MDS 2009 - Keith

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Gathering Momentum

The following is just a wee update of the events over the last few weeks.

Firstly can I welcome/thank all those friends and strangers to our website. So many people have mentioned to me that they are following our progress with interest and they keep checking the site to see what lunacy we have been up to. All three of us are of the opinion that we will only post blogs as and when we have something of relative interest to say.

The overwhelming request from those who are following us, is to have a feedback page on our website in order that folks can post their comments/advice/suggestions/best wishes etc.
James, our website guru, has assured me that there will be such a facility added to our site very shortly so watch this space!!

With training in full swing and currently running five times per week, I have seen dramatic effects on my fitness levels. Firstly I am proud to announce that I have been "aff" the beer/alcohol for 5 weeks, which for those of you who know me, makes this an achievement. I don't intend to remain teetotal for the next 2 years, however with the current running program I don't see the point of setting myself back after a weekend's bender.

The effects of running 4 times during the week for an hour each, then for about 2 hours on the Saturday has seen significant improvement in my speed and endurance as well as my heart rate. The heart rates are of particular importance because the lower I can get my heart rate while at rest and on the run the more efficient over longer distance I can be.

I have been asked to post our training programs as well as our fitness test results. Again James is the man to sort this out and this is also going to feature on our site shortly.

As a wee indicator at present my resting pulse is 48bpm and average running pulse of about 160bpm.

Between work commitments and training I still haven't quite got a grip of the "eight hour sleep per night" requirement, I'm only managing about 6/7 hours (report card say's "Could do better!!).

There's only a fortnight before our first goal of the campaign, the Dundee Half Marathon on 1st July. The route is between Broughty Ferry Castle and Camperdown Park Dundee. It's a flat course other than the last 1.5 miles, which incorporates a steep climb to the park. The only other factor to consider is the potential for strong wind. No not from me!! But Riverside Drive is notoriously windy which may have a bearing on the times.

I guess my target is anything below 1 hour 49 minutes, which is my personal best for a recognised half marathon.

As far as the over all campaign is concerned we are currently featured in 2 magazines, "Up Beat" which is Aberdeen and Inverness Airports free magazine, the mag is also placed on all outbound BAA flights (we are now truly national!!).

The second is "In Business" magazine the local magazine circulated throughout the business fraternity in Angus, Dundee and Perth + Kinross. Already we have had calls from businesses looking to support our charity target - absolutely brilliant!!

Yesterday we travelled to "Run 4 It" running shop in Aberdeen to have our gait analysed and take advantage of a healthy in store discount negotiated specifically for us. It was well worthwhile the gait analysis involves being filmed running barefoot on a treadmill and then analysing your feet and knee alignment, you can then prescribe the most suitable trainers for your feet.

The results: -

I have a relatively neutral foot strike. This means everything is pretty much in line and the trainers I was using are correct for my build and gait. This is a relief as when our mileage is increased over the next year or so misalignment can develop other joint issues.

James, for those of you who know him will not be surprised that he was described as being as "straight as a dogs leg!!" as such prescribed inserts for his trainers have been ordered. (Good to find out about it now though!!)

Seamus, what can I say, - quote "You’re a bit light on your feet" AND "You have bandy legs". Laugh, I nearly cried!!!
In spite of the diagnosis believe it or not he was able to find trainers to assist in his issues.

A big thanks to Alan Urquhart (Store Manager), and all his staff who assisted.

So everything is moving forward quite well. The proof of the training pudding will be in a fortnights time at the half marathon, if you’re free and want to support us come and watch we'd love to see you there.
The corporate sponsor recruitment continues although at this time we have had limited success however we are ever hopeful.

Thanks for the support it really makes a difference.

Cheers