Friday 22 April 2011

keeping fit now, or fat as some would say!

Although I have now completed the Marathon, I thought long and hard about this blog and should it stay or go?
I decided that I would keep it going for a few months or until people stop reading it.
I have severe cramp for the last week and someone suggested that I go for a run to relieve this. It sounded barmy but was worth a go.
My neighbour, the one who got me running in 2009 came around and off we went for a leisurely 3km run. It is a gravel track and hilly, but I thought that it is not too far if my knees are not upto it and I have to walk. It sounds very silly that I may struggle with about a mile and a half when I ran this extra on Sunday without thinking about it!
I managed to get around with my fellow runners in 17:44 minutes and at a pace of 6'04 per km which is a nice steady pace. I burnt 285 calories completing this and my legs felt fine. The weather was warm but not sunny, how I wished for this on Sunday!!
I decided to go for the same run tonight whilst waiting for Leeds to come onto the TV. I ran at a pace of 5'11, so obviously quicker thanthe previous day and it took 14:08 minutes and burnt 266 calories. I felt terrible after this due to the heat and again feel disappointed with struggling to run this short distance, especially after running 27.5 with less trouble. I am going to have another run tomorrow around the same time and then take Sunday off, or I may go to the newly refurbished DW Gym at Birstall to have a look around and a possible swim / jog on the new runners.
That's all for now and COME ON LEEDS!!

Wednesday 20 April 2011

should I or shouldn't I?

My neighbour came around tonight and asked if I wanted to go out for a run. It has been two days since the Marathon and my legs are still very sore.
I decided that the small run would be okay as it was near home and only a mere 3km, so I laced up and off I went with a possee of three others.
The weather was still warm and my legs were not too bad. I managed the 3km in a time of 17:44 and a pace of 6'04 which is one that I managed for the first 30km of the Marathon. I burnt 285 calories and felt fine but my legs are still sore. As they say, baby steps and I will have a little jaunt tomorrow with the running or alternatively I will go to the newly refurbished gym, not decided yet.
See how my legs are in the morning before I decide which one won.
It is still not too late to sponsor me, I have now completed the race and the link below will support the charity which supported me:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwestgarth
Thank you

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Post race evaluation

To look back on the actual race would be silly as it has happened now and I can not change anything.
If I could alter anything I would consider the following:
Training - I didn't do enough, it is as simple as this. I thought that 3 months training daily would have been enough, but it wasn't. I would advise anyone to train for at least 6 months on a training programme and then some more. I followed a programme, but as I had been running prior to starting, I moved into the final three months. I would also re-consider my last three weeks were they advise that you do very little. I would keep my running into the 5 miles per day rather than lowering it down by a mile a week as I felt that although my legs were rested, was it too much?
Equipment - I would wear sunscreen as it was very hot. I would also consider drinking a lot more at the beginning of the Marathon as they ran out of water toward the end. I would have shorts which were not so long and maybe a short t-shirt rather than the long one which I wore, but it prevented burning my arms. I would also suggest a hat as it stops your head burning, although I struggle to run in a hat.
Race day - Get there early and make sure that you can stretch and get into the right area. As I started at the back, I ran with those who clearly were only capable of running the Marathon between 6 and 10 hours, which means that they run at a mush slower pace than I wanted, and also meant that I had to run an extra mile over the route. I would also have a good look at the route as I was surprised that the mile markers became sparse as you ran further.
Other advice - Run at your own pace and not with someone else. You need to run at a comfortable pace for yourself, not too quick and not too slow (a bit like Trumpton clock!) and do not speak to people as you run. It is not being rude but do you really want someone telling you that you are going too fast or not going fast enough! Get yourself a pace that you want to get to markers, ie, the time to hit 10k, 15k etc. Take in as much water / liquid as you can and take more if you can. Try to run in the shade as into the sun is a nightmare. Plan a massage after the race to assist with your stretching. My legs are killing and have been since Sunday evening. Eat afterwards with your favourite food and having a place to meet and greet your loved ones in a designated area.
Enjoy it, as much as you can. It is a wonderful achievement and immediately afterwards you will say 'never again' but by the next morning, you'll reconsider this!
It is not too late to sponsor me on the below link:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwestgarth

Sunday, what could go wrong?

The hotel decided that they would do breakfast at 8am rather than the 7am which I needed! So Claire kindly got up and shot to Maccy D's to get me some porridge. This tasted like puke as my stomach was turning over with nerves and concerns about the run.
Walked out of the hotel to catch the bus, which we must have missed by seconds and the next one was not for half an hour. The time that we got on the bus was 08:20 rather than 07:50 as planned. The tight gits in London made me pay for the bus trip, so not only sit on public transport but have to pay for it. Scuffers everywhere!
Got to the tube station and they let me on for free, but we missed the tube and had to wait for the next! Tried to fill up with liquid but nerves meant that the more I put in, the more wanted to come out! The tube journey seemed to take forever and I am sure that it was slower than normal. A quick change to get me to Charing Cross, as advised by the London Marathon and the normal train, which again was free. I needed to pee pee again so went to the toile only to find that it costs 30p, robbing southerners, shoud have done it on the train for free! Didn't know this at the time, so paid my money and......missed the train. The time was now 09:30 and the Marathon started at 09:45 hours. The next train arrived and we waited, and waited and waited and waited and eventually, at 09:40 the train left. It surprisingly did not take 5 minutes to get there as it appeared to go for one minute and then stop for a minute, much to the annoyance of all the late runners!!
Finally got to Greenwich station at 09:45 and was told to run the 2 miles to the start as the Marathon had started. Nice to know that the route to the start was all up hill and people were walking away and making the journey even harder. Got to the starting line at about 10:15 and joined the very back of the group. No time to warm up my joints or get fluids in and off I went.
It was worse than swimming. Why people enter a 26.2 mile run and walk within the first 500 metres puzzles me. I had to run around all of these and those who wanted to run at a speed that I could overtake walking. The huge asses of some women took minutes to get past and I struggled for the first 6 miles, trying to get around people and a couple of hills. It took me 29:41 to complete the first 5k at a speed of around 5'57 per km (I know that it doesn't correlate but I actually ran an extra mile over the full distance and the shoe timings were between the mileage gates)
The second 5k was reached in 59:12 (about 6 miles) which is about the time which I wanted to hit the quarter mark as I didn't want to go out too fast. The average pace at this point was 5'55, which was probably a little bit too quick but there was no open road and you needed to pass people or I went too slow, to the point of walking at some areas, especially on the inclines. I managed to get fluids onboard every mile and felt fine. The weather was warming up but overcast and I only had the problem of people in front of me.
The 15km point was soon upon me at 1:31'33 which again was on course for a 4:22'00 time and my pace had slowed slightly to 6'29 but again mainly due to heavy traffic on the roads. Water intake and Lucozade was being happily accepted and I was in no trouble other than the usual slower runners and walkers.
At 20km, which is just before the half way point I saw Claire and Megan and this gave me a boost. I had caught up with the 4:30 runners (although I was blissfully unaware of this) and the time was 2:03'22 which again was not too taxing and a pace that I was happy with. The average pace was 6'22 so keeping at  a constant pace now. At the half way point I was 2:10'32 and an average pace over the first half at 6'32, which again was comfortable. Over the bridge now and into the Isle of Dogs.
The next 5km was harder to predict as the mileage markers seemed to disappear and it was difficult to pace myself. I hit 25km at 2:37'12 and a pace of 6'50 which again was manageable and not too taxing.
The problems started here, on the second sighting of Canary Wharf. I got the most painful cramp that I have ever had. It came on suddenly and hit both my thighs (just above the knees) on bown legs and my right calf. I had to slow right down or stop. As I have said from the start, no pain, no gain so I continued to run through the pain, not noticing that the sun was out and the temperature had risen to over 23 degrees. My head began to burn, as did my neck and lower legs. It started to become de-hydrated and unfortunately, the water stations were becoming more like oasis spots as they were too far apart and running out of water. I hit 30km at 3:16'11 and my pace slowed to 7'48 due to the above problems, having to walk in between the runs as I could not stop the pain and cramp coming though.
I reached the 35km point at 3:55'14 and was really struggling now with cramp, but grinned and beared it and ran through the pain as best I could. My estimated time of 4:30 was now looking out of reach but I had to complete it in under 5 hours (apprently all times were down by about 30 minutes due to the heat) and my pace remained at 7'49 per km, which is not bad coming into the last 6 miles but not as quick as I wanted, although not too far off the mark!
At 40km I was struggling to move, never mind run. I got to this point at 4:34'05 (which shows that I was struggling as only managing 3 miles in 40 minutes) and was still dodging people walking and stretching as well as moving to the side myself to allow runners to get past.
At the final point, I had no idea where I was, I completely lost the fact that I had run in front of Buckingham Palace and saw the finishing line and I crossed this at 4:49'56, which is slower than I wanted but with the heat and dehydration felt that it was a marvelous achievement that not many people can say that they have either done or tried to do. My average pace was 7'14 over the course, which is not as quick as my training but I had not run in the heat like it was on Sunday. This is the problem with running during the winter and not being able to prepare myself for the extreme heat.
The Marathon was complete and to be honest, due to the time, a bit of an anti-climax. I got my medal and then tried to battle my way through the 20,000 people that were in the area for meeting people. I finished up in 21194 place out of 36000 and got a limited edition t-shirt to prove it, as well as a message from Richard Branson saying congratulations and a card to say that I have completed the Marathon. I was placed 15413 within the male category and 8395 in my age group of 18-39 (last year for this one!!)and with the young bucks who are much fitter than I am. My main concern is that I ran 2 miles to get to the start and one extra mile during the race which completely shattered me.
I felt great at the conclusion of the run, although it was like a sheep dip as you passed through the finshing area and then I had to find Claire, Megan, Holly, Carol and Neil. I had a strange feeling of wanting to cry with Claire but not in front of the girls. It was so emotional as they were so proud of me. I have seen a picture and I looked absolutely knackered. I was dehydrated, sun burnt and aching. My shorts were covered in salt from sweat and I stood there, with all the rest and thought, "I've only gone and done it". Has it hit home yet, not really. I get emotional when I think about it and I immediately said to Claire that I would never do this again, but upto April 2010, I had never even thought I could do it. Will I do it again, probably. Will I do it for charity, probably not. I will post another link with what I have learnt from this experience and what I will do differently next time, if there is a next time!
We walked to the reception area for the runners and had a couple of snadwiches but had massive disappointment when I was told that there were no massage spots left and my aching limbs can feel that now!
Although I have completed the Marathon, you can still sponsor me on the link below, any amount is greatly appreciated for the charity which kindly gave me the chance to complete something which only a handful of people will ever do.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwestgarth

Friday and Saturday

After the hectic day at the Excel, we decided that we would pack a lot into Friday and do very little on Saturday, well that was the idea!!
Friday we had a full, fat boy breakfast at the hotel and set off into the big city to go to Madam Tussauds Muesum. Claire should have brought the free tickets, but forgot!!
In her wisdom, we realised that WHSmiths were providing the same offer on the rear of their receipts. So when we got to Baker Street, we went to the nearest WHSmiths, which was a five minute walk. They had no receipts with the offer on. The nearest one was about a mile away on Oxford Street, so off I walked. This shop was within Selfridges and surprisingly, they had no receipts either. They rang their nearest store, which was at Oxford Plaza and after another mile walk, we finally got a ticket, but my legs were starting to feel the strain.
We got to Madam Tussauds and walked around here for the next three hours, people bumping into you and standing on your toes. Half way around, felt a strain in my groin, which was not good. Hobbled around the final few yards and bought some deep heat. Back to the hotel and rest, altnot as much as I had hoped for.
Saturday was to be a relaxing day at Lakeside, watching a film and eating pizza to get my carbs up. This turned into a long walk around all of Lakeside and further pain to my groin. Watched Hop and then ate pizza. Drove back to the hotel and more deep heat applied.
Kit out and ready for the run on Sunday and tried to get some sleep. Very nervous and concerned about the injury.
Still not too late to sponsor me on the below link:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwestgarth

Thursday

Thursday was the day that we travelled down to London to register for the Marathon experience. It was always going to be a long day and off we went from God's county of Yorkshire to the big city.
A leisurely drive down and to the hotel, where we deposited the car for the next five days!
The bus into London and the tube and DLR to the Excel Centre.
You find your entry number slot and show your letter and id to get the official race top and the pin for your trainer. Then through to the exhibition, which starts with a huge Adidas area selling all of the race memorabilia and clothing. The girls signed the huge wall and number which was placed around the 19 mile mark. We wondered around the exhibition hall and looked at the sports sections (Nike, Asics, Brookes, Ron Hill etc) and the product sections (Lucozade, Body Armour etc) and then all of the charities who were still offering spaces with only days to go!! The girls made their banners in the Adidas area for the race.
We went to the pasta party area and got my poncho in case it rained and listened to a guest speaker. In the hall for a few hours before we had all the freebies and then left, via the BP demonstrators!
A leisurely trip back to the hotel and ate out before a much needed rest.
It is not too late to sponsor me for the run on the below link:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwestgarth

Tuesday 12 April 2011

last day of training, now only 5 days to go!!

Only time will tell to see how my training package went. I initially started on a pre-planned one before I realised that it would take 8 months to complete and I only had 3!! I also realised that I had surpassed the targets which they were setting as goals and that it would be a backward step.
I used the experience at work (a few people have completed this feat a number of times and we have a Mr Universe) to formulate my own running plan and with Nike+ in my trainer, off I went.
The last 3 months have been hard, with a number of wet, windy and cold dark mornings to get to work and the same on the return journey, but hopefully it will be worthwhile in the long run!
My last day was a leisurely walk of 1 mile, which took 17:37 to walk and an average pace of 10'49" per km which is better than tesyerday but not wonderful. I burnt 159 calories but as I said that is it as the gym is closed for four days and I'm off to the big city to get my freebies and poncho in case it rains!!
I am hoping that the weather is overcast with a gentle breeze rather than the heatwave experienced over this weekend or I will struggle.
Anyway, it is not too late to sponsor me on this link:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwestgarth
And hopefully the next time I write it maybe after the run unless I take this with me to London in which I will tell you all about my freebies!!
Have fun and see you all next week with my sore legs