Hello There,

I have done a few Marathons and Half Marathons in the past, but recent events have led  me to believe that this year I really ought to raise some much needed money for Charity.A year ago my Mother suffered a major Stroke, and a year on she is still unable to use the right hand side of her body and her speech is still negligible. I have decided to run the Nottingham Half Marathon to try and raise some money for an organisation whose help is invaluable in provding much needed support to Stroke victim's families. I do hope people can donate as much  as possible for this worthwhile Charity.

Many Thanks,

Adrian.  

June

Can't believe how difficult this training lark is. Beginning to think that 52 Year Old bones should not be put through this sort of physical torture. Is there a Doctor in the House ? or better still a Nurse. Still I musn't lose sight of the bigger picture, and all that Charity money which will hopefully be coming in.

Note to Wife - Add some more Deep Heat to this weeks's Big Shop.

 

 

08.07.10

Training temporarily halted due to fact that I cycled into a concrete post at Asda on my way home. Luckily Big Toe only bruised, but it looked like something out of a cartoon the way that it ballooned up to 10 times it's normal size.

 

16.07.10

 

Training resumed but a Heron nearly took my head off on the Canal bank when I didn't see it taking off from a nearby hedgerow.

Local Swan family looked happy with their 5 cygnets ; although you have to be careful with these birds as one peck from an angry Swan can put paid to Training for a long period. Seem to be having more and more of these David Attenborough moments on my long Jogs.

22.07.10

Up at the crack of dawn for my early morning 4 Miler. What a beautiful sunny morning ; a wispy mist shrouds the canal as it babbles it's way over the stepping stones. An eerie silence is broken only by the tuneful twittering of hedge sparrows and at one point the mating caw of a large Crow. A perfect time for quiet prayer and reflection but hold on... oh ! no.... I need a pee. I seem to be having more and more of these Paula Radcliffe moments, must be my age. Good Job I don't need a Number 2. See You All Soon. 

 

23.07.10

Another Long Run tomorrow planned in for 7 am, better restrict my alcohol intake tonight to just a glass of Sherry. Mmmm Lovely. All this will be worth it especially as my Mother's condition is improving, and heard last night that my Brother has raised £80 for the Charity already. There may be some more   ' Tales from the Riverbank ' stories next week.

  24.07.10

Blimey I am shattered after this morning's efforts. Set off at  6.55am and didn't get back until 8.30 am, after taking in the glorious sights of Breaston, Borrowash and Draycott. Wish I'd taken my Mango Bus Ticket with me and I could have hopped on a bus home.

 

25.07.10

Well there I was trying to sleep off yesterday's exertions with the Sunday Times on my face billowing back and forth in time to my blissful snores, when the wife suddenly made an executive decision that we needed to do some pruning in the garden. So I was forced to awaken from my slumbers. Now when I say pruning what I actually mean is, trying to chop down tree sized bushes with a rusty saw. Wow I really was done in after 1 and a hours of doing my lumberjack impersonation. Think it's time for a glass of Red and resume my previous inactivity. Good Night. 

26.07.10

Still a bit stiff on the bike after Saturday's efforts. Good job my reactions on the brakes were good as I nearly flattened a small rodent near the canal this morning. Don't know whether it was a Vole, a Mouse or a skinny Rat.

28.07.10

Could not believe it when the Alarm went off at 5.50am. Took a lot longer than usual to drag my Athletic frame out of Bed, as well as a set of unwilling limbs. Still it was worth it to be met by a glorious Summer's Morn. Caught up with the local Swan family on the way back and their 4 offspring. Judging by their plumage, and their incessant cries for their attention these cute little cygnets have developed into full on stroppy teenagers.  I know only too well how Mr and Mrs Swan are feeling ; just wait till they start Courting.

29.07.10

Finally got to bed at 2am after 40 lengths at the Baths ( thereby completing the third leg of today's Mini Triathlon ) and having to help our Son smooth the waters over someone else's domestic dispute. Couldn't believe I still got up this morning to achieve a life long ambition of beating the one and only ' Dan Manning ' into work. As I raced past him I felt like that ' Alberto Contador ' chappie as he came down the Champs Elysee in the Tour De France with his arms held aloft, How Sad am I ? ( For non Vision Express people Dan is the proverbial early Bird here at VE ). Pity I couldn't find many other people here to do a celebratory High 5 with. In fact I would have been first one in if it hadn't been for that pesky ' Paul Dorito ' Oh No just realised after my Shower, I've forgotten my socks again. Just have to cheer myself up with a little bit of ' Kate Nash ' on my I-Pod, or is it an AC-DC sort of day ?  

02.08.10

Recovered enough from Thursday night's Asthma attack to enjoy a fairly decent weekend ; and spirits suitably uplifted by an excellent service at Church on Sunday Morning. Having conquered my recent bout of wheezing, I was still left to enounter two more serious problems for the Runner.

a) Being attacked by swarms of insects of Biblical proportions, trying to bite little chunks out of you as your swatting reaches maniacal proportions ; and

b) " The Dog " Voted by 95% of all Runners in  ' Runners Weekly ' as their worst enemy. Not the Big Dog but the little ankle snappers like the the Jack Russell's of this world. The number of times I've heard the phrase ' he's only playing ' as you're trying to escape with a set of snarling jaws clinging to your shorts. Okay I may have taken this a bit far, but wait until you hear about my encounter with the ' Hound of the Baskerville ' in Greece. To Be Continued later. ( By the way apologies to all you Dog Owners out there )  

03.08.10

Just as I'm beginning to flag and lose sight of what this is all about, I feel totally inspired by the achievements of  a 50 year old Athlete by the name of ' Merlene Ottey ' running in the European Championships for Slovenia at the weekend.  I' m sure she used to be Jamaican, but nevertheles she's still very fit for her age. Tell you what if England had been facing 11 of her in the World Cup we wouldn't have even beat them 1-0. 

Also putting some thought now to my diet in the final month before the Big Race. I can remember someone once telling me that Carbs and Iron are both necessary in the build up to any distance event. I cannot recommend having 30 Potato Croquettes and 4 pints of Guinness which I once did the night before A half Marathon a few years ago. Recorded slowest time ever.

Heard last night that my Mother should be coming out on the 16th of August while my wife and myself are in Greece. Must admit I was really chuffed to hear that, and it put a real spring in my step on this morning's Run. I don't think Usain Bolt would have stopped with me today.

Oxygen ! Oxygen ! I Need Oxygen !

04.08.10

As I am soon off to Halkidiki in Greece I thought I'd just share a jogging experience I had in Corfu 3 years ago. It all started with a quiet and pleasant jog along some country paths in the scenic village of Paleokastritsa ( try saying that when you've had a few Ouzos ). Anyway after about 4 kilometres ( not sure what that is in English money ) I decided to turn back ; but noticed a scruffy looking, and fairly large Mongrel out of the corner of my eye. On the way back this dog which previously seemed to be going at the same pace, was now actually gaining on me. I quickened my pace, but the Dog quickened his even more. Eventually I could feel his hot breath on my calves, and turned round to see the slathering beast. I deceided to take refuge in what turned out to be a deserted villa, and the vicious animal soon had me pinned up against the Patio window, jaws bared ready to pounce. Somehow I managed to escape and sprint round to the back of the Villa, where I promptly fell head first into a ditch. With the howls of the beast still audible, I was forced to flee through a field of overgrown brambles and thorns digging into my defenceless body. By the time I got back on to the road with thankfully no sign of my tormentor, but half a cactus patch still clinging to my Running Vest .I finally managed a slow jog back to our appartement bloodied and bruised from my encounter, and still half expecting the Hound of the Baskervilles to appear. On my return My wife wanted to call a Paramedic, but after a hot bath and a couple of glasses of something medicinal I was ready for a night of Moussaka and Greek dancing till the early hours. 

But I am absolutely convinced that I saw that dog at least a couple of times down in the old town ; I can tell you now that it's not much fun being stalked by a skulking Canine.    

05.08.10

Well it's getting really close now ; that much awaited event ; the air is crackling with tension ; expectations are high ; hopes could soar or be dashed upon the Rocks of despondency ;  Grown Men's knees are trembling at the thought of it ; all over the Country people are doing warm up exercises and preparing themselves for... yes you've guessed it... the start of the new Football Season. My own team Notts County are preparing for a bumper crowd against the ' Terriers ' of Huddersfield. I'm so excited. Musn't forget that I've one more Long Run to fit in before my holidays this weekend. I fancy somewhere different. Wonder if I can jog up to Hartlepool and back before breakfast. Where's that A -Z ?

By the way I'd just like to record my thanks for all the Prayers and support our family has had from people within the Church at Long Eaton. We couldn't have got through this without you. God Bless.    

06.08.10

Had a great night with our Church House Group last night, and someone mentioned the inspirational DVD that we had at the Team building day with Vision Express, but in a Spiritual context. Decided we are are going to adopt the name ' House Group Honkers ' going forward.

Almost had a nasty injury at the weekend. Inspired by John Barrowman's high kicking antics on ' Tonight's the Night. ' I tried to emulate him but with disastrous consequences which I won't go into. Suffice to say it very nearly put paid to this Charity Run, but at least it gave my wife a laugh ; think I can still hear her chuckling about it now. Anyway I must put an end to this endless drivel, and begin to anticipate our Holiday next Monday. The only dark cloud on the horizon being the remote possibility that the mutt from Corfu has managed to slink his way unnoticed onto a Hydrofoil and got to the Mainland to start stalking me again.

And now a short advert for the Charity which has been my motivation for all this. As you can see the total now stands at £202.00 but there's still plenty of time to donate.

15.27 pm and nearly time to break up for my holidays. It's a bit chilly in here, and looking outside I reckon there's inclement weather approaching. Eeh Bah Gum as they say up North ' It's a bit Black ovver Bill's Mother's. ' They also say ' Where there's muck there's brass ' but that's a completely different story.

Once again Thanks Everyone for listening to my tirade of nonsense.

Toodle Pip.

08.08.10

It was a beautiful morning as I set off at 7.15 am for my Barton Lane, Cranfleet Lock,then Trent Lock Run.

Numerous pleasanteries were exchanged with fellow joggers ( well those without headphones in anyway ), Cyclists, Dog Owners and even a chap Blackberry picking who assured me that this year had been a bumper crop. The least friendliest people seemed to be the fishermen casting their 40 foot long poles into the River. At Cranfleet Lock 3 old gentlemen were staring into the River Trent mumbling incoherently ; I thought I'd stumbled onto the set of ' Last of the Summer Wine. ' Near Trent I bumped into a female jogger and almost got knocked into the canal by 20 members of the ' Trent Lock Formation ' Jogging team ; whilst a bit further on there was a bit of a fracas between an angry Swan and a black Labrador. It's all happening this morning. Any way I felt great at the end of the run ; think I've discovered the perfect pre race diet : One large Mixed Grill, and a Treacle Sponge washed down with half a bottle of Rose ..Mmmmmmmmmm Delicious.

Anyway rest of day spent in frantic last minute holiday preparations, and leaving a long list of instructions for the kids, with a request that the house is in just as ship shape and Bristol fashion as when we left it ( some hope ).

Just as long as those Pesky Kids don't have a Party.

As they say in Greece ' Cala Nichta.'  

09.08.10

Today's special is Beef Stifado with Salad for two including a drink for 19 Euros. We're in Greek Heaven already.

10.08.10

Can't believe my old swimming fear is still with me. Does anyone out there have this irrational fear of continually looking over one's shoulder ; a fear exacerbated even more by watching ' Open Water ' a few weeks ago.

Witnessed a tiff between two people from our hotel in the Restaurant tonight. My word she's stormed off ; but he doesn't look two concerned, as he's stayed to finish off both complementary Brandies.

11.08.10

Nature Rambles at home are nothing compared to Jellyfish alert on the Beach today. I swear at one point I was shadowed by a Portuguese Man of War; nasty blighters at the best of times. Luckily no Jellyfish in the Pool although there was an obstacle course of inflatables ranging in size from a small ring to a huge bobbling Orca. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggghhhhhhhh !

JELLYFISH ! Phew just an inflatable one. 

14.08.10

Mother's Birthday Today. It just helps to remind you why this Fundraising is being done.

15.08.10

Lat night there was a group of Street Buskers entertaining Diners at the  local Taverna. Probably Haldiki's version of ' JLS.' Anyway as soon as the tambourine was being passed round for spare Euros I disappeared to the Loo to leave Ruth to fend them off. Once I got to the  toilet there was a Power Cut and the only lights were a few candles. I couldn't see the door to the Gents,  so I went in the Ladies. An enterprising Geordie Lass took one of the candles into the Cubicle with her. Just found out Notts County lost 3-0 at the weekend. See ya I'm off to another Taverna.    

17.08.10

Sponsored Run seriously  threatened by Verucca on left foot. I've never ever had a Verucca in my life, even in my old Swimming days at School  when everyone's feet had to be scrutinized by an over zealous PE Teacher. Oh no just thought ; the Thomson's First Choice Rep may be doing a similar check before anyone can get into the Pool tomorrow.

18.08.10

Kept in trim by doing a half mile swim last night. I love that 6.30pm time in the Lido when all the kids have gone after trying to drown each other all day. The Pool is also devoid of 

'  Mythos' ( a local and heady brew ) Swilling Dad's all trying to be Tom Daley. All that's left for Company is a Greek family and the odd inflatable Hippopotamus and T-Rex. In fact once that Greek family had gone, I had achieved a lifelong ambition of being the last person left in the Holiday Pool. I punched the air in mock celebration ; How Sad Am I ? 

19.08.10

Tell You what it's not safe swimming underwater here in Halkidiki. I didn't realise I'd strayed into such a busy shipping lane as I almost got my head knocked off by a Pedalo when I surfaced. Phew that was a close one.  

20.08.10

Ruth's toe has swollen to cartoon like proportions after a young lad accidentally jumped on it during some High Jinks as we waited for the Minibus last night . May leave the Holiday Blog now unless we have some extra-ordinary news such as Ruth having to be airlifted to a Greek Hospital before we return to Blighty on the 23rd.

Yassu.

22.08.10

Nope Can't leave it alone, I'm back again.

Anyway I should be able to return home relatively unscathed after near misses with Jellyfish, Pedalos, swarms of Soldier Ants, manic Greek drivers, and that nasty looking Verucca. Also scratched my leg on the stones on the sea this morning as us three burly chaps rushed into the Sea to help 2 opf the young girls in our party who we thought were out of their depth, and screaming in rougher seas than usual. Injury was all in vain as we found out they were perfectly alright, and laughing their heads off. To add insult to injury I also lost my swimming goggles in the turbulent, frothy waters of the Ionian Sea.   

Just getting our last minute tacky Souvenirs. You know the sort that you normally lose within a week of getting home, or end up in a Car Boot Sale. Still at least we're doing our bit to support the Greek Economy.

Still can't believe the Greeks gift wrap everything, even a loaf of Bread. In fact it looks so nice I might save it for my Auntie Brenda for Christmas. 

24.08.10

Would you believe it ; first training Run could well be delayed due to a bad cold. No doubt this is due to the fact that I have gone from Tropical temperatures to the Siberian climate generated by the Office Air Con.

Watch this space for further developments.

26.08.10

I really know I'm back in this country now after cycling to work in heavy rain and an 18 mph wind from the North East. Just had to pour the water out of my trainers, and hang my washing out to dry in the Warehouse. Even my Boxer Shorts are damp. Still no need for a Shower this morning ; simply pour on a bottle of Wash and Go, then let the elements do the rest. No chance of warming up in the office either with the AirCon now set to Arctic Blast..

Can't believe it's our Natalie's 22nd birthday today. It seems only yesterday she was a babe in arms ( Aaah Bless ! ) 

Anyway cheerio for now I need to psyche myself up for tomorrow's first post holiday Jog. Hope this deep Atlantic Low has cleared by then. 

27.08.10

Had a great night last night with our Church House Group now just known as the ' Honkers ' We were looking at False Sects, cults and ideologies last night. Can't believe there are at least 41 of them ranging from the usual JW's and Mormons to really strange ones such as ' Swedenborgianism ' and

' Rosicrucianism.' I do have factsheets available for anyone who is interested. Also shared some  of our holiday experiences with them including a trip to Thessaloniki which is now officially my favourite city. A City of great Architecture, Culture, Archaeology and incredible religious significance. And last but by no means least Marks and Spencer's where I got a couple of half price T-Shirts in their Sale.

Also I got back on the road with my first post Holiday jog this morning. Not as bad as I thought it would be, but I still need to get back in trim after a fortnight's indulgence on that Mediterranean diet.    

31.08.10

Well the reality is now kicking in especially  as it's September tomorrow, and my Race Number has arrived. In case anyone gets the chance to pick me out on ' East Midlands Today ' my number is 4578. Probably I should have gone with one of the outlandish ideas our daughter had for a Fancy Dress costume ; as a Fairy ,a Giant Strawberry, or even as Spongebob Squarepants.

Also purchased some new Running Shoes at the weekend which performed very well this morning ; unfortunately the old Body is not doing quite so well. 

 Had a deep moment of Spiritual reflection this morning as I prayed for strength against the backdrop of a Heron gracefully taking off from the mist which mysteriously shrouded the Erewash Canal in Toton.( my word that's deep )

Just off for a lie down in a darkened room.

01.09.10

Couldn't believe it last night when I spotted someone who had a speedboat for Sale in their front garden. Don't know how long it's been there ; probably since him and his partner won it on Bullseye back in the 1980's. Bet he was well chuffed at the time with his BFH ( Bus fare home ), his bendy Bullies,  a set of tankards and ' Bully's Special Prize ' I bet his heart dropped into his boots when them curtains opened. Can anyone think of a more stupid prize on a gameshow ? Dusty Bin would have probably run it close.

Anyway enough rambling just to let you know that my Mother is doing pretty well at home at the moment, to the extent that she is pointing out bits that my Dad has missed after doing the Cleaning. Normal Service is being resumed in that repect at least.

02.09.10

Nearly picked up another injury this morning on my way out for an early morning training run when I fell down the stairs and just managed to stop myself halfway down. I blame it on my slippers which must have the skiddiest soles of any household footwear known to man. They can turn the tiled surface in our kitchen into a skating rink, as I 've lost count of the number of times I've nearly gone arse over whatsit.

Seriously though I had a very deep Prayer time this morning for the Chilean miners, the ongoing situation in Haiti and the Pakistan floods amongst other things. Got on to thinking about the increasingly worsening disasters in the world which inevitably led to Global Warming, Creationism, Scientology, Evolution and other associated topics. I do have a very real faith that whatever you're argument I do believe there had to be an intelligent design behind the creation of the Universe, and that God must be shedding tears at what we are doing to this planet.

Whilst on holiday I read ' The Rapture ' by Liz Jensen which gives a frighteningly realistic look into our Apocalyptic future.

Is it too late to pull back from the Brink ?

Can't believe that when my thoughts have once again turned to that thorny issue of the Creation of the Universe the following scurrilous report appeared in today's Times : -

God did not create the Universe: Hawking