Utter Foolishness...(Noob)...

JohnnyC26 · #1 4th Jul 12, 03:00 PM

Hi All,

Im a Newbie here, both to the forum and to running, so I figured I'd say a quick 'Hi' to everyone and tell you a tale of my complete and utter foolishness. LoL.

Basically, I havent taken my fitness seriously for many a year now, since Uni. I used to be a real fitness freak up until about 19 as I play (field) hockey and played at quite a high standard in my youth. However, after Uni and the discovery of alcohol, fast food and the demon cigarettes I think it's fair to say I have 'let myself go' a little too much. I am now 35, unfit, over weight with a dodgy knee and weak ankle and I havent been 'out for a run' in years. (I still get a weekly run around playing hockey every week but no where near the standard I used to). And...yet...Today I find myself signing up for the Redcar Half Marathon in September!?! - Why, oh why I hear you scream, (Or is that just the panicing voices in my own head?)...Well...

At the start of this year a hockey colleague of mine's Father was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumour. (Glioblastoma Grade IV). That stunned us all as he's a fit and active 40yr old who looks after himself well and is rarely ill. He’s currently receiving a mixture of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at James Cccok University Hospital however the Oncology team are uncertain of how effective this treatment will be. Also due to where the tumour is situated he wont be able to receive any more 'conventional radiotherapy'. The only alternative option he has been given is to use a new radiotherapy treatment known as 'Cyber Knife' treatment which is more accurate. The problem being that this is not available on the NHS. Therefore, he has asked as many people as are willing to take part in the RHM to help raise £22,000 so that his Dad can undergo further treatment. Otherwise...well...you know...

So, foolishly, I signed up without a second thought, and that's my story, and I am now panicing like hell. LoL.

Not that much of a mountain to climb really...Humph..:
I am currently a 35yr old unfit smoker, (Ex as of today), with a dodgy knee and ankle and I basically have 12 and a half weeks to train for a 13.01 Mile run and raise as much sponsorship as possible. Panicing...Me...Never!!!

runningruth · #2 4th Jul 12, 03:07 PM

Good luck Johnny and good on you! I hope the half marathon goes well and your friend's dad gets the treatment.

JohnnyC26 · #3 4th Jul 12, 03:09 PM

Thanks Ruth.

calibanzwei · #4 4th Jul 12, 03:14 PM

First, well done on turning in a new leaf and what a great aim for both you and those involved with the RHM.
Secondly, MTFU

Thirdly, take it slowly at first to allow your body to get used to this new state of being. I come from a cycling background, but running is a new kettle of fish. Gradually increase your distance, don't worry about how fast you go (for now). Listen to your body and take those rest days.

JohnnyC26 · #5 4th Jul 12, 03:21 PM

Hi Cali and Thanks.
(Sorry but not too sure what MTFU means - LoL).
I have plotted a number of build up runs for my training from 3.5miles which I hope to attempt tonight, increasing by 2 miles each time up until the full 13 miles. At the moment I am not bothered about pace one bit. It seems like it will take a miracle for me just to finish so I'll be happy with that, the race officials at the finish line are just going to have to wait for me overnight. HaHa

calibanzwei · #6 4th Jul 12, 03:25 PM

Haha, Google it...
It might be worth alternating between jogging/walking (a la the c25k program) for the first few sessions instead of just launching into 3.5miles straight off.

JohnnyC26 · #7 4th Jul 12, 03:33 PM

Googled it and yeah - I know!!! HaHa
I'll take a look at the c25k program but I figured I'd be ok on 3.5 miles as a starting point as I play hockey once a week and probably cover about 2.5 - 3miles during a game. (That said that is not 'constant running', I have breathers quite regularly). Anyway, I just thought that distance would be a good staring point to build on.

calibanzwei · #8 4th Jul 12, 03:36 PM

Cool cool - fingers crossed for you. If you have the appropriate hardware, join us on Endomondo so we can see how you're getting on.
http://www.endomondo.com

Stephen07 · #9 4th Jul 12, 05:26 PM

Good luck mate , stopping the fags drew me here . More of a personal reason tho always wanted to do a marathon . Running defo helps with the none smoking , I just need to stop the drink

Hrun · #10 4th Jul 12, 07:18 PM

I would go with a run/walk to ensure you avoid injury. Your legs won't be used to the constant action and it is better to build steadily.

ShortLass · #11 4th Jul 12, 08:05 PM

The advice I've been given is if you can get up to 10miles in your training (maybe a couple of times before the rcae), you should be able to manage the extra three miles on race day for your HM.

So you don't necessarily have to get up to the 13 in training.

JohnnyC26 · #12 5th Jul 12, 01:46 PM

Thanks all for the advice.
Yeah, I have also heard that if I can manage 10 miles in training then I should be OK for the half marathon but I think I'd like to try it, even if it's just the once. Will give me a psychological boots knowing that I CAN manage it. Still, that's a LONG way away yet. Managed a 3 miler last night. Not much but its a start.

calibanzwei · #13 5th Jul 12, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyC26

Managed a 3 miler last night. Not much but its a start.

Gruff Eddie · #14 5th Jul 12, 02:17 PM

Hi Johnny

Sorry to hear about your Dad, and I hope you manage to raise the money for his treatment.

Keep the running slow - you'll be able to run a lot further if you get the pace right.

JohnnyC26 · #15 5th Jul 12, 02:21 PM

Thanks Eddie, but I feel compelled to point out that it's not my Dad that is ill - It is a good friends father. Still, I appreciate the reply.
Johnny.