Progress - 22nd April 2012

3 DOWN 1 TO GO !!!

One, Two, Three - Roadrunner, roadrunner, going faster miles an hour.

   Are we there yet, are we there yet is the phrase that rings round in my head more than ever recently and no wonder when within less than a week I find myself standing amongst a crowd of nutcases wearing shorts and trainers.

   The enjoyment is coming back now though and that is more due to the fact that the worst is behind me and I am able to feel less stressed and pressured. The training for the 26.2 miles [Brighton this time] totally absorbs the life from you. Eat sleep and breathe running is the way life goes for 16 - 20 weeks and lets not forget they are the dullest, coldest weeks of the year and if I don't moan about it you will all think it's a piece of cake so I have to grind at you in the hope you will part with a small amount of money to help my cause - PLEASE.

Courtesy of The Surrey Advertiser :

Don't forget to look at the pics from the picasa link on the right.

  The past week has been a relaxing one following the Brighton Marathon of last Sunday and I have felt okay, no real aches or pains which is brilliant. Even went up to London on Monday and had a walk round for the day. As it happens walking around probably eased the legs and did much goodness to them, which was a good thing because the weather for the rest of the week made me decide I would'nt go out for a run untill the Clandon Park 10k on Saturday.

   I became united with my roadrunner on Tuesday which surprised not only me but several others knowing my phobia. All I can say is I am very happy to have him with me after the last two years of achievements for Georges. Meep Meep.

   Saturday morning [my Birthday] was upon me before I had time to blink, however going to George Abbot to take part in this event for the 5th time is a pleasurable occurance, marred only by the lack of Nigel Notley my running mentor and general head case. Recovering from a knee op he was missed.

   A sensible start time of 10.15 and the rain had stopped, all good but I've run here before and know the terrain. The previous days rain would have made the predominantly cross country trek a 'little' bit muddy here and there. The run sets off from the grounds of George Abbot School, a very well organised event with official chip timing and something for all the family happening throughout the morning. 

  Starting off along the short tarmac part of the course the first hill hits you like a sledgehammer within only a couple of hundred yards, [I hate hills], then you cross a road and off into the back end of Clandon Park. IT WAS MUDDY!!

Very wet and muddy and good fun.I could hear many a fellow runner exclaiming their dislike of the stuff, oh dear, getting dirty trainers tsk-tsk. The key is lots of concentration and look out for them tree roots hiding just waiting to trip you up, haha I love it! A definate Christina Aguilera event where you gotta get down and dirty. Some naughty long low hills take the legs out of you at a couple of points but as Nigel says 'dig in' and you get there. Before you know it you are back at that horrible hill from the start only now it's down all the way and the sound of steps behind ensure I don't let up. A final burst through the railway underpass and with those trainers behind gaining I emerge into the final finish straight of 50 yards and desperatly give all to make sure the bugger stays behind. Job done. Not a blistering time at 58 minutes, my best here being 49 minutes but with the longer pace I've been on for 2 years makes it okay and lets not forget that mud. Another medal and T-shirt thankyou very much. 

http://www.jogtracker.com/HistoryDetails.aspx?SyncID=d9729402-8a87-4e51-9627-b42733344a59&UserName=alannelless 

   A big thankyou to all the staff at George Abbot who make this event possible and pleasurable.  A very different way to celebrate a birthday.

   So where to next? Well its 5 weeks to the Bupa London 10k on 27th May and in that time I shall do some work on time. Try to bring back the faster pacing if I can. That will be the finale in this fundraising quartet and my mate of lots and lots and lots of years Sean is running as well so I might have to trip him up or tie his laces together.

   A massive thankyou to every single person who has so very kindly given to Georges charity so far and don't forget you can give more than once if you feel inspired to do so, after all I am running four times and then I really, really will shut up and stop pestering you. If you haven't given yet then you are a tight arse and I will hound you for ever more hahaha, no seriously though, go on, it makes you feel good! 

Theres only one tune for this week

From 1979 Mc fadden & Whitehead - ''Aint no stopping us now'' 

  There's been so many things thats held us down.
But now it looks like things are finally comin' around.
I know we've got, a long long way to go,
and where we'll end up, I don't know.
But we won't let nothin' hold us back,
we're putting our selves together,
we're polishing up our act!
If you felt we've been held down before,
I know you'll refuse to be held down anymore!

 Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We're on the move!
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We've got the groove!

 

 

 Alan. xxx

http://www.facebook.com/ 

See my sponsorship page at 

    
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/alannelless

 

Progress - 15th April 2012

GOT THE T-SHIRT AND THE MEDAL

   Well, well, well, suddenly I stand on the other side of months of training, in the snow with Nigel before christmas and in the rain and cold with Dixie in March and the many lonely, [my God they are lonely], lonely evenings in the dark and then the cold Sunday mornings.

Please look over to the right and follow the Picasa link to see some pics.

   

  The previous week saw no runs on Tuesday or Thursday, instead resting and taking in a long walk just to stretch out a bit. I didn't want to take any chances this year of late injuries and managed to get through.

   On Friday a visit to Brighton to collect my running number with timing chip was necessary and became a reccy for Sunday, finding my booked parking and checking out the start and finish locations. Caroline and our two daughters acompanied me with my grandaughter Grace who decided that no matter what, a paddle in the sea was compulsory. A lovely sunny day with a relaxing lay on the beach and wander round the Lanes, the peace before the storm.

THE BIG DAY

http://www.jogtracker.com/HistoryDetails.aspx?SyncID=f2baefc5-f53d-4ddc-885c-9bb7b1db4648&UserName=alannelless

Jog tracker died at 22 miles but I carried on honestly

   Setting your alarm clock for 3.30 a.m on a Sunday morning is a reminder that you are either of your trolley or doing something special. Heaven forbid you ever find this necessary but if you ever have to call for an ambulance to respond to a loved one maybe a small part of you will remember that somewhere, someone is doing a ridiculous thing to recognise the help that is given by so many hospitals. When you pass that silly sod running running along the side of the road looking knackered and wonder why they are doing it, remember they probably don't really want to be there either but it's a gesture of support to those who have helped us and a way that we can, in a small way, give something back for the lives they have saved or helped with.

   Caroline, Emma and Grace departed our house along side me at 4.30 on a dark Sunday morning with Grace waking up to ask 'why are we going out in the middle of the night?' Arrival at Preston Park was early and allowed a small doze in the car before setting to it.

   At 9.00 the run was started and 10 minutes later I found myself in a daze crossing the start of a mammoth task but trying to keep my head together by chunking each 5 miles as a seperate challenge. The first 4 miles are well attended by crowds but then you head off to the end of beyond, up a slow, very naughty little hill with the wind cutting across like an iced blade. A very straight road that tortures you mentally as you look into the distance and see no end to the bobbing heads of runners with faster participants coming back on the other side benefitting from the down hill return. 

   This first loop returns you to the front alonside the pier and the 13 mile halfway point. I was doing okay here keeping to my planned 10 minute miles but now the hard bit the second half. A welcome sight greeted me as I turned into the next section with Paul and Kay catching my eye giving me a boost of encouragement. We then headed into a draining long straight road that formed a loop of some 5 miles that, after not faltering for the first 16 miles, finally had me taking a walk break. After 20 yards I broke into a stride again but found this to be the pattern now for the remainder, taking a walk every mile or so. Returning to the front and the last loop sees the journy go towards Shoreham and a power station site, a very bleak and a very straight section that was aptly named the road to hell. A walk past a hostelry with many beer drinkers on the balcony caused my most memorable point when talking to a fellow sufferer suddenly a shout goes up and, this proves the point of having your name prominently positioned is good for moral, 'Alan if you stopped talking to Terry and got on with running you would get there a bit quicker'. Well that certainly made us both laugh and caused a cheer when when we both stepped back into motion, a brilliantly ad libbed moment.

   The final 3 miles provided a distant site of the Grand Pier, which with each pace although getting closer, seemed impossibly far and taunted me beyound belief. So many people now encouraging me to go for it shouting 'you're almost there' and 'come on Alan not far now' but it was far enough. My head was in a mess now as I knew my time had slipped again and I was sure I had another 2 miles to run when I finally hit 25. 

   A very welcome site came in the distance, I could see Caroline, Emma and Grace at the road edge and that lifted me back up as I touched hands with them as I passed then almost opposite another great site and sound of Paul and Kay egging me on, I felt good again. 

   Then the site of  the final 800 metres to go marker made me realise my mistake and I hadn't as far to go as I had imagined, now I really pulled myself together with a new lease of life. Enjoying the 26 mile marker, pointing to it like I had on the Friday caused a huge cheer from the crowd and I had my hand in the air waving as I finally approached the line with their applause and shouts in my ears. JOB DONE!

 https://www.facebook.com/givingtogeorges

   Collecting my medal and goody bag now just a formality as I looked forward to seeing my family, friends and of course Liz and Maribel. A very welcome choccy bar from the Georges team and a sit down before photos and a chat was the icing on the cake really for a great day. I did mention to Maribel that we couldn't go on meeting like this. If I have to run 26 miles just to meet her and Liz then I dont think I can carry on seeing them, but they are worth every every penny I can raise for there cause. The dedication they show to their job is inspiring and I have to thank them hugely for making it possible for me to be able to run the event for them. 

   Injuries taken on during Brighton are: 2 blackened little toe nails, one other toe on the edge of blackness and a painfull graze on my right upper thigh caused by energy gels in pocket rubbing [cor that is sore]. The legs are okay really once I get going I'm alright. Not bad.

   So two down, [the biggest] now two to go for this finale. On the coming Saturday 21st April I shall reach 51 years of age and, although I should know better by now, I will be taking part in my favourite event, The Clandon Park 10k run. This 6.25 mile course starts at George Abbot school in Burpham and takes a mainly cross country route, very pleasant but still no push over and respect is due for it.

   Many, many, many thankyous to everyone of you who have followed me and to those who have been able to give to Georges so far. Only another month to go then I'll shut up ...... if you give enough!!!

 This weeks tune is the amazing 1974 number 1 by 

Les Gray and Mud 'Tiger Feet'

I got a feeling in my knees
a feeling only you can please

and there ain't no way I'm gonna let you out of my sight - alright

Well that's right
that's right
that's right
that's right

I really love your tiger light

and that's nead
that's nead
that's nead
that's nead

I really love your tiger feet

   

P.S  Well done to Lewis and Jenson in China. Come on McLaren.

 See you all next week,

 Alan. xxx

http://www.facebook.com/ 

See my sponsorship page at 

    
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/alannelless

Progress - 8th April 2012

THIS TIME NEXT WEEK RODNEY............

   Nervous? Me? A veteran of this old game, yes bloomin sure I am, I can't wait until it's over and then I can enjoy looking back on it all.

Suddenly it's here and I don't know if I'm ready for it or not. Last weeks Reading half was good but very warm and the thought of turning round and running back over the route again is stomach churning. I know I will do it but it's the fact it feels like a chore now and I am not enjoying it that gets me down, although once it gets underway and I see some familiar faces dotted about I expect it will feel better. On a sad note, did you see one poor bloke of 30 collapsed and died after crossing the finish line at Reading, it is definitely not a thing to be taken lightly this running lark.

   I could certainly feel the toll of last Sundays' push when it came to Tuesdays evening run. 6.00 miles was the total as my left calf still ached from a case of cramp 2 days earlier. Still that should keep the old legs from ceasing up and this year, ''touch wood'', the knees are still in one piece. No over doing it now, every step I take is carefully planned so I don't trip or twist on anything, pity I can't get this through to Smirnoff, my cat, who still thinks sleeping right on the top stair is a good place to be.[If the inevitable happens he will be the first cat in orbit]

  Thursday evening saw my departure from the Dinosaur sanctuary for a full

17 days of heavenly peace and so I decided to postpone this run until the Good Friday morning and do a final gentle 13 mile run then. 

http://www.jogtracker.com/HistoryDetails.aspx?SyncID=018111bb-0d59-454e-8e61-a7e55e8eabb9&UserName=alannelless

I went out round my old half marathon training run and with it being potentially the last time I tread these roads I recalled previous mornings out there, in the ice, frost, rain and bleak Winter mornings when it was the last place you wanted to be. The loneliness of the long distance runner eh! I remembered the time last year my good mate Nigel came round with me, [and nearly killed me], the time before Christmas he dragged me around Newlands Corner and beyond and it started to snow, Christ that was desperate - I loved it really Nigel. I hope that knee of yours is getting better but seriously, give up the running it will cripple you mate. The runs around Virginia Water lake were more colourful, even though the repetition kills you and top bloke Dixie coming round with me in the cold drizzling rain was a real treat, cheers mate and well done.

  Well I endured the 13.35 miles without stopping, as at Reading, but a slower pace to give the body a chance and resolved to make that the last real training session before next Sunday. I shall probably take in a gentle couple of miles on Tuesday but want to save myself now, well someone has to, it's what the pros call tapering.

   So this Sunday morning as I write this Chapter I am so aware that unless I die it will all be over by now next week. A lot to do before hand though, not least the trip to Brighton on Friday to pick up my running number. I have booked my parking space quite near to Preston Park - the start and will use Fridays' visit as a rehearsal for the day, [Not the running bit though]. Have to be down there by 6.30 / 7.00 a.m on the Sunday as local roads close after that. That sort of means leaving home at 4.30 a.m, can you believe it, Caroline can't. 

   

   If any of you are bored next Sunday, why not come along and give me a shout, that way you can see the donkey you've pledged your money on plod along the road.

Kiss me quick [I need resuscitation] hats are available along the promenade and I'd love to see you there if you can make it.

Maribel from Georges will be there and we are aiming to meet up at the St.Georges tent at the charity village afterwards. The following link shows the route of the run.

http://brightonmarathon.co.uk/images/pdf/Course_map_2012_course_change_hilton.pdf 

   

  The following Saturday 21st See's my birthday and the somewhat more sensible Clandon Park 10k run starting from George Abbot school in Burpham.

Two tunes in my head this week and the first is for my little angel, poorly at the other end of the country.

The Tymes and Ms Grace

Ms Grace, when you walk by

You’re the twinkle in my eye

There’s no need to wonder why

I’ve fallen for you

See you soon sweatheart xxx 

Now for me, it has to be Mr Boz Scaggs and the fantastic Lido Shuffle

Lido, whoa, he's for the money, he's for the show
Lido's a waitin' for the go
Lido, whoa, he said, three more runs oughta get it
One last shot 'fore we quit it, three more for the road

 See you all next week,

 Alan. xxx

http://www.facebook.com/ 

See my sponsorship page at 

    
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/alannelless

 

  

  
                    PLEASE LEAVE YOUR INSPIRING COMMENTS BELOW

Progress - 1st April 2012

I MUST BE AN APRIL FOOL.

One down, 3 to go. 

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/alannelless

   
Well this week has seen the start of the mission. On Tuesday I took to the roads on a sunny hot evening. Upped the pace a bit and kicked the legs out to give a final stretch in the training regime. Sound like a pro don't I? 

   I have to say the Tuesday evenings are easier after the long run of Sunday but don't be fooled, it still hurts. I managed the usual course of 7.5 miles with some hill reps and with my super new treads it went well.

   On Thursday I decided to give it a miss and relax, with The weekend event coming up. Theoretically you are supposed to taper off towards a big run however with a bigger run to come in two weeks it makes it a bit difficult to know what to do for the best. As the bigger event is the priority I have to keep my pace down, [that's easy] and use the half marathon event as a gauge of my ability and check my times - you can check mine with a sundial.

  Suddenly its the weekend and a break on Saturday means I can indulge my obsession with McLaren F1 motor team, with a visit to Woking Town centre where they have a demo car on display, think kid in a sweetshop.

I did actually pop down Friday lunchtime as well but on Saturday I donned my sponsorship T-Shirt and had a couple of pics taken with the car and 'Lewis'.

  I have uploaded more pics on the link from the Virgin Giving page do have a little looky.

   6.00 A.M Sunday morning and the buzzing in my ear tells me either a demented bumble bee has entered the bedroom or it's time to get up, bugger one day it'll be a bee. 'Run around now' and then its off to Reading, after clearing the frost from the car windows. Arriving a 7.45 was perfect to miss all the queues but blimey it was cold. Walked over to the Madejski stadium, home of Reading F.C, for a look at the finish line and then milled around till the off at 10.02.

   Three gingerbread men, two Morris dancers and a bloomin Camel lined up nearby, never instills confidence gettting beaten by a camel or even a gingerbread man and having two Morris dancers up beside you running makes you think you've got bloody tinitis. Any way I lost the Gingerbread men and the Morris dancers but the camel had me beat, however it cheated, there were three of them in it, not very sporting. I even know where Elvis is now after an impromptu visit at the start into the bushes to help the trees grow, he came past me having helped helped another tree grow.

   The people of Reading were great in their support and again with my name emblazoned across my body I was hailed all the way round, much to the dissapointment of 3 ladies running for vision impaired, as I passed them I heard one say 'thanks Alan for stealing our thunder' oblivious to the fact I was next to her.

   The mile markers came far too slowly and far too far apart although thankfully after mile 8 they dissapeared altogether which I found easier on the mind. With the stadium in sight I heeded the advice to stay calm as there was still over a mile to go and many a runner has collapsed within sight, not realising the true distance. This became a reality to many I witnessed at the side of the road and even within the last yards within the stadium.

   Entering the stadium was fantastic, really moving actually to see the stands full of cheering people who, with just a wave for encouragement really rose to the occasion and made you feel a real champion.

Have a look at my morning here

 http://www.jogtracker.com/HistoryDetails.aspx?SyncID=4e245de2-032c-40e4-a968-8adf3c8f557a&UserName=alannelless

   Soon enough it was over and I was in the queue out the other side waiting for my medal and goody bag, which incidentally had a Quality street purple bar in it, that didn't live very long.

  A painful bought of cramp in my left calf had me in agony at he meet up point but a trip to the massage tent, which was run with military precision, soon put me right and off we went for food.

   A large K.F.C and then round to Costco for some lovelly cakes soon had me forgetting the trials and tribulations of the previous couple of hours.

   Another week of training ahead now as we go towards the 'BIG ONE' at Brighton and I hope [sorry for this] the weather isn't sunny untill I finish that one or I might die. [If I do you still have to pay]

This week we go back to 1973 for Wings and 'Band on the run' 

we certainly were this morning

 If I ever get out of here,
Thought of giving it all away
To a registered charity.
All I need is a pint a day
If I ever get out of here.

Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash as we fell into the sun,
And the first one said to the second one there I hope you're having fun.
Band on the run, band on the run.
And the jailer man and sailor sam were searching every one

For the band on the run, band on the run, band on the run, band on the run

 See you all next week,

 Alan. xxx

http://www.facebook.com/ 

See my sponsorship page at 

    
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/alannelless

 

  

  
                    PLEASE LEAVE YOUR INSPIRING COMMENTS BELOW