Big Run #001

Decided to do BIG runs home from work - as i simply cant make some of the early ones. So, embarked today on running home... i've bullet pointed the stages of both pain, frustration and relief below.

1. Initial start feeling pretty chilli for this time of year - quite hard to warm up
2. Started to break a sweat around 2 miles in, felt relatively good -- realised i've forgotten my drink!
3. 4 miles in feeling well warmed up, realised that my backpack was too heavy!
4. Nearing 6 miles, had to run up Dog Kennel Hill which is pretty steep, took it easy and paced it well
5. Top of the hill i started to feel really crappy, around 7 miles... Quads aching like hell
6. Got breath back and calmed down by the time i got to Dulwich
7. 8 miles, there she was, Crystal Palace Hill... a very slow and steep climb to 373ft
8. Top of Palace, feeling really crappy -- but now the long run down into Penge
9. Got through Penge, around the 9 mile mark, just a matter of mind now....
10. Beckenham, a good long run through, quads on fire and feeling over solid
11. Home - 10.73 miles... Felt very weak, bit wobbly but other than that, a clear mind
12. Sleep

Overall the run went well, Palace was the hardest slot as expected and forgetting my drink really didn't help. Good nights sleep planned tonight -- assuming the kids will let me!

5 Miles

Went for a bit of a longer run last night, summer has now broken away from spring and its warm. I ran in a T' which i haven't done in ages - everything felt great.

As with all zen teachings, if your focused things are just, easier! Whacked on the iPod and ran and ran and ran.... felt comfortable, took the first couple of miles easy as i didn't want to kick the back or hamstrings off again, then eased in to the rest of the distance, totally relaxed.

Things become amazingly still when i get into this state of mind, my breathing was calm and collected, no pain, just relaxed. Note to self.... Be relaxed more often!@

State of mind: Readying for another 5 + in the morning -- and can't wait!

The 3.5er!

Did another 3.5 miles today - a few seconds slower than last time but my MapmyRide seemed to make the distance a little longer - maybe it didn't track me properly the first time?

Anyway, little hamstring trouble to start but warmed up nicely after! Still a little fresh in the air as well, chest was stinging for a while.

State of mind: Warm!

Back! on track...

Well after a good few days of not running, keeping up with the stretching and eating a few ibuprofen i've managed to heal my back. Its still a little twangy and always feels crappy in the morning but i can run again.

Did a 3.5 mile run - but missing any amount of training always makes it harder to get back into, even when you think your body is on form and will adapt. Must be my age :)

Happy i'm able to run though, jeeze, in fact it makes me appreciate mobility again-- we all take this for granted but one day old age will be upon us!

Make everyday worth it!


State of mind: Positive again!

BACK OFF!@

Well i've officially screwed my back up again. It hasn't been particularly good for a few years now but i had to drag a couple of pretty massive flower pots from the front to the back of the house the other day and now i'm paying for it!

Went out for a run this morning and my back totally gave in - i can't run another step - i'm officially OUT OF ACTION!

I normally try and stretch back problems out, will give it a go tonight, some tiger balm and a hot bath!


brb.



State of mind: Agitated!

Early morning runs!

Most people who train know that going for a run first thing in the morning is better for you than in the evening, due to fat stores being used up on an empty morning stomach. However its easier said than done, especially when its so cold out in the mornings... Today was different though, it was brighter and temperatures have started to ease up, it was 7º this morning instead of -2º, running was easier and far more enjoyable!

Did the usual 3.69 miles, but forgot to set the MapmyRide tracker as I was too into Bush - Deconstructed... My fav. running album.

Looking forward to more spring runs!

PS. Found out today that most human arm spans are equal to their overall height! WOW!

NO BIKE!±

With no bike im having to run any time i get the chance. I managed to get out last night, with a good run, speed is now picking up thanks to the practice.

I've noticed that my back problems have become feint mumerings, BUT my hamstrings are as sore as hell, especially the left one and definitely after a run.

Completed (Run): Distance 3.60 mi, Duration 0:28:06, Pace 07:48 min/mile, Speed 7.7 mph. #iMapMyRide.

Busted!

Tonight i totally mashed my bike wheels. Whilst cycling home on my normal route, i hit a pot hole which was BIG! It nearly took me off the bike, forcing my back wheel into a deep groove -- I heard a crack and then noticed that half of my spokes had busted leaving the wheel completely shandied! Oh and my front wheel bearings are also completely screwed, rendering the bike KNACKERED!

So, new wheels are needed and a complete bike service / strip down. I wonder if i can ask BORIS for some of my road tax back to pay for the repairs? The road fund license definitely isn't being spent on the roads!

State of mind. Neutral.

The Glow!

Didn't manage to do my BIG run on Friday due to work commitments. I did however manage to get out for a run with my second youngest son. He is 9 and we regularly run together. He kept pace all the way (we ran 3.29 miles) and still had enough energy to out-sprint me at the end.

Whilst running i made an observation... as we get older we start to loose that spark, that inner brightness, that eagerness, that glow. My son is a ball of light and the more i watched him, the more i noticed his spritely energy, it was incredidle -- so, along with my journey of peak fitness this year i intend to breathe easier, ask more questions, laugh at myself more often and generally take the word in my stide rather than run against it, which is all i seem to do these days.

Eddie Izzard: Marathon Man

Anyone who has run long distance will understand that a big percentage of the run is a mind game. Its during this time that the real test begins, some call it the wall, in my experience its that heart stopping pain where your mind starts to ask you why your doing it, to give up and go home - it argues with itself, almost in self preservation. Something deep within the soul keeps pushing until the jobs done.

Ive always been pretty proud of running marathons in the past, but recently the media turned my eye to Eddie Izzard and his 43 consecutive marathons, suddenly my attempts feel feeble almost LAME.

The director of the Olympic Medical Institute, Professor Greg Whyte said it is an almost impossible feat, an almost life threatening ordeal. I will link to Eddies story here but just wanted to say that the power of the mind, body and soul are limitless and if there is the will, there truly is the WAY! A truly remarkable achievement.

This is biblical!

No pain, no gain...

Been a few days where i haven't updated the blog. Last week i continued my 25 mile cycle rides to and from work. But have had big problems with my left foot which seemed to swell over last weekend - after my BIG Friday run. Got a feeling it's just bruised - but it kills to run on at the mo.

Didn't manage to do a second BIG Friday run due to the foot prob - but i did do a short run of 3.29 miles in 29.01 mins. Was another cold morning and a slowish start.

The weather seems to be turning now and glimmers of spring burn through the grey foggy days of winter. Feeling refreshed by this and look forward to the ride in this morning.

Plan on another BIG run on Friday so will keep the blog updated pre and post.

brb.

DoMoreFridays...

So i actually managed to complete my first run to work yesterday. It was a cold fresh and bright start, -2º when I left home at 07:39:35. Crystal Palace was tough, its a pretty steep incline and goes on for over a mile -- the reward being a fast paced drop into Dulwich Village.

Really started to feel the pain after about 6 miles (halfway) as I haven't completed a long one for about 2 years. Short sharp runs at the weekend prep you for some of it but not the continual pounding you receive on your legs and especially your knees.

Managed to get to work in 01.44.16 with an average speed of about 6.6 mph (not happy with that!)...

Hamstrings seem to be a big problem for me at the moment. After the run yesterday the pain in my left leg was unbearable - even to sit. Need to have this fixed - I think cycling has shortened them and its now causing me too many probs.

Anyway, i then cycled home which is a slightly longer route, nearly 13 miles which actually felt really good. I didn't expect to have any more energy left but i think the load that i endured on my legs that morning shocked them enough to perform again on the way home.

Im in BIG pain this morning, legs feel like lead, back muscles ache (from back pack) and Hamstring feels like its gonna burst - but it also makes me feel alive. One day i wont be able to do this anymore so im gonna enjoy the pain just as much as the run :)

I'm pretty pleased with my self, i felt totally switched on when i got to work even though it was hard work - and would love to see others give it a go on a Friday. Maybe not even the run, but something more enduring than they normally do - why not walk to work?

#DoMoreFriday

Its easy to want the perfect body but not so easy achieving it - its a constant mind battle and one that always beats us into submission, but this time i'm having the last word!

Will stretch out the pain later and get ready for Monday's cycle in. Sit ups and Press ups tonight.

State of mind: Couldn't be clearer!

Workout Details (run in):

MapMyRide.com - Regular Run: iMapMyRide: 5 Mar 2010 09:23 on 03/05/2010

Commitment...

Been a few days... I still haven't managed to do my BIG run this week, work has got in the way. But the plan now is to hitch a lift to work Friday morning then run home in the evening. Im determined to do it this week even though i feel knackered and it's only Tuesday.

Completed another 25 mile bike ride to and from work so at least i'm doing something.

I ate a huge steak at a business lunch today which i NEVER normally do. Wasn't much else on the menu so didn't really have a choice. It was nice, but too much of it and for some reason i just felt guilty as soon as it arrived. Not really my bag.

Current state of mind: Chilled and charged from todays meetings.

Friday...

We'll i didn't make my Friday a.m. run, cycled to work and back instead. 25 miles. It's a hard grind, my bike is knackered and i'm generally feeling tired. I've been cycling for years and my hamstrings are playing me up like a bitch.

Until a short while ago I didn't realise how important and what a key role your hamstrings actually play, from posture to actually body alignment.

Clue yourself up here!

Anyway, more stretching needs to be done. Im prepping for a big run home from work on Monday, this will tally up to nearly a half Marathon and i plan to do one of these a week + cycling on the other days. Will let you know how I get on Monday evening.

Back soon.

Current state on mind. Clear and positive.

Sleep...

Mmmm, I think one of the most important parts of a successful training routine is rest and most importantly sleep. Sleep is somewhat of a luxury in my household, but i'm going to give it a go now.

Early run in the morning.

Nite...

A new start...

I've spent a good chunk of my life undertaking some sort of mind or body training, ive had a healthy involvement in martial arts, weight training, cycling and running... but it dawned on me today that i've never actually excelled in any of them. I've never pushed the limited to achieve my ultimate PEAK fitness, i've come close but not close enough. I always seem to hit a mediocre level where I just do enough to get by and its starting to agitate me.

This year I approach my 40th birthday and like a lot of men, i've started to feel that something is missing. Over the past few months this feeling has grown stronger and stronger, it stares me in the face when i look in the mirror, it tells me I can achieve so much more than THIS!

I rely on some form of exercise to keep me focused, to provide goals outside of my working / family life, I am totally independent when I train and I like it.

So this is it, i'm going public. For those who are interested, i'm hoping to achieve what I consider, a level of PEAK fitness by the end of 2010 and aim to map my progress via this blog using some basic digital tools. I will map my mental condition as well as my physical one to enable comparisons along the way.

I find it incredibly hard to undertake anything 100% when its for me, my time is heavily divided between a hungry company and a large family (of 6 - not including me) and I want you to know that this isn't some egotistical experiment to self promote... Just a simple, humble exercise to stick something out there in the digital stratosphere that maps my achievements, keeps me focused, leave a footprint for others to read and follow and to hopefully gain some enlightenment as to what a PEAK level of fitness really means to me.