Bite size chunks...

Blog from 10 April 2010

Like most years time seems to rush by and in many ways the New Year only seems like the other week. This year is no different except I've run everyday and as a result known exactly how long ago the New Year was.

March finished on Wednesday marking 90 consecutive days and 1/4 of this running challenge completed.
In this time I've had a number of ups and downs, external pressures and problems to overcome but I wouldn't be without them; if it was easy everyone would do it, if it was easy it wouldn't have or be of interest.

Like all big aims, goals and challenges, it can be overwhelming with the scale of it.  Personally I make little steps and bite sized chunks out of the challenge which helps me keep focused, staying the moment and not looking too far ahead.  So continuing the momentum on from last week and Lincoln's 10k, I've gained a new enthusiasm knowing how far I've come, the weathers ... getting better and there's a 1000km party (10th April) about the challenge to let my hair down at the Ramada; I've also lost 2 stone - personally feel fitter and mentally healthier from having about 60mins of personal time a day.

The challenge however doesn't stop at 60mins a day, trying to raise awareness and money for cancer research adds about 4 or 5 hours per week - something I hadn't thought would be so hard and time consuming.
The challenge is about completing the distance and then doing it the next day so I'm not bothered about time, however at times it's nice to put a quick run in. One of the aspects I really enjoy is running with different people and this week I ran with the Journals Photographer, Toby.  He's not run for a bit but we completed the distance and generally caught up, as we've been friends for years.

Please take the time to share the 10k-everyday idea and encouraging others to get involved - it's as good as donating. If you're on Face Book simply type “10k everyday” in the search bar.

You can find micro blogging of this challenge at:
www.facebook.com/tbridle, www.linkedin.com/in/tbridle & www.twitter.com/timbridle

Send a friend request with 10k-everyday in it and I'll accept. Be well, Tim

Soup for the soul...

Blog from 25 March 2010

This week I've been riding the atmosphere and experience of my first 10k race this year at Lincoln on Sunday 21st March, there was little the weather or anything else that could do to dampen my spirits.
There had been about 5000 people running in last Sundays event.  The spectators enthusiasm and encouragement poured on to all competitors, helping us find that little more in ourselves to give to the race.

I saw a few types of runners on the day, noticed there were different levels of "dressed for fun to raise money" such as Lincoln Imps, Cartoon Heros or Animation characters and others who "were on a mission" not always spotted by their facial expression but their determination was hard to miss as they barged past others or tried to protect their position!

In all honesty I found both types very entertaining and although I was running the 10k with them, it was hard work sticking to the pace and strategy I had planned for the challenge of running 10k-everyday. I couldn't afford too much lactic acid build up by exerting myself, but it was so easy to be pulled along with the race which was
noticeable as I finished quicker than planned.

The Lincoln 10k has given me a boost and I think there can be a lot said for running in a group, whether 2, 5 or 5000 - thanks to everyone who went it was a great day ... where's the next one.

Please take the time to share the 10k-everyday idea and encouraging others to get involved - it's as good as donating. If you're on Face Book simply type “10k everyday” in the search bar.

You can find micro blogging of this challenge at:
www.facebook.com/tbridle & www.linkedin.com/in/tbridle

Send a friend request with 10k-everyday in it and I'll accept. Be well, Tim

Whatever it takes...

Blog from 20 March 2010

I've made 80 consecutive runs in my challenge to run 10k everyday, focusing on the activity & generally considering the weather to be the worst external factor to contend with. After a recent bout of 'food poisoning' last week I was brought to a swift reality that it wouldn't take much to halt this challenge.

I'd identified & devised answers to almost every problem except what would happen when I got sick.

Seeing winter finish brought clear blue skys and superb sunsets, the external conditions had become great with the contrast of me facing internal troubles. Sudden tiredness & fatigue, as well as craving for sleep had meant I neglected my diet.
I knew this as I had been monitoring my aches, pains and weight regularly to spot any additional dietary requirements.
In this case, I've not maintained a balanced diet or eaten enough calories to repair & of nutritional fuel value. Having lost lb/day for 4 days meant I needed to eat loads of protein, which I did & bounced back straight away –aches gone, I felt brilliant and energised.

It would seem however that fate had a sense of irony as a few days after my protein over load I developed 'food poisoning.' I'm sure many have experienced it, for me I was left exhausted, dehydrated and weak. The question to "how would I cope when I got sick" was getting answered.

Once over the initial sickness, my recovery was time dependent. On Facebook, through the following morning a number of people said I shouldn't do it & most thought the answer for the challenge would be to add a day on at the end of the year to compensate. I understood what was being said but I thought it wasn't in the essence of the challenge. When I had mustered enough energy at 520pm, I set out on a public route to complete 10km what ever it took.

Starting as a brisk walk I covered the 3km without incident averaging 9:30mins/ km by the Garmin watch. However from then on in, my strength dropped rapidly & at 6km I'd averaged 11mins/km with every step hurting. I'd had been listening hard to the music on my MP3 player, having turned the volume up to distract & focus me on something other than the pain of moving. I was nearing home & I could barely hear the music as I couldn't escape how much I hurt, I grouped myself together to complete the last 500m positively - which was a reaction to stopping with tears running down my face at 9.2km; I finished in 1hr 56mins.

Feeling brittle the next day & like getting back on a bike after a heavy fall, I stepped out apprehensive & uncomfortable after the ordeal the day before.
I kept to the challenge through the hardest test so far, leaving me cautious in regards to my health.

Please take the time to share the 10k-everyday idea and encouraging others to get involved - it's as good as donating. If you're on Face Book simply type “10k everyday” in the search bar.

You can find micro blogging of this challenge at:
www.facebook.com/tbridle, www.linkedin.com/in/tbridle & www.twitter.com/timbridle

Send a friend request with 10k-everyday in it and I'll accept. Be well, Tim