WOW
16 weeks later and 2 stone lighter...I crossed the finish line of the 2007 Flora London Marathon...
Apart from Molly being born this was the most amazing events of my life, it was awesome...
The support from my family, my friends, work colleagues, the charities and everyone at Quins has been amazing and really helped to get me through the training and the course, special mention has to go out to Gemma and the two very special girls Emma & Molly who words of encouragment really did help me to get to the end of this challenge.
I started this 16 weeks ago, struggling to run a mile & half and yet here we are running with 35,000 other people and getting to the end of this fantastic event.
The support on the course was unbelievable with people shouting out your name and offering the words of encouragement, and yes..the large group of people in the Docklands singing "macho man" to me really did help, Lou seeing and hearing you in The Embankment was perfect really putting the running back into my legs.
The course was spectacular, passing so many of London great attractions, getting to Tower Bridge was a good feeling, the heat of the day was a major problem but I took it steady and kept drinking, I found running around the Docklands really really hard, but kept pushing and then coming out of the Docklands at mile 20 and the run home along the Embankment was intense.
Seeing Emma, in the Grandstands (thanks Steve) was brillant really help me push home to the line.
Today I am at home, with 2 very large blisters on the balls of my feet, but feeling very proud of myself, and really wanting to do next year...so watch this space.
Andy
Monday, 23 April 2007
Thursday, 15 March 2007
Week 11 Day 3
A couple of well earned rest days, giving my niggles a chance to heal and my hydration and glycogen stores a chance to sort themselves out....see almost sound like a runner.
Well back to the road tonight, with a much needed speed session to get me out of my comfort zone...
Tonight should be fun, and will let you know how it all goes tomorrow.
Andy
Well back to the road tonight, with a much needed speed session to get me out of my comfort zone...
Tonight should be fun, and will let you know how it all goes tomorrow.
Andy
Monday, 12 March 2007
Week 11 Day 1
The day after the Fleet Half Marathon -
Wow that was really really hard work, 13 miles of a very hilly route in some hot weather.
My time was 2 hours and 23 minutes and oh 17 seconds - and my knees felt everyone one of those seconds and miles. I was a little disappointed with my time as was really hoping to be around in about 2 hours 15mins but the route was rather hilly lol.
It was really good I had never run either that distance or for that amount of time, Its really hard trying to get a comprehension of that sort of distance when you are on the ground, but there was a good crowd and it surprised me how much that seems to carry you through.
But I did it and the best bit was the end (funny that!!!) made my grand entrance with lads from the Army which was cool....waiting for the offical time and photographs to be added to the website.
So today (Monday) my knees hurt and walking up and down the stairs is a source of much amusement but I've got my medal and for taking a few hours of my day it was really really good fun...and I will be doing it again next year too and I'll be a lot lighter and hopefully a little quicker...
Right six weeks to go till the big one, so today is a rest day and then 5 weeks of steady training to increase my distance and stamina...
Having been told off to I will be keeping my blogg more upto date too...
Andy
Wow that was really really hard work, 13 miles of a very hilly route in some hot weather.
My time was 2 hours and 23 minutes and oh 17 seconds - and my knees felt everyone one of those seconds and miles. I was a little disappointed with my time as was really hoping to be around in about 2 hours 15mins but the route was rather hilly lol.
It was really good I had never run either that distance or for that amount of time, Its really hard trying to get a comprehension of that sort of distance when you are on the ground, but there was a good crowd and it surprised me how much that seems to carry you through.
But I did it and the best bit was the end (funny that!!!) made my grand entrance with lads from the Army which was cool....waiting for the offical time and photographs to be added to the website.
So today (Monday) my knees hurt and walking up and down the stairs is a source of much amusement but I've got my medal and for taking a few hours of my day it was really really good fun...and I will be doing it again next year too and I'll be a lot lighter and hopefully a little quicker...
Right six weeks to go till the big one, so today is a rest day and then 5 weeks of steady training to increase my distance and stamina...
Having been told off to I will be keeping my blogg more upto date too...
Andy
On the stand....
On Saturday at the Stoop....
First of all, to all the people that stopped by to put money in the bucket and also to offer great words of encouragement....THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH.
I really enjoyed meeting and talking to you all and heard some great marathon stories, and to the young lady with the shin splints...hang in there, take it steady and I'm sure with your visits to the house of pain you'll get right back on track and be ready to go for it on April 22nd.
As for the match, I think someone forgot to tell the team to come out for the second half!!!
But my first every half marathon tomorrow - which will be a few 1st for me, the 1st time in a race, the 1st time running in a big group, 1st time doing 13 miles and the 1st time running for over 2 hours....
I am both excited and also very nervous about the event but I shall give it a good go, it is after all only a weekend long training run.
Andy
First of all, to all the people that stopped by to put money in the bucket and also to offer great words of encouragement....THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH.
I really enjoyed meeting and talking to you all and heard some great marathon stories, and to the young lady with the shin splints...hang in there, take it steady and I'm sure with your visits to the house of pain you'll get right back on track and be ready to go for it on April 22nd.
As for the match, I think someone forgot to tell the team to come out for the second half!!!
But my first every half marathon tomorrow - which will be a few 1st for me, the 1st time in a race, the 1st time running in a big group, 1st time doing 13 miles and the 1st time running for over 2 hours....
I am both excited and also very nervous about the event but I shall give it a good go, it is after all only a weekend long training run.
Andy
Monday, 5 March 2007
A niggle followed by a cold....
When does it stop...this feeling pants thing....
Well after a couple of sessions in the house of pain, and a major bout of man flu (sorry girls...you wont understand) I am now fighting fit and back on the long hard training road...
After a couple of short runs and not really any tenderness in either the knee or hip I am really really pleased..
So yesterday, that day that was blowing a hooley and sheet raining there I was like a true professional out in all my finest running gear, planned to cover 11 miles but managed 10 and felt really good....a real psychological win as have a half marathon on Sunday in Fleet.
A rest day (Monday) but feeling really good, have a meeting with the guys from The Shooting Star Childrens Hospice tomorrow to charge the motivation batteries once again....
So a number of steady training session this week and am looking to get out with the guys from Sandhurst joggers and run in a group situation...both really nervous and looking forward to that too.
So please check back tomorrow and I'll let you know how I'm getting on..
Andy
Well after a couple of sessions in the house of pain, and a major bout of man flu (sorry girls...you wont understand) I am now fighting fit and back on the long hard training road...
After a couple of short runs and not really any tenderness in either the knee or hip I am really really pleased..
So yesterday, that day that was blowing a hooley and sheet raining there I was like a true professional out in all my finest running gear, planned to cover 11 miles but managed 10 and felt really good....a real psychological win as have a half marathon on Sunday in Fleet.
A rest day (Monday) but feeling really good, have a meeting with the guys from The Shooting Star Childrens Hospice tomorrow to charge the motivation batteries once again....
So a number of steady training session this week and am looking to get out with the guys from Sandhurst joggers and run in a group situation...both really nervous and looking forward to that too.
So please check back tomorrow and I'll let you know how I'm getting on..
Andy
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
No Pain No Gain!!!!
Hi everyone
I was going to title this as "Andy Beckensale house of pain!!" and for you that know this will clearly tell you that I have been to NEC Harlequins Sports injury clinic...
Let me start by telling you all that if you have any niggles, pains, injuries or are recovery from an operation and want some fantastic advice and guidance, in a very modern enviroment then these are the guys to call....they are brillant and really know there stuff too.
Now that's the sales job over, god it hurt...after my initial consulation it would appear that my knee niggle is caused by having flabby butt cheeks - the offical name is I have some tendonitus in my Iliotibial Band - caused by a weakness in my glutes...see flabby butt cheeks.
After being told by Andy in the understatement of the year - "your not going to enjoy this bit" he pushed his thumb into my muscle and it felt that he stopped as it reached his elbow...which was followed by me saying by jove my good man you seem to have hit the spot or anglo saxon words to that effect.
So after an hour of being stretched, pulled and twisted it was finally over with arragements to meet again on Friday....cant wait!!
No run today, as wanted to rest my muscle totally but will be training tomorrow.
Andy
I was going to title this as "Andy Beckensale house of pain!!" and for you that know this will clearly tell you that I have been to NEC Harlequins Sports injury clinic...
Let me start by telling you all that if you have any niggles, pains, injuries or are recovery from an operation and want some fantastic advice and guidance, in a very modern enviroment then these are the guys to call....they are brillant and really know there stuff too.
Now that's the sales job over, god it hurt...after my initial consulation it would appear that my knee niggle is caused by having flabby butt cheeks - the offical name is I have some tendonitus in my Iliotibial Band - caused by a weakness in my glutes...see flabby butt cheeks.
After being told by Andy in the understatement of the year - "your not going to enjoy this bit" he pushed his thumb into my muscle and it felt that he stopped as it reached his elbow...which was followed by me saying by jove my good man you seem to have hit the spot or anglo saxon words to that effect.
So after an hour of being stretched, pulled and twisted it was finally over with arragements to meet again on Friday....cant wait!!
No run today, as wanted to rest my muscle totally but will be training tomorrow.
Andy
Week 9 Day 1
Hi everyone
Rest day today so no running wahoooooo!!!!!
Let me say a massive thanks to all the people who have shown there support in terms of both sponsorship and also words or encouragement - it couldnt have come at a better time in terms of my mental battle - so thank you all VERY much.
But in addtion let me tell you about a few fund raising things that are happening -
Its offical, I am now on the comeallwithin (www.comeallwithin.co.uk) the Quins supporters website, and also on the NEC Harlequins (www.quins.co.uk) offical site, this is getting really real now!!!!
Due to some some excellent support work by my wife Emma, the fantastic CA onsite Montessori Children’s Centre where our daughter, Molly, has been since she was four and a half months old. The events committee in the centre are going to run a fundraising project for the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.
This will involve things like putting up posters within the centre, emails to the parents, and also using it to teach the children about caring for others and charity work as a whole – which I think is fantastic.
In addition to this, CA have said that we can have a table outside the restaurant one lunchtime to raise awareness and take donations.
I have also been out badgering people for money, and have a real claim to fame and that is I have been able to raise a £100.00 sponsorship from the people in the accounts department at my work, not an easy task - so thank you all so much.
I will also be on the Quinssa stand at the Saracens home game (10th March) so if you dont want to see me in lycra get your money out!!!!!
More to follow soon-
Andy
Rest day today so no running wahoooooo!!!!!
Let me say a massive thanks to all the people who have shown there support in terms of both sponsorship and also words or encouragement - it couldnt have come at a better time in terms of my mental battle - so thank you all VERY much.
But in addtion let me tell you about a few fund raising things that are happening -
Its offical, I am now on the comeallwithin (www.comeallwithin.co.uk) the Quins supporters website, and also on the NEC Harlequins (www.quins.co.uk) offical site, this is getting really real now!!!!
Due to some some excellent support work by my wife Emma, the fantastic CA onsite Montessori Children’s Centre where our daughter, Molly, has been since she was four and a half months old. The events committee in the centre are going to run a fundraising project for the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.
This will involve things like putting up posters within the centre, emails to the parents, and also using it to teach the children about caring for others and charity work as a whole – which I think is fantastic.
In addition to this, CA have said that we can have a table outside the restaurant one lunchtime to raise awareness and take donations.
I have also been out badgering people for money, and have a real claim to fame and that is I have been able to raise a £100.00 sponsorship from the people in the accounts department at my work, not an easy task - so thank you all so much.
I will also be on the Quinssa stand at the Saracens home game (10th March) so if you dont want to see me in lycra get your money out!!!!!
More to follow soon-
Andy
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