I've always loved Football. Not quite my first sporting passion (Snooker prevailed in the early years) but definitely the one that has sustained the test of time. Playing, watching, debating and dreaming: my love for this game is undeniable. As is the fact that I am actually useless on the pitch. The odd moment of brilliance notwithstanding, of course. I have produced rare moments of magic in an otherwise shambolic career.
A few months ago I gave up all such high intensity sport to focus purely on running. However, I pondered whether my new found fitness levels would turn me into the type of player my fans dreamt I'd become. So I ventured to ISOC Football last Friday in a bid to find out once and for all. Ninety minutes later and I had my answer: all the fitness in the world will not overcome my incompetency. Despite snatching a win with two late goals, it is apparent that the time of Mubeenadonna is well and truly at an end.
I need to dedicate my efforts and limited time to those pursuits which I can excel at. I believe in Runner 'Been; having achieved so much already and with no obvious end in sight. Why bother with half-hearted efforts? Moreover, Football puts so much strain on the legs and I felt more fatigued on Saturday morning than at any point since Birmingham. No more, thank you. It's strictly running from here on in.
Make no mistake, my passion for Football remains strong, but I am resigned to purely a spectator role. I belong on the roads where I can perform at a decent level. I refuse to submit to mediocrity. However, it's more than just a case of choosing running because I'm better at it. Sure, that is no doubt a factor and adds fuel to my motivation, but with running there is an everlasting sense of peace and accomplishment attached; even to basic 10k runs. The best feelings I've had with playing Football have always expired by the week's end. Running stays with me constantly and, to a large extent, shapes my mood and outlook on life; mostly for the good. Why would I ever compromise that? I won't put running at risk for anything. Runner 'Been is here to stay.
Tuesday 17 November 2009
Break's (almost) over
My training is very much in full swing; I'm doing around 10-12 sessions a week at the moment. My sessions come in 4 brands: swimming, cycling (indoor exercise bike), gym (strength training) and of course running. However, since Birmingham I've relaxed on the running, but used the other disciplines to maintain and hopefully improve fitness levels. My left foot remains a worry so I have eased off on the running, which will also hopefully give added freshness.
Still, the clock is ticking and the Paris Marathon is now five months away. I think it's time to start the real training, by which I mean 3 runs per week, at the heart of which will be my long runs on weekends. I feel ready to start at the 10 mile mark and slowly work my way up. It's crucial to strike a balance between pushing myself and burning out. My other two runs will be a 10k tempo run and intense drill; fartlek or interval.
This schedule alone proved sufficient for the half-marathon and cross training was minimal at best. However, the task has gone up a few notches and to complete a 26.2 mile race, I'll need to draw strength and speed from wherever I can find it. So swimming, cycling and gym will remain a key part of the regime. Gym sessions in particular are a lot more focussed; I am working my way around various gyms within the university, using some purely for calf work and others for upper body.
There is also a 5th variable: diet. I am consciously taking in more protein with a view to build up some strength. I could do with putting on a few kilos but will aim to stay below 65kg. Given that I have digestion issues (more on this another time), this should be easy enough.
I'll be resuming a full schedule next week; the incentive to build up to regular 15+ mile runs is incredible; I just need to take care to avoid a significant injury. So far so good, but I'm set for unchartered territory and have little idea what to expect. Make no mistake, the first marathon is the most daunting. With that, comes the most excitement and my fuel to up the training.
Still, the clock is ticking and the Paris Marathon is now five months away. I think it's time to start the real training, by which I mean 3 runs per week, at the heart of which will be my long runs on weekends. I feel ready to start at the 10 mile mark and slowly work my way up. It's crucial to strike a balance between pushing myself and burning out. My other two runs will be a 10k tempo run and intense drill; fartlek or interval.
This schedule alone proved sufficient for the half-marathon and cross training was minimal at best. However, the task has gone up a few notches and to complete a 26.2 mile race, I'll need to draw strength and speed from wherever I can find it. So swimming, cycling and gym will remain a key part of the regime. Gym sessions in particular are a lot more focussed; I am working my way around various gyms within the university, using some purely for calf work and others for upper body.
There is also a 5th variable: diet. I am consciously taking in more protein with a view to build up some strength. I could do with putting on a few kilos but will aim to stay below 65kg. Given that I have digestion issues (more on this another time), this should be easy enough.
I'll be resuming a full schedule next week; the incentive to build up to regular 15+ mile runs is incredible; I just need to take care to avoid a significant injury. So far so good, but I'm set for unchartered territory and have little idea what to expect. Make no mistake, the first marathon is the most daunting. With that, comes the most excitement and my fuel to up the training.
Monday 9 November 2009
Driving force
I'm currently feeling a real itch to train, well aware that a simple cold or injury could force me out of action for an extended period of time. Whilst I'm fit and healthy, why not up the ante? I'm certainly feeling motivated enough and am genuinely enjoying the increased workload. I'm committing 2 sessions on most days, with the occasional reprieve. This weekend represented perhaps my most active weekend of training yet. A 1km swim and intense 30min bike session on Saturday, followed by another 1km swim and 10k run on Sunday. My fitness seems to be returning and perhaps even improving; I completed the last 5k in 23 minutes, although I was almost at full pelt.
My left foot is causing some problems; it feels like a bruising and won't budge, but I'm hopeful it's nothing too serious. I'm seeing a physio for the first time on Wednesday which will hopefully give me a clearer sense of how to protect myself from the rigours of training.
What is certain is that I have no intention of letting up any time soon. With aspirations to run a full marathon in April, laziness or complacency just aren't in my vocabulary right now. If I had the time and strength, I'd train even harder but I appreciate the value of a measured approach and it is prudent to slowly build up momentum.
It still baffles me to think that only 6 months ago, I had never done any serious fitness training. Naturally, I wonder where my motivation is derived from. Sure, I enjoy training but it is almost an obsession; just going a day without a workout seems like a waste. It seems then, that I've experienced a transformation in my mentality.
Except, upon deeper reflection there may be more to it. On Saturday I had dinner with a whole host of former college friends who were visiting for the day. In particular, it was a great pleasure to catch up with Hiten Patel, a former Maths colleague of mine at St Anne's and one of the best students of our time. This is a guy whose endless supply of positive energy will sweep you back to your youth, who fills the room with joy upon entering with his glimmering smile but who possesses a profound sense of intellect and intelligence that can benefit just about anyone. A winning combination. We discussed my running progress (Hiten himself recently completed a 10k run) and he pinpointed the reason for my success so far. I don't take on challenges lightly. When I commit to something, it is with the uncompromising aim of performing to the best of my ability.
Take Countdown, Pool and Mathematics; the three biggest challenges I've undertaken in recent years (although hopefully not in that order). As an undergrad mathmo, I saw every exam as a competition and relished the days where I could go one-on-one and make good of all the hard work I'd done. I left no stone uncovered in my revision, a perfectionist approach, aiming for top marks every time. Whilst I didn't achieve this every time (in fact, hardly ever), I certainly surpassed even my wildest expectations. Same for Countdown; hours of seemingly futile training paid off immeasurably, although I am eager to point out that I have much to owe to good fortune there too. Pool: seemingly trivial, yet I convinced myself it was the most important game in the world and over a few years went from a one shot wonder to university level player.
There is a pattern: I only take on something if I am passionate enough about it to take it as far as it can go. Our time in this life is finite; why waste it with half-baked efforts? Either do something as well as you're capable of doing it, or don't even bother unpacking. You'll find that when you do, you can learn lessons you never knew were out there. I owe so much to my experiences in these various pursuits, but only because I took them so seriously and opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities.
Running is no different and represents what is current. It is the latest and perhaps most significant challenge I've taken on so far. I intend and hope for it to stay with me for a long time yet, although I expect that it is in these early days that I really reach for the sky: a sub 3hr 30 marathon was inconceivable a year ago and still is, but as long as I have the belief and passion, and a bit of luck, there's no reason I can't continue to push the envelope.
My left foot is causing some problems; it feels like a bruising and won't budge, but I'm hopeful it's nothing too serious. I'm seeing a physio for the first time on Wednesday which will hopefully give me a clearer sense of how to protect myself from the rigours of training.
What is certain is that I have no intention of letting up any time soon. With aspirations to run a full marathon in April, laziness or complacency just aren't in my vocabulary right now. If I had the time and strength, I'd train even harder but I appreciate the value of a measured approach and it is prudent to slowly build up momentum.
It still baffles me to think that only 6 months ago, I had never done any serious fitness training. Naturally, I wonder where my motivation is derived from. Sure, I enjoy training but it is almost an obsession; just going a day without a workout seems like a waste. It seems then, that I've experienced a transformation in my mentality.
Except, upon deeper reflection there may be more to it. On Saturday I had dinner with a whole host of former college friends who were visiting for the day. In particular, it was a great pleasure to catch up with Hiten Patel, a former Maths colleague of mine at St Anne's and one of the best students of our time. This is a guy whose endless supply of positive energy will sweep you back to your youth, who fills the room with joy upon entering with his glimmering smile but who possesses a profound sense of intellect and intelligence that can benefit just about anyone. A winning combination. We discussed my running progress (Hiten himself recently completed a 10k run) and he pinpointed the reason for my success so far. I don't take on challenges lightly. When I commit to something, it is with the uncompromising aim of performing to the best of my ability.
Take Countdown, Pool and Mathematics; the three biggest challenges I've undertaken in recent years (although hopefully not in that order). As an undergrad mathmo, I saw every exam as a competition and relished the days where I could go one-on-one and make good of all the hard work I'd done. I left no stone uncovered in my revision, a perfectionist approach, aiming for top marks every time. Whilst I didn't achieve this every time (in fact, hardly ever), I certainly surpassed even my wildest expectations. Same for Countdown; hours of seemingly futile training paid off immeasurably, although I am eager to point out that I have much to owe to good fortune there too. Pool: seemingly trivial, yet I convinced myself it was the most important game in the world and over a few years went from a one shot wonder to university level player.
There is a pattern: I only take on something if I am passionate enough about it to take it as far as it can go. Our time in this life is finite; why waste it with half-baked efforts? Either do something as well as you're capable of doing it, or don't even bother unpacking. You'll find that when you do, you can learn lessons you never knew were out there. I owe so much to my experiences in these various pursuits, but only because I took them so seriously and opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities.
Running is no different and represents what is current. It is the latest and perhaps most significant challenge I've taken on so far. I intend and hope for it to stay with me for a long time yet, although I expect that it is in these early days that I really reach for the sky: a sub 3hr 30 marathon was inconceivable a year ago and still is, but as long as I have the belief and passion, and a bit of luck, there's no reason I can't continue to push the envelope.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Back in the groove
Following my withdrawl from the Coventry half-marathon, I decided to take a short break from any excessive training. I say decided, as if I had any choice, but the truth is I was laid up in bed with a cold/chest infection that wouldn't budge, restricting my ability to leave the flat, let alone embark on a run. My fitness levels have no doubt dropped and a return to the gym suggested I've surrendered some strength too.
Fast forward about a week: the infection has gone and I am slowly but surely getting my mojo back. I've decided to focus most of my training on the other disciplines for the short term; swimming, cycling and gym work. My legs feel fresh but until I see a physio I don't want to risk a significant injury. I certainly feel an itch to get back on the roads and it would be futile to withdraw completely. So I'll embark on a couple of 10k runs every week for now, which should give me my fix without putting too much strain on the legs. I hit the roads this morning in chilly conditions; an early reminder of the tough training period ahead. Still, I have all the necessary gear to survive the wintery conditions, except gloves. A weekend shop should take care of that.
My training for the half-marathon was consistent and intense, but I never really felt I'd pushed my limits. I was only running 3-4 times per week and could have afforded far more attention to cross training. My diet improved, but it's clear I'm not getting enough protein. I'm approaching the full marathon with real intent; I will improve all aspects of my game. I will put in 2 sessions on most days; mixing it up sufficiently so that I don't burn out. My diet will become stricter and my runs much quicker. No more casual jogging; from now on it's fartlek, interval and tempo runs all the way. Swimming sessions will be shorter and faster; I hope that soon breast-stroke will be a mere luxury. Similarly with the cycling. Gym sessions will focus a lot more on the lower body; particularly in building up the calf muscles, which is necessary if I am to cope with the longer distances.
Whilst a full marathon remains the big target, there will be more emphasis on general all round fitness. I won't be delving into the longer runs until December at least. I hope that by then, my fitness levels will be above and beyond where they were last month.
I'll be seeing a physio next week to seek advice on how to protect my knees. Even though they feel fine, I'm well aware of how close they were to succumbing last month. If I am to regularly run distances over 10 miles in the coming months, I'd better not play the hero and refuse counsel.
Fast forward about a week: the infection has gone and I am slowly but surely getting my mojo back. I've decided to focus most of my training on the other disciplines for the short term; swimming, cycling and gym work. My legs feel fresh but until I see a physio I don't want to risk a significant injury. I certainly feel an itch to get back on the roads and it would be futile to withdraw completely. So I'll embark on a couple of 10k runs every week for now, which should give me my fix without putting too much strain on the legs. I hit the roads this morning in chilly conditions; an early reminder of the tough training period ahead. Still, I have all the necessary gear to survive the wintery conditions, except gloves. A weekend shop should take care of that.
My training for the half-marathon was consistent and intense, but I never really felt I'd pushed my limits. I was only running 3-4 times per week and could have afforded far more attention to cross training. My diet improved, but it's clear I'm not getting enough protein. I'm approaching the full marathon with real intent; I will improve all aspects of my game. I will put in 2 sessions on most days; mixing it up sufficiently so that I don't burn out. My diet will become stricter and my runs much quicker. No more casual jogging; from now on it's fartlek, interval and tempo runs all the way. Swimming sessions will be shorter and faster; I hope that soon breast-stroke will be a mere luxury. Similarly with the cycling. Gym sessions will focus a lot more on the lower body; particularly in building up the calf muscles, which is necessary if I am to cope with the longer distances.
Whilst a full marathon remains the big target, there will be more emphasis on general all round fitness. I won't be delving into the longer runs until December at least. I hope that by then, my fitness levels will be above and beyond where they were last month.
I'll be seeing a physio next week to seek advice on how to protect my knees. Even though they feel fine, I'm well aware of how close they were to succumbing last month. If I am to regularly run distances over 10 miles in the coming months, I'd better not play the hero and refuse counsel.
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