Distance Run: None
Total Distance Run for January: 56.15 miles
Other Exercise: Wii Fit Plus - 33 minutes
I have done my last day of exercise (for Janathon, not ever). I have logged my last day of exercise (ditto). I am now blogging my last entry (see previous brackets). I could do with catching some sleep, but I shall get this entry over with and dream a little more easily.
With no bowling, I had to decide what exercise option to finish the month/challenge with. I ruled out a run on the basis that I ran yesterday, it was very chilly, and I couldn't be bothered. The path of least resistance was Wii Fit again, and I got through 30 minutes of the "relaxing but useful" step aerobics whilst watching tv and taking a phone call - multitasking at its finest. I doubt step aerobics is a key component of marathon training, but I figure it provides a useful low-intensity, low-impact session that keeps the body ticking over. With football tomorrow and my left foot slowly recovering, I'd rather not risk any damage.
As the month ended too, I had a crack at the parallel stretch. My record is 122 seconds, and with my jacknifes throughout January going well I figured I'd get close to that. Instead, I was on 58 when the game told me I'd lost balance - ouch. I was juddering with discomfort barely 10 seconds in though, so I'll put it down to not having recovered from Sunday's workout yet. Some more work needed on the core strength though.
I finish the month around 10st 11lb. Some weight had been lost over the weekend, but a diet of Wetherspoons steak lunch and office cake must've undone that. I am now targeting a pasta or rice-based meal every day, with fat intake reducing as the marathon nears. The occasional pizza or dessert will be fine once in a while, but it must be in moderation. I feel fitter than I did at the start of the year, and intend to progress further in February.
Injuries: Left foot improving, a few aches but otherwise good
Mood: Post-Janathon satisfaction
February also brings with it an end of self assessment tax returns (which have dominated my working day for the month), so I have two reasons to be cheerful. Any elation is tempered because I could do with a weekend breather already, and the fact it's now only Wednesday morning is a tad demoralising. Friday night will come soon enough, and football will help the time pass by.
I wonder when I'll next return to blog...
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
Day 30
Distance Run: 3.5 miles
Total Distance Run for January: 56.15 miles
Other Exercise: None
The end is so close I can almost taste it. January has disappeared in the blink of an eye. Aside from a few runs (two with Helen H, two without) and a trip to Fulham, I don't think I've done anything noteworthy on any weekend - usually I'm visiting friends all over the country and craving some rest at home after. It's been a good month though, and a solid start to the year. All that remains is to file the last few (probably complicated beyond belief) tax returns, whilst keeping tabs on football's transfer deadline day (which may well be duller than the tax returns), whilst fitting in one final spell of exercise. I've heard nothing about whether I'm tenpin bowling tomorrow night, which is irritating - it'd be nice to know that I definitely wasn't - but unsurprising. I'm tempted to push my Janathon mileage through the 60 barrier, and a 10k would go through the "2 miles per day" barrier too, but I'll see how I feel tomorrow night.
For now - I'm more cheerful than I was yesterday. My foot pain ruled me out of football once again (so I've cried off for an embarrassing 3 weeks out of 4 for various reasons), but by the end of the working day I was able to walk "normally" with only some discomfort. The pain remains lodged from the left side of my heel along the left side of my foot, and Google research hasn't confirmed a likely diagnosis. Fairly sure it's not a stress fracture though. Either way, I could run "forefoot only" ok on-the-spot, so I gave a breezy 3.5 mile run a try - knowing I could turn back home soon if it proved too much. It didn't. The only bother I had was the freezing conditions, and even they were ok once my body had warmed up nicely. I knew my pace was medium-fast, and by the end this had improved to fast-medium, clocking home a fraction over 29 minutes. I've definitely lost my fast pace for the time being, but this gave me hope that, with a few concerted runs, it'd come back. I reckon a good 5k time for me would be sub-20 mins, and my current pb is nearer 23 mins. A target to work on once the marathon is done with, methinks. Happily, my right shin was a little sore but now feels better, and my left foot isn't getting worse - a positive day complete.
Injuries: Left foot improving, right shin could be better
Mood: Upbeat
One more day. Just one more day. Just 20 more minutes and a blog entry to go. Sweet.
Total Distance Run for January: 56.15 miles
Other Exercise: None
The end is so close I can almost taste it. January has disappeared in the blink of an eye. Aside from a few runs (two with Helen H, two without) and a trip to Fulham, I don't think I've done anything noteworthy on any weekend - usually I'm visiting friends all over the country and craving some rest at home after. It's been a good month though, and a solid start to the year. All that remains is to file the last few (probably complicated beyond belief) tax returns, whilst keeping tabs on football's transfer deadline day (which may well be duller than the tax returns), whilst fitting in one final spell of exercise. I've heard nothing about whether I'm tenpin bowling tomorrow night, which is irritating - it'd be nice to know that I definitely wasn't - but unsurprising. I'm tempted to push my Janathon mileage through the 60 barrier, and a 10k would go through the "2 miles per day" barrier too, but I'll see how I feel tomorrow night.
For now - I'm more cheerful than I was yesterday. My foot pain ruled me out of football once again (so I've cried off for an embarrassing 3 weeks out of 4 for various reasons), but by the end of the working day I was able to walk "normally" with only some discomfort. The pain remains lodged from the left side of my heel along the left side of my foot, and Google research hasn't confirmed a likely diagnosis. Fairly sure it's not a stress fracture though. Either way, I could run "forefoot only" ok on-the-spot, so I gave a breezy 3.5 mile run a try - knowing I could turn back home soon if it proved too much. It didn't. The only bother I had was the freezing conditions, and even they were ok once my body had warmed up nicely. I knew my pace was medium-fast, and by the end this had improved to fast-medium, clocking home a fraction over 29 minutes. I've definitely lost my fast pace for the time being, but this gave me hope that, with a few concerted runs, it'd come back. I reckon a good 5k time for me would be sub-20 mins, and my current pb is nearer 23 mins. A target to work on once the marathon is done with, methinks. Happily, my right shin was a little sore but now feels better, and my left foot isn't getting worse - a positive day complete.
Injuries: Left foot improving, right shin could be better
Mood: Upbeat
One more day. Just one more day. Just 20 more minutes and a blog entry to go. Sweet.
Sunday 29 January 2012
Day 29
Distance Run: None
Total Distance Run for January: 52.65 miles
Other Exercise: Wii Fit Plus - 20 minutes
The down side to having a Sunday to recover is that, whilst wounded, I don't want to do the majority of the things I really need to get doing when moments of spare time come around.
This blog entry is a little more "heroic" than usual, as the Janathon challenge was almost brought to an end with the finishing line firmly in sight. Today's exercise option was limited to Wii Fit. I couldn't run for 20 minutes even if I wanted to, and my foot injury meant the exercise bike would be pretty stupid to attempt as well. Luckily there are several muscle and yoga exercise on Wii Fit which needn't put any strain on my foot - starting with 100 jacknifes! A challenge I hadn't completed since approximately August, and that I'd sensibly built myself up for throughout the month. Before I could tackle that, however, I had a more serious issue: I coudn't get Wii Fit to load up...
I've had my Wii since Dec 07 - it was a Christmas present that I hadn't really asked for, but was happy to accept (I think my brother had something to do with it as he fancied having one in the house, but not necessarily under his "ownership"). All my other gaming consoles still work fine, or nearly fine, and I know technology these days is increasingly advanced and sensitive. It still came as a surprise to see that my Wii worked perfectly fine, except for no cursor appearing on the screen. I knew the Wiimote was ok as the buttons worked, but I needed the small, movable hand icon to show up in order to select my game of choice. What to do?
Google is my first port of call for a technical enquiry. I wouldn't be that bothered if it weren't for Janathon - I had other stuff to do - so my frustration was doubled to find the likely problem was a broken Wii Sensor Bar. Wtf? It had worked just fine on Friday, and now it doesn't? There was a trick for seeing if it was still functioning - the bar should have 5 LED lights on either side, visible through a camera. Of course, some cameras will filter the LEDs out, and I don't know if my HTC Desire HD did or not - either way I saw no lights. Hopes were dashed, until a YouTube video proposed an alternative, makeshift Sensor Bar could be created using the power of darkness...and two lit candles?!
I can't explain the science behind it, but two candles placed at the right distance apart could be used by the Wiimotes to correlate position, and produce a cursor on the screen. The video demonstrated this, but could I replicate it (I wasn't even sure if the sensor bar was the problem, although it seemed plausible). Owning no candles I asked my mum, and avoiding a fairly lengthy inquisition (one of the annoying character traits of my mum is to respond to any question by trying to work out why you're asking it in the first place, if you get what I mean), she deduced it wasn't due to an "upstairs only power cut) and found two tall candles. Some further searching found two smaller, but still big candles in large wax stands. I was only after two of the tiny, "float on water" type candles, but would give these a go. Moving the tv and furniture to reduce the likelihood of setting my room (and the house) on fire, I placed the candles on top of the tv, then on the cabinet infront of the tv, and on the floor. Nothing. No cursor. The left candle was burning fairly faintly in comparison to its partner, and whilst I wondered why this was I felt the Wiimote judder slightly. It took a few seconds, but I realised that judder could only have been caused by the makeshift sensor working - so I began frantically dowsing for signs of electronic life. Persistence paid off, as a cursor flicked on the screen briefly, before disappearing again. Realising I only needed the cursor to load the game, and that the Wiimote buttons and Wii Balance Board would suffice for the rest, I repositioned the candles to the right of the TV and managed to gain access. This was enough exercise for one day, but now the real workout began.
Fifteen minutes after the above, I lay strewn on the floor, exhausted. 100 jacknifes were done, and they weren't much fun. I followed it up with 10 more painful press-ups and sidestands, and some yoga exercises for my back muscles (which have been neglected of late). 20 minutes complete, and I completed the body test ok as well, despite the foot pains. Another day of Janathon complete, and a sense of achievement at overcoming adversity was my reward.
Injuries: Hoping the left foot improves overnight, rather than hinder sleep again
Mood: Sunday night blues
I almost forgot that Djokovic won the tennis with a terrific effort (especially in the final set, where he looked battered), Andy Thomson won the bowls (a sport I'd love to play regularly, but that can wait until I can't physically play other sports to a reasonable degree), and Liverpool's win against Man Utd yesterday (woohoo) has earned us a home draw against Brighton in Rd5. Liverpool are 5 wins away from a cup double now - that would be a fantastic season. Meanwhile, I hope to be fit for football tomorrow, but I have a feeling I won't be. Two more Janathon days to go...
Total Distance Run for January: 52.65 miles
Other Exercise: Wii Fit Plus - 20 minutes
The down side to having a Sunday to recover is that, whilst wounded, I don't want to do the majority of the things I really need to get doing when moments of spare time come around.
This blog entry is a little more "heroic" than usual, as the Janathon challenge was almost brought to an end with the finishing line firmly in sight. Today's exercise option was limited to Wii Fit. I couldn't run for 20 minutes even if I wanted to, and my foot injury meant the exercise bike would be pretty stupid to attempt as well. Luckily there are several muscle and yoga exercise on Wii Fit which needn't put any strain on my foot - starting with 100 jacknifes! A challenge I hadn't completed since approximately August, and that I'd sensibly built myself up for throughout the month. Before I could tackle that, however, I had a more serious issue: I coudn't get Wii Fit to load up...
I've had my Wii since Dec 07 - it was a Christmas present that I hadn't really asked for, but was happy to accept (I think my brother had something to do with it as he fancied having one in the house, but not necessarily under his "ownership"). All my other gaming consoles still work fine, or nearly fine, and I know technology these days is increasingly advanced and sensitive. It still came as a surprise to see that my Wii worked perfectly fine, except for no cursor appearing on the screen. I knew the Wiimote was ok as the buttons worked, but I needed the small, movable hand icon to show up in order to select my game of choice. What to do?
Google is my first port of call for a technical enquiry. I wouldn't be that bothered if it weren't for Janathon - I had other stuff to do - so my frustration was doubled to find the likely problem was a broken Wii Sensor Bar. Wtf? It had worked just fine on Friday, and now it doesn't? There was a trick for seeing if it was still functioning - the bar should have 5 LED lights on either side, visible through a camera. Of course, some cameras will filter the LEDs out, and I don't know if my HTC Desire HD did or not - either way I saw no lights. Hopes were dashed, until a YouTube video proposed an alternative, makeshift Sensor Bar could be created using the power of darkness...and two lit candles?!
I can't explain the science behind it, but two candles placed at the right distance apart could be used by the Wiimotes to correlate position, and produce a cursor on the screen. The video demonstrated this, but could I replicate it (I wasn't even sure if the sensor bar was the problem, although it seemed plausible). Owning no candles I asked my mum, and avoiding a fairly lengthy inquisition (one of the annoying character traits of my mum is to respond to any question by trying to work out why you're asking it in the first place, if you get what I mean), she deduced it wasn't due to an "upstairs only power cut) and found two tall candles. Some further searching found two smaller, but still big candles in large wax stands. I was only after two of the tiny, "float on water" type candles, but would give these a go. Moving the tv and furniture to reduce the likelihood of setting my room (and the house) on fire, I placed the candles on top of the tv, then on the cabinet infront of the tv, and on the floor. Nothing. No cursor. The left candle was burning fairly faintly in comparison to its partner, and whilst I wondered why this was I felt the Wiimote judder slightly. It took a few seconds, but I realised that judder could only have been caused by the makeshift sensor working - so I began frantically dowsing for signs of electronic life. Persistence paid off, as a cursor flicked on the screen briefly, before disappearing again. Realising I only needed the cursor to load the game, and that the Wiimote buttons and Wii Balance Board would suffice for the rest, I repositioned the candles to the right of the TV and managed to gain access. This was enough exercise for one day, but now the real workout began.
Fifteen minutes after the above, I lay strewn on the floor, exhausted. 100 jacknifes were done, and they weren't much fun. I followed it up with 10 more painful press-ups and sidestands, and some yoga exercises for my back muscles (which have been neglected of late). 20 minutes complete, and I completed the body test ok as well, despite the foot pains. Another day of Janathon complete, and a sense of achievement at overcoming adversity was my reward.
Injuries: Hoping the left foot improves overnight, rather than hinder sleep again
Mood: Sunday night blues
I almost forgot that Djokovic won the tennis with a terrific effort (especially in the final set, where he looked battered), Andy Thomson won the bowls (a sport I'd love to play regularly, but that can wait until I can't physically play other sports to a reasonable degree), and Liverpool's win against Man Utd yesterday (woohoo) has earned us a home draw against Brighton in Rd5. Liverpool are 5 wins away from a cup double now - that would be a fantastic season. Meanwhile, I hope to be fit for football tomorrow, but I have a feeling I won't be. Two more Janathon days to go...
Day 28
Distance Run: 10.1 miles
Total Distance Run for January: 52.65 miles
Other Exercise: None
I have not done enough running in January. Not in terms of Janathon, but for the marathon in 12 weeks time. One run per week will not cut it, and I will have to sacrifice football or fit in some 3-5 mile runs midweek before Wednesday games, and play rarely on Mondays, until the 26.2 is over with. I just can't do it all, as much as I'd wish to.
What prompted the above was discussion with Helen H and the consequences of our run yesterday. I extended our route from a fortnight ago, meaning Helen could stop at 7.8 miles and I could run through to 10.1 (note: Helen got off the bus before I reached the bus stop, but as I reached the bus before it had driven off I have awarded myself a technical draw in the "beat the bus" stakes). The run was pain-free and enjoyable, but I made two silly mistakes. Firstly, I strapped my sleeves up above my elbows before we'd begun - usually I do this once I've warmed up and my arms have begun to sweat. Not a massive problem, but it was cold with a chilly breeze throughout, and I only realised just how ice-cold my forearms were when I got into a hot shower half an hour after we'd finished. It may save on faffing about with velcro whilst moving, but I won't make that mistake again.
The second error was finishing up a hill again. This time the consequences have outdone my run from three weeks ago. Something in my left foot began to ache as we walked back to home from the station, and despite some forciful stretching it got worse after showering - leaving me to limp-hop to the car (to Helen's amusement). It stopped aching whilst we ate, and was better later in the eve, but then (how?!) it hurt so much it woke me up from my slumber whilst it was still dark. This isn't good, and it's a fairly new complaint too. It's as if a muscle has cramped but it can't be stretched out. Ice and the pedi-roller are doing what they can though, and I'll see what state it's in tomorrow. FWIW it's a lump of something that connect the left of my heel to the left side of my forefoot - and pulling my little toe upwards increases the discomfort. Bad times.
Injuries: All ok except for this left foot problem
Mood: Disgruntled
The one good thing about being wounded on a Saturday run is having a full Sunday to recover...
Total Distance Run for January: 52.65 miles
Other Exercise: None
I have not done enough running in January. Not in terms of Janathon, but for the marathon in 12 weeks time. One run per week will not cut it, and I will have to sacrifice football or fit in some 3-5 mile runs midweek before Wednesday games, and play rarely on Mondays, until the 26.2 is over with. I just can't do it all, as much as I'd wish to.
What prompted the above was discussion with Helen H and the consequences of our run yesterday. I extended our route from a fortnight ago, meaning Helen could stop at 7.8 miles and I could run through to 10.1 (note: Helen got off the bus before I reached the bus stop, but as I reached the bus before it had driven off I have awarded myself a technical draw in the "beat the bus" stakes). The run was pain-free and enjoyable, but I made two silly mistakes. Firstly, I strapped my sleeves up above my elbows before we'd begun - usually I do this once I've warmed up and my arms have begun to sweat. Not a massive problem, but it was cold with a chilly breeze throughout, and I only realised just how ice-cold my forearms were when I got into a hot shower half an hour after we'd finished. It may save on faffing about with velcro whilst moving, but I won't make that mistake again.
The second error was finishing up a hill again. This time the consequences have outdone my run from three weeks ago. Something in my left foot began to ache as we walked back to home from the station, and despite some forciful stretching it got worse after showering - leaving me to limp-hop to the car (to Helen's amusement). It stopped aching whilst we ate, and was better later in the eve, but then (how?!) it hurt so much it woke me up from my slumber whilst it was still dark. This isn't good, and it's a fairly new complaint too. It's as if a muscle has cramped but it can't be stretched out. Ice and the pedi-roller are doing what they can though, and I'll see what state it's in tomorrow. FWIW it's a lump of something that connect the left of my heel to the left side of my forefoot - and pulling my little toe upwards increases the discomfort. Bad times.
Injuries: All ok except for this left foot problem
Mood: Disgruntled
The one good thing about being wounded on a Saturday run is having a full Sunday to recover...
Friday 27 January 2012
Day 27
Distance Run: None
Total Distance Run for January: 42.55 miles
Other Exercise: Wii Fit Plus - 20 minutes
Murray eventually lost the tennis, with almost the entire office either watching or listening whilst beavering away on tax returns. For a British tennis fan it's crushing to watch him get so close but fall again, so I can't imagine how he feels. I wasn't paying enough attention to the match to critique where it was ultimately lost, but it felt at times as though Djokovic's level dropped to more human levels, allowing Murray to assert initiative and impose himself on more points than usual. The truth is that when both play at their best, currently, Djokovic is a fairly comfortable victor - but the match showed Murray is capable of pulling off a big win. To claw back from 2-5 to 5-5 and break points for 6-5 is almost as close as you can get (Federer will know how to get closer and still lose), and in those final few minutes of the match it was arguably the "belief" that made the difference. Novak has won in those clutch moments before, and Murray hasn't (in a slam) yet. It'll change one day though, but it may be a while yet until Murray finally has his slam.
With more tax returns filed at work, and the clock ticking ever slower towards hometime, I got my Wii Fit workout done early to precipitate crashing for the evening. Jacknifes up to 60, press-ups and sidestands to 10, body pushed very hard. With my calf muscles feeling ok, it's now my shins - especially my right one - which crave rest. I will ice it tonight, and am confident my running style won't harm them further tomorrow. A 90ish minute run doesn't sound so much when I put it like that, but I will need to start running more than once a week AND fit in adequate rest too as the marathon approaches.
Injuries: Shin muscles to be iced, aches in most places too
Mood: Braindead
Only four days of Janathon to go, and I'm still going. Please let it end soon.
Total Distance Run for January: 42.55 miles
Other Exercise: Wii Fit Plus - 20 minutes
Murray eventually lost the tennis, with almost the entire office either watching or listening whilst beavering away on tax returns. For a British tennis fan it's crushing to watch him get so close but fall again, so I can't imagine how he feels. I wasn't paying enough attention to the match to critique where it was ultimately lost, but it felt at times as though Djokovic's level dropped to more human levels, allowing Murray to assert initiative and impose himself on more points than usual. The truth is that when both play at their best, currently, Djokovic is a fairly comfortable victor - but the match showed Murray is capable of pulling off a big win. To claw back from 2-5 to 5-5 and break points for 6-5 is almost as close as you can get (Federer will know how to get closer and still lose), and in those final few minutes of the match it was arguably the "belief" that made the difference. Novak has won in those clutch moments before, and Murray hasn't (in a slam) yet. It'll change one day though, but it may be a while yet until Murray finally has his slam.
With more tax returns filed at work, and the clock ticking ever slower towards hometime, I got my Wii Fit workout done early to precipitate crashing for the evening. Jacknifes up to 60, press-ups and sidestands to 10, body pushed very hard. With my calf muscles feeling ok, it's now my shins - especially my right one - which crave rest. I will ice it tonight, and am confident my running style won't harm them further tomorrow. A 90ish minute run doesn't sound so much when I put it like that, but I will need to start running more than once a week AND fit in adequate rest too as the marathon approaches.
Injuries: Shin muscles to be iced, aches in most places too
Mood: Braindead
Only four days of Janathon to go, and I'm still going. Please let it end soon.
Day 26
Distance Run: None
Total Distance Run for January: 42.55 miles
Other Exercise: Football (Five-a-side goalkeeping for Haringey Yacht Club - 50 minutes)
As expected, I had no time to blog yesterday - so this is being typed up late on Friday night. The sporting action, as always on a Thursday, took place at Mill Hill. Having got through the working day, it was my turn to drive down for the 7:30 start. Rushing typically late, I managed to screw-up before I'd even driven myself, Gareth and my brother to the match; rolling the Micra exceptionally gently into the car infront at a set of lights. My mind just wasn't on the ball at all, and I don't think I've ever touched another vehicle on the road - but I must stress the minimalistic impact here. At a set of lights which had turned green, but which don't stay green for long, the car infront of me released the brake and accelerated slightly to roll forwards before braking again. I did likewise, except I didn't brake again, and as the vehicle infront didn't stop braking I went into his bumper at a speed less than 1mph. I knew there was no damage to either vehicle as neither appeared to be made of plasterceine, but after a lengthy pause a larger than me black gentleman stepped out of the vehicle to inspect the collision. I wound down my window and apologised, and didn't initially here what he was muttering. After straining my ear I deduced it was along the lines of "What you do in this situation is get out of the car and inspect for any damage". I was quite pissed off for a number of reasons - at myself for not braking of course, but also for the suggestion that the impact had done anything at all. Realising the driver infront hadn't stopped braking, I released my handbrake and reversed slightly at the same time as he asked me to do so. What he expected to see from my Micra no longer touching his car I don't know, but he thankfully got back in his car and drove off....indicating to turn left whilst making his left turn at the lights we'd queued at - I was going straight and would've used the right hand lane if he'd bothered indicating in the queue, just to rub it in. Tbh I felt pretty stupid for absent-mindedly not braking - I think I both expected him to start moving forwards again and thought there was still space between us, but thankfully no extremely spurious insurance claim against me was filed.
Either way, the incident left me feeling jaded, and not in the best frame of mind for a big football game. The lateness, coupled with my sensibly getting some good stretching done before the exertions of the match, meant I didn't have much time to practice ball-drills and sharpen my reflexes for the game. In the end this didn't matter, and I had a near faultless first half. Up against a fellow unbeaten side who would overtake us if they won, we worked hard for a 3-0 lead - everyone chipping in with contributions. I boosted my confidence with some early stops, and positioned myself well for a 1 v 1 as the attacker looked to run around me before shooting, only to realise that I'd covered that option well. One of my throwouts found Chris down the left wing, which took two opponents out of the game - allowing him to run unchallenged before setting up my brother for his much-wanted birthday goal. There was a sense of frustration as my goal was finally breached by a long-range drive across to my right side - which I got a hand to but couldn't keep out - with the half time whistle blowing within two minutes. Gutting for me, but as a team we looked well set in the game. The start of the second half was more even, with both sides creating some chances. The opposition, Bantalona, were keen to strike shots on target at every opportunity, and unfortunately for me they shot hard and accurately on a regular basis. It did enable me to make one of my finest saves since my schooldays though, as one effort from the centre of the pitch was driven on the instep towards my top-left corner - only I couldn't see it due to a crowd of players in the way. I knew the shot had taken place as I saw it leave his foot, and had an idea where it was going from all the information available to me, and through luck and skill threw my body and outstretched left hand at the right place to keep it out. When most of the players within earshot are audibly impressed (using industrial lanaguage, mind) then it's clear I'd done well. This prevented the score being 3-2, and allowed us to push on to a 6-2 lead. What followed after that was not pretty, but not unexpected either. Not long after the ball was smashed at my near post whilst I hopefully anticipated a cross-goal shot, and another soon followed as a player cut in from the right and struck left-footed across me into the net - 6-4. Bantalona galvanised, and we couldn't keep hold of the ball - made worse by the tendency to push forwards for goals and get picked off needlessly on the counter. Another long range strike was well hit from the centre down to my left, during which my shouting had focussed on not letting them shoot like that - the ball dipping low and getting past me for 6-5. Ludicrously, we kicked off and conceded an equaliser within 10 seconds - I hadn't even seen the kick-off but a misunderstanding meant someone lost possession and an opponent nipped in to kick past me when I'd only just regained my feet and stepped left to offer the obvious pass-back option. It was a crushing experience, and left everyone rattled - including Gareth, who was a sub at the time. There was still time in the game though, and it was Gareth who restored the lead with a fine finish, leaving us to hold on for 2 1/2 minutes. Simple? Of course not. It later transpired Gareth thought it was 7-7, so rather than man-mark he stayed in space to try and score on the counter, whilst everyone else dug deep to desperately block and shot or chance they could. With almost the last kick of the game, I was forced to advance to the edge of the area as an unmarked attacker went to retrieve the ball on my right. He managed to cross the ball out to the left to a teammate with me scrambling forlornly back towards the goalline...but rushed into a first-time shot, the opponent connected poorly and sent the ball off-target straight into my grateful body. Full time followed less than 30 seconds later, and an enjoyable game had an enjoyable result - another tough challenge overcome, albeit after making it harder for ourselves than it need've been. My brother had his birthday win (and had to work for it too), and we made it P5 W5 and 5 points clear of 2nd place. 8 more wins from 9 will guarantee another title, and 7 wins will be promotion. It takes our form to W23 D1 L1 as well. Next week we face the only side to beat us in the last 5 1/2 months - can't wait.
Simon withdrew from attending the quiz this week, and I was happy to have a breather anyway. My body needed some rest, and I knew I'd sleep well ahead of Friday. Last week Friday just snuck up on me, but this week I was craving the weekend.
Injuries: Body took a battering all over blocking shots - pain in most places
Mood: Battered
Friday would bring the Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic SF and some more Wii Fit...
Total Distance Run for January: 42.55 miles
Other Exercise: Football (Five-a-side goalkeeping for Haringey Yacht Club - 50 minutes)
As expected, I had no time to blog yesterday - so this is being typed up late on Friday night. The sporting action, as always on a Thursday, took place at Mill Hill. Having got through the working day, it was my turn to drive down for the 7:30 start. Rushing typically late, I managed to screw-up before I'd even driven myself, Gareth and my brother to the match; rolling the Micra exceptionally gently into the car infront at a set of lights. My mind just wasn't on the ball at all, and I don't think I've ever touched another vehicle on the road - but I must stress the minimalistic impact here. At a set of lights which had turned green, but which don't stay green for long, the car infront of me released the brake and accelerated slightly to roll forwards before braking again. I did likewise, except I didn't brake again, and as the vehicle infront didn't stop braking I went into his bumper at a speed less than 1mph. I knew there was no damage to either vehicle as neither appeared to be made of plasterceine, but after a lengthy pause a larger than me black gentleman stepped out of the vehicle to inspect the collision. I wound down my window and apologised, and didn't initially here what he was muttering. After straining my ear I deduced it was along the lines of "What you do in this situation is get out of the car and inspect for any damage". I was quite pissed off for a number of reasons - at myself for not braking of course, but also for the suggestion that the impact had done anything at all. Realising the driver infront hadn't stopped braking, I released my handbrake and reversed slightly at the same time as he asked me to do so. What he expected to see from my Micra no longer touching his car I don't know, but he thankfully got back in his car and drove off....indicating to turn left whilst making his left turn at the lights we'd queued at - I was going straight and would've used the right hand lane if he'd bothered indicating in the queue, just to rub it in. Tbh I felt pretty stupid for absent-mindedly not braking - I think I both expected him to start moving forwards again and thought there was still space between us, but thankfully no extremely spurious insurance claim against me was filed.
Either way, the incident left me feeling jaded, and not in the best frame of mind for a big football game. The lateness, coupled with my sensibly getting some good stretching done before the exertions of the match, meant I didn't have much time to practice ball-drills and sharpen my reflexes for the game. In the end this didn't matter, and I had a near faultless first half. Up against a fellow unbeaten side who would overtake us if they won, we worked hard for a 3-0 lead - everyone chipping in with contributions. I boosted my confidence with some early stops, and positioned myself well for a 1 v 1 as the attacker looked to run around me before shooting, only to realise that I'd covered that option well. One of my throwouts found Chris down the left wing, which took two opponents out of the game - allowing him to run unchallenged before setting up my brother for his much-wanted birthday goal. There was a sense of frustration as my goal was finally breached by a long-range drive across to my right side - which I got a hand to but couldn't keep out - with the half time whistle blowing within two minutes. Gutting for me, but as a team we looked well set in the game. The start of the second half was more even, with both sides creating some chances. The opposition, Bantalona, were keen to strike shots on target at every opportunity, and unfortunately for me they shot hard and accurately on a regular basis. It did enable me to make one of my finest saves since my schooldays though, as one effort from the centre of the pitch was driven on the instep towards my top-left corner - only I couldn't see it due to a crowd of players in the way. I knew the shot had taken place as I saw it leave his foot, and had an idea where it was going from all the information available to me, and through luck and skill threw my body and outstretched left hand at the right place to keep it out. When most of the players within earshot are audibly impressed (using industrial lanaguage, mind) then it's clear I'd done well. This prevented the score being 3-2, and allowed us to push on to a 6-2 lead. What followed after that was not pretty, but not unexpected either. Not long after the ball was smashed at my near post whilst I hopefully anticipated a cross-goal shot, and another soon followed as a player cut in from the right and struck left-footed across me into the net - 6-4. Bantalona galvanised, and we couldn't keep hold of the ball - made worse by the tendency to push forwards for goals and get picked off needlessly on the counter. Another long range strike was well hit from the centre down to my left, during which my shouting had focussed on not letting them shoot like that - the ball dipping low and getting past me for 6-5. Ludicrously, we kicked off and conceded an equaliser within 10 seconds - I hadn't even seen the kick-off but a misunderstanding meant someone lost possession and an opponent nipped in to kick past me when I'd only just regained my feet and stepped left to offer the obvious pass-back option. It was a crushing experience, and left everyone rattled - including Gareth, who was a sub at the time. There was still time in the game though, and it was Gareth who restored the lead with a fine finish, leaving us to hold on for 2 1/2 minutes. Simple? Of course not. It later transpired Gareth thought it was 7-7, so rather than man-mark he stayed in space to try and score on the counter, whilst everyone else dug deep to desperately block and shot or chance they could. With almost the last kick of the game, I was forced to advance to the edge of the area as an unmarked attacker went to retrieve the ball on my right. He managed to cross the ball out to the left to a teammate with me scrambling forlornly back towards the goalline...but rushed into a first-time shot, the opponent connected poorly and sent the ball off-target straight into my grateful body. Full time followed less than 30 seconds later, and an enjoyable game had an enjoyable result - another tough challenge overcome, albeit after making it harder for ourselves than it need've been. My brother had his birthday win (and had to work for it too), and we made it P5 W5 and 5 points clear of 2nd place. 8 more wins from 9 will guarantee another title, and 7 wins will be promotion. It takes our form to W23 D1 L1 as well. Next week we face the only side to beat us in the last 5 1/2 months - can't wait.
Simon withdrew from attending the quiz this week, and I was happy to have a breather anyway. My body needed some rest, and I knew I'd sleep well ahead of Friday. Last week Friday just snuck up on me, but this week I was craving the weekend.
Injuries: Body took a battering all over blocking shots - pain in most places
Mood: Battered
Friday would bring the Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic SF and some more Wii Fit...
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Day 25
Distance Run: None
Total Distance Run for January: 42.55 miles
Other Exercise: Football (Five-a-side for Real Unfit - 22 minutes)
I HAVE NO TIME TO BLOG DAMMIT! But because I definitely won't have time tomorrow (well, today) due to work, then football, then pub quiz, then maybe getting home at 11:45 if I'm lucky, I have to type today's (well, yesterday's) entry now (well, now being a term covering all of the present time in which I'm typing nonsense). I could do with some sleep.
Highlights of today would be a crushing 1-8 defeat for my Wednesday night football team. A combination of new players (meaning no understanding or fluidity between teammates), lack of fitness, lack of sharpness and some bloody good opposition, left us with no hope. I was in defence, felt I played ok and almost equalised (hitting the post from distance with the score at 0-1) in the first half, before subbing off. When I got back on the pitch it was 1-5, and our teamplay had disintegrated beyond repair. The word of today would be "frustrating" - but if it fires me up to make sure of another Thursday night win then it'll be beneficial. Haringey Yacht Club (the finest yacht club in North London, according to our team page...) can go 5 points clear at the top with a win, but we'll drop to 2nd if we lose. Biggest game in recent memory, and I look forward to it.
Only other amusement from today was seeing some of the ACN game between Libya and Zambia. An exciting game that finished 2-2, but the game should never have been played due to a waterlogged pitch. Only in Africa can a referee let the game go ahead, but it looked like nobody was seriously injured and it made great viewing. Across other sports; India are utterly hopeless; England had a good first day against Pakistan, but the real test will be when they bat themselves; Liverpool reach a cup final for the first time in 5 years, and will play at Wembley for the first time since Eric Cantona pretty much made me cry in 1996; Murray will face Djokovic in a tasty SF on Friday. Sport sport sport etc.
Injuries: Left calf getting there, icing right shin tonight
Mood: Frustrated
Six more entries to go...
Total Distance Run for January: 42.55 miles
Other Exercise: Football (Five-a-side for Real Unfit - 22 minutes)
I HAVE NO TIME TO BLOG DAMMIT! But because I definitely won't have time tomorrow (well, today) due to work, then football, then pub quiz, then maybe getting home at 11:45 if I'm lucky, I have to type today's (well, yesterday's) entry now (well, now being a term covering all of the present time in which I'm typing nonsense). I could do with some sleep.
Highlights of today would be a crushing 1-8 defeat for my Wednesday night football team. A combination of new players (meaning no understanding or fluidity between teammates), lack of fitness, lack of sharpness and some bloody good opposition, left us with no hope. I was in defence, felt I played ok and almost equalised (hitting the post from distance with the score at 0-1) in the first half, before subbing off. When I got back on the pitch it was 1-5, and our teamplay had disintegrated beyond repair. The word of today would be "frustrating" - but if it fires me up to make sure of another Thursday night win then it'll be beneficial. Haringey Yacht Club (the finest yacht club in North London, according to our team page...) can go 5 points clear at the top with a win, but we'll drop to 2nd if we lose. Biggest game in recent memory, and I look forward to it.
Only other amusement from today was seeing some of the ACN game between Libya and Zambia. An exciting game that finished 2-2, but the game should never have been played due to a waterlogged pitch. Only in Africa can a referee let the game go ahead, but it looked like nobody was seriously injured and it made great viewing. Across other sports; India are utterly hopeless; England had a good first day against Pakistan, but the real test will be when they bat themselves; Liverpool reach a cup final for the first time in 5 years, and will play at Wembley for the first time since Eric Cantona pretty much made me cry in 1996; Murray will face Djokovic in a tasty SF on Friday. Sport sport sport etc.
Injuries: Left calf getting there, icing right shin tonight
Mood: Frustrated
Six more entries to go...
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