Really annoyed(!!!) plus a quick summary of some of my running music

I was watching the weather forecast quite closely yesterday, and it looked like it was going to be perfect running conditions this morning.  I got up at 6.30am to have my breakfast, and was planning on going out at about 8am.  However, it snowed in the night, so that meant running today was unlikely.  I did actually drive to the coast, thinking the conditions may be better there, but I literally ran 100m or so and realised it wasn't worth the risk.  It's really frustrating as I was actually looking forward to the run this morning.   Other than the ice/snow, the conditions were perfect, if a little cold.

I do know that a lot of runners do go out in icy conditions, and I don't know how they do it to be honest.  I was slipping all over the place today, and just knew I could easily fall over and potentially injure myself.  Mind you, I am one of those people who, when standing on top of a chair, the chair starts moving as I'm overcorrecting myself all the time!  Maybe my aversion to running in the ice is related?

I'm going to try and go out tomorrow, but I was hoping to watch the Murray Vs Federer at the Australian Open which starts at 8.30am, so we'll see what happens tomorrow.  To be honest, I don't actually like Murray at all, and I'll be supporting Federer.  As I was up and about this morning in the car, I did all the usual bits and pieces this morning that I usually do on a Sunday morning, so I'll see what I feel like tomorrow.  Today, I'll just get a long walk in instead I think, so at least I can say I've done something.

By the way, my current favourite track to run to is "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.  I've been lucky enough to go to New York with some friends, and the words are fantastic and also really inspiring to run to (just noticed this has got 20m views on YouTube!).  Alicia Keys does her own version as well, which is great, but the Jay-Z version is better in my opinion.  "99 Problems" is pretty good to run to as well, also by Jay-Z, although the lyrics may not be to everyones taste, hence me not linking to it here!!

I've noticed in the past that although I'm really into music when out running, I often really remember the video of my favourite songs.  Two of my favourite songs and videos are below, which are both great to run to:
- Go with the Flow, by QOTSA, which is probably my favourite video/song combination of all time (although this YouTube clip isn't great quality).
- Four Kicks, by Kings of Leon.  I've never seen this band live, but I've been told that when they play this song at their gigs, the venue just erupts.

Working away.....

.....but still managed to get a gym session in, and also eat reasonably healthfully too, which is great news. I just did 45mins at the gym yesterday. I had my running stuff with me, but decided not to venture out on the roads as there weren't any decent running routes where I was staying (plus it was freezing cold...!).

Sent from my iPhone

16 mile walk, and a gym session

Continuing with the walking between pubs theme, my wife and I did another long walk yesterday (16 miles), which was great.  Also, I got up this morning and went to the gym for an hour or so, plus went for another smallish walk this afternoon, so I'm quite pleased. 

It means that in the last 10 days, I've:

• walked over 36 miles
• ran aproximately 33 miles
• been to the gym

Part way through the walk yesterday, we stopped at a Prezzo as they're having their £10 meal promotion at the moment.  The promotion includes a starter, main and a drink, which is great.  In all seriousness though, I need to think about what I'm going to eat in the run up to the marathon day, and particularly the day and evening before the marathon.  Yesterday I just had bruchetta and some pasta with meatballs (and a slice of pizza which was going spare), which I think is probably what I'll have a lot of in the run up to the event.  Pasta is a great source of carbs, and it is easy to run on the following day without having any digestive issues.  From this website:

Let's start with carbohydrates, in effect the source of fuel that your body runs on. These are commonly sourced from pasta, rice, potatoes, bread and pulses. Pasta, in particular, has often been portrayed as the runner's food of choice because it is relatively easy to prepare and can be combined with a simple sauce that will bring additional nutritional benefits, for example tomatoes, broccoli or spinach.

We had another smaller walk into town this afternoon, to go to a pub that is celebrating Burns' week where I'll no doubt be sampling some Haggis, Neeps and Tatties! 

I'm generally feeling a lot fitter in myself, which is noticeable by everyday changes.  For example, I happen to live at the top of a steep hill, and it's a lot easier walking up there.  I am much hungrier than normal though, but I think that's to be expected with the amount of exercise I've been doing lately.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm maintaining my weight, which is great, and also decreasing my percentage fat, which is even better.  I think I'll lose a few more pounds yet, but I'm not really actively trying to lose anymore weight.

Looking into the near future, I'm going to be pretty busy at work what with one thing and another, so it's going to be difficult for me to get out for runs as regularly as I'd like/need to.  However, looking into March, there is the Bideford Half Marathon, which I'm thinking of entering.

Below 20% fat

I have a set of scales that also measures body fat, and I was below 20% today for the first time in about 2 years, which I'm really pleased about.  These minor milestones are really motivating, and it helps to think of these things as opposed to only concentrating on the miles I have to do.  If I stop and think about the training I have to do, I still sometimes find it quite daunting, although I'm pleased with my progress so far.

I'm looking into the gels that you can have whilst running.  On my last 13-miler, I was pretty tired afterwards, but pleased with the run.  I did "hit the wall" a little bit, so need to look at fuelling whilst running a little bit more.  There are products that you can buy for before and after a race/training session, but to be honest I'm quite happy with my diet in general.  I think something during the run may be helpful though, as I currently just drink water.

13 miles after work today

I'm trying to make the most of the reasonable conditions and went out again after work today, and got 13 miles in at a purposefully slow pace.  I had a rest day yesterday, but was still feeling a little tired today, so didn't want to push it too much.  Also, I had a little niggle in my right knee most of the way around, but decided to do what I set out to do, which I'm pleased about.  I was pretty tired after the session though.....

8.5 miles after work today

Went out after work today and got 8.5 miles in, which was good.

I'm a member of the Virgin London Marathon Face Book Group which is very active with nearly 7000 members.  I've been looking into food for before, during and after a (long) run and a recommendation from that group is the Go Faster Food book, which I'm going to order.  The reason I'm looking into this is that the event itself is obviously in the morning, and I'll have to make a reasonably early start.  Food needs to have been digested properly to avoid problems, so I'm looking for advice in this area.  Also, I just want to make sure that I'm well fuelled for the event and long runs, as it is an important (but obvioiusly not the only) factor in trying to not "hit the wall".

Up early for a run out this morning

We actually walked 15 miles yesterday (interspersed with a couple of pub stops, and nice meal at http://www.baybrasserie.co.uk/....!).  RunSaturday has the route we walked.  We were both feeling quite tired when we got home, and pretty much crashed out on the sofa.

I was planning a run today and felt quite lively in the morning, so got out quite early and got a few miles in.  I only did about 6.5 miles at an easy pace, but it was a good run.  The conditions were perfect, and I was out just after sunrise, which is a great time to be out anyway as the roads and pavements are clear on a Sunday.  Most other people who are out at that time are fellow runners, along with dog walkers and people on their way to work.  I'm hoping for other days like today as it makes the training so much easier!

Fund raising is up to 50% of the required total, which is great.  My wife and I recently got our Wills drawn up as part of the Will Aid scheme.  The organisers of the scheme allowed us to donate the recommended money to my JustGiving page, which is what we've done.

100 days to go!

There's only 100 days to go until the London marathon 2010.  Seeing that written down is quite a sobering thought!!  At least the snow and ice have cleared, so there are not really any excuses not to get out over the weekend.

I've had a bit of good news, that I was worrying about quite a bit.  I mentioned some blood tests that I had in a previous post, and I got the results yesterday.  It's probably the first time in my life that I was pleased to hear the phrase 'You're boringly normal', but that is the phrase my doctor used!  He just said if I get the symptoms again, to go back.  So, it's onwards and upwards.  I'm feeling fairly optimistic, so just need to crack on with the training and fund raising. 

For me, this is the start of my new year, which up until now hasn't been great.  I'm feeling strangely motivated for 07:15am in the morning!!

First run out of the new year

Well, all the snow and ice has cleared where I am, so I did a 30-min run this lunchtime, using my new trainers.  It was really good to get out.  The route I did isn't that inspiring, but still, it's better than nothing.

I mentioned in my last post that my weight has remained the same as it was before Xmas, which is great.  Unfortuantely though, my fitness seems to have dropped with the enforced lay off.  I was feeling quite tired after the run.  Also, looking at runsaturday.com, my average heart rate has gone up a bit compared with similar length runs on a similar route, although my overall speed was slightly quicker.

I purposefully only did a relatively short run as I wanted to see what the trainers were like, and I don't seem to have had any problems, which is great news.

Not a great start to the new year regarding training....

I'm still raring to go, but it hasn't been a great start to the year for me, training wise.  I spent a reasonable amount of New Years Eve night at the out of hours doctor, getting some tests done as I had picked up an infection.  I was put on some antibiotics, but it's not fully cleared, so I'm due to be getting the results of some follow on tests next week.  The doctor says it's fine to train through it though if I can.  Also, of course, with the ice and snow around, it hasn't been ideal training weather in any case.  To be honest, the infection, together with the fall I had the other week, has knocked my confidence a little bit.  I'm obviously hoping that the results of the follow on tests show that there is nothing serious to worry about.

I'm very conscious that I'm really supposed to be doing concerted road training now, but the conditions aren't right.  I'm hoping things will clear soon so I can get out properly.

Some good news though is that I picked up a new pair of trainers today.  I went for another pair of Brooks, as they seem to suit me.

The picture shows my old and new right trainer.  As can be seen, the wear on the old trainer is quite noticeable in comparison to the new one, but it has been wearing properly, which is a good thing.  Because of this, it seemed sensible to get another pair as they haven't caused me any problems.  I went for a very small jog up and down the road, and I'm pleased with them.

I'll continue using my old pair for the gym, and keep the new pair for road running only.  Abit worried to see that the manufacturers say they are good for between 400 and 600 miles, but I'll see how I get on with them.

Some other good news is that I'm managed to maintain my weight....I'm the same weight now as I was before Christmas, which I'm quite pleased about to be honest!

Of course, the other thing I need to keep the momentum up with is the fund raising.  It's going well (I'm at about £800) and a few people have promised to sponsor me, which is great news.  Thanks again to everyone who has already sponsored me!!