Month: June 2015

I’ve got ‘The Fear’ #juneathon #project365

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 4 Comments

I think you are all more than aware of the problems I've been having with Jeff*. It has however, reached new depths. I have 'The Fear'.

Today when I got in from work I went straight out to test Jeff. Juneathon day 24. The plan was to do 3 or so miles at a reasonable pace to see how likely it was that I make an appearance at Clumber Park in Nottingham for the 'Festival of Trail' half-marathon. During the last six weeks my runs have consisted of very light jogging, or a trip to the gym for some cross-training. I have, in essence, been trying to avoid aggravating Jeff. The only problem is that Jeff is in my head, he has got me questioning my running ability. He has given me 'The Fear'.

The fear that Jeff will blow-up at any stage and cause me real issues.

The fear that I can't actually run very far – even today's 3-miler seemed harder than in the past – I felt like I had run a marathon.

The fear that maybe it's the trainers that are the problem and that I need new ones.

The fear that my running form has something to do with my problems with Jeff.

The fear that I'll wake in the morning unable to walk.

Having said all that, at the end of the run Jeff felt no worse than after a gentle jog. I can definitely feel it, an ache, although whether I just need to exercise it a bit more I'm not sure. I've had six weeks off any fast running, six weeks off anywhere near long mileage, it's time to get back in the game.

I haven't run the route I did today for weeks, it's got slightly overgrown….

And my entry for Project365 #175 I hear you say? Well, you don't have to venture far into the English literary world until you trip over some author harping on about the fields of wheat…

Field of wheat, so full and fair,

Shining, with thy sunny hair,

Lightly waving either way,

Graceful as the breezes play.

I think this is what they are on about….

Project365 #175

* You are fed-up of hearing about my calf muscle, I am fed-up talking about my calf muscle. So I'll call it Jeff from now on.

 

Still smashing it! #project365 #juneathon

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 3 Comments

Juneathon Day 22

Was going to go for a 'proper' run tonight when I got in from work. But didn't. For a few reasons: a) I really couldn't be bothered; b) I am supposed to be running a half-marathon on Saturday and wanted to give my calf a bit more of a rest before I 'test' it; c) After yesterday's plank rest day I was determined to smash the plank PB.

Glad to report I did indeed 'smash it'….a PB by 19 secs…

Project365 #173

Talking of 'smashing it'…the second of two bargain Terry's Chocolate Oranges was also opened and eaten.

Although, the actually proper terminology is 'whack it'.

 

Every little helps…. #juneathon #project365

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 3 Comments

Today's Juneathon exercise on day 20: a plank.

Now, I can hear you all now….your shouts probably include one or more of the following:

  • “That's not proper exercise!”
  • “A plank!? Pathetic!”
  • “That is a cop out!”
  • “You lazy git!”

Now, a couple of weeks ago you may have heard me shouting something very similar. But my experiences over the last two weeks have changed. I'm now chasing it. I'm desperate to try to beat my best time every time I have a go.

To all those plank haters out there, or the people that don't believe it is worthy of a legitimate Juneathon exercise, I'm telling you it is! If you had seen me today you would realise this fact.

It had been a long day with this that and everything else, which meant an attempt to break my previous best plank of 2min 35sec. I had filled up on pizza (probably over filled myself if I'm totally honest) and was ready to go. The first minute was ok, feeling pretty good. The next 30 sec and the odd shake can be felt, the stomach muscles start working, time slows down and breathing becomes hard. As we approach 2min the shakes are taking over. 2 min 30 secs and you can feel the blood vessels popping in your brain, breathing has become grunts and growns. Time has virtually stopped. The final 15 secs is spent holding your breath and trying not to blackout, everything hurts: stomach, back, shoulders and elbows. Hold it for 2 more seconds….every little helps.

And the reward….

Boom! New PB!

Project365 #171

About six weeks ago you may remember (if you are sad enough to be a regular reader) a new toaster was purchased. A 4-slicer toaster. This morning the advantages of a 4-slice toaster were evident for all to see. Genius, pure genius. Two bagels on the go, one slightly delayed to allow for spreading of Philadelphia. Every little helps…

 

#juneathon Day 19

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 2 Comments

Today's exercise consisted of the old 'plank and run' routine.

Firstly, the plank, a total success, an improvement of a whole 15secs….

Secondly, the run, a gentle 30 min jog round the woods…

Juneathon totals after day 19:

  • 0.46 miles mowing the grass
  • 16.36 miles run
  • 21.5 miles cross-training
  • 171 press-ups
  • 10,000m row
  • 17min 10sec in planks
  • 20 pointless extra walks between classroom and reception (this includes today's walk to reception only to find the bloody scanner thingy wasn't working)

Right….pub…..