My main blog

I am using this blog as a backup only and it is not updated as regularly.

If you want to see a more detailed and more up to date blog showing my progress please go to:

www.madridrun2010.wordpress.com

I'm near Warwick and running for Susan

Running with a young family

Why am I doing this thing ? Sometimes I question this myself. Is it for my ego or do I have something to prove or am I perhaps having a mid-life crisis ? I don't think so. I am doing this because I believe I am so lucky and I am in a position that I can do something.

It all started in June when on holiday I joined my wife for a run. Helen had started running earlier in the year to help to slim down. I had not run seriously since my late teens when I successfully completed two half marathons. The run with my wife shook me up a little. It was "now or never" in terms of trying to regain my fitness and stamina. I have always wanted to do a marathon but have no connection with London. When I discovered there was a Madrid marathon and it was more difficult I was very excited as that would be some target ! My mother is from Madrid so it does feel like I will be running on home territory. I then thought of running the distance from home to Madrid as well for Claire House and it became one of those "eureka" moments you have very few times in your life. The idea came to me when I was walking on a cool down after a short run and I have to admit when I had the idea I was overcome with emotion and it has been a passion ever since.... Why ?

Well, I feel I am the luckiest man in the world. I have a happy and stable marriage (I hope), both my parents are alive and "Oma" of course and my life has been enriched since becoming a father. I am the proud father of two wonderful boys. Both our boys are healthy and happy and are able to enjoy life to the full. Four years ago, at the end of probably the longest week in my life, Helen gave birth to our eldest son Dominic. Two years later Eddie arrived early. I have been living my life in colour ever since.

At the moment Eddie has a nasty chest infection and Dominic seems to be coming down with something too. We have had a number of disturbed nights over the last week or so and probably more to come. I feel anxious and worried about them. Whilst this is difficult it is insignificant compared to what some parents must go through when their little ones suffer more serious illnesses. Their world must just be turned upside down and inside out. It is obscene to think of what some children and of course their parents have to go through.

Every morning I look at Dominic and Eddie and I say a silent "Thank you". I would be devastated if either of them became seriously ill. Claire House is there to support parents and children that are seriously ill. These places should really not have to rely on charitable donations - but unfortunately they do.

My mileage this week so far has been a bit pathetic due to the disturbed nights in the main ... but it does remind me how much our life is dependent upon the health of our two little lads. Some people haven't been so lucky and so I will keep running.

The Hill - Part 2

I was ready to take on the Burton hill again today. A hearty breakfast of potato waffles and two fried eggs set me up.

As well as my hydration kit I was "wired for sound" for the first time in a long while.

Half way into Little Neston my pack became very bouncy. It just wouldn't stop. I had to stop several times and fiddle around with the straps. Finally I went for the tightness approach. It was how I imagined a woman to feel in a tight girdle. God knows what it was doing to my internal organs but at least I could breath and the shaking stopped. I wonder if I was just carrying too much water and cargo.

Once the bouncing stopped I could concentrate on the running. I plodded up the big hill and then stormed down it (well I exaggerate ). I was a lot faster than last week and felt much stronger.

On my mp3 player thingy I was treated to the World football phone in which experts talk about South American and European football. I was then treated to my wife's playlist. Azucar Moreno, a Spanish duo who once appeared in the Eurovision song contest. After they had sung their entry Terry Wogan commented "Let's hope it doesn't go on like this or we're in for a very long night, ladies and gentlemen".


I changed playlist and what did I get - two more tracks of Azucar Moreno. God as though I wasn't suffering enough already ! I tore out the ear pieces when I got to Hadlow Road station and ate my customary banana and then powered home finally listening to my own music. Never let your wife borrow your mp3 player !

What a difference a week makes. A whole six minutes faster and I felt relatively strong.

Bring on Madrid and Azucar Moreno !

Running with a dodgy bladder

A nice early morning start today. I recommend it to anyone - it was great to have my nose poked, prodded and rubbed with a cloth toy at 6:30 in the morning. What parents have to put up with. And so I decided a longer run was a possibility.

I thought I would take out my hydration system for a run out as I only really get to use it on a Saturday and I need more practice.

I did a short run on Monday of 3.5 miles or so and wanted to do in the region of 5.25 miles today. Now this is the weird run. I have run this circuit twice and to my shock/ horror and then pride at my pacemaking I found I ran it both times in exactly 47:11...very weird. I have been a bit wary of running it since in case I got the same time again.

Out came the camelbak flashflo.

This beauty holds a hydration cargo of 1.4 litres. That is a lot of water and you can also carry energy snacks (bananas), mobile phone (in case I get lost), and keys etc. I filled the beauty up - well only half full and strapped myself in. You do feel the extra weight and this should help me "muscle up".

When I got to the most exposed part of my run I found I was up against a headwind but not to worry I had my camelbak system on tow. I thought I would treat myself at the bottom of Cottage Lane - a fairly long hill (for me).

I arrived well in time to beat my 47:11 and stopped to take a slurp. I slurped and slurped and sucked and slurped. Nothing. I had lost what little breath I had by now. Gasping I tried to recover from my slurping as I saw stars in front of my eyes. What they don't tell you and I always forget is to get some water through the system first. The tube is so long it takes some effort to get the first drink. I just couldn't manage it. My knees crumbled as I tried one last time. What a whimp I thought. On reflection I think the tube must have had a kink in it but when your brain is starved of oxygen you don't think of these things ! I'm not very technical - just ask my good wife.

Before I use this thing again (it is brilliant usually) someone just remind me to run through some "pre flight" checks.

Trainers on correct feet - check

Wearing trousers - check

Stopwatch on - check

Fastflo working - slurp check

Standing outside - check

Despite my dodgy hydration system (bladder) I came in just before my 47:11 at 46:50.

I am about to step on the M42 next run. Hurrah !

The Hill

I thought that the terrain on the Wirral would be as flat as Chester where I used to live. How wrong can you be ? Today I met my match. "The hill".

I have been stockpiling bananas since my last run.

I never do anything by halves ! I thought after reading my blog there might be a rush on the things. I may have overdone it on this occasion. Given the weak state of the pound I am going to suggest to my staff that I pay them in bananas this month. Problem solved !

Back to the run. After my breakfast of egg and banana I set off for a 9.5 mile epic.

Most of my runs involve going up to about 100-150 feet immediately away from the front followed by a flat bit followed by a nice descent back to where I came. I plan and log all my runs using an internet site called "running ahead". The site lets you map the distances of your run and also can provide a profile of the climbs including an elevation map. My route was to take me down to the marsh path in Little Neston, along for a mile or so then up to Willaston via Burton and back home along the Wirral Way. I didn't bother checking the elevation map . Silly me. Not known to me was a slow two mile relentless climb of 250 feet from the marsh path up to Burton. One of the few times I have felt almost totally exhausted.

The scenery would have been lovely if it were not for the drizzle today but at least it kept me cool and fresh.

Burton is quite stunning with the village having been founded in the sandstone rock. Some of the cottage doors are approached by steps cut into the sandstone presenting a peculiarly antiquated appearance. I couldn't choose between Lower Heswall and Burton on the tweeness scale. They are both lovely villages.

For the first time on approaching Willaston I noticed I have actually been incorrect in calling it Willaston. The road sign says "Willaston Village" just in case you were in any doubt.

The run was exhausting and I think probably the toughest one I have done due to "the hill". The good thing though is that I took a banana with me in my hydration pack. I came back from the brink thanks to banana power ! I have now decided to join the cult of the twelve bananas.
The Twelve Bananas.
This group began in the early 1970s with Chiquitta. They claim that salvation can only be found by giving all possessions to them and living in their community. All personal decision-making power is given over to the top banana.

Ok I promise I won't mention bananas again (much).

Another 9.5 miles or 15 kms under my belt and I am now near Sutton Coldfield.

Looking forward to a good sleep tonight.

Going Bananas

Tra la la, la la la la.
Tra la la, la la la la.
Tra la la, la la la la.
Tra la la, la la la la.

A quick entry to record I have done two more runs since my last post.
Both 3.5 milers along the front at Parkgate and back.

One banana, two banana, three banana, four.
Four bananas make a bunch and so do many more.
Over hill and highway the banana buggies go
Comin' on to bring you The Banana Splits Show.

I am now on the M6 Toll heading East and have discovered bananas.

Makin up a mess of fun
Makin up a mess of fun
Lot's of fun for everyone.

No wonder athletes eat these.

Tra la la, la la la la.
Tra la la, la la la la.
Tra la la, la la la la.
Tra la la, la la la la.

I ate one before my run today and it felt like I had taken Mr. Muscle super body building powders.

Four banana, three banana, two banana, one.
All bananas playing in the bright warm sun.
Flippin like a pancake, poppin like a cork
Fleagle, Bingo, Drooper and Snork.

Now I know what the Banana Splits were on.

I don't like Mondays

Yet another disturbed night and once again I enter my familiar confused world as the alarm rings. This is my second week of morning runs.

There is still a little stiffness remaining after the weekend run but hardly noticeable.

I have decided to run to Little Neston today for the first time. What appears initially to be a busy "suburb" of Neston has quite an interesting history. It is the site of a disused colliery and the village is mentioned in the Domesday book. More recently housing estates have been built but the area still retains some charm overall. Unfortunately I didn't pick the most picturesque route today. I had hoped to reach the waste tips at the bottom of Marshlands road but alas I didn't have enough time. That pearl awaits.

The streets were much busier than sleepy Parkgate with many children "rushing" off to school. I hope my children show a little bit more urgency when they are of that age.

Thirty minutes later I was back home after a comfortable and steady run.

The highlight of my day though has to be the loss of my blood blister. It first appeared after my 10k run in Hoylake on 25th September. I was delighted that it has finally done what it needs to do and could be harvested. I will treasure it for a few days before I throw it out and it is now sat in pride of place on my bedside table (don't tell the Mrs). My eldest seems quite keen on having it for a day or so and so I have promised (out of earshot of Helen) to pop it in his pocket later in the week. He is absolutely delighted (as I would be). Who knows it might even feature in the school nativity play this year perhaps as an injury to Joseph in his long trek to Bethlehem.

I'm lost for words (A less traditional nativity set)

Joking apart another 5 kms or so under my belt and I am nearly at Cannock. Rest day tomorrow.

A Quick raid into Gayton and beyond

It was the day of my long weekend run and I had overslept. Our two sons have a tendency to just burst in through our bedroom door...and so the day begins. After scraping myself off the ceiling and going to the toilet I went downstairs in a rather confused state. I needed coffee.

Where am I ?

Today I set a simple goal for my long run. Stay on my feet for a one and a half hour run and see how far I get. At the forty five minute mark I am to turn back for home.

And so I set off towards even posher areas heading to Gayton and Lower Heswall, the latter the haunt of Paul McCartney and Rafa Benitez (according to "her indoors"). Maybe I would bump into Paul and he would decide to sponsor me ?

Got a spare £1 Paul ?

Soon I was in the unfamiliar village of Gayton armed with my map. Funnily, the name does not derive from "Gay town" but from the old Norse "Geit-tun" meaning "goat farmstead" with a population of around 3000 or so. Well there were no goats to be seen today but the road through Gayton was certainly undulating. I was having a good workout that is for sure !

On through Gayton then to Lower Heswall and the village shops. Lower Heswall is a conservation area - one of 8000 such areas in the country so perhaps not that special after all. I ran through very carefully and made sure I caught any beads of sweat on my handkerchief just in case I damaged a pavement.

Out of the village and onto Delavor Road heading towards the Dee and for the first time (I'm embarrassed to say) I actually said "Wow" out loud when I saw the view. At this point we are close to the mouth of the Dee estuary and the view of the marsh and river and across to Wales was quite spectacular. It was probably also helped by the fact I was running downhill too !

Delavor Road is actually the road where one of my favourite authors lives. "The growth of embryonic brain tissue transplanted subcutaneously in rats" is certainly a great bedtime favourite of my boys. Evidently I was not the only admirer passing through.

There is certainly a lot of intellectual muscle in the road. Just Google it to see what I mean.

Finally I arrived at the Wirral Way and my time was soon up. 45 mins gone. I drank from my bagpipe thingy and headed home. The sun was in my eyes as I headed South and topped up my tan. Who needs sunbeds ?

Home in 1 hour 30 mins. A very stimulating run but a slow hilly one. Will do me good. And the distance covered ...nearly 9 miles. I also did a 3.5 miler yesterday but felt too tired to blog last night.

That will do me...it has been the highest mileage I have done in a week. Total covered since Monday almost 23 miles.

The loneliness of the long distance runner

Another short morning run snatched before work. I must take the chance whilst I can and build up the mileage.

There was a sea mist today - very atmospheric .

I ran along the front to return home via the Wirral Way. There was nobody around this morning on the Wirral Way. Where was everyone ? I'm not complaining. It was great to have the path to myself.

The hedges had been cut recently which was good as it can tend to feel a little bit oppressive especially on days like today.

At one point up ahead to my surprise was what appeared to be rays of sunshine cutting through the mist onto the path. It was however an illusion ( yes I have started seeing things ) and was simply leaves that were so fluorescent in colour that they gave the illusion of sunlight where they had fallen. A strange moment indeed.

It is still strange to run in the morning before work. Until now I have got straight into the car and joined the rush hour. Overall the experiment seems to be working. I am running during the light and it is far more pleasurable to be able to take in the surroundings. The limitation will be time. I have limited myself to half an hour runs at the moment but will try for something longer tomorrow. May even take my hydration system out for an airing.

A historic day

This morning we woke up to the news of a new US president.

Inspired by Obama I thought it was time for CHANGE and to run in a more aggressive way - race mode again.

Same run as Monday. Cornflakes substituted for Cheerios. Time almost 2 mins 30 faster for a 5 km and back to 8 minute 17 pace. Legs shaky afterwards and sweat pouring off me.

A good session and now well south of Stoke and approaching Stafford and then the M6 Toll.

We can do it.

God Bless Parkgate.

Avoiding the Raptors

Running in the evening was clearly not going to work for me...just grim. I also find myself stuck in traffic every morning on the way to work. The obvious solution for me is to try and run in the morning and go in a bit later and by doing so change my working hours slightly to work until later. A win win situation ? We will see.

There are "issues" though.

I do tend to like my bed in the morning (see bear pictures down the page to get the idea). I also am a bit delicate and vulnerable once I do get up. A bowl of cheerios is about all I can usually manage to eat. The thought of anything heavier in the morning makes me want to retch at that time of day. I have retched on toothpaste for goodness sake ! Yes I am as delicate as they come in the morning. As delicate as a butterfly.



Could this delicate thing risk going out in the morning ?

My new routine got off to a "great" start with me almost falling over whilst doing my stretches. Is one bowl of cheerios really going to do it for me ? The vultures will be waiting after today's performance.

However, I can't complain about today overall. This was again a beautiful crisp sunny morning and great to be active !

Another 5.5 kms under my belt and I am now running for Salina.<

Trick or Treat ?

We are visiting my mother-in-law, Renate at the moment and so I had the opportunity to run in fairly unfamiliar surroundings in "leafy" Surrey. A pretty but much more densely populated part of the country within an easy commute of London.

I always plan my run before I set off which involves mapping out the distance on a google style map. I can then accurately log my progress on the map to Madrid. At home planning my run is quite straight forward as there are relatively few roads and I am fairly familiar with how places link together. Planning a simple route here was a lot more involved as there are roads crisscrossing my google map everywhere. With this in mind and to avoid getting completely lost I made a simple loop following the Basingstoke canal and one main road.

I had just 1 more km to run for my mother-in-law so it seemed entirely appropriate to run it here. I didn't give her the pleasure of seeing me suffer but she did kindly wash my kit afterwards and so would have got a sense of the torture I put myself through from just the smell !

My run was to be around 8 miles in distance. A little less than last Saturday. I decided for once to listen to my body as my mobility last Saturday after my 11 mile run left a lot to be desired.

The run along the canal was very scenic with the trees full of leaves of varying shades of green, brown and gold. There was a lovely blue sky and this contrasted with the crispness of the air. I love Winter/Autumn days like this they are such a bonus after all the grey.

I'm sorry to say though that despite the conditions my body did not rise to the challenge. Plod plod plod. None of those good moments today when you feel you are moving quickly and effortlessly.

The bonus of my run though was that my wife joined me 4 miles into the run for a mile or so. That was nice. She has hopes of running more seriously in the future too but seems to be plagued with back injuries.

I was surprised by how quiet the towpath was. It is quite a strange sensation running along a ribbon of quiet countryside only to find you have passed underneath the often congested M25 motorway encircling London.

We once saw a Kingfisher from the very same path. However, it was not to be today. The only wildlife was ducks and noisy ones at that. One duck in particular gave me a bit of a fright when I was daydreaming about food. It must have known that "le canard" served in its own "jus" is one of my favourite dishes. The French have discovered a way of squeezing a whole duck into a tin barely larger than a plate. Delicious.

On arriving "home" I rang the doorbell and wobbled in. I am only a month into my serious running but I do have some concerns about my form over the last week or so. I must improve.

I want to run Madrid with my head held high in style with senoritas cheering me all the way. Well we can always dream can't we ?

Cold

Snow today. What happened to Autumn ? It seems that the weather is becoming as chaotic as the economy.
It wasn't easy dragging myself out tonight. My first run in the dark was to be at a temperature of 1 degree celsius. I was shocked to see blizzard conditions out of my office window for a spell this afternoon and this is a place which rarely sees the white stuff. On the positive side at least the snow did not stick and the insect swallowing problems are now going to be a distant memory. Thank goodness I ordered warmer kit when I did.

A short run of four miles or so tonight along busy, well lit roads with pavements. Not my cup of tea at all. I took it easy as the pavements are full of wet leaves and quite treacherous. I think I have now started the long Winter grind.
My main aim over the Winter is to stay fit and injury free and hopefully get a half-marathon under my belt in the New Year. This is not terribly compatible with my usual instincts of basically staying cosy and warm over the Winter.
I expect as the Winter progresses my kit will become less practical and more and more comforting. If I can run with a hydration system attached to a belt is there anything to stop me replacing this with a hot water bottle ? Could I put fur lining inside my trainers ?

Lovely cosy thoughts.

Today is a good day to die

My plan today was to step up the distance as I now have a hydration system on board and much more appropriate kit for Autumn. I'll talk about the hydration system I carried on another entry but it was a great help overall.

I started with a long slow climb out of Neston and up Hinderton Road. This is a 200 foot steady climb away from the coast in around 2 miles of running. It is non relenting but not too steep. I usually drive this way in the morning and always thought it looked quite challenging. I felt quite "ploddy" and was overtaken by another runner...but I reached the top of the rise in one piece and I certainly wasn't going to use much of my energy knowing I had another 9 miles to go.

Shortly afterwards I was out into the countryside and faced with my first obstacle. A lorry was dropping off a skip and took up the whole of the narrow lane I was running up. I made sure the driver had seen me. A heavy skip being lowered onto me would not leave me in the best sort of shape ! The lane was little more than a dirt track and had been churned up by farm vehicles and so I had to take care.

Fortunately, it was not long before I was onto a tarmac road again and able to relax again. Running felt very natural today. It really took me back to my late teens. Running down quiet roads and having the time to observe the changing landscape does have a lot of appeal to it. Probably why I fell in love with running the first time. It has never really been about speed for me. It is about distance. The endurance. The slog.

Shortly afterwards I passed some large kennels on the left. My Goodness I had visions of a scene on the Simpsons when Mr. Burns says "release the hounds". There were a lot of excitable dogs in there ... a LOT. I picked up my pace slightly just in case. Pathetic isn't it. I mean was it likely that I could outrun a pack of dogs ? I always think of who I am currently running for in my roll of honour (sponsors) so I couldn't help taking pleasure in the thought of them chasing my mother-in-law (sorry Oma !).

Tranquillity returned shortly afterwards as I passed the Wheatsheaf Pub in Raby at the 5k mark certainly a favourite of mine. Oh to fill my hydration system with a fine draft cask ale ! Beer is meant to be very good for runners as it is full of minerals that are lost through sweat. I might reverse the route and pop into the pub one day. A beer fuelled last three miles home would be interesting.

My legs were now fully recovered from the initial plod up the hill and there was not much more to report on my run down towards Hooton.

Hooton station is the beginning of the Wirral Way and at the 10k mark for this particular run. I grabbed the bagpipe that is my running hydration system and drank greedily. How athletes can actually drink from these things when running God only knows.

Just 7.5 kms to go and my legs were still feeling solid. I now had the Wirral Way to deal with.
I always plan my runs so I have little route finding when I know I will be tired. In many respects it feels like you are at high altitude. My brain is just switched off and focussed on my legs by this stage.

There were so many people on the Wirral Way and the exchange of pleasantries such as the "Good mornings", "Hi's" etc. etc. are almost as tiring as the run. As I am going to be running in Madrid perhaps "Ola" would be more appropriate. Nah what could be better than the Klingon greeting "Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam" which means "today is a good day to die".

Click here:

Heghlu%27meH.au

(I assure the reader that I am not a Trekkie)

I finally arrived home in 1 hour 47 mins and had covered 10.9 miles or 17.5 km. Now we're cooking with gas ! Slow I know but totally intentional.

My legs are certainly feeling it ...

Look at me !

When I go to bed each night especially at the weekend I can still hear our two year old son saying the words "look... look at me". Well tonight it was time to look at me. My Autumn running gear has arrived which included loads of high visibility items. A running jacket, two pairs of tracksters, two long sleeved running tops and a high visibility bib. I was really impressed with my purchases as I felt I hadn't spent loads.

Everything is so hi-tech these days.

This is what I wore tonight and I quote directly from the catalogue:

"A Day Glo long sleeve top with...wait for it...fast moisture transportation"

It begs the question as to where my moisture is being transported to. What moisture is it referring to ? Do they mean my sweat ? Transportation almost sounds as though lorry loads of the stuff are being carted away. Not me - I hardly sweat at all. As I keep reminding my wife I went around the tropical zone biosphere at the Eden project wearing a fleece and not a bead of sweat appeared. (I can see her eyebrows lifting as she reads this.) I suspect Madrid might be different.

I also wore my moisture wicking running pant with stirrups and inner key pocket. Crikey, I didn't know there was an inner key pocket ! I'm glad I read that again now. It must be really discreet. Hope the moisture doesn't all go into that pocket or the key will be washed out.

Well joking apart it was a pleasure wearing the kit and it certainly did feel nice and much warmer than a t-shirt and shorts...and probably a lot safer too.

Ran a nice steady 7 kms or so (4.4 miles) this evening and have now reached Knutsford on my virtual map. I was pleased as I had enough left in my legs to sprint the last bit. I hope none of the neighbours were watching !!

Missing Time

The evenings are almost dark now by the time I get home and so this was probably the last time I will run my favourite Wood Lane route for a while as there are too many potholes and not enough lights.

I was keen to go for a personal best. The route is about 5.5 kms or 3.4 miles. My previous best without fishcakes was 29:56. I decided to run without the help of fishcakes as I am due a fishcake doping test soon and need to clean my blood. I know if I am found with fishcakes in my system I might be banned from racing.

I set off at my fastest pace. Slightly faster than slow endurance. My leg muscles were burning with the effort as I pushed on the early part of my route which involves a steady uphill climb up to the thin air at over 100 feet. I felt my systems beginning to struggle and shut down at this altitude. Nevertheless I ignored the pain and pushed on down Wood Lane in the dark.

When I got to the end of Wood Lane I reached the corner with Boathouse Lane where the lovely downhill starts. I was hit by a blast of wind. It felt great. Like a cool shower. Totally refreshed I charged on removing my hat. There was a head wind against me but I was going downhill and still running well.

The front was quite blustery too but I settled into a nice pace knowing I was easily going to beat my previous time. I was so confident I had time to turn my head towards the chip shop and take in the lovely scent...thankfully I turned my head back just in time to avoid the litter bin. Now that would have been an embarrassing injury !

I kicked on home and arrived totally out of breath. I must have shaved a good minute or two off my previous best. I couldn't believe it when I looked at my watch - a measly 14 seconds quicker after all that effort !!

I had run at full pelt at 8:42 pace and yet my slow endurance run on Saturday of over 13 1/2 km was at 9:01 pace. No way !

After racking my mind for a while I came to the only logical conclusion a sane person could make. I had experienced "missing time" . I had of course been abducted by aliens - probably on Wood Lane. It was the only possible explanation and would explain the feeling of tiredness when I reached Boathouse Lane. I had been PROBED. Obviously in their excitement of examining such a finely tuned athlete they had forgotten to stop and then restart my stopwatch...and I had been worried about my time. Silly me ?!!

What am I getting into ?

I have read a little more about the Madrid marathon this week and it looks much harder than London.

In particular, on reading around on the web only 120,000 runners out of 200,000 who have ever run the marathon have finished within the deadline of 6 hours. That is not a great percentage. This is due apparently to the heat (even in April Madrid can be pretty hot), the humidity, the altitude (around 2,000 feet) and the challenging hills. I realised Madrid would be pretty hot but I think what has shocked me are the statistics - only 60% finish. When I have run races (my two half marathons when I was 17 and more recently the Hoylake 10k) I tend to finish races in about the middle ie in the top 50-70 %. So statistically as things stand perhaps I have only a 50% chance of finishing.

That is why I have decided to run in 2010 and not 2009. I think an even wiser decision than I initially thought. I am now aiming to ease up on the training front and want to be ready for a Blackpool marathon in early April. This would be my first marathon. I might be kidding myself but that is the target. We will see.

The Madrid marathon does look spectacular though just take a look at this picture :



I continued with my training today and am now up to over 8 miles without stopping/walking. I am quite chuffed really as my pace was 9 minute pace as well which is fine for me.

Up to now I have been running "clean"... no ipod, no water, no fancy gadgets. How running has changed since my earlier years. There is now a possibility of mild dehydration on runs due to the fact that I am out on the road for over an hour and so I have ordered a hydration system (posh water bottle to the rest of us). Will be trying it out next week hopefully. I am really excited about that as it sits on my bottom like a bumbag and comes with a very long straw. Let's hope I don't trip over it.

I have now finished running for my wife, Helen and am so grateful to her for getting the ball rolling with donations and for her 100% love and support. I am very lucky to have her.

The even better news is I am now running for my German mother-in-law Renate. I heard gun shots on my run today and I must say politically incorrect thoughts did cross my mind...

I am now suffering for you "Oma" - enjoy it while you can !!

Robert

A run of two halves (and the fishcakes)

I have been injured by mosquitos over the last few days as unfortunately my ankles (or should I say trotters) swelled up after being nibbled on Sunday afternoon. So no running for me until today.

I was a bit silly as I didn't really eat much lunch at work and when I arrived home was beginning to feel light headed. Probably idiotic to go for a run tonight I thought... but aha... my two sons had not finished their supper and daddy was about to take advantage. Fishcakes and a bit of a potato waffle. I pounced on the leftovers. It all went in the microwave and within 2 minutes I had hoovered it up. Great home cooking.

I got into my kit and the light headedness began to pass. It was a beautiful crisp evening with a full moon so too good an opportunity to miss.

I just thought I would do another 5km or so and take my time. Just get round. Nice and steady does it ... I don't want to faint or anything. Within 1km or so I had a stitch and was beginning to regret my greedy binge. Then I got to Brook Lane. Now I know why it gets that name. Strangely the unadopted road I run along, Wood Lane was flooded at the Brook Lane junction. I had to stop and go around the grass verge (grannies came into my mind - see earlier post). Things were not going well. I plodded on.

Finally I reached the lovely downhill run to the Boathouse Inn. I settled a bit more into a nice slow but steady pace. Then I felt it. I can't put my finger on it - just a surge of energy came. It took me a few moments to work it out and then the penny dropped. The fishcakes it must be the fishcakes !!

I began to accelerate down towards the Boathouse Inn. Some drinkers were leaving the pub. As I drew level with them they were murmuring to each other in respectful tones and nodding. I just caught a word ... "fishcakes". They had noticed too. I nodded back at them knowingly.

This was wonderful I haven't run like this since I was a teen. The front at Parkgate is not a quiet place even during a cool Autumn evening. I noticed a change. I no longer saw pity in people's eyes when they looked at me. I saw admiration and I kept hearing the same word over and over ..."fishcakes".

Then the mother of ideas came to me. I was approaching the Chinese fish and chip shop. Dare I ? ... I might run like the Gods if I was to pop in and "top up" ? No. I must not. I will save that one for another day. Parkgate is not quite ready yet.

I flew towards home and in the distance I saw a stranger in the dark. To my disbelief he shouted to me "Get a move on Robert". It was my neighbour and one of my sponsors Barry. All I could muster was a "bl**dy hell... it's you" such was my surprise. I was brought down to earth again with a bump.

A great run back though and you know what, I may have found my secret weapon !!!

First run of over one hour

Running for over an hour probably isn't a big deal for long distance runners but I felt I reached a milestone today. It was unseasonally warm and I planned to run over 12k or nearly 8 miles for the first time. The longest distance I have tackled in recent history.

My plan was to do a loop around Parkgate and then follow the Wirral Way up to the deserted railway station at Hadlow Road in Willaston and back. The Wirral Way follows the now disused Hooton to West Kirby branch line.

I don't seem to get on well with morning runs due to a complete lack of energy. We had also been woken at five in the morning by one of our young boys..great preparation ! I ate my boiled egg and soldiers, got kitted up and then set off at 8:45.

It was a glorious morning today. Blue skies and a distant mist shrouding the bottom half of the Welsh hills. If only I'd had a camera. My legs felt very heavy and so I settled into my slow endurance pace of around 9 minute miles. I was plagued with doubts as to whether I could keep going for 12k but you just have to plod on and get through it. Usually I feel comfortable at this pace but it was about 30 minutes into the run before I relaxed.

The best parts of the run were running through a deep cutting in the sandstone on the Wirral Way. The sandstone has many pick marks where it was hewn by hand. It is very cool and shady in the cutting but not one for the evening or quieter days. It was also great to meet a fellow runner who ran with me for a km or so as I approached Hadlow Road station. Hadlow Road station is now deserted but has been restored to a 1950's working station with ticket office etc etc. I'm sure I'll return with family when I have more energy !

Running back made me realise I had been going uphill and the huge energy boost from my boiled egg and soldiers started to take effect. I was running a lot faster and I just love running back home. Always a tonic when you are getting closer and closer to the end.

As I came off the Wirral Way close to home I was met by my two young boys and wife. Always a welcome sight wherever I am (unless I'm with my mistress...only joking !!) . The first 30kms of my "journey" are dedicated to her..my wife not my mistress. lol

I can now say I've run for over an hour. Final time 1 hour 11 mins and it feels like it. Slow but I kept going and clocked up another 12 kms. I'm now on the M56 near Helsby...running the wrong way on my virtual map. Well I thought it would be more realistic... my next goal to reach the M6 on my map and south !

Geese, bats and telescopes

I didn't think my run this evening would be so memorable. I am just getting over a cold (probably shouldn't have run on Sunday) and so was a slightly nervous as to whether I would be ready to run. I'm glad I did. The great thing about running is getting out there and seeing things. Night time is closing in now and when I set off it was dusk.

I forget about nature being a pen pusher. The first thing I noticed was the approach of a hundred or so geese overhead. It was so silent down below and the noise they made was wonderful as they approached the River Dee and the marshes. I was then jogging down the hill to the Boathouse Inn in Parkgate when I noticed a bat flying around me....I might avoid running on halloween this year !

All went well and after arriving back at home, final part of my running routine is to take a drink from a local spring which is a couple of minutes away on the edge of the marsh. As I approached a big dog appeared from nowhere. "Here we go " I thought. I must have looked like a massive bone to him and the smell well .... mmmm... Would you believe it there were two stargazers with a telescope sat on the edge of the marsh. We had a brief chat about what they could see (hardly anything just clouds) whilst Rottweiler licked its lips expectantly. No runner today Fido !!



As far as the run is concerned I have made a start at last and feel so much better after having received fantastic support from many of my friends and clients. Thank you everyone who has donated or pledged money so far. The ball is in my court.

Seaside Run 5k, the big puddle and the granny

Today was the big start and a chance to get some km's under my belt with the Seaside run 5k event starting in Leasowe. This is a regular monthly event (March to October) and I had started my new running "career" with the previous race in September. I was surrounded by a mixed field of athletes ranging from excellent club runners to novices. I would say my standard falls somewhere in between.

I was finely tuned for the event and had spent an hour studying the map of the course and laying down my race plan. I was determined to beat my previous best time of 24:35 for this race.
I had memorised times for landmarks...the top car park 6.5 mins, Leasowe Castle Hotel 10 mins, the left dogleg 15 mins, above Green Lane 17 mins and the final car park 21 mins. I was prepared for anything.

It was a bit nippy at the start to say the least with quite a bracing wind to deal with but I stormed down the road past the lighthouse and climbed up to the prom. My God..cold. There was a steady wind that just cut into you. I battled on ..top car park under 6 mins...oh dear too fast, legs heavy, Leasowe Castle Hotel 10 mins spot on ...yes ! Left dogleg 15 mins ...spot on. I was going to do it ... I avoided children , dogs the odd cyclist ...nothing could stop me now.

I came around a corner with less than 1 mile to go .. up ahead was a really massive puddle on a narrower part of the path. No problem. THEN TO MY HORROR I spotted her.. a pensioner picking her way slowly around the puddle. A silent scream rose in my mind. NOOOO ! ...she was in the way. There was no way I could go through the middle of the pool we would both be drenched. As I approached I thought "keep calm , keep calm" I will just go around the other side there is bound to be a dry strip... I got closer. NOOOOO ! There was only one dry path and the pensioner in the dark coat was gingerly walking slowly down it.

This puddle must have been a good 10-15 feet long it was going to take time. My mind raced. I was still on for a Robert record .. I nearly shouted at her "GET OUT OF MY WAY !!!" No I just couldn't ...she could be my mother. I heard the breath of runners gaining behind me. Should I push her out of the way or lift her ?.. No ! It was too late. I found myself following her jiggling like a toddler bursting for a wee. It seemed to take an eternity and then I was free on the other side of the pool and trying to find my rhythm again.

Next target time over 18 mins. I was a minute behind. I had been caught by an athlete behind me but I think he felt slightly sorry for me after the puddle incident and did not overtake me. We finished the race together ...and the time of 24:27 by my watch..unconfirmed.. but I had done it. A new Robert record with a stiff cold wind in my face and a granny to negotiate. If only she knew ...

Running in my wife's clothes !

Having a Spanish mother I feel the cold....it was cold, dark and wet tonight for my final training run before blast off on Sunday. Autumn has arrived with a bang and do I have the correct running gear ? ...well not quite. Wifey does though.

She has some lovely tracksuit bottoms..so for tonight I donned my wife's tracksuit bottoms. They fit perfectly (almost) and were lovely and soft and warm.

The worst thing about running in the semi-dark though so far is you can't see the puddles or I suppose anything else for that matter. Good plus though .. people don't realise I'm wearing my wife's clothes. Maybe this cross dressing thing will grow on me.

A week to go until blast off.

Out for my "long" run today...still only 9 km but enough for my legs. Amazing the number of "good mornings" you get. Did a new undulating route as a jog and ended up running along roads, footpaths across fields, cobbles and along the top of a golf course finishing with a prom run. Parkgate has a bizarre promenade. The tide rarely comes in and we are left with marshland...hence lots of mozzies and bugs. Didn't eat any today but if I do lose any further weight may consider running like a basking shark.






No change in blood blister. Can you use slugs like leeches ? Will have to check that out.

Now finally beginning to ask for donations but just enough to get me started as I need a steady stream to keep coming in. Started looking into getting some Moo cards printed ...whole new world this.

My first 10k fun run.

On Sunday I completed my first 10k run in under 53 minutes in Hoylake. A brilliant event and all for a good cause "The Wednesday Special Needs Club" in Hoylake. www.wsnc.co.uk

I have been training hard to get some miles into my legs for the start of my challenge as I may need to average around 15-20 miles a week which, for a fairly inexperienced runner, is beginning to look a bit daunting. I am averaging 10-12 miles a week at the moment so I need to keep training.
Have my first blood blister, a small one fortunately. I suppose this will be par for the course now.

Went out for my first training run since the 10k tonight approx 4 miles on undulating paths/ roads including the Wirral Way. Had to keep my head down to avoid swallowing too many mozzies - one of the pitfalls of running in Parkgate (mosquito heaven).

and there ends my very first blog post !!


Robert

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