My Blog

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Not exactly sure what I'll be posting about, but will be centred around preparation for the marathon - fund raising ideas, run routes, things that annoy me when I am running, etc. Will look to update and maintain every other day (or until I lose interest).

My reason for starting a blog is to keep you kind people who have (or will) sponsor me (http://www.justgiving.com/Pete-Tizard-London2012) informed of my progress in preparing for the marathon. Additionally, once my running career is over I imagine I will look back fondly on the drivel posted.

Lastly, I appreciate any support you can provide. It would be great if you could donate but also any tips you could give for fund raising or preparing for the run would be much appreciated. If you want to join me on a jog, let me know - cheers!

Tuesday 23 April 2013

What More Can I Say?



My mum (mumsy) emailed me a few days before the marathon with some words of encouragement.  She is my biggest running fan and is now (after discovering my blog) my most avid reader (http://www.flickr.com/photos/94792186@N06/8673967071/in/set-72157633194797334 –yes, I am pulling a weird face). 
She reminded me that from a young age I had a “thing” for running and would typically lead me to getting lost.  In Menorca I ran off (I was about 5) and had an old couple pick me up from the side of the motorway and take me back to the holiday site (irresponsible parenting).  Similarly a couple of years later I performed the same trick in Orlando where I ran off in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids attraction and was eventually discovered by the worm slides (irresponsible parenting).
I was never the quickest or had the most stamina but I have always got a thrill from running.  When my cat (Smoky) gets excited she runs – sprints upstairs, gallops round the hallways and ends up in the kitchen sliding across the faux wooden flooring.  Similarly whenever I was excited, I ran. 
As a teenage from about the age of 11 – 15 I still used to run home from the school bus stop but due to embarrassment used to come to an abrupt stop whenever I came near people.  Especially my equivalents from the local “rough” state secondary schools - a chubby kid in a blazer was always a target.  I would typically burst through the front door to chomp down on a sneaky yum-yum before spending the evening with Solid Snake (“LIQUIDDDDDDDDDDD”).

Writing is something I stumbled upon and have enjoyed posting this drivel over the last 18 months.  My initial reason for starting a blog was too keep people informed of how I was progressing with training for the marathon.  Essentially it was evidence that I did somehow warrant your sponsorship.  It could be frustrating at times and feel like a chore, what is interesting is that I could easily point out which of my posts was half hearted as tended to dwell a lot on the negatives. 
I was speaking to someone who also set up a blog and they thought the effort to reward for this wasn't great/worth it i.e. the amount of time it took to write it was not worth it for the money raised.  I think this is quite a cold empirical way of viewing it; there are many positive I took from writing a blog and did think it helped raise donations.
Firstly (as someone commented at work) these are in essence my memoirs; I have lived a quarter of my life (I plan to live past 100) and a chunk of it is now recorded.  There is a lot about running, the knee (too much) and also touches upon my childhood which as I get older becomes a dimmer light. 
Similar to running when I write it is one of the few things that I do where I feel truly in the moment – time flies by although this post has taken bloody ages. 
Finally it led me to discover that most of my ideas/themes for this blog came when I was in the shower.  This will serve me well in life as I now know if I need to do any critical thinking/soul searching I should take a shower – which is perfect because I love showers!

If you've made it this far (a marathon in itself) I can hopefully provide some insight into the 2013 London Marathon. 
It was perfect running conditions and Adam and I arrived in good time to the site.  Unlike previous runs (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/running-late.html) I was not making a last ditch dash for the toilets.  We had decided to run together and there was a camaraderie spirit and excitement among the runners.  There was a roar of excitement when the buzzer went to start and so it begins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_gst-Ryh3g). 
There were a few odd moments that stood out from the day.  Around 2 miles into the run there was a heavy set guy in shades on his balcony presiding over decks streaming out “Bass to the Place London”.  This was also around the point that the Oggy chants started– OGGY OGGY OGGY, OI OI OI!
My name was on my shirt and because of it the crowd were shouting my name as I bombed past - “You can do it Pete”, “Go on Pete”, “Way to go Tiz”, etc.  The strangest shout was from a 9 year old girl who screamed “think of all the calories you are burning”.  I am pretty (pretty) sure this was the last thing on runners’ minds (although it was probably quite a lot). 
What was great was when you were running near the pavements people stuck their hands out for you to slap.  However, I was burnt on a number of occasions when the children removed their hand at the last moment.  This was not just constrained to children as a colleague did the same when I ran past her (probably a good thing as I was aiming to leave an imprint).  
One runner I met was Len – a white haired bearded gentleman who I had the pleasure of running beside for a few minutes (he was pretty slow though and had to power past him – sucka!).  He was 75 and had run in every London marathon (33) – he had a big smile on his face.  He is a great inspiration and it would be fantastic to be able to run at the age let alone marathons – what a guy.

The day was hugely emotional – I haven’t experienced such an out pour of positivity from so many people before.  It makes a massive difference when someone chants your name, it is a verbal pat on the back and I treasured everyone.  If you get the chance to go down, DO, and put your inhibitions aside and chant/scream/sing everyone name. 
My heart goes out to the runners who struggled on the day – the runner limping on mile 2, the lady who fell at mile 12 and the many more who suffered and were greatly assisted by the St John ambulance crew. 
Up until around 23 miles I was enjoying the day.  The sun was out and I had an open run around the great city of London whilst being cheered on by thousands.  To my family and friends who came out to see me it – I was overwhelmed by your support and thank you for coming.   I found it difficult to contain my excitement when I saw you it typically led me to spray my water around and sprint past.  

The London marathon was an event of firsts for me, it was the first time I had a run a marathon, first time I had run without music and was the first time I had to stop running and walk (this was something I hope never to never go through again).  After the 22nd mile mark I felt good – hydrated and still had a lot left in the tank.  Throughout the run my legs felt good, the knee and the other knee were behaving impeccably and the only thing that was bothering me from the get go was my right ankle (still had not recovered from 3 weeks ago http://pete-tizard.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/time-for-tapering-time-for-tapering.html).  Something that was on my mind was my stiffness and the possibility of getting cramp – I kept getting twinges but would answer this with doing my mental check of my body to make sure my running style was relaxed e.g. was upright and comfortable. 
At around the 23/24 mile point I started up a steep road and I felt the back of my left hamstring get tighter and tighter.  If you have ever seen that scene in Watchmen where Rorschach realises he is in a trap (planted dead body on the floor with a SWAT team waiting outside) he echoes the line “NO NO NO NO” as he realizes the predicament he is in, that’s exactly how I felt.  As my hamstring started to seize up I made it to the side and tried to stretch it out – it was rock solid.  
Back many posts ago (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/road-to-recovery.html) the doc mentioned to me that his sister was short and would not make a good basketball player.  He also used this as a way of saying that I was perhaps not built for hills and should try to avoid them.  At this point there was about 3 miles until the finish but I could barely walk and was in quite a bit of pain (8/10). 
I am glad the hamstring went as had it not I would not have experienced the care from the other runners & the crowd.  For the remainder of the run it was me walking a bit – running a bit – slowing – cramping – stretching –walking a bit – etc.  2 moments come to mind, as I approached the 25 mile mark my hamstring went again and had to painfully stop.  A runner stopped and gave me his last 2 painkillers and said I was doing a great job.  The other time on the stretch of road opposite the London eye leading up to the House of Parliaments I collapsed on the side next to St John Ambulance.  The medics were able to massage the back of my hamstring and get the muscle back into play.  The crowd began a chant of “PETE PETE PETE” to get me going, it was very emotional and it was because of this that I was able to cross the finishing line running (4:49:37) in tears. 
I will never forget this day and I would encourage anyone given the opportunity to run.

I need a break from running and allow my body time to rest and heal.  I want to improve my core and will start doing my downward dog and peter pan legs again (pilates).  Also I will take a look at my running style and potentially switch to free running as is supposed to be better for the old knees.  Long term I would love to run and enjoy more marathons.  Running is still a passion for me and I am excited about the places it will take me to.

Thank you for your support over the last 18 months.  It has been quite challenging/frustrating at times with the injuries and stop/start training but am very glad that I gave it a go and was able to complete it.  I was overwhelmed by the amount of donations that I received and it was greatly appreciated – I hope to thank you all in person.
I am going to step away from raising money for a good few years now but have enjoyed helping RNIB and will be volunteering with them in the future – let me know if you fancy joining me.
If you haven’t donated yet, it would be great if you could - https://www.justgiving.com/pete-tizard-london2012 - my page will close on the 22nd May 2013.

About 3 ½ years ago I was moving into my first place in London, it was a shared maisonette in Old Street.  Before I moved my Grandparents gave me a leaving card – Big Papa (my granddad) has always had elegant handwriting and had written a note inside.  It was a quote, it was touching that he had written this as at this stage he had practically lost his sight and would have involved him using his magnifying glass and lots of squinting to complete. 
It wasn’t the most profound quote (in fact it is quite cheesy) but I want to leave you with it – thank you for reading.

Don't be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.

Saturday 20 April 2013

Penultimate


HEY GUYS!!!

You probably get sick of hearing about my injuries (ditto) so I’ll keep it short.  The day before the marathon I am feeling OK – the knee and the other knee feel OK and I think I will be able to run on my ankle.  My tactic is to take a couple of painkillers straight after breakfast (around 6:30) and a couple around the 15/16 mile mark.

So to prepare for the London marathon I am going to do as any experienced runner will do – get on it!  I will be chugging snake bite whilst strawpedoing some tropical reefs.  Staggering to some sticky floored club and subsequently dancing by myself to “I’ve Had the Time of my Life”.  Falling out of said sticky floored club and rounding the night off with a doner from an ice cream van. 
Welllll that’s kind of not true, in fact it is a lie.  My running buddy Adam (http://tashtag.wordpress.com/) is coming over, we will eat a largish meal (carbs + veg), have a cosy night in watching running films (Marathon Man & Chariots of Fire) and snuggling (he does not know about this last part – wish me luck!).

How do I feel about tomorrow?  Throughout this training process I have been concerned about making the run and “to be honest” (uni joke) half thought I wouldn't. 
Over the last couple of weeks I have had a recurring dream where I have been swimming laps in the ocean out to buoys.  I am in a 5 person group and we are all wearing large rucksacks on our backs.  On the penultimate lap, someone (irrelevant, I’m the star!) asks me how I am doing (as they are aware of my injuries) and I reply stoically “fine”.  I then in the dream pretend to drown (for jokes) however when I am sinking I realise that I unable to swim back-up and am drowning.  I wake up feeling this sense of impending doom. 
I have joked a lot about my injuries but the reality is that I probably shouldn't be running a marathon – if I hadn't of dropped out of the last one I would have for this one.  Maybe I am not built for running which makes me sad.  My goal for the marathon is firstly to enjoy it – so many lovely people have come down to cheer myself & everyone else on and I want to suck up this positivity whilst I gracefully prance past (like an antelope in the Savannah).  Secondly, I realize I will come out of it probably feeling like shit but hopefully I won’t have done any long term damage.
I am excited about tomorrow – excited, excited, excited… did I mention I’m excited.  Excited!  I am very lucky to be taking part and I am sure I will remember and take this day to my grave (so to speak, I want to be cremated).

This post is a little shorter (& perhaps not exciting) than the recent ones but it is a penultimate post so should be expected (see any HBO episode prior to the finale).  The next and final post will be EPIC and hopefully it will bring my blogging career to a graceful end. 
For those who make it out there my running number is 45881.  There are various apps you can use to follow me but would recommend checking this site out + official app - http://results-2013.virginlondonmarathon.com/2013/?pid=tracking .  Plus email/txt me if you will be watching + where and I will look out for you on route.
As ever I am very grateful for all the support that I have been given (£2,100+ and growing!) and if you haven’t sponsored me, it would be great if you could - http://www.justgiving.com/Pete-Tizard-London2012

The only thing left to do now is run it.  Best wishes are welcomed but perhaps no “break a leg” (or knee).

Sunday 14 April 2013

Sick of Running!


The countdown is on and this will be my penultimate penultimate post - if that make senses.  This post will follow the same structure as my prior ramblings/drivel – injury update, something in the middle and then end on the important stuff (RNIB, event and donations).  

No new injuries to report (not a typo) although my left knee still hurts from the pub (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-runner-injury-and-knee.html) and my right ankle has not healed (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/time-for-tapering-time-for-tapering.html - still wearing a support).  However, I have picked up a pretty bad case of the man flu and have been steadily filling up carrier bags with my snotty tissues.
If you have met me (be shocked if you haven’t) you may have noticed my slight nervous mannerism which is when I am speaking to someone I occasionally rub the side of my face as if I am deep in thought (quite a few people have commented on this).  I believe this was something I picked up from Star Wars as Obi Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) used to rub his beard a lot in A New Hope (OMG I WANT THIS T-SHIRT  - http://huntingcows.tumblr.com/post/7430833805/fear-the-beard-obi-wan-kenobi).  The advantage with having a beard is that when someone at work (say a client) is saying something I have no idea about I can rub my beard (thus appearing wise) and say “hmm interesting”.  However, the only down side (that I have discovered thus far) with having one is when your nose is constantly running it means a snail trail can often appears over your top lip.  I can’t speak for the ladies but I imagine it is not a very attractive look.  Anyway if you are thinking of growing a beard I just wanted to make you aware, although the food in the beard is a myth and mine is not itchy.
I was happy to catch a cold this weekend (obviously rather than next) and it has pretty much gone as today I have only filled out approximately a pick ‘n’ mix bag worth.

Currently I am in my tapering period but it turns out I am not doing this very well (3/10).  Typically I do things to the extremes, for example initially overdoing it with my marathon training or having done no Spanish GCSE work (nada - exam next week) since the New Year.  I took the tapering period to mean doing nothing which it kind of is but I have not been eating/drinking correctly.  I met up with my buddy Adam (running/facial hair chap who I will be running beside on the day http://tashtag.wordpress.com/) who was telling me over a diet coke that he had been eating a lot of carbs (which stores energy) and had given up booze for the last few weeks until the marathon.  I listened to this intently whilst sipping on my rum & coke. 
I am not sure if you are aware but I did try to give up the booze after the New Year but lasted about 2 weeks.  It wasn’t looking good after I decided a few days into it that I would allow myself a opt out clause which meant if I was in the Southampton Arms (“the best” pub in London + hipster friendly http://www.kentishtowner.co.uk/2013/03/22/southampton-arms-is-londons-1-hipster-joint/) I could have a drink.  So I am now making the big sacrifice that I will not drink until the marathon (unless I am in Southampton Arms).
Next week, I intend to visit the gym at least twice to use the cross trainer.  I will try to stretch every day as I keep waking up in the middle of the night with cramp.  This is worrying as don’t want to be stiff on the day.  I will be heading to the London Excel on the Wednesday to register my place – I am very excited. 

I always find it difficult coming across heartfelt (like a robot) but I really want to make it clear that I am overwhelmed by the amount we have raised and want to thank everyone of you who has donated.  It’s tremendously kind of you and I hope you realise you have done a great deed by donating.  Hopefully we can keep raising more and more – https://www.justgiving.com/pete-tizard-london2012.
I still haven’t figured out the where the best place is for people to stand and come watch but here is the route http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/interactive-map/ and my number is 45881.  Please txt/email me if you are coming, let me know where you will be or I can potentially recommend a place.  There might be a way of tracking me as well but haven’t researched this but will let you know when I do (probably on my next post or via fb or email).

Always end with a joke - http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/04/12/gorilla-vs-goose-video_n_3067285.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular – please have a super week (ahh so close!).

Sunday 7 April 2013

Time for Tapering, time for tapering...


This edition of my ramblings/drivel has been penned in the Southbank centre.  I write this looking over the Thames whilst surrounded by elderly ladies eating ice cream in head scarves (they wouldn’t share).  
2 weeks to go till the marathon and I have officially entered my tapering period (rest-up & eat-up).  The nonsense continues below…

It wouldn’t be a post without me picking up a new injury (right ankle) – I am the Darren Anderton of running (for those who do not follow football he was an injury prone Spurs/England player whose nickname was “Sicknote”).   
It is a familiar story – ran home, ankle hurt, kept running and (surprise, surprise) the next morning I can barely walk.  I like to think this demonstrates my determined nature and iron will but is instead what my mum (“Mumsy”) frequently labels me as being pig headed.  The latter is true and if I am going to continue to run I need to listen to my body.
Anyway my ankle is feeling better than it was and if it hurt come the marathon I will just pop another pain killer.  That makes 1 for the knee, 1 for the other knee, 1 for the left shin and now 1 for the right ankle – simples, what could go wrong?

Recently I was asked what my favourite thing was and by thing I mean physical object.  This was not something I was able to answer quickly but it did make me ponder.  So I had a think and realized my favourite thing is cufflinks. 
My interest in cufflinks arose from a young age when I was around 5/6, my older brother had bought my dad a pair of Dennis the Menace (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_and_Gnasher – character in The Beano comics) cufflinks for his birthday.  I was a MASSIVE fan of The Beano (favourite character Rodger the Dodger), up until secondary school this, Adrian Mole books and the Funday Times were my sole source of literature.  Cufflinks was also something I associated with bizness.  As a youngster bizness meant to me a giant Toblerone, as whenever my dad went on a bizness trip that is what I received (see prior posts about my puppy fat years).  So through this association of The Beano and Toblerone my love affair with cufflinks began.
For my 9th birthday I asked for a cufflink shirt from my Grandparents.  Unsurprisingly they did not make cufflink shirts for children (why would they) so my Gran instead removed the buttons from a shirt and cut holes into the sleeves.  This was also the birthday where I received a tartan bow-tie and waistcoat set.  Suffice to say this wasn’t one of my fave birthdays but instead was a source of much amusement to my brother.
Cufflinks allows you to subtly express your interests/personality (which can be quite difficult in a corporate environment).  The type I chose to wear will depend on my mood or the person I am visiting – for example the classic silver pair when playing it safe or my Spidey pair when kicking it in the office.  If I was held at gun point and asked what my favourite pair was I would have to say it is my wooden ones with a metal frame – these are unique, I like the feel of them and the wood contrasts well with the metal. 
Why do I mention my love of cufflinks?  Basically I am running out of material for my blog (pardon the pun) and thought it was quite an interesting question to be asked.

At the time of writing, so far we have raised £674.25 for RNIB with my goal being £1,500 – https://www.justgiving.com/pete-tizard-london2012.  I am overwhelmed and grateful for everyone support thus far.  Thank you – you are very kind and I feel privileged to know so many giving people.
You may have noticed on facebook that I have been “painting” mugs.  My style is a bit erratic (like a young Jason Pollock) and I am finding blue/green paint everywhere - on my hands, clothes, desk, mobile phone, etc.  You can see the selection of gifts on my last post (http://pete-tizard.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-tribute-to-walton.html) and on my just giving page (https://www.justgiving.com/pete-tizard-london2012).  
My big push for donations will begin tomorrow, if I have ever spoken/nodded/walked past you expect a call/email/txt pleading for your money.  
Thank you in advance for the donation, it allows RNIB to continue their essential work and support many vulnerable people - http://www.rnib.org.uk/donate/impact/Pages/how_your_donation_helps.aspx

A bit of a strange post and my apologies if you are more of a buttoned shirt type guy (or girl – do girls wear cufflinks? gap in the market!?).  Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

P.S.  - This video inspired my recent dinosaur facebook cover photo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w-58hQ9dLk 

Monday 1 April 2013

A Tribute to Walton


It is with regret that I inform you that I will not be running the 2013 London Marathon, the knee has exploded…  April Fools!  Hmm, probably shouldn't tempt fate judging by the fact that I can’t go a week without a fresh injury.  Anyway, the Easter bunny has been very kind to me and I write this while munching on some Green & Black Sea Salt chocolate (overrated not as good as Lindt).  Let’s hop to it…

Over the bank holiday weekend I have fitted in 2 runs – 13 miles on Friday and 17 today.  The knee has been misbehaving and I regularly experience jolting pains under the bottom right hand side of the knee cap.  This has altered the way I run especially when taking corners, my left leg swings out (a similar arc to a tennis ball on a swingball http://www.amazon.co.uk/Swingball-7101-Mookie-Classic/dp/B0035ERNVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364843262&sr=8-1 ) to minimize the impact pain.  It will be “interesting” to see how this plays out for the marathon – if you see me in tears at the finish I hope it is due to the joy of finishing rather than the realization I might have crippled myself.
 
When I write my blog posts I am concerned about 3 things: how I am projecting myself (badly but at least honestly), whether the content is literate (I often make sense no) and that it is “vaguely” interesting.  Usually when I run I am thinking about what to post about next or observing my environment for interesting titbits.  For example, in Regent Park on Friday a big dog nearly floored me.  This is slightly interesting, maybe worth a mention but not interesting enough to get a section.  So today when I was running through Walton I thought “why don’t I write something about Walton!”.
Whenever I hear annoying obtrusive football fans chant “ENGLAND TILL I DIE”, in my head I replace ENGLAND with WALTON (-on-Thames http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walton-on-Thames).  Walton is basically a medium size high street town with a small shopping centre (“The Heart” with a famous resident the older brother from My Family).  As a kid visiting Walton was a treat as had my two favourite shops – a pet shop (I still remember playing with the puppies in the back) and Hankards the local toy shop (was displaced when I was introduced to the Toys R’Us in Woking).  Both sadly closed but there were other landmarks in Walton to visit such as the Pubic Library (some comic genius had removed the L from the sign) and The Screen.  The Screen was a 2 screen cinema where I spent many a day in my youth.  One great experience was when I watched the Lion King and after my friend threw dirt in my eyes to recreate the Simba-Scar fight (“Your Majesty…” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8nHCZqgFA8).  The seats were ridiculously tight and should have come with a thrombosis warning.  
I was quite the performer/entertainer/artist during my early teen years and attended Stagecoach in Walton.  This was where I performed my infamous chair dance to “All that Jazz”.  I was so proud of my performance I did a rendition back home for my family, this was a mistake, I was told I had the elegance of a hippo and have been teased for this ever since. 
It is a shame what has become of Walton, it has lost its character and is now like your typical high street -coffee bars (Shitbucks, Costa, Nero, etc.), restaurant chains (Nandos, Carluccio’s, GBK, etc.) and empty shopping units from deceased chains (Clintons, Birthdays, Woolworths, HMV and most recently Blockbusters). 

I hope to raise as much money as possible for RNIB as will be the last time in a while.  After the marathon I will be my volunteering my time to help and please let me know if you are also interested in getting involved. 
So to say thank you for your generous support and donations (https://www.justgiving.com/Pete-Tizard-London2012), please see below for a selection of thank you gifts (tat) for the amount you donate:

£10 - A thank you letter and a hand drawn picture (could be of anything but guaranteed to be bad)
£20 - A mug with the “bearded wonder” (this guy)
£30 – A T-Shirt with the “bearded wonder” (this guy)
£50 – A book made up of my blog posts and cover photos
£100 – Your initials in London (see http://figurerunning.com/blog/  – got no idea how difficult this will be, could regret this)

If you are not fussed about receiving the thank you gifts just say, I am happy to donate the cost of producing the gift (tat) toward RNIB in your name. 

That’s it, I’m off to eat some more chocolate and watch Jonathan Creek (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q6FXOdDSP8).