Merry Christmas to one and all and thank you for follow my blog.
Twas the week before Christmas, this has turned out to be quite a good week, lets start with the fact I've had a week off work to unwind from the stresses of work and work did get very stressful for a while so its good to unwind and relax. Another good thing this week is that I had my grandson Oakley stay over, it so happened that I picked him up after a run so I was in my running gear as I got out of the car he said "Granddad your legs are slim now" he also run indoors and told his mum bless don't think she wanted to look at my legs. That's a big boost to me as kids can be truthful at times.
I have done three runs this week increasing the runs as they went starting with a four miler then a five and half miler and lastly a ten point seven eight mile run the amazing thing about this last run is the ten mile split 1:57:41 which means that in less than two months I have run 11:29 quicker than the great south run. Here are the links to my runs http://connect.garmin.com/activities and http://runkeeper.com/user/DarinMcCloud/activity/63663976 I prefer the Garmin site for information but keep Run keeper as it has all my runs recorded on there but the information is different no idea why all gets downloaded at the same time from the same watch.
Every Christmas Eve we go to my mum's for dinner last year was a fat overweight sweaty horrible Darin that turned up this year a slimmer prouder Darin turned up in a nice black top I brought myself recently because I liked IT and not because they did it in XXXXXL as you may be aware from a previous post I brought two pairs of jeans size 36 that I have wearing for a while as they were in a sale and nice and cheap I also brought two pairs of size 34 jeans (guess what I going to say now) I tried on the size 34 jeans and they fitted, size 34 waist cannot remember ever being that size really. It was great to wear them and for mum to see me in them. In less than one calendar year I have gone from a 48 waist to a 34 waist. http://www.ThinkingSlimmer.com take a bow again I am still amazed how well the slimpod's and me still work this far down the line.
My weight today is 98.9kg a little disappointing to be honest but with the long run yesterday (my legs feel like tree trunks this morning) and a three coarse meal last night that was excellent I will take that. See above why scales are rubbish.
For anyone that may be interested my Christmas gift this year is my life back and control over food. THANK YOU to all the special people in my life who made this happen without each and everyone of you it would have been so much harder I love you all, you know who you all are. xxx
This is my journey to lose weight the natural way after all the negative publicity.Thank god there are good people out there to help people like me.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Week Forty Three
Not a great deal to write about this week so will be a short blog, Lets start off with another difficult situation and how I passed the test.We went out for a meal with some friends and we went to the Water Margin a Chinese buffet style all you can eat restaurant, There's a sentence to put the fear of god into me, this could end in tears the plus side was great company so I felt good about putting myself in harm's way. The good news is I went up twice for food I ate more than I should/needed but not by loads and I was comfortable that the people at the table were happy that I ate something without being silly or overeating, more importantly I felt comfortable about going up and getting the food this made the experience more pleasant instead of the fat man going up and down being conscious of my size, this was very liberating. The great thing was they had loads of fruit and jelly again I went up twice but fruit is good. All in all a great experience that I would be more relaxed to do again and know that in that environment I am now NORMAL.
On the running front this week I managed three runs which made up for the other week when I missed a couple of runs things have a way of balancing out, the runs have been good even in the cold weather I did have a problem with my calf, I was told about a local college who do sports massage done by students and at more than a reasonable rate, I did think my calf was better when I went, Boy was I wrong that was a session of pure pain, I think this shows the need to look after the body as well whilst training, in the new year I will be a regular at the college as I continue my training for the Brighton Half Marathon and then what ever run is next on my hit list. My run details are here http://runkeeper.com/user/DarinMcCloud/activity/63080037
My weight is a little disappointing but in the scheme of things alright A small gain of 0.2kg That's good a week before Christmas with a night out good food a few beers great company that's a good swap in my book.
I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and thank you all for taking the time to read my ramblings of my journey that has turned my life around, If you use a slimpod keep using it over the holiday period enjoy your self and remember if you have a bad day and we all do have them I know my battle with bread is still not won yet, take the positives out of the bad day and the chances are you still eat way less than you would have done before the slimpod. I know I'm lucky to be 11 months in on my journey for some you have made the decision before the Christmas holidays, it may be hard but after you will feel so much better trust me.
On the running front this week I managed three runs which made up for the other week when I missed a couple of runs things have a way of balancing out, the runs have been good even in the cold weather I did have a problem with my calf, I was told about a local college who do sports massage done by students and at more than a reasonable rate, I did think my calf was better when I went, Boy was I wrong that was a session of pure pain, I think this shows the need to look after the body as well whilst training, in the new year I will be a regular at the college as I continue my training for the Brighton Half Marathon and then what ever run is next on my hit list. My run details are here http://runkeeper.com/user/DarinMcCloud/activity/63080037
My weight is a little disappointing but in the scheme of things alright A small gain of 0.2kg That's good a week before Christmas with a night out good food a few beers great company that's a good swap in my book.
I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and thank you all for taking the time to read my ramblings of my journey that has turned my life around, If you use a slimpod keep using it over the holiday period enjoy your self and remember if you have a bad day and we all do have them I know my battle with bread is still not won yet, take the positives out of the bad day and the chances are you still eat way less than you would have done before the slimpod. I know I'm lucky to be 11 months in on my journey for some you have made the decision before the Christmas holidays, it may be hard but after you will feel so much better trust me.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Week Forty two
I would like to talk about my depression of the last two weeks, first of all it's all work related and the problems have now been sorted. I have not been on anti depressants for a good few months now (please seek medical advice before stopping any medication) my choice to stop, and the time seemed right for me so I did. I have no regrets about doing so nor have I had any problems with depression since or until two weeks ago.
I noticed I was depressed with the chain of events that happened and I also noticed how deeply depressed I got over something at work. Why I will never know because its only work, maybe it had to do with a social occasion (Christmas do) in the mix as well, no maybe involved to be honest. The reason for putting this in my blog is to show that I was aware of the whole series of events that led to the depression that I was shocked by the severity of the depression and that today I can admit that I am over the depression and able to move on with my life all in two weeks! REALLY? Yes really and all because of my slimpod and www.thinkingslimmer.com it gives you the tools to deal with not only food but also your whole well-being, the biggest thing I have learnt is that I have the answers to my problems I just needed the confidence to trust myself to give me the right answer's. This also give me the confidence to help others and offer advice knowing that I am giving good advice and pointing people in the right direction. This is truly powerful and I plan to use it help people help themselves.
During the week Thinking Slimmer released their Christmas edition news letter and I am very proud and honored to be the Male Winner of Thinking Slimmer's Slimpodder of the Year. We need more men to see this and to let them know it does work and its not just for women this product is unique and works for both sexes. May I add my Congratulations to Jo Hallam the female winner and the Three runners up Wendy, Becca, Karen. Becca I have already met through our runner to the others I look forward to meeting you in the New Year, You are all amazing people well done on your journeys.
This week the weather has been a challenge I have only had one run this week, this I can cope with and I am happy with were I am at, I made a brave decision to vary my run route this for me is very scary and takes me out of my comfort zone. This is the link http://runkeeper.com/user/DarinMcCloud/activity/62410967
My weight for the week increased by 0.3kg to 98.7kg again after a great weight loss last week this is a good week and only having the one run run made a difference. Only positives all the way this week.
Talking of positives I'm getting a few great messages from people that I know or people that I'm about to know, thank you and keep messaging or asking questions I will answer you. Remember it took us years to put the the weight on it will take a while to lose it safely and keep it off. There is no miracle quick fix weight loss program,it takes a little time.
I noticed I was depressed with the chain of events that happened and I also noticed how deeply depressed I got over something at work. Why I will never know because its only work, maybe it had to do with a social occasion (Christmas do) in the mix as well, no maybe involved to be honest. The reason for putting this in my blog is to show that I was aware of the whole series of events that led to the depression that I was shocked by the severity of the depression and that today I can admit that I am over the depression and able to move on with my life all in two weeks! REALLY? Yes really and all because of my slimpod and www.thinkingslimmer.com it gives you the tools to deal with not only food but also your whole well-being, the biggest thing I have learnt is that I have the answers to my problems I just needed the confidence to trust myself to give me the right answer's. This also give me the confidence to help others and offer advice knowing that I am giving good advice and pointing people in the right direction. This is truly powerful and I plan to use it help people help themselves.
During the week Thinking Slimmer released their Christmas edition news letter and I am very proud and honored to be the Male Winner of Thinking Slimmer's Slimpodder of the Year. We need more men to see this and to let them know it does work and its not just for women this product is unique and works for both sexes. May I add my Congratulations to Jo Hallam the female winner and the Three runners up Wendy, Becca, Karen. Becca I have already met through our runner to the others I look forward to meeting you in the New Year, You are all amazing people well done on your journeys.
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This week the weather has been a challenge I have only had one run this week, this I can cope with and I am happy with were I am at, I made a brave decision to vary my run route this for me is very scary and takes me out of my comfort zone. This is the link http://runkeeper.com/user/DarinMcCloud/activity/62410967
My weight for the week increased by 0.3kg to 98.7kg again after a great weight loss last week this is a good week and only having the one run run made a difference. Only positives all the way this week.
Talking of positives I'm getting a few great messages from people that I know or people that I'm about to know, thank you and keep messaging or asking questions I will answer you. Remember it took us years to put the the weight on it will take a while to lose it safely and keep it off. There is no miracle quick fix weight loss program,it takes a little time.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Week Forty One
Where to start this week? Only two days normal work this week due to the Strike over pensions. How bad can things turn in that short space of time. Well it screwed my weekend up and had me in the depths of depression, Saturday night was works Christmas dinner and booze up I have been looking forward to the night out for ages,after the football which Pompey won and the walk home I was unable or unwilling to go so switched my phone off and stayed in. I won't repeat it hear but check out my notes for Saturdays run, this will be posted later in the blog.
My training this week has gone well, I made a decision not to run on Monday but to rest instead I think this was the right thing to do so I have just done two runs this weekend the links are below.
Sunny until the sun hid behind a cloud not that cold ground wet. After a trying week at work that was only 2 day's long, Some of the team are turning into little children please sir he said this please sir he did that.Bloody grow up and act like adults the jobs hard enough without us not working as a team. Rant over. The reason for adding this was to explain how I managed to run another PB but also to have done it within myself Controlled aggressive running I shall call it. If ever I needed to run today was it, I feel so much better for having done so. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/132321546
Cloudy,cool,very breezy. The run up was against the breeze the fact it was a cold breeze made it harder. I had a good run back I thought about doing eight miles but with time on my side for the Brighton Half Marathon I'm happy to increase distance by one and a half miles. While yesterday's run was channeled positively today my head was too screwed up really bad depression last night. This is my 1st half GSR distance since the 10th Sept and is a PB by 6 mins 20 seconds Just goes to show how much I have improved. And that the depression did not stop me running. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/132613422
I have being trying very hard for the last two weeks on weight loss as the GSR is now over. Whilst I have a level of fitness and can now run the aim is to keep the running/training ticking over in between races so that I don't have to do the hard training again, the distance running will go up and down according to what distance race is my next there will always be another race. After three months of my weight fluctuating between 101kg and 104kg the milestone that is below 100kg has been frustrating and difficult at achieve. Today's weight loss is even more remarkable, it shows me that to lose weight I must eat less food than I have been, but the amount of food that I have been eating was enough to keep my weight balanced and steady so there is a great lesson learnt that I have control over my food to know not to overeat, never thought I would ever learn that lesson but now I have. So it is with great excitement that I give you this weeks weight 98.3kg a loss of 3.2kg or 7.1lbs making my weight a very happy 15st 6.7lbs I have been so fed up telling everyone that my weight is still 16 stone after 3 months this is just such a relief and a great kick start on my journey to my 13 stone target. I still hate the scales!!!
My training this week has gone well, I made a decision not to run on Monday but to rest instead I think this was the right thing to do so I have just done two runs this weekend the links are below.
Sunny until the sun hid behind a cloud not that cold ground wet. After a trying week at work that was only 2 day's long, Some of the team are turning into little children please sir he said this please sir he did that.Bloody grow up and act like adults the jobs hard enough without us not working as a team. Rant over. The reason for adding this was to explain how I managed to run another PB but also to have done it within myself Controlled aggressive running I shall call it. If ever I needed to run today was it, I feel so much better for having done so. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/132321546
Cloudy,cool,very breezy. The run up was against the breeze the fact it was a cold breeze made it harder. I had a good run back I thought about doing eight miles but with time on my side for the Brighton Half Marathon I'm happy to increase distance by one and a half miles. While yesterday's run was channeled positively today my head was too screwed up really bad depression last night. This is my 1st half GSR distance since the 10th Sept and is a PB by 6 mins 20 seconds Just goes to show how much I have improved. And that the depression did not stop me running. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/132613422
I have being trying very hard for the last two weeks on weight loss as the GSR is now over. Whilst I have a level of fitness and can now run the aim is to keep the running/training ticking over in between races so that I don't have to do the hard training again, the distance running will go up and down according to what distance race is my next there will always be another race. After three months of my weight fluctuating between 101kg and 104kg the milestone that is below 100kg has been frustrating and difficult at achieve. Today's weight loss is even more remarkable, it shows me that to lose weight I must eat less food than I have been, but the amount of food that I have been eating was enough to keep my weight balanced and steady so there is a great lesson learnt that I have control over my food to know not to overeat, never thought I would ever learn that lesson but now I have. So it is with great excitement that I give you this weeks weight 98.3kg a loss of 3.2kg or 7.1lbs making my weight a very happy 15st 6.7lbs I have been so fed up telling everyone that my weight is still 16 stone after 3 months this is just such a relief and a great kick start on my journey to my 13 stone target. I still hate the scales!!!
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Week Forty
Lets start off with my eating habits not gone as well as I would have hoped, normal life is so much more different than holidays. Lets not carried away that this is a major failure or I have fallen off the wagon and lost control over food, this is about my weakness over bread and and ryvita and failing back to them so easily after the holiday were the only snacking was fruit.
For this lapse I am deeply disappointed with myself and I clearly still need help at home to address this problem, whilst some may find it tiresome, I find it frustrating and upsetting that I need so much help with this area still, I can cope with sweets, chocolate's, muffin's and cakes and takeaway meals in the house and in sight which is an amazing feat considering I would have eaten it for the sake of it in the old days, but the bread issue I fail on time after time. next time
I am the proud owner of a Garmin Forerunner 305 What a brilliant piece of kit this is, the way to go after spending this long training and having my first big run and signed up for more in the future, Only used it twice so far and I have learnt so much from it, I have so much more to learn to harness this information but the quality of my training will improve because of it. The other advice I have been given about the heart monitor is to run slower to keep the heart rate lower for one run, do the same as I have for one run and to do some short fast runs and then slower runs for another run. Call it an early Christmas present or a reward for the Great South Run I don't care I just love it. This is the link to my training record http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard and this is my notes from the two runs.
First run with Garmin watch. Not sure how much information you will see so I will bore you with mile mark times. Mile one 11:01 mile two 12:37 Mile three 12:11 and last .88of a mile 10:04. So went too fast which I knew but I had my go faster new all singing all dancing watch, so hyped up was I, that I'm not surprised, seeing my times gives me a new information to work with and use to improve my runs. This is such a cool piece of equipment I love it.
Sunny Dry and mild. Day 2 of using Garmin 305 plus 1st day of using heart rate monitor, the data from the heart monitor means nothing to me at the moment but Dr's will tell me how it is, I think maybe a little to high but I don't know. This run is a new PB by 43 seconds and was helped by the information on the watch. I forgot to mention yesterday that I have have run without my skins my legs feel naked but all seems alright. The last 3 runs I have done feel quite heavy on my chest I wonder if running in colder weather makes a difference (answer's on a postcard) or email my times suggest i'm working harder but I just don't know.
Next up the big news about my Diabetes I have had the results back from my blood test for my Hba1c this has dropped further and stayed within the normal boundaries before it was 7.6% or 60 under the new way of recording to 6.5% or 48 having spoken with Dr Lorraine Albon it was agreed to stick with the Victoza regularly, to drop my night time Insulin down to 6 units, and my normal Insulin with meals at the required amount for the food I'm eating. The Insulin will not stop overnight but it is being managed in the right way and is now over 90% less than at the start of the year.
This is the 100% success story of my whole journey so far, and the most important without me being in better health no amount of weight loss or running would make a difference to me. Am I disappointed with my weight loss at the moment? yes I am for the reasons mentioned above until I have total control I fear I will struggle a little with the scales, as I am aware of this and the reason's why plus the fact I am not piling on the lbs makes it a little easier to cope with. Am I depressed by this setback? no way I have the question's and the answer's I just have get everything to click in to place at the same time, this will happen it's just taking a little longer than I would have hoped for.
I have been out for a run this morning which should be for next weeks blog, I think its important in terms of what I have already said in this blog so far,to add it this week.
Sunny mild a little windy Great run along the seafront with Mel, Carol, Karen. It was great to run and chat another first for me and what I need to be able to do with now so that's great. The girls commented on my weight which is great as they have not seen me for a month makes a mockery of the scales. Heart beat lower which is good as well. Thanks Girls really enjoyable run.
It was great to catch up and hear how everyone has got on in the last four weeks it was amazing to listen to what they said about about me knowing this blog was already written and waiting to go. Scales should be banned, I am still disappointed with my eating habits but I am so relived that others see me as some one still changing shape and looking thinner than when they last saw me, this is freaking my head out a little but is something to work on and to take the positives out of. My weight for this week is 101.5kg a tiny gain of 0.2kg so I have not fallen off the wagon like I thought I had.
For this lapse I am deeply disappointed with myself and I clearly still need help at home to address this problem, whilst some may find it tiresome, I find it frustrating and upsetting that I need so much help with this area still, I can cope with sweets, chocolate's, muffin's and cakes and takeaway meals in the house and in sight which is an amazing feat considering I would have eaten it for the sake of it in the old days, but the bread issue I fail on time after time. next time
I am the proud owner of a Garmin Forerunner 305 What a brilliant piece of kit this is, the way to go after spending this long training and having my first big run and signed up for more in the future, Only used it twice so far and I have learnt so much from it, I have so much more to learn to harness this information but the quality of my training will improve because of it. The other advice I have been given about the heart monitor is to run slower to keep the heart rate lower for one run, do the same as I have for one run and to do some short fast runs and then slower runs for another run. Call it an early Christmas present or a reward for the Great South Run I don't care I just love it. This is the link to my training record http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard and this is my notes from the two runs.
First run with Garmin watch. Not sure how much information you will see so I will bore you with mile mark times. Mile one 11:01 mile two 12:37 Mile three 12:11 and last .88of a mile 10:04. So went too fast which I knew but I had my go faster new all singing all dancing watch, so hyped up was I, that I'm not surprised, seeing my times gives me a new information to work with and use to improve my runs. This is such a cool piece of equipment I love it.
Sunny Dry and mild. Day 2 of using Garmin 305 plus 1st day of using heart rate monitor, the data from the heart monitor means nothing to me at the moment but Dr's will tell me how it is, I think maybe a little to high but I don't know. This run is a new PB by 43 seconds and was helped by the information on the watch. I forgot to mention yesterday that I have have run without my skins my legs feel naked but all seems alright. The last 3 runs I have done feel quite heavy on my chest I wonder if running in colder weather makes a difference (answer's on a postcard) or email my times suggest i'm working harder but I just don't know.
Next up the big news about my Diabetes I have had the results back from my blood test for my Hba1c this has dropped further and stayed within the normal boundaries before it was 7.6% or 60 under the new way of recording to 6.5% or 48 having spoken with Dr Lorraine Albon it was agreed to stick with the Victoza regularly, to drop my night time Insulin down to 6 units, and my normal Insulin with meals at the required amount for the food I'm eating. The Insulin will not stop overnight but it is being managed in the right way and is now over 90% less than at the start of the year.
This is the 100% success story of my whole journey so far, and the most important without me being in better health no amount of weight loss or running would make a difference to me. Am I disappointed with my weight loss at the moment? yes I am for the reasons mentioned above until I have total control I fear I will struggle a little with the scales, as I am aware of this and the reason's why plus the fact I am not piling on the lbs makes it a little easier to cope with. Am I depressed by this setback? no way I have the question's and the answer's I just have get everything to click in to place at the same time, this will happen it's just taking a little longer than I would have hoped for.
I have been out for a run this morning which should be for next weeks blog, I think its important in terms of what I have already said in this blog so far,to add it this week.
Sunny mild a little windy Great run along the seafront with Mel, Carol, Karen. It was great to run and chat another first for me and what I need to be able to do with now so that's great. The girls commented on my weight which is great as they have not seen me for a month makes a mockery of the scales. Heart beat lower which is good as well. Thanks Girls really enjoyable run.
It was great to catch up and hear how everyone has got on in the last four weeks it was amazing to listen to what they said about about me knowing this blog was already written and waiting to go. Scales should be banned, I am still disappointed with my eating habits but I am so relived that others see me as some one still changing shape and looking thinner than when they last saw me, this is freaking my head out a little but is something to work on and to take the positives out of. My weight for this week is 101.5kg a tiny gain of 0.2kg so I have not fallen off the wagon like I thought I had.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Weeks Thirty Seven,Eight,Nine
Sorry to lump this altogether this is due to my holiday and lack of a decent computer,both have now finished and sorted. Normal service will be resumed with weekly blogs.
Lets start off with the holiday 11 nights on a cruise ship,this was booked and planned way before I started my life style journey for those that don't know cruise ships have twenty four hour eating a paradise for foodies and to be honest I used to partake in over indulgence in the past and had planned to on this cruise when it was booked. So what was holiday heaven suddenly had the possibility to be the holiday hell, how would I cope with all the temptation that would be on offer would I have control of myself would I fall off the wagon, loads of question's.
Well I needn't have worried my control over everything was perfect the slimpod has past with flying colours the toughest test I could ever give it. If I was ever going to fail this would have been the time that it would have happened. And the best thing about the whole cruise were the great lesson's I learnt as the holiday progressed and afterwards when I digested the whole experience.
The dinning choices on a cruise are, a set meal time we had a table of eight and had a great table of people which helped as well we had a 18:00 and the whole dinning experience lasted about two hours for a three course meal and coffee. The other option is in the main cafe which is help yourself time and go back as much as you wanted, on the first night we ate in the cafe and whilst I was good a little to much went on the plate but control was good and I was not freaking out about food. On the second and third night we hit the first winter storm of the year and for the best part of 48 hours it was rough Hazel spent this time mainly in the cabin sharing her time equally between the bed and the toilet, Like any good man on holiday I left her to it, what on earth could I do for her anyway? Anyway back to the food issue's the next night I was on my own in the cafe and whilst I ate my dinner I felt uncomfortable being on my own (fat man all you can eat what are they thinking about me?) So I made the decision for the next night to eat in the waiter service table although on my own again the other six people made me feel welcome and comfortable I explained about Hazel being unwell and had a great time. The menu's had a vitality menu 3 course's for under 800 calories, I think I've died and gone to heaven eating made easy. The weather improves and Hazel joins me for dinner for the rest of the cruise.
The biggest thing I learnt is portion size, how can I eat this little and be full up I know that the dinning experience lasting two hours helps but it something I'm trying at home with portion size's this is work in progress and I will keep updating on my blogs how it is going. After the first week back from the cruise bread took over a little to much which was disappointing but that has past now.
My aim now that the Great South Run and the cruise is over is weight loss my weight has been steady at 16 stone for nearly three months fluctuating within a 2kg limit, this clearly shows a massive improvement and lesson's learnt that I have not done in my life before. My weight at the great South Run was 103.2kg 16st 3.5lb today three weeks later my weight is 101.3kg 15st 13.3lb.Wow Broken the 16st barrier so good news straight away next target is to go under the 100kg mark then reach my target weight of 82.6kg or 13st I don't regret any part of my journey so far, the weight freeze was frustrating but taking into account the training and my first ever road race and the new experiences gained from that, everyone that counts is still happy with how I have done and more importantly I am happy with the whole process.
I must express some relief that I am now back to putting the weight loss first and the running second, this is because all the training I have done so far is banked and I don't have to do it again, for the Half Marathon in Brighton in February I just need to keep running and training to tick over what I have already done and being the next race I am aware of what is involved in the race day so no surprise's. I hope that bit makes sense to you.
Lets start off with the holiday 11 nights on a cruise ship,this was booked and planned way before I started my life style journey for those that don't know cruise ships have twenty four hour eating a paradise for foodies and to be honest I used to partake in over indulgence in the past and had planned to on this cruise when it was booked. So what was holiday heaven suddenly had the possibility to be the holiday hell, how would I cope with all the temptation that would be on offer would I have control of myself would I fall off the wagon, loads of question's.
Well I needn't have worried my control over everything was perfect the slimpod has past with flying colours the toughest test I could ever give it. If I was ever going to fail this would have been the time that it would have happened. And the best thing about the whole cruise were the great lesson's I learnt as the holiday progressed and afterwards when I digested the whole experience.
The dinning choices on a cruise are, a set meal time we had a table of eight and had a great table of people which helped as well we had a 18:00 and the whole dinning experience lasted about two hours for a three course meal and coffee. The other option is in the main cafe which is help yourself time and go back as much as you wanted, on the first night we ate in the cafe and whilst I was good a little to much went on the plate but control was good and I was not freaking out about food. On the second and third night we hit the first winter storm of the year and for the best part of 48 hours it was rough Hazel spent this time mainly in the cabin sharing her time equally between the bed and the toilet, Like any good man on holiday I left her to it, what on earth could I do for her anyway? Anyway back to the food issue's the next night I was on my own in the cafe and whilst I ate my dinner I felt uncomfortable being on my own (fat man all you can eat what are they thinking about me?) So I made the decision for the next night to eat in the waiter service table although on my own again the other six people made me feel welcome and comfortable I explained about Hazel being unwell and had a great time. The menu's had a vitality menu 3 course's for under 800 calories, I think I've died and gone to heaven eating made easy. The weather improves and Hazel joins me for dinner for the rest of the cruise.
The biggest thing I learnt is portion size, how can I eat this little and be full up I know that the dinning experience lasting two hours helps but it something I'm trying at home with portion size's this is work in progress and I will keep updating on my blogs how it is going. After the first week back from the cruise bread took over a little to much which was disappointing but that has past now.
My aim now that the Great South Run and the cruise is over is weight loss my weight has been steady at 16 stone for nearly three months fluctuating within a 2kg limit, this clearly shows a massive improvement and lesson's learnt that I have not done in my life before. My weight at the great South Run was 103.2kg 16st 3.5lb today three weeks later my weight is 101.3kg 15st 13.3lb.Wow Broken the 16st barrier so good news straight away next target is to go under the 100kg mark then reach my target weight of 82.6kg or 13st I don't regret any part of my journey so far, the weight freeze was frustrating but taking into account the training and my first ever road race and the new experiences gained from that, everyone that counts is still happy with how I have done and more importantly I am happy with the whole process.
I must express some relief that I am now back to putting the weight loss first and the running second, this is because all the training I have done so far is banked and I don't have to do it again, for the Half Marathon in Brighton in February I just need to keep running and training to tick over what I have already done and being the next race I am aware of what is involved in the race day so no surprise's. I hope that bit makes sense to you.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Great South Run
As some of you are aware the day after the Great South Run I went away on Holiday so I had no time to blog before I went away that is why this blog is late, this may have been a good thing as the day turned out to be very emotional, more emotional than I ever imagined it would be.
This is the link to the video diary that Chris and Sandra took of the day and this is the first time I have seen it since I have been back and I'm not ashamed to say that I am now writing this blog in floods of tears again. I hope you can open the link above if not check out my facebook page or twitter account to access it.
Now to try and put into words what the 30th October 2011 meant to me and will mean to me until my dying day, at least the video helps out on that one a little.
My day started at 04:15 in the morning I cannot remember being so excited since my childhood and Christmas mornings, not even the 2008 FA cup final day had me this excited, like all good days the day went way to quickly but will stay with me forever. We (that's hazel and me) arrived at Southsea common car park nice and early having parked the car a calmness overcame me this was the only anxiety of the whole day.
We made our way over to castle field to the Diabetes UK charity tent and was made welcome there, this was also the meeting place, this was the reason I was so early I wanted to meet everyone who was going to be running with or because of me and everyone who was turning up to support team Thinking Slimmer. As the morning moves on I get to meet people who I have only met on facebook or twitter so to meet them face to face is amazing plus meeting up with friends and family this was a truly humbling experience. to have Hazel my Mum, Sandra, Lorraine and Trevor all together in the same place at the same time was very important to me, my daughter Alison and my grandson's were on holiday so could not be there and also my Dad,the most important people in my life and the reason why this is all happening. Also Becca, Caroline and Vik who were running because of me thank you all so much it is a pleasure and a honour to know you all. Also to Dawn in Dundee who could not make it down you were there in spirit and we were thinking of you, we will meet up soon I'm sure.
Its now time to get to our waiting area for the start of the run the anticipation is now building up and I am looking forward to the start of the run, we move down Avenue Du Caen and round the corner to the start line, and then the start line approaches and we start running, Becca, Lorraine, Trevor and myself we lost Caroline and Vik at the start but catch up at the end. Lorraine is keeping the time we run we go for 15 minutes then a minute walk as we approach 15 minutes everything is good and we stretch another 5 minutes before we walk, as we approach the Hard Interchange Trevor needed the loo he says keep going he will catch me up, we carry on into the dockyard as we are running around HMS Victory a voice in my ear says I'm back I swear I thought I had my mp3 recording in my ear. Trevor is the voice of the slimpod we run out of the the dockyard falling a little behind Becca and Lorraine, I tell Lorraine that I'm good so she runs with Becca and Trevor stays with me taking over the timing for the 1 minute recovery walk, we run up Queen's Street and I am still feeling good and confidant that my training has stood me in good stead to complete the run with dignity and pride in myself with no regrets at the end of the run. We go into Winston Churchill Avenue they have portaloos I need to go as theirs still 6 miles to go I reckon that cost me 4 minutes as there was a queue that would make my finish time even more impressive if I did not need to stop. Off we go again up to the roundabout then back on the other side we see Becca and Lorraine on the other side Becca is looking good Lorraine has run marathon's before although she has been ill and had little training she to was going well, we head off down the terraces passing the 5 mile mark half way and feeling good and loving the experience. My time for this is none to shabby so I get another boost by this.
The next couple of miles fly by this is going really well and my biggest fear of not completing the run is fading WHY I thought this I have no idea I have done the training and done the distance so its not hard maybe its the pressure of doing the run with everybody travelling to run or support me. we reach the 8 mile marker my whole body takes a big sigh the hardest part of the run the last 2 miles the hardest part of the course as we round Eastney onto the seafront, and a smile on my face the last 2 miles I could do blindfolded, this is the start of my training runs I have run backwards and forwards along the seafront in my training I know every lamppost every parking meter every step of the way to the finish line, we hit the 9 mile mark and the jelly baby station both Trevor and myself get given some jelly babies we eat the jelly babies then concentrate on the homeward stretch Trevor talks to me word weaving its like the mp3 is plugged in to my ear but in surround sound and 3D. we take the last turn and have about 800 meters (I think) to the finish line. I see my Mum I blow her a kiss and I start to well up a little further I see Hazel I blow her a kiss as well and then the finish line approach's Trevor runs across grabs me hand and we cross the line arms in the air together.
I am now in tears I give Trevor a big hug and I thank him for making this possible without Trevor this would not have happened, we walk through and collect our bag and medal I know my time unofficially and know it is at the top end of what I knew I had done in training so I was so happy to have done myself proud and know I have cheated no one who had sponsored me to complete the run. We walk across to castle field to the where we were going to meet up, the first person to greet me is my Mum and the tears flowed I knew how proud she was of me and I was proud to have done something so special for her.
Next up was Lorraine (see the video) "are you crying" "yes" "well stop it" got to love doctors its so funny, I give her a big hug and again thanked her, It was Lorraine that said at the start of the year when I started my journey that I could do the Great South Run and again a couple of months later when I entered the run straight after I received her email, Lorraine saw something in me that I did not know I had and I am eternally grateful for that. Next was Sandra what can I say Sandra most probably started crying as we started and kept going all day (sorry Sandra) Another big hug another thank you, these people saw in me what I could not and had faith in me when I thought i would let them all down.
At the time of writing this my Fundraising total for Diabetes UK is a massive £761.00 Thank you to everyone who has donated money and had the faith in me to complete the run, to those who have not or would like to sponsor me its not to late Information details for anybody interested are Facebook: Darin McCloud Twitter: unitedarinm Blog: http://www.blogger.com/home Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) Slimpod: http://www.ThinkingSlimmer.com
Want to have a little weep (of joy?) Watch Darin's video diary of his amazing day of achievement at the Great South Run with myself and Trevor. What's the greatest thing you've ever done?
Length: 2:49
This is the link to the video diary that Chris and Sandra took of the day and this is the first time I have seen it since I have been back and I'm not ashamed to say that I am now writing this blog in floods of tears again. I hope you can open the link above if not check out my facebook page or twitter account to access it.
Now to try and put into words what the 30th October 2011 meant to me and will mean to me until my dying day, at least the video helps out on that one a little.
My day started at 04:15 in the morning I cannot remember being so excited since my childhood and Christmas mornings, not even the 2008 FA cup final day had me this excited, like all good days the day went way to quickly but will stay with me forever. We (that's hazel and me) arrived at Southsea common car park nice and early having parked the car a calmness overcame me this was the only anxiety of the whole day.
We made our way over to castle field to the Diabetes UK charity tent and was made welcome there, this was also the meeting place, this was the reason I was so early I wanted to meet everyone who was going to be running with or because of me and everyone who was turning up to support team Thinking Slimmer. As the morning moves on I get to meet people who I have only met on facebook or twitter so to meet them face to face is amazing plus meeting up with friends and family this was a truly humbling experience. to have Hazel my Mum, Sandra, Lorraine and Trevor all together in the same place at the same time was very important to me, my daughter Alison and my grandson's were on holiday so could not be there and also my Dad,the most important people in my life and the reason why this is all happening. Also Becca, Caroline and Vik who were running because of me thank you all so much it is a pleasure and a honour to know you all. Also to Dawn in Dundee who could not make it down you were there in spirit and we were thinking of you, we will meet up soon I'm sure.
Its now time to get to our waiting area for the start of the run the anticipation is now building up and I am looking forward to the start of the run, we move down Avenue Du Caen and round the corner to the start line, and then the start line approaches and we start running, Becca, Lorraine, Trevor and myself we lost Caroline and Vik at the start but catch up at the end. Lorraine is keeping the time we run we go for 15 minutes then a minute walk as we approach 15 minutes everything is good and we stretch another 5 minutes before we walk, as we approach the Hard Interchange Trevor needed the loo he says keep going he will catch me up, we carry on into the dockyard as we are running around HMS Victory a voice in my ear says I'm back I swear I thought I had my mp3 recording in my ear. Trevor is the voice of the slimpod we run out of the the dockyard falling a little behind Becca and Lorraine, I tell Lorraine that I'm good so she runs with Becca and Trevor stays with me taking over the timing for the 1 minute recovery walk, we run up Queen's Street and I am still feeling good and confidant that my training has stood me in good stead to complete the run with dignity and pride in myself with no regrets at the end of the run. We go into Winston Churchill Avenue they have portaloos I need to go as theirs still 6 miles to go I reckon that cost me 4 minutes as there was a queue that would make my finish time even more impressive if I did not need to stop. Off we go again up to the roundabout then back on the other side we see Becca and Lorraine on the other side Becca is looking good Lorraine has run marathon's before although she has been ill and had little training she to was going well, we head off down the terraces passing the 5 mile mark half way and feeling good and loving the experience. My time for this is none to shabby so I get another boost by this.
The next couple of miles fly by this is going really well and my biggest fear of not completing the run is fading WHY I thought this I have no idea I have done the training and done the distance so its not hard maybe its the pressure of doing the run with everybody travelling to run or support me. we reach the 8 mile marker my whole body takes a big sigh the hardest part of the run the last 2 miles the hardest part of the course as we round Eastney onto the seafront, and a smile on my face the last 2 miles I could do blindfolded, this is the start of my training runs I have run backwards and forwards along the seafront in my training I know every lamppost every parking meter every step of the way to the finish line, we hit the 9 mile mark and the jelly baby station both Trevor and myself get given some jelly babies we eat the jelly babies then concentrate on the homeward stretch Trevor talks to me word weaving its like the mp3 is plugged in to my ear but in surround sound and 3D. we take the last turn and have about 800 meters (I think) to the finish line. I see my Mum I blow her a kiss and I start to well up a little further I see Hazel I blow her a kiss as well and then the finish line approach's Trevor runs across grabs me hand and we cross the line arms in the air together.
I am now in tears I give Trevor a big hug and I thank him for making this possible without Trevor this would not have happened, we walk through and collect our bag and medal I know my time unofficially and know it is at the top end of what I knew I had done in training so I was so happy to have done myself proud and know I have cheated no one who had sponsored me to complete the run. We walk across to castle field to the where we were going to meet up, the first person to greet me is my Mum and the tears flowed I knew how proud she was of me and I was proud to have done something so special for her.
Next up was Lorraine (see the video) "are you crying" "yes" "well stop it" got to love doctors its so funny, I give her a big hug and again thanked her, It was Lorraine that said at the start of the year when I started my journey that I could do the Great South Run and again a couple of months later when I entered the run straight after I received her email, Lorraine saw something in me that I did not know I had and I am eternally grateful for that. Next was Sandra what can I say Sandra most probably started crying as we started and kept going all day (sorry Sandra) Another big hug another thank you, these people saw in me what I could not and had faith in me when I thought i would let them all down.
The race details as etched in my head and my heart I swear I will never forget this time 2 hours 9 minutes 10 seconds 15251 position and in my heart the knowledge that I did the best I could have done this was a good run it was a shame I needed the loo but that's life and I have no regrets what so ever about the day. I still cannot believe that I am typing this 12 days after the race and I am wailing like a baby. Remember if I can do this You too can do this and turn you life around.
At the time of writing this my Fundraising total for Diabetes UK is a massive £761.00 Thank you to everyone who has donated money and had the faith in me to complete the run, to those who have not or would like to sponsor me its not to late Information details for anybody interested are Facebook: Darin McCloud Twitter: unitedarinm Blog: http://www.blogger.com/home Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) Slimpod: http://www.ThinkingSlimmer.com
My next goal is the Brighton Half Marathon on the 19th February 2012 so anyone can use the just giving page at any time.
Thank you all for reading this far down I appreciate it I really do.
THINKING SLIMMER LOVING LIFE.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Great South Run
Here we the night before the Great South Run, I feel so great about tomorrow I have no nerves and I am so excited (I never get this excited about anything anymore) I have done the best training I could do in the time span that I had taking into account the couple of injuries I have had along the way, I am ready for the run and I never in my wildest dreams thought I could be this ready.
My weight this morning was 103.2kg I am the same weight as I have been for the last two months which I am comfortable with as the build up for the run was paramount. If I'm honest I would have loved to have been 15 stone for the run,but that's not meant to be, On the flip side the training went far better than I imagined so these two things even themselves out quite nicely.
My early fitness training started on the x-box fitness way before I thought about the Great South Run and running in general this gave me a better level to start from than doing nothing before the Great South Run, all my training details from the x-box are on earlier blogs so I won't bore you with the details. I will bore you with my running details, I started off on the 14th May 2011 just walking 5 miles then I progressed jogging for one minute then walking then on improving that by using parking meters and lamp post's to increase the jogging, I can now run (important to note slowly) for 47/48 minutes which is just mind blowing in 4 short months. I have gone out training on 38 occasions I have put 181 miles into my legs and built up the stamina to improve my times and I have burnt off 24,693 calories in the process.
I am not going to set a time as I have never experienced running an event like this, my aim remain's the same as when I entered the Great South Run to complete the run for my own personal satisfaction, what I can tell you is that I will know if I did myself justice at the end of the run and the time will make no differance to that, I will tell you how it went and I will as always be honest about it.
I am so looking forward to meeting everyone who will be starting the race with me, some of them are nervous, that's what I should be, remember you all helped me get to the start line I'm just so grateful you are there with me to enjoy the greatest ever achivement that I will have completed in my whole life and I will do it with a smile (girmace is the same as a smile) on my face.
Information details for anybody interested are Facebook: Darin McCloud Twitter: unitedarinm Blog: http://www.blogger.com/home Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) Slimpod: http://www.thinkingslimmer.com/
Its never to late to sponsor me my account will stay open as I plan to do other runs in the future I am raising money for Diabetes UK and every pound that is raised will help make a difference so if you could give just a little it would be great.
My weight this morning was 103.2kg I am the same weight as I have been for the last two months which I am comfortable with as the build up for the run was paramount. If I'm honest I would have loved to have been 15 stone for the run,but that's not meant to be, On the flip side the training went far better than I imagined so these two things even themselves out quite nicely.
My early fitness training started on the x-box fitness way before I thought about the Great South Run and running in general this gave me a better level to start from than doing nothing before the Great South Run, all my training details from the x-box are on earlier blogs so I won't bore you with the details. I will bore you with my running details, I started off on the 14th May 2011 just walking 5 miles then I progressed jogging for one minute then walking then on improving that by using parking meters and lamp post's to increase the jogging, I can now run (important to note slowly) for 47/48 minutes which is just mind blowing in 4 short months. I have gone out training on 38 occasions I have put 181 miles into my legs and built up the stamina to improve my times and I have burnt off 24,693 calories in the process.
I am not going to set a time as I have never experienced running an event like this, my aim remain's the same as when I entered the Great South Run to complete the run for my own personal satisfaction, what I can tell you is that I will know if I did myself justice at the end of the run and the time will make no differance to that, I will tell you how it went and I will as always be honest about it.
I am so looking forward to meeting everyone who will be starting the race with me, some of them are nervous, that's what I should be, remember you all helped me get to the start line I'm just so grateful you are there with me to enjoy the greatest ever achivement that I will have completed in my whole life and I will do it with a smile (girmace is the same as a smile) on my face.
Information details for anybody interested are Facebook: Darin McCloud Twitter: unitedarinm Blog: http://www.blogger.com/home Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) Slimpod: http://www.thinkingslimmer.com/
Its never to late to sponsor me my account will stay open as I plan to do other runs in the future I am raising money for Diabetes UK and every pound that is raised will help make a difference so if you could give just a little it would be great.
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Week Thirty Five
One week to go and I feel so great about the last week and even better about the week ahead. Here's something I really did not expect to say, so I will say it loudly "I AM READY" just a couple more training runs,last one on Thursday morning than a nice massage as a reward for my body and more so my legs, my legs and I have not always been on the the same page but we have got through this together.
I have done five runs this week and these are the blogs for each one.
Monday 17th Cloudy cool, I will call this the 1st of my training runs in the run down to run day,these runs are solely to keep me ticking over until run day. Legs felt heavy the plan is these runs will help my legs by running shorter runs more often. Today Steve Harris from BBC Radio Solent came out for a run we did an interview on the way round as well. I was the one panting after Steve asked a question. It was good to meet him at last and Thank You for running me.
Wednesday 19th Cold clear sky dark, Had a run with Caroline And Vic it is amazing how well they have both come on,it was great to run with them its a shame its the last one before the race. Till race day go Team thinking Slimmer.
Friday 21st Cloudy cool This run was not good maybe reading the Great South Book that arrived and talking of tapered runs messed my head up a little I'm not sure, the run time was tapered as you can see although that was not the plan when I started the run.
Saturday 22nd Light cloud Blue sky cold not bitter.Got up this morning and decided on a run just because yesterdays was disappointing so glad I did What a difference 12 hours make Run the whole distance at a steady pace,I have my mojo back feel so much better than last night about the Great South Run. Its just so frustrating being up and down but its the way it seems.
Sunday 23rd Cool dry sunny,Last Powerade Run also 3rd run in 3 days well please with run and time. Thanks to Georgina and all at Runnersneed for your support its been awesome.
I think most people will always say they wish they could have trained more, and for a while I thought I was behind on my training the reason for this was for injuries and not because I could not be bothered to go out for a run, this was an excellent learning experience and taught me the value of quality rest as part of the training process.
I set out at the start to complete the Great South Run and as the run draws nearer this is still my mission to complete this course, I will not put a time on this because this is not about the time in any way shape or form, what I will tell you after the race is how well I did in completing the run and did the training work, as always I will be honest with myself when I tell you how it went as the only person I would be lying to is myself and that's not what I am about.
With only one week to go its time to ask for people to sponsor me again I am running for Diabetes UK Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) Please give any amount no matter how small it will make a difference Thnk you.
I have done five runs this week and these are the blogs for each one.
Monday 17th Cloudy cool, I will call this the 1st of my training runs in the run down to run day,these runs are solely to keep me ticking over until run day. Legs felt heavy the plan is these runs will help my legs by running shorter runs more often. Today Steve Harris from BBC Radio Solent came out for a run we did an interview on the way round as well. I was the one panting after Steve asked a question. It was good to meet him at last and Thank You for running me.
Wednesday 19th Cold clear sky dark, Had a run with Caroline And Vic it is amazing how well they have both come on,it was great to run with them its a shame its the last one before the race. Till race day go Team thinking Slimmer.
Friday 21st Cloudy cool This run was not good maybe reading the Great South Book that arrived and talking of tapered runs messed my head up a little I'm not sure, the run time was tapered as you can see although that was not the plan when I started the run.
Saturday 22nd Light cloud Blue sky cold not bitter.Got up this morning and decided on a run just because yesterdays was disappointing so glad I did What a difference 12 hours make Run the whole distance at a steady pace,I have my mojo back feel so much better than last night about the Great South Run. Its just so frustrating being up and down but its the way it seems.
Sunday 23rd Cool dry sunny,Last Powerade Run also 3rd run in 3 days well please with run and time. Thanks to Georgina and all at Runnersneed for your support its been awesome.
I think most people will always say they wish they could have trained more, and for a while I thought I was behind on my training the reason for this was for injuries and not because I could not be bothered to go out for a run, this was an excellent learning experience and taught me the value of quality rest as part of the training process.
I set out at the start to complete the Great South Run and as the run draws nearer this is still my mission to complete this course, I will not put a time on this because this is not about the time in any way shape or form, what I will tell you after the race is how well I did in completing the run and did the training work, as always I will be honest with myself when I tell you how it went as the only person I would be lying to is myself and that's not what I am about.
With only one week to go its time to ask for people to sponsor me again I am running for Diabetes UK Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) Please give any amount no matter how small it will make a difference Thnk you.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Week Thirty Four
Two weeks until the big day. Mixed week for training from a massive high to a so so end of week,sorry for sounding a little down but this weekend has left me a little drained to be honest this is not just down to running, I am aware of the issue's so that's the positive to take out of it, now to find the best way to deal with with it get it out of my head and move on, I'm glad in a way this is happening now and not in two weeks times that would be a killer to go through all this hard work and turn up on race day feeling low.
Lets go back to the start of the week, originally I had planned to do race distance next week due to working that would have been difficult but not impossible, I started off my run on Monday with no one knowing what I had planned, its weird if I had told you I was doing it and then I failed I would have let myself down in public but I would have the chance to do it again. Because my run is along the seafront I ran end to end twice this came in at just over 11 miles. This is my blog of that run.
Cloudy and windy on the way to Clarence Pier both times normal on the way back both times. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you not only 10 miles but 11.21miles and I feel like I could have done more, the one thing that is holding me back is my legs not my stamina or being out of breath. I decided that today was the day because I really wanted this distance in my legs and was worried if I left it longer with my work rota I may not have the time to run it. This is my gift to Dr Lorraine Albon for encouraging me to enter the Great South Run to Trevor and Sandra at Thinking Slimmer for having faith in me not letting them down when I thought I would,and to every one who has been inspired by my journey and offered me encouragement and support without all of you I could not have achieved what I have just done tonight. This is for you be very proud of your part in my journey because I am so proud and humbled by each and every one of you. Bless you all.
Unbelievably I have managed since May when I started off just power walking, till now just over 5 months later running race distance and a little more on top, I have never achieved anything like this in my life before and I never thought I would achieve it now to be honest I expected to walk most of the run when I started out, now I am a athlete a slow one but a athlete none the less.
My second run of this week whilst shorter was just as remarkable. This is the blog for this run.
Sunny cool (ish) no wind. Where do I start another First in the ongoing training for the Great South Run. This may be my smallest distance training run but it is the most convenient one as I have work this afternoon. I have just run the whole distance without stopping. Where has this come from I only had to run for one minute walk for one minute There was a time at the start when I thought I could not do that even,silly me.
So I have gone from having my head stuck in the clouds to being low this weekend How or why did this happen ? I have mention earlier in this post why, I know I have the tools to see what has gone wrong, am I expecting to much to want to be able to see these problems before they arise? Yes Reailty check required here I know but its how I feel at the moment. I do not like myself when I am like this and to the people who have bore the brunt of this I am so sorry, my aim in my lifestyle change is to be a completley different person inside and outside and at times I fall short of those aims and when I do I hate myself for it.
My run on Sunday was slow my head was not in the right place it was a new run which does make a differance on the plus side I ran with great people who are also running the Great South Run and have helped me with encoragement and advice these past 7 weeks or so.
Sunny blue sky very cold at start then warmed up nicely. Slow run again new route to Portchester Castle a little disappointed to be honest. Can not put my finger on it but there are a couple of variables that have made a difference for today's run.
That was my week of contrast's I will now be looking at going out for a run as often as I can I will stop running the Thursday before race day the rest until the run, I will sort my head out and will be ready for the big day.
Lets go back to the start of the week, originally I had planned to do race distance next week due to working that would have been difficult but not impossible, I started off my run on Monday with no one knowing what I had planned, its weird if I had told you I was doing it and then I failed I would have let myself down in public but I would have the chance to do it again. Because my run is along the seafront I ran end to end twice this came in at just over 11 miles. This is my blog of that run.
Cloudy and windy on the way to Clarence Pier both times normal on the way back both times. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you not only 10 miles but 11.21miles and I feel like I could have done more, the one thing that is holding me back is my legs not my stamina or being out of breath. I decided that today was the day because I really wanted this distance in my legs and was worried if I left it longer with my work rota I may not have the time to run it. This is my gift to Dr Lorraine Albon for encouraging me to enter the Great South Run to Trevor and Sandra at Thinking Slimmer for having faith in me not letting them down when I thought I would,and to every one who has been inspired by my journey and offered me encouragement and support without all of you I could not have achieved what I have just done tonight. This is for you be very proud of your part in my journey because I am so proud and humbled by each and every one of you. Bless you all.
Unbelievably I have managed since May when I started off just power walking, till now just over 5 months later running race distance and a little more on top, I have never achieved anything like this in my life before and I never thought I would achieve it now to be honest I expected to walk most of the run when I started out, now I am a athlete a slow one but a athlete none the less.
My second run of this week whilst shorter was just as remarkable. This is the blog for this run.
Sunny cool (ish) no wind. Where do I start another First in the ongoing training for the Great South Run. This may be my smallest distance training run but it is the most convenient one as I have work this afternoon. I have just run the whole distance without stopping. Where has this come from I only had to run for one minute walk for one minute There was a time at the start when I thought I could not do that even,silly me.
So I have gone from having my head stuck in the clouds to being low this weekend How or why did this happen ? I have mention earlier in this post why, I know I have the tools to see what has gone wrong, am I expecting to much to want to be able to see these problems before they arise? Yes Reailty check required here I know but its how I feel at the moment. I do not like myself when I am like this and to the people who have bore the brunt of this I am so sorry, my aim in my lifestyle change is to be a completley different person inside and outside and at times I fall short of those aims and when I do I hate myself for it.
My run on Sunday was slow my head was not in the right place it was a new run which does make a differance on the plus side I ran with great people who are also running the Great South Run and have helped me with encoragement and advice these past 7 weeks or so.
Sunny blue sky very cold at start then warmed up nicely. Slow run again new route to Portchester Castle a little disappointed to be honest. Can not put my finger on it but there are a couple of variables that have made a difference for today's run.
That was my week of contrast's I will now be looking at going out for a run as often as I can I will stop running the Thursday before race day the rest until the run, I will sort my head out and will be ready for the big day.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Week Thirty Three
Three weeks to go and I can say quite honestly that this was the week when the biggest strides have been taken for me to take part in the Great South Run and resemble an athlete. This is important to me because I did not want to be the fat kid at the back of the field with everyone laughing at him (Trevor Silvester will understand that more than most). When Dr Lorraine Albon mention the run the second time and sold me the idea she said all I had to do was run for one minute then walk for one minute, that was my motivation to start my training and at the beginning even that seemed very hard to do.
My training has progressed with a few injuries and frustrations along the way (all documented in previous blogs), but I am standing here today not just thinking but knowing I will be good for the race and that I will do myself justice and make myself proud, this is harder than making everyone else proud because I have set myself high standards and I want to pay back all my family and supporters for their help and support in having faith in there products and in me when they did not know me. I will say this again and again Thank You All for giving me my life back, this time I want to carry on and make a difference no matter how small to help others and to help myself always have goals to achieve what ever they maybe.
This week I had done three runs and I am happy with that fact taking into account my shift work, my first run last Sunday was not that good but I had the group with me for support which was great, my second run had the eureka moment. These are my notes from this eight mile run. Nice and blowy on the run up normal on the way back same at turn around point for section up to South Parade Pier. Lots of lesson's learnt on this run. With the wind against me i managed to run for twenty minutes twice as long as furthest before that. Clearly previous training and miles in my legs helped on that,also running into the wind kept my speed down and I'm sure that helped.The five mile mark time was 1hr 7mins 45 seconds which is a PB and 1 minute 35 seconds better than the last run. I can feel the stamina now and feel so much stronger for it and my legs feel lighter if that makes sense. Twenty minutes running was truly amazing and the moment that I know all the training before had been worth while and worked, I was able to push myself along the way which was great it was a mixture of time and landmarks.
My third run 3.89miles two days after the second run was even more amazing than the last run these are my notes on this run. Cloudy and cool PB by 1 min 27 secs, Best run EVER, I ran for 31 min 24 secs also run for 14 min at the end more proud of that the the first bit, it feels so great to be training and look and feel like a runner. The thing I learnt the most from this run was not the fact that I increased my run by over eleven minutes in one run, but the fact that I had a good second run when normally I just stop and start this shows me that I now have stamina and learning how to use it to maximum effect. Just how much better I could have been without my injuries we will never know but I am so glad that in my darkest time I never gave up.
My training has progressed with a few injuries and frustrations along the way (all documented in previous blogs), but I am standing here today not just thinking but knowing I will be good for the race and that I will do myself justice and make myself proud, this is harder than making everyone else proud because I have set myself high standards and I want to pay back all my family and supporters for their help and support in having faith in there products and in me when they did not know me. I will say this again and again Thank You All for giving me my life back, this time I want to carry on and make a difference no matter how small to help others and to help myself always have goals to achieve what ever they maybe.
This week I had done three runs and I am happy with that fact taking into account my shift work, my first run last Sunday was not that good but I had the group with me for support which was great, my second run had the eureka moment. These are my notes from this eight mile run. Nice and blowy on the run up normal on the way back same at turn around point for section up to South Parade Pier. Lots of lesson's learnt on this run. With the wind against me i managed to run for twenty minutes twice as long as furthest before that. Clearly previous training and miles in my legs helped on that,also running into the wind kept my speed down and I'm sure that helped.The five mile mark time was 1hr 7mins 45 seconds which is a PB and 1 minute 35 seconds better than the last run. I can feel the stamina now and feel so much stronger for it and my legs feel lighter if that makes sense. Twenty minutes running was truly amazing and the moment that I know all the training before had been worth while and worked, I was able to push myself along the way which was great it was a mixture of time and landmarks.
My third run 3.89miles two days after the second run was even more amazing than the last run these are my notes on this run. Cloudy and cool PB by 1 min 27 secs, Best run EVER, I ran for 31 min 24 secs also run for 14 min at the end more proud of that the the first bit, it feels so great to be training and look and feel like a runner. The thing I learnt the most from this run was not the fact that I increased my run by over eleven minutes in one run, but the fact that I had a good second run when normally I just stop and start this shows me that I now have stamina and learning how to use it to maximum effect. Just how much better I could have been without my injuries we will never know but I am so glad that in my darkest time I never gave up.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Week Thirty Two
Well only four weeks to the big day,The Great South Run (begging details for sponsor's will follow at the end) that means three weeks of full training and the last week I will be taking expert advice on what to do when to do it what to eat etc so that come race day I have given myself and my body the best possible chance to enjoy and complete the race.
On a follow up on last weeks blog it has taken me the best part of a week to recover from the overtime that I did,this is clearly bad for my new lifestyle and I will try and make sure I never do that much again, At least it shows that I made the right decision at the start of my journey and highlights that the whole process is a package where change needs to be made no matter how big or small it is.
As I have mentioned before I have had a couple of injuries which have put me behind where I wanted to be training wise, my training distance was 5 miles which was good in its self. On Monday thanks to my slimpod it was the right time to increase the distance, I managed to do 8 miles and the biggest thing I noticed was how all my previous training payed off because the extra 3 miles was easier than I thought it would be. On Friday I did another live radio interview on Radio Solent Drives Life's with Steve Harris, that went really well and my plan was always to go out for a run after.
I went out absolutely buzzing on a natural high (I get loads of this now) and again did 8 miles six and a half minutes quicker than Monday's time and again the distance was not a problem, having broken that monkey off my back I now feel back on track and the week before the race I will do one ten mile round so my legs have the distance the time for this will not matter its about the distance.
This is the link to my training record http://runkeeper.com/user/DarinMcCloud/profile I hope that it works ok and you can access what training I have done. I am so pleased with how well I have done overall and have no regrets about it, I'm sure that I could have done things better but the main point is that with the aid of Thinking Slimmer and the slimpod it's what I can achieve and how to inspire others to make changes to improve their lives.
Please consider sponsoring me I am running for Diabetes UK and any amount would make a difference Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes)
On a follow up on last weeks blog it has taken me the best part of a week to recover from the overtime that I did,this is clearly bad for my new lifestyle and I will try and make sure I never do that much again, At least it shows that I made the right decision at the start of my journey and highlights that the whole process is a package where change needs to be made no matter how big or small it is.
As I have mentioned before I have had a couple of injuries which have put me behind where I wanted to be training wise, my training distance was 5 miles which was good in its self. On Monday thanks to my slimpod it was the right time to increase the distance, I managed to do 8 miles and the biggest thing I noticed was how all my previous training payed off because the extra 3 miles was easier than I thought it would be. On Friday I did another live radio interview on Radio Solent Drives Life's with Steve Harris, that went really well and my plan was always to go out for a run after.
I went out absolutely buzzing on a natural high (I get loads of this now) and again did 8 miles six and a half minutes quicker than Monday's time and again the distance was not a problem, having broken that monkey off my back I now feel back on track and the week before the race I will do one ten mile round so my legs have the distance the time for this will not matter its about the distance.
This is the link to my training record http://runkeeper.com/user/DarinMcCloud/profile I hope that it works ok and you can access what training I have done. I am so pleased with how well I have done overall and have no regrets about it, I'm sure that I could have done things better but the main point is that with the aid of Thinking Slimmer and the slimpod it's what I can achieve and how to inspire others to make changes to improve their lives.
Please consider sponsoring me I am running for Diabetes UK and any amount would make a difference Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes)
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Week Thirty One
Five weeks until race day, Its so close now I can almost smell it.
I have this month needed to work overtime this means working until 2am and they come in blocks of two or three. I have not done any this year due to my lifestyle change, and it has worked as my lifestyle and eating habits have improved greatly, The last three shifts have been hard more so mentally as I know it is messing with my training and I have been eating out of turn due to working late. Note to self: overtime is bad for my health in the long term.
So far this month I have run 10 times which is great and again work has got in the way a little bit. My hip is still aching which is uncomfortable at worst have appointment to see Doctor on Thursday to try and sort out for race, I can still train but hope I not making it any worse, it does not hurt when I run but I am aware of it.
I can now run for 10 minutes at a time which is great before that clicked in last week I was only running for Three and a bit minutes before stopping this is a major milestone in my training and something I have been striving for for months, Its great to now have a little stamina in the bank and I can work on improving that before the race.
I did a run on Monday and I/It was truly awful I had no stamina no rhythm, it felt wrong and horrible worse than just a bad day run, after checking my time I was only three a bit minutes slower than my best time three days earlier, so it was not as bad as I thought it was, I went out the next day and everything was better whilst not a P/B it was faster than Monday.
The lesson's learnt were it was just an off day every runner gets them, I still completed the run even though I was convinced it was rubbish, I was able to go back out the next day run as normal and put Mondays run into prospective and learn straight away rather than let the bad day fester. Its so great to learn things and not get depressed any more, this is all down to my slimpod its so much more than a tool to help lose weight it helps the whole lifestyle change, without it I would not be where I am today or where I will be in twenty years time.
The plan for the next five weeks is to run as much as possible I know I don't have the distance running which is a little disappointing, but not the end of the world but I will build up my stamina by doing my runs more often, I need to remember that six months ago I could not even run. Small steps and all that, I am so looking forward to race day now and still enjoying the training. (once I've finished lol)
Till next weeks blog happy injury free training, Please consider sponsoring me I am running for Diabetes UK and any amount would make a difference Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes)
I have this month needed to work overtime this means working until 2am and they come in blocks of two or three. I have not done any this year due to my lifestyle change, and it has worked as my lifestyle and eating habits have improved greatly, The last three shifts have been hard more so mentally as I know it is messing with my training and I have been eating out of turn due to working late. Note to self: overtime is bad for my health in the long term.
So far this month I have run 10 times which is great and again work has got in the way a little bit. My hip is still aching which is uncomfortable at worst have appointment to see Doctor on Thursday to try and sort out for race, I can still train but hope I not making it any worse, it does not hurt when I run but I am aware of it.
I can now run for 10 minutes at a time which is great before that clicked in last week I was only running for Three and a bit minutes before stopping this is a major milestone in my training and something I have been striving for for months, Its great to now have a little stamina in the bank and I can work on improving that before the race.
I did a run on Monday and I/It was truly awful I had no stamina no rhythm, it felt wrong and horrible worse than just a bad day run, after checking my time I was only three a bit minutes slower than my best time three days earlier, so it was not as bad as I thought it was, I went out the next day and everything was better whilst not a P/B it was faster than Monday.
The lesson's learnt were it was just an off day every runner gets them, I still completed the run even though I was convinced it was rubbish, I was able to go back out the next day run as normal and put Mondays run into prospective and learn straight away rather than let the bad day fester. Its so great to learn things and not get depressed any more, this is all down to my slimpod its so much more than a tool to help lose weight it helps the whole lifestyle change, without it I would not be where I am today or where I will be in twenty years time.
The plan for the next five weeks is to run as much as possible I know I don't have the distance running which is a little disappointing, but not the end of the world but I will build up my stamina by doing my runs more often, I need to remember that six months ago I could not even run. Small steps and all that, I am so looking forward to race day now and still enjoying the training. (once I've finished lol)
Till next weeks blog happy injury free training, Please consider sponsoring me I am running for Diabetes UK and any amount would make a difference Just Giving webpage: http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud Just Giving text: Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes)
Monday, 19 September 2011
Week Thirty
My first week of putting the Great South Run at the top of my priorities these are the dates and times of my runs this month the aim is to run more often which is why I have stopped the x-box training until after the race.
6th September 2011 56mins 16sec 10th September 2011 1 hr 9mins 31sec 11th September 2011 33mins 18sec 12th September 2011 56mins 8sec 14th September 2011 52mins 06sec 15th September 2011 49mins 48sec 16th September 2011 48mins 55sec 19th September 2011 51mins 07sec.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the medical students who attended the the College of Medicine summer school. That was the first time I have been invited to attend as a service user of the NHS and would just love to do so again. It was great to tell them about my journey my experiences and lessons I have learnt along the way, The questions they asked were thoughtful, and showed an interest that I'm sure will stand them in good stead for their careers, and their willingness to learn and take on new ideas and directions was amazing from where I was sitting. The number of students that spoke to me during the day asking questions and showing an interest was amazing and gave me such a boost.
6th September 2011 56mins 16sec 10th September 2011 1 hr 9mins 31sec 11th September 2011 33mins 18sec 12th September 2011 56mins 8sec 14th September 2011 52mins 06sec 15th September 2011 49mins 48sec 16th September 2011 48mins 55sec 19th September 2011 51mins 07sec.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the medical students who attended the the College of Medicine summer school. That was the first time I have been invited to attend as a service user of the NHS and would just love to do so again. It was great to tell them about my journey my experiences and lessons I have learnt along the way, The questions they asked were thoughtful, and showed an interest that I'm sure will stand them in good stead for their careers, and their willingness to learn and take on new ideas and directions was amazing from where I was sitting. The number of students that spoke to me during the day asking questions and showing an interest was amazing and gave me such a boost.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Week Twenty Nine
I have had a very interesting week, I have made an important decision about the next seven weeks regarding the Great South Run, hopefully it will be the right decision? I have also spent a day with Thinking Slimmer making a video for them. How time has gone so fast to be at this point to give Thinking Slimmer something back for all their help and support.
On Tuesday Chris Roycroft-Davis spent the day with me, it was a great day learning how to do interviews and handle questions, and making the success video http://ow.ly/6pPe7 The day gave me such a big boost as we talked about different thinks and about how they see my success which I still find hard to see as my journey still has some way to go. But I am getting better at accepting my success whilst still seeing the road ahead.
With only seven weeks until the Great South Run and having produced a good run and time for Five miles yesterday taking into account my injury problems that was an absolute bonus, as I was running and feeling good with myself I made the decision that between now and the race I will concentrate only on my training, which means hydration and fueling my body, if I get these things right I give myself the best possible chance to do the best training I can do and be able to complete the race with the minimal risk of carrying an injury into the race or in training. I have now realized that my body could not have done this much work with no injuries, so at least I have come to terms with this.
I am not going to post my weight until race day because I know my weight will fluctuate, more so as I stop the x-box until after the race unless really bad weather sets in then I will still exercise indoors. I have put on a couple of pounds max this week but clearly my aim now is the Great South Run firstly for me secondly for Diabetes UK http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud, Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) and thirdly for http://www.ThinkingSlimmer.com Please donate, even £1 will make a difference.
I hope that I am making the right choice's and after the race I can go back to the weight loss, if I'm honest I would love to be 15 Stone for the race but now I realize the training comes first for now. If anyone thinks this is wrong please give feedback. My blogs will be about my training for the race I feel that distance may be short but I will be good for the race, I am learning to run for longer periods and having shorter recovery walks, breathing is the key to this by standing more upright allowing more air into my lungs, this really does work and the improvements are quite dramatic.
On Tuesday Chris Roycroft-Davis spent the day with me, it was a great day learning how to do interviews and handle questions, and making the success video http://ow.ly/6pPe7 The day gave me such a big boost as we talked about different thinks and about how they see my success which I still find hard to see as my journey still has some way to go. But I am getting better at accepting my success whilst still seeing the road ahead.
With only seven weeks until the Great South Run and having produced a good run and time for Five miles yesterday taking into account my injury problems that was an absolute bonus, as I was running and feeling good with myself I made the decision that between now and the race I will concentrate only on my training, which means hydration and fueling my body, if I get these things right I give myself the best possible chance to do the best training I can do and be able to complete the race with the minimal risk of carrying an injury into the race or in training. I have now realized that my body could not have done this much work with no injuries, so at least I have come to terms with this.
I am not going to post my weight until race day because I know my weight will fluctuate, more so as I stop the x-box until after the race unless really bad weather sets in then I will still exercise indoors. I have put on a couple of pounds max this week but clearly my aim now is the Great South Run firstly for me secondly for Diabetes UK http://www.justgiving.com/Darin-McCloud, Text SLIM65 £5 to 70070 (any amount where £5 goes) and thirdly for http://www.ThinkingSlimmer.com Please donate, even £1 will make a difference.
I hope that I am making the right choice's and after the race I can go back to the weight loss, if I'm honest I would love to be 15 Stone for the race but now I realize the training comes first for now. If anyone thinks this is wrong please give feedback. My blogs will be about my training for the race I feel that distance may be short but I will be good for the race, I am learning to run for longer periods and having shorter recovery walks, breathing is the key to this by standing more upright allowing more air into my lungs, this really does work and the improvements are quite dramatic.
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