Update

An awful lot has been going on since the last update.

Lets get the boring running stuff out of the way first.

I'm almost (stress 'almost') flying again.  I'm still a good 4-5 lbs off race weight but I'm getting quicker and quicker and the stamina which I've been long striving for is coming back.

Now, I've got something to admit here.  Following the recommendation of Alison and our friends Stacey, Jan, Sammi and Marion, I went to see a lady called Helen who is a Hollistic Therapist, Reflexologist, Accupunturist and Reiki Healer.  The idea was that I went along to see her for a general body MOT to see what could be done for me.  £40 a session so didnt have a lot to lose financially but it may just give me some answers as to why I was feeling lacking in energy.

Helen is a lovely lady.  I turned up for my appointment and she invited me in and I laid on her couch.  She has this chart and a pendulum which spins/moves/rotates based on your varying energy levels.  Basically, she performs a 'measurement' and then treats you accordingly.

Once she'd done her readings, she gave me her prognosis.  Highly stressed (yes, correct - I was having issues selling my flat and work was going mental all at the same time), I wanted everything done yesterday (correct) and my body was knackered (yes, pretty much could agree with all of that!).

So she recommended I took liquid iron as well as magnesium and vitamin c supplements.  This would help my energy levels and improve my sleep.

After only a couple of weeks taking the supplements, my energy levels have gone through the roof and its showing in my running stats.  My sleep quality has improved massively.  I wake up feeling alive and not wanting to go straight back to bed again.  I feel like I sleep a whole lot deeper than I ever have before.  As a result, I've got the spark back that I've felt like I've been so desperately missing for the last 6 months or so.  Long may this continue!

I'm going back to see Helen in about 4-5 weeks time but I've been told to stay on the magnesium and vitamin c but to drop out the liquid iron once the bottle is finished.  I've been very skeptical of alternative therapies but this really seems to be working.

Its well as having a physical effect, its also having a mental effect on me.  I've felt far more emotional than usual.  This is an effect of my levels realigning.  Helen said I had no negative energies so that was really good and she was pleased with my progress.

The proof is in the pudding as they say and my stats are reflecting the improvement.

This week, I seem to be firing on all cylinders.

First up, I ran my fastest 5k of the year and fastest in almost 18 months.  I rarely run the 5k distance and its normally a means to an end where I dont have enough time to get in a longer run before having to go out with Alison or something like that.

25:11 at 8:03 min/mile pace. Considerable improvement compared to the odd 5k I've run on this route in recent months. The weight is settling down but the body chemistry seems to be improving.

Wednesday Night meant a run with Plumstead Runners.  A nice 7 mile loop out and back to Bexley and Sidcup with some torrential rain thrown in for good measure.

Our route from Danson to Bexley takes us up Parkhill Road.  When I first started running with the Plums just under 3 years ago, this hill used to absolutely kill me.

I remember it well from my cycling days as it used to be my main route out to the Kent lanes.  Its not particularly steep but its a horrible little steep/drag combo.  It certainly takes some effort to run up it.

Here's the elevation profile so you can judge for yourself...

As you can see, the segment include the hill and then the drop down the other side to the war memorial at the junction of Hurst Road.

Here's my segment times...

A new PB by 8 seconds.  Considerable improvement.  The fact that I backed off the pace from the top to recover and didnt run hard down the other side tells me I could have run it faster.  However, coming to Plums straight from work without eating properly all day is energy sapping and the main aim of the Plum runs is to get around in relative comfort so its good to hold something back.

Because of the weather, it was a reasonably small turn out in comparison to previous weeks but a good turn out given the circumstances and every one of them Plums deserves huge credit for getting out there in the elements and putting themselves through it.  I actually prefer running in conditions like that, as long as I can avoid my shoes going through deep puddles!

Here's the complete data for the run...

A thoroughly enjoyable run with brilliant company. Cant ask for any more than that.

So that's all the running/fitness stuff done.  There's been a whole lot more been going on.

In brief, my flat has finally sold.  Debts cleared.  A lovely lump sum now sits in the bank.  A very nice position to be in and I'm a lucky man.

I blogged last time that I was heading off to Spain for a week.  We had a great time and I can honestly say that was my favourite holiday ever.  It was the first time I was able to take Izzy away for a sunshine holiday and she loved every minute of it.

You can check out the pictures here.

I treated myself to a Go Pro before we went and we had a real laugh playing with the camera in and out of the water on holiday...

Truly stunning footage at 1080P and 60fps. Proper geekage. Now all I need to do it pick up some different mounts and I can start to use it when I'm out running. Should be some interesting footage.

Anyhow, Izzy has been talking about setting up her own 'Driscoll TV' You Tube channel for some time and while we were off together, we started 'practicing' for what sort of films would work.

Izzy will kill me for making this public but hey, its about time she made her online debut.  Let us know what you think.

All filmed on the iPad. The idea was devised in about 2 mins before she hit the record button and quickly edited and rendered on the iMovie app afterwards. Hey, not bad for a first attempt.  We quickly filmed a few other clips but they've not been put together yet.  Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to get a starring role but hey, if it makes Izzy happy then I'll make a fool of myself gladly.

Wedding plans are coming on nicely.  Honeymoon is now booked.  Almost 3 weeks on the American West Coast.  Conveniently booked for May so I wont have to defer my VLM place when I get it.  (See what I did there?  Positive thoughts.  I've manifested my place for next year.  Its going to happen.  It really is!)

Talking Weddings, Alison has been her usual brilliant self recently.  Despite having an awful lot to deal with at work, she's always there for me...and Izzy as well.  Alison came to support Izzy at her major Gymnastics competition of the year, the South Eastern Regional Championships, at the Guildford Spectrum last weekend at Izzy's insistence, despite the fact she could have well done with a lay in.  8am registration on a Sunday morning is bordering on the insane.  I'm used to it what with the various races/rides I've done which have meant being up at 4am for preparation and breakfast etc.

Anyhow, Alison has taken to life with a 'step-daughter' like a duck to water.  They both get on brilliantly and I really couldnt ask for more than that.  Alison loves her like she would love one of her own.

As it happens, the Guildford Spectrum was also the venue for the first ever 'Alison-meets-ex-wife...ex-wife-meets-Alison' event.  [EDIT: my thoughts are not for public reading].  All done and dusted now. 

On the bright side, Izzy done brilliantly to finish 5th in her category, her first competition since qualifying for the intermediate level standard.  We are all very proud of her.  Amazing considering she was having a major meltdown about not being able to remember her routine properly 24 hours beforehand.

So there we go.  The running is going better than I could have hoped 4 weeks ago and life is steaming forward.

This weekend is Alison's parents 50th wedding anniversary party which we're all looking forward to. The marquee is already up in our garden and we'll be partying until the early hours again.  No running on Sunday this week, thats for sure.  Will just have to go out on Saturday instead ;)

Progress

I popped in to see my parents last night and my Mum greeted me at the door...

"Hello.  Blimey, are you feeling ok?  you've lost a lot of weight?"...

Now that was music to my ears quite frankly.  Well at least its beginning to notice then.  As I blogged a few weeks ago, the plan has been to concentrate on what I'm eating, cut out as much crap as possible and get myself back on the straight and narrow, meanwhile attempting to up the training efforts where I can injury permitting.

First, lets look at the diet...

43 days in, I'm doing more than ok.

37 days under the 1,770 net calorie target and 6 days where I've crept over.  There was one weekend away in that at the beginning of July which meant no training, otherwise my progress has been more than acceptable.

I'm averaging around 1,202 calories a day and have run up a total calorie deficit of 24,411 calories.  The weight loss is now kicking in and my running is benefitting hugely.

Of course, what with injuries, running has been very difficult in the last few months but I've managed to get back into some sort of routine over the last 6 weeks and it shows...

With the possibility of two more runs left in July, I will have racked up more than 90 miles this month.  A huge improvement given the disappointments of May and June.  Hopefully, August will see further improvement.

At this point, I'm still 100% certain that I made the correct decision in pulling out of the Berlin Marathon as early as I did.  In terms of marathon training, I'd have two months left now and would have been running up in the high teens now in terms of distance so I dont think there is any doubt the decision was correct.

The fact that I've managed to get the miles in this month is testament to the fact that my back is getting better.  It is nowhere near being 100% but its manageable at this current time.

Thanks to Alison's BUPA cover, I booked myself into see a specialist, Mr Colin Natali at the London Independent Hospital, just around the corner from my office in Whitechapel.  Mr Natali sent me for a MRI and this is the result...

Now that you can see there is a cross section of my spine.  Lets take a look at the more common view of a spine which will allow me to explain what is going on here.

As you can see from the diagram on the left, the spine is split into different areas, C1-C7, T1-T12 then L1-L5 and S1-S5.  The vertebrae are most made up of water.  Did you know that?  No, I didnt either!  Anyway, the MRI scan show that I have 'dehydration' of the L4/L5 and S1 vertebrae.  That means that instead of the usual 90% water content, my lower back is around 78% and this causes the fluid sack to bulge against the nerves.  I've got a small right-sided bulge why I get a lot of discomfort in my right groin and right bum cheek and down my right hamstring, the common sign of sciatica as it presses on the sciatic nerve.

So thats the diagnosis.  Cure?  Hmm.  90% of people respond to physiotherapy and pain management through pain killers.  A small percentage of people end up having surgery.  Fingers crossed the physiotherapy works for me.  As yet, I havent booked the physio but I need to get a move on.  Although I'm not suffering from discomfort, I am experiencing a lot of stiffness (ooooh er missus, someone call the innuendo police!)  I feel ok when I'm moving about but first thing in the morning and whilst sitting down for long periods at work, it takes me a long while to get upright (oh for goodness sake, do stop it!)

So, all in all, things are definitely moving in the right direction.  I'm feeling much better in myself, both physically and mentally.  Running like a non-runner (pardon the expression) for the last few months has been exhausting mentally.  When you've run 26.2 miles and then struggle to run 5k only 2 months later, you'll know what I mean but I'm most definitely on the way back up to where I should be.  Happy Days!

Still Struggling

Unfortunately, I now havent run for 11 days.  I'm still struggling.

Having spent the GDP of a third-world country on Asthma medication, along with Cold & Flu remedies and a tube of Deep Freeze (I'll come on to that in a mo!), I'm still wheezing.

How much Asthma medication can one man take?

Let me take you back a week.  First GP appointment.  Dr Adams checked my chest with the stethoscope and he said it was reasonably clear although a little crackling suggested a the beginnings of a chest infection.

He prescribed a 7 day course of Antibiotics and recommended I start taking my Becotide inhaler, 4 squirts twice a day.  Ok.  Up until yesterday morning, I was getting a little better.  The cold symptoms seem to have cleared up but I was still waking up in the middle of the night having coughing fits and again first thing in the morning.

Yesterday, even numerous squirts of Ventolin couldnt control the coughing kit.

So, much to my disappointment, I found myself agreeing with Alison that I really should go back and see my GP.

On the drive to Canary Wharf, I managed to get an appointment for 5:45pm.  I was to see Dr Stoate (former Labour MP for Dartford for the record and an eight-time marathon runner so I heard last night - he couldnt believe I had ran 4 in one year!)

Anyhow, went to see Dr Stoate and he recommended a 7 day course of steroids which should calm the wheezing in my chest.  Fingers crossed it does the trick.

Despite not being able to run, at least I'm back at work now and burning some calories with the usual amount of walking I do every day.

Steps as per my iPhone 5s - calibrated to my Garmin Forerunner 620

Sadly, however, my lack of running and current state of health means I'm missing the annual Plumstead Runners Santa Run tonight.  I'm absolutely gutted but there's always next year.

The M Word

I said dont mention the 'M' word.  Too late.

I've been off work sick for the last four days and I dont seems to be getting any better.

I seemed to be on top of the sniffly nose last week by popping the Lemsip max tablets and I ran Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

For the record, Saturday I ran the quickest 10k in well over 6 months...

I was well chuffed with that. I was pushing a little but not too much and I was plugging away at the 3:2 breathing rhythmn and it all started to come together nicely. However, it was cold that night. Really cold. The pavements were beginning to frost up and so were my lungs.

After a shower and some pizza and sitting on the sofa for an hour, I was still wheezing like hell, so I went to find my Ventolin pump.  A quick press on the top of it and nothing came out.  Panic.  A quick phone call to my bruv to confirm he had a spare and I was off down the road like a shot (in the car!) to go pick it up.  Within 15 mins of getting some Ventolin into my lungs, I was feeling much better.

Sunday was ok.  Monday I felt naff.  The cough was coming on and I was wheezing again.  The Ventolin wasnt touching the sides so I called in sick and visited the GP.  Diagnosed as a Chest Infection.  Antibiotics was the result.

Its now Friday.  I havent run in 6 days.  I'm still coughing and wheezing and my cat allergy seems to have kicked into overdrive.  I cant stay in Alison's house without wheezing, the only relief I seem to get is when I'm not there, sadly.

I've also developed a really badly swollen bottom lip.  So swollen it looks like I've been in a fight...

Swollen bottom lip...and I'm not even turning it outwards!!!

I feel like sh*t quite frankly.  I cant breathe and I'm feeling beyond knackered through lack of sleep.  My legs ache now more than they do at the end of a marathon.  I'm now 4 days into the course of Antibiotics so I would have thought I would have started to improve a little by now but it doesnt look like its the case.

Fingers crossed this lurgy clears up soon.

Dont mention the "M" word...

Yes, FFS dont mention the "M" word but I've just walked back from the Chemist and I'm knackered...

Other cold and flu treatments are available from all good Chemists (and not so good ones too)...

I had some pretty bad sniffles when I got back from my run last night.  I put it down to my cat allergy.  Only I could date a woman with two cats when I'm allergic to the fluffy cherubs (one of which, Gangsta - yes, thats its real name, ask Alison if you dont believe me scratched me to near death last night after I thought I'd pick it up and give it some loves, as you do!)

Anyhow, I'd put it down to that.  However, I woke up at 4am sneezing my head off and was totally blocked up.  When I woke I felt better but still felt sneezy on the way in and havent improved.  I didnt think much more of it until I went to get up from my desk at lunchtime and then realised my legs were really sore and I feel like a big pile of poop.

So before the "M" word takes over my body, I'm fighting back.  Popped into the Chemist and bought a packet of these Ninja warriors.

It would be a real kick in the you know whats should I be struck down by the dreaded "M" right now.

On the search for more positives

Its hard enough to run around Welling & Bexleyheath, an area I've known for the best part of 36 of my 38 years but tonight it was time to be brave and head out on a slightly longer loop around Petts Wood, rather than just a couple of local roads and the straight out and back route to Chislehurst that I've been doing recently.

I went out with Petts Wood Runners a few weeks back and they'd taken me out to Locksbottom and Bickley, so I thought that would be a good starting point, especially as I'd have a comparable metric to see how I was fairing, fitness-wise.

Its a fairly basic route as you can see.

Segment courtesy of Strava

I ran a warm up of Grosvenor Road, Perry Hall Road and Petts Wood Road to get to the route, picking it up at Tudor Way, following Crofton Lane then Crofton Road up to Chapter One at Locksbottom/Farnborough Common, then Croydon Road, before turning right into Oakley Road (couldnt not remember that name!) and then back to Southborough Lane and Petts Wood via Magpie Hall Lane.

No particularly steeps hills, although a couple of drags involved, mainly coming up to Chapter One and at the end of Southborough Lane.

Elevation data courtesy of Strava

Halfway down the first road, Tudor Way, my Garmin bleeped the first mile split of 9:17 with an average HR of 142.  Conservative to say the least.  

It was at that point, I decided to give the 3:2 breathing technique another try.  I'd read about it a few days before and had run with it on my previous training run.  The theory is that you inhale for 3 steps and then exhale for 2 steps.  The idea is that you inhale and exhale on alternating feet, so you dont always strike and breathe, what I've always tended to do.  It takes some getting used to.  I struggled on my first attempt but I seemed to grasp it this time around.  However, as soon as my thoughts wandered, I felt as though breathing wandered too.  I go to run to destress and think about things, then throwing this into the mix makes it even more complex.  However, more practiced required for sure but first impressions, it seems to work.

Anyhow, the run was good.  I knew that the first part of the run up to Locksbottom was generally a tedious drag so it made sense to work in the first half and then take the foot off the gas in the second recovery part before hitting the last climb.  Well it didnt go to plan.  I stayed steady in the first part and felt good up to Chapter One, although both Achilles are still nagging me on every run at the moment and then just kept going.  Why take your foot off the gas when you're feeling good, eh?  Even up through the Magpie Hall Lane drag and onto Southborough Lane, I was still feeling good, banging out a good rhythm and focusing on the 3:2 technique.

So in terms of times, it looked like this...

Segment times courtesy of Strava via Garmin Connect

Two things we have to take into account for the run on Oct 28 is that (i) it was a group run at a measured pace of between 9:15-9:20ish min/mile pace so it was never going to be quicker than that; and (ii) it was 8 days after the Amsterdam Marathon, so my average HR was always going to be higher than it should be for a run of that distance (based on previous experience!)

So as you can see, last night's run was 2:50 quicker and with a significantly lower average HR, which is to be expected for that pace/distance combination with (i) the beginnings of a small cold and (ii) with the little extra timber I'm carrying at the moment.

Very pleasing indeed.  It was also helpful that I remembered to have my 4pm pre-run porridge as I'm finding it awfully difficult these days to put off the hunger pangs of a late 8:30-9:00pm dinner now.

The full garmin data which takes into account the full run can be found below...

Where the hell is the nearest toilet? I need one and I need it now!

Yes.  It happened again.

The horror that faces every runner at one stage or another in there running career happened to me last night.  It wasnt the first time nor will it be the last.

Wednesday night, Plumstead Runners night.  It was a large turn out last night.  Possibly the best turn out of bodies we've had out in a while.  With no Graham available, we had only two runs going out.  We would all stick together through to Bexley Village and back and then the runs would split, the 5-6 mile group heading back and the longer group headng out towards Sidcup for just over 8 miles.

As per usual, I was all keyed up for the longer run.  I was running well.  Really well.  I'll come back to the major positive in a minute. Up to 4 miles, I was fine.  The group split and we headed off towards Sidcup.  Then that damn god awful thing happens.  Its so horrible that you just cant really even begin to describe it.

You're happily running along and all of a sudden there's a huge gurgle coming from your stomach.  At the end of that gurgle, it feels as though your stomach has dropped and the entire contents of your stomach has dropped to about 1cm from your 'chocolate starfish'.

Immediately, the fear strikes you like being slapped by a wet kipper.

Oh...

My...

God...

The instant reaction is to stop running.  The running motion on the body really doesnt help matters.  Then the brain kicks in... "where is the nearest toilet?"...

The brain goes into computation mode...

"Is there a pub nearby?"..."McDonalds?"..."anything else?"...

No was the answer.  Where we was at that particular point in time was equidistant from any possibility of popping in to use their facilities.  The nearest option was to get back to the club (a mere 1.36 miles away according to my Garmin on checking later!)

I quickly explained to the backmarker, Peter, that I was turning back.  He looked a little shocked when I explained I had stomach cramps and I had to get back quickly...

Then it was all about survival.

I had to get back quick...but not run too much as I was just going to aggravate the situation...

Jog...get a serious twinge...stop immediately...walk very slowly...feel safer...jog...get a serious twinge...and so on.  Thoughts were turning to "would I do a Paula Radcliffe?  how the hell will I walk through the bar to the changing rooms if I let go?"...

I made it back to the club just in time.  I literally ran down the driveway of the club, straight through the doors into the bar, straight into the toilet with the door slamming behind me.

I emerged 10 mins later when a biohazard team entered the building to close the 'gents' from further use...

How the hell I got back without a serious incident I will never know.

The whole episode reminded me of this scene from Dumb and Dumber...

Anyhow, with the crap out of the way (pardon the bad pun), I can concentrate on the major positive to take out of the 4 good miles I did run.
I said I was feeling good.  There's a nice hill that we regularly climb when out with the Plums.  We dont run up it very often as we normally come the other way as its part of our 10k course.
As I was running up it, I was thinking to myself I was feeling really good and really strong.  I wasnt too far off the front and I thought I really must go home and check out the stats for the segment.
Here it is...

Its not a massive lump by any means but its definitely a tester.  Now look at the times I've recorded for the segment...

A new PB for the segment by 11 seconds with an almost identical average HR measurement.  I'll take that gladly given I'm currently weighing a little bit more than this time last year.
More significantly, its my fastest time this year by some considerable margin, some 27 seconds.  Bearing in mind I was suffering from the Paris overtraining hangover at that point will have something to do with it (check out that increased average HR again!) so am definitely moving in the right direction.

Back on the wagon...

Following Amsterdam, I was determined not to make the same mistakes as I had done after Paris.  I was going to properly rest for 2 weeks before running again.

However, it didnt quite turn out like that.

I didnt run for 8 days but I was itching to get out again by then so I thought I'd go out for a gentle plod.  As it so happened, it was a Tuesday night and I was staying with Alison in Petts Wood so I thought why not go for a run with the local club, Petts Wood Runners.

In comparison to the Plums, PWR is a much bigger club with much larger number of runners and it was quite strange turning up for a club run with about 70-80 people, where as 20 would be a great turn out for the Plums.

The advantage PWR have is that they can put on a selection of runs, covering various different paces.  7 groups, all bases covered.  Everything from the slows peeps through to the fast guys and girls.

Because I was recovering from Amsterdam, I chose group 5, which stated from the outset that the average pace for the run of just over 10k would be 9:15 min/mile pace, something I can usually do with my eyes shut and without not too much effort.

If I'm honest, I felt pretty good throughout the run and didnt feel as though I was busting a gut but one alarm bell was beginning to ring. Well, lets say bleep. My average HR was 168bpm. Now thats my race pace average HR. Uh-oh. From previous experiences, seeing a highly elevated average HR for a run of not taxing effort is a sure sign of tiredness and overtraining. Thus I decided to have another 6 days off before attempting to run again.

Now, PWR.  The run was good, it was a decent route but it was so different from a run with the Plums.  With the Plums, its a really happy camp.  Everyone is pleased to see the other members and you hit it off instantly.  A 8-9 mile run is usually peppered with conversation from the usual suspects and we discuss everything and anything from the football, women...you name it, its constant chat all the way round, no matter how hard the run is.  Its that kind of bonding, down to earth and very personal.  PWR didnt strike me like that.  I introduced myself to the group leader at the start of the run and that was pretty much it for the conversation until the last half a mile or so.  Very strange.  I hope if I run with them in the future it will be a bit different to that.

During that extended 6 day rest period, I spoke to Alison about how I tend to take longer than most to recover from a marathon and I really needed to get back on the wagon as I knew I'd put on some weight but I needed to lose it.  Alison was keen to join me on the regime and we decided to get some new scales.  Not just any scales though.  Luckily for me, Alison is a keen gadget lover too and we opted for some wi-fi linked scales, the Withings WS-50.

They're expensive but they're definitely worth it.  You get on the scales first thing in the morning, your weight is then transmitted by wi-fi to the Withings app on your iPhone (also compatible with Android smartphones) then you can tie your Withings account to your My Fitness Pal account and you have the complete weight loss tool at your disposal, as long as you're committed to counting the calories.

(Talking Alison being a gadget lover, we've bought her a Garmin Vivosmart.  Its a fitness activity tracker which plugs into the Garmin Connect system that I've been using for years, which can sync with My Fitness Pal.  She's been experiencing a few teething problems but once we've sorted them, I'll attempt to write up a brief review!)

Anyhow, 17 days in...

...one 'bad' day which took me 200 calories over but I'm running a calorie deficit for the 17 days and I've lost almost half a stone and my body fat percentage is between 14-15% which I'll take gladly. Now thats progress.  I could do with losing 4-5lb more then I'll be happy.  It'll take a couple of weeks but I'm moving in the right direction.

I can already feel the difference in my running in that short space of time.

Since running in Petts Wood on a regular basis, I've made a short 2.8 mile out and back loop from Alison's road which is nicely undulating and creates a sort-of fartlek if you like, as the pace can change throughout due to the gradient.

The loop is here...

Now the four times I have run the loop since the start of the weight-loss kickstarter, you can see my times have improved and my HR is steadily dropping...

Data captured from Strava...via Garmin Connect

Last week's Wednesday night Plums run was brutal and was quite possibly the hardest run we've done on a Wednesday night in a long time.

Three big climbs in Shooters Hill, Eglinton Hill and Bostall Hill with a nice little flattish bit in the last mile and a half to open the legs up and kick for home. My HR was reasonably stable and increased where I would expect it to be, so more evidence that I'm getting over Amsterdam and I'm getting back to where I should be.

I think we can safely say I'm back on the wagon of consistency and discipline. Damn it, did that bacon roll just pass my lips?

Marathon #4 - TCS Amsterdam Marathon

"Honey, are you ok?"

No, I wasnt.  It was Wednesday morning.  I'd just got out of bed, walked to the bathroom, turned the shower on and while it was taking the few seconds to warm up, I'd turned to look at my face in the mirror and for whatever reason, I decided to give myself a very big stretch.  Ooooh, it felt great.  A little bit more, raise them arms above my head and aaaarrrrgggghhhh, it felt as though someone had stuck a red hot soldering iron into the base of my neck, where the neck meets the shoulder blade.

Within a nanosecond, I was almost screaming in discomfort and my girlfriend Alison came rushing in to see what was wrong.  Putting a brave face on it, I said I'd be ok but my thoughts were already turning to Sunday's marathon.  I'd put a lot of training in, it would be just typical of my luck if something so insignificant would stop me now.

Off I went to work on a cocktail of Ibuprofen and Deep Heat but I was struggling.  Sitting at my desk in the office was torture.  My boss offered me a hot water bottle and it seemed to do the trick for a while, until I realised that if you put in boiling water, you'll end up with first-degree burns.  What a cockwomble.*

Thankfully, within 48 hours and on to Friday morning, the discomfort became less and I got a lot more movement back in my neck, so I was feeling fairly confident that I would be running.

The excitement kicked in at 4pm on Friday when I left my office in Whitechapel and headed to Canary Wharf to meet Alison where we took the short trip on the DLR to City Airport.  A reasonably quick check in, sat down with a drink for half an hour then boarded the plane.  Just over an hour later, we were in Schiphol airport, Amsterdam.  All fairly straightforward, jumped in a taxi from the airport and took about ten minutes to get to our hotel, which was just south of Amsterdam's Vondelpark, which was around the 40km mark on the marathon route so was ideally situated.

First thing I done on the Saturday was go on a very slow leisurely jog down to the start at the Olympic Stadium and to locate the Marathon Expo where we would later go to collect my race number.  The Olympic Stadium was originally built for the summer Olympics in 1928, so its one of them proper old-fashioned stadiums, nothing like those you would see in the Premiership or Football League in England.  I felt reasonably ok, the shoulder felt as best it had done and I headed back to the hotel quitely content and looking forward to the race on Sunday.

1 day to go...

Alison and I headed down to the Expo, collected the race number and had a quick look around.  Now Alison isnt a runner so this was a first for her.  She was taken aback by the scale of the operation involved.  I guess until you come to an Expo, it just doesnt hit you.

Outside the Expo

We didnt hang about too long and made our way outside.  The plan was to go into Amsterdam Central and by pure chance, a tram came along heading for Amsterdam Central Station so we jumped on board and tried to get our bearings.

The main plan of action was to get some pasta somewhere, followed by some window shopping (no, not to be confused with that kind of window shopping in Amsterdam!) then back to the hotel before going out for dinner.

All went to plan.  We found a nice little Italian place and we were served with the biggest plate of pasta you have ever seen.  Then we went shopping.  Before we went, Alison's friend had told her of a shop that sold second-hand vintage designer handbags and she was keen to have a look, so we headed off to "L'Étoile de Saint Honoré" (in Oude Spiegelstraat 1 if any of you ladies are interested!) to take a look.  Thankfully, Alison came out empty handed.  My eyes watered at the price of a second-hand Hermès handbag (you could actually buy a reasonably decent second-hand Ford Fiesta for the same price!)

After a walk through the vintage clothes and antique shops, we made our way back into the town centre.  We took a quick drinks break in the Irish pub (convenient as Spurs just happened to be the early kick off and the second half was just starting) and then done some more shopping before heading back to the hotel.

Near 'Dam Square

We'd found a nice looking restaurant near our hotel in the Museum quarter of the City called Van Dam (no, not a relation to the actor, he was Belgian remember!) and we'd booked a table for 7:30.  The food was fabulous.  Back to the hotel for a reasonably early night and to catch up with X Factor (yes, I kid you not, I'm a big fan).  Thanks to the 1 hour time difference, we were back at the hotel for 9pm, just as X Factor was starting in the UK.

All ready the night before disaster struck...

The plan was to put the feet up, make sure I was well hydrated and get that early night.  Unfortunately, it didnt quite work out like that.  Within ten minutes of laying on the bed, I felt beyond awful.  I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach.  I was really uncomfortable.  I had to make a run for the bathroom...

The next couple of hours was a complete write off.  Bathroom, back out feeling reasonably better but ten minutes later, I was back in the bathroom again.  Oh well, so much for carb loading.  I had nothing left.  I felt exhausted.  I knew I needed to eat something but I just couldnt.  I needed to make sure the stomach was settled before doing that.

I didnt get much sleep that night.  Its impossible in that condition.  The alarm went off at 6:30am and I jumped out of bed to turn the alarm off as to not wake Alison as well but it seemed as though she was as worried as I was and had been awake most of the night.  I felt sick but I forced myself to eat some porridge.  It wasnt going down well.  I felt so rough I was almost gagging on it.  It was turning my stomach.

If the truth be told, I knew deep down that I really shouldnt have started the marathon.  It was idiotic given the state I was in but I'd be damned if I was giving in and being the stubborn type, I geed myself up.

At 8:30am, we took a slow walk down to the start at the Olympic Stadium.  By the time I got in the fresh air, I was feeling much better.  My stomach was settled but I felt empty.  I knew I didnt have a full marathon in me and I'd probably end up run/walking at some point but the plan was to battle on as much as I could and then when the time came, walk if I really had to.

When we got to the stadium, it was chaotic to say the least.  The organisers has said that all runners had to be inside the stadium at 9:15am when they would shut the doors, ahead of a 9:30am start.  I left Alison to get in the throng of runners trying to get into the stadium and by the time she said she was at the 10km point, I had moved about 200 yards, still outside the stadium.

Eventually we got into the stadium just as the Elite runners started.  I couldnt get in the orange starting pen and nor could hundreds of others.  It didnt really matter as the pen was released pretty soon but chaos ensued again as it appeared they'd opened up two slower pens at the same time, meaning that it would be a case of running around slower runners for the first few miles until the crowds started dispersing.

The start at the Olympic Stadium

I'd been training for sub 4 hour marathon time and it was a realistic achievement.  However, I knew pretty quickly that I had next to nothing in my legs.  The first three mile splits were 9:21, 9:20 and 9:24.  I felt reasonably comfortable but I knew I then had to run the next three at 9min/mile pace.  Usually easy.  This time, not so.  Fourth mile split 9:00 absolutely spot on, perfect rhythm, the breathing was good and relax.  The legs didnt feel right at all.  bleep...looked down at the Garmin and it read 9:24.  My average heart rate was much higher than normal for the pace too.  I was having to work so much harder than usual to try and keep to pace.  Next mile 9:20.

As I came through 10k, I saw Alison at the side of the road, shouting on some encouragement.  I blew her a kiss and she shouted that she'd see me at 25...erm 25km?  25 miles?  Well I'll just have to keep an eye out for both...

It was around mile 7-8 I'd reasoned with myself that I'd be well happy with around 4hr 10min, it would still be a PB so I'll revise my average pace down to around 9:30min/mile and I'd still be ok.  Miles 9, 10 and 11 felt comfortable at pretty much bang on the revised pace but I could literally feel the energy draining from my legs.  From mile 9 onwards, the course follows the Amstel River out of town then the route loops back on a 7 mile detour and it is mentally draining.

I remembered I'd cycled this road on day 3 of London to Brussels in 2013 and the good memories came flooding back but it also reminded me that I was in peak physical condition that time, the same couldnt be said this time around.

The Amstel River section pretty much broke me.  As some point between mile 11 and 12, I walked.  For me its like the walk of shame because you're admitting defeat but I had no choice.  My right hamstring was tight behind my knee, I felt drained, I just felt horrible.  It was only like 10-20 yards or something but it was enough to be staring defeat in the face.  Once you've walked, there's no coming back from that.  From mile 12 onwards, I run/walked the second half of the marathon for the most part.  I was physically and mentally drained.

I did remember to look out for Alison at 25km but I didnt see her (although she was there apparently!)  The second half of the Amsterdam marathon is not something I'll look back at with fondness.  I've never hurt so bad at any point in my life.  My neck and shoulder was giving me grief, my hamstrings were so tight you could play them like guitar strings, my feet hurt, my calves were throbbing.

The crowd support in the last couple of miles through the Vondelpark was brilliant.  Thats what I can imagine running London must be like.  The final 2km was hell on earth.  By then, both hamstrings were riddled with cramp and I could hardly move.  The marathon finished by running back into the Olympic Stadium and around the running track for the last 300m.

300m to go...back at the Olympic Stadium

Into the last 25m and in pain...

It was a relief to get over the line.  Bearing the state I was in, it was a minor miracle I finished in a marathon I had no right to start.  My Garmin time 4:34:00, official chip time 4:34:02.  No PB but my fourth marathon finish.

Obligatory Medal and FInishers T Shirt shot...

Then Apple Inc. have a lot to answer for.  I pulled out my iPhone from its arm pouch and tried to call Alison.  Totally non-responsive.  Brilliant.  It only came back to life 30 minutes later when I was 200 yards away from the hotel.  You just couldnt make it up.

After a shower (yes, why the hell did our room not have a bath?), we headed back out into town for some food.  Typically, the restaurant we chose had three floors and we had to walk up two flights of stairs which really wasn't the best thing for a marathon runner.

Post-Marathon Protein Overload

Alison bartered with one of the locals to persuade him to take us back to the hotel on his rickshaw.  Job done.  Back to the hotel for beer and champagne while we watched Chloe get voted off X Factor in the sing off (who the hell keeps voting for Stevi btw?!)

Lovely weekend, shame about the marathon :) 

*Cockwomble (coq-womm-bull) noun. Person possessing properties of striking idiocy. (Example: That bloke is a f*cking cockwomble)