143 days to go - A slow heart never broke 4 hours

Route #2 Duration : 1 hr 4 min 32 sec Energy : 814 Kcal Distance : 7 miles Max HR : 158 bpm Av HR : 144 bpm Mile Pace : 09:13 min/mile Yesterday's faster run left it's mark in my legs and I struggled to keep up the 9 min mile pace today. It is strange the way ones performance changes from day to day. As well as being stiffer than yesterday, I also found it difficult to keep my heart rate in the zone - it would not beat fast enough! I made a big effort at the end and managed to get the heart pumping and ran the last two miles in 17 mins, a much more respectable pace than the previous 5 miles.

144 days to go - Nice pace shame about the legs

Route #2 Duration : 1 hr 1 min 44 sec Energy : 826 Kcal Distance: 7.00 miles Max HR : 158 bpm Av HR : 149 bpm Mile pace : 8:49 min/mile I am pleased to say that the run went well today, a relief after yesterday's scare with my knee. I took the precaution of wearing an elasticated knee bandage and got round the route with no real injury alarms. My feet are still the weak point, although I am pretty sure they are getting better as time / distance goes on. At today's pace I would finish the marathon in under 4 hours, it is not too much of an ask for 1 hour but the thought of keeping it up for 4 hours is a bit intimidating.

145 days to go - Running before walking

Route #3 Duration : 47 min 38 sec Energy : 315 Kcal Distance : 3.60 miles Max HR : 143 bpm Av HR : 105 bpm Mile Pace : 13:13 min/mile I set off intending to complete 7 miles, but after only 1 mile I started to get a severe pain in my right knee. I tried to "run through" the problem but it just got worse. I noticed that the pain only came when I was actually running and that I could keep up a brisk walk with no problems, so I decided to walk a shorter route. Hey you are meant to mix up your training right! If the truth be known, I suspect that another late night on the drink and evil weed with DevilBoy did not help my cause. It is probably a good thing he is going home today!

146 days to go - Ibuprofen and DevilBoy

Route #1 Duration : 52 min 36 sec Energy : 737 Kcal Distance : 5.90 miles Max HR : 160 bpm Av HR : 153 bpm Mile pace : 8:54 min/mile I surprised myself today in that I went running at all! Yesterday's birthday celebrations went on until the wee small hours with DevilBoy and much boozing and smoking indulged in. I was pretty sure that I would be too hungover to run, but as it happens I awoke relatively clear headed and ready to run - all be it after 400mg of ibuprofen. I do not know if it was the painkillers or the fact that DevilBoy rode a bike around the route with me, but the running felt good. I let my pace settle at an optimistic lick and was pleasantly surprised to crack the 9 min barrier. I am pleased to say that I experienced very little discomfort from the feet and ankles, just the odd twinge from my right knee. DevilBoy and I made this video

147 days to go - Party Party Party

Its my birthday ! No running today, but much celebration. The presence of good friends, good food and good booze has helped me get over the guilt of over-consumption. Hey even athletes need to party on their birthday - back on the road and the wagon next week. For the record, week 1's totals were 36.5 miles in 6 hrs 31 min 19 sec.

148 days to go - Going the extra mile

Route #2 Duration : 1 hr 5 min 8 sec Energy : 904 Kcal Distance : 7 miles Max HR : 161 bpm Av HR : 152 bpm Mile Pace : 9 min 18 sec / mile The combination of running everyday and staying on the wagon is starting to have real beneficial effects. I woke feeling fit and full of energy and decided to up my pace and distance for the day. I cruised around the extra mile and was quite pleased with my improved pace. A good note to end week one on, I shall enjoy the break tomorrow and a few celebratory drinks tonight!

149 Days to Go - The legs start to move

Route #1 Duration : 1 hr 0 min 47 sec Energy : 739 KCal Distance : 5.9 miles Max HR : 158 bpm Av HR : 141 bpm Mile pace : 10:18 min/mile I don't know if it is the "star trek" gear, but most of my body stiffness has gone and even my feet are feeling less arthritic! I really enjoyed the run today, I actually found myself looking forward too it. I think the weekday detox is paying off - I have not had a drink since Sunday.

150 Days to go - Here comes the lycra lad

Route #1 Duration : 1 hr 4 min 52 sec Energy : 846 Kcal Distance : 5.9 miles Max HR : 159 bpm Av HR : 147 bpm Mile pace : 10:59 min/mile My new winter running gear arrived this morning and got its first run out this afternoon. I must say I had been sceptical about the claims made for compression clothing but I swear it does help. The extra support around your whole body feels comforting and the wicking nature of the Lycra allows your body to be warmer without overheating.

151 days to go - Into the zone

Route #1 Duration : 1 hr 7 min 36 sec Energy : 826 Kcal Distance : 5.9 miles Max HR : 150 bpm Av HR : 141 bpm Mile pace : 11:27 min/mile The feet and ankles are no worse, but also no better. On the bright side the old heart and lungs seem to be okay. While today's pace was very modest, it was noticeably easier to stay in the moderate HR zone (120-140) and the weekday alcohol ban means I am waking with a clear head!

152 days to go - The heel lift strikes back.

Route #1 Duration : 1 hr 6 min 40 sec Energy : 880 Kcal Distance : 5.9 miles Max HR : 160 Av HR : 148 Mile Pace : 11:17 min/mile Oooooh er missus, I cannot believe how sore my feet are after just 2 runs! It must be to do with the heel lift changing my gait and therefore the stresses on my feet. This whole thing may be harder than I thought!

153 days to go - One jog for man ...

Route #1 Duration : 1 hr 6 min 16 sec Energy : 809 Kcal Distance : 5.9 Miles Max HR : 161 bpm Av HR : 141 bpm Mile Pace : 11:13 min/mile Today was my official 1st day of training. Having spent the weekend contemplating the next 5 months of training and the race itself I have convinced myself that while completing a marathon in under 4 hours is an attainable goal, I will have to be single minded about my training and lifestyle. Rules

• No alcohol during the week
• No smoking
• Stick to the program
• Eat a healthy diet
• Drink lots of water

Benefits

• Better self image
• Slimmer waistline
• Happier outlook
• Achievement of a long term goal

The run itself was easy, I specifically set out to complete a modest distance at a modest pace, keeping my heart rate in the moderate zone (120-140).

As with all the best laid plans, a recent heavy cold and the LLD induced injury to my back and ankle has meant that I have done no real exercise of a few weeks so I am less fit at the start of my program than I intended.

Let the training begin.

I have done it now! I heard today from Cancer research that my bid for a Golden Bond place has been confirmed. Let the training begin! By way of celebration I got on the web and bought a LineBreak lycra compression top and tights and a Gore windstop toplayer for the winter weather.