Week 2!!

I went running after work, its now apparent I need some reflective gear if I'm to run after dark as there are surprisingly few street lights around here!

As I turned the corner at Hindhead crossroads there was a broken down National Express coach in the layby, with its passengers standing on the pavement waiting for a replacement bus. Isn't it funny how people look at you like you're some sort of nutter as you run past them?? I was puffing a bit but there was no way I was slowing down with an audience!

I have now set up my fundraising website at www.justgiving.com/neilbowles . Please, please click on the link and help me raise some money for a really important cause. Your support will really drive me on in my training. And please sign up for Giftaid, it will really bump up your donation. Thanks, Neil

I'm In!

Exciting news, I've had my entrance to the Great South Run confirmed by the organisers. Although Diabetes UK had said it was ok, its exciting to get the email confirmation, so I have registered for the race and will hopefully be getting my fundraising pack soon so I can start looking for sponsorship.

I also plan to set up a Justgiving website to collect sponsorship, so if I've got your email address - expect to be tapped soon!!

So I've rested my legs and its time for week 2 of the training plan, building it up a bit from last week. I'm working lates this week so my next run will be Thursday evening when I get home.

I don't like Monday's

I don't know if it was because I'd just done 2 early shifts, with a 4 hour american football match in between, but my legs felt like lead for Monday's run and it was harder work than Saturday's. I guess it goes like that sometimes. But I got it done so that's my first week!

If you run early enough, no one can see you

Second training run on Saturday morning. Went out nice and early, no one around to see me huffing & puffing.

My training plan entails building up from a very low base of fitness, so its 3 times a week, stepping it up each week.

The first 3 runs, I run for 60 seconds, then walk briskly for 90 seconds, repeating this 8 times, with a five minute warm up and cool down which is around 30 minutes.

Next week its run for 90 seconds then 60 seconds walking (recovery!) repeated 8 times, again every other day with recovery days inbetween.

And then increase it every week. More details to follow!

But yesterday's run was easier than the first, it wasnt until the 7th set that I was puffing. I have found a nice run to the village of Grayshott, which is very slightly downhill so it means there is a slight climb on the way home, to put a bit of fire into the legs!

As usual with me, if I'm going to do something I need some good kit!

So for new running shoes I went to Sports Locker in Haslemere. From doing some research on the net I knew there were different kinds of shoes depending on your foor type/ running style etc. They were really helpful, they had a board that you stand on and it shows the exact shape of your foot. I over-pronate on my right foot especially which means I need a stability shoe. I tried some on, they also have a treadmill to try them out on. Went for the Saucony Omni 6 Moderate (for the mild-to-moderate over-pronator!) http://www.saucony.co.uk/shoe/shoe.php?id=29241 and I've got to say, after 2 runs in them they are the comfiest shoes I've EVER worn, love them.

Also, is the latest iPod Shuffle not the greatest invention ever?? Bought the 2GB one which holds about 500 songs http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_ipod/family/ipod_shuffle?mco=MTIwMDM Filled it full of really pumping tunes to urge me on, sound quality is class and it is so light, just clips on. Didnt fancy my old iPod Classic strapped onto me!

Fave running song so far: Insomnia by Faithless

What are you playing at Big Man?

Its time for a change. But running? Anyone who knows me probably reckons I couldn't run a bath. But on 26th October 2008 (or in 2 months time!) I've entered the BUPA Great South Run. 10 miles round the streets of Portsmouth. I'll be running for Diabetes UK and have pledged to raise money for them.

Why run?

Well, several reasons. I want to lose weight and get fit, but will power has never been my greatest strength. I seem to find that I achieve things better when I have a deadline or target. So by setting myself an unmovable deadline (and a very public one) it seemed like a good start.

Secondly, I have something to train for. Today, I went for my first run. Consequently, my legs are now on fire. But it feels good. My plan is to go out 3 times a week. I'm following a beginner's running plan from the website Cool Running http://www.coolrunning.com and there's even a podcast you can download to help you along. Although the run is 10 miles, I'm realistic enough to know I wont be able to run that in 2 months. But if I can run half that, I will walk/jog the rest. I will get round. Part of my inspiration is Lisa. She ran the Great South in 2005 and I was so proud of her - and a bit jealous of her achievement, because I knew then it was something I couldn't have done.

Thirdly, I'm going to be my best friend John's best man in March next year, and I want to be in a lot better shape then than I am now.

And I have my health to think about. Its not healthy to be overweight, and I want to be around a long time for Lisa & Erin.

So a combination of things has meant its time to make a positive change!

I'll try to keep blogging as often as possible, to create a record of my journey, and I hope you'll come along with me.