I Did It

Well guys, I may have missed nearly six weeks of training because of a calf problem, but, today I ran the Liverpool Half Marathon in 2:49:57.

This is my first official run at this kind of distance and as you can imagine I’m thrilled to bits.

Crossing the line was actually quite emotional for me and I really had to stop myself from openly crying in front of everyone.

When I think about where I was this time last year. I was nearly 28st, jobless and I was full on depressed. I thought my life was over. What a difference a year makes.

Here’s a picture.

Btw. Sorry for the radio silence. Its been tough not being able to train and my head has been a bit up the wall.

Adios amigos,

Paul

Half Marathon Training – Week #5 Stats

Well guys, unfortunately things have gone from bad to worse.

As you know, I decided I needed to completely rest during week #4 of my training schedule. All because of a really innocuous injury to my right calf whilst running home from church. During my rest week (6th – 12th Feb) I undertook no exercise at all and well, rested.

Last week (week #5) I did nothing on Monday and had a 1.5 mile walk with Jan on Tuesday around the Marina. It was okay, but, there was still a twinge, so, I decided to give it a few more days. On Friday, I decided to do the same walk and see how things went – Disaster. Half way round, the pain started to slowly increase until I ended up limping back to the car – Devastated!

The bottom line is this, it’s looking like there is no way on God’s green earth (with the exception of divine miraculous intervention) that I will be running a half marathon in less than three weeks. I say again – Devastated.

I’m trying hard to look on the bright side and be positive, but alas, not only has my event training been shot to pieces, most (if not all) of my ‘healthier’ lifestyle exercise, consisted of leg based cardio and that’s just not possible. Oh, and my eating has gone down hill as a result of my realisation that this half marathon is probably not going to happen. Quite pathetic really, but true non-the-less. *picks up bottom lip*

Pretty poo all round really.

Look, there will be more half marathons and marathons – that there is me looking on the bright side 🙂 – so I’m going to go to the gym in the morning and see what I can do as an alternative to leg based cardio. a friend of mine said I have to try and train around the injury. I could do upper body weights or I’m thinking of core strength work. I’ll see how I go. Maybe I can row and it won’t hurt my leg.

As far as the event is concerned, for now, I’m not going to pull out or ask for a refund. After all, there are still nearly three weeks for that miracle. I was heavier than what I am now, the last time I ran a similar distance, so theoretically, I could still do it even if I can’t train up to it 🙂 Don’t tell my mate Neil I said that though. He predicted I wouldn’t be able to take part when I first hurt my leg. Naively, I said, “No way man. I’ve still got four or five weeks, I’ll be fine.” You think – Doh. Haha. I suppose I didn’t want to listen.

Pointless me putting up an image of my little schedule chart, but, here it is anyway. This will be the last though. Shame really, I was doing so well 😦

That’s it for now peeps.

Catch you soon.

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Do It…!!!”

Half Marathon Training – Week #4 Stats

The injury to my calf has pretty much meant I’ve not been able to run. My expired gym membership (thankfully I’m sorting the gym membership tomorrow) has pretty much meant I’ve not been able to do any alternative training. All in all, a non-week week – pretty much 😦

Anyhoo, here’s the chart (for what it’s worth)

Hey, look on the bright side, I’ve got four weeks left until the race *Aaaaaarrrgghhhhhh* No seriously, I’m gonna be fine. Okay, I did get a bit fed up about being grounded and that has negatively impacted my food choices. I’ve eaten a lot of crap the past few days, but, tomorrow is another day and the start of another week. I can start making right choices again and move forward.

As far as the run is concerned, I’m still lighter now than when I last ran over 13 miles, so, even if I still need to rest my leg for a few more days, I should be okay. The big test is not getting fed up about it and eating crap. Why do I do that? It makes no sense.

Mentally and emotionally, things are tough at the minute. I can still do this though!

And finally…

This next chart is for my man J from 52weeks52pounds

J, are these colours any better 😀

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

“I Can Do It…!!!”

The 100 Club Challenge

So here I am with 5 weeks (well nearly four *gulp*) to go until the Liverpool Half Marathon, then, last night, I decided to do myself a liddle weight change chart (see yesterday’s post). Suddenly I realise I’ve only got about six or eight weeks until I’ve been on my ‘healthier’ lifestyle for 12 months. 12 months. 12. One whole year. One year. Wow.

My first ‘weigh in’ was two weeks into May 2011. Theoretically, this means I’ve got until two weeks into April 2012 before it’s a year since I started. Why am I bothered?

Being honest with you… When I looked at yesterday’s change chart, I was kind of disappointed. Why? Well, I was disappointed because I hadn’t maintained a strong (weight loss) focus beyond six months. When I looked at the numbers, it irked me. I began with such great progress, then, I messed up and slammed the gears in reverse. I really wish I could have just stayed in the zone. Not for the sake of big losses (although that would have been good), no, I just wish I’d have stayed as discipled as the latter months of the year continued to pass. I could have looked back and been proud of every month, not just April – September. Because let’s face it, I’ve got a lot to be proud of in those months 😀

In real terms, it’s not a big issue, it’s a moot point. I have ‘changed’ my lifestyle (to a greater or lesser degree) and that is the most important thing. Plus, I’ve lost a hell of a lot of weight (nearly 80 lbs to date). It just frustrates me that four and a half months a go, I was so close to having lost 100 lbs.

Well, I’ve decided I want to do a big push to the end of the 12 month period. A big weight loss push that is.

“But Paul, you keep banging on about weight loss not being your focus…” Yes I know. And yes, I know I periodically write stuff like this in the blog which seems to suggest the opposite, but, I know you all understand the dilemmas and the frustrations involved, so you will forgive me I’m sure.

Here is my reasoning…

I want to push to become a member of the 100 Club in a 12 month period. That being, a person who has lost over 100 lbs in weight. It’s going to mean losing just over 20 lbs in – yes you guessed it – six to eight weeks. Can I do it?

It’s going to be hard. Especially as I’m training for the Half Marathon. Who knows. I may or may not achieve it. It’s just an itch I have to try and scratch.

Things aren’t helping this week, as I’ve still got a bad calf from last Sunday’s run (exacerbated by a long walk today – idiot), but hopefully next week, I can get back with it. Hopefully, I can run to train for the 18th of March and take a few extra steps to drop some serious weight bombs 😀

Who knows. If nothing else, it’s one more goal, aim – whatever you want to call it – to take me further.

What do you think? Go for it? Just focus on the run cos you’ve already done great losing weight? Comment and let me know.

Adios amigos,

Paul (Kracker)

4:13

Weight Change Chart

Howdy peeps.

I suddenly realised that I didn’t actually have a summary chart of my weight changes to date, so, here’s one. Have a liddle looky at how things stand. It’s late and I’m too tired to analyse tonight. I’ll do that in the next few days. Tell me what you think?!?

First impressions are a bit – Hmmm, yeah, well…

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…!!!”