run akkers! run!

Marathon Training: Week 4 of 16

2012-01-29T17:04:00.000Z

% of trainingcomplete: 20.12%

Week 3Actual Miles Run: 25.5 miles (Budget: 29.9 miles)

In the past, I have completed three Half Marathons:

2009: Great North Run 2h 2min
2011: Run to the Beat 2h 12 min
2011: Poppy Half Marathon 2h 11 min

Yesterday, I achieved the greatest distance I have run before- 14.3 miles, so I am feeling very pleased with myself.

Session:	57
Training Date:	Sat 28 January 2012
Training Week	Week 4 of 16
Approx Time of training:	9:00 AM
Days to London Marathon:	85
Distance Covered (miles):	14.34
Distance Covered (km):	23.08
Total Distance in training - running (km):	436.01
Total Distance in training - cycling (km):	n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	02:21:08
Exercise Time (hours):	2.35
Av Speed (km / h):	9.81
Av Pace (min / km):	06:07
Av Pace (min / miles):	09:51
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Battersea Park - Barnes Bridge
URL:	http://connect.garmin.com/activity/145460898
Class Details:	n/a
Weight (kg):	82.7
Cost per gym Visit	£22.50

I was meant to run home on Thursday, but I took the nightoff and went to visit Time & Talents (the charity I am running for). I’lldo a separate blog post about the charity in due course; however I did think ithelped having a night off as it gave my troublesome left ankle a bit of a rest;which I am sure in turn helped with my long run on Saturday.

Saturday evening I had my first proper drink of January asit was Arun’s 30^th Birthday.

So unfortunately taking Thursday off meant I finished theweek slightly behind budget however I am pleased that I finished with mydistance.

Marathon Training: Week 3 of 16

2012-01-22T17:16:00.001Z

% of training complete: 14.90%

Week 3 Actual Miles Run: 29.0 miles (Budget: 27.7 miles)

No guest contributor this week ... so back to my ramblings.

Three weeks of training are now complete this year, and I am definitely starting to see my performance improve. It's T-3 months until the marathon - so still plenty of time to get up to the distance.

This week's Saturday run was scheduled to be 12 miles, but I actually ended up doing closer to 13 - in about 2h 6mins. The weekly long run in the Clapham Chasers group makes such a big difference. I am sure if I wasn't running in the group I would have called it a day after a mile or two as I had pins and needles again - but I managed to run it off. Towards the end of the long run, three of us were running across the crossing at Putney Bridge and Hugh Grant nearly ran us over in a Black Ferrari. A Google search when I get home does indeed confirm that he owns one - he bought it for his 50th Birthday.

Other notable runs in the week include running home from work, which I did on Thursday in 1h 5mins. On Tuesday I was meant to doing 4 miles in the Gym but after 32 mins - the big red emergency stop button started calling my name, and I couldn't resist the urge but to press it. I wasn't too disheartened though, as it was about 10pm in the gym and I still exceeded my training distance in the week.

Marathon Training 2012: Week 2 of 16 (Guest Contributor)

2012-01-16T21:37:00.003Z

% of training complete: 10.19%

Week 2 Actual Miles Run: 26.2 miles (Budget: 25.7 miles)

"This week is a special report, written through the eyes of my lovely and also long suffering wife, Manasi. Over to you."

Hi everybody, nice to meet you. Let me talk you through a week in Akshay’s running life. This week has been a long one, a painful one and one where our entire life savings appear to have been ploughed into Decathlon. Purchases this week have included:

2 MORE running tops.
Wristband. A little bit Madonna for me. Apparently the yellow one he already owns wasn’t good enough.
Running Pants (did anybody else know running pants even existed?)
Gloves . He claims these were a gift, I have my doubts.
MORE socks. The socks were only allowed to stay on the proviso that all previously unmarried socks were binned. This had to be supervised so that stray socks were not kept out of pity.
Ankle supports
And yet, the worst is yet to come. New trainers. Now I don’t object to new trainers, a man should have proper footwear. No, I object to these. If anybody is coming out to see Akshay on running day, it won’t be hard to find him – just look down!

However, despite the fact that our laundry bills are escalating and Decathlon are now a profitable entity reliant solely on the Kumars, there have been some positives.

A total of 26.2 miles run over 4 runs, now to combine all those into 1 run and we are in business.
We passed the 100 day countdown marker and tension in the Kumar household is dramatically increasing as a result.
Thanks to all the exercise, there has been no Talk Sport radio played in over 2 weeks. Now that’s what I call a result.

That’s all from me – hope to see you all on Race day!

100 Days to Go

2012-01-13T13:28:00.002Z

In a hundred days time, I will still be running. At the moment, I can barely manage 10 miles so getting up to 26 is going to be a tough winter.

Today's picture shows where you could get to in the same time it would take me to run the marathon. I would much rather be in a few of these places rather than plodding the streets of London!

Marathon Training 2012: Week 1 of 16 Report

2012-01-09T15:44:00.001Z

% of trainingcomplete: 3.63%

Week 1 ActualMiles Run: 17.8miles (Budget: 17.7 miles)

A week thatstarted slowly, but finished on a positive note.

I returned fromSingaporeon Monday afternoon. I took Tuesday off training, as it was my first day backin the office and I was suffering from jet-lag. On Wednesday morning, I went tothe gym and had a bad session – only achieving 16 minutes on the treadmill. However, then came the real problems – Wednesday night. I suffered frommassive insomnia and managed a mere three hours sleep. This was quite literallya nightmare. I guess I was still suffering from jet lag.

Consequentlythe run home on Thursday was a complete and utter write-off and I was in bed by9pm. On Friday evening, I loaded up with Pasta for the following day.

Saturdaymorning was positive. The Clapham Chasers organise marathon training groups forall levels. I met up with the 4hr+ Group at Battersea Park- me and about 15 women! A beautiful winter’s day (fresh but clear) and by10:20am we had already knocked off the planned 8 miles: a nice run fromBattersea Park to Waterloo and back. I felt good straight after, but it wasn’tlong until the legs started to burn. Manasi and I celebrated by having a nicebrunch with Robyn.

On Sundaymorning, I knew I had to go out again - due to the cancelled Thursday run, Iwas way behind my weekly schedule. So I went out by myself and did another 8miles. This time, I went from home to Hungerford Bridge;however I was much slower than the previous day. So what were the similaritiesand differences in the runs?

Similarities

Same time of day
Same type of nice running weather
Had pasta the night before

Differences

On Sunday, I was sore from Saturday
No group of women to run with – and to spur me on
Not as many breaks on Sunday (on Saturday we would often wait to regroup)

Leaving asidethe slow time, I was pleased that I did get out on Sunday, as at least Ifinished the first week and completed my allotted training distance. Priority 1of the marathon is getting the distance done. Priority 2 will be getting thetime. Once again, a post run celebration was in order, a yummy brunch withAoife and Rich.

A new year ... a new plan

2012-01-03T20:22:00.001Z

Happy New Year 2012. The year the Olympics come to London and the year I want to do the Marathon. If we are serious about the Marathon then this is a plan we need to adhere too.

The updated training schedule is available on this page: http://runakkersrun.blogspot.com/p/training-schedule.html

Got on the scales this morning, and the heaviest I think I have been. Admittedly I have just came back from holiday where I seemed to eat and drink a lot, but this is no excuse. I took my running stuff with me, but did I use them? We all know the answer to that one.

Pins & Needles

2011-12-19T20:42:00.001Z

Pins and Needles during my run today. Not sure why?

Maybe I didn't stretch properly
Maybe because it was wet my foot got wet as it had been raining heavily before
Maybe my laces were too tight

Hope it doesn't come back next time. Will keep you posted.

The second week - Xmas Parties Galore

2011-12-12T16:22:00.000Z

Only 8 miles done in training this week (versus a budgeted 19)!

Too many Christmas Parties that is for sure!

It is currently raining cats & dogs - is that an excuse not to get out there. No I am going to! I have a lot of miles in the diary this week - so we are going to have to. The only thing that I am wondering is whether I am going to have redo my plan in the new year and do a new 16 week plan!

A bad first week

2011-12-12T10:38:00.002Z

Monday started good with the longer Commons Route with the Clapham Chasers. It was a bitterly cold night and consequently it felt like we were running much faster than we probably were.

The rest of the week was a bit of a right off! Wednesday I got a bit of a flu / cold which put a dampener on things. The weekend was full of too much Christmas celebration.

So in conclusion - a bad first week to training. I will try hard to make my target this week. I had a bit of a bad back yesterday, and providing that stays away - I hope I can!

In finance terms, we now have a budget

2011-12-04T09:55:00.001Z

As an accountant, I think in finance terms. So I have built a budget to help me with my training. This time in 20 weeks the marathon would have just kicked off. So consequently I have built a 20 week London Marathon Training Schedule. I really do hope having some goals will help me stay focused (as I really need to get a bit more focused!).

I need a training plan

2011-12-02T15:56:00.001Z

This post is going to be a bit rambly (as I research and type as we go along) ...

No idea what's been happening to me during the last couple of weeks - I haven't done anything. Work got pretty manic again - but that's no excuse. Furthermore I haven't got anything in the schedule. The last thing I did was the Poppy Half and now am in some serious need of motivation. Not only that I am starting eating some real junk again. I was doing so well - but now it has all gone to crock!

So what to do. Buck your ideas up Kumar.

Question: How many weeks till the Marathon?

Answer: No idea ... let me calculate it on excel. Second thoughts ... my blog has a countdown. I'll just flick screens and see what it says: Okay 141 days 16 hours. Lets round that up to 142 days.

142 / 7 = 20.28 weeks. Okay, assume we start on Monday as I have another heavy weekend - what we need is a 20 week plan. During this time, I need to go from an overweight accountant to somebody who can stagger 26.2 miles.

No Kumar - this is the wrong attitude again. Let's aim to do at least something over the weekend even if it's not on the plan.

Right onto the main subject of doing this post - and that's to find a training plan. So the main requirements are:

As you can see from the picture, I did find a training plan but that looks way too hardcore. To start with it's called advance which I am certainly not.
I do want to mix my training up, and do some cycling or spinning at least once a week
If I do need to do longer runs every week, then I would rather do them on a Satruday. This means not going out on Fridays - but at least you can then enjoy Saturday
I want to keep doing the Clapham Chasers Social Run on Monday

Okay ... those are the requirements now onto the World Wide Web to see what we can find:

1. Guardian Website

Found an article on training for the London Marathon: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/oct/05/how-to-train-for-marathon

I do like point 5 on that list which is don't do weekly long runs! Okay, I won't! However what about point 2, have a goal. My goal was get to the finish line but apparently that's not good enough.

So what should my goal be? Let's see. I currently do half marathon in 2:10. But I have done one in 2:02 - but that was a few years ago when I was much fitter. Come April I will be three years older then I was then.

So what's a realistic goal. I would love to do 4 hours - but realistically I think I am long way of that at the moment, and considering it is my first marathon, I guess let's take my current half marathon pace of 2:10 and multiply it by 2.

Okay ... so that's it - my goal time is 4:20. But I still don't have a plan.

2. Sports Fitness Advisor

Okay some more googling and come across this site:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/marathon-training.html

According to this I am definitely a beginner as I don't satisfy any of the following criteria:

"If you haven't run a marathon before, or you're not currently running 20 miles plus per week, this is the place to start ..."

Okay - let's see what this plan is:

Oh no! This is a 26 week plan. I guess I could miss a few weeks out and start on week 7 (or is it week 6 - we can work that out later).But this plan goes against the Guardian article - as in there is one long run every week!

3. FIRST Three Day a week Marathon Schedule

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/the-first-three-day-a-week-marathon-schedule/2493.html

The main ethos seems to be around: "Train Less, Run Faster". I like it already!

The other good thing is that it seems to begin 16 weeks before the Marathon, so I am not behind the curve.

4, About.com

http://running.about.com/od/marathonprograms/a/marathonbeg.htm

A beginners programme for 20 weeks.
Allows for cross training - i.e. spinning a couple of times per week

5. Runners World

I think the target of 4:30 may now be a bit optimistic:

A 4:30 marathon is approximately 10:00 per mile. To break 4:30, you should eventually be capable of a sub-2:00 half-marathon (9:00 per mile) and sub-53:00 10K (8:30 per mile). Right now, you should be used to running around 20 miles each week and do around four runs a week.

Sub 2 hours half marathon! Hmm!

It is a 16 week schedule:
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/racing/rws-vlm-garmin-ready-marathon-schedule-sub-430/2490.html

6. The Fitness Motivator
http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/first-marathon.html

A 20 week schedule with Cross Training

7. Belfast City Marathon Schedule
http://www.belfastcitymarathon.com/opencontent/default.asp?itemid=81&section=GET+TRAINING

Another 20 week schedule

8. Hal Higdon
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/MaraNovice1.html
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/novice2.htm

18 Week Schedule with some cross

Confused
Lots of information out there but nothing obvious which ticked all my criteria. I will make my own schedule based on a few of the above knowing what I have got coming up. I'll do this over the next 30 mins or so and then post it on a separate tab above. Lets see if I can keep it up!

The Poppy Half Marathon

2011-11-13T18:24:00.000Z

I did the Poppy Half Marathon in 2:10:40. This included going for a wee, and also rummaging through my bag trying to find a bottle of water.

This was a fun half marathon, which involved four loops of the beach front in Bexhill-on-Sea. This half marathon has a good contribution going to the Royal British Legion - a thoroughly worthwhile cause helping the families of fallen soldiers.

I didn't sleep too well, so one lap in I nearly gave up. I asked Manasi whether I could but she convinced me to carry on. It really helped knowing that each time round on course I knew my darling wife would be there to cheer me on!

Clapham Chasers

2011-10-31T20:45:00.000Z

Haven't done a blog update in a while, so it is time for me to update you on what's going on.

The main thing that's happened is that I have joined the Clapham Chasers. The Chasers are a friendly running club based (surprisingly!) in Clapham ... well actually we meet at the Nuffield Gym in Battersea but its all the same kind of area.

So to date, I have been to the Chasers Monday Night Social Run three times. Here are some high level comments from each of those runs:

Run 1 - 10 October - Two Commons Route

I joined the Chasers as they meet on a monday night close to my work. I wasn't sure how long it would take, but I arrived very early - as it was only a 5 - 10 minute drive.

The first monday, there were about 20 of us in the novices group. It felt very inclusive and it really didn't matter how fast you were going - as the group would stop regularly to allow the slower members to catch up.

Run 2 - 24 October - Two Commons Route
A much smaller group this time. Only four of us. We all stuck close together and so the number and quantum of rest stops was not as many.

Run 3 - 31 October - Two Bridges Route
A much bigger group again - 15 of us. I was the only bloke, but I wasn't complaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this route with some awesome London sights.

The monday night runs the chasers put on, really mix up running on your own. They also seem to organise lots of social events - though haven't made any yet.

I think this kind of thing is going to have to become the norm

2011-10-05T08:36:00.001+01:00

An evening session on the treadmill yesterday:

Session:	30
Training Date:	Tue 04 October 2011
Approx Time of training:	6:45 PM
Days to London:	201
Distance Covered (km):	7.5
Total Distance in training - running (km):	171.1
Total Distance in training - cycling (km):	n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	10.00
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Southbank Club
URL:	n/a
Class Details:	n/a
Weight (kg):	82.8
Cost per gym Visit	£34.62

London Marathon place secured (have I gone mad?)

2011-10-03T21:46:00.005+01:00

Even though I was not lucky in the marathon ballot, I am very fortunate to be running for an awesome local charity, Time and Talents.

I am not getting any younger and this is probably my one shot at doing the marathon. I also figure that I have just completed a half-marathon and this is a good base to kick-on to the full marathon.

So maybe in my old age, I am losing my mind. We are 202 days from the Marathon and I am sure I am underestimating the challenge that awaits me. To start with I am sure we have a cold winter to get through.

Today, I have attempted my first piece of training since the half-marathon - a spinning session:

Session: 29

Training Date: Mon 03 October 2011

Approx Time of training: 6:45 PM

Days to London: 202

Distance Covered (km): n/a

Total Distance in training - running (km): 163.5775

Total Distance in training - cycling (km): n/a

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:45:00

Exercise Time (hours): 0.75

Av Speed (km / h): n/a

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Southbank Club

URL: n/a

Class Details: Spin Cycling, Mari

Weight (kg): 84.1

Cost per gym Visit £38

Rejected!

2011-10-01T20:32:00.002+01:00

Just received the rejected magazine from the London Marathon, so no place via the Ballot.

One week after Run to the Beat, and I am still a little sore. So the question is, do I go for a charity place or scrap this whole idea?

Some photos from RTTB

2011-09-28T14:06:00.003+01:00

"Run Akkers Run" does "Run to the beat"

2011-09-26T17:27:00.003+01:00

So yesterday, I did a half marathon - the Nike Run to the Beat. Considering my training of eating and drinking on cruises and Greece, I was very pleased with my time of 2h 12 mins:

My race split is as follows:

Mile 3 - 27 mins 41 secs

Mile 6 - 31 mins 18 secs

Mile 9 - 32 mins 18 secs

Mile 12 - 31 mins 17 secs

Judging by this I may have gone off a bit too fast at the beginning. Especially considering the 1st mile included going for a wee a good 90 seconds.

I had to walk for about 2 -3 mins on a steep part of a hill, but that doesn't seem to have hurt me too much.

Feeling a bit sore - but pleased I did the distance. Well done to Shikha too, who pretty much did exactly the same time as me.

So nothing in the diary now at all. I will give myself a couple of days recovery before deciding what to do next.

Official stats are:

Session: 28

Training Date: Sun 25 September 2011

Approx Time of training: 9:45 AM

Days to London: 210

Distance Covered (km): 21.0975

Total Distance in training - running (km): 140.7875

Total Distance in training - cycling (km): 22.79

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 02:12:25

Exercise Time (hours): 2.21

Av Speed (km / h): 9.56

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Run to the beat

URL: http://runtothebeat.nikerunning.com/race/10774

http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/53660299

Class Details: n/a

Weight (kg): 84.1

Cost per gym Visit £41

I'll upload photos when I get them.

I've just noticed that I never uploaded session 27, a run home from work:

Training Date: Wed 21 September 2011

Approx Time of training: 6:46 PM

Days to London: 214

Distance Covered (km): 10.74

Total Distance in training - running (km): 119.69

Total Distance in training - cycling (km): 22.79

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 01:17:54

Exercise Time (hours): 1.30

Av Speed (km / h): 8.27

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Home from work

URL: http://t.co/0JFCeJuF

Class Details: n/a

Weight (kg): 85.6

Cost per gym Visit £41

Pins & Needles in my left calf

2011-09-15T20:56:00.001+01:00

Ran home from work.

Plus points: No bus this time

Bad points: Very very slow

I did have pins and needles in my left calf for about half the distance, which didn't help though. Hope it won't come back.

Session:	26
Training Date:	Thu 15 September 2011
Approx Time of training:	6:46 PM
Days to London:	220
Distance Covered (km):	10.74
Total Distance in training - running (km):	108.95
Total Distance in training - cycling (km):	22.79
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	01:17:54
Exercise Time (hours):	1.30
Av Speed (km / h):	8.27
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Home from work
URL:	http://t.co/0JFCeJuF
Class Details:	n/a
Weight (kg):	85.6
Cost per gym Visit	£41

Longer on the return journey ...

2011-09-14T21:25:00.001+01:00

... because I got a bit lost!

Session: 25

Training Date: Wed 14 September 2011

Approx Time of training: 7:48 PM

Days to London: 221

Distance Covered (km): 12.17

Total Distance in training - running (km): 98.21

Total Distance in training - cycling (km): 22.79

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:52:00

Exercise Time (hours): 0.87

Av Speed (km / h): 14.04

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Cycling

URL: http://t.co/miu30Sb

Class Details: n/a

Weight (kg): 85.6

Cost per gym Visit £41

Back on the bike ... (literally)

2011-09-14T08:27:00.000+01:00

Got back on the bike today and cycled to work. Actually enjoyed it. Sun was shining it was fresh and no really scary incidents to report. Took a while to get through Vauxhall Cross but will try to avoid in the future:

Session:	24
Training Date:	Wed 14 September 2011
Approx Time of training:	7:07 AM
Days to London:	221
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Total Distance in training (km):	98.21
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:44:39
Exercise Time (hours):	24.74
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	10.62km cycle to work
URL:	http://t.co/miu30Sb
Class Details:	n/a
Weight (kg):	85.5
Cost per gym Visit	£41

So where have I been .... Holiday that's where!

2011-09-09T17:10:00.003+01:00

Good points:

Been on two - three holidays
Eaten loads
Thoroughly enjoyed myself

Bad points:

New PB. Not in anything good but the heaviest I have been since the "Guinness" term at uni
Hardly any running
All of August off

Two weeks & two days we are meant to be doing a half marathon. Not much chance of that as things stand. Look at yesterday's stats for the first time running in over a month:

Session: 23

Training Date: 08-Sep-11

Approx Time of training: 7:33 PM

Days to London: 227

Distance Covered (km): 8.25

Total Distance in training (km): 98.21

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:58:32

Exercise Time (hours): 0.98

Av Speed (km / h): 8.46

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Home from work

URL: http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/51363330

Class Details: n/a

Weight (kg): 85.8

Cost per gym Visit £41

As you can see I have had to introduce a new category to track my weight as this is getting bad. Yesterday was so bad that I had to get a bus from where I gave up! I am not looking forward to this damn half marathon. I am really slow at the moment and massively unfit. Help!

So what happened in August on the running from ... nothing - that's what!

In July after the British 10k, I went on a cruise. I managed one day where I did laps of the top deck, and one day where I tried to but was too hungover. As I was running on the top deck and the boat was moving runkeeper thinks these runs were my fastest ever but if I really could run at those speed I would be giving old Linford a run for his money. Stats:

Session: 20

Training Date: 17-Jul-11

Approx Time of training: 4:15 PM

Days to London: 280

Distance Covered (km): 4.5

Total Distance in training (km): 80.26

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:25:49

Exercise Time (hours): 0.43

Av Speed (km / h): 10.46

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Vision of the seas

URL: http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/44983828

Class Details: n/a

Cost per gym Visit £41

Session: 21

Training Date: 21-Jul-11

Approx Time of training: 8:11 AM

Days to London: 276

Distance Covered (km): 2.2

Total Distance in training (km): 82.46

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:14:10

Exercise Time (hours): 0.24

Av Speed (km / h): 9.32

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Vision of the seas

URL: http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/44983836

Class Details: n/a

Weight (kg): 0

Cost per gym Visit £41

The only other thing that happened is I tried running with my old buddy Shikha. She too is doing the half marathon though she has been training loads and is looking super fit and healthy whereas I look like a fat man. We ran for a bit but then bowel trouble kicked in (for her not me) and we had to get home (quick!). Stats:

Session: 22

Training Date: 31-Jul-11

Approx Time of training: 9:32 AM

Days to London: 266

Distance Covered (km): 7.5

Total Distance in training (km): 89.96

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 01:01:10

Exercise Time (hours): 1.02

Av Speed (km / h): 7.36

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Leicester

URL: http://gb.mapometer.com/running/route_1497425.html

Class Details: n/a

Weight (kg): 0

Cost per gym Visit £41

Hopefully will do at least one piece of exercise this weekend!

A crappy photo

2011-07-12T15:57:00.000+01:00

We got a photo free. More photos available here:

http://www.marathon-photos.com/scripts/event.py?event=Sports/CPUK/2011/British%2010k%20London%20Run&match=45386&name=Akshay

The British 10k

2011-07-11T18:44:00.004+01:00

I nearly didn't do this, as I stubbed my toe on Saturday. But I needed to ... the previous week I was meant to be doing a Clapham run but was suffering from food poisoning or something.

The run itself was enjoyable and I thought I went okay. Though it was so crowded - you always seemed to be dodging spectators and walkers. Though the crowd support was cool - and the first time I had run with so many people watching (that's not true - better support on the GNR when I did it in 2009). Though I did feel a bit demotivated looking at the crowd and not recognising anyone.

Quite a lot of the pros on here call it a fun run: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages.asp?UTN=176536&URN=6&dt=4&srchdte=0&cp=5&v=6&sp= due to the number of walkers, etc. I for one thought it was okay - though took a long time to get going. 3 verses on the national anthem, etc. Also took nearly 30 mins to get to the front.

Overall took me an hour. Slightly disappointed as slower than last 10k but the crowds did make it difficult. I also stopped for a wee which probably added a min on so. While I would like to use the toe as an excuse, I don't think it was - held up fine in my shoe. More likely the three glasses of wine the night before didn't help!

Official stats:

Session:	19
Training Date:	10-Jul-11
Approx Time of training:	9:35 AM
Days to London:	287
Distance Covered (km):	10
Total Distance in training (km):	75.76
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:59:53
Exercise Time (hours):	1.00
Av Speed (km / h):	10.02
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Central London
URL:	http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/HTML/Results/1112.htm
Class Details:	n/a
Cost per gym Visit	£41

Deekron 2 - Akshay 1

2011-07-06T21:55:00.002+01:00

Deekron beat me again.

http://castroller.com/Podcasts/MotionTraxxUpbeat/2274208-Treadmill%20Intervals%20-%20Level%202

Could only do 15 minutes on this. After one minute at 8mph (9.7 kph) at incline 12% the big red button got me again.

I hate Deekron - he is too hardcore for me! Maybe I should go back down to treadmill intervals 1 - until that is easy!

Session: 18

Training Date: 06-Jul-11

Approx Time of training: 8:30 PM

Days to London: 291

Distance Covered (km): n/a

Total Distance in training (km): 65.76

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:15:00

Exercise Time (hours): 0.25

Av Speed (km / h): 7.00

Incline (%): Varied

Location: Southbank Club

URL: n/a

Class Details: Treadmill Intervals - Level 2

Cost per gym Visit £41

Killer Kat and one spinning session

2011-07-01T09:00:00.002+01:00

So I had a go with Manasi's personal trainer; and she was awesome. A whole array of different exercises, and I really got a feel for how unfit I really am. Doesn't help that it was a boiling day, and I was suffering from hayfever though:

Session: 16

Training Date: 25-Jun-11

Approx Time of training: 2:45 PM

Days to London: 302

Distance Covered (km): n/a

Total Distance in training (km): 65.76

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 01:00:00

Exercise Time (hours): 1.00

Av Speed (km / h): n/a

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Southwark Park

URL: n/a

Class Details: Kataylsyt

Cost per gym Visit £50

Will definitely be back to see her - as I need it! Took me a few days to recover from being very sore. The next exercise which I did was a spin class on Friday morning:

Session: 17

Training Date: 01-Jul-11

Approx Time of training: 7:00 AM

Days to London: 296

Distance Covered (km): n/a

Total Distance in training (km): 65.76

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:45:00

Exercise Time (hours): 0.75

Av Speed (km / h): n/a

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Southbank Club

URL: n/a

Class Details: Spin Intervals, Eva

Cost per gym Visit £45

What a stink one

2011-06-22T22:12:00.002+01:00

First time in 5 days went to the gym to do some exercise (I had been to go for a shower). I was planning 10 at 10 - 10km at 10kph. However 30 mins in and some part of my brain made me press the big red button:

Session: 15

Training Date: 22-Jun-11

Approx Time of training: 8:10 PM

Days to London: 305

Distance Covered (km): 5

Total Distance in training (km): 65.76

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:30:00

Exercise Time (hours): 0.50

Av Speed (km / h): 10.00

Incline (%): 3.56%

Location: Southbank Club

URL: http://rnkpr.com/ao2j6r

Class Details: n/a

Cost per gym Visit £50

So why did I fail???? Maybe I am just not cut-out for this. Other possible reasons are:

Hadn't had any dinner though I had some biscuits and a banana
It was quite hot in there
I forgot my running t-shirts so had to run in another t-shirt which was a bit tight and not breathable
I cut my finger yesterday and lost some blood
I was dehydrated

Or maybe ... I am just am crap; and trying to progress to rapidly.

Will need to try again soon.

Feel good friday

2011-06-17T09:20:00.000+01:00

Nice early morning spin session this morning:

Session: 14

Training Date: 19-Jun-11

Approx Time of training: 7:00 AM

Days to London: 308

Distance Covered (km): n/a

Total Distance in training (km): 60.76

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:45:00

Exercise Time (hours): 0.75

Av Speed (km / h): n/a

Incline (%): n/a

Location: Southbank Club

URL: http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/39733170

Class Details: Spin Intervals, Eva

Cost per gym Visit £56

Looking forward to Ascot tomorrow now; a nice relaxing break – hopefully. Just bought 6 bottles of champagne for the trip!

I'll show you Deekron "The fitness DJ"

2011-06-16T09:07:00.002+01:00

Couldn't do it on Monday for whatever reason, but Thursday morning it was good:

Session: 13

Training Date: 16-Jun-11

Approx Time of training: 7:10 AM

Days to London: 311

Distance Covered (km): 2.81

Total Distance in training (km): 60.76

Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:25:00

Exercise Time (hours): 0.42

Av Speed (km / h): 6.74

Incline (%): 6.33%

Location: Southbank Club

URL: http://rnkpr.com/ankzxz

Class Details: Treadmill Intervals - Level 1

Cost per gym Visit £64

Deekron from http://www.motiontraxx.com/ helps you along these intervals. Not quite as a good as a personal trainer, I wouldn't think but a hell of a lot cheaper. The

Quite a short work-out but intervals where you get up to 8.1 kph at incline 12% for minutes at a time. They are hard, but feel good afterwards. Will definitely do this one again.

Once again, another bonus was being able to have a shower, as still no hot water at home.

Big up-hill stuggle

2011-06-14T08:37:00.000+01:00

Went to the gym yesterday, and was massively unsuccessful. Couldn’t even manage 10 minutes on the treadmill most of which was a warm up:

Session:	12
Training Date:	13-Jun-11
Approx Time of training:	9:00 PM
Days to London:	314
Distance Covered (km):	1
Total Distance in training (km):	57.95
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:09:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.15
Av Speed (km / h):	6.67
Incline (%):	Varied
Location:	Southbank Club

Class Details:	Treadmill Intervals - Level 1
Cost per gym Visit	£75

So why did the gym fail? Could have been for a number of reasons:

· I had just eaten

· It was late at night and I was tired

· I had still not recovered from the 10k on Saturday and the copious amounts of alcohol I also drank

· I am just a bad runner

In all seriousness I think it was a combination of all of these. I will definitely try this again.

I occasionally use the Motion Traxx Podcasts for music: http://www.motiontraxx.com/ but I thought I would try out one of their training podcasts called Treadmill Intervals Level 1. You can listen to it here http://www.motiontraxx.com/episodes/MotionTraxx_Ep059_Treadmill_Intervals-Level_1.mp3

Quite early on you are doing over 8kph speed at incline 12%. An incline I have never run at. Let’s try this again at some stage and see if we can get further than 9 mins. It is only a small (24 min podcast) so thought it would be easy. On the plus side, I have managed to have a shower!

Just ate ... should I run

2011-06-13T21:13:00.000+01:00

Found this helpful site, which says no. Might do some slow cross training or something:

http://www.nyrrc.org/nyrrc/mar01/training/septip.html#anchor4654369

One down ... lots to go

2011-06-13T09:54:00.001+01:00

8am on Saturday, did my first 10k race of the year. Not a bad time (since I have only just made it up to this pace) of 55 minutes though as it was a loop, I was being lapped quite often which was a bit demoralising at the time.

Enjoyable run all-in-all though and a great way to start the weekend knowing that you have already achieved something.

Session:	11
Training Date:	11-Jun-11
Approx Time of training:	8:00 AM
Days to London:	316
Distance Covered (km):	10
Total Distance in training (km):	56.95
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:55:10
Exercise Time (hours):	0.92
Av Speed (km / h):	10.88
Location:	Battersea Park
URL:	http://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/files/uk/10K%2011-6%20Final%20Results.pdf
Class Details:	n/a
Cost per gym Visit	£90

Still no hot water, so have been going to the gym to shower, though not counting these visits in reducing the cost per gym visit unless any exercise is actually done.

First 10k is looming

2011-06-09T17:32:00.004+01:00

First official 10k is looming. Not looking forward to it, now – a bit nervous. Not looking forward to the 8am Saturday morning start either. Going out for a few beers as David’s leaving-do from work. Must not have too many beers! I have uploaded the route.

No hot water

2011-06-08T14:18:00.000+01:00

Boiler packed up, so the perfect opportunity to go to the gym, least of all for a shave and a shower. Did a spin class too:

Session:	10
Training Date:	08-Jun-11
Approx Time of training:	7:00 AM
Days to London:	319
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Total Distance in training (km):	46.95
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Southbank Club
URL:	http://rnkpr.com/amyw8z
Class Details:	Spin2Thin, Eva
Cost per gym Visit	£90

Very pleased as Gym visits are now costing less than a £100 per visit!

A trip down memory lane...

2011-06-07T19:35:00.000+01:00

Passed all the old sites:

· Old School

· Old Friends Houses

· The Beach

· The Most Easterly Point

· Cliffs

· Police Station

· Sea Wall

· Sparrow’s Nest

Enjoyed it, and new PB distance wise this year:

Session:	9
Training Date:	05-Jun-11
Approx Time of training:	7:50 AM
Days to London:	322
Distance Covered (km):	11.01
Total Distance in training (km):	46.95
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	01:13:40
Exercise Time (hours):	1.23
Av Speed (km / h):	8.97
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Lowestoft
URL:	http://rnkpr.com/ampwve
Class Details:	n/a
Cost per gym Visit	£113

Back on the bike

2011-06-03T16:47:00.000+01:00

It is been a long time since I have done a spin class, and now I remember how hard they were. But as they saying goes “It’s like riding a bike”!

Haven’t updated stats in a few trips, so here goes:

Session:	6
Training Date:	24-May-11
Approx Time of training:	7:30 PM
Days to London:	334
Distance Covered (km):	6
Total Distance in training (km):	29.11
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:36:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.60
Av Speed (km / h):	10.00
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Southbank Club
URL:	http://rnkpr.com/alme9a
Class Details:	n/a
Cost per gym Visit	£150

Session:	7
Training Date:	29-May-11
Approx Time of training:	9:46 AM
Days to London:	329
Distance Covered (km):	6.83
Total Distance in training (km):	35.94
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:43:12
Exercise Time (hours):	0.72
Av Speed (km / h):	9.49
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	River to LB
URL:	http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_GB/plus/#//runs/detail/92810544/1911832955/all/allRuns/
Class Details:	n/a
Cost per gym Visit	£150

Session:	8
Training Date:	01-Jun-11
Approx Time of training:	7:00 AM
Days to London:	326
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Total Distance in training (km):	35.94
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Southbank Club
URL:	n/a
Class Details:	Spin2Thin, Eva
Cost per gym Visit	£113

Only once this week

2011-05-22T11:19:00.000+01:00

Not ideal, but still a PB for this year:

Session:	5
Training Date:	21-May-11
Approx Time of training:	12:00 PM
Days to London:	337
Distance Covered (km):	6
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:36:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.60
Av Speed (km / h):	10.00
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Southbank Club
URL:	http://rnkpr.com/alme9a
Cost per gym Visit	£225

Finding the treadmill quite difficult. I guess it is the man vs machine thing. I am running at speed 10k which appears to be faster than I run outside; but is the speed I want to get too. On the treadmill there is no option to keep at a constant speed whereas outside, obviously, I can vary speeds. Good sense of achievement on doing this.

I was planning on starting my 3 minute plan in the gym (increase time by 3 mins (i.e. 0.5km everytime I go to the Gym) though I think I would like to keep at 6km for at least one more run at speed 10 before doing this.

Rescheduling

2011-05-20T21:46:00.002+01:00

Last week, I signed up for 4 races. This week, I have had to reschedule 1. This is the new schedule of events:

Saturday 11 June - 10kms: http://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/races/london

Sunday 3 July - 10kms: http://www.innovationsports.co.uk/running/dates.html

Sunday 10 July - 10kms: http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/

Sunday 25 September - Half Marathon: http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/

Must go for a run or gym in the morning - just been sooooo busy at work.

I am sure I should be having a lie in...

2011-05-14T14:15:00.000+01:00

Session:	4
Training Date:	14-May-11
Approx Time of training:	8:10 AM
Days to London:	344
Distance Covered (km):	5.4
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:38:07
Exercise Time (hours):	0.64
Av Speed (km / h):	8.50
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Southwark Park
URL:	http://rnkpr.com/al394c
Cost per gym Visit	£450

Went out this morning. Not bad distance wise but not a great speed. I think I am expecting too much as I remember what I used to do. In addition I am currently averaging about 5 hours sleep a night due to lots of work on!

Running at 10pm - doubt I will sleep now

2011-05-11T23:59:00.000+01:00

Long day at work. Finished about 21:45. Stopped off at my gym on the way home. As you can see, I am also going to record how many times I go to the gym and therefore what the average cost per gym visit is.

At the moment it is £450, as I have never really been (I am not counting when I first signed up). Guesses to what it will end up when it expires (which I think is March 2012?).

Was pleased I managed to get to the gym as not long till the first race, and I ran that distance on the treadmill. It was tough though ... and certainly not as straight forward as I remember. Oh well it was my first time on a treadmill in a long time so no need to punish myself. I think I am going to stay at about this distance at least up until the race, just to break myself back into the whole running thing.

Official stats are:

Session:	3
Training Date:	11-May-11
Approx Time of training:	10:00 PM
Days to London:	347
Distance Covered (km):	5
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:30:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.50
Av Speed (km / h):	10.00
Incline (%):	1.00%
Location:	Southbank Club
URL:	http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/35154045
Cost per gym Visit	£450

What have I done?

2011-05-11T15:28:00.002+01:00

A few moments of madness and I have signed up for:

A. 23 May – 5k Battersea Park

http://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/races/london

This is only 12 days away. Battersea Park is really close to my work so this is my initial goal.

B. 5 June – 10k Clapham Common

http://www.innovationsports.co.uk/running/clapham-common-series-2011/clapham-common-10k.html

C. 10 July – 10k – The British 10km, London

http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/

D. 25 September - Half Marathon – Run To the Beat, Greenwich

http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/

I really think I have gone bonkers! Time to start training goal A & B.

Training Calendar

2011-05-07T08:11:00.002+01:00

So, I have been giving this some thought and broadly the way I would like the year to pan out is as follows:

Summer - do a 10k

Autumn - half marathon

Winter - step up to marathon distance

Spring 2012 - London Marathon

However, a couple of the runs I know only have charity places, which I am not too keen on (e.g. the Great North Run, Bristol half). The only charity run I want to do is the big one (and that is only if I don't get a ballot place).

So - let's take a look at what is out there which still has availability:

10km races of interest

5 June - Vic Park - London

http://www.runningdiary.co.uk/go/view.cgi/7872

£18

3 July - 4 Seasons Challenge

http://www.rainforestfoundationuk.org/4SC

1 Race is £20. 4 races (i.e. one a season) is £60

10 July - British 10k - London

http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/

Cost about £35

5 June / 3 July - Clapham Common £15

http://www.innovationsports.co.uk/running/clapham-common-series-2011

5 June / 3 July - Regents Park £12

http://www.regentsparkraces.org/index.htm

11 June - Battersea Park £10

http://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/races/london

Also a 4k on 23 May

10 Miles - on 10 September

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=1&EN=61317&ms=

Half Marathons

13 November - Grand Union Marathon £20

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=1&EN=59683&ms=

25 September - Run to the beat £44

http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/

Keep posted ...

Okay, that's enough analysis for now. Stay tuned to see what I sign up for.

Nerja, Spain

2011-05-01T08:03:00.002+01:00

Decided to jet off to spain as it was a nice long four day weekend. Had an excellent relaxing time. During the just about managed a short run on the beach:

Session: 2
Training Date: 30-Apr-11
Approx Time of training: 7:45 PM
Days to GNR: 358
Distance Covered (km): 2.02
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:13:01
Exercise Time (hours): 0.22
Av Speed (km / h): 9.31
Incline (%): n/a
Location: Nerja, Spain
URL: http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/33749065

The problem with this run was that it was fairly hot. The other problem is that as I was on holiday, I had a couple of drinks at lunch time. While I seemed okay when starting I really struggled. Oh well ... let's blame the heat.

Official ballot entered

2011-04-27T09:23:00.000+01:00

So yesterday I entered the official ballot. Unfortunately they don’t tell you till October if you have a place or not. Only 120,000 people can enter the ballot but apparently the chances of you getting a place a less than 10%.

No training since Saturday. Official stats for Saturday are as follows:

Session:	1
Training Date:	23-Apr-11
Approx Time of training:	7:00 AM
Days to GNR:	365
Distance Covered (km):	4.69
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:33:01
Exercise Time (hours):	0.55
Av Speed (km / h):	8.52
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Rotherhithe Peninsula
URL:	http://runkeeper.com/user/akshay/activity/32762284

Exactly - One year to go

2011-04-23T09:41:00.002+01:00

It is time to revive my running Blog ...

In exactly one year 9.45 am on Sunday 22 April 2011 I want to be starting the London Marathon. Clearly I don't have a place yet, nor do I know how I will get one - but where there is a will there is way.

Broadly as part of the build up, I want to do 10km in June / July. A half in the autumn and then build up for the big one.

So I haven't really done any exercise since Christmas and now I need to start upping my game.

This morning, I therefore went for a quite early morning run (especially for a bank holiday). Details are here : http://rnkpr.com/aji7jg

I intend to use this blog to keep you posted of how I am doing and also as a journal of my year to get there.

Made it!

2009-09-21T22:06:00.005+01:00

16 training sessions in 60 days, and I did it:

2 hours 2 minutes and 28 seconds.

I have put some photos at the bottom of this post. For offiicial race stats see:

http://www.greatrun.org/Results/Default.aspx
My race number is 44978

I also ran with my GPS on my phone. For the "unofficial stats" see:
http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1605787

Thanks to all those that sponsored me for this great cause!

Did it!

2009-09-21T08:22:00.001+01:00

2 hours, 2 minutes and 28 seconds.

Thanks to all those who sponsored me. Full debrief and photos to follow.

Weather

2009-09-18T16:50:00.001+01:00

The weather on Sunday, looks okay:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/10/?area=Newcastle

and just incase one doesn't trust the BBC:

http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Newcastle-upon-Tyne-UKXX1695

2009-09-17T22:39:00.001+01:00

One piece of advice silver gave me as i her the night bus home, is keep hydrated.

Lunchtimes

2009-09-15T14:01:00.001+01:00

Ran for 30 mins at speed 11 over lunch. Pleased with that. Also cycled into college which is good. However, there is big rain now, so not looking forward to cycling back.

Recent stats:

Session:	16
Training Date:	14-Sep-09
Approx Time of training:	7:00 PM
Days to GNR:	6
Distance Covered (km):	7.5
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	10.00
Incline (%):	1.0%
Location:	Moorgate

Session:	17
Training Date:	15-Sep-09
Approx Time of training:	1:00 PM
Days to GNR:	5
Distance Covered (km):	5.5
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:30:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.50
Av Speed (km / h):	11.00
Incline (%):	1.0%
Location:	Moorgate

Disappointment again

2009-09-15T08:51:00.001+01:00

Went to the gym with a view of doing 2 hours on the treadmill. 45 minutes in, my hand presses the big red button. I know I could have gone further but I am worried about my mental stability.

Hmmmm …. What to do???

Back on the bike!

2009-09-11T09:55:00.001+01:00

Made it to the gym yesterday, finally. Spin class, stats as follows:

Session:	15
Training Date:	10-Sep-09
Approx Time of training:	6:00 PM
Days to GNR:	10
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Moorgate
Class:	Spin Class
Instructor:	Hana

Very busy weekend and just over one week to go. Will aim to do a decent sized run on Monday, and then just do some holding exercise next week.

Actually make that 7

2009-09-09T20:34:00.002+01:00

Following my last post, I now haven't done any exercise in 7 days. Induction week at Cass and lots of other excuses. Tomorrow is a must!

As Delia would say:
Come'on!! Let's be havin' you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_8JLkwzpd0

5 days of non-exercise about to begin.

2009-09-03T09:00:00.001+01:00

Spin Class last night. Actually quite sore today, but glad I went given the three continuous days I now have of going out. My next few days look like this:

Today: My work leaving do
Tomorrow: Silver Stag Do - Day 1
Saturday: Silver Stag Do - Day 2
Sunday: Recovery
Monday: First Day at Cass

I will try and do something on Sunday, even if it is slow. I think we will just have to wait and see.The official stats from yesterday are:

Session:	14
Training Date:	02-Sep-09
Approx Time of training:	18:45
Days to GNR:	18
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Covent Garden FF
Instructor:	Double-up man

Scales

2009-09-03T06:58:00.001+01:00

Just got on the scales. Apparently stil 76kg. Thought i would start to see a bit of weight loss :-(
-------------------------
Sent from Nokia N96

My nipples are hurting today

2009-09-01T10:41:00.001+01:00

Following yesterdays 18.9km, I feel a lot more confident about being able to make the distance of the half marathon:

Session:	13
Training Date:	31-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	8:00 AM
Days to GNR:	20
Distance Covered (km):	18.9
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	02:07:54
Exercise Time (hours):	2.13
Av Speed (km / h):	8.87
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Run with Shikha
Link:	http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1508930

Yesterday was slow but for me it has always been more about the distance rather than the time. I do feel like I can notch-up the pace a bit though so will attempt to do some long slightly faster runs between now and the big day.

The main problem with yesterday's run is that my nipples are in a lot of pain today. I think I am going to need buy a pot of Vaseline for future runs.

Will give my legs a bit of a break today, and try and do a spin class (probably at the place where it is one person per cubicle). It is a short week this week because of the bank holiday and will be over indulging in too many drinks towards the back end (Silver's stag-do and my work leaving do).

Slow, Steady and Shikha

2009-08-31T16:52:00.001+01:00

Finally a decent run.

It helps so much doing it with somebody.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=1508930

Full debrief later. But apparently it was 18.9km!!!

Yesterday's chav-stats

2009-08-28T09:07:00.001+01:00

The chav probably sped me up, but a few pedestrian crossings slowed me down. The breakdown is as follows:

Session:	12
Training Date:	27-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	6:10 PM
Days to GNR:	24
Distance Covered (km):	10
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:58:30
Exercise Time (hours):	0.98
Av Speed (km / h):	10.26
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Kennington - Rotherhithe
Link:	http://gb.mapometer.com/en/running/route_234029.html

Chased by a Bermondsey Chav

2009-08-27T20:30:00.003+01:00

Was in a debate today about what running I should do. I kept changing my mind. I finally decided to go to the gym as I didn't have a t-shirt only a gym vest. Then someone at work gave me a new t-shirt so I had no excuse but to go for a run outside. I decided to run home from work. The quickest route is less than 4km, but I mapped out a longer 10km route:

http://gb.mapometer.com/en/running/route_234029.html

For a short time during the run I had a Bermondsey Chav girl run alongside me. She was trying to make fun of me. She was a harmless enough (I don't think she was carrying a knife) but she couldn't keep up.

Pleased with my run today. Exactly 10km in 58:30. I think the dodgy estates of SE london made me go faster. Still not sure if I am ready for the big runs I have been promising this bank holiday weekend. Shikha my running partner on Monday though is really looking forward to it, and I don't want to let her down. Furthermore, I am only three weeks away from the run so I really should be able to manage much further than 10kms.

Spinning Around

2009-08-26T17:34:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I managed to make a good spinning class in the evening. The stats are:

Session:	11
Training Date:	25-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	6:45 PM
Days to GNR:	26
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Covent Garden FF
Class:	Spin Class
Instructor:	David

Afterwards, I read a sign while queuing for the showers which made me chortle: "Only one gentleman per shower cubicle please". I took a rapid showered here and made my exits.

Had a very poor night's sleep last night, so am going to take today off with a view to do 10ks tomorrow before the longer weekend stints. Getting worried that there is only 25 days to go before the big run and all I am currently running is half-distance.

Evening running = sleep deprivation

2009-08-25T09:16:00.001+01:00

The problem with evening running is that I find it really difficult to sleep. I think I have endorphins kicking around: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin#Runner.27s_high

On the plus side, I did manage 10km again. This time I changed the music from Fatboy Slim to Gatecrasher Trance (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gatecrashers-Trance-Anthems-1993-2009/dp/B001GCWRUC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1251187741&sr=1-1). This time I struggled through for the 10km. However, my mental attitude at the start was not as good as Friday and also I tried running with some variable speeds. I broke the hour down as follows:

20 mins: 11kph

10 mins: 9kph

10 mins: 10kph

5 mins: 9kph

5 mins: 10kph

5 mins: 9kph

5 mins: 10kph

The official stats break down as follows:

Session:	10
Training Date:	24-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	7:00 PM
Days to GNR:	27
Distance Covered (km):	10
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	01:00:00
Exercise Time (hours):	1.00
Av Speed (km / h):	10.00
Incline (%):	1.0%
Location:	London Bridge Cottons FF

So we are down to the final 26 days now. The plan is sometime over the weekend to up the distance significantly. Both Becs & Shikha have suggested long runs to me, so depending on my weekened movements I hope to go for at least one decent run. Not entirely sure what to do for the remainder of the week. Today, I think I will try and go to a Spin class.

Friday's Stats

2009-08-24T08:41:00.001+01:00

Breaks down as follows:

Session:	9
Training Date:	21-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	6:30 PM
Days to GNR:	30
Distance Covered (km):	10
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	01:00:00
Exercise Time (hours):	1.00
Av Speed (km / h):	10.00
Incline (%):	1.0%
Location:	Oxford Circus FF

As expected wasn't in a position to do much this weekend, therefore will need to have a good week again this week.

Friday night is Fatboy Slim night

2009-08-22T08:00:00.002+01:00

Third time lucky this week ... I actually managed to do an hour running and do 10km, all at a constant speed. I am not entirely sure, how I managed this but there were a few things I did differently from normal:

Music: I downloaded a Fatboy Slim album, called Dance Bitch. This seemed to help and keep me focused: http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Bitch-Fatboy-Slim/dp/B001QBC3ZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1250924018&sr=8-1
Coffee: I had a cup at about 4pm, when normally I don't like coffee in the afternoon as I can't sleep too well.
Treat: I was meant to be meeting some friends after the gym. I said to myself that I would not do this if I did not do 10km (not sure whether I would have or not - but the mental threat was there)

Going to the Ashes at the Oval today. So not going to have a chance to do any exercise today, and most likely I will have a hangover tomorrow too!

Back2Back

2009-08-20T08:59:00.001+01:00

Went running last night and to a spin class this morning.

Feeling good now, though very disappointed last night. Tried to go for an hour on what I will call the 11-9-10 plan. This is 20 mins at each of these speeds. Problem is - I gave up after 33 minutes. I am now getting really worried about whether I can actually complete this or not. Keep trying, I guess.

Session:	7
Training Date:	19-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	7:30 PM
Days to GNR:	32
Distance Covered (km):	5.6
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:33:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.55
Av Speed (km / h):	10.18
Incline (%):	1.0%
Location:	Clapham FF

Session:		8
Training Date:		20-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:		6:45 AM
Days to GNR:		31
Distance Covered (km):		n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):		00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):		0.75
Av Speed (km / h):		n/a
Incline (%):		n/a
Location:		Clapham Junction Station FF
Class:		Spin Class
Instructor:		Kerry

Ugh-Oh!

2009-08-19T18:09:00.001+01:00

Got an email from the sponsors of the GNR:

One month before the race you should be able to run 8 miles comfortably in a training session as part of your structured training plan.

Not sure about 8 miles – more like 8 minutes comfortably at the moment

By now you should have your running shoes that you are going to wear on race day, which should give plenty of time to get used to them.

This I do have. All the gear and no idea.

Make sure that you have practiced in the running kit you will be wearing on the day. Think about the different weather conditions, for example if it's a hot day you may want a lightweight mesh cap or if it's cold you might want to wear gloves. Whatever you decide to wear you should practice wearing these during longer runs. For more information on runners welfare please visit www.runnersmedicalresource.com

Well I haven't done any longer runs so this is not applicable for me. I don't know what runnersmedicalresource is but I am sure I am going to need it.

The post kenya session (yesterday):

2009-08-19T12:03:00.001+01:00

Session:	6
Training Date:	18-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	7:45 PM
Days to GNR:	33
Distance Covered (km):	5.15
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:30:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.50
Av Speed (km / h):	10.30
Incline (%):	1.0%
Location:	London Bridge Cottons FF

Forgot my socks.

2009-08-18T21:25:00.003+01:00

Made it back from an awesome week in Kenya. Congratulations, Saheet & Minel - what an excellent week and wedding!

Back to matters in hand, the all-inclusive Kenyan Resort added 1/2 stone to my body weight. I am now close to 12 stone (when I was at my physical best - a year ago, I was over 1 stone lighter than
I am now). Only 32 days to go till the race and big things happening every weekend (which unfortunately involve eating and drinking, as I have a serious lack of will power).

Today I went for a run, in the gym, after work. I managed 30 mins and 5km. My mental aim before starting was 60 mins and 10km. I will put today's session down to the jet-lag though I won't be so lenient in future days. My gym vest hardly fitted today and my gut was hanging out and to top it all ... I had to wear work socks as I forgot my gym socks!

A good week...

2009-08-05T09:27:00.001+01:00

of eating out. In the past week, I have enjoyed meals at:

- Maze Grill

- Founders Arms Pub

- Poppy Hana

- The Ivy

- Wagammas

- Grand Union

- Chicken Cottage

All these fatty meals are not helping though are very tasty. As you can see today is my first session in a week. The last session I attended was actually this spin class, last week.

One quote from today's class was "Pain is how the body relieves weakness".

Anyway the stats are as follows:

Session:	4
Training Date:	05-Aug-09
Approx Time of training:	7:15 AM
Days to GNR:	46
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Tower Hill FF
Class:	RPM Class
Instructor:	Superman

Need to have a good remainder of the week. Pressures of work and Kenya round the corner are not helping though!

Tower bridge

2009-08-05T06:40:00.001+01:00

Half way across. 630 am. Beautiful! On way to gym.

Bit depressed :(

2009-08-02T20:00:00.001+01:00

Spent all Sunday at work. No gym, no run! I know this week is going to be a bit hardcore workwise too as I am going on holiday next week.

49 days to go to the run. Worried and depressed! Hmph!

8am sunday morning

2009-08-02T08:12:00.000+01:00

After drinking on friday for Dans leaving do and having a hangover on saturday, the plan today is to get back on the running trail. Unfortunately i am off to work now but in my mind i want to run 11 km today not too worried about the speed though obviously want to do it as fast as possible, but i think today is more about the distance then the time. Time will well how we get on.
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Recovery day

2009-07-30T08:15:00.001+01:00

This is think what we will call today! No gym stuff with me and a shed load of work. I will try and drink plenty of water and fluids and eat sensibly. First stop Starbucks ... The day only officially begins at 9am.
--------------------------
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"We haven't seen you in a long time"

2009-07-29T09:49:00.001+01:00

That is the cheek of the nice looking polish girl; she said this to me as I entered the gym at 6.45am this morning. It is true I haven't been to her gym in a while but I have been to other Fitness Firsts.

Session:	4
Training Date:	29-Jul-09
Approx Time of training:	7:15 AM
Days to GNR:	53
Distance Covered (km):	n/a
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss):	00:45:00
Exercise Time (hours):	0.75
Av Speed (km / h):	n/a
Incline (%):	n/a
Location:	Tower Hill FF
Class:	RPM Class
Instructor:	Superman

A good session (considering the 5.5 hours sleep) which reminded me how much I like this guys class. However he did single me out in the class and tell me to turn my resistance down as it looked like I was struggling. I blame this as I was sat on the front row. I will try and get back to this class.

To treat myself I got a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks (with Soy milk mind you) … naughty!

Houston, we have a problem.

2009-07-28T10:48:00.000+01:00

Shikha, my friend who is just like a sister (one of my earliest memories is the day she was born), just sent me a eBook called The Running Diet. I quote:

“Before considering training for a half-marathon, I’d recommend that you have completed a 10K race or at least be comfortable doing over an hour continuous training. You’ll need that level of running as a baseline before starting a half marathon training schedule; which will ramp up to about 25 miles (40km) per week. For most novice runners, 25 miles per week is 4 hours of running time per week.”

I don’t think 31 minutes this morning is really cutting the mustard; especially considering there is only 54 days to go!

I am sure the treadmills in this gym are calibrated wrong.

2009-07-28T09:08:00.001+01:00

So as you may have gathered earlier, I missed my Spin class which I was a little gutted about. Anyway the plan was to do 9km on the treadmill instead (about 2km more than my recent PBs). I was varying my speed between 9kph and 11kph giving myself short-targets.

The problem is as soon as I hit 5km, I am not sure what came over me but the bad side of my brain went to hit the big red button and I ended up with the following stats:

Session: 3
Training Date: 28-Jul-09
Approx Time of training: 6:45 AM
Days to GNR 54
Distance Covered (km): 5
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:31:00
Exercise Time (hours): 0.52
Av Speed (km / h): 9.68
Incline (%): 1.0%
Location: Clapham Junction Station FF

This was massively disappointing. The 11kph seems much faster on the treadmills vs any other gym, and I had just completed a 5 minute session at this speed when I hit the button. I should have stayed in the more comfortable 9-10 kph bracket and then I should have (& could have) gone further. When I was at this speed, I didn't have a problem and my mental attitude was right … I think.

Back of big queue

2009-07-28T06:32:00.001+01:00

Unlikely now. May have to do treadmill instead
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Its gonna be touch and go

2009-07-28T06:24:00.001+01:00

... whether i make it to the class. This gym usually has a queue outside when it opens at 6.30 and most people will sign up for the class.
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Is anyone else awake.

2009-07-28T06:09:00.001+01:00

Just gone 6am and i am on the way to the gym for a 6.45 spinning class. Lets see if i make it.
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I think I am going to cry.

2009-07-27T14:30:00.001+01:00

Becs, my Great North Run partner, has just told me that she did 17km on the weekend. That is a whole 10km (or 10,000 metres - yes ten thousand!) more than me. I am now starting to get seriously worried about this run. The days are counting down, my weekends and weeks are getting busier and my back is getting worse.

The worthing and beach stats

2009-07-27T09:35:00.001+01:00

Session: 2
Training Date: 26-Jul-09
Approx Time of training: 8:30 AM
Days to GNR 56
Distance Covered (km): 6.95
Exercise Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:42:30
Exercise Time (hours): 0.71
Av Speed (km / h): 9.81
Location: Worthing o/side
Link: http://gb.mapometer.com/en/running/route_211756.html