Mary Poppins

When we were younger Chris and I were both involved with amateur dramatics. I gave it up to concentrate on my college work, something that I regret to this day as t was something that I loved to do. So whenever we go to the theatre to watch a production, I kind of get jealous because I would love to have been up there. With that in mind, I hardly go to the theatre anymore. Although Chris wanted to go and see Mary Poppins, so I got him tickets.

When telling people that Chris and I was going to go and see Mary Poppins at the theatre, they laughed, but then secretly admitted they would probably go and see it aswell if they had the tickets. And they weren’t the only ones who thought that. When getting to the theatre there was a lot of adults without kids, so we were definitely not the only ones reliving our youths.

The set was brilliant. The Banks home was characteristic of the Wendy house in the film, with the front, rear and loft opening to show you rooms inside. The use of mechanics and wires brought an air of magic to the show; with Mary flying several times throughout the performance ending the showing flying into the audience and leaving through the top of the room, and Bert dance along the stage walls and ceiling to name a few.

The lighting was great too, and true to the film, with the majority of the film having the grey/dark feel about it, but in those odd scenes the colour is vibrant and full of life.

They stage show wasn’t identical to the film, but I wasn’t expecting it to be. Scenes from the film were deleted, and replaced by new ones, but it was all done seamlessly so you wouldn’t have known if you weren’t a huge fan of the show.

There were also a couple of new songs in the production. Again you couldn’t tell they were new songs as they fitted perfectly with the old ones. My only criticism is that the singing wasn’t as good as the film, but then again that was a high standard to go by.

In a nutshell, it was a great show and well worth going to see.

Great North West Half Marathon

Knowing how panicky I get before a race, I decided that I would stay in Blackpool for the night, giving me a little more time to get prepared. Let's just say, that it didn't work out as I planned.

I woke up at 8.30am, and chilled for a hour watching kids TV (hasn't it gone downhill?) and a brew. Got all my stuff together and headed to get myself a bacon buttie, which I decided was gonna my pre-run half marathon breakfast after the Great North run.

I had no idea where the Hilton Hotel was in Blackpool, so got out my phone which has Google map on it, and went to where it told me too. I wont be using that again, because it wasn't there. Madam Tussuad's was there!!! After panicking for a 20 minutes, I found a runner and decided it was best to follow them, but stopped just as I reached the North Pier to wait for Chris who had now arrived in Blackpool.

I got to the start of the race with 2 minutes to spare, so my relaxing night over was ruined. Especially as I had to rush putting my shorts on behind a wall, because I forgot to pack them and Chris brought me some from home. Also, because of the rushing I forgot my gloves (cause it was nippy) or my sweatbands. Before panic could kick in, the race started.

The start of the race was comfortable, albeit busy, and felt in good pace. I noticed I was keeping up with the Runners World 8 min/mile pace and just after the half mile mark, I decided that this was too slow and passed them.

The first half of the race was comfortable. A little too comfortable for my liking. I actually felt like I was running far slower than normal. Event when I completed the first lap and noticed the time was 50 mins, it just didn't click until a mile later that I was on for a PB.

Just before the 10 mile marker, both my knees started to have a dull pain in them. Something I was worried about happening. Then after the 10 mile mark when you turn on yourself to return to the start/finish, my left knee was in double agony. It looked as if the turning twisted it. I reduced my speed and spent a mile hobbling. Now I was thinking whatever PB was on the books was now out of the window and I would be happy with just finishing the damn race.

Miraculously, just before the 12th mile the pain in both knees disappeared. I couldn't believe it. I honestly thought I made up the pain. With this new found strength, I was able to regain a bit of speed for the last mile and a bit.

Coming onto the home stretch, I still thought I was outside a PB, so when I saw one of the clocks and realised I was definitely going to get a PB, my speed crept up that little bit more.

I passed the finish line with just over 1 hour and 42 minutes on the clock, knocking nearly 3 minutes of Great North Run's time. I was very pleased with the result.

Today reminded me the reason why I enjoyed running. I wasn't looking to win, I just like to be part of the race and enjoy soaking in the atmosphere. Granted it's a far smaller affair to Great North Run, but I enjoyed it.

Time Completed: 1 Hour 42 Mins 18 Secs

Position: 413/1195

Edinburgh Marathon Training - Week 2

Monday: 8 Miles
After missing my long run last Sunday, today's rest day was to be replaced. Well it serves me right.

I don't know what it is, but I always seem to struggle with my pace when I first start a run, and this one was no different. I also don't think it helped that I had movement restriction due to wearing my knee support.

After two miles of uncomfortable running, I was close to giving up, but my stubbornness kicked in and I continued on until the end. It soon improved, but all in all, it was not a good run.

Probably didn't help that I probably lost a stone in weight through sweat!!! Oh, and I got a friction burn from the knee support. Note to self, must get a new support!!!

Distance: 8.02 Miles
Time: 1 Hour 6 Mins 46 Secs
Pace: 8'19"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 9'53"
2 = 8'13"
3 = 7'02"
4 = 8'13"
5 = 8'13"
6 = 8'13"
7 = 8'13"
8 = 8'13"

Tuesday: 5 Miles (Tempo)
If I am honest, I probably didn't push myself as much as I should have. Still worked up a sweat though. Taken into account this was meant to be a tempo session, I was still feeling relatively comfortable after the run. Must try harder next time.

Distance: 5.01 Miles
Time: 40 Mins
Pace: 7'58"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 7'02"
2 = 7'02"
3 = 7'02"
4 = 7'02"
5 = 9'51"

Wednesday: 6 Miles
I decided today that I would run the session without the knee support. The good news is, I had no problems with the knees. My calf's of the other hand is a different story. Nothing serious, they were just telling me it knows how much running it has done already this week.

Distance: 6 Miles
Time: 48 Mins 14 Secs
Pace: 8'01"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 7'02"
2 = 8'13"
3 = 8'13"
4 = 8'13"
5 = 7'02"
6 = 8'13"

Thursday: Speed Session
Today's run didn't have a specific distance to do, as it was all about speed. Which is quite lucky because the LCD screen on my Nike+ has faded making it impossible for me to see the distance.

Before the run, my calf's were telling me to cancel the run. I must be a glutton for punishment because I ignored them. The way I see it, the only way for them to get stronger is to build them up, and that's just what running is doing for them.

After a 10 minute jog, I started the speed work. I could have pushed myself that little bit faster, but was probably being over-conscious of my legs. Although looking at the pacing below, it gives the impression that I was running at the normal speed. Yeah right!!!

After the race, my legs decided that they were no longer playing and decided to make my walk home as uncomfortable as possible. So as soon as I got home they were iced up!!!

At the moment my session has alternate Monday running sessions. For the moment, I am going to make Mondays rest days. Just until my legs are a little stronger. As stated previously, cardio wise I feel comfortable it's just my legs that let me down.

As a whole, this week has been difficult, and I am beginning to wonder why I got myself into running because all I seem to do is have injuries of some sort. It's getting ridiculous. So after Edinburgh Marathon, I think I will call it a day!!!

Distance: 4.63 Miles
Time: 40 Minutes
Pace: 8'38"
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 8'13"
2 = 8'13"
3 = 7'02"
4 = 12'21" ???
0.63 = 8'13"

Friday: Rest
After yesterday's horrendous post run blues, I was kind of glad to have this rest day as it was definitely needed. So I went to the pub for a couple.

Saturday: 6 Miles
After my Nike+ dying a death on Thursday, it would not be possible for me to use this in training. So before heading to the gym, I went away to see if I could find a replacement. After trying SheRunsHeRuns who said they weren't getting any until May, I headed to Nike to see if they had any. I was told that they had all been withdrawn due to a malfunction problem and are currently re-designing a new version. Good news was, that the shop also agreed to accept my faulty good in return for a credit note, so I am happily not out of pocket.

Just as I started my treadmill run, the athletics started on the TV. So I unplugged my iPod and turned to the TV instead. This was probably one of the most comfortable races I have had in a long time. Maybe it's because my mind was on other things.

I am now just about prepared for the half marathon tomorrow. Although I am slightly worried that I may be pushing myself too much.

Distance: 6.5 Miles Approx
Time: 60 minutes

Sunday: Great North West Half Marathon
For a full report of the race, please click here

Edinburgh Marathon Training - Week 1

Monday: 5 miles (Easy)
This was supposed to be an easy run, but I didn't half struggle tonight.

The problem with me is that I am not used to running slow, so come 1.5 miles into the run I start to get a hot pain sensation in my right shin/calf. I persevered for another mile before reducing the speed further to see if that would help. It did.

I think what may have happened is that I was tensing my leg while running, so my muscles started to react to it.

For the last mile, I put the speed back up slightly and changed the style of run, and although the pain had never gone throughout the run, it had eased and I was able to complete the full distance.

So note to self for the next easy run. Don't run like I did today!!!

Distance: 5 Miles
Time: 43 Minutes 46 Seconds
Pace: 8'44"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 8'13"
2 = 8'13"
3 = 8'13"
4 = 12'21" (Now I never went this slow)
5 = 8'13"

Tuesday: 6 Miles (Start Slow. Finish Fast)
Today's run was a lot better than yesterdays. I think I learnt from my stupid mistake yesterday as the heat pain didn't return today. Although I did get the odd twinge in my knee. So must remember to stick my knee support on tomorrow.

I don't understand the pace markers on my Nike+. I think it's talking out of it's a**e (well if had one it would).

I am on the treadmill, and I can physically tell that I am getting faster. Plus, I started at 9km/h and finished on 11.5km/h. I upped the speed every mile, yet according the pace breakdown below I didn't speed up. What a load of crock!!!

Distance: 6 Miles
Time: 48 Mins 8 Seconds
Pace: 8'00"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 8'13"
2 = 8'13"
3 = 7'02"
4 = 8'13"
5 = 7'02"
6 = 7'02"

Wednesday: 7 Miles (Hill)
Well I had put my numpty crown on for this training session, as I misread what I had written and thought today's session was a hill work when infact it was a speed session. I did find it strange that I was running uphill for one minute and then downhill for two.

I did get a little speed work in though, as I always ran the straight a little faster. Probably just not as fast as I was supposed to run it though. Oh well, too late now to worry about it.

Distance: 7 Miles
Time: 1 Hour 2 Minutes 24 Seconds
Pace: 8'54"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 9'52"
2 = 8'13"
3 = 8'13"
4 = 16'21" (Eh???)
5 = 9'52"
6 = 9'52"
7 = 8'13"

Thursday: Rest
I was supposed to be doing a 6 miler today, but I was absolutely shattered after work that I have decided that I will do it tomorrow instead.

Friday: 6 Miles
Today, I had a carrot waved in front of my face today and asked if I wanted to go for a pint. Tempted as I was, I was a good boy and said no and went to the gym instead. Although I could really have done with that pint. Or knowing Steve, the four!!!

Session itself wasn't that bad, although my calf's were starting to feel the strain from the running this month. Just a little tight, but apart from that a reasonable run.

Distance: 6.01 Miles
Time: 50 Minutes 16 Seconds
Pace: 8'21"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 8'13"
2 = 7'03"
3 = 8'13"
4 = 9'52"
5 = 8'13"
6 = 9'53"

Saturday: 7 Miles
Again, the numpty crown was firmly on my head today. Starting the session, I thought everything was fine and dandy until I checked my Nike+ and realised I hadn't actually started the thing!!! So I had ran over 1/2 mile before turning the thing on. Still made sure I ran 7 miles with Nike+ on. Serves me right for being stupid.

Also struggled running today. Maybe it's because I aint used to running at weekends, but it just felt like my legs couldn't keep up. About 20 minutes in I was close to wanting to give up. Instead I just reduced my speed and kept on running.

My knee was also really hurting, even with the support on. Reducing the speed helped reduce the pain, but I am now starting to panic that if I am gonna have to take time out of training to try and sort this knee out, then I just wont be prepared for the marathon.

Distance: 7 Miles
Time: 1 hour 1 minute 13 Seconds
Pace: 8'44"/mi
Pace Breakdown:
1 = 8'13"
2 = 8'13"
3 = 8'13"
4 = 9'51"
5 = 9'51"
6 = 8'13"
7 = 9'51"

Sunday: Rest
Okay, this wasn't meant to be a rest day. I was meant to do my long run today. However, the carrot from Friday showed it's head again on Saturday night, so I decided to go out for a couple of drinks, with all intention of still doing the run today. A couple of drinks ended up being an all night clubbing session. Oops!!!

I woke up in the afternoon and just couldn't face a run. And then when I was just about ready, it was starting to get dark and I wouldn't run in the dark in Salford let alone around the canal!!! I was also supposed to get ready for visiting my mum.

I know, excuses excuses. But I don't intend to lose the long run. Tomorrow is a planned rest day. Well it aint no more. I am going to do my long run tomorrow instead.

I Want To Break Free

My ritual walk to work turned into a little minor drama today after a little accident.

I am in Boots getting my lunch when I drop my packet of crisps on the floor. As I bend down, I hear this almighty rip, which is saying something as I had my iPod on. I look up to see some of the staff looking at me.

My face started to get red when I suddenly realised that I had ripped my pants. I'm just glad I had a good pair of undies on.

Thankfully, I had my gym bag with my so the rip was hidden, but an emergency stop at Topman for a new pair of trousers was needed before heading to work.

Let's just say I got the next size up, which are a little too big but there is less chance of them ripping when I bend down.

Edinburgh Marathon - Let The Training Begin

Well this is it; my last day before I start a 16 week training schedule for Edinburgh Marathon. And yet I am still trying to suss out what I have got myself into.

Do I think I am ready for this? Honestly, no! Cardiovascular wise I feel fine, but my legs are still not 100% in either strength or health. I'm still getting the occasional twinge, so am using the knee support for the longer runs. If I struggle to do over 6 miles, how will it cope with 26?

I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but now the time has come to take it serious I am starting to panic. But hey ho, I am up for the challenge...I think!!!

The one thing I am gonna have to sort out is running at the weekend. I don't normally exercise at weekends (I know; me bad). So knowing that on Sundays I have to run outside is petrifying. Add the distance that I need to do and it doesn't make it any easier.

I did plan to do a test run today along the canal, but chickened out at the last minute, blaming previous nights alcohol and a grueling schedule next week. Tsk, I am such a wimp!!!

Anyways, wish me luck and I shall post again next Sunday with a update on how my first week of training went.

New Camera

People who work in the Financial Industry will know that the FSA are getting sh*t hot on Treating Customers Fairly (TCF), and any company that doesn't comply with the outcomes will be fined accordingly.

To try and promote TCF within the Company, my work has been giving out prizes for people who have showed they have used TCF as part of their role.

I found out last week that I had won an award for the hard work I had put in on a task over the last seven months. I had a choice of either an iPod, sat nav or a camera. I already own all the items, but I have currently been looking at new cameras since my last one was a little old and my phone camera has better picture quality. So this is what I asked for.

I was given the new camera today. I have never heard of the brand (Pentax) before, but none the less I am happy to have a new camera.

This is definitely not a professional camera, but then I aint a professional. It has a load of different functions which I may or may not use such as modes for sports, kids, landscapes, flowers etc. Although there is one mode that I do like, but probably wont use it as much, and that's the panoramic mode.

It works by taking three pictures and marrying them together. Being a little dubious of this tool, I took a picture of Manchester from my balcony and have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the results. You can't see where the three pictures lined up:

As well as winning this prize, another example of TCF that I have done is being used in posters at work to promote it. Which means I have my ugly mug throughout the Company. I keep on threatening that I should sign a load before I leave.