cornwall

2009-01-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Cheers
Snooky

Where's all the yellow jackets gone!!!!

2009-01-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

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

aaargh my feet!!!!!

2009-01-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

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

Why is your wife always right!!

2009-01-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

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

The first big training session

2009-01-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

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.

3 Months 22 Days 15 hours 25 Minutes

2009-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

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

3 Months 27 Days 9 hours 57 Minutes

2008-12-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

Ok here's the first training update.

Training has been delayed for the first month since I found out I had the opportunity to take part in the London Marathon, unfortunately I got a cold on my chest which meant I couldn't really do too much. Having said that two days of solid christmas shopping started to build my stamina up!!

I was lucky enough to spend Christmas Day and Boxing Day with a 3 time Veteran London Marathon runner who has given me some great advice and support. His advice was to plan to train to finish the marathon and enjoy the experience rather than trying to run for a time, especially as I have such little time to prepare and am a bit on the chunky side!!! The plan is to do two one hour sessions with fast walking/light jogging a week, walk to and from work one day a week and then walk solidly at pace for four hours on a Sunday, increasing this time over the training period.

So with that in mind, I went for my first fast walk this evening, I intended to walk about 2 1/2 miles to break me in gently, I also planned to walk a fairly level route. So plugged into my Ipod listening to the Matt Taylor Band (www.matttaylorband.com) I set off and within 15 minutes got myself completely lost in my own home town!! I found hills and streets in Saltash I didn't know existed and managed to walk just over 3 miles all at quite a fast pace thanks to couple of Matts faster tracks.

I got home warm and breathing quite heavily but generally feeling ok, there is one issue with training from home, I live on top of a hill, so the last leg is always uphill which ever way you go.

Any way better go and set up the donations account now, I guess I will train again tomorrow and then the walk to work and back on Friday!!! (5 miles each way not a flat bit on route!!) Look in on Saturday to see how I get on.

Other things to look forward to - Fundraising launch night - Karaoke night in Plymouth with a draw, venue and dates to be confirmed very soon.

Cheers
Snooky

Introduction to Snooky's Marathon Blogg

2008-12-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all, Mike Snook here.

So who am I and why am I participating in the London Marathon? Questions I have asked myself everyday since I got the Email from Katherine Harrison from the FSI advising me I was the "Lucky" person to represent the FSI in the London Marathon next year..... 2009!!!

Well I'm Mike Snook and I am a 42 year old Customer Service and Admin Manager for A4e Pathways looking after Devon & Cornwall. I am a former National Slimming World Slimmer of the Year Runner Up who managed lose 11 1/2 stone over 3 years and managed to maintain for a further 3 years, unfortunately I've piled some of the pounds back on over the last couple years and needed a focus to get myself back on track, so when I saw the opportunity to participate in the London Marathon I put in my bid and was very shocked to get the email saying I was the lucky one!!

So who am I running for? The FSI (Foundation for Social Improvement) (http://www.thefsi.org/). The FSI are all about helping smaller charities to help themselves. The charity was formed after Emma Harrison took part in the Secret Millionaire on Channel Four, having donated money to a number of people in Dagenham, she thought about where they would be once the money was spent and felt it would be better to be able to support the smaller charities to help themselves by providing training, advice, seminars. Or as Emma Harrison said recently "we don't give them the fish we provide them with the fishing line and teach them how to fish".

So what's the blog going to be about, well I will be sharing my training experience with those interested in supporting me with this immense challenge.