The highs and lows of my first great run!
Sunday the 19th of September didn’t start out like any other racing morning; for one thing I was in a hotel overlooking the River Tyne and its Iconic bridges.
As I looked out of my second floor window at 8.30 to see if it was raining I could already see runners wearing bin bags moving on mass down the road, all heading in one direction.
To the start of the 30th Bupa Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon. I gulped at the thought of what lay ahead for me over the course of the next few hours.
My head was filled with the music "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" which only added to the growing fear in my mind about the race.
I stuck to my usual pre race rituals and foods. A cup of coffee and a big bowl of bran flakes and some apple juice at least 2 hours before the start has been my tried and tested formula to keep going during races and runs for the last 2 years now.
So at around 9.20; I and my other half Kedren who had run the 2008 GNR, joined the ever growing throng of runners now snaking its way through the retail centre of Newcastle.
By the time I got down to the Kilometre long starting area, the wheel chair race had just started and the elite women were about to kick off.
As we walked to my starting zone we saw Ant and Dec laughing with the crowd and stopped to take a photo, we then saw a donkey runner!
Well someone in a very good donkey costume. We saw some of the wackiest and wickedest fancy dress outfits as we made out way to zone D.
After a couple of nervous toilet stops in the bushes above the central motorway I said good bye to Keds who I’d meet at the finish in South Shields later and queued to get in to my starting pen with a few hundred other orange numbered runners.
For what ever reason they closed the gate to Zone D and panicked runners then darted forward to zone C only to find we couldn’t get in there as it was too full, by now a few people had climbed over the 6 foot high metal fences.
It was starting to look like a scene from the Hillsborough disaster and my adrenaline kicked in and with a handful of others we sprinted further to the start at zone B and pulled the fences up out of the stands and held them high enough for people to scramble under and into the race.
I went under very quickly and then held the metal post at one end allowing others to crawl under after me.
After a few minutes someone else took my place and my race then started.
I walked forward with the rest to the sounds of Mark Knopfler’s theme which I always find emotional at the best of times.
My aim was to set a new PB as this would be my flattest half marathon course I had run to date and I did the 2010 Potters Arf in 1 hour and 57 minutes so I felt this race held a good chance for me to go one better.
My start couldn’t have gone better, well once I’d got into a starting pen!
To be so far forwards just one zone up from the elite men was maybe a bit too ambitious but it meant I wouldn’t have so many people to push past.
I set off at a steady pace and didn’t feel too hemmed in by slower runners and I also didn’t feel like I was going too slow for the group I was with. The first mile down hill came and went in a blur and I checked my Garmin to make sure my pace wasn’t creeping up into the 6 and 7 minute miles which would be way too quick to go at the start.
I soon crossed the most famous land mark in the race, the Tyne Bridge and set off through a series of under passes as I made steady progress through Gateshead.
I heard the roar of the red arrows fly over the bridge and turned to look for a second and marvel at the spectacle but then it was on up the first hill towards the Gateshead Stadium and then on up to Heworth. Another glance at the Garmin and I was still running at 8.5 minute miles.
Somewhere between miles 4 and 5 I started to feel comfortable with my pace and tried to relax into the race.
My Garmin did seem out by at least point 2 of a mile as it would bleep a while after I’d gone past the mile posts on the course so I wasn’t sure what had gone pear shaped as I’d started it the moment my feet hit the mat at the start.
But I was going well and I hit the 15K mark in 1 hour and 21 minutes, from my Garmin time I hit 10 miles in 1 hour and 25 minutes which is my fastest 10 miles to date.
I was now feeling it and this was a hard tough and gruelling last 3 miles.
I’d got through my gel at mile 7 and eaten a jelly baby and stopped at every water and powerade stop on route in an aid to give my legs and body everything it needed to keep going. Throughout the run the rain held off and it was 15c by the time I hit mile 12.
My legs we’re dead and I had pain etched across my sweat soaked face as came over that hill and the North Sea came into view, I just remember saying thank God.
As I ran along the road with the sea to my right I remember feeling faint and seeing other runners by the side of the road being tended to by medics, I just thought I had to go on and go on at the best speed I could find.
The end soon came into sight and I summoned some energy for a sprint finish after about 600 meters.
I was in a total and complete state of exhaustion at the end and once I’d dropped my timing chip in a bin I limped over to a field and collapsed. I lay on my back for what seemed like an age with the world spinning around me. I then got up and slowly walked over to get my goody bag and medal.
I then went over to the charity tents to meet Keds.
I was feeling very low as I’d not hit my target of beating 1 hour 57:59.
I’d raced around the course in 1 hour and 58:29. 31 seconds off a new PB.
These are my split times 5k - 25:56, 10k - 53:25 and 15k - 1:21:15.
I felt so low but as the day came to a close and we drove back to the hotel in Newcastle I started to feel a real sense of achievement.
Of the 6 competitive half marathons I’ve ran to date this was my second best time and my overall position was 10,728 and this means I had about 30,000 other runners behind me.
A few days later and though the legs still felt painful I really was proud of my achievement and I’m sure I’ll run in future Great North Runs. Maybe even the 60th run in 30 years time at which point I’ll be 65 years young!
Running the 30th Great North Run is my biggest running achievement in my fledgling running career so far.
Thursday 23 September 2010
Wednesday 9 June 2010
So that was the week that was!
It’s now almost two weeks since I ran the 6 half marathons in a row.
It feels like a life time ago now, but I can say that I did it, I ran 6 half marathons (13.1 miles) in 6 consecutive days and then with just one day off I then ran the 2010K road race in Stoke.
Though a mix up with the marshalling of the event meant I crossed the finish line short of my overall distance I should point out that I did run the full 10k by completing the last kilometre on my own when I got home from the race.
Something of an anticlimax but I was determined to see it through to the bitter end.
I’d been saying for months that I was going to run a combined total of over 84 miles and nothing was going to stop me!
So there I was; on a patch of waste ground behind my house with my mp3 player blasting inspiring music in my ears while glances at the Garmin forerunner to make sure I didn’t go beyond the total mileage, come on I’d run a lot that week so I wanted to run the total but no more then that!
So in the last week of May 2010 I ran about 85 miles all from an insane idea that by creating the 6 towns run event I could inspire people to part with there hard earned cash for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice.
I can say that the insane idea seems to be working as I’ve so far I’ve raised over £900 for the children’s hospice.
But it’s not too late to congratulate and support me by making a donation.
http://www.justgiving.com/6townsrun
On Sunday the 13th of June I shell don my 6 Towns Run racing shirt once more as I run the Potters Arf marathon.
So please support me and the work that the staff of the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice do by donating through the website http://www.6townsrun.co.uk/
So here’s a little about the final 6 towns run. Start finish at Stoke town.
Before I left for the start I had my usual breakfast of toast, egg, bran flakes and juice and water, but today I also had a few pain killers too.
The achilles tendonitis wasn’t getting any better. I had really done myself in by running the 5th half too quickly.
Luckily I was joined for this run by Kedren who’s new boss kindly let her take the morning off from her new job so she could support her somewhat mad boy friend on his last half marathon run!
Without Kedren’s company to keep me focused and happy on the run, my last half marathon could have been quite a painful and miserable time.
We stopped off at the hospice in Trentham for a chat with the staff and got a great cheer from everyone as we came into view, it really makes all the difference when you’re running, be it in the world biggest marathon or on a 6 towns run with just one other runner for company.
When people cheer and clap you, it raises the spirits and makes it all worth while.
Unbeknown to me another 6 towns runner was out running down the cannel looking for me to join the last run. However Drew and I never “ran” into each other on the run but thanks for the support on the day!
At the end Kedren and I met Mike Cutler who’d ran with me on two previous 6 towns runs and we had a few photo’s taken before Keds had to rush off to work.
I then followed my usual post run tradition by going home for an ice bath and then eating some food, usually some meat and rice in a source and then I headed off to DW Gym for a swim and to relax in the jacuzzi. I would use this as a poor mans hydro-therapy and loosen the leg muscles with the strong water jets.
That night I did allow myself a couple of glasses of red wine and a beer with a lovely steak and chips and then went to bed looking forward to a well earned lie in.
I’d now like to impersonate a Hollywood actor making a speech after winning an Oscar.
I promise I won’t cry!
I couldn’t have done this and raised so much money without support and so I have a few personal thanks I’d like to say.
Kedren, not only did you run two half marathons with me but your help with all the online marketing and networking was so helpful and your unwavering support throughout my training was a huge support to me.
Thanks to Kedren I received the full support of South Cheshire Harriers running club and many of there members are now friends.
Mike Cutler also of South Cheshire Harriers ran with me and kept me company on two runs and was very supportive and filled me with confidence.
Thanks Mike and I wish you all the luck in the world in the future.
Another harrier who volunteered to run the first day with my was Sarah Dyde and I’m so grateful that you’d take time out to come and run 13 miles with a bloke who was on a mad quest to run another 5 half marathons in the following days.
My running club at Trentham have also played there part in supporting me during the runs and also raising money for the trust.
Lisa and Tracy Holins ran with me on the first run and are always very entertaining when we run together at the club. Jacquie McPhail also of Trentham did sterling work running with me on day 2 and day 4 and was a big help in keeping me going on day 4.
Jacqie also ran the 2010K and did a club run, thats a fair few miles in one week mate.
I’d also like to thank Drew Wilson whom I didn’t know before the 6 towns and now you’re a mate. Shame we never did bump into each other on the day 6 run but at least we ran the 2010K. Thanks for the encouragement and for drumming up donations.
There have been lots of other people who’ve been a great help over the last 3 or 4 months and I’m sorry I can’t mention you all here but I must draw this blog to a close otherwise it will just go on and on, a bit like my running I guess. I just keep going.
Thanks for reading my newest blog and stay tuned for more riveting updates!
Thanks – Phil 6 Towns Ran…….
It feels like a life time ago now, but I can say that I did it, I ran 6 half marathons (13.1 miles) in 6 consecutive days and then with just one day off I then ran the 2010K road race in Stoke.
Though a mix up with the marshalling of the event meant I crossed the finish line short of my overall distance I should point out that I did run the full 10k by completing the last kilometre on my own when I got home from the race.
Something of an anticlimax but I was determined to see it through to the bitter end.
I’d been saying for months that I was going to run a combined total of over 84 miles and nothing was going to stop me!
So there I was; on a patch of waste ground behind my house with my mp3 player blasting inspiring music in my ears while glances at the Garmin forerunner to make sure I didn’t go beyond the total mileage, come on I’d run a lot that week so I wanted to run the total but no more then that!
So in the last week of May 2010 I ran about 85 miles all from an insane idea that by creating the 6 towns run event I could inspire people to part with there hard earned cash for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice.
I can say that the insane idea seems to be working as I’ve so far I’ve raised over £900 for the children’s hospice.
But it’s not too late to congratulate and support me by making a donation.
http://www.justgiving.com/6townsrun
On Sunday the 13th of June I shell don my 6 Towns Run racing shirt once more as I run the Potters Arf marathon.
So please support me and the work that the staff of the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice do by donating through the website http://www.6townsrun.co.uk/
So here’s a little about the final 6 towns run. Start finish at Stoke town.
Before I left for the start I had my usual breakfast of toast, egg, bran flakes and juice and water, but today I also had a few pain killers too.
The achilles tendonitis wasn’t getting any better. I had really done myself in by running the 5th half too quickly.
Luckily I was joined for this run by Kedren who’s new boss kindly let her take the morning off from her new job so she could support her somewhat mad boy friend on his last half marathon run!
Without Kedren’s company to keep me focused and happy on the run, my last half marathon could have been quite a painful and miserable time.
We stopped off at the hospice in Trentham for a chat with the staff and got a great cheer from everyone as we came into view, it really makes all the difference when you’re running, be it in the world biggest marathon or on a 6 towns run with just one other runner for company.
When people cheer and clap you, it raises the spirits and makes it all worth while.
Unbeknown to me another 6 towns runner was out running down the cannel looking for me to join the last run. However Drew and I never “ran” into each other on the run but thanks for the support on the day!
At the end Kedren and I met Mike Cutler who’d ran with me on two previous 6 towns runs and we had a few photo’s taken before Keds had to rush off to work.
I then followed my usual post run tradition by going home for an ice bath and then eating some food, usually some meat and rice in a source and then I headed off to DW Gym for a swim and to relax in the jacuzzi. I would use this as a poor mans hydro-therapy and loosen the leg muscles with the strong water jets.
That night I did allow myself a couple of glasses of red wine and a beer with a lovely steak and chips and then went to bed looking forward to a well earned lie in.
I’d now like to impersonate a Hollywood actor making a speech after winning an Oscar.
I promise I won’t cry!
I couldn’t have done this and raised so much money without support and so I have a few personal thanks I’d like to say.
Kedren, not only did you run two half marathons with me but your help with all the online marketing and networking was so helpful and your unwavering support throughout my training was a huge support to me.
Thanks to Kedren I received the full support of South Cheshire Harriers running club and many of there members are now friends.
Mike Cutler also of South Cheshire Harriers ran with me and kept me company on two runs and was very supportive and filled me with confidence.
Thanks Mike and I wish you all the luck in the world in the future.
Another harrier who volunteered to run the first day with my was Sarah Dyde and I’m so grateful that you’d take time out to come and run 13 miles with a bloke who was on a mad quest to run another 5 half marathons in the following days.
My running club at Trentham have also played there part in supporting me during the runs and also raising money for the trust.
Lisa and Tracy Holins ran with me on the first run and are always very entertaining when we run together at the club. Jacquie McPhail also of Trentham did sterling work running with me on day 2 and day 4 and was a big help in keeping me going on day 4.
Jacqie also ran the 2010K and did a club run, thats a fair few miles in one week mate.
I’d also like to thank Drew Wilson whom I didn’t know before the 6 towns and now you’re a mate. Shame we never did bump into each other on the day 6 run but at least we ran the 2010K. Thanks for the encouragement and for drumming up donations.
There have been lots of other people who’ve been a great help over the last 3 or 4 months and I’m sorry I can’t mention you all here but I must draw this blog to a close otherwise it will just go on and on, a bit like my running I guess. I just keep going.
Thanks for reading my newest blog and stay tuned for more riveting updates!
Thanks – Phil 6 Towns Ran…….
Thursday 27 May 2010
The blog post where I beg for money!
So, here I stand now. On the verge of completing this marathon task I set myself some 3 months ago now. And I’m starting to look back now; not just over the course of the last 5 days but over the last 3 months and even beyond that.
As a new born baby I was very ill and in fact I came very close to death. Had there been a Donna Louise Children’s Hospice service back in the 70s I’d have most likely been one of its residents, though for me the story is a happy one as I’m now a fit healthy man who has so far lived a great life full of happy time’s ands great adventures.
Though for many children they will not be so fortunate and the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice is there to help make the time they have with us the best it can be.
They help to make every moment of a sick child’s life special.
The work they do is inspirational to me and its what I think about each day when I put on my running shoes and run 13.1 miles every day for the past 5 days and its what will fire me up to do it again tomorrow.
Please if you read my blog then I’d ask you to donate to the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust at http://www.justgiving.com/6townsrun
It means so much to me to be able to help them continue the work they do and to enable them to open the hospice for more days.
Currently they only have funds to open 4 or 5 days each week.
Thanks.
So here’s a quick status update on my body and how it’s holding up.
2 black toe nails, Achilles Tendonitis in both legs, left ITB seems ok today but has been stiff for most of the runs otherwise I’m champion!
So you can see that I’m now running in some pain and I risk injury and all this is to try my very best to raise funds for the hospice so please give what you can. Sorry to go on about it but I’m not doing this for the fun of it.
On the 4th run through Burslem I was joined by my running mate from the club Jacquie who met up with me on mile 3 and ran the rest of the day with me. She also helped to keep me company on the second run in Longton.
It was quite a cold day with a bit of rain so I put my base layer on under the racing top.
We had a good run and I felt really strong towards the end. I said to Jacquie “I’m feeling better now (on mile 10) then when I started out over 2 hours ago”. Proof if it was needed that I’m mentally unbalanced!
We did come across a rather odd sight on mile 11 though
We came across two horses chained up in Bycars Park behind Port Vale FC.
Nether seemed in good condition.
So we reported it to the RSPCA and I’m pleased to say they have been intouch and have spoken to the horse’s owner and are getting some veterinary treatment now and the inspector will monitor the situation.
From 6 towns charity runner to animal rescuer is there no end to my good deeds this week… Hehe!
Then today’s run came and went in a blur of pain.
I was met at the start my Pete Morgan from the BBC Radio Stoke Breakfast show for a quick interview and then I was off.
As it was just me running today I thought I’d try to speed up plus I only had parking till mid day. A runner has to get motivation from some where and there was no way in hell I was paying a parking fine this week.
So the race was on! I still only managed a less then impressive 2 hours and 29 minutes. Though that is my best time on a 6 towns run so it’s not too bad.
The pain in my legs slowed me down from about mile 10.
I think I’ll have to take tomorrows run at a steady pace now.
I’ve done well and when I look back over the last few months of training and all the runs on my own through the long cold winter I’m grateful I did put the time in.
Last Saturday I went on the BBC breakfast show with Lamont Howie. At the end of the interview he said I was about to go off and have the best week of my life. Well he was spot in. This has been great. Yes I’m surfing a bit but this has been one of the best weeks of my life and I still have 1 half marathon and the 2010K to finish off this fund raising event.
I’m hoping for a big turn out to support me at the 2010K race in Stoke this Sunday.
The more runners the better.
Thanks and well done if you’ve read to this point. Sorry this blog was so long.
Bye for now. The 6 Towns Runner.
Thanks - Phil
As a new born baby I was very ill and in fact I came very close to death. Had there been a Donna Louise Children’s Hospice service back in the 70s I’d have most likely been one of its residents, though for me the story is a happy one as I’m now a fit healthy man who has so far lived a great life full of happy time’s ands great adventures.
Though for many children they will not be so fortunate and the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice is there to help make the time they have with us the best it can be.
They help to make every moment of a sick child’s life special.
The work they do is inspirational to me and its what I think about each day when I put on my running shoes and run 13.1 miles every day for the past 5 days and its what will fire me up to do it again tomorrow.
Please if you read my blog then I’d ask you to donate to the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust at http://www.justgiving.com/6townsrun
It means so much to me to be able to help them continue the work they do and to enable them to open the hospice for more days.
Currently they only have funds to open 4 or 5 days each week.
Thanks.
So here’s a quick status update on my body and how it’s holding up.
2 black toe nails, Achilles Tendonitis in both legs, left ITB seems ok today but has been stiff for most of the runs otherwise I’m champion!
So you can see that I’m now running in some pain and I risk injury and all this is to try my very best to raise funds for the hospice so please give what you can. Sorry to go on about it but I’m not doing this for the fun of it.
On the 4th run through Burslem I was joined by my running mate from the club Jacquie who met up with me on mile 3 and ran the rest of the day with me. She also helped to keep me company on the second run in Longton.
It was quite a cold day with a bit of rain so I put my base layer on under the racing top.
We had a good run and I felt really strong towards the end. I said to Jacquie “I’m feeling better now (on mile 10) then when I started out over 2 hours ago”. Proof if it was needed that I’m mentally unbalanced!
We did come across a rather odd sight on mile 11 though
We came across two horses chained up in Bycars Park behind Port Vale FC.
Nether seemed in good condition.
So we reported it to the RSPCA and I’m pleased to say they have been intouch and have spoken to the horse’s owner and are getting some veterinary treatment now and the inspector will monitor the situation.
From 6 towns charity runner to animal rescuer is there no end to my good deeds this week… Hehe!
Then today’s run came and went in a blur of pain.
I was met at the start my Pete Morgan from the BBC Radio Stoke Breakfast show for a quick interview and then I was off.
As it was just me running today I thought I’d try to speed up plus I only had parking till mid day. A runner has to get motivation from some where and there was no way in hell I was paying a parking fine this week.
So the race was on! I still only managed a less then impressive 2 hours and 29 minutes. Though that is my best time on a 6 towns run so it’s not too bad.
The pain in my legs slowed me down from about mile 10.
I think I’ll have to take tomorrows run at a steady pace now.
I’ve done well and when I look back over the last few months of training and all the runs on my own through the long cold winter I’m grateful I did put the time in.
Last Saturday I went on the BBC breakfast show with Lamont Howie. At the end of the interview he said I was about to go off and have the best week of my life. Well he was spot in. This has been great. Yes I’m surfing a bit but this has been one of the best weeks of my life and I still have 1 half marathon and the 2010K to finish off this fund raising event.
I’m hoping for a big turn out to support me at the 2010K race in Stoke this Sunday.
The more runners the better.
Thanks and well done if you’ve read to this point. Sorry this blog was so long.
Bye for now. The 6 Towns Runner.
Thanks - Phil
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Call me Izzard, Phil Izzard. I like it shaken but never stirred!
So this is my latest blog. I’m now half way through my gruelling marathon fund raising for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice.
On Monday I completed my second half Marathon which started and ended in Longton town centre. I was joined at the start by the photographer from the Sentinel news paper though she didn’t run with me but I was joined by my mate Jacquie from Trentham RC at about mile 6 and together we toughed it out on another hot day back to the finish line at the town hall in Longton.
On Tuesday I started out from Tunstall for the 3rd half marathon and was surprised to find I had some company from Mike Cutler of South Cheshire Harriers who called me to say he’d like to meet me on the route and run to the end, so after a few calls and Mike asking passers by if he was on the right road we met up at mile 6 and he ran with me to the finish line where I had another great surprise as my friend Michelle whom I knew from college had waited patiently with her Husband Rich and little girl Eleanor to greet me and clap as I finished my 3rd run.
So all in all the last 2 runs have been really good and now I find I’m going to have Jacquie with me for the 4th run in Burslem which is great, it helps having other with me.
The story in tonight’s paper about my marathon fund raising is also fantastic and I’m dead chuffed to be mentioned in the same sentence as my comedy hero (and now running legend) Eddie Izzard. I owe a big thanks to Nicola for helping to get my story in the Sentinel.
Though what I’m doing is nothing to what he did for Sport Relief last summer.
So I’m half way through now and its all down hill from here on, well apart from the hill climbs in Stoke-on-Trent which I still have to run up!!!
Money has been coming in today and I hope that will continue for the rest of the week as there is no better way to support me then give a little cash to the Hospice.
Thanks so much to all who read these blogs, all who have run with me so far and to all who’ve donated; thank you very much indeed.
Phil Izzard - Izz 6 towns running; or should that be 3 towns now!
On Monday I completed my second half Marathon which started and ended in Longton town centre. I was joined at the start by the photographer from the Sentinel news paper though she didn’t run with me but I was joined by my mate Jacquie from Trentham RC at about mile 6 and together we toughed it out on another hot day back to the finish line at the town hall in Longton.
On Tuesday I started out from Tunstall for the 3rd half marathon and was surprised to find I had some company from Mike Cutler of South Cheshire Harriers who called me to say he’d like to meet me on the route and run to the end, so after a few calls and Mike asking passers by if he was on the right road we met up at mile 6 and he ran with me to the finish line where I had another great surprise as my friend Michelle whom I knew from college had waited patiently with her Husband Rich and little girl Eleanor to greet me and clap as I finished my 3rd run.
So all in all the last 2 runs have been really good and now I find I’m going to have Jacquie with me for the 4th run in Burslem which is great, it helps having other with me.
The story in tonight’s paper about my marathon fund raising is also fantastic and I’m dead chuffed to be mentioned in the same sentence as my comedy hero (and now running legend) Eddie Izzard. I owe a big thanks to Nicola for helping to get my story in the Sentinel.
Though what I’m doing is nothing to what he did for Sport Relief last summer.
So I’m half way through now and its all down hill from here on, well apart from the hill climbs in Stoke-on-Trent which I still have to run up!!!
Money has been coming in today and I hope that will continue for the rest of the week as there is no better way to support me then give a little cash to the Hospice.
Thanks so much to all who read these blogs, all who have run with me so far and to all who’ve donated; thank you very much indeed.
Phil Izzard - Izz 6 towns running; or should that be 3 towns now!
Sunday 23 May 2010
1 DOWN, 5 MORE TO GO.
With Kedren, Sarah and Mike from South Cheshire Harriers and Lisa, Tracy and her Partner Cass from Trentham running club we ran the first 6 towns run around Fenton.
OMG! Was it hot, Jesus Mary and Joseph it was hot today. I couldn’t have ran much more in that heat.
We owe a big thank you to the guy from the Scooter mobility shop who let us fill up our water bottles which was desperately needed. I must have drunk 3 litres during the run today.
Job done though 13.10 miles in the bag and the Fenton run boxed off the list.
I really enjoyed today’s run. It was great to have so many people come out and support me especially in such extreme heat too.
I do hope it cools off a wee bit. I can’t cope with this all week.
Tomorrow I’ll be running through Longton and hope to have Jackie also from my running club keeping me company for most of the run.
Oddly enough I’m looking forward to doing it all again and I also have the local paper (The Sentinel) http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/ coming out at the start to get photographs for a story they’re going to run about my mad mission to run 6 half marathons in 6 days for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice.
So far so good. I feel fine and I’m rearing to go (again)!!!
This is the 6 Towns Runners blog. Now 5 towns running.
Thanks for reading - Phil
OMG! Was it hot, Jesus Mary and Joseph it was hot today. I couldn’t have ran much more in that heat.
We owe a big thank you to the guy from the Scooter mobility shop who let us fill up our water bottles which was desperately needed. I must have drunk 3 litres during the run today.
Job done though 13.10 miles in the bag and the Fenton run boxed off the list.
I really enjoyed today’s run. It was great to have so many people come out and support me especially in such extreme heat too.
I do hope it cools off a wee bit. I can’t cope with this all week.
Tomorrow I’ll be running through Longton and hope to have Jackie also from my running club keeping me company for most of the run.
Oddly enough I’m looking forward to doing it all again and I also have the local paper (The Sentinel) http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/ coming out at the start to get photographs for a story they’re going to run about my mad mission to run 6 half marathons in 6 days for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice.
So far so good. I feel fine and I’m rearing to go (again)!!!
This is the 6 Towns Runners blog. Now 5 towns running.
Thanks for reading - Phil
Friday 21 May 2010
T: Minus 1 day. Tranquillity base the eagle is running
So it’s just one day now until I kick off my marathon running, on Sunday myself and 6 others (confirmed as of Friday night) will set off on the first of 6 back to back half marathons.
It’s going to be a hot start with temperatures at 19c by 9am and only getting hotter. So I’ll be drinking plenty of water on Saturday to hydrate ready for the start.
I can’t wait now; it seems so long ago that I embarked on this mad project to run 6 half marathons plus a 10k race all in a week all to raise money for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Trentham.
It’s a total of 84.6 miles and so far I’ve risen over £700 which is absolutely fantastic and I’m so touched by the generosity of people, not just those who I know personally but also the folk who have given who don’t know me and that really helps to know people are backing me and want me to do well and make this a success for the Hospice.
I couldn’t have gotten to this stage without you. So thanks so much for all the support so far. It’s been a tremendous journey so far and the real adventure begins this Sunday the 23rd of May in Fenton.
Please tell your friends about me and how they can donate online via http://www.6townsrun.co.uk/
Now more then ever I need people to support me by donating, if I see money coming in each day then it helps me to eat up the miles as I run around Stoke-on-Trent so please, please help me to make this event a huge susses for the Donna Louise Trust and give what you can.
Don’t forget that you can run with me on anyone my runs, run a few minutes or run the half marathon, I would love the company. I know I’m asking a lot but it would be great to have some company each day.
Lisa & Tracy fro my running club at Trentham together with Tracy’s boyfriend are joining myself, Kedren and Sarah both from South Cheshire Harriers for the first days run.
Then I’m joined by Jackie from my running club on the second days run though Longton.
I hope to have support from Cynthia on day 5 through Hanley and then if Drew isn’t held up by volcanic ash he should be supporting me on the final run together with Kedren. But anyone is welcome to join in.
All the info is on the website http://www.6townsrun.co.uk/
So wish me luck as I get myself ready to run for all I’m worth.
Phil
The 6 towns Runner.
It’s going to be a hot start with temperatures at 19c by 9am and only getting hotter. So I’ll be drinking plenty of water on Saturday to hydrate ready for the start.
I can’t wait now; it seems so long ago that I embarked on this mad project to run 6 half marathons plus a 10k race all in a week all to raise money for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Trentham.
It’s a total of 84.6 miles and so far I’ve risen over £700 which is absolutely fantastic and I’m so touched by the generosity of people, not just those who I know personally but also the folk who have given who don’t know me and that really helps to know people are backing me and want me to do well and make this a success for the Hospice.
I couldn’t have gotten to this stage without you. So thanks so much for all the support so far. It’s been a tremendous journey so far and the real adventure begins this Sunday the 23rd of May in Fenton.
Please tell your friends about me and how they can donate online via http://www.6townsrun.co.uk/
Now more then ever I need people to support me by donating, if I see money coming in each day then it helps me to eat up the miles as I run around Stoke-on-Trent so please, please help me to make this event a huge susses for the Donna Louise Trust and give what you can.
Don’t forget that you can run with me on anyone my runs, run a few minutes or run the half marathon, I would love the company. I know I’m asking a lot but it would be great to have some company each day.
Lisa & Tracy fro my running club at Trentham together with Tracy’s boyfriend are joining myself, Kedren and Sarah both from South Cheshire Harriers for the first days run.
Then I’m joined by Jackie from my running club on the second days run though Longton.
I hope to have support from Cynthia on day 5 through Hanley and then if Drew isn’t held up by volcanic ash he should be supporting me on the final run together with Kedren. But anyone is welcome to join in.
All the info is on the website http://www.6townsrun.co.uk/
So wish me luck as I get myself ready to run for all I’m worth.
Phil
The 6 towns Runner.
Sunday 16 May 2010
NO MORE TRAINING
Yes I’m as ready as I’ll ever be now. with lass then a week until the start of my first run I’ve stopped all running now.
I’ll now taper off and get as much rest as I can.
I will also stretch and do some strength work in the gym plus the odd swim or two but otherwise its pour rest and relaxation and I can’t wait.
Though I must also admit that by mid week I’m bound to be so board. I can’t actually remember what my life was like before the running. I guess I must have had a life.
Anyhow here are a few high and low points from the last 12 weeks of training.
I guess the main low point would be never having enough time to do all the things I need to do each night. Such as writing this blog, mapping my runs which I’m still finishing; fund raising and contacting the media for support designing all the advertising and t shirts and so many other things.
It has taken over my life which isn’t a bad thing but I always wish I had more time each day to do more.
I’ve adapted my body to not only cope with a lot more running each day but to also work for longer with less sleep each night.
Together with the day job it feels as though I’ve lived the last 3 months of my life in a constant state of exhaustion.
I guess that’s a high point that I’ve learned how to physically cope with so much more.
Other high points include running past a group of fishermen along the cannel last weekend only to small wacky backy! Yeah that’s a “high” point for sure.
Other high points are the obvious once, like making new friends and being so over whelmed with the generosity of people.
This has been a great journey for me so far and the best is yet to come.
So please support me and donate at www.6townsrun.co.uk
Thanks for reading my training blog and I hope you’ll read my running blog.
Thanks
Phil almost 6 towns running now….
I’ll now taper off and get as much rest as I can.
I will also stretch and do some strength work in the gym plus the odd swim or two but otherwise its pour rest and relaxation and I can’t wait.
Though I must also admit that by mid week I’m bound to be so board. I can’t actually remember what my life was like before the running. I guess I must have had a life.
Anyhow here are a few high and low points from the last 12 weeks of training.
I guess the main low point would be never having enough time to do all the things I need to do each night. Such as writing this blog, mapping my runs which I’m still finishing; fund raising and contacting the media for support designing all the advertising and t shirts and so many other things.
It has taken over my life which isn’t a bad thing but I always wish I had more time each day to do more.
I’ve adapted my body to not only cope with a lot more running each day but to also work for longer with less sleep each night.
Together with the day job it feels as though I’ve lived the last 3 months of my life in a constant state of exhaustion.
I guess that’s a high point that I’ve learned how to physically cope with so much more.
Other high points include running past a group of fishermen along the cannel last weekend only to small wacky backy! Yeah that’s a “high” point for sure.
Other high points are the obvious once, like making new friends and being so over whelmed with the generosity of people.
This has been a great journey for me so far and the best is yet to come.
So please support me and donate at www.6townsrun.co.uk
Thanks for reading my training blog and I hope you’ll read my running blog.
Thanks
Phil almost 6 towns running now….
Monday 10 May 2010
Through the wind, through the rain and through the heat. I WILL RUN!
Had an ok 10 mile run tonight, but like on so many runs by the end my hands were so cold I’d lost all filling in them. It’s bloody painful and really gets me down.
Then I subject my self to an ice bath! oh joy of joys… Only lasted about 10 minutes but that will do!
I want to hit the 50 mile target by the end of this week, my last week of training before I taper off ready to hit the city with the BIG SIX RUNS for charity.
So I need another 40 miles which kinda means another 4 runs of 10 miles or more. No problem!!! – he says!!!
Had a good run at Tree Tops 10K last Sunday with a time of 54:32. I’m 50 seconds of my best time over 10ks which is 53:40 so that’s not too bad. It was a super day out as it always is down at Trentham Gardens.
Best news of all I still have my competitive pace and I came away injury free.
I had thought that if I push too hard to run a good time I’ll pull up with a muscle problem but it went ok.
Keep on running.
Phil Iz 6 Towns Running in less then 2 weeks now!!! Gulp…
Then I subject my self to an ice bath! oh joy of joys… Only lasted about 10 minutes but that will do!
I want to hit the 50 mile target by the end of this week, my last week of training before I taper off ready to hit the city with the BIG SIX RUNS for charity.
So I need another 40 miles which kinda means another 4 runs of 10 miles or more. No problem!!! – he says!!!
Had a good run at Tree Tops 10K last Sunday with a time of 54:32. I’m 50 seconds of my best time over 10ks which is 53:40 so that’s not too bad. It was a super day out as it always is down at Trentham Gardens.
Best news of all I still have my competitive pace and I came away injury free.
I had thought that if I push too hard to run a good time I’ll pull up with a muscle problem but it went ok.
Keep on running.
Phil Iz 6 Towns Running in less then 2 weeks now!!! Gulp…
Thursday 6 May 2010
Bloody politics and aliens....
Training blog for the 6th of May 2010
Only a quick blog post as I’ve lots to do, like sleeping!
Ran 9.53 miles tonight mostly with a few runners from Trentham RC (my running club). I was happy with that for the day but then I got home realised I’d not voted and as I’d got my running kit on thought well why not get the mileage up a little more and dash over to the polling station. As you do!
I hope my member of parliament appreciates the lengths I’ll go to just to put a bloody cross against a name!
So total miles ran today is now at 10.3 something!
Oh and you can tell when you’re tired by (1) putting the hot tap on instead of the cold one when getting my ice bath ready and (2) putting a saucepan of pasta on one hob and then turning the other hob on and then wondering why nothings cooking.
Yes I’m tired; in fact I was tired as soon as I got out of bed this morning.
I think I’m being abducted in my sleep by tiny grey aliens, you know the one’s with the big black eyes. Very scary looking apart from being the size of hobbits!
And they are keeping me awake. It could explain the odd bruising on my rib cage!!!
I need to get a hold of agent Scully ASAP. Something’s wrong. I’m gonna sleep with the light on tonight….
Or am I just getting a bit stressed out as the big 6 runs approach?
Its time to get the house brick ready and knock my self out each night.
Good night all. ZZZZZZZZ
Only a quick blog post as I’ve lots to do, like sleeping!
Ran 9.53 miles tonight mostly with a few runners from Trentham RC (my running club). I was happy with that for the day but then I got home realised I’d not voted and as I’d got my running kit on thought well why not get the mileage up a little more and dash over to the polling station. As you do!
I hope my member of parliament appreciates the lengths I’ll go to just to put a bloody cross against a name!
So total miles ran today is now at 10.3 something!
Oh and you can tell when you’re tired by (1) putting the hot tap on instead of the cold one when getting my ice bath ready and (2) putting a saucepan of pasta on one hob and then turning the other hob on and then wondering why nothings cooking.
Yes I’m tired; in fact I was tired as soon as I got out of bed this morning.
I think I’m being abducted in my sleep by tiny grey aliens, you know the one’s with the big black eyes. Very scary looking apart from being the size of hobbits!
And they are keeping me awake. It could explain the odd bruising on my rib cage!!!
I need to get a hold of agent Scully ASAP. Something’s wrong. I’m gonna sleep with the light on tonight….
Or am I just getting a bit stressed out as the big 6 runs approach?
Its time to get the house brick ready and knock my self out each night.
Good night all. ZZZZZZZZ
Tuesday 4 May 2010
baby we were born to run - Bruce Springsteen...
I do like the Boss (Bruce Springsteen)
I feel really good tonight, after a lot of calls and emails I’ve finally got some positive news from Signal Radio’s Signal 1.
Though they can’t give me on air time they are happy to give updates of my progress and money raised.
This is fantastic news as it’s the most listened to breakfast show in the area and I’m chuffed to bits that there are on board, in a smaller way then I’d hoped but its better then nothing.
Now for the news papers and other radio stations in the area. I’ll not give in and I’ll keep banging on doors until they open. Hey it only took two weeks, 2 phone calls and 3 emails to make Signal radio understand that I’m not going away until I get what I want.
I’ll give you a money back guarantee that you’ll not meet a more stubborn man then me! I will not be stopped… This is why those closest to me knew that when I announced my running challenge to world that it was going to happen and nothing will stop me.
So watch out BBC Radio Stoke, you’re next!
Ok as far as the running going; I did a gentle 4.25 miles on Monday on the Longton run (made a video blog too).
Tuesday evening I have run about 9 miles (no Garmin so it’s only an estimate). The brake down of that is about 3 miles from Trentham RC along the Cannel and back to the club along Cow lane and Hanford. Then 6 miles confirmed from someone else using a forerunner on the club run so it’s all good. Maybe still running a bit quick when with the gang from Trentham but I’m feeling strong.
I do need to amend today’s video blog when I said I had no injuries, that’s not quite true.
Strangely I’ve got what appears to be bruising on my rib cage! Don’t have a clue who that could have happened but I did feel it; only very slightly but I’ll keep an eye on it.
Anyway I don’t think I have done to bad today considering I’ve only had 4 and half hour shut eye and my 7am spin class.
With that in mind I think its time to crawl into bed and collapse for the night.
Good night from Phil who IZZ 6 Towns Running for real very soon……!
I feel really good tonight, after a lot of calls and emails I’ve finally got some positive news from Signal Radio’s Signal 1.
Though they can’t give me on air time they are happy to give updates of my progress and money raised.
This is fantastic news as it’s the most listened to breakfast show in the area and I’m chuffed to bits that there are on board, in a smaller way then I’d hoped but its better then nothing.
Now for the news papers and other radio stations in the area. I’ll not give in and I’ll keep banging on doors until they open. Hey it only took two weeks, 2 phone calls and 3 emails to make Signal radio understand that I’m not going away until I get what I want.
I’ll give you a money back guarantee that you’ll not meet a more stubborn man then me! I will not be stopped… This is why those closest to me knew that when I announced my running challenge to world that it was going to happen and nothing will stop me.
So watch out BBC Radio Stoke, you’re next!
Ok as far as the running going; I did a gentle 4.25 miles on Monday on the Longton run (made a video blog too).
Tuesday evening I have run about 9 miles (no Garmin so it’s only an estimate). The brake down of that is about 3 miles from Trentham RC along the Cannel and back to the club along Cow lane and Hanford. Then 6 miles confirmed from someone else using a forerunner on the club run so it’s all good. Maybe still running a bit quick when with the gang from Trentham but I’m feeling strong.
I do need to amend today’s video blog when I said I had no injuries, that’s not quite true.
Strangely I’ve got what appears to be bruising on my rib cage! Don’t have a clue who that could have happened but I did feel it; only very slightly but I’ll keep an eye on it.
Anyway I don’t think I have done to bad today considering I’ve only had 4 and half hour shut eye and my 7am spin class.
With that in mind I think its time to crawl into bed and collapse for the night.
Good night from Phil who IZZ 6 Towns Running for real very soon……!
Sunday 2 May 2010
A good weeks running
I know I sound like a broken record but I’ve hit my miles target for the week which was set at 45.
I have run 45.5 miles in 6 days with Monday and Wednesday as rest days.
It’s all good. I even attempted and failed to make a training video blog while out running in Burslem this afternoon.
I had the camera the wrong way up and so I’m horizontal, I may be a laid back guy but the video just looked even more ridicules.
Its bad enough watching me sweat and gasp my way around with out having to tilt you head to one side to do it!
I’ll try another one tomorrow now I know what I’m doing. Watch out James Cameron, Phil is learning how to video stuff!
Maybe that’s my follow up project. I’ll run in costume as an avatar, essentially it’s just a big smurf really!
I can run in blue make up….
Anyhow here’s the training blog update stuff:- I ran 9 miles around part of the Tunstall run on Friday evening.
Ran a total of 9 miles on Saturday inc 5 at Bourne Sports with the rest from finishing my mapping in Fenton.
I then ran 9 miles on Sunday afternoon to make it up to 45.5 in total.
The Sunday run was through Burslem Town.
I’m not sure if I should stick at 45 miles for next week or up it to 50, I don’t feel like I’m over training but the legs are a bit tight in places. I’m sure that’s to be expected.
I also want to run tomorrow as I’m off work and fancy going to Longton and running the bits I’m unsure about. Mainly were roads link up with Florence Park. Plus I’m going to crack this video malarkey and post a training video blog for all to see / laugh at.
I’m feeling happy, confident and ready to run.
Phil – 6 Towns and counting down to the big day now….
I have run 45.5 miles in 6 days with Monday and Wednesday as rest days.
It’s all good. I even attempted and failed to make a training video blog while out running in Burslem this afternoon.
I had the camera the wrong way up and so I’m horizontal, I may be a laid back guy but the video just looked even more ridicules.
Its bad enough watching me sweat and gasp my way around with out having to tilt you head to one side to do it!
I’ll try another one tomorrow now I know what I’m doing. Watch out James Cameron, Phil is learning how to video stuff!
Maybe that’s my follow up project. I’ll run in costume as an avatar, essentially it’s just a big smurf really!
I can run in blue make up….
Anyhow here’s the training blog update stuff:- I ran 9 miles around part of the Tunstall run on Friday evening.
Ran a total of 9 miles on Saturday inc 5 at Bourne Sports with the rest from finishing my mapping in Fenton.
I then ran 9 miles on Sunday afternoon to make it up to 45.5 in total.
The Sunday run was through Burslem Town.
I’m not sure if I should stick at 45 miles for next week or up it to 50, I don’t feel like I’m over training but the legs are a bit tight in places. I’m sure that’s to be expected.
I also want to run tomorrow as I’m off work and fancy going to Longton and running the bits I’m unsure about. Mainly were roads link up with Florence Park. Plus I’m going to crack this video malarkey and post a training video blog for all to see / laugh at.
I’m feeling happy, confident and ready to run.
Phil – 6 Towns and counting down to the big day now….
Saturday 1 May 2010
I’m an athlete...
...trapped inside the body of an average man
I may not look like an athlete but I feel like I’ve adopted the life style of a top sportsman.
I’ve come to realise that I can’t have a social life (not that I have one anyway) but I have to get enough sleep / rest and make sure I’m focused ready for each days training run or in today’s case runs.
I have to eat the right things and not let my self become hungry. This I’ve noticed is a fringe benefit to all the training. Food taste’s better and I get to each more of it “a lot more”!
Though to be honest I’m eating better quality foods like better cuts of chicken or turkey.
A down side is that I can’t really drink alcohol in large amounts now.
I fear that if I have 3 pints or more I will (1) fall asleep on the pub table. (2) Find a way to poll dance through my extreme drunkenness.
Neither option compels me to head down to the local pub with mates who are for more acclimatised to beer and its effects on the body.
So I find that my social life now revolves around me having conversations with my self while out running. I think I may be going mad!
In fact my life revolves around runnng.
So far this week I’ve clocked up 36 and half miles.
I’ve come along way since I started to prepare for this challenge and I’ve adapted to all the changes I’ve made to my life style so that I can be confident that my body won’t fall apart after a couple of the runs…!
It’s all going well.
Thanks to all who’ve donated so far and to any who read my blog and haven’t then please, please support me by chucking a couple of quid in my online donations tin at justgiving.com/6townsrun
Thanks all
Phil – 6 Towns Running athlete
I may not look like an athlete but I feel like I’ve adopted the life style of a top sportsman.
I’ve come to realise that I can’t have a social life (not that I have one anyway) but I have to get enough sleep / rest and make sure I’m focused ready for each days training run or in today’s case runs.
I have to eat the right things and not let my self become hungry. This I’ve noticed is a fringe benefit to all the training. Food taste’s better and I get to each more of it “a lot more”!
Though to be honest I’m eating better quality foods like better cuts of chicken or turkey.
A down side is that I can’t really drink alcohol in large amounts now.
I fear that if I have 3 pints or more I will (1) fall asleep on the pub table. (2) Find a way to poll dance through my extreme drunkenness.
Neither option compels me to head down to the local pub with mates who are for more acclimatised to beer and its effects on the body.
So I find that my social life now revolves around me having conversations with my self while out running. I think I may be going mad!
In fact my life revolves around runnng.
So far this week I’ve clocked up 36 and half miles.
I’ve come along way since I started to prepare for this challenge and I’ve adapted to all the changes I’ve made to my life style so that I can be confident that my body won’t fall apart after a couple of the runs…!
It’s all going well.
Thanks to all who’ve donated so far and to any who read my blog and haven’t then please, please support me by chucking a couple of quid in my online donations tin at justgiving.com/6townsrun
Thanks all
Phil – 6 Towns Running athlete
Thursday 29 April 2010
A quick update
I’ve not had much free time to blog this week but just to keep up with the training side of things my target this week is to run 45 miles.
I ran 11 on Tuesday partly with my club buddies at Trentham and I then pushed on after the club run to build up my mileage.
Tonight I ran on my own as I wanted to run part of the Tunstall run (day 3).
I missed my club mates from Trentham RC as it’s nice to know you’re not the only nutter running in the pouring rain! I fixed part of the route and put another 10 miles in the bag Officially 9.96 but I’m calling it 10…!
I was cold, wet and pretty fed up by the time I got back to the car but it’s done and I feel better for getting out and doing it.
One thing of note from running another part of one of my routes, I don’t like it when I run out of pavement and I have to run along side the traffic in the road.
as much as a third of the day 3 run is on country lanes without any pavement so I have to be really careful on these parts.
In other news, a trip to the dentist this week resulted in putting up two posters, handing out some flyers and business cards to the dentist and staff at Lyme Dental Surgery.
Yes I am now actually obsessed with publicising the 6 Towns Run anywhere and everywhere.
Phil
6 Towns Run obsessive!
I ran 11 on Tuesday partly with my club buddies at Trentham and I then pushed on after the club run to build up my mileage.
Tonight I ran on my own as I wanted to run part of the Tunstall run (day 3).
I missed my club mates from Trentham RC as it’s nice to know you’re not the only nutter running in the pouring rain! I fixed part of the route and put another 10 miles in the bag Officially 9.96 but I’m calling it 10…!
I was cold, wet and pretty fed up by the time I got back to the car but it’s done and I feel better for getting out and doing it.
One thing of note from running another part of one of my routes, I don’t like it when I run out of pavement and I have to run along side the traffic in the road.
as much as a third of the day 3 run is on country lanes without any pavement so I have to be really careful on these parts.
In other news, a trip to the dentist this week resulted in putting up two posters, handing out some flyers and business cards to the dentist and staff at Lyme Dental Surgery.
Yes I am now actually obsessed with publicising the 6 Towns Run anywhere and everywhere.
Phil
6 Towns Run obsessive!
Sunday 25 April 2010
Crossing a threshold
I’ve crossed the threshold this week; I’ve never run more then 35 miles in one week.
I’ve hit my miles target of 40 miles for the week and I’m very chuffed.
Though when I’m on the official big 6 runs I’ll be doing double that in a week! Gulp…!!!
It’s been a really good week and a great weekend, I feel so good and strong that it’s scary!
I need to keep controlled and not go and over do it just because I feel like a super hero doesn’t make me one. I don’t want to become over confident and pick up an injury from going to fast or doing too much.
I’m also amazed by how much I’m able to do each day. Everything seems so overwhelming and yet I’m ticking things off each day and somehow getting this event off the ground and getting my mind and body to the place it needs to be ready for the pavement pounding to come!
I’m truly testing my self like never before and I’ve never worked so hard at anything as I am for this. Its amazing what you can do when you push yourself.
I’m not going to say this is a life changing event for me as I’m still Phil and always will be but I do like what’s happening both physically and physiologically.
I’ve never had a wash board stomach before and I like the new chiselled features too
I’m also much more confident too. So right now on this incredible journey its all win win, both for me as a person and for all the cash I raise for the children’s hospice.
Phil Izz 6 Towns running.
I’ve hit my miles target of 40 miles for the week and I’m very chuffed.
Though when I’m on the official big 6 runs I’ll be doing double that in a week! Gulp…!!!
It’s been a really good week and a great weekend, I feel so good and strong that it’s scary!
I need to keep controlled and not go and over do it just because I feel like a super hero doesn’t make me one. I don’t want to become over confident and pick up an injury from going to fast or doing too much.
I’m also amazed by how much I’m able to do each day. Everything seems so overwhelming and yet I’m ticking things off each day and somehow getting this event off the ground and getting my mind and body to the place it needs to be ready for the pavement pounding to come!
I’m truly testing my self like never before and I’ve never worked so hard at anything as I am for this. Its amazing what you can do when you push yourself.
I’m not going to say this is a life changing event for me as I’m still Phil and always will be but I do like what’s happening both physically and physiologically.
I’ve never had a wash board stomach before and I like the new chiselled features too
I’m also much more confident too. So right now on this incredible journey its all win win, both for me as a person and for all the cash I raise for the children’s hospice.
Phil Izz 6 Towns running.
Thursday 22 April 2010
All good, feeling strong.
I’m feeling really good at the moment, I had a couple of bad runs last week and that dented my confidence a little but I’ve bounced back from it; as I knew I would.
I ran 10 miles on Tuesday and 9 tonight so I’m on target to hit 40 miles by the end of the week.
I feel strong and my head is in a good place right now. It’s all going well.
I had my first foreign donation this week; well I’m classing Scotland as foreign parts! My running total (no pun intended) is past £500 now, so I’m really pleased and want to push on into 4 figures now and just keep going and going.
In other news, my reaction to seeing a plane in the sky the other day was probably way over the top. It’s not like I’m out of the 1800’s!!!
Weekend plans include running parts of the Fenton and Longton runs and finishing the route map for Tunstall and getting in a swim and of course some more running.
Good luck to all who are running in London on Sunday.
Phil
The 6 Towns Runner.
I ran 10 miles on Tuesday and 9 tonight so I’m on target to hit 40 miles by the end of the week.
I feel strong and my head is in a good place right now. It’s all going well.
I had my first foreign donation this week; well I’m classing Scotland as foreign parts! My running total (no pun intended) is past £500 now, so I’m really pleased and want to push on into 4 figures now and just keep going and going.
In other news, my reaction to seeing a plane in the sky the other day was probably way over the top. It’s not like I’m out of the 1800’s!!!
Weekend plans include running parts of the Fenton and Longton runs and finishing the route map for Tunstall and getting in a swim and of course some more running.
Good luck to all who are running in London on Sunday.
Phil
The 6 Towns Runner.
Monday 19 April 2010
The blog of the week that was
Didn’t have much time over the last weekend to blog my latest training runs.
The big new is I hit my mark and ran between 36 and 37 miles last week, comfortably hitting me 35 miles target.
I honestly thought I may miss the week’s goal, but I got there in the end.
Also caught a wee bit of the sun over the weekend too
No injuries to report, all feels good and I’m getting plenty of sleep at the moment. In fact I feel pretty good at the moment. Every things going well, long may that continue!
I’ll do a long run tomorrow night in conjunction with a club run at Trentham RC. Maybe 10 + miles.
Did some good strength work in the gym tonight and that’s a key part to this and I’ve neglected it recently but I need to keep on top of that.
Though my diet has always been very good I’m adding a few new items to the menu such as peanut butter and granola bars. All good stuff.
I’ve 4 weeks of hard training eating and resting now and then the taper down week and then its game on.
A bit about the weekends runs.
Saturday, 6 and a half miles around part of the Tunstall route.
Sunday, at least 8 miles around some of the Fenton run.
That brings you up to date on the running.
Much more in the coming days and weeks.
Phil 6 Towns runner – signing off…
The big new is I hit my mark and ran between 36 and 37 miles last week, comfortably hitting me 35 miles target.
I honestly thought I may miss the week’s goal, but I got there in the end.
Also caught a wee bit of the sun over the weekend too
No injuries to report, all feels good and I’m getting plenty of sleep at the moment. In fact I feel pretty good at the moment. Every things going well, long may that continue!
I’ll do a long run tomorrow night in conjunction with a club run at Trentham RC. Maybe 10 + miles.
Did some good strength work in the gym tonight and that’s a key part to this and I’ve neglected it recently but I need to keep on top of that.
Though my diet has always been very good I’m adding a few new items to the menu such as peanut butter and granola bars. All good stuff.
I’ve 4 weeks of hard training eating and resting now and then the taper down week and then its game on.
A bit about the weekends runs.
Saturday, 6 and a half miles around part of the Tunstall route.
Sunday, at least 8 miles around some of the Fenton run.
That brings you up to date on the running.
Much more in the coming days and weeks.
Phil 6 Towns runner – signing off…
Saturday 17 April 2010
Another day another run around the towns
Feeling good today, my legs still have a few aches and pains but otherwise I’m fine. Ran 6 and a half miles around part of the Tunstall route today. It’s quite hilly!!!
Then its was straight into the pool for a swim, managed 20 odd lengths.
So no ice bath today as I was at the gym.
What’s with the ice baths?
The ice bath is thought to constrict blood vessels and flush waste products, like lactic acid, out of the affected tissues.
Decrease metabolic activity and slow down physiological processes.
Reduce swelling and tissue breakdown.
Then, with re-warming, the increased blood flow speeds circulation, and in turn, improves the healing process.
I will also sometime use hot cold therapy to help reduce soreness. This is where I have an ice bath and then later have a hot bath and use a heat spray too.
I need to get my ice baths colder….
I have to run about 7 more miles this weekend to hit my 35 + miles target and its been a hard slog this week, really hard at times. There’ll be tears before this is over.
I’m at the business end of the training now and the next 4 weeks will push me like I’ve never known.
This is how committed I am to making this work and raising as much money for the hospice as I can.
I’ll find out where my breaking point is over the next few weeks and then I’ll push on from there!
Nothing that’s worth doing in life is easy!
Phil – 6 Towns Running
Then its was straight into the pool for a swim, managed 20 odd lengths.
So no ice bath today as I was at the gym.
What’s with the ice baths?
The ice bath is thought to constrict blood vessels and flush waste products, like lactic acid, out of the affected tissues.
Decrease metabolic activity and slow down physiological processes.
Reduce swelling and tissue breakdown.
Then, with re-warming, the increased blood flow speeds circulation, and in turn, improves the healing process.
I will also sometime use hot cold therapy to help reduce soreness. This is where I have an ice bath and then later have a hot bath and use a heat spray too.
I need to get my ice baths colder….
I have to run about 7 more miles this weekend to hit my 35 + miles target and its been a hard slog this week, really hard at times. There’ll be tears before this is over.
I’m at the business end of the training now and the next 4 weeks will push me like I’ve never known.
This is how committed I am to making this work and raising as much money for the hospice as I can.
I’ll find out where my breaking point is over the next few weeks and then I’ll push on from there!
Nothing that’s worth doing in life is easy!
Phil – 6 Towns Running
Thursday 15 April 2010
Everyday is about survival now
Everything hurts tonight, tight muscles in my left quad, aching right foot and toes and general fatigue in my legs and feet.
I ran 14 miles tonight, which I’m pretty pleased with, no record time and some short walks when my right foot started to hurt.
I may have over done it today but I need these longer runs to help condition the legs to take more and more. I’ve promised my body a holiday somewhere nice in June if it will stick with me for my big 6 runs! Hehe…..
I may be hurting a bit but I still have my humour!
So that’s 22 miles ran in 2 days, think I’ll have tomorrow off and let my poor body recover a bit.
At least I’d got my gloves on and a long sleeve base layer, yeah all the winter kit is back in use, this is a bloody ice age we’re living through not a prolonged winter.
On that note its time for some much needed sleep.
Phil
The (mad) 6 Towns Runner.
I ran 14 miles tonight, which I’m pretty pleased with, no record time and some short walks when my right foot started to hurt.
I may have over done it today but I need these longer runs to help condition the legs to take more and more. I’ve promised my body a holiday somewhere nice in June if it will stick with me for my big 6 runs! Hehe…..
I may be hurting a bit but I still have my humour!
So that’s 22 miles ran in 2 days, think I’ll have tomorrow off and let my poor body recover a bit.
At least I’d got my gloves on and a long sleeve base layer, yeah all the winter kit is back in use, this is a bloody ice age we’re living through not a prolonged winter.
On that note its time for some much needed sleep.
Phil
The (mad) 6 Towns Runner.
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Bad running
Had my first bad run tonight, I guess it was inevitable but I’m sooo not amused… about 9 miles though which is pleasing.
I went down to Weston Coyney and ran part of the Longton route.
It all started so well but as soon as the sun went down so did the temperature.
By the time I got back to the car I’d lost all feelings in my fingers and was so cold I could’ve cried.
Worse still I thought I’d ran 9 miles but it was just slightly less then 8 which has annoyed me to say the least.
Oh well it all counts and that was my first run after 3 rest days.
The days off are as important as the training days as I need time to fully recover and let the fatigue in my legs ease away.
Anyhow I have a big run planned for tomorrow. So I’ll let you know how that goes.
Phil
6 Towns running….
I went down to Weston Coyney and ran part of the Longton route.
It all started so well but as soon as the sun went down so did the temperature.
By the time I got back to the car I’d lost all feelings in my fingers and was so cold I could’ve cried.
Worse still I thought I’d ran 9 miles but it was just slightly less then 8 which has annoyed me to say the least.
Oh well it all counts and that was my first run after 3 rest days.
The days off are as important as the training days as I need time to fully recover and let the fatigue in my legs ease away.
Anyhow I have a big run planned for tomorrow. So I’ll let you know how that goes.
Phil
6 Towns running….
Sunday 11 April 2010
On the long & winding road…
Another week of training completed. I’ve started to plan the routes which I’ll run. As expected, it’s a complete nightmare to find a 13 mile route through each of the 6 towns without too much overlap.
So far I’ve made a map for the Fenton run which will the first half marathon and ran part of the route to familiarise myself with the roads and parks I’ll run through.
I expect Fenton to be the most winding route as I don’t want to end up in Stoke, Longton or Hanley so I’m limited in where I can run without creating an overlap into one of the other runs.
During the 6 runs I will be running with a Garmin GPS Forerunner and each day’s run data and mileage will be uploaded to Google maps as a means to show that I’m achieving my half marathon targets each day.
It was nice to run part of one of my official half marathon routes though. It makes it feel more real.
I comfortably hit my 30 miles target for the week and estimate that I’ve ran at least 31 miles. Next weeks target is + 35 miles with 1 long run of more then 10 miles.
It’s all going well and in 2 weeks of fund rising I’ve raised more then £400 so I’m thrilled.
Lots more mapping and running to come in the next few weeks.
Phil
The 6 Towns Runner.
So far I’ve made a map for the Fenton run which will the first half marathon and ran part of the route to familiarise myself with the roads and parks I’ll run through.
I expect Fenton to be the most winding route as I don’t want to end up in Stoke, Longton or Hanley so I’m limited in where I can run without creating an overlap into one of the other runs.
During the 6 runs I will be running with a Garmin GPS Forerunner and each day’s run data and mileage will be uploaded to Google maps as a means to show that I’m achieving my half marathon targets each day.
It was nice to run part of one of my official half marathon routes though. It makes it feel more real.
I comfortably hit my 30 miles target for the week and estimate that I’ve ran at least 31 miles. Next weeks target is + 35 miles with 1 long run of more then 10 miles.
It’s all going well and in 2 weeks of fund rising I’ve raised more then £400 so I’m thrilled.
Lots more mapping and running to come in the next few weeks.
Phil
The 6 Towns Runner.
Friday 9 April 2010
Summer running had me a blast, Summer running happened so fast…
But oh those summer nights. Tell me more, tell me more….
Yep I now declare winter OVER! I had me a great run this afternoon all off road in the warm spring sunshine. Lovely!
Inspired by Keith Robins who’s approaching the finish line of The Marathon Des Sables, described as the toughest foot race on Earth. 240km across the Moroccan Sahara I decided to do a run on sand and so headed off to Parkhall country Park where the terrain is very sandy from all the sandstone in that area.
Please lend your support to what Keith is going through and follow him from this facebook link.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=755262194#!/keithandbrett?ref=mf
Keith is raising money for 3 local hospices.
Parkhall at Weston Coyney is an ideal cross country run as the terrain is so varied, from forest to wetlands to sandy valleys with sharp sandstone cliffs towering above.
It’s very picturesque and has put me in a great mood especially as the weather was warm.
I ran for about 1 hour 20 so I’m putting that in the log as 7 miles which is an understatement but I’ve yet to invest in a Garmin Forerunner (other brands are available) so I’ll say it’s a good 7 miles run.
The sat nav for runners (Garmin thingy) is on the list of things I will buy for the runs.
So I’ve only got to run 10 more miles this week to hit the 30 mile target.
Its all good summer running…
Phil
The 6 Towns Runner
Yep I now declare winter OVER! I had me a great run this afternoon all off road in the warm spring sunshine. Lovely!
Inspired by Keith Robins who’s approaching the finish line of The Marathon Des Sables, described as the toughest foot race on Earth. 240km across the Moroccan Sahara I decided to do a run on sand and so headed off to Parkhall country Park where the terrain is very sandy from all the sandstone in that area.
Please lend your support to what Keith is going through and follow him from this facebook link.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=755262194#!/keithandbrett?ref=mf
Keith is raising money for 3 local hospices.
Parkhall at Weston Coyney is an ideal cross country run as the terrain is so varied, from forest to wetlands to sandy valleys with sharp sandstone cliffs towering above.
It’s very picturesque and has put me in a great mood especially as the weather was warm.
I ran for about 1 hour 20 so I’m putting that in the log as 7 miles which is an understatement but I’ve yet to invest in a Garmin Forerunner (other brands are available) so I’ll say it’s a good 7 miles run.
The sat nav for runners (Garmin thingy) is on the list of things I will buy for the runs.
So I’ve only got to run 10 more miles this week to hit the 30 mile target.
Its all good summer running…
Phil
The 6 Towns Runner
Thursday 8 April 2010
Its been a few good days
Lots happening right now at 6 Towns Run HQ.
Stoke-on-Trent city council are putting together a press release for the 2010K run which forms the final part of my marathon fund raiser and are keen for me to lend my support to encourage other charity runners to take part in the 2010K in Stoke on Sunday the 30th of May.
This will be great for me as it will start to generate interest in the 6 Towns Run and raise more money for the Donna Louise Childrens Hospice Trust.
I have some new T shirt designs to print next week to give further publicity to the cause.
And my fund raising total is now approaching £300 which is just brilliant.
On a training point, I’m feeling great and have so far run 13 miles this week.
I did 7 miles with Trentham RC tonight and will now plan a longer run over the next 3 days.
Best news of all I think I can put my winter running gear away until next winter now. Spring has sprung, finally!
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Tuesday’s running log
I’m a bit worn out after a 5am start, a 7am spinning class and a full day in the office and then a 6 mile run along the river Trent with Trentham RC.
It’s all good and I feel rested after a couple of days off over Easter.
Got lots to do this week, I still need to fit in another 24 miles into the next 5 days.
I reckon I’ll sleep well tonight.
It’s all good and I feel rested after a couple of days off over Easter.
Got lots to do this week, I still need to fit in another 24 miles into the next 5 days.
I reckon I’ll sleep well tonight.
Sunday 4 April 2010
Keeping the momentum going
As another weeks training draws to a close I can report a good week of fund raising. My thanks go out to the drinkers of the Sneyd Arms in Sneyd Green who donated almost £80 on Good Friday, well done and thanks a million.
This money will be banked on Tuesday and then transferred to the justgiving account.
Word is spreading and the facebook page is gaining new fans everyday.
Overall I’m happy with how things are progressing; it’s now about keeping this momentum going so we can really push on and raise as much money for the hospice as humanly possible.
On a training front I’m feeling good both physically and emotionally, I say emotionally because I believe two thirds of completing this challenge are making sure I’m mentally strong.
I have an enormous amount of mental strength and discipline so I’m not concerned about this to much but I have had a few down days this week when I just didn’t want to get up and run through the cold wet weather but I did and I will next week too, and the week after that and so on until I’m standing there at the start of my first of 6 half marathons. If I’m honest I can’t wait for that first morning and to kick off the runs. I know its going to be great.
Training log stuff then; my weekly target was 25 miles. I ran 26.7 miles in 6 days. Next weeks target is set at 30 miles, 1 spinning class and at least 1 long swim plus strength work in the gym.
Tomorrow is a rest day and for the first time in a long time I’m not setting an alarm. A nice long sleep in, can’t wait.
The 6 towns runner signing off on another good week, happy Easter.
This money will be banked on Tuesday and then transferred to the justgiving account.
Word is spreading and the facebook page is gaining new fans everyday.
Overall I’m happy with how things are progressing; it’s now about keeping this momentum going so we can really push on and raise as much money for the hospice as humanly possible.
On a training front I’m feeling good both physically and emotionally, I say emotionally because I believe two thirds of completing this challenge are making sure I’m mentally strong.
I have an enormous amount of mental strength and discipline so I’m not concerned about this to much but I have had a few down days this week when I just didn’t want to get up and run through the cold wet weather but I did and I will next week too, and the week after that and so on until I’m standing there at the start of my first of 6 half marathons. If I’m honest I can’t wait for that first morning and to kick off the runs. I know its going to be great.
Training log stuff then; my weekly target was 25 miles. I ran 26.7 miles in 6 days. Next weeks target is set at 30 miles, 1 spinning class and at least 1 long swim plus strength work in the gym.
Tomorrow is a rest day and for the first time in a long time I’m not setting an alarm. A nice long sleep in, can’t wait.
The 6 towns runner signing off on another good week, happy Easter.
Friday 2 April 2010
And another 9 miles collected. Couldn’t I have been a stamp collector instead?
I’m in a real miserable mood today. I forced myself out to run today.
It was a proper battle of wills to go running at 8.20am on a cold wet and wind swept Good Friday.
Well it’s done now and no I don’t feel better for doing it.
Don’t get me wrong I’m very glad I’ve gotten it out of the way. I now just have a short run to complete my miles target for the week.
I’m just so fed up of this weather, the instructions which came with me do say, and I quote the manual which I come with “Phil is designed to operate best at between 25c and 30c degrees.
Yeah I know! As a runner I should be happier to run in cooler weather then heat but come on I’m sure you’d agree that we’ve had enough of the winter now.
Taking a couple of inches of snow off the car yesterday wasn’t a good April fool’s joke.
And what really adds to today’s frustration is the fact I couldn’t get any wine gums as the corner shop was shut! Dam!!!
Anyhow I did 9 miles this morning (2nd April 10) at a slow pace as I’d not had a restful sleep last night and had no energy! My ankle felt ok in the new runners and I suspect it may be my Achilles heel which has a very slight malfunction!
So I’ll keep an eye out for that but I’m hopeful it will be ok.
21 and half miles in the bag this week, so with a short 5 mile run tomorrow I’ll have hit my miles target for the week which was 25. Its all good.
Enjoy the Easter weekend
Phil
The 6 towns runner
It was a proper battle of wills to go running at 8.20am on a cold wet and wind swept Good Friday.
Well it’s done now and no I don’t feel better for doing it.
Don’t get me wrong I’m very glad I’ve gotten it out of the way. I now just have a short run to complete my miles target for the week.
I’m just so fed up of this weather, the instructions which came with me do say, and I quote the manual which I come with “Phil is designed to operate best at between 25c and 30c degrees.
Yeah I know! As a runner I should be happier to run in cooler weather then heat but come on I’m sure you’d agree that we’ve had enough of the winter now.
Taking a couple of inches of snow off the car yesterday wasn’t a good April fool’s joke.
And what really adds to today’s frustration is the fact I couldn’t get any wine gums as the corner shop was shut! Dam!!!
Anyhow I did 9 miles this morning (2nd April 10) at a slow pace as I’d not had a restful sleep last night and had no energy! My ankle felt ok in the new runners and I suspect it may be my Achilles heel which has a very slight malfunction!
So I’ll keep an eye out for that but I’m hopeful it will be ok.
21 and half miles in the bag this week, so with a short 5 mile run tomorrow I’ll have hit my miles target for the week which was 25. Its all good.
Enjoy the Easter weekend
Phil
The 6 towns runner
Thursday 1 April 2010
Another 6 an half miles in the bag
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face!
Another 6 and half miles in the bag
Yeah, I’ve been surfing the web for some nice quotes I can say to myself when I’m running by my self. Yes I know; I’m a very sad creature…
Had a club run around Hanchurch tonight, not too many of use today. Most must have ether been scared off by the truly dreadful weather or are away for Easter.
No Easter break for me, I’ll be up early for a 9 mile run on Good Friday. Then a short run on Saturday morning. A runner doesn’t get a lie in bed, though maybe Monday I’ll sleep in a wee bit.
All ok but I think I’ll wear my new runners tomorrow as my left ankle has been feeling a bit odd in the last few runs. I’ll see how it feels in new shoes tomorrow.
Have taken in £137 in sponsorship today so I’m pleased with that. Thanks so much, it really helps me and I know that during the runs I’ll feel good knowing that people are supporting me and willing me on through donating or sponsoring me.
Thanks again
Phil
Your 6 Towns Runner
Another 6 and half miles in the bag
Yeah, I’ve been surfing the web for some nice quotes I can say to myself when I’m running by my self. Yes I know; I’m a very sad creature…
Had a club run around Hanchurch tonight, not too many of use today. Most must have ether been scared off by the truly dreadful weather or are away for Easter.
No Easter break for me, I’ll be up early for a 9 mile run on Good Friday. Then a short run on Saturday morning. A runner doesn’t get a lie in bed, though maybe Monday I’ll sleep in a wee bit.
All ok but I think I’ll wear my new runners tomorrow as my left ankle has been feeling a bit odd in the last few runs. I’ll see how it feels in new shoes tomorrow.
Have taken in £137 in sponsorship today so I’m pleased with that. Thanks so much, it really helps me and I know that during the runs I’ll feel good knowing that people are supporting me and willing me on through donating or sponsoring me.
Thanks again
Phil
Your 6 Towns Runner
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Tuesday's are long days.
Had an excellent spinning class at 7 this morning and tonight’s run with Trentham RC was a nice one. 5.9 miles in 57 minutes at an average pace of 9.4 minute miles with a few speed bursts at around 8 minutes. All good and an added bonus, it didn’t rain tonight too.
Highlight of the day: Sending my first ever tweet at 5.30 this morning via my phone. I’m getting better and better at this tech stuff. It’s all good publicity for a very good cause.
Had some nice donations on my just giving page and lots of offers of help and support so I’m feeling very chuffed with everything at the moment.
Bye for now
Phil
The 6 towns runner
Highlight of the day: Sending my first ever tweet at 5.30 this morning via my phone. I’m getting better and better at this tech stuff. It’s all good publicity for a very good cause.
Had some nice donations on my just giving page and lots of offers of help and support so I’m feeling very chuffed with everything at the moment.
Bye for now
Phil
The 6 towns runner
Monday 29 March 2010
I think I’ve become addicted to social networking
Its week 2 of the training. Not much to report on that front, though my social media is all happening. I’m now on Twitter and stalking, sorry I think I mean following Eddie Izzard, my running hero.
This week’s miles target is 25. Also going to my spinning class tomorrow which means an early start as the class is 7am, so its up at 5-ish. Also have a club run in the evening, so all in all Tuesdays are very long days indeed.
I’ll leave for the gym at 6.20am and I’ll not get home until about 8.10pm at night. Then it’s my ritual of the ice bath followed by food. A bit of emailing, bloging & twitting ect.
The fund raising is off and running now so hopefully more will now donate online via my justgiving page.
Anyhow, I’m gonna do some press ups and take all the cloths off my sit up bench and find out where my abs have gone too.
Yes my sit up bench is mainly a cloths hanger!!!
Bye for now
Phil
The 6 towns runner
This week’s miles target is 25. Also going to my spinning class tomorrow which means an early start as the class is 7am, so its up at 5-ish. Also have a club run in the evening, so all in all Tuesdays are very long days indeed.
I’ll leave for the gym at 6.20am and I’ll not get home until about 8.10pm at night. Then it’s my ritual of the ice bath followed by food. A bit of emailing, bloging & twitting ect.
The fund raising is off and running now so hopefully more will now donate online via my justgiving page.
Anyhow, I’m gonna do some press ups and take all the cloths off my sit up bench and find out where my abs have gone too.
Yes my sit up bench is mainly a cloths hanger!!!
Bye for now
Phil
The 6 towns runner
Sunday 28 March 2010
Getting hit across the face by a big book!
Been a bad weekend so far, I have met my miles target of 20 miles for week 1. My total for the week stands at 21 and half miles so that’s good.
I spent most of Saturday afternoon and evening getting smacked in the face by facebook, or at least that’s how it felt. Maybe that’s why its name facebook, you feel like you’ve been hit across the face by a big book when you spend some time setting up a fan page. I am a complete technophobe though!!
Well it’s done now. Search for “The 6 Towns Run” on facebook and join the party.
So today’s task is to attack Tweeter or maybe get assaulted by it! Then I want to link them all together, somehow. I also have to figure out how I can get these blog posts to show up on the facebook fan page.
Too much tech stuff and not enough training this weekend.
I felt like I had a bad run today but to be fair I came in at roughly the same time as last weeks, I felt physically fine I just couldn’t find the energy.
I put it down to a couple of restless nights and the clocks going forward didn’t be me any favours. Still it’s done for today.
Next weeks miles target is 25. This means adding a forth run to an already packed schedule. Oh well, I’ll try to get some sleep in June when its all done.
Friday 26 March 2010
Egg, chicken & a protein shake.
It’s Friday night and I’m back from swimming a kilometre (about 50 lengths for the pool size I use) and I’m now stuffing my face with, yes you guessed it, egg, chicken and lovely mint choc protein milk shake. Yum.
And that’s my Friday night! Training and eating and sleeping, then it’s an early morning run tomorrow. Yes I do lead a very exciting life.
Phil
The 6 towns runner
And that’s my Friday night! Training and eating and sleeping, then it’s an early morning run tomorrow. Yes I do lead a very exciting life.
Phil
The 6 towns runner
Thursday 25 March 2010
Rain, wind and a hospital visit
A few busy days culminating with another fast club run (well fast for me anyway). It was awful driving rain for most of the run too.
6 and half miles with an average pace of 8.4 minute miles, which is good but I don’t need to go so fast really. For me know its more about endurance than pace.
We ran through the hospital grounds which always gives me the ebby jeebies. I hate hospitals; in fact it’s more of a phobia. When ever anyone comes near me with a needle I tend to pass out!
Though going through the new hospital is good for one thing; it makes me run faster! MUCH FASTER!!!
It’s been a good week for running and I’m feeling good and confident.
I’m also closing in on my 20 miles target for this week.
Though to be fair 20 miles in a week is my average. Next weeks target will be a minimum of 23 miles.
So to sum up for the week so far I’ve ran 12.5 miles, I hope for the long weekend run it’s a wee bit dryer.
6 and half miles with an average pace of 8.4 minute miles, which is good but I don’t need to go so fast really. For me know its more about endurance than pace.
We ran through the hospital grounds which always gives me the ebby jeebies. I hate hospitals; in fact it’s more of a phobia. When ever anyone comes near me with a needle I tend to pass out!
Though going through the new hospital is good for one thing; it makes me run faster! MUCH FASTER!!!
It’s been a good week for running and I’m feeling good and confident.
I’m also closing in on my 20 miles target for this week.
Though to be fair 20 miles in a week is my average. Next weeks target will be a minimum of 23 miles.
So to sum up for the week so far I’ve ran 12.5 miles, I hope for the long weekend run it’s a wee bit dryer.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
So my 10 week build up has begun. Lots of training to do.
My current plan is to try and steadily increase the amount of miles I can run on a weekly basis and my goal is to be able to run up to 50 miles in a week by mid May.
My mileage goal for this week is 20 miles. My training week will run from Monday to Sunday. So far I’ve only run a fast 6 miles with my running club. Up to 7 minute miles which is pretty good going. Especially in the pouring rain too.
I have a long way to go to be in the best physical condition to endure running 6 half marathons back to back, but my game plan is to take it very steady and walk parts if I feel I need to.
It’s all about completing the challenge and raising money for my charity not testing my self beyond what I can cope with.
So much of this will be a mental and emotional test. It’s all about getting my head full of positive thoughts; I already have a stubborn streak as long as the Amazon River so I know that once I start I’ll bloomin finish it somehow.
So if you read this please wish me luck and any tips or advice will be greatly received.
Here’s the running blog bit. Week 1 of my 10 week plan. Tuesday 23 March Ran a fast 6 mile club run in heavy rain. Thanks to all who run with me.
Phil
The 6 towns runner
My current plan is to try and steadily increase the amount of miles I can run on a weekly basis and my goal is to be able to run up to 50 miles in a week by mid May.
My mileage goal for this week is 20 miles. My training week will run from Monday to Sunday. So far I’ve only run a fast 6 miles with my running club. Up to 7 minute miles which is pretty good going. Especially in the pouring rain too.
I have a long way to go to be in the best physical condition to endure running 6 half marathons back to back, but my game plan is to take it very steady and walk parts if I feel I need to.
It’s all about completing the challenge and raising money for my charity not testing my self beyond what I can cope with.
So much of this will be a mental and emotional test. It’s all about getting my head full of positive thoughts; I already have a stubborn streak as long as the Amazon River so I know that once I start I’ll bloomin finish it somehow.
So if you read this please wish me luck and any tips or advice will be greatly received.
Here’s the running blog bit. Week 1 of my 10 week plan. Tuesday 23 March Ran a fast 6 mile club run in heavy rain. Thanks to all who run with me.
Phil
The 6 towns runner
Sunday 21 March 2010
my first running blog!
So unless the dates change 10 weeks today (Sunday 21st of March) I will have ran my first of 6 half marathons in one week. (Gulp)!!!
This blog will keep you posted on all things related to my fund raising efforts and training for the big event.
As the bit about me explains, I’m now in training to run 6 half marathons in a week. Today I ran 9.15 miles in 1.33.35 which is good but I’m gutted it’s not a further distance. I was hoping it was around the 10 mile mark.
Oh well there’s always the next run.
I’m going to set up a Periodization training plan shortly and will post that for anyone to look at.
Anyhow I’m off for a swim now.
Phil
The 6 towns runner
This blog will keep you posted on all things related to my fund raising efforts and training for the big event.
As the bit about me explains, I’m now in training to run 6 half marathons in a week. Today I ran 9.15 miles in 1.33.35 which is good but I’m gutted it’s not a further distance. I was hoping it was around the 10 mile mark.
Oh well there’s always the next run.
I’m going to set up a Periodization training plan shortly and will post that for anyone to look at.
Anyhow I’m off for a swim now.
Phil
The 6 towns runner
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