The first hurdle

So I did it.  I actually went for a run.  The wife even laughed when I said I was going, but go I did.  

I found a park at the top of town that has a nice circuited path, that is about half a mile long.  It's also far enough away from my house that the neighbours won't see me!

Anyway, I decided in order to break myself in, so to speak, to do a mix of walking and running (I've heard that's a good way to warm up and get started...)  Last thing I need is to collapse with chest pains and have to explain to my colleagues! So off I went, five minutes of walking then five of running etc etc.  Forty minutes later, quite frankly I'd had enough.  I was hot, thirsty and my legs hurt....I had though, run about 1.5miles in total! Yay me! Feeling rather chuffed I went home in a sickeningly good mood and had a cold shower (I've heard that's good for recovery?!).

In order to track my progress I thought I'd share with you some vital stats.  When you read the following, imagine it's being displayed with a rotating photo of myself, NFL Style...

So, I currently weigh, if I'm being kind to myself, 85kg., I'm 5'5 (and a half) and have a 36" waist, which means I have a BMI of 31.  So I'm overweight. This I knew. I eat too much.  I like food!

My Resting heart rate rate is 78 and my last blood pressure was 131/78. I "ran" a mile in 14 minutes (this isn't wholly accurate 'cos I like totally walked some of it!). I'm hoping that all these figure are going to drop.  Obviously not my height.  There is nothing I can do about that, I've made my peace there...

So, on Monday morning I'm going out again.  This time, I'm going to see how far I can run before I have to stop, just to set a bench mark there!  I'm hoping I can manage at least a mile.  I have some learning points from this week though.

1. Take water

2. Cycling to and from work the same day, means the next day I will hurt!

3. Cold showers are horrible!

Onwards and upwards!

Big ideas, small begginings

I have decided to do something daft.  Allow me to explain...

Earlier in September I watched my Sister and three our friends, Martha, Sophy and Lucy run the Bristol Half marathon.

This has inspired me to do the same.  Now, naturally, in my line of work I'm not unfit.  I mean, I'm not at a peak level of fitness by any stretch, but with regular cycling to work and the demands of the job I'm no couch potato.  However I detest running. I'm not a runner.  At school, I cam last in any event that required running and I have been frequently heard to complain that running should only be used to get away from fire and lions...

So why have I decided to do something that I hate so much?

Well, my sister and our friends managed the half, some with minimal training and really enjoyed themselves. They also raised £1000 for BIBIC, the charity for brain injured children.  They also have a memory to look back on and say, 'I did that...'

There's also the charity element.  It's a great way to raise money.  I have a charity in mind, I've not told them yet, but in my mind it's the perfect one.

So, here's my plan...

I have 50 weeks until Bristol Half Marathon 2014. I am going to blog, weekly about my progress, the pain and the fundraising.  All I need you to do is keep reading, supporting and donating money.

Am I crazy? Yes!

Am I motivated to do this? Yes

Is it going to hurt? Absolutely!

Wish me luck

Next blog to follow...