Nick Cook reports:

I’ve watched the London Marathon for many years on the television and always thought it would be something I’d like to do – but I wasn’t a runner, so no way!! I lost weight a few years ago and took up running, but still wasn’t ready to do a full marathon. I persevered though and gradually worked my way up through 10ks to half marathons and just over a year ago I decided to apply for the 2005 London Marathon. Unfortunately I didn’t get a place and wasn’t aware of the WVR ballot until after I’d thrown away my rejection slip. This time, I was ready!!! When I got rejected in the ballot this year, I kept the rejection slip and as soon as I got the e-mail for the WVR ballot, it was in the post straight away!!!
 

Nick is running to  raise money for the British Heart Foundation. If you would like to sponsor him, please click on this link

Tuesday – A nice, easy 4 mile run this lunchtime – I love tapering!!! Just got back before the rain started.  I was running at just under 9 minute miles, which is what I was hoping to do for the marathon – but it seemed very slow! I’ll have to be careful not to set off too fast on the day. Aerobics tonight.

Wednesday – Did my last speed session this evening (hooray!!!!). 3 mile run with 4 x 1 minute at effort 4 with 1 minute recoveries between. I’ve been planning my route up to the Excel centre next week. Haven’t decided whether to go straight through London and pay congestion charge, go round London, or use public transport. Got a week to decide.

Thursday – Got my hair cut for that streamlined look on the 23^rd!!

Friday – Maidenhead 10 – A new PB, 1:19:17. Really pleased with that, and I don’t ache too much either. I’m starting to get really excited about the 23^rd now, and thinking that the sub 4 hours is a real possibility. Must try not to start off too fast!! 

Saturday – Mum over for dinner, and she didn’t mention that I was looking too thin!! I must be putting on weight again!! Don’t want that just yet – want to be as light as possible for the 23^rd.

Easter Sunday – I got three Easter eggs!!! They must be good for runners, eh? Lots of sugar! One more week to go. Just a couple of short, easy runs to keep my legs in shape during the week.

 

3 April  2006  – 9 April 2006

Monday - A well deserved rest after a good long run yesterday.

Tuesday – Ran an easy 4 miles this lunchtime in my Mohican wig. Got a few funny looks!!! I felt more sweat on my neck than usual, so I think I’ll have to punch some holes it to allow a bit of air/sweat flow to/from my head!! Had a good, hard aerobics session this evening – and she did some band resistance work on our arms, so that should help with my swimming (if I remember to continue doing it at home!). 

Wednesday – Did a 3 mile speed session this evening including 4 x 2 minutes at effort level 4 with 2 minute recoveries in between. I still don’t like these speed sessions – only one more to do next week!!! Watched Narnia with my daughter when I got back. 

Thursday – Golf this afternoon. Leg massage this evening. 

Friday – Did a 3 mile threshold run this evening. I don’t think a big bowl of chilli an hour beforehand helped, but it felt good. 

Saturday – Gave the grass it’s first cut this afternoon (all exercise counts!). That’s it now – I’ll probably be cutting it quite regularly from now on!! 

Sunday – Did a 10 mile run this morning. A much more sensible distance than 17 or 18 miles – I even quite enjoyed it!! Tried a lucozade sport drink in the squidgy container and didn’t have any adverse reactions to it. Sore nipples again afterwards – must remember to take the Vaseline with me on the 23^rd!!!

Monday – Oh, what a night!!! I spent most of it on the loo, feeling sick and with a headache. Spent the day in bed with a high temperature. Don’t know what caused that – must have picked up a bug. 

Tuesday – Back to work today, but I think I’ll give my lunchtime run a miss – still got a bit of a headache. I’ll probably go to aerobics tonight.  Did go, and wore my new Mohican wig which I’m going to wear when I run the marathon. Want to try and stand out a bit on the tele!!!! All the ladies think I’m a looney, but at least it gives them a laugh. It was quite hot, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I’ll try it on a run too – but I’ll leave that to a dark evening run!!! 

Wednesday – Did a 7 mile run this lunchtime. It was quite slow though - probably haven’t fully recovered from Monday!! MP3 musical highlight – Burning Love, Elvis Presley. 

Thursday – Golf this afternoon – hope it doesn’t rain too much!!! 

Friday - Got the day off work today to bring my son back from university for his Easter hols, so did my run in the afternoon. Just did 4 miles, but it wasn't a very good run!! I don't think my body is used to running in the afternoon - or maybe it was due to the Mr. Wimpey meal I had at Clackett Lane services!!!! 

Saturday - Going out for a meal this evening with friends who we haven't seen for years. Better take the drinking a bit easier this week - I think I overdid it last Saturday!!! 

Sunday - Last long run - yippee!!!! I did 17 miles this morning, and it was my best long run so far!! I finished strongly, it was my best mileage rate for a long run, and my legs don't ache so much this afternoon, so feeling really good about the big day now. Bat out of Hell on the MP3 player helped me through the last half mile. And I think I’ve sussed out, the runners who acknowledge you are the serious runners, and it’s the just-doing-it-to-try-and-lose-weight runners who ignore you!

 

20 March  2006  – 26 March 2006

Monday – My legs aren’t feeling too bad after yesterday’s half, so that’s a good sign. Resting today, but got Boys’ Brigade again tonight. 

Tuesday – 6 miles steady run this lunchtime. This is a much more sensible distance, and I really enjoyed it today! Status Quo put a spring in my step half way round when ‘Caroline’ came on!!! Aerobics tonight. 

Wednesday – Did a 4 mile fartlek session this evening. It went alright until I was about a mile from home when I felt a pain in my left shin. I’ve heard about shin splints being pretty bad, so I gave up the session and hobbled home slowly. It seems alright a couple of hours later, so I’ll have to keep an eye on that. Not running again ‘til Sunday, so the rest should do it good. Hope it isn’t shin splints!!!! 

Thursday – My shin seems alright this morning. I’ve got a sports massage this evening, so I’ll mention it then and see what the lady says. 
Well, I never really knew what shin splints were, but I do now. It generally refers to any pain in the front lower leg region, but in particular the muscles which are attached to the bones down there. The masseuse spent some time on these muscles, but there wasn’t any particular pain while she did this, so hopefully a few days rest will sort it out. She showed me some stretching exercises for them so we’ll see how they are on Sunday!! 

Friday – Went for a 1000m swim this morning. 

Saturday – A round of golf this afternoon, then back to my mate’s for dinner and booze. I’d better not drink too much as I’ve got to do 18 miles in the morning!!! 

Sunday - 18 miles this morning and no trouble from my shin - yippee!!! It was still hard though - I'll be glad when I've done my last long run next week. Managed to avoid the rain too - it poured down this afternoon. Nearly lost my nice new phone though – my wife decided I ought to take it while I’m out for so long. I had it clipped to my bottle belt and at about 8 miles I realized it wasn’t there. Started to retrace my route and found it on the pavement about 10 yards behind me – phew!!!!!

 

13 March  2006  – 19 March 2006

Monday – My legs don’t feel as bad this morning as they did last Monday, so perhaps I’m getting a bit more used to this long distance running lark. I’m not going to do it again after this marathon though – Sunday’s completely gone after a knackering run in the morning. Helping out at Boys’ Brigade again tonight. 

Tuesday – Steady 7 miles this lunchtime (average heartbeat 142). I got a dead leg playing football at BB last night which was a bit uncomfortable (especially the stretching afterwards!), and I felt my ankle at about 5 miles. I think I’ll rest tomorrow and do my speed session Thursday night. It was a bit slower than last week too, all this training is taking its toll; I think I’ll treat the Fleet half on Sunday as a training run rather than going for a PB. Aerobics tonight. 

Wednesday – My legs were a bit sore last night and I didn’t sleep very well. They seem a bit better this morning, so maybe a days rest will do them some good. 

Thursday – Went to the driving range this lunchtime – it was freezing!!!!!! Not looking forward to running this evening. Got my registration pack and BHF vest – I’m getting really excited now!!!!! The vest is nice and bright – I’m thinking of getting a Mohican wig to wear to try and stand out a bit on the day – wife thinks I’m mad!!! 
Did a speed session this evening. 5 minute warm up jog, 4 x 1k fast with 3 minute recoveries, 15 minute jog. Didn’t completely manage the first and third legs, but the second and third were ok. I think I had the wind against me one way. But it didn’t seem quite as cold as at lunchtime. 

Friday – Did an 800m swim this morning. I was going to do 1000m, but my arms were aching. I’ve got 5 triathlons planned for May to September, so I’d better get my swimming sorted out a bit after FLM. 

Sunday – Fleet Half Marathon! A lovely day and a respectable time considering I didn’t taper for it – 1:51:03. Full report sent separately.

Monday – I didn’t sleep very well last night – my legs were still aching from the run yesterday. A good rest is called for today. Although I’m supposed to be going to the driving range at lunchtime – still, I need the practice!! I’m giving blood this afternoon, so will probably have to take it easy at Boys’ Brigade this evening.

Tuesday – Messed about with the heart rate monitor this morning. My average resting rate while sat at my desk was 44/45 – so I suppose that means I’m reasonably fit! Did a 7 mile run in the pouring rain at lunchtime. Had to have a chuckle when ‘In the Summertime’ came on the mp3 player (but I didn’t sing!!). Aerobics tonight.

Wednesday – I’ve got sore nipples this morning!!!! All this running is definitely taking its toll!! Looking forward to another leg massage this evening.

Thursday – Did a 3 mile ‘threshold’ run this evening. It was quite hard – I don’t think I should have had a great big plate of spaghetti carbonara for tea just before!! Musical highlight of the run was ‘Should I stay or should I go’ by the Clash.

Why are some runners so bloody miserable when out running? I always give a wave and a ‘Hi’ to other runners, but I got blanked a couple of times this evening, and it happens quite a lot. I know I’m probably not the most welcome sight coming running towards you – but come on – a bit of civility doesn’t hurt!!!

Friday – 5 mile easy run this lunchtime. It was a bit windy (the weather, not me!!) and I got back just before the rain started. Effort level 1 is supposed to be 60-65% of maximum heart rate. I was struggling to keep it under 74%, I seemed to be going soooooo slow!!!! I was putting on a bit of speed in the last mile, got up to 85%, so had to force myself to slow down a bit. I don’t know if getting this heart rate monitor was good thing now!!!

Sunday – 17 miles this morning. I don’t think my short, fat, hairy legs were designed for long distance running!!!!! They really ache again, and I seem to have some sort of ankle sprain - I’ll have to watch that, at least it’s a rest day tomorrow. Other runners seemed to be a bit more responsive to my ‘Hi’ today – maybe the morning runners are a happier bunch than the evening ones! Fleet half next Sunday – I don’t know whether to treat it as a training run, or try for a PB. I’ll probably go for a swim on Friday rather than a run, and see how I feel on the day.
 

Monday – Helped out at Boys’ Brigade again this evening. It was a fitness evening – so messed about on an exercise bike, rowing machine, ‘Abdotrim’, Swiss ball and weights. Then had 20 minutes of football, which was a bit more of a workout.

Tuesday – Ran 6 miles this lunchtime. It was nice and sunny, but a bitterly cold wind was blowing - again!!! I’d put some more music on my mp3 player at the weekend, and that was a nice change – ‘Show me the way to Amarillo’,  and a bit of Meat Loaf, Johnny Cash, Eddy Grant, etc... Great stuff!!!! Aerobics tonight. And a good hard session it was too!

Wednesday – Was supposed to do a speed session tonight, but we had a visitor and went out for an Indian. I’ll have to do it tomorrow night instead! (And it was snowing!!)

Thursday – Bought a heart monitor today, I’ll try it out this evening.

Did a speed interval session tonight. 5 minute warm up jog - 5x60 second sprints with 60 second recoveries – 5 minute jog – repeat. I still don’t like these speed sessions, a straight forward 6 mile run is much more my cup of tea! The heart monitor was good – confirmed my suspicions that I was working too hard on these sessions. I’ll try it again on my long run on Sunday.

Saturday – Went down to Canterbury for the day to see my son who’s at university there. It was nice to see him again, and we had a very nice lunch too – it was extremely cold though!!!!

Sunday - 16 miles this morning. It doesn't get any easier does it??? My legs really ache this afternoon - I couldn't have done another 10 miles today!! But I expect it'll be ok on the day!!! And I was really bored too - I think when this is all over I'll just stick to the Wokingham and Windsor half marathons, the Maidenhead 10 (for the club championship) and then just 10ks. Even the music didn't seem to make it any less boring (but I hope there weren't too many people within earshot when I burst out with 'I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby').

The heart rate monitor confirmed that I’ve probably been running too fast on these long runs. The schedule says effort 1 which is 60-65% of maximum heart rate – I was struggling to keep it under 75%!!!!! That would have been not much quicker than a walk!!!!! I don’t know if that would stopped me aching so much – but I’ll try again next weekend.

 

20 February  2006  – 26 February 2006

Monday – No formal training today, but I did go and help out at Boys’ Brigade this evening. Lots of running about, including playing ‘Extreme Dodgeball’ and football, so worked up quite a sweat!! 

Tuesday – Ran 6 miles this lunchtime. It’s getting quite cold again – my hands were feeling it a bit for the first mile or so. Playing golf on Thursday, hope it’s not so cold then!! Aerobics tonight. 

Wednesday – Did a 3 mile ‘threshold’ run this evening. That’s the quickest I’ve ever done that route by nearly 2 minutes, although I don’t usually try and run fast. No more running until the club 10k on Sunday – I keep reading that rest is important, so I don’t feel guilty!!! 

Thursday – Golf this afternoon, hope this snow doesn’t settle!!!! 

It didn’t, but it was still cold and wet!!! But…despite all that, I still had my second best ever score!! (despite a 9 on the last!). Had a nice relaxing leg massage in the evening. 

Saturday - Went out for meal at The Warren in Wokingham this evening. It's recently re-opened so we thought we'd give it a go.  It was very nice, food and service were both excellent, and although it was a little pricey, I can thoroughly recommend it!! (And the wife paid - so that was a bonus!!) 

Sunday - Club 10k - Another cold Sunday morning - Brrrr!!! Ran round with Chris Flynn, who managed to drag me round to a new PB (just!) of 47:24!! Thanks Chris!!!

Monday – Resting today after my half marathon yesterday.

Tuesday – Did a steady 6 mile run this lunchtime. Good weather, but the wind is starting to pick up a bit. Why is the wind always against you whichever way you’re running? Aerobics tonight – the wife’s not happy with me going out with a group of women on Valentine’s evening, but I’ve ordered flowers and pink champagne, so hopefully they’ll smooth things over a bit!!!

Wednesday – Didn’t go to aerobics after all last night – had steak, chips and mushrooms for dinner with the pink champagne, and very nice it was too! Did a hill session tonight – 8x30 seconds followed by 4x 1 minute. Those minute ones don’t get any easier – I hope they’re doing some good!!!

Thursday – Had a full leg massage at a different place this evening (Daily Telegraph 2 for 1 offer). It was a bit more gentle than other ones I’ve had, but very relaxing – I’ve got my free one next week.

Friday – 4 mile gentle run this lunchtime. I tried some new socks from the Sweatshop - £11 a pair!! – for socks!!!!!! They were very comfortable though – much better than my Donnay 5 pairs for a fiver ones!!!

Saturday – Going round to friends for a Chinese takeaway and games evening. Better not drink too much, I’ve got to do a 14 mile session tomorrow morning!! 

Sunday – Another milestone!! 14 miles is the furthest I’ve ever run before. I still found it quite hard! Why is it that a long run on my own is hard, yet a long race isn’t? I was tired and aching at about 10 miles this morning – yet at the end of the half marathon last week, I felt as if I could have carried on for miles!! Another of life’s mysteries!!

Monday – Did the hill session tonight. 1 mile warm up, 6x 30 second hills, 3x 1 minute hills, 1 mile warm down. The 1 minute’s were hard, especially the last one, but I didn’t ache afterwards as much as yesterday – so feeling good!!!

 Tuesday – Still got a bit of a sniffle so didn’t go swimming this morning. Besides, my membership ran out this weekend, so I’ve got to renew that first. Will go to aerobics tonight though. A slightly easier week before the Wokingham half on Sunday won’t go amiss. 

Wednesday – Did another 5 mile interval run this evening. 8 minute warm up jog followed by 2x10 minutes at effort 3 with a 2 minute recovery, then a warm down jog. It was a nice clear night with Saturn and Mars clearly visible either side of the constellation Orion. (Perhaps I shouldn’t be looking up at the sky whilst trying to stay on the pavement though!!). I still see people out running with thick coats, hats, gloves and long trousers – I was just out in shorts and tee shirt – should I be covering up too? I’m sure I’d boil up if I wore all that lot running!! 

Thursday – Had my legs massaged again. The lady said if I could, to have the massage after the half marathon on Sunday – so I might give that a go! 

Friday – Just a steady 4 miles this lunchtime to keep myself ticking over. It’s a lovely day, quite nippy on the hands, but they soon warm up!!! 

Sunday – The Wokingham Half!!!! It was a horrible, drizzly day, but hey, I got a PB!!! 1:47:23 on my watch, official time 1:48:02. Very happy with that. I didn’t have the massage though. There were too many people waiting, and with only 2 masseurs and 10 minutes a time, I could have been there some time. Better off getting home for a nice, hot bath. Have a blister on my little toe – think I’ll try and get some proper running socks now I’ve got to do more longer runs.

Monday – I’ve had a bit of a sniffle today; the wife said I shouldn’t run, but I’ve been out for a gentle 5 miles tonight. Some a**hole nearly ran me over as he came out of his drive not looking where he was going!!! I couldn’t hear his apology – I had my music plugged in, but I’m sure he heard my choice words!!! 

Tuesday – Cold’s got worse, so I’m not going swimming today as planned, but aerobics tonight. I’ve set up an online sponsorship page on the BHF website. If anyone would like to sponsor me for my marathon attempt (I know you’re probably all running for charities anyway, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!

The link is     http://www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/nickcook

Wednesday – Didn’t go to aerobics last night, cold’s got a lot worse. Haven’t been to work today and will miss my hill session tonight. Does training ever go to plan???? 

Friday – Still got bit of a sniffle, but need to go out, so did a steady 5 miles at lunchtime. Remembered hankie, but forgot gloves – cor!!!! It was cold!! Nearly lost my thumbs to frostbite!!

Running’s definitely getting easier though – after a PB at the club 10k on Sunday, this run was only a minute slower than my PB for my 5 mile route, and I wasn’t really trying!!! 

Sunday – 11 miles today and it was hard!! After my PB at the club 10k last week and a good run on Friday, I was quite confident of a good run today, but I think I was a bit over confident and went off too fast. I was hurting at 9 miles and really wanted to stop, but I had to get home, so there was no point!! I’ll see how I feel tomorrow – it’s supposed to be a hill session, but I might leave it ‘til Tuesday!!!

Monday – Went for a 4 mile run this evening. I thought I was running quite fast (for me), but when I got back the time was 35:33 – so not so fast after all!! Also, must remember to take a hankie with me when it’s cold!!! 

Tuesday – Did an 800 meter swim this morning, and knocked 2 minutes off my time!! So that’s encouraging for when I get back to triathlons! Aerobics tonight – hope it’s a bit tougher than last week!!
It was tougher!!! I even managed to raise a bit of a sweat – I think maybe I’d been taking it a bit easy because of my calves. 

Wednesday – Did a Fartlek session at lunchtime. 1 mile warm up jog, 9 or 10 sprint(?!?!?)/recovery intervals for 3 miles, 1 mile warm down jog. It’s very tempting to stop before getting to the sprint target, especially when that target is round a corner, and when you get round the corner, it’s further away than you thought!!!! Forgot the hankie again – good ol’ long sleeve shirt!! That’s it for running now until the club 10k on Sunday – well, it is a gentle recovery week according to the schedule!!!   Sent off my applications for the Fleet half and Maidenhead 10.

Thursday – Got my British Heart Foundation runners pack today so I can start getting sponsors. I can also set up a sponsors giving page on their web site – I’ll have a go at that later. 
Went for another massage this evening; it went well – apparently I had a few knots in my thighs, but my calves were ok. Made another appointment for 2 weeks time. 

Friday – Golf again today! Didn’t play particularly well, but there was a group competition, and we came second – so not too bad a day (better than work anyway!). 

Sunday – Club 10k! Ran round with Mick Flaherty who was pacing a 48 minute run for Dawn – and managed a PB of 47:27!!! So thanks for that Mick!!! Bought a club vest too, so I can show off my allegiance at future events (I don’t know if I’ll wear a club vest at London, or the BHF vest I’m supposed to get). 

Monday – Went for a gentle 3 mile jog tonight and had no trouble with my calves – Hooray!!!! It was really good to get out again, and it was quite a mild, dry night, ideal for running. I’m feeling confident about finishing a marathon now! The only downer was I got a blister on the back of my left ankle! My new shoes have a higher back than my old ones and I was wearing trainer socks with them for the first time. Back to ankle socks tomorrow! 

Tuesday – Did an interval run at lunchtime; 1 mile warm-up jog, 2x 10 minutes effort 3 with a 2 minute recovery between, warm down jog. Those 10 minutes were quite hard, but I’m not sure about these ‘effort’ numbers – perhaps I need to get a heart rate monitor as suggested in the training plan! I didn’t feel the calf, but was worried about it and so I might not have been running as smoothly as I could have been. The blister hurt though, despite the blister plaster and longer socks! No more running until Friday now, but aerobics tonight and swimming tomorrow morning. 

Wednesday – Decided against swimming this morning. My body’s aching from 3 days exercising; it needs a rest – perhaps tomorrow! 

Thursday – Did 32 lengths at the pool this morning. Arms and shoulders feel alright this time. Why must some women put their perfume on before they go swimming??? It makes the water smell (and taste) awful! 

I’m umming and ahhing about whether to do the Fleet half marathon and the Maidenhead Easter 10 this year. I’m doing the Wokingham half in February, and think perhaps I should do at least one of the others. I’ll probably wait until after my long run on Sunday to decide. 

Friday – I forgot I was playing golf today – so no running. Probably just as well, I’d like to give my calf a bit longer rest. Mind you, on the first tee at 8:15 this morning, it was cold and raining with a bitter wind – I’d have been better off running! It cleared up though, and the sun was shining for most of the round!!! 

Sunday – Went for a slow 8 miler this morning. It was my first run longer than 10k since the Windsor half. It went well, although my blisters cut up again – I think I’ll have to revert back to my old shoes until they’ve properly healed up. Also, I must change the music on my MP3 player – A bit of Status Quo should liven things up a bit!!!!! I’ve decided I will run the Fleet half and Maidenhead 10, so will have to get the applications in the post this week.

Monday – The physio says my calves aren’t too bad and that I can start running again – hooray!!! She’s also suggested that I have regular massage on them once a week for the next few weeks – I wonder if the Health Insurance people will pay for that – I’ll ring them this afternoon!!!
No they won’t – so I’ll have to fork out the £20 from my own pocket – never mind, I suppose it’s for the best!!!!
Went for a 3 mile jog this evening and my left calf started playing up after 2 miles!!!! I’m getting worried now – will I be fit enough to run a marathon in April???

Tuesday – Phoned the physio and I’ve got to go back tomorrow. Aerobics tonight – I love being the only bloke in a class full of women!! ?

Wednesday – Went swimming this morning and did 32 lengths (800m). I haven’t been since September and it tells – my arms really ache now!!!! Must try and go at least once a week!

Physio says I shouldn’t go running again until at least the weekend. I’ve got a massage session on my calves tomorrow, I’ll probably go cycling Friday and Sunday, and go for a run Monday.

Thursday – Massage was brilliant! A full massage on both legs – they felt great afterwards! I was quite disappointed when she said once a fortnight would be sufficient – I was looking forward to a repeat next week!!

Friday – Went for a 13 mile bike ride at lunchtime – forgot my stopwatch, but think it was a record time for this route. Must remember to tighten up the saddle to stop it dropping forward every time I go over a bump!

Saturday – Daughter’s 15th birthday. She’s got friends over for a sleepover so Jan and I are going out for an Indian. Now, what does it say about Indian food in the nutrition guide!!!!

Sunday – Kids!! Who’d have ‘em? It finally went quiet downstairs about 3:00am!! Got up at 9:00 for a 20 mile bike ride. Forgot to tighten up the saddle, and I must get another pair of padded shorts!! OOOOOHHHH! I felt quite tired at the end of the ride, but I haven’t cycled that distance for some time. If 20 miles on a bike’s tiring, how’s running 26 miles going to feel? I do cycle hard though, I’d be going a bit easier running that far. Still 3 months of training to go – I should be alright by April. Looking forward to running again tomorrow!
 

31 December 2005  – 8 January 2006

On New Years Eve, the post came through the door and amongst the letters and cards (my wife’s birthday is on the 2^nd) was a hand written letter to me – what could that be? I opened it and I had got one of the WVR places! Yippeee!!!! I’d been for a  run a couple of times since Christmas so decided I’d get up the next morning and start my training – hope I wouldn’t have too much of a hangover!!!  

New Years Day – and up at 8 o’clock for a run – no hangover either (which surprised my wife after my party performance the night before!) I decided to just go for a short run this morning – just a gentle 3 miles, which went ok.  

During the day I studied the Marathon News for information on doing the marathon, charities to run for, nutrition information and training plans. I decided I’d run for the British Heart Foundation as my dad died of a heart attack when I was just a boy; and settled for the ‘real world’ training plan – just 4 days a week running, building up to a long run of 19-20 miles 3 weeks before the main event (although I’d like to get up to at least 22 miles). I also attend an aerobics class once a week and will be able to cycle and swim regularly (I’ll want to enter more triathlons after the marathon!). I got the application form and cheque in the post the next day. 

Back to work on the Tuesday and I thought I do a fartlek session at lunchtime. Went off at a gentle jog and after about a mile put on a bit of a spurt for a fast(er) run for the length of 3 telegraph poles. Half way through this, disaster!!!! I felt a twinge in my left calf – the same calf that I’ve been having problems with over the last year! I decided to abandon the fartlek session and slowed right down to finish a very slow 4 mile jog. The calf felt alright while I was running, but during the rest of the day it got quite painful and I was hobbling quite a bit. 

So, that was my running training scuppered for a while. I phoned up the physio for an appointment and got a session booked in for the following Monday. I went for a 13 mile bike ride on Thursday, and got up early on Friday for a swim. Got to the pool only to find it was shut for ‘essential maintenance’ – I could have stayed in bed for another half an hour!!!! A 10 mile bike ride this morning (Sunday) and now to wait and see what the physio says tomorrow (the pool is still closed!) 

Well, if this account hasn’t been too boring, I’ll submit a training diary every now and again for the WVR newsletter, keeping you up to date with my progress. I hope you will find it interesting. In the meantime, if anyone has any hints or tips on marathon running and training, please feel free to contact me on my following e-mail address. ncook@informatica.com.