The training / racing weekend from hell..

This, the last weekend before my Three Peaks challenge, has probably been the hardest weekend of training I have ever experienced.

I have entered quite a few races this month, and the idea was to use them to strengthen myself, physically and mentally, for greater challenges that lie ahead..you all know by now what I mean..

I therefore entered the Bourton-on-The-Water "hilly" half marathon on the Saturday, and the Westonbirt 10k the following Monday. The plan at the time was to rest Sunday..but at the time I didn't know Anthony would only be available at weekends..

I trained up until Thursday, knocking out 5 miles in 40 minutes on the treadmill - PB for me there, but as I paused the machine for water breaks I guess it doesn't count..

I had an excellent sports massage with Ali O'Hara on Friday, which I needed more than I expected. My back used to give me a lot of problems, but now the weight is going it is getting a lot better.

The usual pre-race trip to the cinema took place on Friday evening and the film this time was "Hard Candy". You've probably heard about it, if not it's about a 14-year old girl who meets an older man online, and seeks to expose him as a paedophile. I really enjoyed it and thought the dialogue especially was cracking. There were some great one-liners in there as well: "guess they weren't made out of brass, huh?" If you've read the reviews you can probably guess which scene that relates to.

I really liked it though, and the really clever thing for me was, it was never clear whether the male protagonist was an actual paedophile or not. One thing was for sure - thanks to a cracking performance from Ellen Page, the female character scared the hell out of me.

On Saturday I should have taken it easy but had a busy day. I had a new lodger, Jean-Paul, moving in in the afternoon and I had to do some last minute shopping for my weekend away. Plus I needed some new trousers for work - the ones I wear at the moment barely stay up even with a belt.

So I headed off for the Cotswolds feeling a little flustered. It got worse because - and don't ask me how I did it - at some point I turned off the A429 (Fosseway and drove about 10 miles in the wrong direction. Oops. I guess I must have just switched off. Not like me before a race.

Despite this, and the concomitant stress, I arrived at Bourton with about half an hour to spare. Excellent.

Have you ever been to Bourton-on-The-Water? If not, go there for a day out at your earliest opportunity. It's beautiful, out of this world picturesque. Seriously, you have to see it to believe it. As someone said, its like being on a film set.

As I made my way to the start I felt uncomfortable. All the other athletes looked like very serious, seasoned club runners. Not one other runner who looked like me, i.e. only been running a year and still has a few pounds to shed. Oh dear. Think positive, I told myself, appearances can be deceptive.

But not always.

And what can I say about the race. A line from the song "Black and White" by The Upper Room springs immediately to mind: "Pain, pain, pain, pain, pain, pain, pain". And more pain. I suffered from a stitch at the start, severe chaffing from sweaty shorts from mile 5 on (ok, too much information) and the stitch from hell after about 9 miles.

Up until then I was going well - managing 9 minute miles and on course for a sub-2 hour finish. The last stitch really took it out of me though and the last four miles were absolute agony. Probably all my own fault though - I had taken on too much fluid, taking a sports drink with me and taking 2 or 3 glasses of water at each of the water stations. The idea was to stay hydrated but I was eventually hoist by my own petard. My time of 2 hours 5 minutes, whilst totally respectable given the course, did not do my efforts justice I felt.

But as always there were plenty of positives. The scenery was fantastic, it made a good, tough training course, and the organisation and support from the marshals and local people lining the routes was second to none. How good of these people to take the time to cheer us on. I could probably have done without seeing people in a beer garden drinking a few pints of delicious ale mind you!

The mug I received at the end made a fitting memento but I felt I deserved a decent medal as well. I'll certainly be back next year - as I say it makes a good training run and a nice evening out.

After the race I made my way home (this time without getting lost), had a well earned curry and a few beers and spent time getting to know Jean-Paul a little better. He seems like a really nice young man, just here for 8 weeks while he does a work placement before going to India for 6 weeks and then back to his final year at Cambridge!

The next day I had a PT session scheduled with Anthony for the afternoon and was not disappointed when he sent me a text asking to switch the time so he could watch the England match. Fine by me. So we met up at lunchtime and did a sprint session, which would have been tough at the best of times, but obviously a lot more so given the half marathon the day before. As I write I realise how much fitter I must have become, because not long ago at all it took me a few days to get back into training after a big race. I think after the Reading half marathon I didn't have a decent training session until the Thursday or Friday after.

I was also instructed to go out for a run in the evening after the match. So I watched England march (or should I say stumble) into the quarterfinals of the World Cup and set off on my way. I was tired but it was very pleasant, everyone I met was in a good mood because of the football.

The next day, Monday, I had the Westonbirt 10k in the evening. As I have said before, it's not easy competing in a race when you've been at work all day. It was made worse this time by the fact that I had not slept well the night before. Oddly I seem to find I sleep worst when I have had a tough day's training. Not so much the case after a race - the post-event beer usually sees to it that I get a good night's kip.

I arrived at the event in good time - a 7.30 start meant I had plenty of time, coming direct from work as I did. When I got out of the car I realised just how sore my legs were - my hamstrings hurt especially. I did some stretching and made a mental note to head straight for the massage tent after the race.

There were a few friends from running club and it was good to see them. There was a pretty good turnout too, and it soon became obvious why the event is so popular.

Despite the tiredness and soreness I was very happy with the way I ran - I seemed to pick up a good pace straight away and maintain it. It didn't seem to take me long at all to warm up. I was determined to enjoy it, but at the same time part of me was determined to make up for a disappointing day on Saturday.

The course was wonderful, all along woodland paths through the gardens. It was just gently undulating and I'm sure had I been fresh I could have got a good time. In the end I was very happy to get round in 53:50. I had maintained a good pace all the way round, never felt in any trouble, and whilst I started to tire mid-way I still managed a strong finish.

The massage was welcome, and I think stopped my legs from stiffening up later. The memento was especially nice however - a medal made out of wood and a small tree to plant in my own garden! I doubt it would thrive in my back yard however, so I'll probably donate it to the old people's home near me.

So the toughest weekend of my running career finished on a real high - especially as I had a few tasty pints of Bombardier bitter when I finally got home.

I didn't have time for that many, but I thought I should enjoy them while I can - when I get back from the three peaks challenge, I'll only have 10 weeks or so to prepare for the biggest test of all - the New Forest Marathon - and there won't be too many treats in that crucial period of time.

But I'm up for the challenge.

Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, June 2006

A few updates

Just thought I'd write a few lines on here to let everyone know what I've been up to of late..I'm sorry I haven't posted any updates on here recently but I've just been really busy, as you're about to find out..

Firstly I'd like to say a big, big thank you to Suzie for hosting an excellent housewarming party/barbeque on the second weekend of June. I think it's fair to say all concerned had a really great time, none more than yours truly who met some great people (mostly Suzie's friends from Uni), was reunited with some old friends, and got to know some current friends a little better. And, needless to add, consumed enough liquor to sink a battleship.

And I think a few people got to know me a little better - it seems I have earned the epithet "Wild Weedon One" in MAN ERF's UTP department (UpTime Principle - no, I don't know much about it either) for my inimitable dance moves at Graeme's wedding (another great day) and my deeds that night. Apparently my ability to clear the scene of a barbeque whilst under the influence is the eighth wonder of the world..

Anyway, moving on, after I'd sobered up I competed in the Lethbridge 10k the following Wednesday. It was a local race and actually on a course I use as a training run. It was also my first mid-week race. It was tough going too - I was never going to get a PB (sub 50 mins is my present goal at that distance) as it was too congested in a lot of places, plus I was tired after a day at work and over-hydrated..I'm sure you can guess what I mean..

There's always something good to come of these events however, in this case it was not only getting a nice t-shirt at the end but making a new friend. On the start line I spotted someone from the gym I recognised but had never spoken to before. It transpired she was running in a 10k for the first time, never having run more than 5k before. I told her to relax and just enjoy it - it may have done the trick because she got round comfortably enough, and when I saw her at the end she said she had really enjoyed it and hopes to compete in more events, possibly the Swindon half marathon in October.

Only a nutter like me would do Swindon as their first half marathon but we will see. But if she gets half as much as me out of her new hobby, then that's a result as well.

Last weekend I spent a very enjoyable weekend watching cricket and drinking beer (and wine). I went to my favourite of grounds, Lord's, on Saturday to watch the first ODI between England and Sri Lanka (great weather, great crowd, great day, shame about the result) and stayed in London for a few beers afterwards. Next time I go to Lord's in July I'll be staying with my Uncle Eddie, at his new accomodation in South London, which I'm looking forward to.

A special thank you also to the girls at the Wolf Blass wine stand at the ground who plied me with wine (never were so many free samples had by one man) and kept me entertained during the lunch break and when the cricket got dull. I like to think "Wild Weedon One" kept them entertained too. I think I might have done..

On the Sunday I went to Bath to watch the annual one day county match, this time between Somerset and Middlesex. An exciting but low-scoring game, the weather was a bit cooler but the beer and the atmosphere was still good. I had one of my favourite things during the break - a Schwartz burger. Trust me, you haven't lived until you've had one. Not enough stamina to stay out after the match unfortunately and I sidled off to catch the train back to Swindon. Why can't there be more weekends like this?

It didn't quite end there - on Tuesday my company laid on the inaugural "midsummer mingle" in our roof garden and it was nice to chat with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. Although, as one of our secretaries and my friend Lizzie pointed out, I am becoming a bit of a fixture at these events. I think that's a really positive thing. In my first couple of years with the company I tended to avoid these events and struggled to mix with people, so it shows how more outgoing I have become.

On that rather upbeat note, there's a lot to look forward to: next weekend I am taking part in the Three Peaks challenge - our company has entered a team and I am one of 8 walkers. Of the others, I already work with Rob and Nat (other members of the Parts Operations department) and have known Tamara for a few years, but don't know any of them that well, and barely know anything about the other four. The Three Peaks is something I've always wanted to do, and I'm looking forward to a great weekend away and hopefully making some lasting friendships to boot.

Some bad news for me I'm afraid - Anthony has left his job at the gym to take up a full time job as the manager of a garage in South Wales. Something to do with the responsibilities of fatherhood..anyway the good news is that he will still be around at weekends to train me, at least until my marathon in September, which he will still run with me. He also promises me that we will run the London marathon next year..what a day that will be..

In the meantime folks, I have it all to do. Tune in for further updates.

Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, June 2006

Jennifer Ellison and the Windy City

It's been a pretty good week.

I recovered well from my exertions last weekend and put in some good runs. Apart from Monday when I was suffering from tired legs and a hangover, I've made the most of the good weather and enjoyed some good runs outside. No PT sessions, mind you - Anthony is now a happily married man and on his honeymoon in Barcelona. I have to say, not having him around makes me realise how good his sessions are and what a difference they have made.

I also went to the cinema on Tuesday and saw "United 93". I'll write a separate piece on the film and probably throw in my own personal recollections of that dreadful day in due course, but what I will say at this juncture is at the end of the film when the plane crashed (I don't think I'm giving away the plot by saying that) you could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium. I don't think I've ever experienced that before and the film really is essential viewing.

The highlight of my week, however, was hearing that the lovely Jennifer Ellison will return to the cast of the west end musical "Chicago" for a limited run next month.

You all know Jennifer - she regularly appears on the front page of the tabloids and various men's magazines, usually in skimpy outfits. She made a name for herself in the Channel 4 soap "Brookside" playing Emily Shadwick, won "Hell's Kitchen", then went on to appear in the film version of my beloved "Phantom of the Opera" and will later this year star in a horror flick called "The Cottage".

So there's a lot more to this girl than a pretty face and big breasts. I went to see her in Chicago in November 2004 and hung around the stage door hoping to get an autograph. I came away with my programme signed in two places, adorned with hearts and flowers, and feeling like I was on cloud nine, having spoken to easily the most charming, self-deprecating, unpretentious celebrity I have ever met. Our encounter was brief, but not that brief - she seemed genuinely eager to chat and make small talk with me, and this was not the case with all the autograph hunters around at the time.

I like to think this was because, while I was reduced to a gibbering wreck in the presence of such a pretty girl, the Weedon charm was at its most fluent, and most pertinently, I was interested in her and her acting skills, and whether she was enjoying her stint in theatre. Everyone else just wanted her to sign a semi-naked picture of herself.

Oh and another thing - I don't know what perfume she was wearing but she smelt divine. Maybe she put it on especially for me, who knows. More likely she put it on for that lucky husband of hers.

So yes, I expect I'll be popping over to London to see her again. And I'd urge anyone who likes theatre to do the same. Even if you don't get to chat to Jen, you'll get to see a terrific performance from a very lovely and talented young lady.

http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/display/cm/contentId/89770

Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, June 2006

Back to back races - with a few girls allowed..

Doing two races in one weekend is not something many runners would consider, or recommend to a relative neophyte, such as myself. The idea in a race is to give your all, which means you always need a day or two (sometimes several) to recover.

Two races in two days is exactly what I did, however, on what turned out to be the hottest weekend of the year so far. And while I'm suffering today, I'm glad I did.

The first was the Keevil airfield 10k. This was probably the race I was looking forward to the least. It was known to be completely flat, and I felt under some pressure to get a good time. Anthony said in the week it would be nice to get a sub-50 minute 10k out of me. Yes mate, I thought, it would be nice if Jessica Alba came round for a martini as well, but sadly that won't happen either. As it turned out, he wasn't being quite so unrealistic.

Not having a glass or four of wine on Friday night was torture. I can quite happily go without alcohol on any other night of the week but it seems obligatory to partake of a few drinks while watching Jonathan Ross.

It didn't stop me getting a good night's sleep though, and I arrived at Keevil feeling fresh. Not bad bearing in mind I'd only had one rest day before the event. I had a little jog round the airstrip and had a good stretch, making sure I was loose.

My brother-in-law was taking part as well, and it was a pleasant surprise to see that he had brought along my sister Fiona, their daughter Holly and foster child Stephen. They commented on my weight loss, which was good to hear, and something I'm getting a lot at the moment - the long runs and the improved diet must be doing the trick!

It seemed a pretty competitive event - mostly club runners and seasoned athletes. All going for that PB, no doubt. I set off strongly, looking to push myself hard all the way. I had kind of made up my mind I was going for a good time at Keevil and use the race the next day as a training run, for reasons I'll go into later.

It was hard work in the heat, and I found myself breathing hard. There were distance markers on the two-lap course and I was looking to set myself a pace of 5 mins per kilometre (8 minute miles). For the first half, I did better than that - someone called out a time of 24:41 as I crossed the half way marker.

Unfortunately I couldn't maintain it. Whilst my breathing settled down after about 6km, the heat took it's toll and I really started to tire. But I knew I was on target to beat my PB of 52:44 so I kept going as best I could, upping the ante in the last kilometre and crossed the finish line in 50minutes 34 seconds (according to my watch). As I said to someone later, I think I finished first in the fat b*stard category!

Joking aside, this result proves to me what a difference the weight loss makes. I really think if I can shed the lot I could be running this distance in 40 minutes - and believe me, that takes some doing.

After the race I hung around with the Newman clan - Holly later took part in one of the kids' races - I like to think she was inspired by seeing her Dad and her Uncle running - and Rich very kindly treated me to a sports massage and an ice cream. He seemed amused by my comments to the young girls giving treatments: "So instead of fighting over me you decided to share me and do one leg each. I like that". I was feeling so confident after the race I think I'd probably have tried chatting up Anna Kournikova!

As always at these events, I witnessed something that makes me feel very humble. This time it was a young man (actually he was about my age) pushing a girl in a wheelchair. That must have really hurt on a hot day, and he still managed to beat a few people only pushing themselves. Fair play. It must have been great fun for the girl in the wheelchair, too - everyone's a winner at these events, which is what I like.

I then had to shoot back to Swindon as I was catching a train to London - something to do with a date with five fab females! Yep, you guessed it; I went to see Girls Aloud at Wembley! When you've stopped laughing, carry on reading!

Bit of a last minute decision this - I only booked my ticket after I had read a very positive review in The Times. I ran the idea past Suzie first and what a good thing too. I think someone less cool would have laughed at me and told me to act my bloody age. Not our Suzie, God bless her. I owe her for telling me to go and enjoy myself.

Bit of a scare in the week - I was expecting the ticket to come in the post but by Friday it still hadn't arrived. I contacted lastminute.com and they said it would be at the box office, which it was.

What can I say about the show - absolutely bloody amazing!! Honestly, it was by far the best concert I've been to, and that even includes Christina Aguilera. Everything about it was great, the singing, the dancing (no wonder those girls are so svelte, they must practise for hours), the outfits (oh yes, those were important in this case!) and the set changes. I liked the mixture of the tracks, mostly from their last (and best) album, with some older ones thrown in and a few impressive covers - an excellent version of "I predict a riot" as well as "Fame", "Flashdance - what a feeling" and "Footloose" - maybe they knew I was coming so did some 80s stuff to keep me happy!

It was great and the best night I've had in ages. Strange to think I didn't book a ticket until the last minute, I wouldn't have missed it for the world and would have gone again had it not been the last gig of the tour. Bit of a shame I didn't have anyone to share it with, but as I say, it was a last minute decision.

And if Kimberley Walsh is reading this - Kimberley, you're beautiful and you rock my world, I love you and want to marry you. xxx

Ok, I'll stop being scary. The concert finished a bit late and I would probably have missed the last train home if there hadn't been a tube train waiting at Wembley Park. But to be honest I was having so much fun I didn't care. Plan B was to find a bar that would be open until the first train home in the morning left Paddington! But I caught it with a few minutes to spare and got to bed late (about 1.30am), tired and nicely drunk (I had a few beers during the concert - why not, I thought).

Despite this I woke up around the right time on Sunday feeling strangely fresh. I had breakfast, a litre of water, and headed to Fairford where the second 10k of the weekend was taking place. I was immediately impressed by the organisation - I was marshalled into a field reserved for the runners to park in.

I soon found a few friendly faces - members of the running club at my gym. It was nice to be able to tell them about the previous day's result and I sensed they were genuinely pleased for me. I'm sure they recognise that it was just reward for the effort I put into my training.

I didn't bother too much with a warm-up. I think I'd decided that there was no way I could match my effort at Keevil so I might as well go out and just enjoy it.

And enjoy it I did. It was a lot more scenic than running round an airfield (twice), and probably one of the nicest routes I have done. I really struggle to understand why more runners don't do these races - they always make such a nice change from the usual routes and this was only half an hour from home, if that.

I did feel slightly fatigued during the race and the heat didn't help either. No hangover, though - thank God for small mercies. At the half way point I tried to help a young girl who was struggling and had started walking. A cynic would tell you I only helping her because she was so good-looking, but that's really not true - I hate to see people struggling, and on this occasion I wasn't bothered about my time so tried to do something to help someone else. Before I left her I told her to compose herself, regain her energy and then carry on. Maybe it worked because she only came in a few minutes after me.

Despite everything I still crossed the line in less than 55 minutes, which I would have struggled to do on a good day a few months ago. I liked the award of a medal, bottle of water, cereal bar and sports bottle - there was diddly squat at Keevil.

Before I made my way home I visited Trish, our HR manager at work, who was holding a car boot sale to raise money for the 3-peak challenge, for which I have nominated myself as a walker. We're raising money for the Mitchemp trust, and I'm really looking forward to it. But I'll stop there and write a separate article on it later. But I did buy a few books from her - always my money weakness!

My other money weakness is good beer and wine, and needless to say I had a fair bit of that on Sunday afternoon. But if you can't celebrate back to back races, a PB and a fantastic evening at a concert, when can you?

Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, June 2006