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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by adrian.
Categories: RunningDads.com.
Hi All
As the title of the post suggests Kevin and I have decided to do it all again in 2008. Late last year The Neuroblastoma Society said they had 2 places available for us. We thought about the pain of running 26.2 miles, the seemingly endless training hours plodding the roads in wet and cold weather, the hours spent fundraising……….and said YES!!
So here we are again. The main difference this year is that we know much more about the training process and the day itself - which actually makes it even more scary. Also Kevin has gone and got himself a “proper” job so will have to shoe horn his training in and around work and family life. My aim is to run with 2 operational arms this time…..I’m not wearing a sling again….no way!!
That said I did managed to partially dislocate my shoulder again a few weeks ago - technically it was a “subluxation” - so it’s a bit sore, though nowhere near as bad as last year. I’m looking at getting a brace for it to stop it popping out if I fall.
I kept the running ticking over during the summer so am starting the training with a much bigger “mileage base”. I’ve still had some sore shins but there again nowhere near as bad as last time out. The long runs have been creeping up to 15 miles steadily and I’ve been doing 35 miles or so a week since the new year.
So that’s it, here we go. Please look at www.runningdads.com, read Abbie’s story, and sponsor us. And of course wish us luck.
Ade
Posted on April 27th, 2007 by adrian.
Categories: RunningDads.com.
Hi All
Well, against all the odds the RunningDads team of Kevin Brooker and Adrian Potter made it around the 26.2 miles of the Flora London Marathon 2007. I can’t tell you how delighted and proud I am to be able to type those words – it’s the culmination of a tremendous amount of effort from us, and patience from our families.
Sunday 22nd April started around 5 am for both of us, and I for one didn’t sleep too well the night before – big match nerves I think. I stuffed 3 weetabix and a banana down my throat along with a litre of Lucozade before Kevin knocked on the door at 6 am. We’d wangled a lift up to London with a group of runners from Handcross and were meeting at the Royal Oak at 06:30. It was a beautiful morning – the mist was clinging to the hedgerows as we sauntered slowly up the lane from Warninglid to be there 10 minutes early. Then I realised I’d forgotten my mobile phone so we executed a not so leisurely return to pick it up – waking up my Mrs and the kids in the process – sorry!!
Pleasant journey up, it was nice to talk to some fellow runners. We dropped off at Waterloo and boarded a crammed train to Greenwich. By pure coincidence we bumped into Jon from Kingston who we’d met at the Expo earlier in the week – spooky! It was a mile or so to get to Greenwich Park for the red start where we started our pre race faff! Get changed, sun cream on, ipod, sat nav, race number, get the sling on, drinks etc etc – oh and have a pee! We lined up in pen 4 with about 15 minutes to go. At 09:45 we were off.
Surprisingly we were through the start in 2 minutes or so and jogging along at 9 ½ minutes per mile. It was rather a surreal experience, after all the effort here we were actually running the London Marathon. It all went well, the crowds were noisily cheering us on and the atmosphere was fantastic. Cutty Sark was boarded up unfortunately, but almost before we new it we were heading north over Tower Bridge with over 12 miles behind us. I’d thought that the number of runners would start thinning out by half way but it was absolutely packed still with our pace pretty much being dictated by those around us. We were through half way in 2:07 – not bad at all in the heat – we’d decided early on that aiming for 4hrs was unrealistic given how warm it was and that we were both “crocked”. My Sister and Mum called on the mobile to say they were waiting at mile 23 by the Tower of London and it began to dawn on me how far we had to go around Docklands before we’d see them. By 15 miles I was starting to feel very weary. Running with my arm in a sling was clearly taking more energy than I thought.
It was here that Kevin was a real mate, sticking with me when I know he could have gone faster himself – a selfless act for which I’ll always be grateful. I can’t deny I found from 15 miles to 20 miles really hard work. At one point I had to just put The Stranglers on my ipod and think “by the time this album is finished that will be another 4 miles done”. It seemed so warm around Canary Wharf – fortunately there were a number of “run through” showers set up to help cool down. My mate Clive called to say he and a few others were at mile 18 but we managed to miss them unfortunately. Then, at mile 20, we had a celebratory energy gel and realised that we were finally heading west again with “only” 6 miles to go – whey hey!
Seeing my family at mile 23 was great, and an excuse for a short stop for a photo – we now only had 3 and bit miles to go along the embankment but by now we were both starting to feel the pain. I can liken it to being at the dentist, it hurts but you know that soon the pain will be over. I tried to equate the distance to go with short runs I did in training. We both felt the need to have a few “mini walks” of 50 metres or so before carrying on running. There were lots of runners in a lot of trouble along the Embankment and we were in good shape by comparison but we both felt absolutely drained nevertheless. We both admitted afterwards to thinking about Abbie at this stage which helped put our “woes” into context – it’s why we were her after all. Soon we were through Parliament Square and trotting down Birdcage Walk with a big sign saying “600 metres to go” in front of us. Our pace quickened and we were through the finish holding hands in 4 hours 29 minutes and a few seconds – what a relief!! I thought to myself “never again”! 20 minutes later I was thinking “Yes, again again again!”
We had a photo taken, got our medals and goody bags, retrieved our bags, then hobbled around to St James Park where we flopped under a tree not really saying very much, but trying to take it all in. It’s amazing how the body recovers after such a feat – fresh T shirt, clean socks, quick pack of our stuff and we headed up to Trafalgar Square and to a pub nearby with the Readers, my Mum, Sister, my nephew Matthew, and Adrian a friend of Kevs. Best pint of lager I’ve ever had! We actually walked back along the Mall to Victoria Station to watch some of the later runners coming in before boarding the 18:04 to Horsham, complete with huge burgers and chips – smashing!
All in all it was the most amazing experience and a fantastic day.
Ade
Posted on April 23rd, 2007 by kevin.
Categories: RunningDads.com, Comment, Kevin.
Just a short note, while we compose our thoughts:
We did it! 4hrs29mins25secs.
We’re alive!
More to follow……
Posted on April 21st, 2007 by adrian.
Categories: RunningDads.com, Adrian.
It’s the night before the big day and I must have done 26.2 miles faffing around the house trying to get my gear together! Kevin and I went up to the FLM expo on Thursday to register and collect our numbers. I’m 42817 and Kev is 42816.
My shoulder is much much better thanks to some excellent physiotherapy at the Bartholomew way Clinic in Horsham - it’s healing quicker than expected but I still must be very careful not to overdo it, so I’ve been ordered to wear the sling for the marathon. Unfortunately the weather forcast is for warm weather, so wearing a neoprene “straightjacket” is not ideal! Ah well, I think the the world record is safe for this year.
We had been hoping to get around in under 4 hours but with the heat and the injuries we need to be realistic and just enjoy the day - we can win next year!
Following a “last push” email campaign the sponsorship money has been flooding into “the pot” with lots of activity on our “justgiving” site in the last few days. Thank you very much to all who have supported us, it makes all the effort worthwhile.
Naturally, as you’d expect from RunningDads, we’ve managed to wangle a free ride up to Greenwich for the start with a bunch of fellow runners from Hancross - we depart the from the Royal Oak Pub at 06:30.
Right - last minute packing then an early night - oh and few calls to organise the venue for the post race ice cold beer!!
Posted on April 15th, 2007 by adrian.
Categories: RunningDads.com, Adrian.
Well, it was all going too well!
The long runs gave been steadily building up with Kev and I trying to out do each other by the odd 1/2 mile every weekend. In consecutive weeks I managed 16, 20.5, and 22.5 miles. After the 22.5 mile run I felt good and was very tempted to go the extra 4 miles to complete marathon distance - fortunately it started to sleet so I stopped!!
My shin problems have all but disappeared thanks to some sensible training, effective icing, and some great “treatment” from Alan Dean - dealer in pain….”now this may hurt a little Adrian….!!!”
Unfortunately I suffered a great deal more pain 2 weeks ago in a ski tumble in the French Alps. Now I’ve been “trying” to hurt myself skiing for 30 years without success, and I’d like to say that my injury was caused by some radical off piste or just failing to complete the 3rd loop - but I can’t. Exiting a chair lift 3 of us got muddled up so I decided a “tactical” fall over to the left would be a good idea……..but…..bang!….I landed awkwardly and felt a searing pain in my left shoulder. 5 mins later on the side of the piste the pain had eased somewhat so I thought the grand tour we had planned for the day might still be on. I then tried to roll my shoulder to ease it off….nothing moved and the pain returned. I then slipped my right hand inside my jacket for a feel…..oh dear…..my left arm no longer joined where it should and felt like it was down across my chest. A ski patroller who’d been called by the lift operator confirmed a dislocated shoulder - bugger, bugger, bugger!!! All I could think of then was the marathon and how bad the timing was!
The medical man asked about insurance - I had it (phew!) then summoned a helicopter. We were right at the top at 2500m and he said disclocations benefit greatly from a swift resetting. 30 or so minutes later, after an Xray, I was dosed up with vallium and the arm was put back where it should be. A CT scan the following day revealed no major damage to the area.
“So Doc, I’m doing the London Marathon in 3 weeks time - what do you reckon?” .
“Shouldn’t be a problem Monsieur - but you’ll have to wear a sling”
“Phew, double phew, and triple phew!”
So after a couple of days rest I started gently jogging with my arm in a neoprene orthapaedic sling. It’s was a bit odd initially but I’m getting used to it. The bottom line is I’ll be there next Sunday on the start line - I’ll just be a bit slower than originally planned.
London Marathon - easy - I’m going to do it with one arm strapped across my front!!
ps - the game below is like “pin the tail on the donkey”. Where do think my arm should go?!!
Posted on March 31st, 2007 by kevin.
Categories: RunningDads.com, Training, Kevin, ProductReview.
It’s been a couple of weeks since either of us have commented on progress. I think this is mainly due to the length of time our schedules dictate we should be running at the moment.
Each weekend we are running over three and a half hours each.
Our wives think we are having an affair together!
For Mother’s Day a few weeks ago we drove to see Mum-in-law in Cornwall. Left the house on Saturday at 0300hrs. On Sunday I got up at 0500hrs (still dark - it’s THAT far west!) and ran to Penzance and back! The wind was VERY cold (those that know me will know that I don’t “do cold”, so it must have been cold), and in my face all the way to Penzance - it’s force was so strong that the last six miles down into Penzance were run slower than the six miles back up out of Penzance. Didn’t stop me though; ran 20.5miles in 3hrs40mins - nice and slow.
Last week I ran 20miles on Sunday. I had every intention of running with Geoff - also running the Marathon for Leukemia I think (Geoff, pls confirm!) - but managed to forget all about the clocks going forward, so arrived at his house to find a note saying, “Kev, you plonker! I left an hour ago!”. So I tried to chase him down the Downs Link, but never found him - having to make my turn beforehand.
The last 3.5miles of this run I found extremely painful. You’ll remember the groin strain I suffered on New Years Eve playing footie with Craig and the lads, which turned into a Hip Flexer strain… well, I was trying to take fluid on and coughing. It was too painful to cough and run at the same time, so I had to stop to cough.
Luckily I had arranged to see Alan Dean (Motiv8) - our osteopath who has kindly donated his “magic hands” to the cause. He’s actually offering us training advice as well; given that he’s run a few marathons, we are listening. He told me this week that he would normally advise people in my position to NOT run the marathon due to the injuries I’m carrying. I of course told him to stick it somewhere unpleasant (in a nice way! 
), and he concurred that’s why he’s not said it to me thus far! Of course he had the last laugh as he lent on me and watched me squirm under the pressure of massage.
This week we have collected our running shirts from the printers with the Neuroblastoma logo plastered across the front with our names above - please shout out loud if you see us on the day. The shirts were supplied by Mizuno (once again!) and are stunning. Mizuno have been amazing during our training - they have actually supplied a t-shirt and a vest for ALL of the five runners that are running the marathon for Neuroblastoma.
Jabra UK have sent us yet MORE products to test - I’ve been showing the Jabra BT320 to people, who are always impressed with the quality of sound you get, even though your phone is miles away… I listen to as much music as possible whilst running… saves listening to AdyP…
So as of tomorrow we are in April. Three weeks to go until the big day. Tomorrow I run 22miles and then the programme starts to wind down.
If you are reading this you’ve probably already sponsored us. Can I ask that you send a few emails to all of your contacts - if only ONE person sponsors us as a result of your emails it will have been worthwhile.
Cheers,
KevB.
Posted on March 9th, 2007 by kevin.
Categories: RunningDads.com.
We ran in to the West Sussex County Times offices a couple of weeks ago, and today the newspaper came out with us on page 8!!!
Huzzah!!!
ps. click the image above to read the clipping from the paper.
Posted on March 7th, 2007 by kevin.
Categories: RunningDads.com, Training, SponsorshipNews, Comment, Kevin, ProductReview.
Just back from a cracking run. I’m really feeling back on the pulse again.
I wanted a 9 mile run today, and took Sam and Matt’s Black Lab out for a trot.
I put Mizuno’s Wave Harriers on my feet with some breathable & waterproof socks that I use for motorcycling. Am I glad I did that?! The Roosthole near Horsham was VERY waterlogged. These shoes create such a level of confidence and the socks kept my feet sufficiently dry for me to just not care where I put my feet - I was sploshing through all the mud and puddles upto my ankles.
Because its been some time since I ran with Cassie (Black Lab), I didn’t want to go too close to roads. The Roosthole is perfect, although it is a little short. What it does offer though are some really sharp ascents and decents (and the slime of course!). So I decided to create lots of loops around the main “Mick’s Mile” stretch. I tried out some new paths that I hadn’t been down before, and even just turned in amongst the trees a couple of times to create my own path.
The Garmin 205 is a great device. I was able to work out how to get back to the tracks by using the moving map feature. Also the mileage & speed are displayed in HUGE numbers so I could run just as far as I wanted. You can see exactly where I run with another Garmin cool feature - they have created MotionBased.com and once home you can upload the route. Click here to see todays oh, so confusing route! You can “play” it in GoogleEarth if you can’t quite work out where I went… there’s a lot of crossing over my path…
Incidentally, the Polar S625x comes with a footpod that is really accurate - although I need to calibrate mine to make it spot on for my lanky gate - when I got back I wondered how the footpod had dealt with being completely submerged on several occasions in mud and water. Here’s a picture of my feet as I walked in the door:
I stripped the footpod device and there was not a drop of water inside it! Result!
That’s probably enough rambling for today…. see you soon!
ps. can you all make sure you click on the product links in these blogs and on the sponsor page - as without the support of our sponsors we wouldn’t know what the heck we were doing!!!
Posted on March 7th, 2007 by kevin.
Categories: RunningDads.com, SponsorshipNews, Kevin, ProductReview.
My Garmin 205 has been playing up. I upgraded the Motionbased software and I had a single USB connection failure. It was very odd.
Subsequently I couldn’t get a fix on ANY satellites, so started reading Garmin’s forum support pages. The problem here is that they have soooo many products that the help is a little vague, and I never actually found the problem I was experiencing directly.
The solution was to REINSTALL the software on the device and then afterwards install the GPS software again.
Even then it wouldn’t show ANY routes of data that it captured. This was solved by removing two history files that appeared to have been recorded in 2015! Once these files were gone I was back to normal.
