My first big double...

Well I am now half way through my first ever big double. Hopefully by 8pm tonight I will have run 40 miles within 25 hours. After this double there are another 2 doubles to do in the next 2 weeks getting up to 46 miles in the last week. (29/30th October 2 x 22 and 6/7th November 1 x 20 and 1 x 26).

I started off yesterdays 18 miler wearing waterproof's and the full ruck sack which weighed in at 14lbs (15stone 3lbs including me). The miles ticked off running into Ironbridge and then along the Severn way into Jackfield. I had no real problems until the real nasty hill at 8 miles up from the Woodbridge pub. I took this as a chance to eat an energy bar and power walked up it instead. From this point onwards I moved from doing 9. something minute miles to 10. something minute miles.

It was getting dark now, and the original route would have been 19.5 miles so I took a decision to take a short cut across some farm fields thinking I remembered the course from the Shifnal Steeplechase Half. Whether it was the darkness or me not remembering the course I got it wrong. I was getting very wet feet and had no idea where I was. After using my instinct I came out on the main Shifnal - Telford road having cut the desired 1.5 miles off the course. It was a bit scary running down the road - even though I was on the path, some curs left me inches, and some arse decided to flash me as I didn't dip my head tourch!

I was into the last 4 miles and my knee / hip was starting to hurt again. I struggled on picking up the pace in the final mile. I finished the 17.6 miles in 3hrs 5 min, which is an average of 10.32 min miles. Considering there is another 22 to do tonight I am fine with this. I also have the Great South Run on Sunday to think about.

The reason I mentioned the weight was because when I jumped on the scales when I got back I weighed in at 14.11 meaning I had lost 5.5 lbs of sweat during the run, Probably even more considering my shoes were nice and wet from the cross country section. Need to keep an eye on this - I drank 1.5 lts on water on the course.

The races keep coming

Just to update the record on what challenges I have planned now most of 2009 has gone.

25th October - The Great South Run - a flat 10 mile along the front of Portsmouth.

1st November - Hell Runner up north - 10 miles thru waist deep mud.

15th November - Suicide 6ish - 6 miles of XC fun and rivers to cross.

5th December - The Brecons Ultra - 47 miles and my first ultra :o

27th December - The Sunrise to Sunset Challenge - How far to go - 13, 26 or all day?

31st January - Winter Tough Guy - Brrrrrrrr

6 & 7th February - The Pilgrim Challenge - 33 miles each day along the Pilgrim way in Surrey.

20th March - The Trail de Paris 80k trail run with a cut off time of 12 and half hours.

The weight is moving in the right direction again after a few weeks off. I am now 32 lbs lighter than I was at the start of the year. I now have 14 pounds to go until I hit my first goal of 13.2lbs. Will I hit it before Christmas??

A little photo from this weekends "Bells of Pattingham" 7 mile off road race. I finished 276th out of about 750 people. My time was also a 5 year best for the course.

Notice the shorts again?? Its becoming a habit.

18 minutes to go

Hi everyone, its only 18 minutes now until I set off on my first ever Ultra and I'm crapping it a bit!!

30 miles is more than I have ever done, but I still have an awfully long way after this to make it to 47 miles that the race will be in December! Taking the rucksack today and it feels awfully heavy. Hoping to make it to the Cock Hotel by 5 as its Mum's birthday - We'll see if I make it.

BTW the weight still coming off - The monthly weigh in happened this morning and now weight 14.02.8 - so thats 6.2 lbs this month and a total of 2" lost. Hope the next month will be a bit more considering the heavy miles I'll be doing.

Will up date about the run either tonight or Monday as running Tough Guy T.H.U.G over the weekend!

Training for this week 17th August

OK here's what I am planning on doing this week - cutting the training back from 45 last week to only 35 this week. I might miss out the swimming as well to give me a chance to recover from the races last week.

Monday - Rest day

Tuesday Lunch 5 mile Run

Wednesday 6 Mile run

Thursday 5 mile run

Friday 12 mile run

Saturday 5 mile run plus Via Ferrata Mountain climb and Zip wire descent

Sunday Ghyll Scrambling and a 2 mile run

Total 35 miles and a lads weekend away. Might do a swim on Wednesday and Thursday but will see how I feel.

Race the train 2009 - 10K Race and 14 Mile Race

Well this was a funny couple of races for a number of reasons. Before We left to travel down to Wales I had posted on Facebook that I wasn't feeling too well. Something I somehow managed to forget until I returned to Telford really confused about how bad the weekend had gone.

We arrived in Aberdyfi about 7pm on Friday and met up with Mum and Dad, My Sister and Brother in law and my cousin Charlotte. We had a rather late meal of Chicken, spuds, Salad and some bread. We also had beer and red wine bef

ore retiring to bed. In the last paragraph I reckon 4 of my problems arose - a meal after 10.30 before a race, no real carbs, beer and not hitting the sac till Midnight.

I awoke on Saturday and got ready for the 1st race of the day - The 10K Quarry challenge

. Debbie (who ran the 3K race with Emily) and Mierig (ran the 5.5 Mile race) picked me up at half nine. It was pouring down and we had to wait half an hour for the train to arrive to take us

out to the start. Meirig and I stood there in black bin bags to keep warm and sort of dry.

Once on the train we were dropped off at the relevant train stations so that we

could start the race. The 10K race started bang in the middle of a field in a valley - the wind was unbelievable. I think at one point I was nearly moving backwards. I met Lee and Kathy from the club and had a nice chat. Then as it neared 11.30 we lined up, only for the lady to blow the horn too early and after running 50 yards we were called back to re line up. At 11.37 the train tooted and we were off. The first 0.5 miles are horrible as you have to run across an open field before climbing up a very steep path. I managed to get half way up before having to walk.

I was starting to get stomach cramps which I have never had in my life of running

. We continued to run through boggy fields and past Dolgech water falls. My stomach was really playing up and I wished there were some loo's out on the course.

After 6 miles of running we arrived back and finished on the high street of Tywyn and people were cheering us on. I finished race one 116th out of 337 in a time of 57.12 (about 90 seconds faster than last year).

As soon as I crossed the line I found the nearest loos... (nuff said).

I then met Lucy and Holly and forced some bread and butter down my throat. I then

made mistake number 5, 6, and 7. There was only an hour between races and as Im training for the Beacons Ultra was trying to experiment with foods. I had some peanuts, haribos and a can of Monster energy drink.

I met Nige from Tough Guy and his friend Jim and together with Keith we lined up on the start line and waited for the whistle of the train to start the main 14 mile race. Lucy and Holly were on the train to cheer us on. As soon as I started running I felt sick and just wanted to hurl. So mistakes 5-7 had been made.

The sun had burnt off the clouds so there was no rain for this race however the wind remained, making the first 7 miles easier than the return.

The sick feeling continued and the stomach cramps returned. At 4 miles I seri

ously wanted to just pull out.

I had one medal from the mornings race so I could have still hold my head high. I then convinced my self to get to the toilets at 6 miles. I got there and must have been in there for a while... I then made my self get to 7 miles as that would be half way and the same distance back to the start. There was plenty of walking going on, but I didn't care - I just wanted to finish and lie down.

There was no way I would beat either train today and as I came back into Tywyn

for the 2nd time in 3 hours the crowds cheered and I felt like death. I made it to the beer tent to meet up with everyone and collapsed on the floor and didn't move for 20 minutes. In that time Clare had put a can of beer on my stomach for me. It stayed sealed and I rolled over and lay there for another 20 minutes.

Nothing really improved for the rest of the day. I had the can Clare had brought me with Jon, Claire, Sarah and Kathy from the club. Then went back to the caravan to have the usual post train BBQ with the family and friends. I didn't fancy any food but finally managed to get something down my throat. At 9pm I left everyone and went to bed. A complete first. Early to bed, not drunk with little food after Race the train.

I awoke on Sunday and didn't feel stiff, but still wasnt feeling the best. I was supposed to be running 10 miles, but thought better of it. So we traveled back to Telford and whilst Lucy was shopping I ran the 4 miles back home to stretch the legs. When I finally got home I logged on to Facebook and re read what I'd written on Friday afternoon before the hardest weekend of my running career. What did it say?? "Denzil isn't feeling the best". Maybe I should have remembered that before running 24 miles and 2 races.

The start of a big week

Today marks the start of one of the big weeks for the marathon training (51 miles). I was supposed to get up at 6 and go swimming but after the long run on Sunday around Cannock Chase and walking round Alton Towers yesterday I think I am still suffering and feel a little run down. I did however drag myself out on a 5 mile run at lunchtime in sweltering heat of 24c - its been so cold recently it was definitely a shock to the system. Finished in 45.59 which wasn't too bad.

Its Massage night in an hour so I am sure that is going to help my legs feel alive rather than dead. Then eat and have a nice long bath with a book and a glass of port followed by a very early night. I really need to get out of bed in the morning.

After that the weeks looking like this :-

Wednesday AM 1km Swim

Wednesday PM 9 mile time trial

Thursday AM 1km Swim

Thursday Lunch 5 miles steady

Friday Lunch 2 mile slow

Saturday AM 6 mile beach run

Saturday PM 14 mile cross country race "Race the Train"

Sunday sometime 10 mile slow plod "with hangover"

Total 51 miles.

The weights stayed the same for the past week so I am hoping this ramp up in training will kick start it again. 6 Weeks till the marathon and 17 weeks until the Ultra so still plenty of time to loose some more.

OK I just looked at a training plan and I am scared!

Thought I had better update this as its been nearly 3 weeks since I wrote anything.

I have decided to pull out of the 3 marathons in 3 days after my knee gave way as it is still sore when off round. With this in mind I have entered 2 other races - The Anglesey Marathon which is all road and one I have done on 2 other occasions. I have my PB on this course which has held since 2006, so I would really like to beat this after coming so close in London.

The other race I have entered is the Beacons Ultra 45. I always swore I would never run an ultra , I'd say 26.2 miles is plenty why go further. Well something twigged yesterday and I entered just like that. The race is 18 weeks away on the 5th December. Talking about it with Matt last night I jokingly said how hard can it be - well after looking at Hal's training plan I reckon very hard indeed.

My weight loss has come to a sudden stop at 15.00 but considering the junk I have eaten since the 15th July I am not in the slightest surprised. I must get back on it, on Monday. Well make that Tuesday, I'm on holiday Monday. Though the weight has stopped coming off there are definitely changes going on in my body. At my massage this week Di commented saying my upper body had changed considerably. Could be down to the swimming I have been doing as I have swum 0.5 miles 4 times in the past 9 days.

Thats it for this time, I wont leave it so long next time.

Just a quick one today

Just a quick one today. The knee's holding up and I think I can put it down to running round the lane. Out of last weeks 40.66 miles, the knee only hurt when I ran for 2 laps round the lane.

This weeks weigh in has happened this morning and I am 15st 1lb so since January 1st thats 17 lbs lost. I still have 27lbs to go to reach my goal of 13st so fingers crossed it continues in the right direction.

Going for a run today in my new Nike Lunaglide + trainers. Not sure what to expect so will report back later.

Sweet tooth

Just an observation but since Thursday and I haven't run, my desire for Chocolate has virtually disappeared. How weird is that!

Hi Guys and welcome along to day.... I've lost count already .... Day 28 - Blimey a whole month nearly gone already and I'm back to virtually the same weight I was when I started this hair brained idea. 15.06 on the scales this morning and the old blood pressure was 125/80 and with 48 RHB - considering the food and drink since the Holly Half I'm gobsmacked.

I fell off the wagon as usual but yesterday put myself firmly back on it until Wednesday night anyway LOL. Its the annual running club do to Ironbridge so will no doubt sup a few.

The training was heading in such a good direction and I was over the yearly target until last Thursday when I was out running around the Ercall waiting for Anna to meet me at the Wrekin and as I jumped over 3 fallen tree's my left knee felt like someone had battered it - the pain was horrendous and I went down like a sack of spuds. I ended up having to crawl a mile back to a main round where thankfully Ambulance Anna came to my rescue. Since then its been Ice and rest and not a lot else. I tried 2 miles yesterday (in my new trainers which arrived last Friday) to test it and even though the run was painless, there has been some slight pain in the knee afterwards. I am going to try 4 miles today and see how it goes. Have a sports massage booked for 5 as well so hopefully that'll help.

I am starting to think, that if the pain continues it may be worth while considering doing the Anglesey Marathon in September rather than the 3 in 3 days, but we're still along way away from that. Its the Birmingham and Black Country Half Marathon on Saturday - a 13.1 mile run / walk / hobble along the canals from Wolverhampton to Brindley Place in Birmingham where everyone off Runners World will be meeting for beer and food - Should be a good day.

13 down

Well I have to admit to not feeling too hot today. I started feeling ropey after lunch yesterday. I mentioned last week that I thought Holly was coming down with something so I reckon Lu and I have caught what ever bug it is off her. I feel a bit sick, very hot and clammy, am getting head spins when sitting up as well as a runny nose. Oh joy!

I was a bit naughty on Thursday and Friday with drinking a fair few pints. I also had 3 cans yesterday lunchtime after my 10 mile run, however I am still pleased to have only drunk on those 3 days out of 2 weeks.

The scales this morning said I was actually a lb heavier than I was last week, so am going to leave off this weeks weigh in until tomorrow as it may just be a blip. According to the calorie counting website we are using I have actually consumed 3000 calories more than my weeks target (to loose 2lb) so I should have lost one :( My clothes do seem to be a bit looser and I look thinner than I did.

Blood pressure and resting heart rate this morning is 122/85 - 42BPM

Pleased to report I managed to break 34 miles in training last week. Thats 4 more than I was originally planning. I found yesterdays run to be very hard (luckily it was flat) as I felt I had no energy - Probably cause of bug. Saturdays 6 miles weren't too bad.

This week I hope to make it to 35. I have two races this week - the first is the Shroughbourgh Relays which take place on Cannock Chase. It is a 4 person relay race and the club are taking 48 people. Each person only has to run 2 miles, I'm in a team with Jon, Wife Sarah, and Daughter Clare - Their surname is Aston, so we are called the Aston Martins!

The 2nd race is my own race - The Holly Half Marathon on Sunday - to say we are getting excited is an understatement. We have a hot tub party, bbq and band planned for afterwards. We had had 3 people drop out in the past few weeks, but have managed to resell the places so it is a sell out for its first year !!

So quick test of preference

Designer stubble or shaved...

Day 8

Morning all, and welcome to day 8.

I have to admit to feeling a bit blah yesterday afternoon and this morning, I'm not sure why - could be because of the calorie reduction in the past week or maybe I'm coming down with something - I think my daughter definitely is as she's been really whingey the past 2 days, add to this not sleeping too well for the past two nights - I woke up at 2 am, 4 am, 5a, 6 am, 6.45 am this morning so rather annoying. I also wont rule out my body becoming used to being booze free.

Before work this morning I had to go and dig a hole in the woods for 2 chickens who have died on us. The problem with getting chucks off a egg farmer is you dont know how old they are when you get them.

So yesterdays 4 miler didn't quite go to plan. As I was waiting for Parcel Force to turn up I decided to run laps round the lane ( so I wouldn't miss them ) and this slowed me down on my target time of 9 minute miles - I averaged 9.34 in the end which isn't too bad considering the hills. 9.08/9.35 / 9.44 / 9.48.

As you may have guessed Parcel Force failed to arrive so after paying for a 24 hour service I have finally got my parcel this morning! I dont think my muscles are going to like it, but will be good for using in the garden.

Todays run is going to be a 6 miler, not sure of the route yet but as I'm waiting for a $30K order to hopefully land on my desk I cant go until I know whether I get it or not. Again I've done sit ups and press ups and will do some more boxing.

I think I better mention something about the race now. Its called the Atlantic Coast challenge and is 78.6 miles long. You start at Padstowe in Cornwall and run to the very tip of England at Lands End. The course is split up into 3 marathons of 26.2 miles long and you run along the coastal paths so there will be lots of up and downs. Considering this I will have to fit in a lot of hill training around the Wrekin and over at Cannock Chase (the home of the horrible Milford 21). More information can be found at http://www.votwo.co.uk/votwo2007/events-and-adventure/race_view.php?i=73

Weight wise is looking good so far, everyday I have looked in the mirror and I can actually see the difference. I lost another 0.8lb since yesterday to bring me down from 15.13 to 15st 5.08lbs. My blood pressure is down again to 124/81 and the resting heart rate is still around 50.

Day 7 - 110 to go

Well there is no way I thought I would make it to day 7 without a beer let alone day 2 so to say I'm proud of myself is an understatement. I think it is only the 2nd time in my adult life I've stayed off it for that long. I dont think anyone else thought I would either. So to make up for it I treated myself to a treat to mark the 1st week and spent some of my new Garmin money on a shiny red 12kg Kettle bell so should be able to do some more exercise in the garden. If Parcelforce stick to their end of the deal it should arrive later today! Cool !

So Mum came round last night and we had a curry - to say I'm not friends with my local curry house any more is an understatement. I thought I ordered a madras Bhuna, they gave me a Vindaloo - it was so hot my eyes were watering and this morning a song by Johny Cash springs to mind...

So as for training today I am going to run at lunch time - do 4 miles and try and do 9 minute miles. I did 2 sets of 30 press ups and 30 sit ups this morning. I am sure I will squeeze in some boxing as well again. Dont think the hounds will get much of a walk today as am off for a sports massage later - cant wait!

Done the food diary for today and out of my daily allowance of 2000 calories plus 600 exercise calories I have nearly 300 left over - what shall I have... chocolate, a protein shake, yoghurt? Toughie.

Re weight - I'm exactly the same as yesterday but my waters up and the fats down so considering the curry I'm pretty damm pleased.

111 days to go - 6 days in

Well thought I better start blogging this journey.  Even though I have just finished running the London (number 12 ) and the  Edinburgh Marathon (number 13) I have never tried something so stupid / amazing (delete as you wish) as running 3 complete marathons in just 3 days.

Add to this I have really been hitting the beer this year and I was starting to really feel shit for it, and I've realized its just pointless (something I realized with the fags ages ago), so I am going to cut it out for a bit.

So there you have it - with only 111 days left now until the race starts on the 25th September I need to try and try and loose 2.5 stone (35lbs / 16 kg) more to make it easier on my body and knees.

I started without the beer on Wednesday 3rd June weighing in at 15.13 stone (was 15.6 this morning) and I have to admit I have found it pretty easy so far.  It was Lucy's Birthday on Saturday but I managed to abstain (whilst getting told I was a smug bastard LOL). We were taken out to a real ale pub and for a couple of meals but only lime juice and soda water passed my lips - Can you see the halo above my head).  I did feel like a pint slightly whilst watching the Grand Prix - but probably because its was Sunday afternoon...

Only problem so far is I have noticed I have really really craved chocolate and sugar Haribos. But seeing as I was consuming between 500 - 1200 calories through Beer and Wine I reckon a 200 calorie mars bar shouldn't upset the balance.

Mum's coming round tonight and she's getting us an Indian take away so will have to pick the right stuff - was thinking of either Tandoori Chicken or someone mentioned Chicken Bhuna as the healthiest out there. Is it??

Monday's a rest day so wont be doing any running after running for the past 6 days. So have done press ups and sits ups on the swiss ball, done 5 minutes boxing and taken the hounds for a walk for half an hour.

3rd June - Blood pressure was 127.5/87 - Resting heart rate 55

8th June -  124/84 - Resting heart rate 48

Check back over the next few days to see how its going.