Post 20: The End of a Very Long Road - August 2013

Hi,

From the title of this blog I'm sure you can guess what this entry is about. I have decided not to do the New York City Marathon in November and thought I would return to my blog to expand on my reason why.

Since I last wrote an entry to this blog I had intended to do the marathon, I had even run (survived) the Worcester half marathon back in April. But to be honest I was really struggling to get in to it. Without meaning to use Jacob (who is now 8 months old and doing very well) or starting a new job as an excuse, I just wasn't feeling the same about doing the marathon. I wasn't overly concerned to start with, thinking that I'd get my backside into gear as I got closer to going. However, that 'buzz' which I had before never came and it was when I was in New York recently that I decided not to do it.

Katie, Jacob and I recently were in New York for our friends' wedding, a fantastic occasion in Central Park. We went over for the week and used it as our holiday for the year. Being able to take Jacob around all those amazing sights was brilliant and we had a great time. Jacob would wake up rather early each morning and I took it upon myself to get up and talk him on early morning walks around Manhattan. It was on those walks that we went past significant places from my previous visit last November. We walked past the hotel I stayed in, where I was when I learnt the marathon was cancelled and a few other points of reference I remembered.

I had thought, and hoped, that walking around New York and seeing all these places again would inspire me to do the marathon and give me that 'buzz' I was struggling to find. That 'buzz' never came and it was then I started thinking about not doing it. At first I didn't say anything to anyone and thought about it a lot as I wanted to make sure it was the correct decision. It was the right decision and I have since spoken to a few people about it and allowed the realisation of it to sink in.

The short answer to why I'm not doing it is 'I don't want to do it'. Having gone through this all before I know the commitment I'd have to make between now and November, and I don't just mean the 4 days away from Katie and Jacob for me to actually travel to New York and run the marathon. I mean all the hours, particularly on weekends, I'd have to spend running and I'm just not willing to sacrifice that time I could be spending with Jacob.

Jacob has had an unbelievable impact on not just mine, but all our lives - and rightly so. Losing Jo was, well words can't describe it, and what we have achieved in her memory through The Joanna Brown Trust has been amazing. From the moment we set the charity up it was the most important thing in my life, it meant everything to me, but Jacob has come along and changed it all - he's amazing. Obviously The JB Trust is still going strong and I'm so proud (and grateful)  for everything we've done so far, but it no longer dominates my life. It has it's place and I think my decision not to do the marathon is a reflection of that.

This Sunday, 25th August, will be the 5th anniversary of Jo's accident and we'll spend the day as a family and enjoy our time with Jacob.

Thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout all of this and I hope you have enjoyed reading these entries as much as I have writing them.

So long (for now),

Rich

Post 19: Redemption of a Fat Lad - November 2012

Well, where do I start? I think the fact that this is the 3rd attempt at writing this entry is testament to how surreal and difficult the whole experience was.

Lets start with the title of the blog (as I do enjoying coming up with the titles) as it was going to be called 'Return of a Fat Lad' and be this triumphant account of this amazing thing that I'd done. SPOILER ALERT! I didn't get to do all of that due to the race being cancelled late on the Friday evening. So 'Redemption of a Fat Lad' is what it's become, but more on that later...

So, on Friday morning the tour operator I had booked with organised a 'light' run which would also include a bit of sightseeing. I was originally worried what their definition of 'light' was but I decided to go as it was part of the experience. The run itself was fine and the people I was with (about 20 or so) were all very nice. Most of them were surprised when they learnt that not only was this my first marathon but I'd never actually done an organised run before.

It was when we got to Central Park only to see that we still were not allowed in due to the devastation  that it first hit home just how serious the Hurricane had been. We ran up the left hand side of Central Park so we could see the finish line. The gantry, crowd barriers, temporary stands were all up and the television companies were setting up, so at that stage it was definitely still going ahead and there was no thoughts that it might be cancelled. I have to say, running round NYC was cool and really got me excited about the marathon itself.

That afternoon I went to the expo and got my running number. I really enjoyed being there, looking at all the merchandise and collecting my bag and running number! Walking back from the expo to my hotel I was so up for it, I couldn't believe after the week I'd had I was finally going to do it. It wasn't until I was back at my hotel and having already packed my bag for Sunday, and pinned my running number on my top, that I started to hear the rumours that it might be cancelled. After about 30mins of frantically checking Twitter and news feeds that it was officially confirmed.

My first reaction was that I couldn't believe that after everything that had happened this was how it was going to end. 18 months in the making and this is how it ends. The decision to cancel it was absolutely the right one and every other runner that I spoke to agreed. It was just the timing of it and how it was made that people had an issue with. Looking back, the remaining days I spent in New York it hadn't really sunk in and it was only when I came to packing the running top in the suitcase, having not worn it, that I hit me. It was tough, really tough.

Although I was looking forward to seeing everyone, coming home having not done it was hard. It wasn't until I'd spoken to Katie about it all that we discussed the possibility of doing it next year that i began to felt better. Immediately it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders and it already felt like the right decision. It also means all the people that sponsored me can just roll that over to next year, which means a lot to me as I am so grateful for their support.

So, it all starts again. Only this time I can do all the things I'd wished (and probably should) had done the first time. Redemption....

Cheers,
Rich

Post 18: For Brownie - October 2012

Right, back when I originally decided to do the New York Marathon, and consequently write a blog, this was always going to be the most significant entry. Until Monday morning it was going to be filled with stories how I was finally ready to do this huge challenge I'd set myself and thanking people for all there support. That is still the case, however, Hurricane Sandy and all the chaos and uncertainly it has caused over the past 72 hours means there is an additional element and 'twist' (pardon the pun!) to the story. So here goes...

Firstly, let me set the scene of where I am writing this. I am on my flight to New York, currently flying over the west coast of Canada and needless to say will be uploading it later when I land and locate a WiFi hotspot. It made me think of the other places I have found myself writing entries for this blog and most notably when I was in Mumbai a year ago. Wow, that seems a long time ago!

Anyway, on with the story...

On Sunday I met up with Dan, who is the guy I've been put in contact with through my mate Toby. It was great chatting through everything with him, where we could meet up and what we could do in the time we have whilst we are there. Having discussed all that and shared our tales of the times we've been to NYC before (shout out to Ging here, the infamous bag incident at Macey's and his uncle that probably never forgave us - but that's another story) I left feeling for the first time ready and truly excited about going. Then Hurricane Sandy hit...

Originally I wasn't that concerned and thought it probably won't be that bad and it would have all been sorted by the time I fly out. However, as more and more people asked me about it and I followed the story on the news I realised just how serious it was. At this point I was still trying to be positive but the tipping point came when I was asked to speak live on BBC H&W drive time show about it. Added to that the increasing about people that were telling me 'there is no way it's going to happen' my once positive attitude to it all was starting to waver.

It put me in a difficult position as I still had to believe it was going ahead despite all the news coverage and amount of comments I was now receiving. If I wasn't registered to take part in the marathon I probably would have shared that opinion, but I needed to keep telling myself I was going as I still had a lot to do (packing, changing money etc...). The whole reason as to why I was doing all this in the first place was now starting to weigh very heavy and I couldn't believe it could be coming to this, having been planning it for 18 months. It did at one point lead me down the path of thinking if it was to be cancelled I would still go out and be a volunteer helping with the clean up as I was determined to do something in Jo's memory.

It was only when I went to sleep last night (Wednesday 31st Oct) that I finally knew I would definitely be getting on the plane, as up to that point flights had been grounded in and out of JFK airport. However, I still didn't 100% know if the marathon would be going ahead. I had a good idea but was still difficult to get your head round. Thankfully everything now seems to back on track. Some of the other events leading up to the marathon, like the opening ceremony and 5km run in Central Park, have been cancelled and I've been told the transport plans to get everyone to the start line may be different. To be honest, I'm just glad it's going ahead and I still get to do this for Jo and in aid of The Joanna Brown Trust.

It has also been difficult and stressful for my wife Katie and my mum. I'd like to take this opportunity to simultaneously thank and apologies to them for supporting me right from the start. I know they are worried about me. There are some many reason and motivations for me to think about when I am doing the race and I think I'll need them. As although I keep saying I know it's going to be difficult I think I don't / can't comprehend just how hard it will be. Obviously I will be thinking of Jo but also my best friend Mark and his family are going through some really difficult times at the moment so will also be thinking of them. The thought of being able to phone my mum and Katie at the end to say I have done it, that I have done it for Brownie, makes me cry (sorry to get all emotional on you!). The race as a whole has taken a different complexion due to Hurricane  Sandy, so imagine it will be a very emotional, special occasional that I feel very lucky to be apart of.

Well I think I best go, oh but before I do, I went to see the new James Bond film a few days ago (I thought it was very good if anyone is interested) so I only feel it right to end this blog with the following....

Richard Brown will return in 'Return of a Fat Lad'.

Post 17: Everybody's on the Run - September 2012

Hi,

Welcome to the latest edition to my New York Marathon training blog. For those that are knew to this, or for the ones that have forgotten what it's all about (I wouldn't blame you I have been doing this for a while now), I am running the New York Marathon in memory of my sister and in aid of the charity we've founded in her memory. Jo was set to run the NY Marathon the year she died, she had booked her place and was well in to her training plan. So her unfit, overweight, never done any running before (and never will again!) little brother has decided to do it for her.

Yesterday (Sunday 30th September) I completed my longest run to date - 12 miles. I was happy with this and am overall relatively pleased with my progress. About 2 weeks ago I had quite a bad scare. I've had bad problems with my back before where the muscles have gone into spasm and I thought it had happened again. Annoyingly I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, it just seems to go. Thankfully, a few days rest and some help got me back on track and I'm back to full fitness. Well that of course depends on what your definition of 'full' fitness is. So let me rephrase that, I'm back to where I was before I got injured. Having the back problem only highlighted again the worry of getting injured. So I was relieved to get over that quite quickly and back to the training. It was also a relief to find it hadn't set me back too much either.

Now that I'm doing longer runs it has made pay more attention to when and how I take on water etc... during running. As I mentioned last time, dehydration was and issue but I seem to dealing with that by drinking lots before I go out running and wearing what can only be described as a Bat-Belt. This enables me to carry a water bottle as well as energy gels. I feel this is going to a really important part of the run itself so is a relief to think on the day should be easier to keep taking water on board as there will be water stations on the route.

The other thing I've been thinking about is how (if at all) I'm going to record my experience of doing this. I always had it in mind to keep a video diary and post it on YouTube when I get back. I'd love to take photos and video footage when I'm actually doing the race, but need to way up if it'll be too much if a distraction or not. If I do a video diary, I have already thought of the song that will be the soundtrack to it. I did have a few in mind and couldn't decide, but having been to see Noel Gallagher recently, there is only one winner.

Before I go, can I just give a gentle reminder about sponsoring me...

There are 3 ways you can sponsor me:

1) A good old fashion cash donation when you see me next.

2) By visiting my Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/RBNY12

3) By texting RBNY12 and the amount you'd like to donate to 70070 e.g.'RBNY12 £5'

Thanks for listening,

Rich

Post 16: Reckoning of a Fat Lad - August 2012

Hi, and welcome to ‘Reckoning of a Fat Lad’, very much the sequel to ‘Confessions of a Fat Lad’, which was the title of my 12th blog entry in April. If you would like to read that, or any other of my previous entries, they’re all available under blog archive in the bottom right hand corner of this page.

On Saturday (25^th August) it was the 4^th anniversary of Jo’s accident. As I wrote in the 4^th entry of this blog ‘Come on Dickie, put your back in to it!’ a year ago, I always leave The JB Trust alone for a few days and just think about Jo. However, this year I’ve found myself thinking about how far the Trust has come and what we’ve achieved in Jo’s name. It’s been such a wonderful thing to have done and I so very grateful for everyone’s help in make it all possible. The Olympics have been amazing and I know Jo would have loved the past few weeks. There has been a lot said about the legacy of the Olympics and how it will inspire a generation. It made me think of Jo and her legacy. With the grant schemes we run every year and our oversees projects it means that Jo’s legacy will inspire and support people in sport, and that is very special.

It’s been a really productive and encouraging month on the running front, well let’s face it, it needed to be! Thanks to my friend Toby, I met a guy called Dan who will be doing the NYC Marathon for the 3^rd year in a row this year. It’s been great to speak to him about specific things about the marathon but also running in general. He’s been really good in answering all the questions I have and has been a really help. We’ve agreed to meet up before and after the race, which will be really cool.

Two friends of mine, Bruce and Kiwi (who ran the London Marathon  for the Trust) have also been good to talk to. It was Kiwi’s birthday recently and we got chatting about the psychological battles you face when you’re running. It was really usual. I’ve got so much respect for Kiwi and her desire when it comes to running, so to hear her say she has the say mental battles that I have (and will) face makes me feel more confident.

I have a 5km route round by my house which I run during the week. It’s good as I’m starting to build up check points on where I should be at a certain time, which helps when I’m trying to pace myself. My usual time for this 5km was about 46mins (not exactly fast I know!) but a couple of weeks ago I decided to really push myself and try and break 45mins. I ended up doing it in 41mins, which got me really buzzing. Next goal is to go under 40mins.

Yesterday I did my longest run to date, 10 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes. On one hand I was happy I managed so far and so long, but on the other hand I was hoping to go for nearer 3 hours. That said, I didn’t take any drinks or energy gels with me and really hit a wall at the 2 hour mark. Which I think was more dehydration than anything else. Good though, as I have a place to build from and hopefully will continue to see improvements.

All in all things are going well, lots still to do and I’m working harder than ever. Before I go, can I just give a gentle reminder about sponsoring me...

There are 3 ways to you can sponsor me:

1) A good old fashion cash donation when you see me next.

2) By visiting my Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/RBNY12

3) By texting RBNY12 and the amount you'd like to donate to 70070 e.g.'RBNY12 £5'

Must Run!

Rich

Post 15: RBNY12 - July 2012

Hello!

Wow, I'm writing this blog on the morning after the night before. That night being the Opening Ceremony for the London Olympics. It was amazing! I mean, The Queen and James Bond! Amazing! Watching it also made me think a lot about Jo and how much she'd have loved it and what the next two weeks has in store. We will also have an emotional connection to the Olympic Games, Jo had been to Beijing and was travelling back when she had her accident.

Right on with the update and RBNY12, yes that's RBNY12, It stands for Richard Brown New York 12 (as in 2012). More about why that is relevant later. I can safely and (quite) proudly say the past month has been by far the most successful, enjoyable and productive month. That said it did need to be as time is against me now, but never the less it been good. The diet really gave me that kick start, I've lost about a stone and a half which has really help with the running. I've also got some big (well big for me) runs in. I'd say biggest achievement this month has been the mental improvement. When I run I am now able to push through the pain and the dreaded 'walls' a lot more easily.

It is currently 14 weeks until the marathon, which is a really scary thought, but having had such a good month there is reason of optimism. I've got my official NYC Marathon training top come through, which is really cool.

On to RBNY12. For those of you that know me you'll know I don't often promote The JB Trust in terms of asking for money. However, this blog is going to be an exception to that. As I said in my original entry of this blog, the reason for me doing the NYC Marathon is to run it for Jo. Jo was in training for the NYC marathon at the time of her death and would have run it that November (2008). I'm also doing it to raise awareness and money for The JB Trust so we can keep on supporting young athletes and sports projects in Jo's name. If you think what I am doing is worth sponsoring I'd be most grateful if you'd consider sponsoring me. Jo was always adamant that if you ever did anything where you asked people for sponsorship that you had to 'earn your money'. Hopefully you'll think what I am doing fits in to that ethos.

There are 3 ways to you can sponsor me:

1) A good old fashion cash donation when you see me next.

2) By visiting my Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/RBNY12

3) By texting RBNY12 and the amount you'd like to donate to 70070 e.g.'RBNY12 £5'

I'd also ask that if you could forward this blog, the page about what I'm doing on The JB Trust website (www.TheJoannaBrownTrust.org/RBNY12) to friends and work colleagues as it will help raise the profile of the charity. As I said, it's about raising awareness as well as money. For those of you on Facebook and Twitter you may have noticed that I use #RBNY12. Again it's just a subtle way of promoting what I am going, so please feel free to use it.

As always, thanks for listening and don't forget...

RBNY12

Cheers,

Rich

Post 14: RUNNING SUCKS – June 2012

Before I start, the first thing to say about this month’s entry is that it  was nearly called something else. It was originally going to be called TCB (more about that later) but following the purchasing of a very appropriate t-shirt, some of you may have seen it on Facebook, there was only really one title I could use this time.

Anyway, hello and thanks (as always) for taking the time out of your day to read the times and tribulations of my build up to the New York Marathon in November. If you’re new to this or would like to read the previous entries there are links at the bottom right hand corner of this page. As usual it’s been a busy month that doesn’t exactly involve lots of training or progress, however, there is hope for optimism – more on that later. I’ve started my new job, which I’m really enjoying, and feel in much better place now in terms of work / Trust / training / life balance. 

Earlier this month mum and I took dad on this rock ‘n’ roll pilgrimage to Memphis where we visited Elvis’ Graceland and Sun Studios (where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash recorded all their stuff). It was an amazing trip. We had to change planes in Toronto so made the most of it by having three days there. That’s where I managed to get out and do some running. Running through a big city with skyscrapers seemed like good practice for NYC – actually while we were on a tour guide we learnt that Toronto is often used as New York in the filming of US dramas and films as it’s cheaper to film there. Running along the harbour front was amazing and certainly was a nice distraction. I’m hoping and guessing that running through downtown Manhattan will prove the same...

The other, what I’m hoping will be significant news, is that I’m currently 6 days in to the Dukan diet. A few of my mates have done it so I thought I’d give it a go. So far it’s been good. I think one of the problems about this whole marathon training so far is it has always been so far in the future. Now it is only a few months anyway and although I’ve probably left myself too much to do, it has helped getting my mind focused. In fact, honestly, I have left myself too much to do, but I’m really going to give my heart and soul in to this and do my best to make Brownie proud. I only wish I’d have started this earlier, but then again, would / could I have? Is the fact it’s only four months away the pressure I needed?

Another fairly big development on the training front is my training buddy, Hoops, has moved house. Therefore no longer round the corner to drag me out running or to the gym. So from now on I’m on my own...

I want to leave the final word of this month’s entry to the King himself, Elvis. As I mentioned at the start, this was originally going be entitled ‘TCB’ which is what Elvis called his band. It stands for Taking Care of Business and I feel that is appropriate at the moment.

It’s time to take care of business....