Tag: running

Resolutions 2019

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 3 Comments

I’ve got quite a list of resolutions to try and get done in 2019. Although I’m not sure I like the idea of the word ‘resolution’, it sounds like a lot of pressure. But then I looked up its definition.

I like the sound of making a ‘firm decision’ to do something. That sounds like a lot less pressure. Some of my firm decisions for 2019 are a continuation of 2018, maybe they just need a bit more effort and focus. So, here we go, my list of firm decisions for 2019:

  • Going vegan – I blogged about this a couple of weeks ago so not about to bore you any further. Suffice to say, it will be the biggest of all the firm decisions.

  • Running – I’ve always done a lot of running, but was looking for a bit more of a challenge. So the plan for 2019 is twofold. Firstly, I’d like to focus on improving my Parkrun time. Secondly, do a proper ultra event, I’m thinking a 100K might be quite interesting.

  • RED January – I’ve always done Janathon (running every day in January) – but RED January is about empowering people to support their mental health by doing something active every single day.

  • Volunteering – I’ve been a volunteer for the Samaritans for about 5 years, and I’d like to try to do a bit more. I already produce the branch newsletter but I’d like to develop this to include the branch website and improve the online presence of the branch. Also, I’m definitely going to volunteer more at my local Parkrun.

  • Project365 – post one photo every day. This year I took part in 1SE – one second every day – which has been great, it’s interesting seeing the seconds ‘mashed’ together into the highlights of the month and year. I’ve done Project365 in the past so know exactly what to expect.

  • Blogging – do it more. I quite like process of writing blogs – they’re never anything amazing – I just like the process on reflecting on what has happened. Posting a picture every day should also encourage me to blog a little bit more.

  • Keep the allotment going – I’ve had an allotment for a couple of years and in that time I have learnt quite a lot. This third year I’m hoping to plan it all a bit better, try and spend a bit more time there and generally produce more stuff.

That’s about it. I have got a few more things I’d like to try and do in 2019, but I think that’s for another day. That is probably quite enough, and probably too much already.

Wish me luck.

Think he’s got the hump! #juneathon #project365

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 1 Comment

Juneathon Day 29

We reach what is the penultimate day of Juneathon and this is the first run that actually felt like a Juneathon run. Rushed home from work, collected the dog and we hit the trails. It was hot and sweaty. In the past I have always remembered Juneathon as being exactly like this – lots of runs in the sun. However, this is the first of its kind this year.

The plan was to do about 5 miles at a reasonable pace – I'm starting to test Jeff* a bit more – it went well, a bit achy, but overall a success. Although, the dog probably disagreed with me – he struggled. I think the days of him joining me on my runs has well and truly gone. I understand it was pretty warm this evening but that was no excuse for the pace he was going. I had to wait for him on numerous occasions. And when I told him to get a move on, did he listen? Did he hell! If anything he started going slower.

Anyway, when we returned home I gave him a good talking to. This resulted in him sitting in the corner of the garden with the hump and ignoring me all night.

Project365 #180

* If you don't understand what this means then you are lucky enough not to find yourself reading the nonsense that is contained on this blog too often – I will not put you through the pain of an explanation.

 

 

Non-stop… #juneathon #project365

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ Leave a comment

Today was one of those days that are just full up with stuff.

Firstly, #Juneathon day 27 was a Parkrun. Peterborough Parkrun. But more importantly, Helen's first ever Parkrun. It was a lovely morning, the sun was shining, in fact it was a very warm 5k. Good start to the day.

That was followed by a trip to buy some plants for the garden. Which was inevitably followed by actually planting the plants. That done it was BBQ time…

Project365 #178

It was a really enjoyable afternoon/evening, plenty of food and beer. Although the majority of it was spent deciding whether or not we would actually continue with the planned holiday to Tunisia! I'm sure there will be more to come on the subject in the coming weeks!

 

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.

 

#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…..

 

Exciting times…. #juneathon #project365

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 2 Comments

Now if I was a slacker I could very easily have used my 'clearing of the cupboard' in my classroom as today's Juneathon activity: I did plenty of climbing up and down on the chair; lugging folders that haven't seen the light of day for years; and filling various black bags. But I did better than that.

I did, however, use it as today's Project365 entry….

Project365 #154

As for my 'official' Juneathon activity, I'd like to enter 35min on the cross-trainer at the gym, 26 press-ups and 109sec plank. Lovely jubbly.

Juneathon Totals after Day 3:

  • 2 mile run
  • 7.13 mile cross-train
  • 69 press-ups
  • 267 sec planks

In other news….I have a fantastic new blog header to celebrate Juneathon. Designed by Amy Sarfas Designs.