Half Marathon Training – Week #3 Stats

It’s been a difficult week. Temperatures here in Liverpool have been between -1 to -5 and I need to renew my gym membership. The combination of these two factors has meant not much running outside and no trips to the gym as an alternative to running, or, as part of the schedule.

I decided I’d make up for it today by going for 12 or 15k after church, unfortunately, about 500 yards in (sorry for mixing my metric and imperial), I got a pain in my right calf, similar to cramp but not. I decided to carry on and run through it, big mistake! The further I ran, the further I was to a point of no return and I was going all the way home. There was no way I was going to walk, it was freezing. This was supposed to be my longest run yet, so I had to change plan and head straight for home. It still ended up being nearly 9k (5.5m) which on the one hand is great, but, on the other hand, I’m paying for it in my calf now. Pain people, lots of pain.

Anyhoo, here are the stats for the week…

And finally…

I’ve not been weighed for two weeks as I like to get weighed on the same scales in my gym. As I need to renew my membership there is nothing to report. Next week hopefully, finances willing.

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Run It…!!!”

Over 10k

Just a liddle update

Still slow, but, it’s all good. This is just over 6.5 miles. Another 6.7 on top and I’ve cracked it.

 

Half Marathon Training – Week #2 Stats

Hi guys.

Here are my week two stats (including my run today as well).

As you can see, there are a few ‘none’ entries last week. Basically, it was our 20th Wedding Anniversary and we had a weekend away. I put a few extra miles in the week before and I’ve put an extra run in this week so far, so I don’t feel too bad about it. It’s all good in Bentley Town.

I officially registered today…

So, at a cost of £30 (plus £2.95 for the privilege of registering on-line – the cheek of it), there is no going back. Not that I was anyway, but hey, once you’ve handed over the cash, it definitely gives added incentive to the whole thing.

And here is a map of the route *gulp*…

I’m feeling confident though

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Run It…!!!

Half Marathon Training – Week #1 Stats

Well, it’s the start of week #2 for my Liverpool Half Marathon training and as you can see below, I rocked out on week #1. I need to sort out a better chart as I’m having all kinds of trouble with Excel at the minute. Things which I used to be able to do, I don’t seem  to be able to do anymore. Old age me thinks.

Anyhoo. I’ve put in my actual training times/mileage ran, not the ones suggested on the plan. In other words, I’ve done more than I was supposed to. What can I say, I’m eager

The only downside to last week was that (on paper) I didn’t lose any weight. I say ‘on paper’ because in reality I did. Let me explain.

I initially take my weight in kgs – I know very European of me – and not only do I weigh in kgs, I also round down. For example, week ending Sat the 14th January, I weighed 142.85 kgs, which rouned down to 142 kgs. I then extrapolate for stones and pounds -  /// 22 st 04 lbs /// 312 lbs. Week ending Sat 21st January I weighed 142.1 kgs, which also rounded down to 142 kgs /// 22 st 04 lbs /// 312 lbs. You see my problem. What it means in reality, is that I lost about 1.5 lbs this week, but, I can’t show it. It also means I didn’t weight 22 st 04 lbs on the 14th Swings and round-abouts people, swings and round-abouts. I think next week I’ll convert the full kg weight to pounds and then divide for stones. That will give me a more accurate weight. Damn this weekly weigh thing. I enjoyed monthly more, but, I still need a bit of weekly for now, just to keep track

 

Week	Mon.	Tues.	Wed. (gym)	Thurs.	Fri.	Sat. (gym)	Sun.
1	Rest	5.5 mi	1 hr	3 mi	Rest	3 mi *extra run	5.5 mi
2	Rest	3.5 mi	30min	3.5 mi	Rest	45min	5 mi
3	Rest	4 mi	30min	4 mi	Rest	50min	6 mi
4	Rest	4.5 mi	30min	4.5 mi	Rest	55min	8 mi
5	Rest	5 mi	30min	5 mi	Rest	60min	10 mi
6	Rest	2 mi	Rest	2 mi	Rest	Rest	Race Day

The chart needs altering as I’ve actually eight weeks training time, but you already know that cos I told you last week. Arghhhhh excel!!!

Right, got to go. Luego…!!!

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Run It…!!!

It’s Official

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, friends, Romans, countrymen…

My employer has officially announced today that I have been given one of the new permanent posts

I am, how you say, FLIPPIN’ MADE UP…!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t describe how I feel. At a time when there are nearly 3 million unemployed in the UK and the figure is the highesr it has been for 17 years, I feel particularly blessed to have a job.

I’ve definately learned to be grateful, but what helps is that actually, it’s a great place to work as well. The managers are fab, my team mates are fantastic and I enjoy the job. There are prospects, my department is expanding and who knows what might happen hey!

In other news…

My youngest son Matthew has been accepted permanently in his new school (and gone up a set).

Jan has actually got some weekends off work over the next few weeks.

And finally, I’ve just smashed another Liverpool Half Marathon training session.

All in all, a great news day

Oh that reminds me. You know yesterday I said I had six weeks to prepare. Well, it seems I can’t add up. I actually have eight weeks What a plonker. Ah, it’s all good. Two extra weeks to get ready. I’ll adapt my programme, which was actually an eight week programme to start with anyway. Doh!!!

So, today was a gym session not an outdoor run. The programme suggested 30 minutes but I didn’t have the car so I ran to the gym (1 mile), cycled on the static bike for 1 hour (23kms) and walked home (1 mile). Oops I did it again didn’t I. Look, it’s not a strict schedule. If I see the plan as a minimum requirement and don’t go too O.T.T it will be fine. Your thoughts are welcome.

Laters alligators.

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Do It…!!!”

Let The Training Begin…

So I’ve started.

What do you mean, “Started what?” My training schedule for the Liverpool Half Marathon of course. It’s week 1/6 and I’ve had my first run session. Look below at my schedule chart which I will update on the blog periodically. I’m going to be honest and accountable with this. If I miss a session I won’t strike it through, if I complete a session I’ll, you guessed it, strike it through.

I decided to go for it with session one and I did nearly 5 miles (8k) not 3 miles (5k) . Oops. What can I say, I was excited to start, so 8k under my belt today – Come on!!!

Week	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Fri.	Sat.	Sun.
1	Rest	3 mi	30min	3 mi	Rest	40min	4 mi
2	Rest	3.5 mi	30min	3.5 mi	Rest	45min	5 mi
3	Rest	4 mi	30min	4 mi	Rest	50min	6 mi
4	Rest	4.5 mi	30min	4.5 mi	Rest	55min	8 mi
5	Rest	5 mi	30min	5 mi	Rest	60min	10 mi
6	Rest	2 mi	Rest	2 mi	Rest	Rest	Race Day

More to come. See you guys soon.

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Run It…!!!”

34:21 and 5 lbs

Hello Campers…!!!

My news is two fold today, well three actually, but we’ll come to that.

Firstly

I’ve completed my first ParkRun 5k race of 2012 and posted a very respectable 34:21. Slightly slower than my PB of 33:45 but that happened when I was running regularly last year. To start out at 34:21 is really encouraging. Things can only get better (or worse ).

Secondly

I’ve been weighed for this week and lost another 05 lbs. Very, very pleased with this, taking my total to 14 lbs for two weeks sweat. So, currently 22 st 04 lbs for a total loss of 79 lbs. I’ll do my proper full weight thingy at the end of the month. Good though hey?!? Paul is happy.

Thirdly

I’ve decided to enter the Liverpool Half Marathon scheduled for the 18th March 2012. This gives me exactly 6 weeks to train and will stand me in good stead to consider the Liverpool Marathon in October 2012. Also good hey?!?

Bonus News

I got an email yesterday to say an old school friend (who I’ve not seen for 8 years or more) was going to be in Liverpool for a few days. Jonesy lives in up state New York with his lovely wife and kids. A quick phone call later and arrangements were in place for a catch up today. As soon as we started to talk, it was old times. Great to have seen you Jonesy, really, really great!!!!

That’s me done guys an’ gals. Time to watch the Who Dat Clan give the 49ers a whooping. Go Saints…!!!!!

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Do It…!!!”