Last week I heard I got accepted for a gold bond place in the 2010 London Marathon.
Therefore, my journey does not end here switch over to my new blog to keep up to date.
http://www.virginlondonmarathon2010.blogspot.com
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Friday, 25 September 2009
Race Day: Newcastle to South Shields in 2:28:35
It has been a few days now since the Great North Run and about time I wrote what has to be my last blogs on the journey on the last 7 months from first post after I nearly died on a treadmill running just 1km.
Bee and I spent a nice weekend in Newcastle after a very long journey up the A1. We started early just after lunch and arrived just for dinner at 7pm as all the main roads seem to have been closed at one point it did feel like a very long ride. We got to the Travelodge just after 7 and we had booked the travel lodge as being a holiday a chain you knew what you would get – oh what a mistake, this was the most horrid holiday inn ever. Half of the furniture in the room was missing and the bed was like a cloud as you just fell through it rather than it offering you any support.
We got ourselves ready and went out for dinner. Our hotel was in an excellent location right on the river and it was a nice warm evening but instead of a nice romantic stroll we found the first restaurant we could and had a good feast of burgers and Mexican food in a chain pub. Newcastle on a Friday night does have a feel of groups of people out on the town and everywhere you look you seem to find groups of men trying to chat up groups of women. We were back in our room nice and early after falling asleep in strictly come dancing we had a surprising good night’s sleep considering the quality of the bed.
Next morning after a slow start we went out to get coffee and found the river side had been transformed into a race track for the mini and junior great north runs and the area was starting to fill up with children in their running outfits and numbers. Luckily, so there was no confusion adults were wearing running numbers with the word ‘adult’ on.
After breakfast we walked into town and browsed the shops before finding a Mark Toney’s restaurant for a pasta lunch as it was the day before the race I had to stuff myself with carbs. We then had a tub of ice cream to go (bit of a mistake as Bee ended up wearing most of hers) as we walked back towards the river and to see the city games and tented village set up for the weekends activities.
We sat on the bank of the river and watched some athletics before entering into the very very disappointing tents. As there was nothing to see inside other than the very long queue for the free pasta we went back to the hotel for a much deserved nap. As we slowly woke I was keeping an eye on the football scores as Southend scored the winner in stoppage time over Brighton. We had an early dinner planned in the local Italian restaurant as all the Italians were fully booked that night with all the runners eating one last big meal of pasta.
Race morning came very quickly and the realisation this was the big day after months of planning and training that was not as on plan as it should have been due to injury was very scary. I slowly got into my running gear and we packed up the room and set off into town that was starting to feel with all my runners – Bee did comment post people looked like they wanted to be sick so maybe I was not alone in my fear for the day.
I left Bee and started the walk with the growing number of runners towards the start line, this walk seemed to take an age until we finally see the line of yellow double decker busses headed into the distance. These busses were the luggage busses and quickly i found the green section towards the back, a quick change and setup of iPod and knee support and i was ready so dropped off my bag. I then had over an hour to kill so walked slowly towards my starting pen looking at the very very long toilet queues and wondering if I could last. just then I was thankful for being a man as in the trees there was a section of plastic urinals you just walked up to and did your business in public and with no queues. I walked to my start pen and sat on the grass verge just watching the proceedings and listening to the music and announcements.
Before too long I was standing in the pen eagerly awaiting the start and drinking lots of water. We then all took part in the mass warmup with almost all of the 54000 people taking park, a stark contrast to the Bluewater run when about 20 people took part. On the big screens we se the start of the wheelchair races, followed by the women and then we were off. OK, in reality we were starting to slowly walk forwards with the red arrows overhead it took another 25 minutes before we hit the start line and off we went. With all the excitement and water i had drunk due to the heat of the day, off i went for about 2 minutes until I noticed all the men climbing into bushes one last time and decided to take a break already. This was a very wise decision as running after that was much more comfortable.
Second start later and I was on my way, my first goal was to cover just under 2 miles to the Tyne bridge where I knew Bee would be waiting on the right hand side of the road. There was the usual race start issues of people sprinting past and everybody else looking at them knowing we would see all of them again in a few miles when they had all burnt out. I had picked up the company of a super hero and a loch ness monster. Nessy was actually 4 people running in a line each with a different part of nessy in a line and got a very good crowd reaction, even if I did feel a bit jealous of all the attention and encouragement he was getting. I made sure i stuck to the right hand side of the road and in no time I could spot Bee with the camera and gave her a wave as I sailed past thinking I must still look ok after only 15 minutes so the photos would be ok. I then had to settle into the run knowing I would see her again in about 11 more miles.
The next few miles up to the half way point seem to fly past with lots of runners and supporters to keep me entertained as we are running through housing estates and a good turn out. The worst bit of this is miles 2 - 5 are all up hill, not a steep hill but a gradual enough incline it starts to take a toll on your legs but I am good physically and mentally to press on, even though the number of walkers is starting to build up. I make a point of getting as much fluid as I can at the water and Poweraide stations. I also make sure to keep hold of the bottle until the next station and drink small amounts constantly. This is mainly due to the amount of people who tell me how many people die completing the great north run, and with the day getting hotter and hotter I did not want to be one of them. All the running guides to the day tell you to drink Poweraide before the event to make sure you like it, this was something I never did and apologies must go to the people near me the first time I tried the blue Poweraide and spat it back out and described the taste quiet loudly with swear words. Luckily, the taste encouraged my small mouthful and often approach and I am not sure if it was in my mind I did feel more energised.
I got to the half way point a little after my watch claimed I had (need to recalibrate slightly i think) and was really enjoying my time, I was full of energy and very happy. I promised myself after mile 9 I could have my energy gel and plodded on as a fire crew hosed us all down. I wonder if the work with the fire man who sprinted past me at mile 3 in full gear and oxygen tank never to be seen again. Miles 6 - 10 had been the ones i was looking forward too the least before the day, but with the attitude of just one more then I will see if i need to walk approach worked as before i knew it i was at mile 10. In these miles i passed supporters with tins of biscuits, a man on a bus stop with a hose and more high 5s than I could could and all still clapping after having seen 1000s of runners all looking the same.
Mile 10 -11 (ish) is all up hill and now i started to see more walkers than runners, and when these were 5 abreast all having a nice chat it made keeping a constant pace hard as there was a lot of zig-zagging needed to keep going. I must admit I did consider stopping but wanted to be running as I passed the Mind charity bus i was running for. I had now got into my mind I had 3 miles to go, this is only 5km and even on days when i feel tired or generally unfit i could run 5km, and at this stage I did not feel that bad even if my speed had slowed right down to 7min/km I was still running.
As i was getting towards mile 12 the Red Arrows started their display at the finish and provided entertainment and distraction for a while as i hit the seafront and the end was almost in sight and the crowds grew drastically in number, as did the number of people getting medical attention, so close to the finish must have been heart braking for all of them and i hope they all made a good recovery.
Running down the sea front was so nice and i was starting to feel the distance in my body as i could no longer get a full lung of air i was restricted to short shallow breaths but i was too close to stop now - this was probably the attitude that caused so many to need help at this stage. I was looking out for Bee and hoping she got there ok without any problems but also with the end in sight and knowing i wanted to be finished in under 2:30 i started a sprint for home with no idea where all this extra energy was coming from. I soon flew past Bee pulling funny faces trying to say her camera stopped working but i was not going back so she could try again. And there it was the finish and i crossed the line in 2 hours 28 minutes and 35 seconds, I had an overwhelming urge to burst into tears as a combination of relief for being at the end and the realisation i ran the whole distance something i never imagined i was capable of doing. This soon passed as it was just as busy and frantic here to get your chip off to return and then to fight your way to the area where you collect your goodie bag and all important medal.
After i exited the area back into the open world i hit a wall of people (i guess i had to hit a wall at some point, just glad it was now and not during the race) and had to fight my way over to the relative meeting area. I was glad Bee had seen me as she knew i must be finished and heading this way. After 5 minutes that seemed an age a friendly smiley face was coming my way, and a quick hug and photo later we were off. We had to fight our way through a field of resting people and the charity village tent to get back to the busses and get my bag back. Bee had got me a mars bar which was very welcomed. We got onto the bus back into town which was much easier than i expected as lot of extra buses had been put on. This was an easy journey with only thing of note being the two women on the bus being sick.
The bus dropped us off close to the hotel and followed by one of the most painful walks i ever did with legs seizing up whilst sat on the bus. A quick wash and change in the travelodge toilet and off we went saying goodbye to Newcastle, but hopefully not for the last time as i hope to get a place for next year to do it all over again.
It was an excellent weekend, good weather a very welcoming city and a great run. Even though i have another 1/2 marathon in 3 weeks time none will ever be a special as this weekend, the first time i completed the distance and in an event that was very well organised and well supported.
Bee and I spent a nice weekend in Newcastle after a very long journey up the A1. We started early just after lunch and arrived just for dinner at 7pm as all the main roads seem to have been closed at one point it did feel like a very long ride. We got to the Travelodge just after 7 and we had booked the travel lodge as being a holiday a chain you knew what you would get – oh what a mistake, this was the most horrid holiday inn ever. Half of the furniture in the room was missing and the bed was like a cloud as you just fell through it rather than it offering you any support.
We got ourselves ready and went out for dinner. Our hotel was in an excellent location right on the river and it was a nice warm evening but instead of a nice romantic stroll we found the first restaurant we could and had a good feast of burgers and Mexican food in a chain pub. Newcastle on a Friday night does have a feel of groups of people out on the town and everywhere you look you seem to find groups of men trying to chat up groups of women. We were back in our room nice and early after falling asleep in strictly come dancing we had a surprising good night’s sleep considering the quality of the bed.
Next morning after a slow start we went out to get coffee and found the river side had been transformed into a race track for the mini and junior great north runs and the area was starting to fill up with children in their running outfits and numbers. Luckily, so there was no confusion adults were wearing running numbers with the word ‘adult’ on.
After breakfast we walked into town and browsed the shops before finding a Mark Toney’s restaurant for a pasta lunch as it was the day before the race I had to stuff myself with carbs. We then had a tub of ice cream to go (bit of a mistake as Bee ended up wearing most of hers) as we walked back towards the river and to see the city games and tented village set up for the weekends activities.
We sat on the bank of the river and watched some athletics before entering into the very very disappointing tents. As there was nothing to see inside other than the very long queue for the free pasta we went back to the hotel for a much deserved nap. As we slowly woke I was keeping an eye on the football scores as Southend scored the winner in stoppage time over Brighton. We had an early dinner planned in the local Italian restaurant as all the Italians were fully booked that night with all the runners eating one last big meal of pasta.
Race morning came very quickly and the realisation this was the big day after months of planning and training that was not as on plan as it should have been due to injury was very scary. I slowly got into my running gear and we packed up the room and set off into town that was starting to feel with all my runners – Bee did comment post people looked like they wanted to be sick so maybe I was not alone in my fear for the day.
I left Bee and started the walk with the growing number of runners towards the start line, this walk seemed to take an age until we finally see the line of yellow double decker busses headed into the distance. These busses were the luggage busses and quickly i found the green section towards the back, a quick change and setup of iPod and knee support and i was ready so dropped off my bag. I then had over an hour to kill so walked slowly towards my starting pen looking at the very very long toilet queues and wondering if I could last. just then I was thankful for being a man as in the trees there was a section of plastic urinals you just walked up to and did your business in public and with no queues. I walked to my start pen and sat on the grass verge just watching the proceedings and listening to the music and announcements.
Before too long I was standing in the pen eagerly awaiting the start and drinking lots of water. We then all took part in the mass warmup with almost all of the 54000 people taking park, a stark contrast to the Bluewater run when about 20 people took part. On the big screens we se the start of the wheelchair races, followed by the women and then we were off. OK, in reality we were starting to slowly walk forwards with the red arrows overhead it took another 25 minutes before we hit the start line and off we went. With all the excitement and water i had drunk due to the heat of the day, off i went for about 2 minutes until I noticed all the men climbing into bushes one last time and decided to take a break already. This was a very wise decision as running after that was much more comfortable.
Second start later and I was on my way, my first goal was to cover just under 2 miles to the Tyne bridge where I knew Bee would be waiting on the right hand side of the road. There was the usual race start issues of people sprinting past and everybody else looking at them knowing we would see all of them again in a few miles when they had all burnt out. I had picked up the company of a super hero and a loch ness monster. Nessy was actually 4 people running in a line each with a different part of nessy in a line and got a very good crowd reaction, even if I did feel a bit jealous of all the attention and encouragement he was getting. I made sure i stuck to the right hand side of the road and in no time I could spot Bee with the camera and gave her a wave as I sailed past thinking I must still look ok after only 15 minutes so the photos would be ok. I then had to settle into the run knowing I would see her again in about 11 more miles.
The next few miles up to the half way point seem to fly past with lots of runners and supporters to keep me entertained as we are running through housing estates and a good turn out. The worst bit of this is miles 2 - 5 are all up hill, not a steep hill but a gradual enough incline it starts to take a toll on your legs but I am good physically and mentally to press on, even though the number of walkers is starting to build up. I make a point of getting as much fluid as I can at the water and Poweraide stations. I also make sure to keep hold of the bottle until the next station and drink small amounts constantly. This is mainly due to the amount of people who tell me how many people die completing the great north run, and with the day getting hotter and hotter I did not want to be one of them. All the running guides to the day tell you to drink Poweraide before the event to make sure you like it, this was something I never did and apologies must go to the people near me the first time I tried the blue Poweraide and spat it back out and described the taste quiet loudly with swear words. Luckily, the taste encouraged my small mouthful and often approach and I am not sure if it was in my mind I did feel more energised.
I got to the half way point a little after my watch claimed I had (need to recalibrate slightly i think) and was really enjoying my time, I was full of energy and very happy. I promised myself after mile 9 I could have my energy gel and plodded on as a fire crew hosed us all down. I wonder if the work with the fire man who sprinted past me at mile 3 in full gear and oxygen tank never to be seen again. Miles 6 - 10 had been the ones i was looking forward too the least before the day, but with the attitude of just one more then I will see if i need to walk approach worked as before i knew it i was at mile 10. In these miles i passed supporters with tins of biscuits, a man on a bus stop with a hose and more high 5s than I could could and all still clapping after having seen 1000s of runners all looking the same.
Mile 10 -11 (ish) is all up hill and now i started to see more walkers than runners, and when these were 5 abreast all having a nice chat it made keeping a constant pace hard as there was a lot of zig-zagging needed to keep going. I must admit I did consider stopping but wanted to be running as I passed the Mind charity bus i was running for. I had now got into my mind I had 3 miles to go, this is only 5km and even on days when i feel tired or generally unfit i could run 5km, and at this stage I did not feel that bad even if my speed had slowed right down to 7min/km I was still running.
As i was getting towards mile 12 the Red Arrows started their display at the finish and provided entertainment and distraction for a while as i hit the seafront and the end was almost in sight and the crowds grew drastically in number, as did the number of people getting medical attention, so close to the finish must have been heart braking for all of them and i hope they all made a good recovery.
Running down the sea front was so nice and i was starting to feel the distance in my body as i could no longer get a full lung of air i was restricted to short shallow breaths but i was too close to stop now - this was probably the attitude that caused so many to need help at this stage. I was looking out for Bee and hoping she got there ok without any problems but also with the end in sight and knowing i wanted to be finished in under 2:30 i started a sprint for home with no idea where all this extra energy was coming from. I soon flew past Bee pulling funny faces trying to say her camera stopped working but i was not going back so she could try again. And there it was the finish and i crossed the line in 2 hours 28 minutes and 35 seconds, I had an overwhelming urge to burst into tears as a combination of relief for being at the end and the realisation i ran the whole distance something i never imagined i was capable of doing. This soon passed as it was just as busy and frantic here to get your chip off to return and then to fight your way to the area where you collect your goodie bag and all important medal.
After i exited the area back into the open world i hit a wall of people (i guess i had to hit a wall at some point, just glad it was now and not during the race) and had to fight my way over to the relative meeting area. I was glad Bee had seen me as she knew i must be finished and heading this way. After 5 minutes that seemed an age a friendly smiley face was coming my way, and a quick hug and photo later we were off. We had to fight our way through a field of resting people and the charity village tent to get back to the busses and get my bag back. Bee had got me a mars bar which was very welcomed. We got onto the bus back into town which was much easier than i expected as lot of extra buses had been put on. This was an easy journey with only thing of note being the two women on the bus being sick.
The bus dropped us off close to the hotel and followed by one of the most painful walks i ever did with legs seizing up whilst sat on the bus. A quick wash and change in the travelodge toilet and off we went saying goodbye to Newcastle, but hopefully not for the last time as i hope to get a place for next year to do it all over again.
It was an excellent weekend, good weather a very welcoming city and a great run. Even though i have another 1/2 marathon in 3 weeks time none will ever be a special as this weekend, the first time i completed the distance and in an event that was very well organised and well supported.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Leaving for Newcastle
All the training is over and I am starting to get full of pasta and doing my last morning in the office before starting teh long journey north.
My legs got a small stretch this morning as I had a 45 minute to work as Bee dropped me off and will be coming to collect me later.
Starting to feel both nervous and excited, it will hit home in a few hours time.
My legs got a small stretch this morning as I had a 45 minute to work as Bee dropped me off and will be coming to collect me later.
Starting to feel both nervous and excited, it will hit home in a few hours time.
Monday, 14 September 2009
6 days and 1 last run
After a very busy weekend with Lins wedding I never fitted in my last long run and I had spent all sunday and most of Monday feeling very guilty.
Therefore, after work I attempted the Bray loop, something I have tried a number of times and never completed. Today I did the whole run plus an extra bit to make a full 10km, and a PB of 1:04. I did have to sprint the lats km to get a good time but the fact I could leaves me with some confidence for next weekend.
After i stopped and stretched i realised I was not too tired and not sore, but my legs were feeling tired when running, but could have carried on. If I could have doubled the distance I do not know, we will find out in 6 days!!
So all that is left to do is rest until Sunday and manage my diet.
Therefore, after work I attempted the Bray loop, something I have tried a number of times and never completed. Today I did the whole run plus an extra bit to make a full 10km, and a PB of 1:04. I did have to sprint the lats km to get a good time but the fact I could leaves me with some confidence for next weekend.
After i stopped and stretched i realised I was not too tired and not sore, but my legs were feeling tired when running, but could have carried on. If I could have doubled the distance I do not know, we will find out in 6 days!!
So all that is left to do is rest until Sunday and manage my diet.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Hard work at the gym
With a busy week and early mornigns I am finding the first week back at work hard on my exercise routine, but with less than 2 weeks before the GNR I have to press on.
Yesterday morning, I was having a slow slog on the treadmill where my iPod decided to die (again!!) so I had to watch the BBC news. Not the most insiprign entertainment but it did stop me clock watching a bit.
After about 2.5 km I was really struggling to stay on my feet, and then I swolled water badly and started to choke forcing me to stop the treadmill to get my breath back. I was proud of myself to even start the treadmill again after that, and it seemed much better after that and i completed 7km.
As I started my stretching I remembered a 9am meetign so sprinted to the shower and the office to only discover I was about 24 hours early!
Yesterday morning, I was having a slow slog on the treadmill where my iPod decided to die (again!!) so I had to watch the BBC news. Not the most insiprign entertainment but it did stop me clock watching a bit.
After about 2.5 km I was really struggling to stay on my feet, and then I swolled water badly and started to choke forcing me to stop the treadmill to get my breath back. I was proud of myself to even start the treadmill again after that, and it seemed much better after that and i completed 7km.
As I started my stretching I remembered a 9am meetign so sprinted to the shower and the office to only discover I was about 24 hours early!
Monday, 7 September 2009
A hard day
A trip to gym after work was not such a happy one, I was doing very well at 7mph for 20 minutes. I then nudged the emergency stop button and this was my excuse to stop rather than restarting the machine.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Unlucky for some
With exactly 2 weeks to go, I thought i should try and push myself out on the road for the first time yesterday. All went quite well, i covered 13km in 1:25, mane person bests for distance and time on my feet; shame i feel like I am made of lead today and can hardly move - coupling that with feeling dizzy every time i move my head too fast I am spending teh day in bed.
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