Media Stars

Having spoken to Tim H last night, the two of us are being interviewed on Jersey Radio tomorrow morning ahead of the RNLI open day.

not sure about the aerly start, but fell free to tune into Radio Jersey 88.8FM (http://www.bbc.co.uk/jersey/bbc_in_jersey/index.shtml) at 7:35 to hear us talk about Ian and why we are doing the run!!

right; must recall not to swear on air...

Be different, Be positive and Go Big

A thought struck me today.  It is almost 4 months until the start of the race!

Now that's not long, and it's a long way to go!

Fundraising wise we are doing okay.  We have passed the £2,000 mark, but it is still a fair way to £10,000 - and let's hope we can do better than that.

Training-wise, having leapt forward, it now seems to be getting tricky again.  It seems like hard work and slightly less enjoyable recently.  I often think that all this training would have been great fun with Ian, and that fact irritates me.

At times like this it is always worth considering how Ian might have gone about things, and so I herby give you a few snippets from a few emails that Ian sent me, word for word. This should give you a flavour of the man (if you didn't know him) and will surely put a smile on your face if you did.

Oh - After great thought, I have had to sensor one bit of it by cunning use of the letter 'F'.  I would like to post you the last email that I received from Ian but it really would be a random nonsense of jumbled F's and code - so I won't.  It is very funny though.

Here we go...

3 April 2006 - Proposed night out in town at a real ale pub:

"Uncle Fluff will be there. There's nothing more amusing than asking for any form of drink in the Lamplighter that doesn't come in a 13,000 year old silver casket, have froth on the top and resemble the strainings from the devil's jock-strap. Call me fussy but to be honest I can't bring myself to order a pint of 'old shitstain' just to fit in with the locals. I always go in there and ask for Babysham, just to see the look on the barman's face.

Might even try Nick the Greek's Jedi mind trick (to be spoken in calm tones whilst waving the right arm in a Jedi-like superior manner): by denouncing that "We don't need to pay for those drinks". Priceless.

Anyway, see you all there, unless you won't be there, in which case I bloody well won't.

Don't bother responding to this email as I don't get to check my hotmail emails very often and I'll probably just delete it anyway.

Atko"

13 March 2007: A thank-you from me for dinner at the Atko's

"Bonjour, aloha, hello please

Even more stoked now that you came to see us when you were over. How's tricks me old whizz bang?

Atko's a bit stressed at the moment - plagued with work, training is knackering, the club is driving me chicken-oriental, and I've started studying. Weather's beautiful though, so I don't really care.

Up yours"

30 May 2007 - another night out in town:

"It's not often I speak up, as I thoroughly enjoy watching all the banter from afar - unless Al starts spouting, in which case I feel that it is my responsibility to remind him of his effeminate side.

Nevertheless, BIG RESPECT to Russ for getting his dFFF out of his doughnut and coming out to play. Gutted that I can't be there - I will be representing the Island, our national pride, and the future of international democracy at the Island Games in Rhodes. Ie giving it large in Faliraki.

Atko the self-professed legend"

So there we have it.  Be different, Be positive and Go Big.  

Simple really.

To blog or not to blog

Played in a cup final last Monday for my current team (Rossendale Amatuers 4th XI - I know!) and we were awful. Having already secured the league we decided to let in 6 in the cup! At 4-0 some irritating dwarf like oik decided I had no futher use for my right leg so put both of his feet, studs first, through the side of it with my ankle being the lowest point of contact (no laughing at the back Davies!). Of course I pointed out that this was most unpleasant not to mention unsporting in my usual calm.........

Anyroad, that has meant I haven't run since the 7th when I was well chuffed with 6.5 miles (bloody kilometre's, you should all hang your heads!) in 46 mins. A sort of slow Nick The Greek pace if you will. Rubbish, rubbish rubbish. Mind you the weather has been to good and the lawn has needed mowing!

BAd Blues

Hello from the large runner,

As russ has put it already the blog is very quite i am having real problems with any form of excercise at the moment and have probably managed 5miles in a week, things are going from bad to worse!!

A change is as good as a cliche...

After a fairly miserable week ( I missed my 100km in four weeks target by 300 bleeping metres;hurt my shoulder, calf and wrist; and adding insult to injury felt more rubbish with each run) I have finally done something worthwhile managing my first sub 1 hour 10km and the world now feels just a little better albeit slightly creakier too.

Things seem to have gone a bit quiet on the blog (I imagine that this is because we are all busy bunnies)...but I would like to find out how things are going generally. I find it quite a help in pushing myself to hear what you lot are doing and achieving.

P.S If you haven't already done so, check out www.teamatko.org (courtesy of Mr Hoooooolin).

P.P.S Christina, at least you don't have to deal with errant milk tankers, Polish street racers and Chelsea tractor steering yummy mummies when you go out in the mornings. It's like a really weird version of the old Atari classic 'Paperboy'.

Good morning! Good morning!

I am not a morning person. I wake up in the morning with my eyes glued together and feeling like someone has beaten me up during my sleep (Simon insists that he is innocent but I'm not so sure).

For weeks Simon and I have been talking about getting up early to go running before work. We go to bed with the best of intentions and then, bang, it is 6am and I'm hitting the snooze button - again and again and again...

We've been training on a regular basis, but have hit a bit of a plateau and need to up the sessions so that we can progress. Finding time to fit in the extra running sessions (on top of working on strength training and core stability, which I've been informed are also very important - aaaaaarrggggh) is proving difficult and morning runs seem like the only solution.

We (finally!) managed our first early morning run last Friday. Simon was under strict instructions to haul my backside out of bed no matter how much I protested. He did an excellent job, despite the abuse that was hurled at him during the process (a half asleep Christina is not a pretty sight or sound!!!!!!!!!).

I didn't enjoy the run much, but we pressed on and we finished it. At 7am we were stretching outside the flat and my early morning wakeup call seemed like a distant (unpleasant) memory. In fact, I felt pretty good. I'm going to try and hold that thought for the next time...

Ho hum

It has been a difficult week running wise, having been quite chuffed to have managed a half distance run seven days ago I was confident but alas I have struggled each and every time I have been out including coming back this morning with a very sore right calf after only five km. Perhaps I need some inspiration. I will have a rest tomorrow and maybe try Sunday.

Getting there

Inspired by Mr H's efforts I have managed my first 10.5 km run (in 1 hour 8 minutes). I now have a very sore shoulder which is a bit of a worry.

First 12 miles!

Well, last week I successfully managed to complete 12 miles for the first time. I'm not sure it counts quite the same if it takes 4 runs to knock out the distance, but it was a bit of a milestone for me as it was the first time I'd managed to run 4 times in a week without injuring myself. Woo-hoo!

So I'm now in the first week of my official half marathon training program. I'm doubling up most of the weeks to take me up to the race itself, working on the principle I heard somewhere that the number of miles you need to train for a long race is the least amount possible to get you over the finish line in your desired time. Slightly nervous about attempting my first tempo run tomorrow as everything I've read about them sounds horrible. Anyone else attempted one yet?

I run mostly down by the seafront in Deal - its generally horribly windy and you have to slalom in and out of all the old dears walking their dogs and small children on bikes, but occasionally the sun comes out and makes it worthwhile... see picture above.... I'm looking forward to getting up onto the White Cliffs as my runs get longer though.

It's going to be a bit of a challenge to stick to my schedule over the next few weeks though as I have Karen up this weekend (we're going to Radio One's Big Weekend to see Madonna... no, really) then I'm in Brighton the weekend after, then I'm back in Jersey for my birthday. I keep telling myself that trainers are portable...

Beer and Burgers

Now then. After a heavy weekend on the pop, as in Friday, Saturday, Sunday I decided to get back at it today. Had a burger at about 3pm and went out at about half five.

All the above should be clues that your either going to be sick or knackered very quickly as any decent PE teacher would tell you, oh well!

As an aside, why do people who pack flat pack furniture put empty boxes inside the boxes? And are tiddly-wink factory workers counter productive? Answers on a postcard.......

Time - the most precious commodity

I had an excellent run last Thursday (a bank hol in Geneva), which I followed with a trip to the gym to do a legs bums and tums class. I felt great, which meant that I lulled myself into a false sense of security prior to my 5k run yesterday. I had two day muscle ache and it hurt! I felt like giving up so many times.

I did a body attack class at the gym this morning and now feel my legs might drop off at some stage in the near future. I also have blisters on my feet.

I'm finding it hard to fit the running training into my usual schedule and have come to the conclusion that time (and not money) has become my most precious commodity. Normal working hours in Geneva are longer than in Jersey and I never feel like exercise after a hard day's work (I force myself, but don't enjoy it much). Simon travels a lot and is considering asking British Airways to install a running machine in their executive lounge.

Following the events of last year I have cut right back on overtime. In fact, I'm going to be taking a full time french course over the summer, which I'm very excited about. It is something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'll be finishing each day earlier than usual (about 4.30 to 5) and I am looking forward to fitting some running into my extra summer hours.

Team Atko - any tips for two day muscle ache and blisters? Both are plaguing me at the moment!

P.S. Russ - a trainer at my gym thinks that running on a treadmill is easier than running outside (although preferable to no running at all). On the ground, you have to propel yourself forward, which takes more effort than on a treadmill where the conveyor effectively moves the ground for you and you don't have to propel yourself forward. If you can run further on the ground, I think you're onto a winner!

P.P.S. Simon has commented about the ground being safer than a treadmill. I'm sure I influenced his comment. He has witnessed me fall off a variety of gym equipment. Most recently I launched myself off a cross trainer at Les Quennevais gym. It was quite embarrasing, but at least (for a change) I didn't break anything. It is clearly going to be a challenge getting me to Newcastle in October in one piece...

Team Atko - May 9th run

Elements of Team Atko will be venturing out on their first run on  Liberation Day, May 9th in Jersey.

We will be joining the Rotary Club fun run/walk from St Helier at 11am, to St Aubin, and back again.

We will be carrying buckets to put money into, so if you see us, please support us in raising money in memory of Ian Atkinson.

Hope to see you there!

Trumpet blowing

Yesterday, I went running.  I ran the first lap of my wee course and found it most uncomfortable.  I settled nicely into a leisurely pace and by the second orbit I had the sun on my bones and the wind on my face and it felt really rather pleasant.  I quite enjoyed it. 

This running business isn't nearly as brutal as I expected.  The Huelin body (which is no longer obese) is remarkably adaptable and after giving this some thought, along with randomness which seems to occur during running such as 1) how come yawning is contagious, and 2) Why the inspector hasn't got back to me, 3) The implications of an 800mm wide bath over a 750mm one and 4) A cost/benefit analysis of Matki over Showerlux, I was only half a lap shy of 10k.  Then my ipod skipped to Counting Crows (which are of little use during running) and it was earphones out and a some sweating and frowning to get my sorry stern towards another milestone.  What a way to spend an hour and five minutes, and in tights!

My knees ached today, so I asked my Quack Mate Jon what it all meant.  Despite being a consultant anaesthetist, he was of little diagnostic help - his recommendation being to simply man-up.  Failing that some Ibrupofen might take the edge off.  He suggested joining me on a run with him on his bike and me on my legs, in a risky Rocky re-run.  It might actually be a plan, because venturing into the no-man's land that is greater than 10k, gives me an option to call it a day and get a backy to the boozer. 

I think consolidation is the key now, so expect no new milestones from me anytime soon!

Pace is the trick

Russ and fellow bloggeurs/euses

I read somewhere that the reason why you run can different distances in different times on a treadmill as opposed to normal running is due to the fact your pace does not fluctuate much on a treadmill. On a treadmill you set the machine to the pace you want and don't speed up or slow down as you get to changes in the gradient or in the surface underfoot,

Also, you don't tend to get hotter or colder, or run into a cold wind or anything like that when you're on a treadmill, unless the bloke next to you does something unpleasant or unsanitary.

When you're running outside there is however a far smaller risk of tripping over your towel and getting catapulted off the machine into a hapless passer by. I have seen it done.....

Another 5km this morning - the weather has suddenly become glorious, and wearing black is no longer an option. Where we run is just near a landing pad for people like Dan who like jumping off cliffs with frame tents strapped to their backs. Saw a bloke disappear into some trees to make an unscheduled arrival this morning - he definitely ran out of range. He'll be picking twigs out of hard to reach places for weeks on end, but it was on balance a better landing site than the autoroute.

Wooyay again.

My first one hour run completed and managed 9km (5.6 miles for you Imperial measurement fascists - you know who you are) !!!!!! Quite chuffed actually. Maybe being ill wasn't such a bad idea after all.

The difference engine

Reading Mr Morris' posting leads me on to a problem I am finding when I run on different surfaces, namely that my range changes dramatically...I can put away 8km on my road circuit, an understandably slower 7-7.5km on the gravel of Queen's Valley but can't seem to go much beyond 5.5km on the treadmill although the time is decent. I haven't worked out why there is such a disparity when I move indoors. Any ideas?

p.s Any benefits yet from using the tights Mr H?

Jumping In Puddles

It was good to catch up with members of Team Atko at Al & Ali Graham's wedding at the weekend. It was the first time a lot of us have been in the same place at the same time since Ian's send off - so it was an emotional day.

I like the way the blog keeps us all in touch with how training is progressing (not a lot, did 10km in total this morning, 5km ootside with Christina and then 5km on the treadmill at the gym). Having spoken to a few troops at the weekend, the bloggeuses and bloggeurs seem to agree that this is a good place to come for a laugh and a bit of a think. Team Atko should have a strong team spirit, and the blog is where the team spirit is being built. Irrespective of whether you're a "large runner", a "git", an experienced athlete or a complete novice with bits falling off your anatomy - we're all gonna get round one way or another.

There have been lots of interesting comments about music. As you may or not may not know, I'm a bit partial to some tunes, and it has been suggested that, maybe, I'm a bit outspoken as to what (in my opinion) could be considered good or bad. It was pointed out to me by some patient souls at Al & Ali's wedding, that considering the number of songs Fluff and I mauled in the Lounge Bar of the Pembroke over the years - who am I to criticise? In my defence, I would point out that both Ian and I did know that "Live Forever" by Oasis had more than one verse, its just at the time, Ian couldn't remember what the words to verses 2, 3 and 4 were, and I was playing something by Radiohead. I think the blame can, once again, be laid squarely at the door of Heineken Export.

Anyhoo, I don't use the ipod when running outside. This is because I like to be able to hear the border-hopping French lunatic approaching so I can brace myself before I bounce off the bonnet of his Megane. I feel a bit safer on a treadmill, so I use it there, and listening to the ipod means I don't have to talk to anyone. The social skills haven't improved any. So, I thought I'd let you know what is on my playlist, just in case any of you have a burning desire to visit itunes and find something you may not have heard before.

Running Tunes
Flux - Bloc Party
Phantom of the Opera - Iron Maiden (remember that Lucozade advert?)
Holiday - Green Day
Scotchguard the Credit Card - Les Savy Fav (no, I haven't made this up)
No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
Fell in Love With a Girl - The White Stripes
The Pretender - Foo Fighters
All My Life - Foo Fighters

Stretching Down Afterwards Tunes
Friend of the Night - Mogwai

From that, you can get a good idea of how much time I spend stretching after a run...... Drives Christina mad that does.

Whilst most of the music I listen to reminds me of Fluff, because it played such an important part in our lives, certain songs always make me think of Ian - check out "Given to Fly" by Pearl Jam, and Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros. They always put a lump in my throat.