I haven’t really done any running this last week at all since the Bupa 10000 in London and I would’ve thought the great feeling from that run would’ve kept me going.  Nope.  I think it comes down to mind-over-matter and I just need to get on with it!  So, starting from today I’ll be putting in a big “push” and trying to get my running sorted out.

1)  I’ll need to update my running log with total mileage to date.  I’ll also need to keep a pad or something in the kitchen (easily accessible) where I can write down my mileage and duration each time I train.

2)  I’ll need to do more quality workouts.  They can’t all be easy or long runs!  I need some intervals and even hill-work thrown in there or nothing is going to happen and I won’t develop any further.

3)  I need to watch what I’m eating.  I don’t necessarily eat loads of “bad” foods but I tend to eat too much.  I love food!  mmmmm…. food.  So, calorie intake to decrease somewhat.  I’m not going to set myself any particular weight loss goals but I’d be overcome with joy if I was 20lbs lighter than I am now.  Ooops… just inadvertently set myself some sort of mental goal.  Great, pressure.  I’d like to get down to 199 lbs (90.26kg) and maintain that weight or less.  I’d be very happy if I could do that!

4)  Need to start doing some weight training a couple times a week.  I’m not sure when I’ll squeeze this in but I’ll do my best.  I think I’ll have to re-start the whole “100 push ups” challenge as part of this to make up for the days when I can’t get to the gym and use any weights. 

Sound like a plan?  I’m not sure how it is for others out there but for us average 103kg guys this whole running thing takes a lot of motivation at times.  Wish me luck!

As for non-running related matters, we’re getting chickens!  We’ve thought about it in the past and discussed it a bit and now we’ve decided to go for it.  We’re going to get 3 hens and a nice little coop for them to live in.  Hopefully, before you know it we’ll have our own eggs!  Chicken names have already been confirmed as Claudia (Schiffer), Elle (MacPherson) & Rachel (Hunter); all good chicken names.  We just haven’t decided what breed of chicken to get yet as there are so many.  My wife is inclined to get some ISA Browns as they would normally go to a battery, however this may all change when we go to the farm to choose some.  We’ll also take the advice of the lady who runs the place we are getting the hens because we want them to be docile.

It won’t be straight away, it’ll probably happen over the next month or so because we still need to discuss a few things and make sure the funds are available to do what we need to do.  Initial outlay is the biggest thing but I think it’ll be worth it.  It’s also good for our son (he’s 3 1/2 now) as we don’t currently have any pets at all and he will learn to take care of them too.

This means that the “non running” posts of my blog will now include information on keeping hens and what’s happening with them.  I apologise in advance if you find this boring or if there are too many “non running” posts.  I mean, I don’t just run do I?

Related posts:

1. Chunky Virtual Runner dot com?
2. Still doing push ups
3. 19k and a cold

Overall it was a great day out and Bupa spares no expense on their events.  Well worth the additional money you pay for one of their events as opposed to others.  Lots of toilets (always important), loads of runners, loads of supporters, well marked, well organised with a great goody bag and a quality-feel medal (I love the medals!).

If you’ve never done the Bupa London 10000 before then I seriously recommend you register for the 2011 event because you won’t regret it.  I got my personal for a 10k at the 2009 event so I’d give it a high personal best potential rating (I mean, if I can do it then so can everyone else!).

I previously mentioned that a work contact of me managed to get me last-minute entry to this event.  Unfortunately he wasn’t able to run with my friend and I as he has been ill the past few days.  Frankly, having not been able to complete the marathon because of illness, I can relate.  We just told him to stay home and chill out; there are always other events.

My super supportive wifey also came along to cheer us on.  She is such a great supporter and she was at the start line as we went by yelling and cheering us on (and even ran beside us for a few metres) and she was at the finish on the Mall to cheer us on again.

I think my friend was quite nervous about the event because the last event he took part in was the Santa Run which was 5k and over off-road terrain.  He thought he would make it to about 4k before he needed to take a walking break.  Nope.  He made it 6.2k before he had to walk the 1st time.  Overall, we only stopped to walk 3 times.  For his first 10k, that is a fantastic achievement and I think he felt that too.

I tried to explain that 10k is a great distance because it’s over before you know it and you also get that fantastic feeling when you cross the finish line.  Whether you’re first or last!  (Note:  I’ve never been either – yet.)

You can check out our route and split times here:-

Overall a great morning out and a great event. Like I said, if you haven’t done it before then give the Bupa London 10000 a go!

Related posts:

1. Entry to 2010 Bupa London 10000
2. 2009 Bupa London 10000
3. Pre 2009 Bupa London 10000

I’ve printed all my entry info to take with me on our trip to Canada (we have a house-sitter any would-be burglars) because the website doesn’t actually tell you to bring anything to prove you’ve entered.

I’m trying to remember everthing I need to take with me to Canada like running shoes!  I definitely want to take my Garmin even though I have no idea if it will work in North America if it was bought in UK.  I’m sure it will…

Won’t be long and we’ll be in the land of moose, maple syrup, pick-up trucks, “eh” and politeness (to name but a very few).   After 9th May my main focus will be enjoying myself and trying not to eat myself to death!

I will probably post a blog or two whilst I’m over there but it depends on which family member will allow me to borrow their internet access!

Wish me luck everyone!

Related posts:

1. Feeling it again
2. Chunky Virtual Runner dot com?
3. Mortimer 10k

I had missed the chance to register for the Bupa London 10,000 and the online registration was full.  The Bupa 10,000 takes place in London on Monday, 31 May 2010 and it’s a great event.  I did it last year and had a great time.

My job means I am in regular contact with various insurers and Bupa is one of them.  It just so happens that our contact at Bupa has also done some running and he is taking part in the 10k as well.  When I met him the other day he said that he had VIP passes to the elite/celeb starting area and I told him that I didn’t have entry.

Well, he pulled a couple of strings and I’m in!  Had to send a last-minute cheque for £25 off to the organisers but I’m in and I’ve got access to VIP area!  How cool is that?  My wife will also be coming with me to cheer me on and she gets in as well.

I might actually have something interesting to right about after that event!

Related posts:

1. 2010 Bupa London 10000
2. 2009 Bupa London 10000
3. Pre 2009 Bupa London 10000

Summary:-

Here are some photos I took on my looooong run:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thevirtualrunner/sets/

I almost didn’t even go on the run in the first place but my wife practically pushed me out the door.  It was cold and miserable for the first few miles too but once I got to the Thames River it was much better.  The scenic run made up for the cold and the sun came out too.

It was a simple out-and-back run but the wind was in my face the whole way out.  Thankfully the run back was nicer.  The reason I did an out-and-back run was so I wouldn’t wimp out part way through and shorten the run.  I just kepting running away from home until I hit 12km and turned around.  Pretty much assured to do the 24km that way… unless I caught a bus or a taxi or something!

Quite exhausted yesterday and my knees were very sore by the end of the evening.  Today they feel fine and I’m stiff all over again like when I did the Reading Half Marathon.

I’m also pretty amazed with myself and how far I ran.  I almost felt the same sense of achievement as when I do the Reading Half Marathon each year.  The only thing missing was a medal!  Perhaps I should make some up and get my wife to present them to me when I return from my long runs… I’ll mention it over dinner!

This coming Sunday I’m going to have to do 26.5km (16.46 miles)!

Related posts:

1. Chunky Virtual Runner dot com?
2. One More Before
3. 20 Miles of Fun

Besides being excited (and scared) about the marathon, I’m also excited to see my family.  We tend to only visit Canada about once a year and we never got to go to Canada last year because we got married.  So, it’s been two years since I’ve seen everyone!

I’m also looking forward to seeing my best friend Robby.  I’ve mentioned him before on here and if you google him my site comes up (lol).  We met when we were younger and we’ve been the best of friends ever since.  Even though we’ve both moved all over the place and been almost on opposite sides of the world we’ve always stayed in contact.  Also, it’s been much longer since I’ve seen Rob so I can’t wait to just hang out and have him meet my son for the first time!

I always tell my son about his family in Canada and I also tell him that he’s going to see “Uncle” Rob because he’s like my brother and is a part of my family.

I’m looking forward to hanging out with my nieces and nephews, talking to my sisters and my parents.  We are also hoping to rent a car for a few days and head down to another part of New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia to see more family too.

So, not long now and we’ll be bringing in the house sitter (Tony!) and shipping ourselves to Canada to visit family.

You know what else I’m looking forward to in Canada?!  Food!  There is loads of food that I grew up with that you can’t get in the UK.  In no particular order, some things I’m looking forward to eating:-

• Bologna
• Kraft Dinner
• Kool-Aid
• Tim Hortons Coffee and Donuts
• Pizza Delight Pizza (with the works)
• Donair
• Dill Pickle Crisps (or Chips as they’re called in Canada)
• My mum’s potato salad

That’s just the stuff I can think of off the top of my head.  Don’t worry, I won’t be sitting down to a large meal consisting of all of those items in one go… although that might be good.  I’ll be spreading out the joy!

Related posts:

1. Lasers, Moving, Friends, Excess & Stress
2. Juneathon – Day 10 (Living Away from Family)
3. Points of (Un)Interest

My third attempt of the Reading Half Marathon certainly wasn’t my best.  I had a good first half and at the 10k mark my time seemed pretty good and I was at about the 58min mark.  However, the whole second half was much harder and I was experiencing some major tiredness in my legs and feet whilst running.  I had to stop and walk many many times during the second half and my overall finish time was more than 2 hours 16 mins!  Even worse than when I ran it for the first time.

My split times were as follows:-

5K – 00:29:20

10K – 00:58:33

15K – 01:32:26

20K – 02:08:24

When the pain was really bad I just kept focusing on getting finished.  Even if I had to walk the rest of the damn thing, I was going to finish! That is the one big positive out of all this, I finished it even though my body and brain were telling me I’d had enough.  For me it was a serious mind over matter moment.

I must admit that when I finished the run I was quite upset/disappointed with myself.  My wife was very helpful though and reminded me that I had finished the run in the first place.  That’s why everyone in the audience cheers so much, not just because they have family/friends running, but because they’re proud of all of us for doing it in the first place.  So, even though it was a “personal worst”, I’m proud of me for doing it as well.

The one big lesson out of all of this is that I need to train more.  I’ve been a bit slack lately and with a full marathon coming up in 7 weeks I just can’t afford to do that anymore.

Of course, this finish time and the pain has made me wonder how many days (kidding) it’s going to take me to finish the marathon.  The good thing about the marathon is that I don’t actually have any previous finish times to compare against in my head.  I just want to finish it… and I will.

So the main focus over the next 7 weeks is training and dropping a few pounds.  I think it was a combination of lack of training and being too heavy this time.  I need to trim down a few kilos in order to be better prepared for the full marathon.

Today I’m hobbling around and having a very hard time going up and down stairs.  My calf muscles and quads are killing me.  My quads!  Why?  Usually it is my hamstrings that are sore after running or training.

My wife was kind enough to give me a leg massage today and although it was an extremely painful experience (which I’m sure she enjoyed) it does feel a bit better.

I wonder if it’s safe to go to the gym tomorrow and do a little bit on the cross trainer…

Related posts:

1. 20 Miles of Fun
2. Woodley 10k and Injury
3. Chunky Virtual Runner dot com?

I’m trying to do two quality runs during the week (tempo and intervals) with a long run each Sunday.  Unfortunately this week I didn’t even run during the week but still managed to do 10 miles today.

I think my biggest problem is food!  Oh how I love the food… any type of food and lots of it.  Okay, not shellfish… but most food!

I’m going to have to make a conscious effort to reduce the intake of crap over the next few weeks because I’m carrying a few (I’m playing it down) extra pounds at the moment and I’m not going to do my knees or legs any favours by making them lug this heavy frame around a marathon.

The Reading Half Marathon is a week from today, and I’m very glad that I don’t have a personal goal for this one.  My only plan is to run the whole thing at the slow-ish pace I’m going to run the marathon at.  That’s about an average pace of 06:30 to 06:40 min per km.  Yeah, it’s slow but I want to take it easy as much as possible.

8 weeks until the Fredericton Marathon!  I’m thinking I will need to sort out some new running shoes before then.  I don’t think the current Asics Kayano running shoes are going to make it to then.

I’m also going to need to up my game on the long runs after Reading Half Marathon.  I’m planning on increasing my runs as follows:-

28 March – 22.5km (13.98 miles)

04 April – 23.40km (14.54 miles)

11 April – 26.00km (16.15 miles)

18 April – 28.90km (17.95 miles)

25 April – 32.18km (20.00 miles)

02 May – 16.09km (10.00 miles)

09 May – 42.19km (26.20 miles) – MARATHON DAY

Any runners out there think this is realistic?  It’s only a 10% increase each week to take me where I need to be.  I’m trying to keep it as gradual as I can and I thought 20 miles is the most I’ll need to train for in order to do the marathon.  Well, I hope it is, because it’s too late now!

Here is a summary of my runs recently:-

As for non-running related matters are concerned.  It’s Mothers Day here in the UK so my son got his mummy some lovely flowers (he chose them all by himself) and a card which he scribbled in and all over.  Terrible handwriting…

At work, things are still stressful and everyone wondering what is going to happen.  I won’t go on about it and I’ll let you know what happens on that front in a few weeks time when I actually know.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there and take care!

Related posts:

1. 20 Miles of Fun
2. One More Before
3. London Marathon

I’ve still been running; however, there was a couple of weeks after the laser eye surgery where I didn’t really do anything except get fatter and allow my eyes to heal.  I started running as soon as I possibly could so I could keep the weight maintained.

What’s been happening:

Mortimer 10k – I thought that I’d do the Mortimer 10k today because it is pretty local and also because I haven’t done many 10k runs this summer (even though I intended to).  My wife was kind enough to push me along and make sure I did it as well.

It is a great race and put on by my running club (Reading Roadrunners).  They put on a bit of a Fair and there are things for the kids and stalls selling things as well.  It’s a great day really.

The race only costs £7.00 (on the day) and is a pretty gruelling 10k.  There are some short steep hills and from about 6km to 9km it is all uphill!  What a crazy and painful race.  There was some walking going on today by me!  I pushed myself on the hills as best as I could but there was no way I could run them all.

I think my race time was okay considering the hills, however I didn’t really time myself and there was no chip timing at the event.  They’ll post the approximate finish times (someone at the end notes your number and the time on the clock) and I’ll know exactly what I did then.  All I know at this stage is that it was under 1 hour and I’m happy with that.

Weights – I’ve decided to start doing some weights again and increase the amount of exercise I do in a week.  Previously, I was running on Tue, Wed OR Thu, Fri & Sun (long run) which was about 4 times a week (sometimes 5 because I’d do Wed AND Thu).

Now I do something everyday except for Saturdays.  I don’t run everyday of course but I’ve started incorporating other exercise on my non-running days. 

Eyes – I’m getting more and more used to having my new glasses-free eyes.  I know I’m getting used to it because I forget that I’m not wearing glasses!  In fact, it was nice to go running today at the Mortimer 10k and not be wearing any glasses.

I’m looking forward to going back to running club over the coming autumn and winter months and not having to run blindly because of steamed up or wet glasses! In fact, me and my mate Tony tried to go to running club this last Wed but the track was not opened.  The running club was running around the park instead.  Tony and I opted to do our own thing instead and did about 5 miles easy around the park.  The sign that was up at the venue said that the track would be open on 05 October 2009 so we’ll be able to go back to track sessions after that.

NFL UK – I found out that the Patriots are playing the Buccaneers at Wembley stadium on 25 October 2009 so me and my mate Tony are going!  It’s going to be great and I’m really looking forward to it.  I’ve never been to an NFL game before and it’s cool to be able to go to a regular season game without having to travel all the way to america!

Running & marathons – I’m still running but with a bit more focus on what I’m doing.  I’m conscious of the fact that my long runs need to be at a bit slower pace in order to cover 26.2 miles next April!  I’ll work out proper paces etc in a few more weeks when I really concentrate properly on training for the marathon.  Plus, I’m also hoping to purchase a Garmin Forerunner 405 in order to aid me in my training!

My Son – He is growing up way too fast and will be three next month!  He’s so cute and funny and a lovely little boy (when he’s not naughty).

I’ll try not to neglect my blog so much going forward.  I’m happy to report that I’ve been reading a lot of other running blogs though!  All of the running blogs listed in my “Best Running Blogs”.

Take care everyone!

Related posts:

1. L-Day
2. Mortimer 10k, Long Run & Puffy Knees
3. Lasers & Blogs

I know quite a few people that have had the treatment and I’ve read a lot about it online to make sure I was prepared for the day.  I was comforted by the fact that most people said the treatment was easy and straightforward and how you were in-and-out in no time at all.  Maybe I’m a bit wimpier than most people.

The actual treatment was simple and pain free, however the “intralase” (creating the flap) was quite traumatic and painful in parts.  The doctor had to keep telling me to breathe normally because I was holding my breath (scared and the pain). 

They put eye-drops in to numb the eye and then they insert a clamp to hold the eye open and prevent blinking.  Then they insert a ring around they eye and the doctor says “you’ll feel a bit of pressure against the eye”.  Translation:  It will feel like I’m pushing your eye through the back of your head.  Then they lower the intralase equipment on to your eye and again you feel like it’s crushing your eyeball.  It only lasts about a minute per eye but I found it quite traumatic.

Once that is done the doctor opens the flaps and the treatment begins.  The doctors tells you how long it will take for the treatment to take place (in seconds) and that you’ll hear a ticking noise and smell some burning (your eye burning).  My treatment only took about 41 secs for one eye and 38 for the other and about 15 secs extra for each eye for the Wavefront.

After the treatment (less than 10 mins) I had some protective shields taped over my eyes and I was taken to a dark room to sit for 20 mins.  The nurse comes in and goes through the after treatment care and I had my wife with me at that point to make sure she was taking it all in because my memory is useless and I had other things on my mind at that point! 

You see the doctor quickly again at that point and they make you read the eye chart and you should be able to read the top line at that point (which I did).

Today at 10:30 I had my follow-up appointment with another eye doctor to check the flaps that were created on my cornea and to see how my sight was progressing.  He said that my flaps were great and that there was no inflammation.  He asked me to read the eye chart with each eye and I had 20/16 with my left eye and 20/30 with my right eye.  20/30 is driving standard.

He said not to worry about the right eye at the moment because it is still early days.  He said to be patient because it takes about three months for the vision to settle completely.

As for how I can see now.  I can see quite a long ways and it really is amazing.  Yeah, it’s not perfect at the moment but it is only the first day and it was a surgical procedure.  I’m still amazed that I can look outside and see for a long ways with clarity.

I’ve got some eye drops to take every four hours for 7 days (anti-biotics) and some for 10 days (steroids) and some others for three months (tears).  I’ve got to wear some eye protection at night when I’m sleeping for 7 days to make sure I don’t rub my eyes in my sleep.  I’m not supposed to run for two weeks either!  Two weeks!  They said that is the minimum so I’ll leave it at that.  I’m going back for another appointment on 17th September so I’ll ask then if it is okay to run again.

My initial verdict (as I haven’t fully healed yet) is that it is definitely worth the money and I would recommend it to anyone with glasses.

Related posts:

1. L-Day
2. Semi-conscious and KFC
3. Diet is Key