I appreciate that a few people have been logging on to catch up with me (I have one of those site metres), and I have failed to keep up to date with my Blog this week. I seem to be good at writing excuses on this blog, but I have been trying to tie up the loose ends before I leave my existing job this Thursday, starting my new one next Monday morning, so I have been busy at work.
All the work has left little time to play, either on here, on other's blogs, and sadly, very little running. Having made the decision to postpone the Dublin Marathon till next year (for me I mean), I decided to ease off panicing, deal with the work and get back into the running once I start the new job, so no problems really.
In many ways it's a relief not to be going through those nerves one has when you are 5 weeks or so away from a target race. No worries about getting in the last 20 miler, worries about the pace you did that 12 miler in last weekend. Worries about the little niggle you had in your knee when you did that speed session last night - You know the feelings? And for those reading this, and getting ready for their first Marathon - We ALL get those doubts, we ALL ask ourselves the same question, and believe me, YOU will ask those questions right up until you cross the starting line on Race Day.
I'm looking forward to the next few weeks - the new job, new running, and setting my plans for my first 2007 races. I'll actually try a few short races for fun before Xmas - There is a 4 Mile Business House Race on Oct 16th I'll probably run for fun, and there is always the Jingle Bells Races in the run up to the holidays, so all is not lost for the year. I'm really looking forward to the Dublin Marathon and maybe giving back something to running by helping others on the day in whatever way I can - Should be fun.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Monday, Monday - Why am I so Lazy?
Another weekend has passed, and once again running takes a back seat. As you would know if you've been following my rambles, I have been slack in my training this summer, and no matter how well intended I am in getting back to speed, I'm struggling when it comes to actually doing it!
Take this weekend for example. Friday evening, it took me 2 hours to get home, the 5 miles that usually takes 30 minutes. There had been an accident and the road was blocked. Now, I had trained at lunchtime in the gym, 2 miles on the treadmill and a short circuit, but I had wanted to get out for a little run when I got home. I didn't, I went for a pint instead, to ease the traffic frustrations I had endured.
Saturday I had to go up to the North to visit my mum - I do this every weekend, she's 92, still living at home, but not particularly mobile, so I go up, draw her pension, makes sure she has everything she needs, and spend Saturday evening watching TV with her. I took my kit, but by the time I had driven the 75 mile trip, I had to sort a few things, do her garden, go to Belfast for some shopping, I didn't run.
Sunday, I was intending to go for a run in the morning before heading home, but I didn't. I stayed in bed - had a lie in. By the time I decided to get up, I was pushed for time, I needed to get home to watch the Liverpool v Chelsea soccer match. I drove home, watched the game, with a beer or two, and so ended any hope I had of running.
I don't write this to glamorise being lazy, or the fact that I enjoy a beer now and again, I write it to try and give myself a guilt trip. Today, it's Monday morning again, and I start the week with good intent. I'll head the gym at lunchtime today, maybe do 3 miles on the treadmill, and tonight I have to study. Tomorrow I have a meeting, Wednesday I'm meeting friends, Thursday, my boss is leaving and we have a "do" for him, so we'll see how much, or how little, I can manage this week.
I have made the decision to skip Dublin. I'll be there, and will encourage everyone, maybe run the last 6 miles and act as a tow truck , but the way I feel right now, I'd struggle even with 6, never mind 26 - C'est la vie. But I will get back, that I promise, and Boston 2008, although it seems a long way away right now, is still going to motivate me - I hope!
Take this weekend for example. Friday evening, it took me 2 hours to get home, the 5 miles that usually takes 30 minutes. There had been an accident and the road was blocked. Now, I had trained at lunchtime in the gym, 2 miles on the treadmill and a short circuit, but I had wanted to get out for a little run when I got home. I didn't, I went for a pint instead, to ease the traffic frustrations I had endured.
Saturday I had to go up to the North to visit my mum - I do this every weekend, she's 92, still living at home, but not particularly mobile, so I go up, draw her pension, makes sure she has everything she needs, and spend Saturday evening watching TV with her. I took my kit, but by the time I had driven the 75 mile trip, I had to sort a few things, do her garden, go to Belfast for some shopping, I didn't run.
Sunday, I was intending to go for a run in the morning before heading home, but I didn't. I stayed in bed - had a lie in. By the time I decided to get up, I was pushed for time, I needed to get home to watch the Liverpool v Chelsea soccer match. I drove home, watched the game, with a beer or two, and so ended any hope I had of running.
I don't write this to glamorise being lazy, or the fact that I enjoy a beer now and again, I write it to try and give myself a guilt trip. Today, it's Monday morning again, and I start the week with good intent. I'll head the gym at lunchtime today, maybe do 3 miles on the treadmill, and tonight I have to study. Tomorrow I have a meeting, Wednesday I'm meeting friends, Thursday, my boss is leaving and we have a "do" for him, so we'll see how much, or how little, I can manage this week.
I have made the decision to skip Dublin. I'll be there, and will encourage everyone, maybe run the last 6 miles and act as a tow truck , but the way I feel right now, I'd struggle even with 6, never mind 26 - C'est la vie. But I will get back, that I promise, and Boston 2008, although it seems a long way away right now, is still going to motivate me - I hope!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Que Sera, Sera
With time ticking away, and much to do on the home front, I have decided to give up worrying about the Dublin Marathon, and look towards next spring and Connemara and beyond. Whilst I will more than likely run around Dublin on October 30th, along with 10,000 others, I will not be looking for anything beyond completion. I have Seven weeks to get prepared, rather than 7 weeks worrying about whether I'll be fit enough to run under 4 hours.
In the meantime I can work on getting my fitness levels up. Look at short races as sessions to help me get my leg speed up, and work seriously on my weight. As I have got older I have found it harder and harder to keep my weight down. I'm presently hoving just under the 200lbs mark, actually 198 this morning. Whilst not quite the heaviest I have ever been, it's heading that way. Ideally I would like to be running at 175lbs or below, and although I am 6 foot and not overweight per se, I have always been light framed, and so the weight tends to go on in the wrong places, so to speak. So, that is my task for the next few months - Serious weight loss, and sustainable weight loss. No point in doing what I have tended to do in recent years, lose pounds, get to a weight I am happy with, and then pile them back on again when nobody is looking!
In the meantime I can work on getting my fitness levels up. Look at short races as sessions to help me get my leg speed up, and work seriously on my weight. As I have got older I have found it harder and harder to keep my weight down. I'm presently hoving just under the 200lbs mark, actually 198 this morning. Whilst not quite the heaviest I have ever been, it's heading that way. Ideally I would like to be running at 175lbs or below, and although I am 6 foot and not overweight per se, I have always been light framed, and so the weight tends to go on in the wrong places, so to speak. So, that is my task for the next few months - Serious weight loss, and sustainable weight loss. No point in doing what I have tended to do in recent years, lose pounds, get to a weight I am happy with, and then pile them back on again when nobody is looking!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Time Flies
You know when you are waiting for something to happen, like a vacation that you have had planned for months, then time drags. Each day seems to last forever, and work takes forever to get through.
Well, when you are unfit, following weeks of slacking on your training, and you have a Marathon planned for the end of October, then time speeds up - RAPIDLY! It's already the 7th September, and the Dublin Marathon is only 53 days away... 53 days to get myself into a shape that will see me around the streets of my home city in one piece.
I know that hard work over these few days will enable me to survive the race, but I had higher hopes when I entered the event back in April. You all have my complete permission to give me a kick up the backside, and I promise to make amends, work hard over the winter and be ready for an assault on a Boston Qualifier in 2007. Starting now!
Well, when you are unfit, following weeks of slacking on your training, and you have a Marathon planned for the end of October, then time speeds up - RAPIDLY! It's already the 7th September, and the Dublin Marathon is only 53 days away... 53 days to get myself into a shape that will see me around the streets of my home city in one piece.
I know that hard work over these few days will enable me to survive the race, but I had higher hopes when I entered the event back in April. You all have my complete permission to give me a kick up the backside, and I promise to make amends, work hard over the winter and be ready for an assault on a Boston Qualifier in 2007. Starting now!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Eight weeks and Counting
I believe that today is Labor Day (We would spell it Labour), in the US, so Happy Holiday to y'all. For me it's a normal working day. The first day of my 4 weeks notice period, and eight weeks today, the Dublin Marathon takes place. Will I be ready in time to survive the run?
I have to confess I am beginning to doubt my ability to make it. My summer of slacking has not left me in the best of shape, and whilst previously I have been able to recover form and fitness quickly after a lay-off, I am having those nagging doubts this time, heck, I'm getting older.
This weekend I was tied up on Saturday, having to drive up to see my mam, a 150 mile round trip, get the weeks groceries in, then shoot home to spend a few hours vegetating in front of the TV watching Soccer. It was only a few weeks ago that the World Cup ended, and here we are with the first qualifying games for the European Championships. For the record Ireland lost 0-1 away in Germany, whilst England won 5-0 against the mighty Andorra (those blue skinned aliens looked better on Star Trek). So no running, and a few beers :).
Sunday morning I went out and ran a brief 2.5 mile run, clocking 20:25 on a blustery day, a little over 8 minute pace, but I didn't feel great at all. Maybe it was the beer, maybe it was in my head, but I didn't actually enjoy the run, it was hard work - hence those nagging doubts. I will tie up the shoes again today, and will continue to run - I will get back on track, but at the moment things are not looking good. Hopefully, I'll read this post back in a couple of months and laugh, today I'm not laughing (except for a certain fellow blogger who has her underwear on inside out :))............
I have to confess I am beginning to doubt my ability to make it. My summer of slacking has not left me in the best of shape, and whilst previously I have been able to recover form and fitness quickly after a lay-off, I am having those nagging doubts this time, heck, I'm getting older.
This weekend I was tied up on Saturday, having to drive up to see my mam, a 150 mile round trip, get the weeks groceries in, then shoot home to spend a few hours vegetating in front of the TV watching Soccer. It was only a few weeks ago that the World Cup ended, and here we are with the first qualifying games for the European Championships. For the record Ireland lost 0-1 away in Germany, whilst England won 5-0 against the mighty Andorra (those blue skinned aliens looked better on Star Trek). So no running, and a few beers :).
Sunday morning I went out and ran a brief 2.5 mile run, clocking 20:25 on a blustery day, a little over 8 minute pace, but I didn't feel great at all. Maybe it was the beer, maybe it was in my head, but I didn't actually enjoy the run, it was hard work - hence those nagging doubts. I will tie up the shoes again today, and will continue to run - I will get back on track, but at the moment things are not looking good. Hopefully, I'll read this post back in a couple of months and laugh, today I'm not laughing (except for a certain fellow blogger who has her underwear on inside out :))............
Friday, September 01, 2006
Slowly, Slowly
Friday, and my first week back running after my Slacking Vacation!
Well, I am glad to report that I have run 4 days in a row - That's the good news. The bad news is that the runs have only been 3K, 3K, 4K and 2 Miles. Not exactly Marathon preparation. On the plus side of those runs, they have all been under 8 minute mile pace (as they should be), and have been getting progressively easier, and faster. A long way to go to get ready for Dublin, and only 8 weeks to get there. A tough challenge, but all the hard work up until May must still have some residual left.
As to the new job, for some reason, when I actually tell people which department of the government I am heading to, they shy away :) - I always thought that those nice people in the Revenue Commissioners were warm and cuddly.... Well, I am.......
Well, I am glad to report that I have run 4 days in a row - That's the good news. The bad news is that the runs have only been 3K, 3K, 4K and 2 Miles. Not exactly Marathon preparation. On the plus side of those runs, they have all been under 8 minute mile pace (as they should be), and have been getting progressively easier, and faster. A long way to go to get ready for Dublin, and only 8 weeks to get there. A tough challenge, but all the hard work up until May must still have some residual left.
As to the new job, for some reason, when I actually tell people which department of the government I am heading to, they shy away :) - I always thought that those nice people in the Revenue Commissioners were warm and cuddly.... Well, I am.......
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
New Beginnings
Well, I'm back into the swing of things, and life is all about New Beginnings.
From a running perspective, my vacation was a BIG break. I had good intentions when I left Ireland for those shores of Americay, but like all good intentions they fell by the wayside, as the wedding and the partying took over. So it was off to the gym yesterday and a session to loosen out muscles that had been granted two weeks rest, and a run on the treadmill to see how bad things were.
The Dublin Marathon is on October 30th, less than 9 weeks away, and any thoughts I might have had of running anywhere near 3:35 can safely be put away. I will be very happy to get around the course in one piece after the "relaxed" summer I have had. I am somewhat mad at myself for allowing the good work of the early part of the year to go to seed, but I guess that at my advancing years (surely not?), I can allow myself to enjoy running and enjoy living as well, so maybe not all bad.
Anyway, the gym session was far tougher than I had thought. Two weeks off, and 5lbs on, it is going to take a week to get back to a quarter repectability. Well, I finished off the session with a 3K run on the treadmill, not exactly Marathon preparation, and I ran a hard 14:49. When I say hard, I mean it was hard to run that pace (7:57 p/mile). In May I was running sub 7 pace for this kind of distance as a speed session, yesterday it was hard work to maintain the pace period!
Still, hard work can see me back on that road, and hard work will be needed as my other New Beginning is about to take place.
Many months ago I was interviewed for a new job. At present I work in the Public Sector, for a local authority, I guess the American equivalent would be the State. Well, finaly I have been appointed to work for the National Government (The Federal Authorities in US parlance), and I will be leaving my present post at the end of September. It's a mixed feeling. I actually really enjoy the job I am presently doing, and whilst the new job will pay significantly more, my role is not yet clearly defined. Still, the opportunities in my present job to go forward are severely limited, so I cannot afford to hang around and hope.
So New Beginnings with work, and the same with my running. Lets hope they are both successful.
From a running perspective, my vacation was a BIG break. I had good intentions when I left Ireland for those shores of Americay, but like all good intentions they fell by the wayside, as the wedding and the partying took over. So it was off to the gym yesterday and a session to loosen out muscles that had been granted two weeks rest, and a run on the treadmill to see how bad things were.
The Dublin Marathon is on October 30th, less than 9 weeks away, and any thoughts I might have had of running anywhere near 3:35 can safely be put away. I will be very happy to get around the course in one piece after the "relaxed" summer I have had. I am somewhat mad at myself for allowing the good work of the early part of the year to go to seed, but I guess that at my advancing years (surely not?), I can allow myself to enjoy running and enjoy living as well, so maybe not all bad.
Anyway, the gym session was far tougher than I had thought. Two weeks off, and 5lbs on, it is going to take a week to get back to a quarter repectability. Well, I finished off the session with a 3K run on the treadmill, not exactly Marathon preparation, and I ran a hard 14:49. When I say hard, I mean it was hard to run that pace (7:57 p/mile). In May I was running sub 7 pace for this kind of distance as a speed session, yesterday it was hard work to maintain the pace period!
Still, hard work can see me back on that road, and hard work will be needed as my other New Beginning is about to take place.
Many months ago I was interviewed for a new job. At present I work in the Public Sector, for a local authority, I guess the American equivalent would be the State. Well, finaly I have been appointed to work for the National Government (The Federal Authorities in US parlance), and I will be leaving my present post at the end of September. It's a mixed feeling. I actually really enjoy the job I am presently doing, and whilst the new job will pay significantly more, my role is not yet clearly defined. Still, the opportunities in my present job to go forward are severely limited, so I cannot afford to hang around and hope.
So New Beginnings with work, and the same with my running. Lets hope they are both successful.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Tagged about my Reading Habits
OK, whilst away I was tagged by Sister Smile with regard to reading. My reading material over the years has varied from trashy novels, through a lot of educational material, and these days I am studying Law and reading far too much -
The book that changed my life: One day in the life of Ivan Denysovich, by Solzhenitsyn. A harrowing account of the Russian Gulags, that I read as a 15 year old, and made me re-think and shape my political ideals.
A book I've read more than once: Lord of the Rings by Tolkein. Well before the films were made (which I still have not seen), I read the three volume tome, and then every few years after, I picked it up and did it again. Think I read it four times overall, although the last time was more than 20 years ago.
A book I'd want with me on a desert island: Some form of Sports Almanac so I could relive all the great sporting moments in my mind as I slowly went mad (assuming I was alone)
A book that made me laugh: Around Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks. Quite simply the funniest thing I have ever read (And I read this more than once as well).
A book that made me cry: Genuinely can't recall one
A book I wish I had written: The Da Vinci Code (Think of the royalties)
A book I wish had never been written: The Da Vinci Code (Then I wouldn't have had to read it).
A book I am currently reading: You can Get Arrested for that, by Rich Smith. Two studenty types head to America to break 25 of the dumbest laws still in existance. Like, did you know it is illegal in Alabama to wear a fake moustache in a church!
A book that I am meaning to read: There are so many. I am a compulsive book buyer. Our book shops always have a Buy 3, pay for 2 offer, so whenever I buy a book I want, I end up buying two more. I last counted that my bookshelves has 60 books that are awaiting my attention! I should open a library....
Just bought three books whilst in the US, that I can add to the "Intend to read" category. Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes, Friday Night Lights by Bissinger, and a historical book "1776" about the obvious.
The book that changed my life: One day in the life of Ivan Denysovich, by Solzhenitsyn. A harrowing account of the Russian Gulags, that I read as a 15 year old, and made me re-think and shape my political ideals.
A book I've read more than once: Lord of the Rings by Tolkein. Well before the films were made (which I still have not seen), I read the three volume tome, and then every few years after, I picked it up and did it again. Think I read it four times overall, although the last time was more than 20 years ago.
A book I'd want with me on a desert island: Some form of Sports Almanac so I could relive all the great sporting moments in my mind as I slowly went mad (assuming I was alone)
A book that made me laugh: Around Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks. Quite simply the funniest thing I have ever read (And I read this more than once as well).
A book that made me cry: Genuinely can't recall one
A book I wish I had written: The Da Vinci Code (Think of the royalties)
A book I wish had never been written: The Da Vinci Code (Then I wouldn't have had to read it).
A book I am currently reading: You can Get Arrested for that, by Rich Smith. Two studenty types head to America to break 25 of the dumbest laws still in existance. Like, did you know it is illegal in Alabama to wear a fake moustache in a church!
A book that I am meaning to read: There are so many. I am a compulsive book buyer. Our book shops always have a Buy 3, pay for 2 offer, so whenever I buy a book I want, I end up buying two more. I last counted that my bookshelves has 60 books that are awaiting my attention! I should open a library....
Just bought three books whilst in the US, that I can add to the "Intend to read" category. Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes, Friday Night Lights by Bissinger, and a historical book "1776" about the obvious.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Back from Vacation
Did you miss me?
Well, I missed you, and have probably lost touch with some people in the last month, what with my PC Crash, and my two week vacation. Well, the PC isn't fixed yet, but I seem to have regained access at work, so for the moment I can get here and let you know what my vacation was like.
I have to confess to little running whilst away. I had planned to do more, but an irish-italian wedding in Rhode Island is not synominous with running, so I have a lot of work to do to get back in shape in time for Dublin in two months time.
The wedding was only part of the trip, and we had a great time, visiting Block Island, fishing in the ocean, out on my friends boat, lunching at the Skippers Dock in Stonington Harbour, and relaxing. Then it was a week in Boston, meeting up with some Cool Runners one night, visiting Fenway Park, doing a Duck Tour, walking the Freedom Trail, and generally having a great time.
We rounded off the trip by driving down from Boston to Newark, and managed to get bumped off our flight on Friday night (for $500 each! ;)) and had a day in New York on Saturday, sadly no time to let anyone know, but a few hours in Macy's and a few beers saw us home safely. Our bags had an even better holiday, as they spent another day in the US before arriving home this morning - At least it saved us having to carry them around the airport when we got home :).
I have loads of pictures from my trip, and when I get the Home Pc fixed, I will post a few shots, and bore you all to death.
Tonight I start running again - Wish me luck .......
Well, I missed you, and have probably lost touch with some people in the last month, what with my PC Crash, and my two week vacation. Well, the PC isn't fixed yet, but I seem to have regained access at work, so for the moment I can get here and let you know what my vacation was like.
I have to confess to little running whilst away. I had planned to do more, but an irish-italian wedding in Rhode Island is not synominous with running, so I have a lot of work to do to get back in shape in time for Dublin in two months time.
The wedding was only part of the trip, and we had a great time, visiting Block Island, fishing in the ocean, out on my friends boat, lunching at the Skippers Dock in Stonington Harbour, and relaxing. Then it was a week in Boston, meeting up with some Cool Runners one night, visiting Fenway Park, doing a Duck Tour, walking the Freedom Trail, and generally having a great time.
We rounded off the trip by driving down from Boston to Newark, and managed to get bumped off our flight on Friday night (for $500 each! ;)) and had a day in New York on Saturday, sadly no time to let anyone know, but a few hours in Macy's and a few beers saw us home safely. Our bags had an even better holiday, as they spent another day in the US before arriving home this morning - At least it saved us having to carry them around the airport when we got home :).
I have loads of pictures from my trip, and when I get the Home Pc fixed, I will post a few shots, and bore you all to death.
Tonight I start running again - Wish me luck .......
Friday, August 11, 2006
Communication Breakdown
Well, here we are, and almost two weeks without a post. I have had the doctor out to the PC and, sadly, the motherboard has gone. Hopefully, it won't cost too much to repair, and my clockwork PC (It's old) will be back running in a relatively short time.
In the meantime, I am heading Stateside for my summer vacation. On Sunday, at some unearthly hour, I will be on a flight to Newark, and two weeks away from PC's, work, and all those silly pressures we put ourselves under in the daily grind. Week one will be in Rhode Island, and a family wedding, that's on Wednesday next, and then, hopefully after visiting Block Island and the beaches of RI, it's up to Boston, or to be precise, Cambridge, as that's where our hotel is, and the delights of my favourite Marathon City.
Running has been less frequent than I would have liked in recent weeks as I have had some health problems, which hopefully will be sorted out when I get home. Although I am probably over-using that in my excuse list. I did managed a nice little run of around 40 minutes last night in the Park with Kieran and Jo, and we had a good chat about Jo's recent Ironman in Germany, and the imminent arrival of Kieran's first child (fingers crossed Barbara). The lack of decent running will mean that the 3:36 goal for Dublin in 11 weeks is unlikely, but I will endeavour to train whilst away, and once home, and my PC is fixed, I'll be assessing where I am in my Train to Boston 08 plan.
For now, I'm away, and to all who read my little missive, I'm missing you, and hopefully normal service will be resumed by early September.
In the meantime, I am heading Stateside for my summer vacation. On Sunday, at some unearthly hour, I will be on a flight to Newark, and two weeks away from PC's, work, and all those silly pressures we put ourselves under in the daily grind. Week one will be in Rhode Island, and a family wedding, that's on Wednesday next, and then, hopefully after visiting Block Island and the beaches of RI, it's up to Boston, or to be precise, Cambridge, as that's where our hotel is, and the delights of my favourite Marathon City.
Running has been less frequent than I would have liked in recent weeks as I have had some health problems, which hopefully will be sorted out when I get home. Although I am probably over-using that in my excuse list. I did managed a nice little run of around 40 minutes last night in the Park with Kieran and Jo, and we had a good chat about Jo's recent Ironman in Germany, and the imminent arrival of Kieran's first child (fingers crossed Barbara). The lack of decent running will mean that the 3:36 goal for Dublin in 11 weeks is unlikely, but I will endeavour to train whilst away, and once home, and my PC is fixed, I'll be assessing where I am in my Train to Boston 08 plan.
For now, I'm away, and to all who read my little missive, I'm missing you, and hopefully normal service will be resumed by early September.
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