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....

Post 13: Shoot The Runner – May 2012

Hello and welcome to the 13th entry of my blog...

I've decided against calling it a 'training diary' as I seem to write just as much (maybe even more) about what is happen away from the running. That said, I do find all the 'other things' do have a big effect on how and when I train.

The biggest event of the past month, well my of whole life probably, was that on Friday 25th May I got to carry the Olympic Flame. I got to carry it through Malvern Link, just round the corner from my mum and dad's house. Having meant the other torch bearers that carried the torch that day I feel very lucky to have be able to carry it through my home town, especially so close to where I grew up. The day itself was amazing, I never wanted it to end. Having all my friends and family come put and support me was very special and it was a great way to celebrate what The Joanna Brown Trust has achieved. Since the day I have been in to a number of primary schools talking about being a torch bearer and The Joanna Brown Trust. It's great to see some many people excited about it. I've lost count of the amount of photographs I've had taken with the torch, it has been like being famous and having photo shoots every day. It is such an honour to have a torch and give people a chance to hold it and have their photo taken with it. To see the photos and video footage from the day you can go to www.TheJoannaBrownTrust.org/torch_bearer.

It's been quite a month, as well as carrying the Olympic Flame Katie and I found out we are expecting our first child. We found out on the Wednesday before I carried the torch so I'm sure you can imagine that was quite a few days. I'm off on holiday with my mum and dad in a week. We are taking my dad on his Rock 'n' Roll pilgrimage to Gracelands & Sun Studios. As part of the trip we are spending three days in Toronto before flying down to Memphis. So, the 'International Runner' may return! The trainers are definitely going with with me. If anything I've found it a great way to get out and see the area. I'll be doing a mini version of the blog on Twitter whilst I'm out there, so if you'd like to to follow me you can at @TheJBTrust. If you are not on Twitter you can read my latest tweets on The Joanna Brown Trust website. There is a box on the left hand side of the homepage.

Training wise (see what I mean about rambling on about the 'other things'!) I've tried to get myself back into a routine of doing as much gym work as I do running. I'm still worried about getting an injury, especially to my back, so am trying to increase the weights and core stability work I'm doing. As previously confessed, I'm not exactly built for running so it seems any work I do takes longer to have an effect. It actually seems to be helping the golf more than the running at the moment!

Whenever I training I always like to listen to music. Music is a big thing to me and I like creating playlists to listen to. For those that care (probably not many) a band I like listening to whilst I'm training at the moment is.... well I have actually already told you in this blog. Answers on a postcard....

Cheers

Rich

Post 12: Confessions of a Fat Lad – April 2012

Hello, and welcome to the 12^th entry in my New York Marathon training blog. THE 12^th! More on that later...

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to read my updates. If you don’t already know, I’m running the New York Marathon in November in memory of my sister and in aid of The Joanna Brown Trust, a charity we’ve founded in her memory. Having the support of everyone means a lot and as the date draws ever nearer I’m sure I’ll need that support more ever.

The fact I write these blogs every month and this is my 12^th means I’ve been doing this for a year now. A YEAR! It is actually really scary how fast it has gone. The most worrying thing is when I start this journey I hoped to be a lot further on in terms of my training and fitness than I currently am. I have been training but probably not as much as I could have done, if I am being honest. I am feeling better then I go running, I think I’ve found a rhythm and technique and so therefore feel I’m not too far away from making some real progress. If anything it’s all psychological.

Three friends of mine ran the London Marathon a few weeks ago in aid of The Joanna Brown Trust. Katie and I went down to support them and it was such a brilliant day. Bruce, Kiwi & Helen all did so fantastically well. Whilst there I wasn’t sure how it was going to make me feel about New York. It’s the first marathon I’ve ever been to. Having been there and seen the runners and supporters, especially in the finish area, was really inspiring. In previous blogs I’ve said about the difference between ‘I will do’ and ‘I can do’ the NYC Marathon. Now, having seen all those people and experienced the event as a whole I WANT to do it.

It seems strange to say that as I always thought the personal reasons why I’m doing this would be more than enough to get me through. I do think that will be the case in the end but I also have this extra motivation of ‘what an amazing thing to do in your life’. Until now I hadn’t ever really thought about in that way and I’m sure it will help me get through the difficult times ahead.

Overall, if I look back at the last year I’m nowhere near where I’d have hoped to be. I just need to keep faith, it may well be blind faith, but it is still faith...

Thanks for listening

Rich

Post 11: The American Dream - March 2012

Hello and welcome to the latest entry of my blog.

For those that are new to this (or for those that need reminding!) the purpose of this blog is to track my journey as I get ready to do the New York Marathon. It’s all in memory of my sister and the charity we’ve founded in her memory, The Joanna Brown Trust.  

The biggest news to announce is that it was confirmed earlier this month that I will be a torch bearer for London 2012. My wife Katie nominated me on the back of what we’ve achieved with The Joanna Brown Trust. I’ll be carrying it on Friday 25^th May and the most special element of it all is I’ll be doing it through my home town of Malvern. It is going to be an incredibly special day and we’ll certainly be using it as a way of celebrating everything we’ve been able to achieve in Jo’s memory. It was whilst Jo was travelling back from the last Olympics in Beijing that she had her accident, so to be a Torch Bearer for this Olympics is incredibly special.

As for the training this month it started off really well. I was making really good progress and felt good about it all. However, a combination of things has meant I haven’t been out as much as I’d have like over the past week or so. Once again it has highlight how I’ll need to prioritise my training over the coming months. It also shows that I still haven’t fully changed my lifestyle. I can train well for a week or two but then am likely to have a relapse and not do as much. This is something I need to stop doing and have a more consistent routine. Overall I am still happy with my progress (but like I seem to always say) I need to keep going and do more.

The other thing that has happened this month is the running dreams have started. I’ve had a few dreams where I’ve been running, either in a 10km or a half marathon. I accept it probably is not that interesting but does this mean running is starting to become a bigger part of my life? Running doesn’t hold that same fear that it used to so maybe I am getting used to it....

Finally, just want to say good luck to Bruce, Kiwi and Helen. All friends of mine that are running the London Marathon in aid of The JB Trust. I’ll be there to support them on the day and will be my first experience of a big city marathon.

New York gets closer every day and will soon be more than just a dream.

Laters!

Post 10: Head Down Eyes Up - February 2012

Hi,

Welcome to my latest blog about me running the Ney York Marathon this year. For those that are new to this, I’m doing it in memory of my sister and the charity we’ve founded in her memory. If you’d like to learn more about it all you can find the previous entries of this blog below, or you can visit the charities website www.TheJoannaBrownTrust.org.

Anyway, the most significant thing to happen this month is I’ve officially book my place in the 2012 New York City Marathon! I’ve booked it with Sports Tours International, the company my sister had booked her place with when she was set to do the NYC Marathon in 2008. Going through the website and booking my package was quite scary. For a while now I’ve just been trying to keep my head down, not think about running a marathon and have just been telling myself ‘all I have to do is go for a run today’. However, having to sit there and actually book my flights, hotel etc... really made me think about being in NYC.

Doing a marathon is such a huge thing, I know that. Add to that the reason I’m doing it then it becomes such a massive thing. But I think the element of it that hasn’t hit me until now is actually going to New York and being there with all those other thousands of people. Out of everything it’s that element that scares me the most at the moment.

On the training front, it’s been ok. Probably a bit poor if I’m being honest. At the moment there always seems to be an excuse not to go for a run or to the gym. It’s been a really busy time for The JB Trust at and so I’ve found it hard to not only fit training in, but also having the energy to do it. I’m not too worried at the moment as I’m confident I can get back on it over the next few weeks. What it has done is made me realise how my priorities will have to change over the coming months. There will be a point where training will have to take priority and therefore other things will have to make way.

A few days ago Helen (Jo’s friend & JB Trust Trustee) and I attended the Just Giving Awards. The JB Trust had been nominated for Most Creative Charity of the Year, which considering the size we are and what limited resources we have at our disposal is an incredible achievement. Unfortunately we lost out to Mencap, but again shows how far The JB Trust has come. Even to be in the same room as some of these huge charities and amazing fundraisers was very inspiring. There was some very moving and emotional stories in the room that in some ways puts The JB Trust story in to perspective. To have Jo’s name mentioned in the same room as these people was very special.

The aim for the next month is to try and get a better routine so I can start to push myself more. It is important that I keep my head down and continue to concentrate on one training session at a time, but I can’t lose sight of what in front of me...

Rich

Post 9: I am Not a Runner - January 2012

Hi, 

Welcome to the first blog entry of 2012, a year that promises so much. As well as running (think ‘doing’ is probably a more appropriate word) the New York Marathon I have some wonderful things to look forward to and achieve this year.

 

The most significant is that I have been selected to be a Torch Bearer of the Olympic Flame. When I first received the email it didn’t really sink in, in fact I don’t think it will completely until the day I do it (Friday 25th May). I feel very honoured to have even been nominated so to actually have been selected is very special and will be a wonderful day for my family, friends and everyone who has supported The Joanna Brown Trust. After all, it’s because of The JB Trust that I have been selected so we are all looking forward to using it as a celebration of what we have achieved in Jo’s memory. More details about that over the next few months.

 

Right, on to the running. It’s been good. I’ve started to go out on the roads more and think I am starting to overcome the initial psychological barriers. I have this silly thing where just before I go out for a run I think ‘I hope I can make it otherwise it’s going to be really demoralising’. I’m not going any great distance and have completed a number of runs successfully now, it’s just still not having the confidence I can run for any distance / time. I’m always slightly amazing when I make it back! The work I’ve been doing in the gym is definitely paying off and so that also adds as an extra incentive to keep that part of my training up. Overall, I am starting to see the improvements and that acts as a great motivation to keep going.

 

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I now have the Adidas MiCoach which tracks your speed, heart rate etc... Unfortunately I didn’t get off to the best start with it. The first time I went to use it I didn’t turn it on (don’t ask me why!), the second I did turn it on but forgot to press start, and then the third time I did all of the above but then didn’t sync it up to the computer correctly. The most worrying thing is it is really easy to use and all completely my fault. Now that I have got it working it is really useful. The most useful information I find at the moment is the speed I’m going. When I’m on the treadmill I run at 10km/h and when on the roads I run at around 8.5km/h. I run for longer and further on the roads so am happy with that pace. The plan is to continue to run faster in the gym as a means of variety and to keep challenging myself.

 

The other interesting element of the MiCoach is the heart rate monitor. It tracks it all the way during my runs and there is a pattern developing. After around 10 – 12mins my heart rate actually drops and I seem to find a ‘rhythm’. Have I found the 1st wall????

 

When I am out running I sometimes catch a reflection of myself or see my shadow and I just think ‘I do not look like a runner!’. I’m not sure what a runner should actually look like but I’m definitely not it. I am starting to enjoy it and I am seeing improvements so maybe I will become a runner eventually, but in the mean time I’ll just have to pretend to be one...

 

Until next time...

 

Post 8: Lets Talk Numbers - December 2011

Hi,

Welcome to the final blog entry of 2011 (albeit being written on 2nd Jan 2012). Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. This is my 8th entry and I'm starting to worry I'll eventually run out of things to say. 2012 is set to be a really fantastic year so hopefully you'll stick with me as there is so much to look forward to and achieve.

The training this month has been good. Nothing spectacular or groundbreaking, just keeping things going. Being a month that includes my birthday and Christmas it was never going to be anything else. One thing I've learnt since starting this blog is to be realistic with your targets. There was a time a few months ago when I was starting to get frustrated and putting too much pressure on myself. Having spoken to many friends and fellow runners (I feel like I'm cheating using the term 'fellow' but you know what I mean) I realise that the New York Marathon is still a long way away. Most marathon training programmes are about 16 weeks long, I've still got 11 months.

Having said that, a 16 week programme is fine providing you are in some kind of decent physical shape (which I'm not). The key things for me at the moment is giving myself a good platform of general fitness. Not being a runner and having never done anything this physically demanding before I'm not 100% sure how my body will react. Getting injured is already a concern and so I am trying to take things slowly. It's been really useful talking to Bruce and Kelly (friends of mine that ran the Edinburgh marathon for The JB Trust) as they seem to understand both where I am at the moment, in terms of fitness, and where I am trying to get to.

For Christmas, Katie (my wife) bought be the Adidas MiCoach. It has three parts, a heart rate monitor, a sensor / chip to put in your shoe and a device that clips to the top of your shorts. The device records the information from the heart rate monitor and the chip in your shoe. You then plug it in to your computer and it tells you all the stats about your run including stride length, speed etc...

I am really looking forward to using this as it will be great to have some actually evidence of the progress I'm making. It will also help when people ask me about how the training is going. When people ask me how the training is going I feel like I'm cheating them by just saying I'm in the gym most of the time and am not really running yet. I'm sure some of them think it's an excuse for not actually running (I'd probably think the same). I really am grateful for the about of support and interest this challenge seems to already have and it will be nice to share the information I'll get from my Adidas MiCoach with them.

2012 promises to be a really fantastic year. I've got lots to look forward to and some incredibly special things to do (more about those in the months to come). I hope you've had a good Christmas and are as excited about the year ahead as I am.

Here's to 2012...

Rich

Post 7: Forty-Seven Thousand Runners and Me - November 2011

Hi,

  

Post 7! Can’t believe I’m already at Post 7! Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read the latest edition of my blog. If you are new to it and would like the ‘story so far...’ you can find the other entries below.

  

I am pleased to start this month’s entry by saying it has been a good few weeks. Training is going well and I have to admit I am actually starting to enjoy it. The majority of my training has been in the gym and will remain that way until the New Year. As I mention last time, the short term aim is to build up my general fitness and strength. That has been going well and I am actually quite looking forward to January when I’ll be going out on the roads more.

  

Last week I meet with Emily Tuck, Centre Manager for Nuffield Health in Worcester. I told her all about the Trust, what I am doing and why I am doing it. It was great to meet her and share the story of it all as I am incredibly grateful for the support they are giving me. It was also great to learn more about the other services and support they offer at Nuffield Health and how they might benefit me in the months to come.  As well as going in the gym quite a lot, my mate Hoops and I have started playing squash / racquet ball after our gym session. It has been a great way to do some extra work and also acts well as a warm down. We haven’t been keeping track of who’s won the most games, well I hope not as I think he’s beating me hands down!

  

Earlier this week I also had a good chat with Andrea Faull, a senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at the University of Worcester. We were talking about my challenge and it was really interesting to hear her talk about setting goals throughout 2012. It actually made it sound a lot more realistic and achievable. I think for the first time I actually thought ‘I can do this’. I know that might sounds stupid but there is a difference between thinking ‘I will do it’ and ‘I can do it’. Obviosuly, the fact I’m doing it for Jo mean ‘I will’ do the New York Marathon, even if it means crawling on my hands and knees. However, having spoken to Andrea and with progress I’ve made this month I’m starting to believe ‘I can’ do it. Hope that makes some sort sense...

  

The other big thing to happen this month was the New York Marathon 2011. 47,107 people ran it! I watch some of the coverage on the internet and it was just amazing to see so many people. It did, however, make my feet go a bit tingly... I can’t even begin to image being there on the start line and in some ways that not such a bad thing at the moment.

  

So all in all it has been a good month. I’m feeling a lot more optimistic about it all and looking forward to 2012. However, I do have the next month to get through first so I’ll need to make sure I keep going to the gym as much as I can.

  

Until next time...   

Post 6: Back to the Beginning via Mumbai - October 2011

Hi,

Let me start this month’s entry by setting the scene of where I am sitting whilst writing this. I am currently in Goa, spending a few days here with Katie having visited the new Joanna Brown dormitory at the Magic Bus centre just outside of Mumbai – more about that later. We are staying at the Casa Colvale, a beautiful secluded boutique hotel in north Goa. If anyone is looking for a relaxing holiday I wholeheartedly recommend coming here.

Anyway, thanks as always for taking the time to read my blog. I’ve been thinking about what to write in this entry for a while as there seems to be a familiar pattern forming. To start with I write about something more interesting than anything to do with my struggles to get fit, then I’ll briefly mention that training is hard, how I’m not really enjoying it and that I had hoped to make more progress that I actually have. Unfortunately this month’s blog won’t do anything to move away from that tradition.

Our trip to India has been amazing. The hotels, the food, the people, the scenery, just the whole experience really has been wonderful. The main reason for the trip was to visit the Joanna Brown dormitory and officially open it. Needless to say that it was very special and emotional. Part of me feels strange about enjoying coming here and seeing what we have achieved. Due to reasons why The Joanna Brown Trust was founded I think there will always a bitter-sweet element to everything. Having said that, it definitely doesn’t stop me being incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and even more grateful for the support people still continue to show. More details, photos and videos about the dormitory will be available on our website, Facebook page and Twitter account over the next few weeks.

Right, time for the training update. It’s been hard (as usual) and I haven’t made the progress I was hoping for (as usual). One of the really nice things about coming away, especially to such a quiet relaxing place like the Casa Colvale, is it has given me a lot of time to think about things. Having been to visit the Joanna Brown dormitory I’ve obviously thought a lot about Jo and what is next for The Joanna Brown Trust. It has also allowed me to think about my training and the year I have in front of me. I realised that, although I’m under no illusions about how difficult it will be to complete a marathon, I have got carried away with the story of it all. By that I mean joking about being an ‘international runner’ and thinking that taken my trainers on holiday with me (yes they are here) and doing the odd jog round the block somehow makes a big difference. Since starting my training I haven’t really been hard enough on myself, especially with my eating, and that’s why I haven’t seen the improvements I was hoping for. My mate Hoops is doing his best to keep pushing me, but I’m sure he’s getting frustrated. I certainly would be if I was him.

Having had time to reflect on the past few months and fearing that moment when it is less than a year until the New York Marathon has really focused my mind on what I need to do. I am also anxious that my birthday, Christmas and New Year are coming up on the horizon and I know I’ll be able to enjoy it more having made so good progress. I also want to be able to start 2012 in a confident mood. To do all that I feel I need to go back to the beginning, work on my general fitness and be harder on myself with my eating.

Cheers,

Rich

Post 5: The Ups & Downs of an International Runner - September 2011

Hi,

I can’t believe this is my 5th entry already as it means I’ve been doing this for 5 months now! The one thing about doing this blog does is it makes you realise how fast time flies. Thanks, as always, for visiting this blog. If you are new to it the other entries can be found below.

Following the not so productive month of August, I was really looking forward to making some big improvements this month. With Katie going back to work (she’s a primary school teacher) the hope was with a more structured routine I’d make some good progress. On the whole I think I have. There have been times in the gym when I’ve felt really good and have been able to push myself that bit further, particularly on the running machine. However, there have been times when I just can’t do it and feel worse and more unfit than when I started. A few weeks ago I started to let it get to me and was becoming quite down and stressed about it. It seemed like the more I tried and the more I went to the gym the worse I was getting. So I decided to have a few days off and not worry about it. This was definitely a good decision as when I went back I felt a lot better.

The one thing I’ve started to notice and make an effort with is what I eat the day I go to the gym and how it affects me. I’m sure there is advice out there but part of this whole journey I’m going on is about discovery. When we did the bike ride last year I really enjoyed learning about it all and going on that journey. I’m sure this is going to be the same.

The JB Trust continues to move forward and when I come to write next month’s blog I’ll be in India! The dormitory The JB Trust has funded the construction of at a sports centre outside of Mumbai is almost finished. Katie and I are going out there over the October half term to visit the centre and learn about how children from the slums of Mumbai benefit from attending the residential camps. The centre is run by a charity called Magic Bus (Twitter names: @MagicBusInida & @MagicBusUK) and it’s been a real pleasure working with them on this project. I am undecided at the moment whether or not to take my running trainers with me. On one hand it will mean I’ve run in 3 different countries in 3 months. However, on the on the other hand running in that heat might not be the best thing for moral and confidence. Tune in next time to find out what happens.... (suspense!).

Overall I haven’t made the progress I was hoping for this month, it’s been a bit up and down, but the signs are there (hopefully).

Next stop, Mumbai!
Rich

Post 4: ‘Come on Dickie, put your back in to it!’ - August 2011

Hi All,

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to visit my blog. If you’re new to it you can find the other entries below where it’ll give you more of a background to what I’m doing and the purpose of this blog.

Well, first confession, August hasn’t exactly been a particularly productive month in terms of training. Katie (my wife) and I went on holiday at the start of the month and although I took my trainers with me to do some running, this was only ever an optimistic gesture at best. I did do a bit of running, in Köln and Füssen, and as I was running around enjoying the views (especially in Füssen, where we started the Romantic Road Cycle Challenge) I thought to myself I am technically an international runner, with an American fitness coach, sponsored by Adidas and currently at my European training camp! However, due to my (still) worrying lack of fitness, that moment didn’t last very long and I was back to usual thoughts of ‘what have I got myself into’ and ‘I can’t do this’. Nice while it lasted though, albeit very briefly.

This time of year is always very poignant and emotional for everyone who was close to Jo. Yesterday (25^th August 2011) was the 3^rd anniversary of her accident and although she is always in our thoughts, especially with the success of The JB Trust, she is even more at this time of year. Personally I like to leave The JB Trust alone for a few days and just think about Jo as my sister and remember the great times we shared. Jo’s nickname for me was ‘Dickie’, an abbreviation of Richard I hated being called. However, it never bothered me when Jo sad it, she was the only person I allowed to call it me. It is things like that I like to remember and not think about how we can continue to develop The JB Trust.

Having said all that, The JB Trust continues to grow. In these past few days we’ve received two corporate donations from Severn Trent Water and WSP. Thanks to my good mates Jason Brewer (Severn Trent) and Jez Clarke (WSP) for nominating us. The thing I like about this is both Jason and Jez nominated The JB Trust. Then the management board, or employees, look at all the charities that have been nominated and decided which they’d like to support. For me this shows that The JB Trust is now recognised as a credible local charity, and not just a memorial fund.

Right from the outset of setting The JB Trust up I always felt it had somehow managed to capture the characteristics Jo was well know for – drive, passion, motivation and a desire to be the best she could possibly be. Jo was such an active person and never stopped for anything, she was always moving on to the next challenge or goal. The JB Trust has been such a wonderful thing to have been able to do in Jo’s memory and we are all incredibly grateful for the continued support and interested that is shown in it.

Anyway, back to the training. I can hear Jo now saying ‘Come on Dickie, put your back in to it!’

Cheers,

Rich

Post 2: Do New Trainers Still Make You Run Faster? - June 2011

Hi,

Something that will become a common theme at the start of these ramblings, can I start by thanking you for taking the time to visit my blog.

For the past 6 weeks I've been going to Nuffield Health in Worcester, who are very kindly supporting this challenge. At the moment I've got a few short terms goals, to build up my general strength and fitness and to get used to running - something that will be quite important!!!

My mate Hoops (twitter name: hoops60230) has been training with me, although for the past few sessions he's been busy at work so it's left me to go it alone.

The running kit I got from Adidas is brilliant. Currently I'm wearing a pair of Adidas Salvations, which offer a bit more support to the inside of your foot. This keeps your feet and ankles straight as your running. I'd learnt about what type of trainers I should get from my session at Runaround Sports in Worcester. It was a really useful thing to do and I can't recommend them enough to anyone who is training for any type of run.

Upon receiving the new kit from Adidas it did remind me of when you're younger and the excitement of getting a new pair of trainers and the unwavering belief they made you run faster. I'd love that to be true now...

The other great thing that happened on the back of me receiving the Adidas kit was I took a photo of it and posted it on Twitter (http://twitpic.com/5bxeki). In the tweet I tagged @AdidasUK and they re-tweeted it. For those of you that have no idea what I'm going on about, basically it meant AdidasUK sent a message out about me and that picture to their 15,928 followers. Within an hour of them doing it my photo had over 200 views. The power of social media.

Another cool thing that has happened is I've been offered training advice from a fitness coach in America. A good friend of mine, Liam (also on twitter: @liampad5) is on a football (soccer) scholarship at Baltimore University. He's back for the summer and we were chatting about what I doing and from that Liam contacted his fitness coach who has said he'd love to help me out. Apparently he's a fitness coach and stand up comedian so could be very interesting. Watch this space!

So in summary it has been a pretty good month. I've started to get a little impatient with the fact I don't seem to be making as much progress as I'd hoped, but I know I've just got to stick at it.

Until next time,
Rich

Post 1: The Start of a Very Long Road - May 2011

Hi,

First of all I just want to say thanks for taking the time to visit my blog, hopefully you'll find it interesting and entertaining.

In case you are reading this and don't know the full story allow me to provide the back story to this challenge. My big sister, Jo, sadly passed away in August 2008 following an accident whilst she was traveling back from Beijing, where she'd been to watch the Olympic Games. In her honour and memory Jo's family and friends set up The Joanna Brown Trust, a charity that aims to encourage involvement in sport. More detail about The JB Trust can be found on our website www.TheJoannaBrownTrust.org.

At the time of Jo's death she was in training for the New York Marathon, which she was set to run in November of that year. In memory of Jo and in aid of The Joanna Brown Trust I'm going to run the New York Marathon in 2012. Having never done any kind of running like this before and not being a particularly big fan of running I know I'm in for a very challenge and tough 18 months. Needless to say the reason why I am doing it will be more than enough motivation to get me through the difficult times ahead and I can't even begin to imagine what it will feel like to cross that finish line.

As well as doing this for Jo and trying to raise as much money as possible for The JB Trust, my other aim is to raise the awareness about the charity. Being such a small charity any help or support we receive makes a massive difference. I know that's a line used by a lot of charities but as this charity is effectively one man and a laptop it is true! I am so grateful to the organisations that have already agreed to support my challenge.

Nuffield Health have provided me with a free membership so I can train in their gym and have full access to all the other fantastic facilities and services they offer. The second sponsor is Adidas who have very kindly agreed to provide me with trainers and running tops for my training and on the day itself.

Training has already official begun, I've recruited the help of my friend 'Hoops' to help me along the way. So far it going well, getting the support from Nuffield Health and Adidas has really given me an extra bit of motivation. The key at the moment is to just take it one step at a time and not think about the marathon itself.

Over the coming months I'll be posting how I'm getting on and any other major developments. It'll be roughly one a month unless something radical happens. I'm going down to Runaround Sports in Worcester early next week to be videoed on a running machine to see what type of trainers I need.

Think that's it for the first entry, please keep checking back for more entries and I'd really appreciate it if you could forward this on. As I said it's all about spreading the word...

Cheers,
Rich