Pete (doesn't) Run the London Marathon

Weekend warrior with a tired arse and shot knees - that was what I hoped to title my next post which was inspired by comments made by my physio and pilates teacher (he also said I had a lazy arse - arse fetish?).  From the title you can infer that something significant has occurred.  It is with great sadness to inform you that I have pulled out of the 2012 London Marathon.

In my last post ( http://pete-tizard.blogspot.com/2012/01/unmitigated-running-disaster.html ) I commented on my Hampstead Heath run.  I hurt myself and have subsequently been trying to nurse my way back to running.   I tried running about 10 days ago and had to give up after a mile due to impact pains in my right knee ("the other knee").  I always assumed it would be the knee that may of prevented me from completing the marathon and is somewhat ironic that it was the other knee.  The Friday gone was the last day possible of pulling out of the marathon and giving my place to some fortunate runner.  The other knee is still screwed (along with the knee) and I do not want to do any long term damage and hence have thrown in the towel - so much for crawling (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.com/2011/10/first-post-first-thoughts.html).

That Sunday run has been playing on loop in my head - the anger and frustration has not abated.  Not sure if I am to blame due to not being in the right physical state on the run and not stretching after?  Did I hubristically take on a steep hill at too fast a pace without enough hill work under my belt?  Was it due to not wearing in my new shoes enough?  Is the knee at fault, was the other knee over compensating for too long and decided to give in its P45?  Ultimately it doesn't matter, it was probably a combination of all this and a large slice of bad luck.  

I want to make it clear that I am very upset about dropping out, it was not a decision I took lightly and it fills me with regret that I will not be able to partake in this great occasion. When I see runners jog past me with grace and that look of steely determination it fills me with yearning and sadness.  I am very grateful for all the support and money that I've received - I can only apologize again for not going through with it.  The good news is that I can defer my marathon place for next year and the money already donated will be put towards this (to those who donated, please email me as I am happy to donate to another charity of your choice).  

The experience of training for a marathon (although I did not get far into it) has been beneficial for 3 reasons.  The first and most important is that it has cemented my passion for running and is something that I want to keep at and grow old with.  I have made myself a goal that I will run a marathon every year for the foreseeable future and am excited about the places it will take me.  I was lent a very inspirational book (http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Talk-About-When-Running/dp/0099526158/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329079981&sr=8-1) where I have essentially borrowed (ripped off) the author's goal.  

Secondly it introduced me to the joy of writing, you can only be so creative at work writing emails to clients or filing RPDs (the majority of you won't know what I am on about here).  I do get a kick out of writing and I realise my works is no doubt full of clichés and poorly written proses.  However it has given me the opportunity to take a retrospective look at my life and formative years.  You'll be excited to hear that I will continue to update this blog (sporadically at least once a month) about my recovery and leading into when I actually complete a marathon.

The third part is it has stressed the importance of exercising your core as well as getting the required miles under your belt.  Pilates forces you to stretch every sinew (table top position), focus your mind and be in the moment.  It is very technique driven which is very different from running where you just get up and go.  

What next?  That's a difficult questions as like everything in life you can plan and plan and then get hit by a bus.  However, I will be emailing my doctor (GP and knee specialist) to see if I can get a referral for a scan.  Once I have a scan on the other knee I then should hopefully have the information available to make an informed decision.  It will be a very shitty situation if I need surgery on both knees.  The upside to this would be if I was on crutches for a while it would mean my guns would get really large and transform them from their current twiglet state.

Thank you to RNIB (http://www.rnib.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx) for their support and understanding - I am excited about running and raising money for them in 2013 and beyond - you lot are the good guys, keep up the great work!

For all (3) that have read my blog (and will hopefully continue to), its been a pleasure and I'll catch you on my next post.

An Unmitigated Running Disaster...

The first draft of this is being written on a train going up to Waterloo, I feel like a writer and am sure those sitting around me are impressed, if only they could read the drivel that is being written.
This has been the worse running week thus far of my running career, with me covering only two agonising miles and picking up a potential injury - more to follow.

As promised in my last post (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.com/2012/01/anonymous-give-me-break.html), my teenage running years will be explored.  I think my biggest achievement over the 7 years at St Georges College (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_George%27s_College,_Weybridge) was skiving the most collective days of games sessions out of anyone in my year - I remember that I used to be jealous of the kids with asthma as they had this golden ticket off games.
My best and most used excuse was my ingrowing toenail which matron kindly gave me a sick note off each week for.  However, as kind as matron was it was not always guaranteed and occassionally I was forced to don the maroon shorts and head out onto the boggy pitches.
One event I dreaded each year was the inter house cross country, my house (Southcote!) was the top performing house but strangely declined after I joined.  I always fell in the bottom 10% of this gruelling 3 mile run (mas o menos) except for one year... where I cheated and did pretty well.  The start of the run you would do one lap of the running track and then head out of the school gate turn right and head towards Chertsey and its meads.  Rather than turn right I went left and hid in the caravan site (by the bins) which was at the end of the run.  One tyrannical sports teacher did complement me on my time and made me feel a pang of guilt (rather that than a stitch though).
During lower sixth I approached one games session seriously after research running online - carbs = more energy = better performance.  Because of this I had a big pasta for lunch and was eager to impress come the afternoon games session.  I was placed in the slow running group and we had to do one lap of the new running track.  This did not end well and in the last agonizing 100 metres sprint of the track I came to an abrupt stop and promptly threw up all my lovely pasta lunch - a mass of cream and mushrooms.  The plus side to this was that I was excused for the rest of the games session - huzzah!
That same summer I decided to get in to shape and bought a treadmill with the money I saved stacking shelves at Sainsbury - I was too embarrassed to run outside.  The treadmill was in the garage and I set-up a TV opposite it and worked through my collection of Family Guy DVDs.  I didn't run that far (max about 5K) and my pace started very slowly but gradually got faster.  This persistent exercise combined with me going on the Atkins diet resulted in me losing 2 stones - a runner was born.

I ran Hampstead Heath for the first time last Sunday, this is a green oasis in North London and would encourage couples and dog walkers to visit.
In my opinion (and I may have taken the wrong route) this is not ideal for runners specifically road runners.  It is very hilly, the path is uneven (roots) and there is a constant stream of yappy dogs getting under your feet. My pace for this run should have been 12 miles @ 8 mins a mile, I felt I would struggle as I was ill on the Saturday and my energy was low. About a mile into the run I attempted a steep hill climb. I passed a oldish bearded gentleman (good look) in baggy grey sweats and stated to increase my pace.  At this instance I felt a pain in the back of my right thigh (I believe), I wasn't in immediate pain and ran on.  After 3 miles (few more inclines then declines) I collapsed on a bench next to the frozen pond.  My energy was spent and I rested for 15 mins then slowly jogged back home - crucially I didn't stretch when I got back.
I got up early the next morning to go for a long run to make up for Sunday's poor showing.  I knew straight away something was wrong as my right leg (not the knee) was in agony especially the back of the right knee and my right upper hamstring.  I tried to run this off and after two miles I had to stop due to the pain, I limped into Russell Square station and got the tube the rest of the way into work.
I have subsequently seen a physio and we think it maybe a hamstring pull (although I am very concerned that it might be worse than this).  I have some exercises to do and will try running again on Thursday. As I noted in my first post (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.com/2011/10/first-post-first-thoughts.html) my goal is to run the marathon in sub 3 1/2 hours - this injury may have put me back 3 weeks (at least or potentially more if this doesn't heal up) and it make me feel sad and frustrated.

This week I won't take the opportunity to plead for your money (http://www.justgiving.com/pete-tizard-london2012).  Enjoy the rest of the week and I will let you know how the hamstring is getting on in my next post.

Anonymous give me a break

Due to the busy nature of Christmas and New Year I neglected my blogging and unfortunately my running also.  To quickly summarise what I've been up to these last five weeks: went to Seville (es muy bonita) and grown a beard.

My relationship with running did not start smoothly but has evolved with me and is now one trait that I feel defines me as a person, I will write in a future post in more detail the reason why I run.  

My first memory of running was when I was 4 or 5 competing in the school sports day. Unfortunately the instructions were not explained to me sufficiently and I ended up running the opposite direction as the rest of my competitors.  Not only did I come last but my pride was dented with this story being constantly retold by my family.

Another "fond" memory was several years later when I was was given a pair of Rhyno trainers.  Being a naive youngster I thought that these would instil me with the speed of a Rhino.  Therefore I hubristically challenged my older brother to a race to the neighbours' tree.  They didn't work.

Towards the end of primary school I was a chubby kid (my Mum would affectionately call it puppy fat), however, I still was just about to squeeze into the school athletic team.  My last competitive athletic event was on a cold school field somewhere in Surrey.  It was a grey, miserable afternoon where I would have rather stayed in the minibus than be standing on a line against 7 other athletic looking (skinny) 10 years old.  I came last and felt I had let down my school - it was a sad farewell to my primary school sport career.

On my next post I'll take you through my teenage running years, it gets worse.

I am now running to a schedule which I got from here - http://www.asics.eu/myasics.php.  I am currently in the pace period of training, this means I will be running shorter distances at a stronger pace than I would run the marathon.  I am enjoying it for its variety and am feeling fitter for it.  

One run in particular (5.5 miles at 7:30 min pace) is especially enjoyable, I am fortunate to live near Regents Park and running pre-work (about 6) is a treat.  The air is crisp and refreshing, the views are spectacular and showcase the red soaked towers in the distance.

The knee, that bastard knee, has been pretty good recently.  That deep pain still exists when walking but haven't had difficultly when running on it.  I purchased a ice pack which I rest on top of the knee after long runs.  The knee can be fickle though so will let you know if it starts playing up again.

My charity target of £1,500 (http://www.justgiving.com/pete-tizard-london2012) is a daunting figure and I am hoping that you can help me attain this goal.  RNIB (http://www.rnib.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx) is a great cause and they are supporting those unfortunates who have lost their sight.  It would make me hugely proud if we can smash this target.  Thank you to all of you (4) that have sponsored me, a big thank you goes to Anonymous - which reminds me of a  clip from Curb your enthusiasm ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqncCjxGqGw).

Incidentally I am thinking of organising a charity quiz night at work, any colleague who reads this please let me know what you think and whether you would be able to help.

Thank you for your continued support.  Pete

97 days - 13 hours - 01 mins - 15 secs

Do not read while driving

Jesus, Mary and Joseph I'm tired!  Hence the late post, I figured if I posted last night it would have been half arsed and not provided the top quality drivel that you have come to expect.

Ran 3 times last week with the big one coming on Saturday - 16 miles (2 hrs 15 mins thereabouts).  It was fun and enjoyed the majority of the route especially the Thames - pretty cool Christmas fair on by Southbank at the moment.  One thing that did occur to me when I was constantly dodging the legions of tourists was that I'd be pretty much a pro at British bulldog now (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_bulldogs_(game) ).  I did feel pretty ill after the run, very hot/dehydrated - next time I will take on more fluids and perhaps buy a utility belt to use (like Batman).
The knee (see last update http://pete-tizard.blogspot.com/2011/11/sham-of-running-week.html), I wouldn't say the knee is getting worse but its certainly not getting better. Still hurting, had to stop and stretch the knee when I got off the tube this evening :(.
Its getting noticeably colder now and am considering wearing my running gloves.  You won't catch me in leggings though not since the police pulled me over the last time.

I was a bit of a social animal this week kicking off with the office Christmas party on Thursday.  I won't go into much detail but for those who were there - dancing girls, inflatable tommy guns and Gerald owning the dance floor.
Saturday night was a birthday party - congrats Nick (well played on the poker, as long as Scottish doesn't win).  Turns out I can't really handle my drink (which is strange considering I am a 1/4 Irish) and felt terrible the next day.  I tried to make up for it by taking in some culture.  Went to the latest exhibition at Tate Modern (http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/gerhardrichter/default.shtm) - big paintings.  Then went out later for cupcakes (http://www.primrosebakery.org.uk/) - small cakes.

As ever I appreciate any support (http://www.justgiving.com/pete-tizard-london2012 ) and please enjoy the rest of the week!

138 days - 11 hours - 45 mins - 19 secs

A Sham of a Running Week

I feel a bit of a fraud this week as I have done little running.  Why?  Couldn't be bothered, I've got plenty of time before the Marathon...

To expand further on my opening comment, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to go for a long run as it can be boring, you've probably noticed runners aren't the most charismatic of people.  I get around this usually by doing new routes, alternating my song lists and running different pace/distances.
The problem I had this week was I only did my first run on Friday, Saturday morning I ran a similar distance (no sightings of Pippa) and when I got up on Sunday for a long run I found I couldn't be arsed and went for a fry up instead (http://www.harryms.co.uk/ - 7/10).  The lesson here is not to run everyday as it does not allow your body time to recover and it kills your motivation. 

To counter the lack of running I have done some prep work for the marathon.  I bought a lumie Bodyclock (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002TEXEAI), this wakes you up by a brightening light as "is a natural cue for your body to reduce the production of sleep hormones (e.g. melatonin) and gradually increase the levels of those that help you get up and go (e.g. cortisol)."  Its good and is a much better alternative to my old alarm clock where the alarm felt like you were being punched in the face.
In December I will start concentrating on my core and have ordered an exercise mat (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003UUGMLI) to use when doing evening exercises.
Nutrition is something I am still neglecting and will do so until the New Year.  However, I have made one concession and will begin eating healthier snacks (e.g. raisins, almonds, etc.) and cutting back on the tracker bars.
Finally, I have booked myself onto a half marathon (http://adidashalfmarathon.co.uk/) in early March which will give me an indication of whether I need to panic or not for the marathon in April.

This weekend was not as busy as the last (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.com/2011/11/form-is-temporary-class-is-permanent.html) and was peppered with a few mundane activities.  One example of this was I got my haircut.  To my delight the barber mentioned that he had a dodgy knee and we exchanged war stories (turns out he had it a bit worse, he had to have a cartilage reconstruction versus my key hole surgery).
Which leads me nicely onto the knee, the knee has been playing up a bit this week.  The knee has been fine on the runs but have pain when walking on the knee - will keep you updated.
Unfortunately on Sunday I had to go south of the river to meet a old friend (and colleague, flirty @ 9:30).  This was an enjoyable afternoon which was enhanced by the fact that I was able to track down a Wispa Gold after visiting every supermarket in Clapham.

Thank you for your continued support and would appreciate any contribution you can make to my charity page (http://www.justgiving.com/Pete-Tizard-London2012/ - I will start haranguing you generous and kind people in the new year).  Good night and have a great week!

Form is temporary, class is permanent

Back to my usual posting slot, my apologies for my last post (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.com/2011/11/late-but-not-forgotten.html) it was a tad boring.  I wrote that post in front of the telly and its difficult to concentrate when watching such high quality programming as Come Dine with Me.  Going forward I will write this drivel in my room so there is no distractions.

Ran 4 times this week, with 3 in the morning to work and 1 long one today.  The morning runs to work were difficult, haven't been sleeping great and it makes the run twice as difficult.
The run this morning has been the best yet (ran for 2 hours solid), not in terms of pace (hampered by eating my own body weight in food the day before) but the enjoyment of the run as a few notable things happened. Ran past an old guy in tweed and a flat cap kicking around all of the falling leaves, it was a bizarre but sweet sight.  This was then followed by a man with a loud speaker shouting at me when I ran down the Mall, turns out they were trying to film something.
Finally, I am pretty sure at one point I was running alongside Pippa Middleton in Hyde Park.  I was running next to her but couldn't get behind to confirm.  Will keep you updated of any more Pippa sightings.

Quick update on the knee, its been pretty solid this week.  However, getting shin pains in my right leg in the first 15 minutes or so of running.  I think I over compensate on my right leg to make up for the knee, will aim to have a gait analysis (not the garden variety) done to understand this better.

It was a busy weekend where I took in the delights of Southampton and then Sunday spent running (see above) and shopping.
It seems all my friends are getting married (congrats Rob and Natalia) and so I was down in Southampton to have my measurement taken for my usher morning suit.  We discussed our duties for the day and I reserved the job of putting cones out in the car park. I also provided some advise, not having cucumbers anywhere near the wedding menu and the first dance being to poker face.  Went out to Bangalore Express in the evening (http://bangaloreexpress.co.uk/ outside Waterloo very near the Old Vic), it was good but the curry was ridiculously hot.
Today I went shopping round Regent street and then up to Covent Garden, I really hate shopping unless its on Amazon.  It was satisfying to see the men stuck in H&M waiting for their girlfriend/wife were equally as miserable.
You'll be happy to here it was a success, got my trainers (http://www.scarpa.co.uk/Products/Product.asp?ProductId=145) and tux, that's me done for the year!

Got to hang up my clothes now so lets call it a night.  Thank you for the continued support and please enjoy the upcoming week.

153 days - 13 hours - 17 mins - 03 secs

Late but not forgotten

My apologies for keeping you waiting on the latest post, fear not the time has come.

First up lets get the running out of the way which will then be followed by my exciting weekend.  Ran 3 times last week, the only one of note was on Sunday where I ran 12 miles in 1h36ish.  The route took in the delights of Surrey as I was home for the weekend, it started from my house running to Walton bridge then along the Thames to Hampton Court from there I headed home through West Moseley.  I will be looking to load my routes onto this blog for your amusement, a more interesting blog (arguably) is this one - http://figurerunning.com/blog/ where a runner is making pictures out of their routes.
I was happy with the pace especially as my watch was not behaving and couldn't set myself a pace (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0046BWRUK - do not buy!).  The knee was not best pleased and it twinged when walking on after, however I ran on it this morning and is now feeling... OK.

As I mentioned early, I was in Surrey at the weekend visiting the family.  Didn't get up too much, did a bit of work, bit of Spanish (Espanol!) and finished my book.  Hmm, that's it.

On the charity side please help support my friends who are raising money for these worthy causes http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=JakeGray and http://www.justgiving.com/Alex-Merry.

Until the next post (I will try harder next time), enjoy the week and thank you for your support!

158 days - 10 hours - 30 min - 20 secs

The Difficult Second Post...

Writing these posts reminds me a lot of doing homework (tired - can't be arsed - it's Sunday night), however now I don't have the luxury of copying someone come Monday morning.  This is my second attempt at writing this difficult follow-up post, I tried mid-week but found I had nothing to say.  

My legs have felt strong this week, however, the knee is aching a bit - it is my burden to carry.  Typically I am running to work 3 mornings a week (each journey is about 5 miles, St Johns to Liverpool Street) and plan to start running home as well in a few weeks - I don't envisage running more than 4 days a week. 

Friday night I met a friend for a quick drink (great Spanish bar behind Tottenham Court Road - "Sevilla Mia") with the plan to get up early on Saturday for a longish run.  A couple of bars and Pizza Hut later and it turned out I couldn't be bothered to run on Saturday morning and had a lie in instead.  

Today I behaved and got up early for a run, I ran to and around Hyde Park, past Houses of Parliament towards St Paul and ended up at Liverpool Street.  I ran just under 11 miles in an hour and a half, pretty happy about this considering its early in the training process.

Read a good article on BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/15499892.stm) which commented on how people use running for therapy.  I agree with the article in that you do not think about much when running.  Typically my thoughts are on not getting hit by cars or cyclists (colour blind to traffic lights) or getting annoyed with my watch (No Satellite...).  

What I enjoy about running is after the initial 10 minutes of tiredness/coldness/pain it is pretty easy and I am fortunate to be running around a beautiful city with so many interesting buildings and routes to distract me.  Although rare, when you are in the zone towards the end of a long run you do get a natural high from it.

Lets end it there, until my next post and as always I appreciate any comments and support given - http://www.justgiving.com/Pete-Tizard-London2012 - please enjoy the week!

167 days - 13 hours - 14 min - 02 secs

First Post, First Thoughts

Hmm, how do I start?

Quick overview, I am running the London Marathon on 22nd April 2012 and am excited to be representing the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB - www.rnib.org.uk).  I have two goals going into this the first is to raise the £1500 for RNIB (see ways the money is used - http://www.rnib.org.uk/donate/impact/Pages/how_your_donation_helps.aspx) and also I am going for a time of 3:30 - no pressure.

My main concern going into this is my knee ("not since the knee...")  - those of you who know me well probably have heard me mention my knee in conversation :).  I recently saw a knee specialist and had an MRI scan, the good news was my cartilage is adequate and it is good to run on.  However, it can be pretty uncomfortable when walking (deep numb pain below my knee cap), they identified through the scan that there is a bone fragment floating around my knee and can get caught in the joint.  Once I have finished the marathon I will probably have the joy of going in for surgery to remove said fragment.

I really hope my knee holds up and will finish the race regardless what state it might be in - I'll crawl if I have to.

This weekend was a write off for training, was out Friday and Saturday night (congrats Jon and Kaneez!) and watched Spurs embarrass QPR today whilst eating some ice cream.  Its alrite though pretty sure Paula Radcliffe follows a similar schedule.

Will look to post every other day, won't always be an essay and still not sure where I am going with this...

174 days - 13 hours - 27 min - 11 secs