Maybe Santa Claus will help, because everything else seems to go wrong and I cant get more than a few weeks without another piece of my ageing body breaking down! I'm sure nobody wants to hear about YET another Liam Excuse/Injury, but I decided that the start of my training programme for Virginia Beach was obviously going too well, so I decided to pull a tendon in my left foot! Meant I could sit on my arse for three weeks and do no running!
Well, the good news is that its 90% cleared up now, and I have started running again. Monday night I rejoined the Dublin Hash and took part in an easy low key run on a chilly evening. Wednesday and Thursday I went to the gym and ran short 2Km runs each evening, hard enough to test the foot was OK, but short enough not to cause too much presure on the foot - Two short runs, but the foot seems to have got through the ordeal OK, and hopefully I can get going again - Don't hold your breath, something is bound to go wrong before the Year is out!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Well, so far so good...
The world hasn't stopped spinning on its axis, and Barack Obama will be President in 74 days - Welcome Back to the World America :)
But onto more serious matters - my running!
Well, for the first time in a very long time, I have managed to make the treadmill and run 5 days in a row, and in fact 7 out of the last 8 days, only Saturday last being missed. At the moment, I am taking very small steps, with next to no distance being undertaken, but I am doing the improtant bit, I'm lacing my shoes and getting out there. Yesterday was difficult. My legs felt very tired, I felt tight on the chest, and things were "yucky" - and I was only running 8:30 pace, and had to cut the run to a miniscule 2Km. Today I managed 2 miles, and felt a lot better, so I'll continue on the easy build up, and keep working hard.
But onto more serious matters - my running!
Well, for the first time in a very long time, I have managed to make the treadmill and run 5 days in a row, and in fact 7 out of the last 8 days, only Saturday last being missed. At the moment, I am taking very small steps, with next to no distance being undertaken, but I am doing the improtant bit, I'm lacing my shoes and getting out there. Yesterday was difficult. My legs felt very tired, I felt tight on the chest, and things were "yucky" - and I was only running 8:30 pace, and had to cut the run to a miniscule 2Km. Today I managed 2 miles, and felt a lot better, so I'll continue on the easy build up, and keep working hard.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Day - The World awaits with bated breath
And while we wait, I went to the gym and did a session on the treadmill, along with some leg curls and a sauna session. The run was average, only 2 miles at 8:22 pace, positively pedestrian, but it was another run, and I didn't feel too pressed at this pace - understandably. I need to start building up a mile or two each week, as I build up to the 10K run on Dec 6th - Slowly slowly -
Lets hope that the election in the US produces the "right" result, the world is hopeful, lets hope the Americans don't let the world down.....((See, I can be topical too!)...
Lets hope that the election in the US produces the "right" result, the world is hopeful, lets hope the Americans don't let the world down.....((See, I can be topical too!)...
Monday, November 03, 2008
Week 1 of 20 - The Countdown Begins
Well, I promised I was going to start again, and this time get there, so here we are, the start of a 20 week programme with a goal in mind. I have no excuses at the moment, apart from the excess weight I am carrying, so here I am, embarking on another Marathon, and once again its a US one.
Some time ago I we were invited to go to St Louis, for a Green Dress Hash Run for St Patrick's weekend, actually the run is on March 13th, and we were looking at making it a long weekend. But having now been invited to the
Shamrock Marathon Fest in Virginia Beach it's looking that the trip will encompass the Hash in St Louis, and then a lesiurely drive across country to Virginia Beach for the Marathon on March 22nd - That race being exactly 20 weeks away!
So today, Day 1 of Week 1, and in the 6 weeks of base building that my plan involves, it was a 4Km trot in 21:37 on the treadmill, an easy, even-paced run, a start which will be developed as we progress. I have a couple of local races in December which will begin the speed/interval phase, so won't be expecting anything spectacular there, one is a 10Km, the other a 5Km, so we'll see.
Just so you can see how much weight I am carrying, I include this lovely picture of me from this weekend Halloween Party - Boy have I got a job on my hands!
Some time ago I we were invited to go to St Louis, for a Green Dress Hash Run for St Patrick's weekend, actually the run is on March 13th, and we were looking at making it a long weekend. But having now been invited to the
Shamrock Marathon Fest in Virginia Beach it's looking that the trip will encompass the Hash in St Louis, and then a lesiurely drive across country to Virginia Beach for the Marathon on March 22nd - That race being exactly 20 weeks away!
So today, Day 1 of Week 1, and in the 6 weeks of base building that my plan involves, it was a 4Km trot in 21:37 on the treadmill, an easy, even-paced run, a start which will be developed as we progress. I have a couple of local races in December which will begin the speed/interval phase, so won't be expecting anything spectacular there, one is a 10Km, the other a 5Km, so we'll see.
Just so you can see how much weight I am carrying, I include this lovely picture of me from this weekend Halloween Party - Boy have I got a job on my hands!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
New York Times - Big Marathons Article
A few weeks ago I was called my a journalist on the New York Times and we had a telephone discussion about the state of play of large city Marathons - Here is a link to the article from today's NYT.
Big Marathons, Already Packed, May Still Grow
By JULIET MACUR
Published: October 29, 2008
Race directors are looking for ways to make their marathons even bigger, while somehow maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for runners.
Wonder what others might think - Seems a very fair piece to me -
Big Marathons, Already Packed, May Still Grow
By JULIET MACUR
Published: October 29, 2008
Race directors are looking for ways to make their marathons even bigger, while somehow maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for runners.
Wonder what others might think - Seems a very fair piece to me -
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Dublin Marathon Weekend 2008
As I reported earlier, obvioulsy I wasn't running this year, but it still meant a busy weekend at the Adidas Dublin Marathon. Went to the expo on Saturday to check out the stands, catch up with a few friends, and generally get re-enthused about the Marathon.
On Sunday, I was hareing a trail for the Dublin Hash House Harriers, and we welcomed a group of Runners/Hashers in from Sweden, along with a couple of Americans, and the usual Dublin crew. This was a sightseeing hash and a gentle run was planned for those taking part in the Marathon on Monday, and an enjoyable time was had as I showed them the sights of Dublin.
This took me through to Monday and Marathon Day. This year, it was no trip down to the start to wave good-bye and await the return - We were off at 7.30 to Terenure, and Mile 15 of the race. The Hash operate a Water Station here, and we arrived to find 10,000 bottles sat on pallets, tables awaiting building and a few like minded souls looking forward to the day. It was clear, cool, but dry, all in all a perfect day for running, and we quickly erected the tables, started to unpack the water bottle, having to pull off the plastic tops on 10,000 bottles. Then the van arrived with some banners, the FM104 Girls arrived in their Beetle, and 20 boxes of gels were dropped off for us - we were prepared -
At around 10.15 the lead car was spotted, and before we knew it the leaders were among us - and as quickly as they arrived, they were gone, their special drinks collected, drunk, discarded - water taken, and not a stride broken as they sped off. Gradually the rest of the field started to appear - Strung out at first as the leading Irish runners came through, then those looking to break 2:45, we spotted a few familar faces, some looking worse than others, and before we knew it, the masses were upon us. Hundreds of tired runners, pounding their way thru Mile 15, over half way, and starting the countdown to home.
Water was collected, dropped, gels ripped open, thank you's called to us volunteering. The kids helped us, handing out bottles without getting in every ones way, they were a welcome help - Runners must be the most polite people in the sporting world, as they thanked us for being there, we were all glad to help. After two hours of constant masses, the runners started to become walkers, the numbers dwindled, but still they came. Simon Baker, who would go on to set a world record for completeing a marathon on crutches, came by and chatted with us as he rested his arms - His "minders" complaining he was going too fast! We saw the Toucan, a friend of mine from Wales was yelled at - and went on to run 4:22, most looked great at our station, and the happy smiles of the walkers at the tail of the field said it all as they enjoyed their day out in Dublin.
Many were raising money for charities close to home, many just aiming to complete the run for their own satisfaction - One would come first, but everyone was a winner. Having run a fair few myself, I recalled the pleasures and pains of a marathon, part of me missing being out there running - As we wound down the operation as the numbers became a trickle, we waited for the last runners to pass, cheering them onwards to their own goals - I know I want to be a part of this again. Next year is Dublin's 30th Anniversary, my shoes will be laced, my training done, and I will be back on the streets of Terenure, and beyond - I'll be looking for my water at Mile 15 - On On ..
On Sunday, I was hareing a trail for the Dublin Hash House Harriers, and we welcomed a group of Runners/Hashers in from Sweden, along with a couple of Americans, and the usual Dublin crew. This was a sightseeing hash and a gentle run was planned for those taking part in the Marathon on Monday, and an enjoyable time was had as I showed them the sights of Dublin.
This took me through to Monday and Marathon Day. This year, it was no trip down to the start to wave good-bye and await the return - We were off at 7.30 to Terenure, and Mile 15 of the race. The Hash operate a Water Station here, and we arrived to find 10,000 bottles sat on pallets, tables awaiting building and a few like minded souls looking forward to the day. It was clear, cool, but dry, all in all a perfect day for running, and we quickly erected the tables, started to unpack the water bottle, having to pull off the plastic tops on 10,000 bottles. Then the van arrived with some banners, the FM104 Girls arrived in their Beetle, and 20 boxes of gels were dropped off for us - we were prepared -
At around 10.15 the lead car was spotted, and before we knew it the leaders were among us - and as quickly as they arrived, they were gone, their special drinks collected, drunk, discarded - water taken, and not a stride broken as they sped off. Gradually the rest of the field started to appear - Strung out at first as the leading Irish runners came through, then those looking to break 2:45, we spotted a few familar faces, some looking worse than others, and before we knew it, the masses were upon us. Hundreds of tired runners, pounding their way thru Mile 15, over half way, and starting the countdown to home.
Water was collected, dropped, gels ripped open, thank you's called to us volunteering. The kids helped us, handing out bottles without getting in every ones way, they were a welcome help - Runners must be the most polite people in the sporting world, as they thanked us for being there, we were all glad to help. After two hours of constant masses, the runners started to become walkers, the numbers dwindled, but still they came. Simon Baker, who would go on to set a world record for completeing a marathon on crutches, came by and chatted with us as he rested his arms - His "minders" complaining he was going too fast! We saw the Toucan, a friend of mine from Wales was yelled at - and went on to run 4:22, most looked great at our station, and the happy smiles of the walkers at the tail of the field said it all as they enjoyed their day out in Dublin.
Many were raising money for charities close to home, many just aiming to complete the run for their own satisfaction - One would come first, but everyone was a winner. Having run a fair few myself, I recalled the pleasures and pains of a marathon, part of me missing being out there running - As we wound down the operation as the numbers became a trickle, we waited for the last runners to pass, cheering them onwards to their own goals - I know I want to be a part of this again. Next year is Dublin's 30th Anniversary, my shoes will be laced, my training done, and I will be back on the streets of Terenure, and beyond - I'll be looking for my water at Mile 15 - On On ..
Friday, October 24, 2008
Stop - Start
Just in case I am talking to myself these days - I deserve to. I have been so irregular on here, I would be amazed if anyone has any patience left with me.
On the plus side, I am now injury free. I am still hashing and this has allowed me to keep some semblance of running in my life. This weekend here in Dublin, it's Marathon time. Obviously I am not running it this year, but I am contrbuting by Volunteering at a water station on Monday (Mile 15!), and I am also leading out a hash on Sunday for those visiting, a Sightseeing Hash!
But where does that leave my running. I had been thinking of running the Cross Country this winter, but knowing that being out of shape and running X-Country are not ideal friends, I will postpone those until the New Year, but I will target two low key races in December as runs. A 10K on Dec 6th, the Aware Race, and the Jingle Bells 5K the following weekend.
The biggest problem I have at present is my weight. I crept over 200lbs a couple of weeks ago, but glad to say I am back under again, and really will have to work on getting this back down to my Running Weight, which is below 185 - We shall see.....
On the plus side, I am now injury free. I am still hashing and this has allowed me to keep some semblance of running in my life. This weekend here in Dublin, it's Marathon time. Obviously I am not running it this year, but I am contrbuting by Volunteering at a water station on Monday (Mile 15!), and I am also leading out a hash on Sunday for those visiting, a Sightseeing Hash!
But where does that leave my running. I had been thinking of running the Cross Country this winter, but knowing that being out of shape and running X-Country are not ideal friends, I will postpone those until the New Year, but I will target two low key races in December as runs. A 10K on Dec 6th, the Aware Race, and the Jingle Bells 5K the following weekend.
The biggest problem I have at present is my weight. I crept over 200lbs a couple of weeks ago, but glad to say I am back under again, and really will have to work on getting this back down to my Running Weight, which is below 185 - We shall see.....
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Little acorns
You know the old saying about acorns, well, tonight saw a small step for Liam, a giant leap for my running! I headed to the gym, and ran a 3Km session. It was slow, painfully, 15:57. But it was a 3 Km run with no niggles as I ran, no running through pain, no feeling every muscle as I ran.
It's a long road back, I have 20 lbs extra around my belly - and a long way before I can honestly say I will be race fit again. Probably no real chance of anything this side of Xmas of note, but I will work at it, and get back. I love running too much to give up on the project....
It's a long road back, I have 20 lbs extra around my belly - and a long way before I can honestly say I will be race fit again. Probably no real chance of anything this side of Xmas of note, but I will work at it, and get back. I love running too much to give up on the project....
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Maybe not quite - But it's a start
Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day, and I didn't take advantage and run! But I did have a lovely day - walked around Greystones, had lunch al fresco, watched some soccer.... and that continued into Sunday.
But Monday, and a Hash in Santry! Now, hashing can sometimes be far more about the drinking afterwards, and little of the running. But Monday's was a run, and a good one to boot. For those not atune to hashing, it's nothing to do with smoking anything, it's running, following a trail laid by a hare before we all follow on, and it's all good fun, with a few beers at the end to justify the exercise! Well, last night we had a good run of around 75 minutes, and I got a good workout. OK, it's not a structured exercise routine, but it was a good run around Santry and Beaumont, and I felt it was well worth it as a way of kicking off the campaign.
Feeling stiff this morning, and will aim to go the gym tonight to work on a stiff right quad as well as take a nice sauna. I've added a little pic from the weekend, which shows my newly added weight quite well :)
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