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Well the snow didn't materialise, so I had the chance to make amends from my the depression. That and the threat of being retained in a sheep harness, with something to do with lube, a frozen haddock and six-inch stilletos, I thought I'd better get going.

Some of you may be aware the the city of Worcester has a likeness for water this time of year, from both the river and off the fields that surround us, which are already saturated from the big thaw, so I opted for a diffrent six as the back lane was sure to be flooded..............it was apparently...........as was the route I took..........in 5 different places!!!!

After walking around the first 2 floods, I couldbn't with the 3rd, 4th or 5th, so waded through up to my knees. My feet were bloody freezing, so I walked the big hill (wimp I know). What I did today though was push myself between the floods and the hill and ended up doing 5.85 miles, in 1:00:29, so I feel ok with that.

So a little more positive, and as lou pointed out we have over 3 months (it sounds more than 14 weeks), so plenty of time to get the work done.

Back to watching Villa now, all the best.

Gazz

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Now I know there will be many up and downs over the next 14 weeks, so I make no apologies now for going into a meladramatic full male sulky type morose mood..........so there and everything.

Got Mrs Gazz to drop me at work on Sunday morning, with the full intention of running the 14.5 miles home. So 4pm finish and off I set..........in a way I wish I hadn't bothered. I just couldn't just my pace/rhythm or anythng right. The first 2 miles, I was sub 10 minute mie (ridiculous for me) and got totally knackered. The route in question is a bit hilly (ups and downs) and I just struggled. Got picked up at 10 miles, having had 4 walk breaks and gaving been out 1:55. Not pleased.

Monday night running club, joined Stuart's efforts section, 4 miles, with a good 2.5 at increased effort. Felt a little lazy as took rest breaks at the end of each effort as the group mustered together.

On top of this, reading the posts of the distances being achieved and pace being maintained, I am feeling pants. I need a slap around the chops with a wet cod to get me going again............or something like that. Planning to do a steady 6 tomorrow, weather allowing, then club agaon Thursday, rest Friday and Saturday, with a Stuart 14 on Sunday.

Fingers crossed, otherwise you all might have to hide the rope!!!!

Gazz.

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I can't believe I haven't blogged since 4th November!! Apologies to my bloggy pals for not posting, but I have been trying to keep up to date via my iphone, albeit sporadically.

There's alot of new names on here, so I will resolve to keep up to date with postings from now, I promise, no honest.......anyway the soap opera that is our West Country antipodean is always a giggle (bless her!).

Well the mojo is definitely back, good job with only 15-16 weeks left eh. Decided before New Year not to run over 10 miles on an lsr, in an effort to strengthen the legs. Seemed to work with a maximum 9.75 a couple of weeks before Xmas. Over indulged on the festivities and suffered as a result. Was thinking of going to find some sun, but the thought of Green peace following my every move was a little off putting.

Joined the Black Pear Joggers for a Monday and Thursday group running, which is fab, as they have a marathon guru called Stuart who takes an lsr on a Sunday, then an efforts session on a Monday, so it should help me reach my goal of a sub 5. Satan (sorry Santa) kindly delivered a Garmin 405 (great gadget) which apparently comes with instructions, but as I'm a proper bloke I won't read them!

The only think I have noticed is how slow I've got. Whilst I see you others have speeded up, I seemed to be trudging. I know this will get better and my recovery from runs is great, so I'm hoping Stuart will speed me up somewhat.

Went out on Sunday early (7.30) before the traffic, so I could run on the roads and was it ever cold. Hips were aching from the cold towards the end and did 11.35 miles in 2:07, so painfully slow, but no ill effects all afternoon or Monday. Running club on Monday went around the football pitches and golf course of Perdiswell in the snow. Tough workout but worthwhile.

Was due to do a 6 today, but the white stuff has returned (snow not charlie!!!) so postponed. Hopefully running club will be on tomorrow.

Anyway enough of my ramblings, speak soon.

Gazz. x

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Went for a gentle recovery run on Tuesday, brfore the planned 9.5 miles today, which was going well until about 4.5 miles, when I slipped off the kerb and tweaked my groin. A fair bit of discomfort, so opted for a small walk, before cadging a lift home. Not too concerned, as a couple of days rest should be ok.

Will be joining a running club next week, as I do find it incredibly easier to run with like minded bods.

Just a short post tonight, so will catch up later in the week.

ATB Gazz

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.....is the only way I can describe myself today! Missed Friday's run as extremely tired and slept through the alarm, so was determind to make up for it today.

Up at 6 and out at 6.30, with my running buddy Annie (isn't it easier running with someone), in what can only be described as monsoon conditions!! A fairly hilly route as I knew I wouldn't stop when running with Annie, so I was determind to make it fairly tough......8 miles done in 1:25, so I am well chuffed.

I have set up my fundraising page once more, so if any generous ballot runners would like to donate please go to www.bmycharity.com/garysmithcwl That's the last time I will ask on the blog, as that's not whats it's there for. If anyone has any fundraising ideas though, or if I can hijack any events then please let me know.

Planning going out Tues, Weds and Friday this week, so fingers crossed the rain might stop!!

Cheers. Gazz.

PS. This is me at the end of Birmingham, bloodied but somehow smiling!!

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Fantastic news, I have secured a place for VLM 2010, with CHILDREN WITH LEUKAEMIA. Obviously, I'm very excited and at the same time scared to death.....again!!

Have only been doing run/walks this weeks, as I try to get my head around what I need to do. The fundraising will be startinthis weekend, as I set up a website to collect as well as try and get companies, pubs and any other unsuspecting punters involved. I am confident though that although the motivation for running has been lacking (as well as the motivation to get on here and post/comment accordingly..sorrry) come April I will be ready.

Have a 4.5 mile run tomorrow, then an 8 on Sunday, with a running partner which should help. Alcohol is now off limits, except for special occassions like the door being wooden etc, healthy eating is a priority and £2000 and a sub 5 hour my goal!!!

Will catch up with you all soon.

Gazz

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In my last post some 4-5 weeks ago I was feeling positive and the running was moving forward well, but since then thingshave gone a bit south shall we say.

Firstly I got a cold, probably man flu and attempted a 10 miler after about 2 days recovery. It nearly killed me, but I finished albeit with a couple of small walks involved. When I then went for a recovery run 2 days later the dreaded calf went again. The pain was horrendous and so between then and the Birmingham Half (about 4 weeks) I had probably on run about 4 or 5 times maximum and only to about 5 miles.

Got the rejection letter from VLM (pooh!!) and so have applied for a Golden Bond place with SPARKS, the best charity in the world! Will hopefully find out in a week or so, so fingers crossed.

Got to Birmingham on Sunday  not overly confident, but thinking that surely after the last 12 months should have enough in the legs.................god I was rubbish!!! First 5 was fine and was on for a 2:15, but after that my legs just had no spring in them. Came home in 2:36:02, my worst half ever and confidence severely dented. Legs still ache today. So time for a plan of action!!

The calf feels fine and I know 6 miles is a breeze still, so I am going to take the rest of the week off  and start fresh again on Monday. This way I have no pressure to force myself for a run this week and I can enjoy my Sunday out with the family (going to Drayton Manor can't wait to see Thomas!!)

Lovely to meet Vicky and Chris on Sunday, and fantastic to see my food guru (Simone) and pace bitch (BW) back in blogland.

Take care. Gazz

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After the toilet issue last week, I seemed to have a terrible night sleep on Thursday (kids wouldn't settle), so decided to take an impromptu rest day Friday, rested yesterday, then a planned 6 today.

It was a warm one and suffered a little calf stiffness at 5 miles, albeit didn't take any fluids with me, so I shouldn't be surprised/ Run completed though in 1:02, so pace was up a bit as well.

Took kids over to the Worcester Half Marthon, so well done to all those runners today. Rest tomorrow, recovery run Tuesday, 6 Wednesday and then will update the blog.

Atb, gazz

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