Biggest Test of the Year So Far!

And it's finally time to put my words into action. I said that I would do a 10km run this weekend, it's Thursday, and I'm worried! Firstly I've had to change the day as I was roped into helping out on a school trip on Saturday. I couldn't think of an excuse quick enough. So, regrettably, I changed the day of the run to tomorrow (Friday).

The problem is although I've been steadily training most of the year I haven't really managed to get any exercise in for the last couple of weeks. Last week I was just so busy and, with any free time I had, I was helping my wife pass her Maths QTS Skills Test (she passed so it was well worth it!). And this week, although I played football and Ultimate Frisbee on Tuesday, that's about it. Today I was going to do a short practice run but I've been feeling rough all day. I've actually been so pathetic that I took a 2 hour midday nap*. What a loser. This was not how I planned my preparation! Furthermore, I've literally just woken up to find that my beloved has just put in a huge pepperoni pizza and chips in the oven.

So I think considering all the factors, I will probably perform my run on Sunday, as opposed to Friday. This will give me an opportunity to feel a bit better, get some more exercise in on Friday when I play football after school, and it wont be after a day of work. Plus it will still mean that I complete this challenge this month! Of course if I feel healthy tomorrow, I'll do it then.

So here's my route again. It's a hilly 10.02km run between Wymondham and Bawburgh Kings Head.

Well...quite hilly.

Remember, this is all in aid of raising money for a fantastic charity: http://www.buildnorwich.org.uk/

If you have a couple of quid to spare, feel free to donate on my charity page: http://www.everyclick.com/buildnorwich.



Every penny goes straight to the charity and they really would appreciate any donation.

As I've mentioned before, I've already promised to see off a pint because the total has got up to £200. I also stupidly promised that if we get up to £300, I will also do a Jagerbomb. I'm not endorsing drinking irresponsibly. But apparently other people are. As soon as I mentioned that I will see off a pint, I raised £70 in half a day. So keep on donating please, not only to support the wonderful young adults at Build, but also to increase the chances of seeing a grown man, in a pub, cry (me).

*The school I work at had a day off today. Napping is not usually possible.

Ben Got Pooed On

I went for a 7km run today with a friend, Ben. It turns out that he's much fitter than me. But, whilst he was waiting for me to catch up at the finish line, a bird pooed on his head. I think this goes to show that if you run round, pointing out all the pretty scenery whilst your tired friend struggles to breathe, justice will be met. Sometimes in the form of poo.

Today's run was the furthest I've ever run. That's if you can call it a run. It was closer to a pacey stagger. My lungs felt like they had shrivelled to the size of peanuts, my legs felt like jelly (made of lead) and I had as much strength, by the end of it, as a crisp. But I completed it. And Ben ended up driving home half naked because of the bird faeces. So it was worth it.

I'd also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me. Since I announced my intention to see off a pint as soon as I finish my 10km run later this month, a surge of people have donated. I've now raised £200, which I'm very happy about. 

I've recently upped my offer. If I raise £300 before the 29th June, I'll also see off a Jagerbomb. In no way do I want to endorse irresponsible drinking. But apparently you lot do.

So please continue to be lovely people and donate at http://www.everyclick.com/buildnorwich.

Shit happens.

  

MAY SUMMARY. OK I'll be honest...

A tired hedgehog. His spines are a metaphor for my  anguish.

My challenges

1. Write a book.
2. Run a 10km race.
3. Do at least 20 hours of some volunteering/charity work.
4. Record an album.
5. Learn a language.
6. The Three Peaks Challenge.
7. Raise at least £1,000 for charity.
8. Knit a jumper.
9. Go to, on average, one museum a month.
10. Read 10 books in a month.
11. Introduce tea/coffee to my life and regularly eat at least 3 fruits.
12. Clear out my garage.

And my progress (remember a couple of these things will be done in June)

1. Incomplete
2. Incomplete
3. Incomplete
4. Incomplete
5. Incomplete
6. Incomplete
7. Incomplete
8. Incomplete
9. Incomplete
10.Completed
11.Incomplete
12.Incomplete

The honest truth is that I'm knackered. Proper well tired, mate. I feel twice my age. In the last couple of weeks I've been given insoles to alleviate pain on my weak, suffering knees. I've been getting chest cramps. And my receding hairline is getting harder to cover. I'm a mess. And I'm so busy. Despite motivational words and my best intentions, I'm starting to think that all this stuff is perhaps too much. I'm running when my lungs and knees let me. I'm learning Italian in between thinking. And I go through waves of thinking that 12 big challenges a year is an excellent use of time, to thinking "I'm a twat. What am I doing with my life?"

I think I need a big push for donations. Seriously.

If I can get to this month having got to at least £200 then I'd feel like £1,000 by the end of the year is do-able. Plus it'll mean that Build (the charity I'm raising money for) will be able to invest more money into promoting my Three Peaks Challenge that I'm doing in August, and therefore raise even more money.

So please help. Not just for this amazing charity http://buildnorwich.org.uk/ but also for me. I need you to donate money to this worthy cause so that I feel like I'm not wasting my energy.

I'll be doing a 10km run at the end of this month (the 29th) that starts at my place of work and ends at a pub. I tell you what; if I get to £200 before my run, I'll see off a pint when I get there!

Per favore.

http://www.everyclick.com/buildnorwich

Grazie mille.


(That means please and thank you)