Latest update 12/06/12

Since the last marathon I have not done much running. Jo and I competed in the Westonbirt triathlon a couple of weeks ago, but I have been working long hours driving which has meant missing running club. Last weekend Jo and I went to Porthcawl, as I had bought Jo a kite surfing lesson for Christmas. We had a great weekend first camping of the year, it rained a lot, but we made the most of it. Jo enjoyed flying the kite.

Weekend just gone, Jo and I had a wake boarding lesson in Cotswold water park both of us enjoyed it and said we would like to do it some more. But with a marathon coming up in a couple of weeks we need to start putting in the miles.

I have collected my Olympic volunteering uniform, and have got my shifts. Jo and I are also planning our honeymoon for September. Lots going on, would help if the British summer started, 

H - Marathon completed

As you can see from the above photos I completed the Halstead Marathon. Jo supported cycling the route and cheering me on in various location, her support was fantastic and really appreciated. 

I was planning on running 8 minute miles which mean an overall time of 3 hours 28 mins, i was on target up to 18 miles, then my legs started to tire. I gave Jo my GPS watch because I did not want to see how slow I was going. I managed to drag my self around the last 8.2 miles, finishing in 3:50, very tired, pleased I had finished but not too happy with my time. It was much hotter than I thought it would be and much hillier. 

I thought the marathon was well organised, great facilities, fantastic support for a small marathon, a descent goody bag, which did not have lots of fliers, which are normally put straight in the recycling box, and the medal is different with a see through panel. 

I must thank Jo for her support, and driving there and back.

 It was a tiring day and my legs still hurt two days after, it does help me get around thinking why I am doing this to myself, raising money and awareness for a great charity, that means a lot to me and my family. 

Not long till marathon H

The Halstead marathon is on the 13th May. This weekend I ran 14 miles on Saturday then on Sunday. Jo and I went to London to support people running the marathon. I would like to congratulate all the runners. We were very sad to hear the news about the death on Claire Squires.

Supporting the event you really get to see the number of people running, and how fast so many of them are. We supported people from Great western runners GWR and Finch coasters. GWR have a new website: http://www.greatwesternrunners.org.uk/ which is well worth a look.

The weekend of the 14th April Jo and I had a BBQ and invited people over to see our new home in Twyford. We were very lucky with the weather and had a great time. Then on Sunday we had a 70 mile bike ride around Maidenhead which we both found hard as we had not done much cycling recently.

Compton 20 Mile

Jo and I ran the Compton 20 mile off road event. We ran together up to 10 miles, then one of the marshals shouted to Jo that she was running 5th female, so I said to Jo that she should run ahead and see what place she could finish. Jo is running so well at the moment that this blog should not be about me, but it should be about how amazing Jo is. Jo beat me by 15 mins, which works out at 1 1/2 minutes quicker each mile, (from 10 mile to 20 miles) but most impressive of all she finished 3rd female, the photo below is Jo with the winning envelop. 

Both Jo and I thought the event was brilliant, well organised and very friendly, highly recommended.

News from SDBTT

Latest news is available please click on link: http://braintumourtrust.co.uk/about-us/news/

My apologies

A couple of post ago I said the leisure facilities around Twyford were not up to much, I must offer my apologies. I said that Jo and I signed up for swimming lessons at Wokingham, we did not realise that as part of the lessons we can also swim for £1 and the pool at Wokingham has a sauna which you can use included in the price of a swim.

Then last night we found out we could also use a pool in Lower Earley, also for £1 and they have a Jacuzzi, steam room and a sauna. Both Jo and I are really happy that we can now swim more and get the use of the other facilities as well.


 

A lovely weekend in Bristol

                                                 Where they used to sell/buy horses

                                                         Views from Cabot tower

What a great weekend. It was a last minute decision to go to Bristol for the weekend, we managed to see Jo's Mum, as it is her birthday during the week, we also managed to join GWR for a 17 mile run, it was great to catch up with people from the club. We also caught up with friends before driving back to Twyford.

I mentioned in the last post about not being able to swim, we have found an advanced swimming tuition that starts on the 17th April once a week for 14 weeks at a reasonable price, so we have signed up. My running is going well. All 4 marathons this year have been booked.