My younger son, Matthew (18yrs) was watching the Helsinki Games earlier, being very much a sporty person, and was cheering Paula Radcliffe. He then said that he wanted to run a marathon, so I started to explain that it's not quite that easy . . . the training regime alone taking 12 months of dedicated effort, just to be able to cover the distance without collapse. He would not be deterred though, so to offer him encouragement, I said that I would match his efforts, and I would run with him, father and son. He was rather chuffed by this, my wife was horrified, and then I realised exactly what I had committed myself to. The last marathon I ran was nearly 20 years ago, at 50 I am now classed as a veteran (!), and I know precisely the physical and psychological effort and discomfort involved. However, I consider myself a man of honour, and regard my word as binding. The bonding with my 18yr old son will be worth it though.
So over the next few months I may being seeking inspiration from you all to keep me going, gosh this is taking me back . . .
A rather deranged Derek
Derek I hope you have a super duper holiday to prepare you in readiness for your task in the following months. What a super idea.. such fatherly dedication.. Go for it!!!!!!!!!! Lorna.
Well just been for a preliminary 5m run with my son to measure my fitness. It is pretty poor, I had to stop 3 times due to oxygen debt. Finish time 45m, that is 9 minute miles ! ! ! My son bless him, held back and stayed with me all the way.
Thank you Lorna and Wardy for the support! There is no way my son will lose interest, he was looking wistful when the London Marathon was on, my only escape is if I am declared clinically insane, hmm there's a thought . . .
My favourite shoes are Hitec Silver Shadows, don't know if you can still get them, they fit my feet like gloves, even with an absurdly long second toe.
Somehow I think my holiday is now going to involve beach runs and several lengths of the pool before breakfast. Actually I wouldn't mind that, at least I could relax with a clear conscience.
so, which marathon are you going for then?
or, maybe you could both start on a half marathon - i thought there was one up north somewhere...?
There is a large calendar of Marathons all round the country Svea. There are at least three locally (around coventry), namely the Shakespeare around Stratford, another at Wolverhampton, and a third over in Leicestershire. It is too early to home on a particular one, need to get the training moving first.
You perhaps have been thinking of 'the Great North Run' located around Gateshead. I think that is either a half marathon or ten miles, can't remember which.
My son has already apparently run a half marathon, in 2 hours, so he wants to do the 'biggie'. Whichever marathon we choose, I have to be able to drive there and back, so the distance is obviously a factor, since I will be seriously tired for the return.
Wow Derek I am dead impressed! What a brilliant dad! I've told myself I'd do the Great North Run one of these years but have not ever got motivated enough. Wouldn't know where to start training wise. The GNR is a half marathon... just for your info. Anyway I think you are fab...looking forward to cheering you along with your training! ;D ;D
Hee Hee derek,
Had you had too much vino when you made such a rash declaration.
Debs ;D
Wow!! Well done you Derek, think it's an amazing thing to do. Agree with Debs, may have been wise to have finished rhubarb stock first.... :-\ I would join you of course, but bit busy with origami sprouts ......... ;) Don't forget, loads of paper bags ;D Lottie
Very model father of you ;D The question now is - what's your son going to do in return? ;D ;D
Well ellkebe, the time will come I guess when he will need to choose a retirement home for me . . . :D
Thanks Lottie, I understand on the origami sprouts. Will do what I can regarding the paper bags . . .
Update on the training front.
Started at 0700 this morning, with beach runs. That soon ended after 1/2 mile, as the sand is too coarse and it is like running through a tar pit. So we ended up running on the promenade, total 2 miles. Later we got in 400m of swimming, I have actually found something that I am better at than my son! The bay is 1/2 mile long, so I hope to swim that regularly.
Tomorrow is another day, hope that goes well too.
Cheerio from sunny Spain !
Derekthefox
Oooh 'eck! You're going to need a hloiday after all this...... ::)Lottie ;D
Derek - glad you're enjoying yourself. Although remember you're supposed to be relaxing!
I don't think I could run 1/2 a mile, let alone 2!
I don't think I know the meaning of the word relaxation - somehow I gather that you understand what I mean . . .
I also think I my need to leave my son out of these training sessions though, he is looking exhausted! But I do relish being able to outswim him! he he he.
It is very pleasant here though, except for the crowds, thousands of thousands of manic partying animals . . .
Found a lovely peaceful coastal walk, will get pictures, it is becoming a training run tomorrow ha haha!
OK back from my hollies now. Managed to get a run in every day, extending to about 3 1/2 miles of tough coastal cliff running. My son was not inclined towards the swimming, so that got the heave-ho : :( He managed the distances ok, but hated getting up at 7 am to train ! ! ! I loved it :D
I hope to re-run my 5 mile route this afternoon to re-assess my fitness level.
***UPDATE Completed the distance without any undue distress, and a respectable time for my current level of fitness as well.
So the real training can begin now . . .
Well at least this has given me a focus . . .
Derekthefox :D
Well done Derek. You're an absolute inspiration to us all (not to make silly promises to our kids!)
Well done Derek but do be careful running on uneven ground, especially beaches. My husband and next door neighbour have both sprained their ankles running on the beach. The neighbour was out of action after that for ages!!
Anna :)
Thank you for your concern Annadl, you are of course absolutely right about the risks of running on uneven ground. My son and I both ditched the beach running after the first session, as it was far too taxing, with the sand being so coarse. The same hazards also apply to rough tracks though, so I am always vigilant (until I trip of course!).
Fortunately I am back home now and my running mainly consists of road running, which has its own problems. So I am paying a lot of attention to making sure I have footwear which is well cushioned to reduce the impact damage which is so common to long distance running. For me personally, this mainly shows as hip pain/soreness, or sciatica, and surprising neckache (watch Paula Radcliffe running to explain that one!). I don't intend to do this as a lifelong pursuit though, so as long as I can beat my son over the finish line . . . ;D ;D ;D
I am fairly clear now, our initial target run is the Shakespeare Marathon, around Stratford upon Avon, at the beginning of May 2006. So that is a 8 month training programme, encompassing the worst of the winter. My target time? Lets talk about that later eh?
Thanks again for your concerns Annadl, I promise to be careful! ! !
Derekthefox :D
Wonderful news for me today, I went shopping in the stinking heat this afternoon, and found my favourite running shoes - Hitec Silver Shadow - in JJB Sports at the ridiculous price of £17 ! ! !
So now I have two pairs, a tatty pair used for training, and a new pair which will be my event shoes. I would normally expect to pay £50 upward for marathon shoes but these feel perfect, so there is no need to waste money on stuff that may not feel as good in the end. I may go back and get another couple of pairs at that price . . .
Just got to motivate myself for a 5 mile run now in this torrid heat, think I will leave it until after 5pm to let the heat fade a little . . .
***UPDATE***
Completed the run, despite the heat. When almost home, a young lady looked rather disgustedly at me (which doesnt surprise me) then when I looked at my chest, there were gobs of saliva dribbled all across it ! ! !
Thank you for letting me share that with you, I think I have earned a beer and a shower!
Derekthefox :D
Another update, perhaps Eric will enjoy this one.
When going for a run, don't do it at 3.30pm. Schools out ! Apart from the sheer numbers of kids flooding all the paths, there are always some who consider it fun to goad and run round and across my path. One such lad, about 12-13 I guess, thought he could outrun me, so I challenged him to a 400 yd sprint up the road. Well I just upped my pace a tad, and was barking at him on his shoulder like a sargeant major, but he still collapsed gasping after about 100 yds. I just finished the 400 and drifted off. ;D
More cheerful news though is that I am completing faster times over 5 miles than my son. I think he is not taking this training seriously enough.
Derekthefox :D
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
Awwww thank you Dominique ...
Derekthefox :D
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
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
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
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
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. ;)
I've always had to wear shoes a size too big because of the shape of my feet.
I,m reeeeeeeeeally impressed
Go Derek Go!!!!!!
Go for it Derek you appear to be starting in the right direction.
Vony.
Awww thanks, Delilah, and Vony! And Robert, and Jill (joji) ... :)
Derekthefox :D
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!
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
Fors those that don't understand what I am on about ...
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
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
Hmmm, well you could always post a picture of yours, I am certain they must look better than mine ! ! !
Derekthefox :D
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?
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
Good luck with your progress Foxy. I too have manky feet but neer knew there was a proper name for it. :)
Well whatever it is called, I think manky is a more apt description ! ;D
Derekthefox :D
Everybody thinks they ve got manky feet !!!!
Perhaps, Delilah, but if you saw the state of mine, you would agree ;D
Derekthefox :D
uuuuurgh! this to me is like reading a horror story...I really don't like feet..I'm going to throw up !
Ok Heldi, quick now, steer it away from feet ! ! !
Derekthefox :D
I like shoes though !
and I suppose if I ddn't have feet I wouldn't have so many pairs of spiffing shoes...
Awww you're doing my head in now ! ! !
The topic is still on feet !
Derekthefox :D
Hats ?
yes, well the weather is getting cooler, so I will need gloves and a woolly hat, also useful for my skating lessons, and eventually skiing lessons too.
I already have one of those lovely fleecy hats with the massive ear flaps, but its not really suitable for running in! ! !
Derekthefox :D
I think you'd suit a deerstalker.
I used to have one, no idea where it went to ... that is not suitable for running in either ... ;D
Derekthefox :D
You probably left it on the Enterprise
I can just see the promotions for this season's spectacular -
Star Trek on Ice ...
;D ;D ;D
Derekthefox :D
Lo Mr Fox...must say, once a runner, always a runner. Don't you just love the energy it gives you (even if it's only for 1/2 hour after a run, before you pass out). Are you doing the diet bit too? Eating lots of loverly potatoes. I wonder how hard it is to grow oats? Not something I've seen on a lottie :-)
I think you're doing a great thing, for you and your boy, and I'll think of you while Im pounding the pavements of an evening (no matter how loverly it is when you actually do it, morning running is too much of an effort for me).
;D
I must admit, I get a thrill from going out on a 10 or 15 mile run, then coming back and just carrying on ... I am not on any particular diet now - except for the seefood thing - see food and eat it. My appetite is embarrassing now, I just demolish food. And I have a slim waist again! i am a grain person, rather than potatoes, I love bread and pasta ...
I run in the evenings for practical reasons, but I would prefer to do mornings if I had the time ... it is a magical time ...
Derekthefox :D
Hmm.. maybe an earlier night would allow more time in the morning Derek!!
;D
;D
;D
Well I am not exactly the best person to pass comment there now am I?
Derekthefox :D
I was in bed nice and early and still don't have the energy to get up in the morning!!! :-[
Perhaps you're just not a morning person then ... :)
Anyway, I have just returned from my 10m, and have broken my initial target time of 80 mins. I could now run a 1h45m half marathon. A little celebration is in order, a few beers in the chatroom tonight I think.
Derekthefox :D