.... so the song goes.
Not conducive to running at all. My times have suffered somewhat in the heat I must admit. I think I'm a winter sort of guy - non symptomatic S.A.D they call it.
Personally I thrive in the cold and dark. Mainly because no one can see how drained of energy you look and also my running style, I have been told, resembles the gait of a pregnant goat. It's not an attractive sight.
However, what I lack in grace I make up for in a new training diet of BBQ's and light refreshing summer ale that has seen my weight travel in the opposite direction. Not good.
Bring on the winter.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Marathon running and the blog gets popular
Well I've just got back from a few days away, and am shocked to see the blog has lept in views, which is brilliant news. 350 views - may not sound much, but for the team running this, knowing that so many people have already read it, its brilliant, and motivational. Also amazing to see just how many countries are now viewing - the stats are brilliant and the countries visiting so far are: UK, US, Germany, France, Cyprus, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore.
So hello to all our friends round the world that are checking up on us and supporting us as the training starts (slowly for some of us!) And for all of those passing on the blog for others to read around the world thank you too. Now all we need is some sponsors ;-)
While sat in the sun, thinking about running (ahem!), taking a break from work for a few days (yes I know I should have actually gone running! And I did think about it........was lovely countryside for running too! but very hot!.......and I was on holiday), I got to see the London Marathon. Seeing the achievements that those taking part in it did makes me realise that running two half marathons in a month really shouldnt be that difficult! (but for us it is!) Some guys on the day of the marathon actually ran from the finish at 4am to the start, before running the main marathon - now thats just stupid!
So we may not be doing a marathon, but for those taking part, this is a massive challenge, and seeing all those runners taking part in the London marathon certainly is inspirational. I know I will be applying again this year and hoping that I manage to get a spot!! Special congratulations to Peter Sharp and Jen Avila, friends of Simone and I that took part and raised loads of money for Dreams come true and Shelter. An amazing effort by both of them especially given the very hot conditions on the day. Their next challenge - avoiding me as I try and persuade them to join team NRAS for the Royal Parks Half Marathon - come on guys you know you want to :-)
Anyway, only 173 days and both events will be completed hopefully!!! Better go and do some training.....
And if anyone has any ideas of additional things to add in to this blog, widgets, gadgets etc, please drop a comment or a note and will see what we can do.
So hello to all our friends round the world that are checking up on us and supporting us as the training starts (slowly for some of us!) And for all of those passing on the blog for others to read around the world thank you too. Now all we need is some sponsors ;-)
While sat in the sun, thinking about running (ahem!), taking a break from work for a few days (yes I know I should have actually gone running! And I did think about it........was lovely countryside for running too! but very hot!.......and I was on holiday), I got to see the London Marathon. Seeing the achievements that those taking part in it did makes me realise that running two half marathons in a month really shouldnt be that difficult! (but for us it is!) Some guys on the day of the marathon actually ran from the finish at 4am to the start, before running the main marathon - now thats just stupid!
So we may not be doing a marathon, but for those taking part, this is a massive challenge, and seeing all those runners taking part in the London marathon certainly is inspirational. I know I will be applying again this year and hoping that I manage to get a spot!! Special congratulations to Peter Sharp and Jen Avila, friends of Simone and I that took part and raised loads of money for Dreams come true and Shelter. An amazing effort by both of them especially given the very hot conditions on the day. Their next challenge - avoiding me as I try and persuade them to join team NRAS for the Royal Parks Half Marathon - come on guys you know you want to :-)
Anyway, only 173 days and both events will be completed hopefully!!! Better go and do some training.....
And if anyone has any ideas of additional things to add in to this blog, widgets, gadgets etc, please drop a comment or a note and will see what we can do.
Friday, 15 April 2011
I don't run - Simone's story
Okay, so I’m no runner. I’m not planning on running this ‘Marathon in a Month’ thing. In fact, I have absolutely no intention of running anywhere; I don’t even run for the bus! No, I’m not lazy. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I’m hoping by writing this I can drum up a bit more support for this wonderful group of people who are running the ‘Marathon in a Month’ for the NRAS. My husband Darren is constantly telling me that I need to share my experience of this disabling disease in order to help raise public awareness. So, here goes...
I was diagnosed as having Rheumatoid Arthritis at the grand old age of 17. I was ignorant to the condition, and like many, believed that this was a disease which affected ‘old people’. How wrong that was! The arthritis initially developed slowly, and only affected my right hand. Not a big issue and nothing a few painkillers couldn’t fix. However, over the next few years the number of joints affected grew and my mobility has become more and more restricted. I now have RA in most of my joints, and immunosuppressants, painkillers and steroids are the only way for me to continue as normal life as possible.
My normal day to day routine is as follows:
Get up at 5am. Wake Darren up to move my arms so I can use them to help me sit up. Slowly get out of bed limping (which eventually turns to a walk in about an hour). Next, take my first 7 tablets of the day and start getting ready for work, sometimes with help from Darren. It roughly takes me 2 hours to un-stiffen enough to be able to leave the house for work. Next, I do a day of teaching. More tablets. Then home to rest (as soon as I can!). Spend some time with Darren, eat, slump in front of the TV etc. 3-4 more tablets before bed at 9pm (early start means early to bed!). Sleep is usually interrupted by not being able to settle from stiffness and pain. Then, I’m up at 5am to start my day over again. Occasionally I may slip in a trip to hospital for a steroid jab. I mustn’t forget the odd stint in the knee brace. Oh, and the compromised immune system meaning that you catch and develop every known virus and infection under the sun! The biggest surprise was contracting Meningitis. When I’m not suffering from bad pain and fatigue I like to see my mates too!
It doesn’t sound like much fun when you put it into basics, but don’t get me wrong, I don’t resent a minute of this. It’s my life (and Darren’s now) and I’ve learnt to cope. In fact, I’m proud that I can cope so well. I’m so used to this that I don’t even think about having RA sometimes. I know that many people look at me and don’t see it. It’s an invisible illness, and unless you’re limping, using crutches, crying etc, people don’t realise the constant pain RA suffers can be in.
I want to live my life as normally as I can, and I refuse to stop doing so until I have to. Yes, it even hurts to walk (let alone run!) but I can, and I will continue to do so until I can’t (fortunately, my Blue Badge means I don’t have to walk very far now!). It is inevitable that many of us with RA will get to the stage where we are severely limited in what we can do, but it’s the support of charities and research facilities such as the NRAS that make it easier for many of us to keep going and not give up.
Please support these amazing runners who are running for me and all RA suffers who can’t do the run themselves. Thank you.
I’m hoping by writing this I can drum up a bit more support for this wonderful group of people who are running the ‘Marathon in a Month’ for the NRAS. My husband Darren is constantly telling me that I need to share my experience of this disabling disease in order to help raise public awareness. So, here goes...
I was diagnosed as having Rheumatoid Arthritis at the grand old age of 17. I was ignorant to the condition, and like many, believed that this was a disease which affected ‘old people’. How wrong that was! The arthritis initially developed slowly, and only affected my right hand. Not a big issue and nothing a few painkillers couldn’t fix. However, over the next few years the number of joints affected grew and my mobility has become more and more restricted. I now have RA in most of my joints, and immunosuppressants, painkillers and steroids are the only way for me to continue as normal life as possible.
My normal day to day routine is as follows:
Get up at 5am. Wake Darren up to move my arms so I can use them to help me sit up. Slowly get out of bed limping (which eventually turns to a walk in about an hour). Next, take my first 7 tablets of the day and start getting ready for work, sometimes with help from Darren. It roughly takes me 2 hours to un-stiffen enough to be able to leave the house for work. Next, I do a day of teaching. More tablets. Then home to rest (as soon as I can!). Spend some time with Darren, eat, slump in front of the TV etc. 3-4 more tablets before bed at 9pm (early start means early to bed!). Sleep is usually interrupted by not being able to settle from stiffness and pain. Then, I’m up at 5am to start my day over again. Occasionally I may slip in a trip to hospital for a steroid jab. I mustn’t forget the odd stint in the knee brace. Oh, and the compromised immune system meaning that you catch and develop every known virus and infection under the sun! The biggest surprise was contracting Meningitis. When I’m not suffering from bad pain and fatigue I like to see my mates too!
It doesn’t sound like much fun when you put it into basics, but don’t get me wrong, I don’t resent a minute of this. It’s my life (and Darren’s now) and I’ve learnt to cope. In fact, I’m proud that I can cope so well. I’m so used to this that I don’t even think about having RA sometimes. I know that many people look at me and don’t see it. It’s an invisible illness, and unless you’re limping, using crutches, crying etc, people don’t realise the constant pain RA suffers can be in.
I want to live my life as normally as I can, and I refuse to stop doing so until I have to. Yes, it even hurts to walk (let alone run!) but I can, and I will continue to do so until I can’t (fortunately, my Blue Badge means I don’t have to walk very far now!). It is inevitable that many of us with RA will get to the stage where we are severely limited in what we can do, but it’s the support of charities and research facilities such as the NRAS that make it easier for many of us to keep going and not give up.
Please support these amazing runners who are running for me and all RA suffers who can’t do the run themselves. Thank you.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Back to training
Hi all just thought I would give a little bit of an update on training all is going really well I had a week off last week due to work commitments, birthdays and weddings so have gone back to training last night with a 10.3 mile run in 1 hour 41 so really happy with that just need to keep the milage up and try to get quicker hopefully I am on target to get my royal parks time under 2 hours but I think that may be pushing it a little 2 much anyway we will see how it all continues everyone keep going with your training you are all doing really well.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Avoiding Expensive New Gear
I take it back.
Stick with your HiTec Silver Shadows and your old pair of shorts from your '97 (INSERT YOUR OWN TEAM HERE) away kit.
The run on Monday at 5 miles with a decent-ish time of 40m12secs completely destroyed my feet. Couldn't feel a thing for pins and needles. Very odd indeed and annoying. But mostly odd.
Obviously having self diagnosed my issue through Google clearly I am bout to keel over and pass on into the next world any second now.
Or maybe I need to review the trainers I purchased.
Stick with your HiTec Silver Shadows and your old pair of shorts from your '97 (INSERT YOUR OWN TEAM HERE) away kit.
The run on Monday at 5 miles with a decent-ish time of 40m12secs completely destroyed my feet. Couldn't feel a thing for pins and needles. Very odd indeed and annoying. But mostly odd.
Obviously having self diagnosed my issue through Google clearly I am bout to keel over and pass on into the next world any second now.
Or maybe I need to review the trainers I purchased.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Back to it - how do you motivate yourself to train!!
Well, Ive been out of action now for nearly 2 1/2 weeks, having missed 10 training runs from the schedule that has been set for me by the micoach app - your training friend and shouting maching that appears to take great pleasure in telling you you are going far to slow and need to speed up!!! Bugs and just feeling really off colour have resulted in not running, but tonight is the night.....................hopefully!!!!
After a break like that, its really hard to get motivated to go for a run, and although its only 20 minutes (yes you heard me - whilst Tom, Laura and Dave try to beat each other with what for me would be impossible runs at this stage) Im just happy to still be standing after 20 or 30 minutes. To be fair, hearing how everyone is doing is really motivational, but sat here on the sofa at the moment, with work to do, and Man Utd vs Chelsea\ on TV (unfortunately not the mighty Wolves!), it was always going to take a lot to get me moving!
Receiving the NRAS newsletter for Spring, and seeing the articles about what we are getting up to has also helped, and whenever I feel like I really can not be bothered, its things like that, and thinking about how hard it must be for Simone (the unfortunate other half) to get up each day with the aching and stiffness of the arthritis, knowing she has to try and go and work, that makes me think - its only 20 minutes, and hopefully its going to result in lots of money and good things for a charity that have done so much (I try and block out the thought of the pain, the inability to breath, and the general thoughts of what people may think (and mock) as a 17 stone man tries to jog at the same pace as the elderly walk!!)
So - this is it - think its nearly time to get going!! One last thing for today - thanks to everyone that has read this blog - over 200 views from all round the world (may not sound like much - but every view gets people to learn a bit more about the NRAS!)
Wish me luck............................(and inform the emergency services just in case!)
ps - 180 days time - it will all be over! 26.2 miles complete - or the alternative......injury!
After a break like that, its really hard to get motivated to go for a run, and although its only 20 minutes (yes you heard me - whilst Tom, Laura and Dave try to beat each other with what for me would be impossible runs at this stage) Im just happy to still be standing after 20 or 30 minutes. To be fair, hearing how everyone is doing is really motivational, but sat here on the sofa at the moment, with work to do, and Man Utd vs Chelsea\ on TV (unfortunately not the mighty Wolves!), it was always going to take a lot to get me moving!
Receiving the NRAS newsletter for Spring, and seeing the articles about what we are getting up to has also helped, and whenever I feel like I really can not be bothered, its things like that, and thinking about how hard it must be for Simone (the unfortunate other half) to get up each day with the aching and stiffness of the arthritis, knowing she has to try and go and work, that makes me think - its only 20 minutes, and hopefully its going to result in lots of money and good things for a charity that have done so much (I try and block out the thought of the pain, the inability to breath, and the general thoughts of what people may think (and mock) as a 17 stone man tries to jog at the same pace as the elderly walk!!)
So - this is it - think its nearly time to get going!! One last thing for today - thanks to everyone that has read this blog - over 200 views from all round the world (may not sound like much - but every view gets people to learn a bit more about the NRAS!)
Wish me luck............................(and inform the emergency services just in case!)
ps - 180 days time - it will all be over! 26.2 miles complete - or the alternative......injury!
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Struggling... but looking good.
First of all hello, I'm Tom and I'll be attempting the Great North Run with the guys on behalf of the NRAS.
First decent run out of the way this morning. Not great. 1hr 11 over 7.1 miles. Hardly chariots of fire but working out a few niggles and sporting injuries (don't laugh) along the way so I'm sure that will improve. That said, underneath my well crafted exterior (crafted in the pub I might add) is an athlete trying to get out.
Having done a half marathon before I have a bit of experience but sadly I haven't kept up the training. With some graft I'll hopefully be under two hours and with it lots of sponsorship for the cause so please give generously.
Now the secret to taking on any challenge beyond actually completing it is getting in the right state of mind. I'm not the short of person who just throws on a pair of shorts and goes for a jog. You see running is all in the head.
The best way to do this is to pop down to your local running shop and spend as much money as you can afford on the best gear you can get your hands. Just nod knowingly and smile at the guy in the shop as he talks "gait analysis" and "pacing strategies" whilst you hand over your card in return for the latest compression technology has to offer. If you don't know what that is, neither do I. But you can pretend you do. It's something to do with the material in your running kit.
The actual impact of the this equipment on your time will be negligible (see my time above). The only thing that can affect your time is a solid work ethic and talent. I possess neither. But thats not the point.
You FEEL like a runner. And thats half the battle. The other half is beating Laura.
And we all love beating Laura Mumford.
First decent run out of the way this morning. Not great. 1hr 11 over 7.1 miles. Hardly chariots of fire but working out a few niggles and sporting injuries (don't laugh) along the way so I'm sure that will improve. That said, underneath my well crafted exterior (crafted in the pub I might add) is an athlete trying to get out.
Having done a half marathon before I have a bit of experience but sadly I haven't kept up the training. With some graft I'll hopefully be under two hours and with it lots of sponsorship for the cause so please give generously.
Now the secret to taking on any challenge beyond actually completing it is getting in the right state of mind. I'm not the short of person who just throws on a pair of shorts and goes for a jog. You see running is all in the head.
The best way to do this is to pop down to your local running shop and spend as much money as you can afford on the best gear you can get your hands. Just nod knowingly and smile at the guy in the shop as he talks "gait analysis" and "pacing strategies" whilst you hand over your card in return for the latest compression technology has to offer. If you don't know what that is, neither do I. But you can pretend you do. It's something to do with the material in your running kit.
The actual impact of the this equipment on your time will be negligible (see my time above). The only thing that can affect your time is a solid work ethic and talent. I possess neither. But thats not the point.
You FEEL like a runner. And thats half the battle. The other half is beating Laura.
And we all love beating Laura Mumford.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
First sponsors and last places going quickly
Hi everyone
Well after a week off training due to illness, Im hoping either tonight (later on!) or this weekend I will be able to get back in to the training with the aid of the trusty micoach app!
Todays blog is just a quick one to say firstly thank you to Louisa and Laura, our first online sponsors on our virginmoneygiving site http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/marathoninamonth Any money anyone can sponsor is a real bonus. You will see the full target is now in place for the team at £4,400 so the challenge has been fully set and the race is on to ensure we can raise loads of money for the NRAS.
Had a chat with Val from the NRAS earlier and she has informed me there are only two places left for the Great North Run and only three places left for the Royal Parks Half Marathon, so if you fancy taking part as part of the Marathon in a Month team, or independantly please get in touch with the NRAS or leave a comment and we will get in touch with you. Just to give you some of the basics, as there is always a need to guarantee a level of sponsorship with any charity. For the NRAS you only have to raise £400 for a half marathon, and obviously pay a deposit to the NRAS to guarantee your places. (which is part of the sponsorship you have to raise). They are a great charity and we would love to get those last places filled, and if we can get you doing the full marathon in a month, then bonus!
Let the training re-commence!
Well after a week off training due to illness, Im hoping either tonight (later on!) or this weekend I will be able to get back in to the training with the aid of the trusty micoach app!
Todays blog is just a quick one to say firstly thank you to Louisa and Laura, our first online sponsors on our virginmoneygiving site http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/marathoninamonth Any money anyone can sponsor is a real bonus. You will see the full target is now in place for the team at £4,400 so the challenge has been fully set and the race is on to ensure we can raise loads of money for the NRAS.
Had a chat with Val from the NRAS earlier and she has informed me there are only two places left for the Great North Run and only three places left for the Royal Parks Half Marathon, so if you fancy taking part as part of the Marathon in a Month team, or independantly please get in touch with the NRAS or leave a comment and we will get in touch with you. Just to give you some of the basics, as there is always a need to guarantee a level of sponsorship with any charity. For the NRAS you only have to raise £400 for a half marathon, and obviously pay a deposit to the NRAS to guarantee your places. (which is part of the sponsorship you have to raise). They are a great charity and we would love to get those last places filled, and if we can get you doing the full marathon in a month, then bonus!
Let the training re-commence!
Friday, 1 April 2011
Saturday Mornings - made for lie ins
Well I am another member of the marathon in a month team.
I have very little running experience, although I did do the royal parks half marathon last October with Daz. The aim had been to keep up the fitness regime but unfortunately training took a bit of a dive from November to March. I'm less Haile Gebrselassie, more Hardly Grabbing me Trainers.
That was until we took up the marathon in a month challenge to raise money for the great charity, NRAS, who celebrate their 10th birthday this year! So I dusted off my trainers, downloaded an app on the iPhone that tells me where to run and when, so I don't even have to think, and the programme started on Tuesday this week and counts down the the great north run in September.
Next run is tomorrow morning. Now I must say that normally Saturday mornings are made for lie ins.................but not anymore!
From the sounds of it the rest of the team are ahead of me in the training stakes so I pretty make tomorrow morning a good session(!)
I have very little running experience, although I did do the royal parks half marathon last October with Daz. The aim had been to keep up the fitness regime but unfortunately training took a bit of a dive from November to March. I'm less Haile Gebrselassie, more Hardly Grabbing me Trainers.
That was until we took up the marathon in a month challenge to raise money for the great charity, NRAS, who celebrate their 10th birthday this year! So I dusted off my trainers, downloaded an app on the iPhone that tells me where to run and when, so I don't even have to think, and the programme started on Tuesday this week and counts down the the great north run in September.
Next run is tomorrow morning. Now I must say that normally Saturday mornings are made for lie ins.................but not anymore!
From the sounds of it the rest of the team are ahead of me in the training stakes so I pretty make tomorrow morning a good session(!)
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