And so; now that Spring is in the air (apparently), it's time to hit the roads and get some stamina and experience into those legs. I've been running from work to Northampton railway station a few times, with routes varying from 2.75 to 3.0 miles. At the moment it's taking about 26-28 minutes, and to be honest, it doesn't feel too bad. The biggest problems I currently have are ones relating to pace (I really shouldn't be doing consistent sub-8.30 miles) and traffic - this latter issue really disrupts my patterns and it's always the second mile of my regular runs that causes the problem.
I've also done couple of long runs - typically 4 to 5 miles and despite the obvious tiredness at the end, I'm feeling pretty good about them. Having never really liked running too much when I was younger, I've really appreciated the opportunity to get out around Caldecotte Lake and even managed to affirm my navigation around the suburbs of Sunderland!
I'm now very confident that 5 miles is do-able: something I'd have struggled with this time last year. My next target (for the end of April) is to be reach 7 miles. That is over half of the Great North Run distance, so if I can get to that figure, I'll be confident that I can at least reach Hebburn!
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
And so it begins.....
Tenby, it all began in Tenby.
Whilst on holiday as a small boy with my Mum and aunt in the early 1980s, I fell in love. A love that has endured over the year’s, and a love which has lead me to undertake the biggest physical (and mental) challenge I’ve ever faced.
On September 15th 2013, I shall be one of 55,000 people pounding the streets of Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside on the BUPA Great North Run. Whilst the likes of Mo Farah, Wilson Kipsang, Stephen Kiprotich and yes, even Paula Radcliffe think nothing of running 13.2 miles in an hour (or less), I’ll be glad to simply get to South Shields less than 4 hours after setting off from Newcastle city centre. And no, the Metro is NOT an option…..
Why am I doing this? Mainly to prove to myself that I can do it, and let’s face it – the effort and commitment of the British Olympic team in 2012 has been a motivation. I’ll never be able to match their achievements, but that’s no reason why I can’t try to do what I can.
There is also a charitable reason: I’m running in order to raise funds for the RNLI. Ever since that trip to Tenby 30ish years ago, I’ve always had a strange affection for lifeboats. Strange as I grew up in Birmingham, not the most obvious of places to ever see a lifeboat. It’s been a running joke in the family that we can’t walk past a Lifeboat station or collection box without me stopping to put some money in or pop in to have a look around.
So, I’d be really grateful if you would agree to sponsor me for the Great North Run. It doesn’t matter how big or small your donation is, all donations are gratefully received and will go to support an organisation that works tirelessly to keep our seas safe. Please visit my online page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyMcMillan1 to make your donation. In return, I’ll post regular updates on my training, and hopefully convince friends and family to post some pictures of the race.
For more details on what the RNLI do, and how your donation will help to save lives at sea, please visit www.RNLI.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)