What have I done this time ! ! !

[Derekthefox]

For the small enclave of members who are actually interested !

My training has just reached the stage where I am beginning to cover 10 miles - first one today. A respectable time, considering I merely went out to survive the distance. I felt strong at the end, which indicates that I could tackle a half marathon without distress, although I have no interest in doing that.
I will be gradually phasing in more 10 miles runs each week, so that by Christmas I hope to be running 45 miles a week.

My son is training independently to me, so it is difficult to compare performance, but he seems to be doing ok.

More updates when they occur ...

Derekthefox :D

[Derekthefox]

[Derekthefox]

Awwww thank you Dominique ...

Derekthefox :D

[Twospot Ladybird]

Sounds like you're doing a grand job Derek, keep up the good work, there's no way my Dad could have done that at 40 never mind 50, it takes him all his time just to get out of bed in the morning  ::) You're a Dad to be proud of  ;D

[Derekthefox]

I will tell you something Ladybird, it is worth all the effort just to get posts such as yours.

I feel proud to be able to support my son.

Thank you!

Derekthefox :D

[Derekthefox]

Having started to feel the benefits of my fitness programme, I have been looking at other issues that concern my health, or more specifically, threaten it. The most visible issue to me is my alcohol consumption, which is unhealthily high. This is regular boozing, every night, rather than occasional 'beer monsters'. So in order to maximise the effects of my training, I decided to limit my drinking substantially, to nominally one can of beer a night, or two glasses of wine. ie about 2 units per day, as opposed to the 40 units per week which I have reached at times. Although it can be considered to support the training on an immediate basis, I am really looking at a lifestyle adjustment, so while you are all partying away like mad, I will be sat there with a glass of fruit juice or similar ... but still joining in the fun!

Derekthefox :D

[Derekthefox]

Well the effects of the training are starting to impact. I am currently running 28 miles per week, and feel this is about my limit at the moment, as I feel physically tired. I am also faced with a minor inconvenience, which I just regard as a simple challenge.

Skip this next bit if you are squeamish ...

I have a common condition known as Morton's toe, where the second toe is longer than the big toe. This presents problems for long distance running, as this toe takes all the impacting ...
Both toenails have gone black and the toenails are rather sensitive. I think I will lose both of them. I expect that to happen during the marathon anyway, so this does not surprise me now, it is just an inconvenience during training.

Other than that, I feel good, the distances are not giving me distress, so I hope that as my stamina increases, then so will my times ... I feel that I am on programme ...

Derekthefox :D

[joji]

My second toe is longer than my big toe too Derek so I know how you feel. I find it hard to find shoes that are comfotable enough to wear too so you will always find me in trainers. I have size 8 feet and they are a H width too.
Sounds like you are getting into it now though. ;)

[Robert_Brenchley]

I've always had to wear shoes a size too big because of the shape of my feet.

[Delilah]

I,m reeeeeeeeeally impressed

Go Derek Go!!!!!! 

[Vony]

Go for it Derek you appear to be starting in the right direction.
Vony.

[Derekthefox]

Awww thanks, Delilah, and Vony!  And Robert,  and Jill (joji) ... :)

Derekthefox :D

[Heldi]

Way hey Derek !  28 miles is brill!  ;D

Don't like to think about your toes though lol! 

P.S. I have the same toe set up....there...got you back...you can think of my toes from now on!

[Derekthefox]

Thanks Heldi,

yes my toes are looking a disturbing blue-black and all manky ...
Not appealing at all  ;D

Perhaps I should post a picture ...  :o

Derekthefox :D

[Derekthefox]

Fors those that don't understand what I am on about ...

[Derekthefox]

Yippee ! I finally appear to be making some progress ...

Had a cholesterol test at work this morning, the result was 4.23.
18 months ago, the figure was 5.95. The college nurse was very pleased, and so am I.

On the subject of the fitness level of my son, he has started running my 6 mile course (not measured - actually about 6.5m) and clocked 53 mins. I am regularly clocking less than 50 mins, so I am well chuffed. I may beat him over the finish line yet !

Derekthefox :D

[Heldi]

aaaargh Jean Luc you could've warned me there was a picture of your toes!  I hate feet,I only put up with mine becuase they are attached to me.

Well done with the training!  :D

[Derekthefox]

Hmmm, well you could always post a picture of yours, I am certain they must look better than mine ! ! !

Derekthefox :D

[Annadl]

You'll be so converted by the end of this all you will not want to give up!!

Well done Derek!

Does your son know how much effort you are putting into this?

[Derekthefox]

I have a feeling that by the time I have completed the marathon, I will be thinking 'never again'. The training is certainly taxing physically at the moment.

I hope my son will be impressed by my level of fitness, but since we don't train together, he doesn't see my performance.

Derekthefox :D

[BAGGY]

Good luck with your progress Foxy.  I too have manky feet but neer knew there was a proper name for it.  :)