Ball

Today (24 Aug) is a CT day. I can not remember what it stands for in my training programme but basically it means exercise but not running. So instead of going paddling at 7 am, I was so tired, I am having a work out using the swiss exercise ball. Bought at Argos for a few quid I am using it to strengthen the core, which I am led to believe will assist my running

I am using the attached programme from the internet

http://exercise.about.com/cs/abs/l/bl_core.htm

And with regards to my weight it is now 12.8 which disappointingly is an increase. Not too sure why unless I can put this down to the crisps wifey bought !!

Yesterday (25/8) it was a 5 mile run on the programme. My cunning plan was to get up, I am working nights, and then run the five miles to a friends house for tea. My dear wife would join me there. I assumed they would not be too unhappy for a hot and sweaty me joining them as we could eat outside, however il pleu. Il pleu a lot so instead of 5 miles it was 1 mile and some rolling around on the exercise ball. And then we went for tea.

Sunday 26 August

Today it has been a great English summer day. I woke up at midday and first thing was to weigh myself. I am now 12.5 which to our American cousins is 175 pounds. 

Without eating or drinking anything I went for my five mile run. Actually it is 5.5 miles. This I did in just under an hour so a gentle jog which I think will be my marathon pace. The photo here is a self portrait as I come to the end of the run. It is a shame the back ground is not a blur due to the speed I was doing so I need to get advice and work on my speed.

Another problem I face is the course I have decided upon. Using Google Distance Calculator the route takes me close to home when I still have a mile to do. It is battle arguing with my inner fat boy who wants to go home early and miss the last mile, which includes a steepish hill. But I told him to be quiet and was pleased to finish the jog. I have started to cool down and stretch which does make a difference on reducing the next day aching muscles.

Tomorrow is another rest day so I will spend time on my swiss ball doing core stuff. 

After the run/jog I weighed my self - I had lost 3 pounds. Down to 12.2. One day I may hit the 11 stone mark for the first time in years. 

Day two

Just returned from my run. It was 5.5 miles from dropping the car off at Wifey's work place and running home. And with regards to the weight I am now 12.62 stone. My weight loss was not helped by Wifey coming home with bread and crisps. Thankfully they were not Walkers Cheese and Onion but low fat crinkle cut. I still ate two packets - it is not my fault, if they're there I eat them. Crisps or chocolate I binge them all.

The run was good no hint of joggers trots, the only issue was getting the sugar shakes. Not too sure why but will need to look at diet. I did the run and thought that a marathon would mean running to the start and back twice. 

I was confused at Rushmere Road where the road looked block with no access for pedestrians. About to turn round and think of another, longer, route I saw the blatantly obvious pedestrian sign. I had convinced myself that the road was blocked before I reached it, therefore I was blind to the obvious.

The hill here does not look steep but the cat was resting as it was only half way up

And what also amazes me is the amount of rubbish that is lying there waiting to rot. We must be one of the dirtiest countries in Northern Europe. In England it is the norm for so many just to throw out their rubbish from their car. A lot of this rubbish is unseen by many but just look down the embankments. 

Spoke to the HDA yesterday concerning Mick's paddle and asked the nice lady there about chances to run the London Marathon. She said that last year they has 8 spots and 22 applicants. I remain hopeful with all that I have done so far. But if I am unsuccessful I will run elsewhere with less pressure as to run in April I need to raise £1,500.

Anyway off to bed as I am working nights. It is an alternative training day tomorrow and I thought I would go for a paddle after work. 7 am prior to going to bed. See how I feel. I am taking the waterproof camera to record what I do. 

Getting started.

Contemplating the training

In April 2013 I am planning to run or jog the London Marathon. I have a cause, The Huntington Disease Association ( www.hda.org.uk ) and I have a running plan. All I need now is to do it. I have started training and have haphazardly done some running. I even trained and ran the Silverstone Half Marathon earlier this year, but to help me train and motivate me for London I have started a blog to record my thoughts on training, eating and preparing for the 'race.'

I have not been given a place by the HDA but I am hopeful of success. I have raised funds over the last 12 months so I think I deserve a spot. And if I am not successful for London then I will look to do another marathon elsewhere in the country.

I am running for the HDA, because my friend Mick Billingham is suffering from this horrible disease. The HDA supports families with members with HD and contributes to research into curing or preventing it.

(The photo is Mick completing paddling with my chum Dutch the white water course in Northampton. With his daughter and friend we raised £200 for the HDA.)

Today is my rest day, I did a 1 mile speed run from a coffee shop yesterday and a 5 mile run two days ago. The biggest problem I face is not sore feet or tired knees but the dreaded 'jogger trots.' If you are not too sure what this is look it up. 

Tomorrow I will be doing a 5 mile run from Abington Library where I will drop off  Caroline and the car and run home. With good shoes, running vest a toilet paper I should be able to manage this. 

One day a week according to the training schedule I am to do another type of exercise and for me this will kayaking. A 30 minute paddle down and then up, the river Nene should suffice.

My knees are not that healthy with three pins holding the right knee together when I did something rather silly four years ago. In a shuffling running style the pain is not too bad but if I do some heavy speed running or dancing, as at my daughters wedding in June, I do suffer. Cossack dancing is now a distant memory.

As well as training to run 26 and a bit miles I am hoping to get under 12 stone (76 kilos) I thought this would be good for me and my knees. So my diet will also be included in this blog. Lunch was salad with pork pies - not too bad. This morning I weighed in at 12.6 stone (80 kilos)

He appeared interested in my progress

As well as running I also enjoy photography so I do take my camera with me. So I will add photos to spice up this rather tedious blog. And that is that. I will add a couple of photos and start to tidy the house before caroline gets home.

My camera is the Nikon V1 purchased mostly with Tesco Vouchers. Anyone wanting to support the HDA go to the recent website set up for the paddle  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mickspaddle

A field