A long day to run...

Blog from 26th May 2010:
Friday 21st May is 141 consecutive days & 1410 km covered.
Oxfords race was unusual in the sense of it being a tight course with loads sharp hair pin bends, difficult with 3500 people to keep a pace going or pass; or stay on your feet!
It was no surprise the lack of room coupled with an obscene amount of iron bollards claimed numerous victims whist runners responded to the crowd- I was glad to get round safely (47mins) but sorry, due to the hazards, not to see as much as Oxford as I'd wished.

The most positive element was of the Oxford run was meeting people. Pippa & Wendy were great company throughout the day which had a long drive down and up. We managed to link up with few of their Internet Forum Running Groups and old friends, taking the time to have a picnic in the main park of national heritage city after the race; it wasn't hard to imagine Edwardian type characters doing similar activities.

On reflection on the race I remembered a sub goal I wanted to do, which was to run in a race each month. However, I've found there is simply not enough time and money available to do everything. That said, I'd like to thank everyone who's being sending me invites to events and activities since I started this challenge and to keep letting me know what going on - I can't attend everything but I'm wanting to get involved where I can.

I've not got another race booked, but a holiday not too far away in Scotland. I'll need to increase the amount of 'hills runs' before we go and yes running on holiday is part of the challenge; …but wearing a kilt isn't!

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

Breaking what's easiest..

Blog from 14th May 2010:
At 134 consecutive days running 10k every day I've covered 1340 km and riddled with hay fever.

To be completely honest I have noticed its easy for Days to drift together, Weeks can be over whelming and gone before I know it, Runs have become what ever is easiest to complete with little thought and the variety I meticulously planned has become a mono-pattern of two routes.

So, this last week has been a huge inspiration. I've had interviews with BBC Lincolnshire Radio and BBC Look North, the later followed me round one of regular runs.
However, there's no relief as the weekend means an early start – up at 5am as a group of us travel to take part in Oxford's Town & Gown 10k Race.

Oxford is one of our countries beautiful historical cities, it's just the kick I need to put some of the variety back into the challenge, not to get caught up too much in the day by day but keep focused on the heart of what's happening around me whilst the challenge is being done.

Variety is the spice of life and I hope to add more to the runs to come.

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

Unexpected reactions...

Blog from 5th May 2010
Each landmark in the challenge always gives me a boost and time to reflect, last week was no different being the 1/3 mark or 122 days (2nd May 2010).

This land mark had almost passed me by as I've been suffering with hay fever, making me congested and bunged up due to tree pollen.
And despite the planning, my hamstrings had really started to tighten up not making the running a problem only between each run I've had a constantly ache.
There's been no position or stretch that has relieved the constant all day ache, except when I'd start running again.

Having been so distracted with these two problems the 1/3 landmark might have gone unnoticed, but I'm grateful it didn't - the boost it brought couldn't been more timely time; its got me back into the frame of mind I need to continue the challenge.

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

Navigating ups & downs...

Blog from 30th April 2010:
April has been a mixed month in the challenge to run 10k everyday:
I reached 100 consecutive days and the weather changed to bring new troubles.

Saturday 10th April marked 1000 km for the first time I stepped out to run really feeling the sense of achievement.

From a personal point of view completing 100 consecutive days running was a major highlight and felt like the closing of a chapter on a few things like the hip injury I'd gained (unable to keep off my feet due the challenge had finally healed after 56 days); the barrage of cold, windy and rainy weather finally lifted and I am no longer running in the dark at 6pm. The most prominent aspect is the perception that had drifted into the challenge that this was a "new years resolution" or that it was a fad and not last the spring. After a number a slips and falls, coughs and sneezes, injuries and sickness I reached 100 days with everything resetting itself - fresh to start the next 100 days; only this time it was evident this challenge was for real.

Though its becoming a 'challenge' squeezing everything in. Its dawned me that I had drifted into a habit of doing most of my runs in the evenings. My wife working evenings, kids needing bathing and putting to bed, supper to be enjoyed and at some point run 10k!

The sunsets are a plus obviously with spring and the good weather however, there has suddenly been a really frustrating problem to resolve ... bugs ... and clouds of them.
They generally congregate at shoulder height, after a few km's I'm usually sweaty so they stick and then wriggle everywhere in my face and hair but the real problem is inhaling them; I need protein but yuk!

Maybe its the rushing about routine that is getting me frustrated about this problem, either way the goal when its hot has to be to get out in the morning - not an easy task as I am not an easy riser; so the gym with air-conditioning is top of the list.

The weather change has brought fantastic sunsets as well as given rise to me wearing shorts. The scene set, I've been thinking how fortunate I am to be doing the challenge as without the support from my wife, friends and neighboughs with our kids there would be no time for it. The unsung hero for me therefore is Penny, my wife, who puts up with me and helps me get ready or to plan runs around our work or kids social repertoire. The challenge doesn't stop with running as our time is also eaten away with the blogging and other media platforms or communications.

Thankfully I've had a few weeks that have been straight forward, a rarity, and its given me the chance to think of and thank those who make this challenge a reality - Thank You.

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

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