Sometimes you can't make it on your own...
Jul1720117:40 p.m.
As you know I've been coaching/motivating my neighbour. He asked if I could help him with running and I couldn't refuse him. He's about 40, a little bit over weight and smokes. He's seen his GP and is okay to run.
Friday was a great day for him, he ran three miles in 39 minutes without stopping. Bare in mind, two weeks ago he struggled to run 100 metres and our first run of 2.6 miles included 9 stops. Part of the process has been to get him running smaller runs and focusing on achievable goals such as running 0.25, 0.5, .7.5, 1 mile. We've done loads of sprinting and shorter runs as well as getting him to concentrate more. He's cut down the fags by 70% and he's stopped eating rubbish. I'm really proud of him and I'm enjoying the slower runs as well as talking him through things and finding positives. He's a dad and recognises he needs to stay fit for his kids.
He does get distracted, for example, today he started looking at flowers for sale in the Cemetery rather than pushing himself for 10 metres. It's like being with kids, having to capture their interest all the time so I have to talk to him loads. We did a 1.2 mile run followed by 1.2 miles back. He hit 12.35 for the first mile today and we ran for 28 minutes which is good when you look at what he was like two weeks ago. I love the fact that I can be completely honest with him and tell him when it's crap or he needs to work harder. He does listen, kind of...
Me? There was a 53 minute 10km on Thursday night and I try to put in a couple of miles in after I've run with him, including a 7:35 mile which is my highlight so far. Today, I'd cycled 25 miles and got changed to run with him. I was still wet from the bike so thought it best to have a hot bath and a cold beer. The ride is discussed here.
Working tomorrow, I have a short contract for a couple of weeks before I'm off to the House on the Hill in Ireland. Hopefully, a bit of hill work. My only negative at the moment is getting somewhere to stay for the GNR which isn't £200. Any suggestions welcome.
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Comments (9)
andy_bee 'Hiya. Didn't realise you were doing GNR. I am too, but have decided to drive there and back on the day (early start needed !). You are welcome to a lift if this appeals. Good news about the job - hope it goes well for next 2 weeks. best wishes, Andy ' added 17th Jul 2011
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kraftykat 'Great coaching Jamie! I'm sure he will be really benefitting from the running and will certainly be able to see a difference in his fitness, especially if he's cutting back so much on the cigs too. Hope you get sorted for GNR accommodation. At least you now have an option with AndyB.' added 17th Jul 2011
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Rob_Barber 'Could your work situation be an opportunity to move towards qualifying as a PT if you're enjoying this training?' added 17th Jul 2011
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peta 'For the GNR, have you considered camping? Brill coaching' added 18th Jul 2011
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andy_bee 'Ooo camping. I have a 2 man tent - it could be the end of a great friendship.' added 18th Jul 2011
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tinabee 'Andybee & JamieB in a tent! Now there's a story waiting to unfold! You mentor you! Sounds like you are inspiring another bod! Good for you! So glad you are out running and cycling again after your knee issues.' added 18th Jul 2011
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jamieB 'I'd be happy with the offer Andy as long as I can contribute to fuel, food and sweets costs. I fancy the tent and could arrange for my American friend who is also running to share the tent too (she has a hotel). Cheers Andy (I know they are all dreaming of 2 men in a tent bro, let them live the dream)...' added 18th Jul 2011
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Johnf 'I think I need to go back in the archives to know more of this unrolling story! Good stuff on getting another runner going.' added 19th Jul 2011
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jamieB 'Rob, I thought about it but there seems to be too many £3k courses to get qualified. I fancy it but don't want to spend the money. I think there is a certain market out there which no one is tapping. Cheers' added 20th Jul 2011
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