Juneathon. Day 30. Completion

And with another early morning run, my Juneathon is over. 3 days rest is going to happen now before I find out whether running lots of 5k's is good training for a 10k race or not.

I tried to push it today to break my Juneathon PB but in the end, I couldn't get near that angry day I had.

I've completed 201.65 km on the bike in 8 days and 110.72km running on the other 22 days. The pace for the runs I'm pleased with at 5:06 m/km (or 8:14 m/m)




June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59) 
June 24th: RUN 5.14km (26:00) 
June 25th: RUN 5.14km (26:58) 
June 26th: BIKE 16.87km (a while including a Homebase stop) 
June 27th: RUN 5.14km (25:55) 
June 28th: BIKE 12.31km (not too long) 
June 29th: RUN 5.14km (25:49)
June 30th: RUN 5.14km (25:37)

Juneathon. Day 29. Just a little early

Finally, finally, finally we got some rain this morning but dagnammit, 90 mins after I'd run! Oh to feel that cooling shower as I run. In fact, I actually had a dream last night that on the 30th June, I got up to run and it was a light shower. I hope my dreams come true! Bliss!

I'm not sure if I'm going through the male equivilent of nesting but I continued with my creative side last night in painting the nursery drawer unit some baby friendly colours. This after applying the jungle animal decals on Sunday night. I think this is where the bike buy came from too. I need projects at the moment. I'm finding it very difficult just to sit down with a book in front of the TV at night. Better not say too much though or LG will start finding tings for me to do.

As Juneathon draws to a close, I really don't envy Shaun having to pick a winner. Personally, I believe the winner should come from the slightly insane pot of people that are running everyday in the original spirit of Juneathon and there still seems to be a few people doing this however I reckon a few will have tripped themselves up with the whole blogging everyday bit. There have certainly been some misses. I will say though, and without a hint of American enthusiasm, everyone has done bloody well. Good Work!

Only one more morning to go and I warn you now, there's going to be graphs involved!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59) 
June 24th: RUN 5.14km (26:00) 
June 25th: RUN 5.14km (26:58) 
June 26th: BIKE 16.87km (a while including a Homebase stop) 
June 27th: RUN 5.14km (25:55) 
June 28th: BIKE 12.31km (not too long) 
June 29th: RUN 5.14km (25:49)

Juneathon. Day 28. If you go down to the woods today

you'll probably have seen me sweating a lot while out on the bike! Which I guess isn't the best thing for other people but I had fun! There was another reason for going out on the bike today. I am delighted to announce that this Juneathon, my had built bodge job of a bike has taken me 201.65km!!!! That I'm proud of!! Not the fitness thing, the fact it's still in one piece!

However, there will not be many more single speed outings for this one as I'll be putting the gears back on it in the near future. This is because I'm susceptible to the power of suggestion so yesterday, with 11 seconds left of the auction and with LG telling me to do it, I bought this!!!

Now I know it doesn't look like much at the moment but give me a few months, and when I'm not changing nappies, feeding, cleaning, not sleeping and everything else involved with impending fatherhood, I'm going to turn this into a fixie thing of beauty!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59) 
June 24th: RUN 5.14km (26:00) 
June 25th: RUN 5.14km (26:58) 
June 26th: BIKE 16.87km (a while including a Homebase stop) 
June 27th: RUN 5.14km (25:55) 
June 28th: BIKE 12.31km (not too long)

Please wait

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Juneathon. Day 27. Out but not quickly enough

I may be stating the obvious here but the sun really does appear to be pretty damn hot. Even at 7am. The little bits that were in the shade were the highlights of my run and also the only times I didn't feel like I was going to fall over in a big sweaty puddle! Oddly, as I write this, I have the book I'm currently reading next to me. Sahara by Michael Palin. Strangely, I feel I know what he's going through.

A smidgen under the 26 minute barrier today but with an achy shin pain on my right leg but hey, if that's the worse it can throw at me with only 3 days to go then HA! I laugh at you Juneathon!

Lot's of people out and about including a what I assume was a Grandad pushing his sleeping Granddaughter along. Made me laugh as I bet the story was something like 'child didn't sleep, parents needed rest, Grandad volunteered'. Only 7 weeks to go and that'll be LG and me. Uh Oh! 

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59) 
June 24th: RUN 5.14km (26:00) 
June 25th: RUN 5.14km (26:58) 
June 26th: BIKE 16.87km (a while including a Homebase stop) 
June 27th: RUN 5.14km (25:55)

Juneathon. Day 26. A functional Juneathon

Well after 5 days running in a row (sod you lot still running everyday, you insane people) I decided to get on the bike today but with the parents coming this afternoon for a BBQ, I had to multitask. So, the decision was made and I got on the bike and cycled to Homebase to buy a lawnmower. Luckily I had the 'Tour de Homebase' support vehicle driven by LG meeting me there so I didn't have to attempt to carry a lawnmower on my back.

Knowing that LG was off to Sainsburys on the way back, I went the long way home and through the quite lovely Ashtead Common and followed some of the course I'll be doing on the Ashtead 10k that I've signed up for in September. Should be a fun race although it's pretty undulating!

Anyway, after the ride was done and the support vehicle turned up, I proceeded to mow the lawn. I say lawn but actually mean, dead patch of yellowish grass that was once a lawn. This was after picking up an entire bag of crab apples of said patch of garden so they didn't just rot into the ground!! LG and I have then tidied the entire flat to give the illusion that we're actually tidy people in general and I've just sat down for the first time since 7.30am. Is it beer o'clock yet??

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59) 
June 24th: RUN 5.14km (26:00) 
June 25th: RUN 5.14km (26:58) 
June 26th: BIKE 16.87km (a while including a Homebase stop)

Juneathon. Day 25. A meandering plod

I have no idea where I was today but my head wasn't attached to my plodding legs as they ran the loop they've come to know pretty much on autopilot. Well they had to, to be honest as I forgot to put my contacts in and was therefore blind except for about 5 yards in front of me. Thoughts that crossed my mind during today's 26minutes and 58 seconds were about which colour scheme to have on the new bike that I'm not going to build as I have a baby on the way and have better more important things to spend my money on and whether to have a flip flop hub so I can flip between a fixie and freewheel on the new bike that I'm not going to build as I have a baby on the way and have better more important things to spend my money on.

Also what does a man-in-a-van put through someone's letterbox (the same person's letterbox) almost every morning and then drive off. I can't fathom what it could be. The first time I assumed it was an invoice or something. That's a lot of final demands if it is!

And another thing. Baby's names! When does that get easier to work out??? As we chose not to find out whether it's going to be a pink or blue one, it's twice as bad so you have to pick a name and then see if it reminds you of anyone you hated at school, or that you've worked with, or anything else not appropriate to naming your child.

Then I remembered I was meant to be running and was not exactly near my recent pace. See what happens when I don't concentrate.... I slow down! I'm almost surprised I didn't stop, look around and wonder where I was! 5 days to go!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59) 
June 24th: RUN 5.14km (26:00) 
June 25th: RUN 5.14km (26:58)

Juneathon. Day 24. I'm nothing if not consistent

Wahoo!!! 6 days to go!!! After a crappy journey both in and out of work yesterday, I was delighted to have run yesterday morning and that was the only thing that got me out of bed this morning. Although that was after I'd got out of bed to turn off the alarm, then got back into bed after deciding that I'd do something tonight instead and then got back out of bed again as I couldn't sleep (after at least 2-3 minutes of trying) and decided that I may as well run anyway as the alternative was a hot and slightly worse kind of run tonight. There was a lot of thought processes involved in those first 5 minutes of my waking existence this morning but I don't think my lovely, nearly 33 week pregnant girlfriend quite appreciated my dilemma and promptly went back to sleep.

I seem to have established my level this Juneathon though. Out of my 24 days, I've run the same route 15 times!!!! I've looked at the times involved too and if you take out my angry fastest run and not coincidentally, my slowest run the following morning, they've all been within 1 minute and 17 seconds of each other. Today's and yesterday's were within 1 second!

I'm finding Juneathon as horrible as I thought I would but I'm glad I'm still going. Although I haven't run everyday, the mental strength to either cycle or run and then make sure the blog is done every single day has been really tough. With only 6 days left, I know mentally that I can get to the end now which is wonderful after my 4 day attempt in 2009. I just wish this had been done as Octoberthon as we wouldn't have to deal with the heat!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59) 
June 24th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)

Juneathon. Day 23. One week to go, one week to go, la la la la le la, one week to go!!!

The ankles and knees ache but I was encouraged by the fact we only have one week to go, one week to go, la la la la le la, one week to go AND a lot of the England flags will have to come down today if we play anywhere near as badly as we have done so far! Hey ho, at least the French are out!

Plus we beat the Aussie's at Cricket which always helps. I ran 1 second under 26 mins today. Talk about cutting it fine!!

Anywho, a run was needed this morning firstly to not having to run in that EVIL heat and secondly in case anyone hands me beer later to stop the pain of the England result.

Today I saw 2 milkman, a postman, the greengrocers and a lady walk a dog. This is the most people I've ever seen at 5:30 in the morning when running!! Also, I know I shouldn't need them but I really need some sunglasses for the last mile. Right into the sun! It's lovely though, I'm not complaining!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
June 23rd: RUN 5.14km (25:59)

Juneathon. Day 22. s'ot

I had an argument with myself this evening about why in hell I didn't run this morning and had to go out in this stupid heat, stupid sun and stupid humidity.

I lost the argument and had to run. It        was        a        realllllllllllly       slow       jog that was horrible and I deserved the pain for being a lazy git this morning. I won't make that mistake again and will be waking at 5.20am tomorrow to make sure it doesn't happen again!

I don't know what kind of running style was going on today but my knees kept knocking together. I haven't figured out why and how but it was an interesting development. Oh also, I got my first stitch for the first time in absolutely ages. I can't remember the last time I had one. Bloody heat!


June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50) 
June 22nd: RUN 5.14km (26:28)
     

Juneathon. Day 21. Not half as bad as expected

Day 21 was an early wake up once again in order to see what damage yesterday's bike ride to Brighton had done to my legs. Well I'm delighted to report that apart from some tightness in the calves (helped by sleeping in some compression socks last night), it was fine. It wasn't quick and it's never pretty but it's done.

Back to yesterday's enjoyable bike ride to Brighton, here's a quick report.

My lovely LG kindly dropped myself, eatingtrees and lots of bits of bikes in a side street in Balham and after putting everything back together, we headed off to Clapham Common for the start. The organisation seemed really good and everything was made VERY easy which must be a tough thing to do with 30000 people on bikes to deal with. The first hour, only 8 miles was covered with all the stop starting but that's to be expected and as long as you're there for a bike ride and not a race, you just expect it and accept it. There's lots of good banter with the police and marshalls too so it doesn't even get frustrating.

There's a few hills one of which is called 'How Lane' which could be cycled up but as they're narrow, eventually someone will walk and then it becomes the equivilent of people braking on the M25. After a few minutes, everyone's walking. A quick toilet break was had around 9 miles but after that, I was determined to get past the half way point before having a break and despite complaints from my backside (and the same complaints coming from eatingtrees) we stopped at 29 and a half miles for flapjacks, peanuts, wine gums and plenty more fluids.

Back on the road and it was Turners Hill that caused the next delay. As everyone seems to stop for a break, it's not even walking pace. It's like trying to get onto the central line during rush hour. Once past that though, it was plain sailing (or cycling) until a couple of miles from The Beacon and just 50 yards from the front, everyone was stopped due to an emergency on the Beacon itself. We were held there for over 50 mins and it turns out that a guy unfortunately collapsed on the way up and subsequentially died. My thoughts are with his family.

The police and marshalls were again really fantastic and helpful and the crowd of bikes (which at this point must have stretched back at least a mile) were then released in batches to ease congestion both up and down the Beacon.

The up is tough. Lots of short, sharp hills that don't flattern out at all. I made it up around a quarter of the way on the single speed beast before I lost momentum by having to go round a few people and that was it. I was walking from then on. I'd like to try it on a geared bike one year as I reckon I could make it!

The other side of Ditchling is a speed freak's dream and after leaving eatingtrees at the top (due to his restricted speed legs) I just free wheeled for fun. Then I scared myself and had to apply the brakes. Checking after, I managed 39.8mph!!! The ride into Brighton was great with all the cheering crouds and we were even serenaded by a guy miming the words to we are the champions, with Queen playing loudly out of the windows of his flat while we waited at the lights.

Onto the sea front and it was completed and great to meet up with LG and LG's Lovely Parents. I wasn't too tired and my legs felt OK but I decided against the run with eatingtrees due to my ability to be sane and not slightly demented.

Again thanks go to a 7 month pregnant LG for driving down to Brighton to take us back so we didn't have to deal with the coach and lorry situation!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time) 
June 21st: RUN 5.14km (26:50)

Juneathon. Day 20. Cycling to to seaside

Today was D-day. An 87.44 km ride to Brighton. I've only just got home and I'm starving so this is going to be a quickie.

Great fun. Loads of support. 39.8mph achieved. Managed to cycle around a quarter of the way up Ditchling Beacon on a single speed. Legs feel OK. They may not in the morning. As long as you don't take it too seriously (this is a note to the lycra clad bunch) it's a lovely bike ride. I'll be back next year without a doubt!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23
June 20th: BIKE 87.44km (a long, long time)

Juneathon. Day 19. Now I'm nervous

I got up and ran early today in order to get it out the way and give my legs the maximum rest time before tomorrow's Juneathon task of cycling to Brighton. Why o why did I agree to that!

I had a lay in this morning so didn't head out til 7.30am but what a beautiful morning it is. Warm, sunny and with a slight breeze. My usual route this morning and what was meant to be a slow jog to stretch out the legs turned out to be the second quickest time I've run this June. Oops. The problem was I noticed my time half way round and realised I was around 30 seconds up on yesterday's effort so I had to give it a go! 25:23 is none too shabby for me. Under that 5 m/k (8 m/m) benchmark anyway.

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01) 
June 19th: RUN 5.14km (25:23)

Juneathon. Day 18. Up and almost at them

You'll be unsurprised to hear that day 18 was a repeat of day 17 and many before that and although it wasn't a bad time, I just cannot even anywhere near the pace of my angry day on day 7. I'm determined to beat it though. Mind you, I'm also determined to try and have the ability walk after Sunday's 54 mile single speed cycle to Brighton so you won't find me committing to anything such as beating my best time or breaking that 25 minute barrier! Oh no, you won't find me doing anything quite that stupid!!Also not sure how I'm going to cope with a 10k 3 days after Juneathon when all my distances have been considerably shorter!

After my message on Facebook last night to do with the absolute mound of washing that Juneathon appears to be generating (1 run or ride generates: running shorts, over shorts (as no-one needs to see my arse in that much detail), t-shirt, buff or bandanna and socks plus a cap if it's raining), can I put a request in, that next years Juneathon prize is a months supply of washing powder, fabric conditioner and a small donation to my electricity bill??? Thanks

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23) 
June 18th: RUN 5.14km (26:01)

Juneathon. Day 17. A simple one

It wasn't as nicer morning as it was on Tuesday when I last got up early. A bit misty with a slight chill in the air when I first set off although the cold doesn't tend to last long when you you have to lumber through 5.14km built like me but a successful run it was even if not the quickest. The calves ached a bit due to the windy ride yesterday but no real problems.

My random thought of the day was about a green grocers. There's a little local one in a row of shops that I run past and every morning, the little old man and his little old lady wife get everything out and ready for the day. At 5.30am!!! Now not being funny but apart from the milkman, the lone runner that I've seen just once and the beautiful and noisy green parakeets that inhabit most of the South London area, NO-ONE appears to be up. Why then, does the shop need to be ready and open?!?!?!

My other random thought was last night after ready Shaun's blog. It got me thinking. As a big geek in the world of playlists and how they affect my running, I found it a surprise that at no point during the whole of my Juneathon exercise have I listened to music and to be honest, I have absolutely no idea why.

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)
June 17th: RUN 5.14km (26:23)

Juneathon. Day 16. It's windy out there.

Back on the bike today to make sure all the nuts and bolts I tightened yesterday hadn't made my bike fall apart or anything. They didn't although I do have a request... If anyone has a bit of old inner-tube they want to send me to stop a particular annoying rattle I have on the chain tensioner, please do. I only need a bit about an inch by 2 inches. I'm seeing if I have anything else to bodge it with at the moment.

Anywho, 18.58 km done today in most of the time it seemed to be into a head wind although I reckon that's my imagination. Also, why to my shoes start rubbing my toes now!!! 4 days before L2B.


June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33) 
June 16th: BIKE 18.58km (45 mins ish)

Juneathon. Day 15. The Half Way Point

How many blogs are going to be titled something similar today but it's just such a relief to get here!! It's done with another standard route/time/pace/aches, by 6am this morning, the first half of Juneathon was complete. My legs are really feeling it now but as I got out of bed 6 minutes late, I didn't want to dawdle so it was completed in my second fastest time so far. 4:58 km's or 7:59 m/m. Just scraped under the 5 min barrier for only the second time this June.

I'm pretty please with my stats this year and absolutely delighted I didn't go the 'run every day route'. There are quite a few people starting to suffer and I don't want to imagine how much worse it would have been if I'd attempted it but keep going all of you, you're braver than me!! At the half way point, I have the following geeky stats. RUN: 54.36km (average pace of 5:07m/k or 8:15 m/m). BIKE: 66.42km

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)
June 15th: RUN 5.14km (25:33)

Juneathon. Day 14. This isn't going to be an exciting one

Yup, same 5.14km route. Same stupid time in the morning. Same heavy legs and same repeating thought process of how the hell am I going to manage another 16 days of this??? 26 minutes dead for todays effort which is still OK. Getting harder on those sprint finishes down my road though!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June 13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)
June 14th: RUN 5.14km (26:00)

Juneathon. Day 13. Achey legs have arrived

Yep another day of the 5.14km running route and a distinctly noticeable tightness in the calves and ankles has appeared. Possibly through lack of stretching so I just did a big stretch session then so hopefully they'll be fine on the march to the half way point. Nearly there!

This was my 6th attempt at this route and only the 3rd time I've scraped under the 26min barrier and as it was, it was only 4 seconds under!!!

The beer, BBQ and football were all good and I didn't at all feel guilty seeing hotshoeshuffle out on her run when I arrived at my friends loaded with beer and various meat products. At that point I was delighted I'd got the bike ride done and dusted in the morning!

Right I need to make a quiche and get the BBQ ready for today's chargrilled food offering!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 
June13th: RUN 5.14km (25:56)

Juneathon. Day 12. Random route

With a good night's sleep, some online banking completed and a bacon sandwich in my tummy, I set off into the unknown to get a few more miles in the tyres prior to L2B next weekend. I purposely didn't plan my route prior to heading out because I tend to look at the hilly parts, know when they're coming and then dread them so I just turned when I felt like it or when I thought it might head somewhere interesting.

Epsom Downs look pretty stunning on a clear day but as it's the downs. you know there are going to be hills. From there, and with a lot of uphill leg work and downhill speed work, somehow, I ended up in Cheam and then came back through Epsom Town Centre and back into the village. 24.85 km was completed and once a little bit of maintenance has been done on the single speed bodge job, I'll be as ready as I'm ever gonna be for L2B. It's gonna be tough! 

Right, I'm off to drink beer, eat BBQ and watch footie. I almost feel like a real man


June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)
June 12th: BIKE 24:85km (approx 1:10) 

Juneathon. Day 11. Out of the way

An early start again today for my 5.14km loop as I couldn't face getting home from work again and having to go out to exercise on a Friday night. It wasn't a fun run but it wasn't a bad run either. To make it a bit different, I tried running in smaller, faster steps more akin to if I was running barefoot. Eatingtress was talking a lot about it the other night with a shisha pipe in his hand so I did it to try and break the monotony. I don't actually  have anything to report about it except my calves hurt more but that could be more to do with the 11 days consecutive exercise or maybe just the fact I was using different muscles. The thing I can say is that if my mind wandered and I thought of anything else, I went back to my heavy, lumpy style immediately. Also I found it harder when going uphill.

It's Friday, I've just had a sausage sandwich, the world cup starts today, I have BBQ plans at the weekend (possibly under a brolly) and I won't have to get up at 5.20am for a whole 2 days! Where's a bank holiday when you need one? Enjoy your Juneathon weekends people, only 19 days to go!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: RUN 2.83km (15:16)
June 11th: RUN 5.14km (25:48)

Juneathon. Day 10. Juneathon = Antichrist

I love the idea of Juneathon and there lies the problem,  I love the idea. The actual practical side of the entire thing is absolutely horrible. We're a third of the way through and I am hating it. Maybe it's because works been horrid this week (see day 7's post if you're unsure) but this is just tough.

I went for my shortest Juneathon run yet a few minutes ago and got soaked from the rain, blown by the wind and the ONLY reason I did it is because I really, really don't want to quit 2 years running. 2.83km today in a very slow and can't be bothered 15:16. I was hardly out of breathe at the end. What's the point in a run like that hey? Never mind. Role on tomorrow and more of the same.

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)
June 10th: Run 2.83km (15:16)

Juneathon. Day 9. Barely awake

Today was the closest day yet, of nearly missing my daily Juneathon 2010 exercise. Reason. I must be sleep typing at the moment. I'm sooo tired. Last night turned into a bit of a journey from hell. It was going so well too but after getting a lift to Waterloo from a friend of mine, I made my train with a couple of minutes to spare and sat down with my book and my ipod. 45/50mins and I'd be in bed and after a 5:20am start, my bed was what I needed. The train set off bang on time. Result!

It wasn't to be. After a train stopped in front for someone being ill and then we stopped again later for a signal failure, I got home over an hour later than it should have been. When my alarm went off this morning, it was like I hadn't even slept!

Therefore today, I got on the bike with my thinking that at least on the downhill parts I wouldn't have to do as much work and the uphill parts would give the training needed for London 2 Brighton in 11 days time! ARGHHH!!!! I ended up going longer than planned as I went the wrong way ( I didn't plan on doing a Half Marathon) but it was completed with a numb bum and aching legs. Right, I'm off to bed.

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)
June 9th: BIKE 21.65km (approx 53 mins)

Juneathon. Day 8. PB to PW, the not so steady decline

After 1 shower, some beans on toast, some blog writing, 1 episode of Nurse Jackie and less than 7 hours of very disturbed sleep, I headed back out for another run on the same route as day 7. I'd have much rather not been back on the pavement again but with plans to meet up with eatingtrees and another friend for Lebanese food and Shisha tonight, I didn't have much choice.

It was SLOW. I knew it wouldn't be as fast as yesterday's anger fuelled run but this was really slow in relation to the start of Juneathon. I ran my 5.14km at a slower pace than most of the Half Marathon's I've done so it is with delight that I'm NOT going to get up at 5:20am and run again tomorrow. I'm going to treat myself to an extra 40 mins in bed and go out on the bike in the evening after work. After 3 runs in a row and a niggling pain that is creeping across the top of my left foot (a pain I first seemed to have blogged about in March 2009!) I'm going to give up the 2 feet for 2 wheels for a day and I can't wait!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)
June 8th: RUN 5.14km (28:33)

Juneathon. Day 7. What a complete shocker!

If I was a cynical bastard, I would suspect that a person I work with, called in sick today and left a HUGE pile of crap on mine and some other colleagues desks, as he couldn't bring himself to come in as he knew if was going to be a shite day and would rather dump that on his colleagues desks who have had no input in the jobs up to this point instead of dealing with it himself. If I was a cynical bastard, that's what I'd think. Call me a cynical bastard.

Because of the above, I left the office a lot later the planned and as I'd had to abandon an early run in favour of a visit to a printers (rock and roll life, me) at 7am, it meant that when I got off the train tonight, not only was it later, but also I got very wet after a walk home without a coat and I still hadn't exercised. So on came the trainers and I headed out on my 5.14km route that has helped me through this Juneathon. I wasn't in the mood to hang around at the start and seem to have a lot of anger to burn off. It seemed to work. I knocked over a minute off the route I've done twice already this June and went under 5 min km!!! Yup. 4:51's as an average which is 7:50's in m/m. Result! I should have a bad day more often but to be honest, you can have that minute back if I can have an easier day tomorrow. It's not going to be an easy start though, in less than 8 hours, I have to get up again and run that same route!!! Juneathon is going to be the death of me!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)
June 7th: RUN 5.14km (25:02)

Juneathon. Day 6. 5k's are the new 10k's!

See when I wrote in yesterday's blog that I fancied a 10k, I obviously hadn't factored in the state of my heel after a day on my feet in thin flip-flops. Bruised and cracked would be a good description.

However, I knew if I didn't get out, I would be rubbish come the afternoon with so much of the house to sort out so off I plodded on the same route as day 4 but in reverse this time which is silly really as this ends up with the long, slow incline at the end which hurts. I did however see other runners so apparently, 9am on a Sunday is the time to go! Anyway, 10 seconds slower than Day 4. I can't decide whether to blame the heal, the hills or the increased exercise.

As a side note, the people who are running everyday. You are all insane but I commend you all. Seeing sorelimbs stats for the week so far filled me with fear. Nearly 32 miles in 6 days and all in under 9 minute miles. Good work sir! Rather you than me!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)
June 6th: RUN 5.14km (26:15)

Juneathon. Day 5. Record Breaker!

I've mentioned before that it's not a great record but at least I've done it.

I obviously needed the sleep this morning as I didn't wake until 7.30am and due to a few tasks needing doing (picking up an ebay carrycot, picking up a phone from the post office, shopping, washing and sitting in the garden with cider, BBQ, masses of food and more food), it wasn't going to be the long cycle I thought I may do. However, due to a sight test to check if I've got more blind or not (I haven't, well I have but only with contact lenses?!?!?) I used the opportunity to cycle into Leatherhead and back and thereby completing 8.61km on the single speed without any padded shorts. I WON'T BE DOING THAT AGAIN!! Tomorrow, I fancy a run. Maybe a 10k... Let's wait and see..

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)
June 5th: BIKE 8.61km (??:??)

Juneathon. Day 4. A record equalled

Yep, as 4 days was all I managed last year, I now have matched last years record. Tomorrow I go for the big one! Admittedly it's not tough to beat but still, if I knocked a second off a PB I'd shout about it so why not this too!

I got up at 5:20am again this morning. It's lovely to run at that time in the morning once the initial 'what the fudge am I doing out of bed at this time of the day' thoughts have gone and with the weather so nice at the moment, it's hard to argue against. Ask me again on a day when it's cold, wet and miserable. I'm pretty sure I'll turn the pillows over and go back to sleep. Also, the earlier the better is even more true on a Friday when you take into account that my journey home is longer now so by the time I get there, I'm much more likely to open a bottle of wine than go for a run.

I slightly upped Wednesday's route to make it at least a 5km but while the first half is generally downhill, what goes down must come up in running loop terms. So with aching ankles (tomorrow will be a rest from running day) I plodded round 5.14km in 26:05 which is 5:04 min/km pace (8:10 m/m). None too shabby for my 3rd run in 4 days but I'd like to break the 5 min/km barrier some time this month please. And so:

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)
June 4th: RUN 5.14km (26:05)

Juneathon. Day 3. A change in mode

Today I was working from home most of the day due to some standard blood tests that needed to be done on LG for the bump at the hospital and with LG pretty much passing out at the thought of needles, it's best not to let her drive! That was for 3 hours but did mean i didn't have to get up at stupid o'clock to run.

However, I now realise that I'm not good at going out for the sake of going out so I've decided that during Juneathon, on the running days, I'm going to get up early as it gets it out of the way. (Also the cars with the England flags aren't out of bed yet which is nice!).

Today's exploration was on the bike. Seeing as I have London to Brighton in 2 and a half weeks, needs must! This seemed more sensible than another run but maybe that'll be back again tomorrow.

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)
June 3rd: BIKE 11.31km (??:??)

Juneathon. Day 2. I haven't dropped out yet

Well day 2 was another early start due to the same reasons as yesterday (I get a lie in tomorrow though so YAY to that). I ran/jogged/ambled in the other direction to yesterday as I'm still not completely sure where I live and just tried to go a circle. It worked too. Not as long as yesterday but 4.46km (2.77 miles) was completed in 22:31 meaning giving me a rather spritely pace for me of 5:03km (or 8:07 m/m). For me, that's quick!

2 days completed and if I do just 3 more, I beat last years attempt when I picked of a variety of stupid niggly injuries and dropped out in a pathetic manor. This year, I'm going to at least TRY and complete it mainly due to the need to get fit again and in an attempt to lose the sympathy belly that's still growing in tandem with Lovely Girlfriends bump!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)
June 2nd: RUN 4.46km (22:31)

Juneathon. Day 1. Let the pain commence

And so it was that after 2 solid days of moving furniture and boxes and then a further 2 solid days of unpacking furniture and boxes, I found myself having to get up this morning at 5.20am so I didn't fail Juneathon on the first day!! See, I have no internet connection at home and therefore I wouldn't have been able to blog from home if I exercised after work and blogging prior to exercising is not allowed (I don't think?? Correct me if I'm wrong!) so therefore, getting up at stupid o'clock was the only option.

Things to say about where I've moved to. It's no longer flat. At all. This should do wonders for hill work but mostly it just hurts. My flat runs around the river are no longer an option. I thought my run today was horrible and slow but it turns out, 5.95km was done in 31:48 meaning an average pace of 5:20 per km or 8:36's if you prefer your miles. All that with the following elevation!



Anyway. Day 1, done!

June 1st: RUN 5.95km (31:48)