Sunday 30 December 2012

Its called Insanity contd ...

6 weeks down, 2 to go.

The title Insanity it truly apt. The first 3 weeks were pretty hard core but once the recovery week was over the meaning of Insanity was truly understood. A 57 minute relentless session started the week and it pretty much continued in the same vein.

None of the workouts have been missed but I did miss my last fitness test. I've been trying to cram too much in. Before starting the programme someone told me you cannot complete the Insanity alongside another fitness routine. Well with me being stubborn, and the marathon season fast approaching, I decided to give it a shot. The result, I'm ruined and I've decided to pretty much re start my marathon schedule in a week or two.

I can't stop the Insanity. I'm so close to the 60 days and genuinely look forward to each session. Its all I seem to talk about at work and I've even got some of the team giving it a go. Running on the other hand has become the devil over my shoulder and we need some together time in the new year. I haven't followed the Insanity eating plan at all, especially with Christmas but I have noticed significant body changes. My muscles overall feel strong, really strong and I can almost make out a 6 pack. I'll post a before and after shot on my next update :-)

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Its called Insanity

In an attempt to strengthen my entire body I have started the 60 day Insanity Workout. I'm 4 weeks in and its great. Think Jane Fonda exercise DVD at home in front of the telly, then times it by a million. High intensity cardio workouts 6 days a week. Working out twice a day (Insanity & running) is difficult to fit in. While Poppy is doing her homework or Sam is reading I'm getting crazy in front of the tv or off out for a run. They have been extremely understanding so far and I've only got 4 weeks left to go. After then I will concentrate on training for Brighton Marathon 2013 and continue with less intense core workouts. I recently saw Rory Coleman (www.rorycoleman.co.uk) who inspired me to push harder and think about cross training in order to realise my potential. I hope this helps.

Beachy Head Marathon 2012

Amazing ... Amazing ... Amazing

My First off road Marathon, Beachy Head, Eastbourne 27th October 2012.

I have never been so cold at a start line before. The sun was shining but the wind was blowing and it was cold, really cold. I wore a hat, gloves, rave vest and a long sleeve skins top underneath, shorts and compression socks.

The scenery throughout this Marathon is beautiful. One moment you are crossing farm land, the next you are ascending almost vertical hills, running along tree lined paths and up flights of steps. All this culminates with the 7 sisters and Birling Gap. If it wasn't for a friend wishing me well at strategic points throughout and my wife waiting with open arms at the end I may never have finished. I did finish in 3:46 and for that I'm proud.




The organisation was great, the marshalls and support throughout was a joy. Hot showers and a meal were at the finish line. I can't recommend this race enough



http://www.beachyheadmarathon.org.uk/Eastbourne-Beachy-Head-Marathon/details/?dms=13&feature=1&GroupId=1&venue=3401783&easi=true

How the obsession began

When did it all this running get out of control? Well in October 2006 I had to get fit for a work related role and I started running regularly. It was easy at first. A few miles here and there on the treadmill soon developed into an everyday routine. Before I realised it a couple of years had passed and I built up to running a 7 mile circuit around the Airport. This was all very well and good until someone decided to invent the Brighton Marathon 2010 !!! That’s when it all went wrong! Almost 3 years later I am now confident to admit to myself that yes .. I am obsessed. Since 2010 I have run 6 marathons, quite a few halves, only a few 10k’s and a few fun runs. The longest being the ‘Goofy Challenge and a Half’, 39.3 miles over 2 days in Disneyland. My PB’s are: Littlehampton 10k 2012 - 39,39 Brighton Half Marathon 2012 - 1:27 Brighton Marathon 2012 - 3:12

What is the Marathon Des Sables


Summer 2012


Summer 2012, in a moment of madness I was sat in front of the laptop, MdS site loaded, credit card at the ready. I was swept along in a euphoric state of excitement and11 minutes later the ‘Toughest Foot race in the World’ was sold out, furthermore I was in !!!.

What will it take to get myself to the start line? How much training will be required? How much will it cost, both financially and personally?

This blog is a diary of my 2 year preparation. I hope you find it of interest and maybe even amusement :-)