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