Tuesday evening and only 6 days to the Dublin Marathon. ALthough I took the wise decision not to run this years event as I am far from Marathon fit, I am still getting excited as the day of the race draws ever nearer. I have friends coming in from the UK to run, club mates up from Athenry, and virtual friends from the Runners World UK Forum also coming in for the craic, and a chance to run the streets of Dublin. No doubt there will be other familiar faces, and the expo and race will re-generate me to focus harder as I plan for 2007 and Connemara.
This weekend will also be busy as I get the keys to my new apartment on Friday, and wiull be moving stuff in on Saturday as well as trying to attend the Expo, collect arrivals from the airport, have a drink with old friends and new, and be ready to act as Bag Carrier and Cheerleader on Monday, and then setlle back down and prepare for work again on Tuesday (It's a Public Holiday here on Monday, Race Day).
I've also switched my Blog over to Beta (at last), so hopefully it will be better and no glitches will appear. I really don't know if I'll be posting before the weekend again, and I have no idea when I'll be getting Internet Hooked at my new place, so bear with me if there is a vacant space for a short while.
Running is edging along nicely. Gently but at leat it's coming together, and my new place on the quays will give me new routes to explore, and miles to get in the bank.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
Another Week Runs Past
Friday evening, and another week passes by. This isn't an exscuse for running, but one just to say sorry that I can't post as frequently as I like at present. The new job has been very demanding in the first few weeks, and I have no Internet Connection at work, so I have to rely on the home base, and with late work, running (Yes- Running), and searching for a new apartment, posting updates has been at the bottom of the long list.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
Another Week - And YES - I'm Running
Friday evening, and another week passes by. This isn't an exscuse for running, but one just to say sorry that I can't post as frequently as I like at present. The new job has been very demanding in the first few weeks, and I have no Internet Connection at work, so I have to rely on the home base, and with late work, running (Yes- Running), and searching for a new apartment, posting updates has been at the bottom of the long list.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Bouncebackability
Friday night and I've enjoyed a pleasant evening at home, wathching Studio 60 On Sunset Strip, via my PC, had a glass of Bulmers, savoured every drop, and read over the messages from friends on here. And you know what, they are right. Thomas, I owe you a pint. I am going to do exactly what you say.
I have allowed myself to slip into an uncertain territory, using stupid, juvenile excuses, and now it's time to take charge of things again.
The Dublin Marathon is two weeks on Monday - Don't panic, I'm not Stupid, I'm not going to try and run 26 miles on the paucity of training in recent weeks (months?), but what I am going to do is lace up my shoes, hit the road first thing in the morning and let the wind take me.
In four weeks I will be in New York. I'll have a few beers with my son, I'll be there with him, celebrating his 21st. From then on in, I'll have 20 weeks to the Connemara Marathon, and I will be running under 4 hours, I will be under 180 lbs, and I will be trained, hardened, and back on that Train to Boston 08.
No more pitiful excuses, no more hard luck stories, no more lies (to myself that is), and more listening, re-learning, re-training, and plenty of hard work - and most importantly, plenty of fun along the way.
Thomas I thank you for your words. To others, I appreciate the encouragement, now it's time to get those shoes dusted down, the road awaits..... Heck, I even have to lose a few pounds before I get to New York, I have all those Flyers to meet :)......
I have allowed myself to slip into an uncertain territory, using stupid, juvenile excuses, and now it's time to take charge of things again.
The Dublin Marathon is two weeks on Monday - Don't panic, I'm not Stupid, I'm not going to try and run 26 miles on the paucity of training in recent weeks (months?), but what I am going to do is lace up my shoes, hit the road first thing in the morning and let the wind take me.
In four weeks I will be in New York. I'll have a few beers with my son, I'll be there with him, celebrating his 21st. From then on in, I'll have 20 weeks to the Connemara Marathon, and I will be running under 4 hours, I will be under 180 lbs, and I will be trained, hardened, and back on that Train to Boston 08.
No more pitiful excuses, no more hard luck stories, no more lies (to myself that is), and more listening, re-learning, re-training, and plenty of hard work - and most importantly, plenty of fun along the way.
Thomas I thank you for your words. To others, I appreciate the encouragement, now it's time to get those shoes dusted down, the road awaits..... Heck, I even have to lose a few pounds before I get to New York, I have all those Flyers to meet :)......
Monday, October 09, 2006
I apologise
I am really sorry. I seem to have really been making a habit of that line recently. But, as regular readers (both of you that are left) will know, I switched jobs last week, and things have been plenty hectic since last Monday.
Naturally not everything went smoothly. I haven't gone to the orignal place I was told I was going to, nor am I do exactly what was promised me. Having said that I am not complaining. The people are very nice, the work I will be eventually doing will be challenging and right up my tree, but for now I have a lot of learning to do.
On the good news front I managed to get out and run again. I have been very, very lazy lately, but last Thursday I met up with my training partner and we managed a 4 miler in the Phoenix Park before it went dark. My running has taken a MASSIVE back seat in recent weeks, and my weight is now hovering around 200 lbs - OUCH! Next week I shall be starting back on a programme to shed the pounds and get running properly again. And I promise to get back to regular updates and posts on fellow bloggers sites - I haven't forgotten people, I just have been so tied up with the job move, something had to give. Forgive me........
Naturally not everything went smoothly. I haven't gone to the orignal place I was told I was going to, nor am I do exactly what was promised me. Having said that I am not complaining. The people are very nice, the work I will be eventually doing will be challenging and right up my tree, but for now I have a lot of learning to do.
On the good news front I managed to get out and run again. I have been very, very lazy lately, but last Thursday I met up with my training partner and we managed a 4 miler in the Phoenix Park before it went dark. My running has taken a MASSIVE back seat in recent weeks, and my weight is now hovering around 200 lbs - OUCH! Next week I shall be starting back on a programme to shed the pounds and get running properly again. And I promise to get back to regular updates and posts on fellow bloggers sites - I haven't forgotten people, I just have been so tied up with the job move, something had to give. Forgive me........
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
MIA - Apologies
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.
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.
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 :))............
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