1 Week Ago

Sunday was the hardest thing I have ever done. I went out at 8 min/mile pace and was able to keep it up until 18/19 miles but it hit me after 21 and after that it was just murder. An ever increasing mix of walking and running there after saw me finish in 4hrs 2mins. The muscles ached like never before and my stomach was a complete mess. 4 little deposits across London resulted in a chat with the St Johns Ambulance and a very slow last mile walk.

I have said never again and at the minute that still stands.

I will have raised in excess of £2000 when all monies have been collected and that is amazing, i must remember why i put myself through all the pain and to raise that much money for a charity that means a lot to myself and my family feels very good indeed.

Thankyou all.

3 Days To Go

No more training to do. I will go for a 2 miles pathetic run /jog/fast walk tomorrow evening just to stretch the legs off.


I feel good and more than ready for it. Just a bit concerned about the weather which is supposed to be HOT.


Now for the training stats:


563 miles done - 16 more than last year. 21 marathons and 1 half marathon.


80hrs 11mins 50secs total training.


86583 calories burned

wii fit bmi - 24.97 - I am IDEAL - just watch me go now on Sunday.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

6 Days To Go

Less than a week to go, feeling good, last longish run completed yesterday. 12 miles done and felt ok afterwards.

A few shortish runs this week just to keep the legs ticking over and a massage tomorrow just for good measure.

All my gear is sorted and ready, new socks and a new vest with my name on.

Really looking forward to it which is weird, even though I have trained harder than last year, it is still tough to run so far but it will be good, i am sure the atmosphere will be great.

12 Days To Go

The last race before the big day was attempted on Sunday. After 2 days of feeling like crap I managed 5 miles before all the energy drained out of me. With 2 weeks to go, I made the decision to just jog the last 8 and actually enjoyed it, the scenary isnt exactly the best though - Blackpool is a shit hole and is filthy but other than that it was good to just run at an easy pace an not try and break your neck doing it.

Another good run by Swav and a very good debut from Ste.

18 Days To Go

A bit of a mixed bag over Easter and it did include some eggs being troughed.

Missed my run on friday but towed my big lad around on the bikes for 11 miles so I felt that I then didnt really need to go out. Did a short run on saturday all in preparation ahead of Sundays biggy.

My last BIG run ahead of the marathon - 23 miles done. I cant believe I am about to say this but it felt ok!!!!! Did however stop a couple of times due to making the most stupid decision ever to try some new socks out. Those girly anklet type socks that only just come above your trainer, well they decided to fall down numerous times and resulted in me taking a good bit of skin off both ankles. A nice bit of blood.

After the delights of Sunday I didnt have the energy to go out on Monday, the legs just didnt have it in them. Needed a day off to recover so went out and did 7miles yesterday - minus big Ipod that wouldnt switch on, running watch that wouldnt switch on (wife thankfully fixed it ??????) and little Ipod that did switch on but lasted 3 mins. A thoroughly crap run.

Following the love of the massage last week I have actually gone back for more and it hurt just as much as last weeks did. The line I would like to use would be what the hell did he do to my backside but that might get misinterpreted so I will just let you know it hurt like hell, as did all of it.

8 miles tomorrow and 10 on friiday then the last race in pre-marathon mode is on Sunday with the Blackpool Half Marathon. A personnal favourite as it was the first I ever run when we did it to raise money for the ward that Evan was looked after on when he was born.

A couple of folk joining us on Sunday which will be good as we aim to break 1hr 30mins for the first time - come on Swav you know you want too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wii fit BMI - 25.12 - still overweight - I am super fit as I can run 23 miles carrying this overweight torso.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

23 Days To Go

Dont ever go for a massage - I would rather go and have all my teeth pulled out without having an injection. The 15 stone rugby player size bloke certainly didnt hold back.

Oh Dave those muscles feel a bit tight let me batter them to pieces it will be worth it in the end.

There was pain like I've never known.

Last proper long run this sunday, 23 miles, and I am so looking forward to it.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

26 Days To Go

Sunday was by far the hardest run done so far. I dont know if it had anything to do with cycling all the way from Pluto to the Sun and back again - stopping for a beer not long after Mars. Ok 13 miles done on the bike up and down an old railway line in York towing a very lazy 5 year old who didnt want to help in any way what so ever. Not the best preparation for a 22 mile run.

I will run in any weather as was evident on Monday evening after doing 4 miles in the lashing rain but I absolutely hate the wind. Did 13 miles ok on Sunday then turned for home and the next 6 were in to a force 10 gale that reduced my mins per mile from just over 8 to at one point 11.5. It was murder. The hardest ever. By the time I had done 19 I had no energy left and was wrecked and had to stop I couldnt physically do anymore.

6 miles done this morning which felt ok but the legs are getting very tired now, so I have decided, sanctioned by the wife, to go for a massage tomorrow evening to see if that will work. First time ever I have gone for a massage!!!!!

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

31 Days to Go

1 Month to go - oh my god. My number came through so you all need to keep an eye out for No. 43377 he'll be the one doubled up on the Mall at the end.

Was far too knackered to go out yesterday so an extra hour in bed was greatly appreciated. 9 miles done this morning in the pouring rain certainly wasnt appreciated.

Only a handful of long runs left which I have to admit I am so pleased about. Aiming for that bit quicker than last year has proved to be a tough old task.

wii fit BMI - 25.49 - still overweight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

33 Days To Go

20 miles done on Sunday and it the fastest I have ever covered that distance and the first time I have managed under 8:30mins per mile, albeit by 1 sec per mile but I did it so am absolutely made up.

Needless to say I felt like death when I had finished and was just soooo ill. That was the worst I have felt after just doing a run in a long time. I managed to get some fluid on board but couldnt eat for about 4 hours. I felt sick and my legs were just mashed. Walked my little lad to the shop, 1/2 mile away and had to stop and sit on the fence as I just couldnt go any further.

No run on Monday as I was at head office first thing, it wouldnt have really mattered where I was, the was never ever going to be a run on Monday.

9 miles done today, including 3 x 2mile fast runs. That was hard and I didnt meet every target but wasnt a million miles away so really happy with that. I felt good though after and have recovered from Sundays hell.

This is the most annoying thing about Sunday:-

wii fit BMI - 25.01 - still technically obese, by 0.01, that fly that flew into my mouth earlier on must have caused it. A total a 6lbs lost during Sundays run.

9 slow miles planned for tomorrow - in shorts as well, as the mighty tights have been assigned to the draw and may be very lucky to survive the summer without being binned.

Just watched a programme about prem babies on Ch4 and it brought a whole host of memories back. It has given me a boost and a bit of a reminder why I am putting myself through this. Which may suprise a few who thought I did it for the fun of it.

Get your hands in your pocket and give me some money.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

37 Days To Go

No run today which was great, until I took the lad swimming and seem to have stretched a muscle whilst sat in the jacuzzi - how bloody crap is that.

5 tomorrow, 20 on sunday so hopefully the legs will be ok.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

38 Days To Go

This has been a hard week, come Sunday it will have been the longest week with over 50 miles done.

Tuesday was an 8 mile run with 6 miles 'Fartlek', basically run as fast as you can for as long as you can or something like that. Decided to do lampost to lampost, first 1 run 1 jog then 2 run 1 jog then 3 run 1 jog. That was hard. I had also read somewhere that running backwards is a good workout so not wanting to look anymore stupid than I already did in tight lycra in what was now bright daylight I waited until I got to the resevoir and did a 1 mile lap in 100 yard bursts backwards then forwards and basically shite that gives the thighs a bloody good test.

A 'slow' 7 miles done yesterday which was totally uninspiring and was as mentioned previously, and is the same quite often, was just about putting some miles in.

A hard run today 8 miles 'fast' should have been longer but didnt have the time, but the 8 was hard enough. Didnt quite meet my scheduled target time but happy enough with it.

I am so looking forward to a long lie in tomorrow until 6.00am at the very least, wow.

My new NDCS vest turned up this week so in answer to your question Swav NO there wont be any fancy dress worn this year.

wii fit BMI - 25.69 - Still overweight - such a fat lard arse.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

41 Days To Go

It is getting bloody tough now, the miles are starting to pile up and it feels like I dont have any time to rest and recover.

My legs are feeling heavy a lot of the time and I have been so demotivated over the last week. With the runs getting longer during the week means getting up earlier in the morning and 4 week day mornings getting up at 4.45am to run 10 miles is not very easy at all. 6.00am on a Sunday is a good lie in.

Upto 20 miles now on a weekend, a couple more 20's a 22 and then a gradual drop to the big day, I am a lot more confident than last year that I should be able to complete it, the long runs dont quite feel as hard as previous. Though I did get a bit of a muscle twinge on Saturday, did my long run on Saturday evening due to Mothers Day on Sunday - she loves me but I dont think I would have got away with a 3hr run on Sunday.

Evening running is not for me, I think the change in time took its toll a bit. I had to pull up after 14miles and was knackered. It also didnt help that a) I only had enough change on me to buy 2 milky ways from the shop for an additional energy boost. b) The police had shut my route which meant I would have had to run an extra 4 miles unless the frightened woman hadnt give me a lift. It aint my fault she kind of didnt know her way around the police road block. My mum always told me not to get in cars with strangers and she was bloody strange but she saved me 4 miles and didnt mind the sweaty smell I kindly gave off whilst sat in the passengers seat.

wii fit BMI - 25.60

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

45 Days To Go

How the hell can 9 miles on thursday morning be tougher than 20 on a sunday. Well it was and today was crap. I had zero energy and probably less motivation. It was just rubbish. No matter what I did I couldnt get going and after 3 miles I just wanted to stop.

Strange as this may sound I enjoy the long runs but now hate the midweek training and the sooner it can end the better.

Did however see a couple of other runners for the first time in weeks.

Also my wii fit BMI isnt going anywhere as well - 25.61 - crap

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

47 Days To Go

20 miles done on Sunday, it was tough but completed within a couple of minutes of my scheduled time, so i am absolutely made up with that. It was also done about 10mins faster than when I did the same distance last year.

I feel a load better this year than I ever did last year running that sort of distance, I think the challenge of training for a faster time is starting to pay off.

I made sure I didnt take any wrong turns this week and that I had planned exactly where I was going. My only mistake was leaving the biggest hill in the world, well thats what it felt like anyway, until the last mile, just what I needed after running 19 miles.

I couldnt get out of bed on Monday to do the scheduled 4 miles, my legs ached like crazy by that time and I just had to stay in bed.

Did however manage to get out of bed today and did 3 x 2 miles fast. That was tough and I am feeling it a bit now. 9 miles planned for tomorrow.

wii Fit BMI - 25.49 - it is getting a bit lower, I think I will stay 'overweight' throughout the whole of this training.

1st Song on Ipod - wiped it clean trying to make it work properly so got no idea.

No of runners seen - saw just the 6 on Sunday a fairly quiet day.

Please see "58 days to go" post - I have put a video on showing how absolutely brilliant my big lad is at saying his alphabet. This sums up why I am doing all of this as not too many weeks ago he couldn't say any of it and now he is flying. So proud dad as many of us are I am the proudest after seeing him try his alphabet.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

52 Days To Go

The miles are coming thick and fast now, Sunday WAS a planned 18miles and for the planned 18 miles it was ok, i felt good achieved my goal time within 20 secs over the full length, its just unfortunate that i found myself on the wrong side of the canal unable, unless i swam, to get across and ended up 9 miles away from home with only 4 miles scheduled left to run. Up until that point it was a really good run and made me feel quite good about eventually being able to complete the marathon

But as i said after the 18 I felt good, after the additional 5 walk/run I felt horrendous, it was cold, I had an headache like I have never felt before. I was knackered, my muscles had started to ache and I have never wanted to get in the house as quick in my life.

I learnt a few lessons after that run:

1 Plan a bit better, at least know where you are going, due to following the canal I eventually had no idea where I was and it was the first time I have ever got lost running.

2 If you are unsure of the full length dont do any additional miles at the start. Thinking I had an idea of how long it was I did a couple of miles around the village first then the main run. If I hadnt bothered I wouldnt have had 5 miles extra to do.

3 Keep running. I was knackeredafter the 18 and stopped for a breather. I just couldnt get started again and it took me well over an hour to get home, if I hadnt stopped I would have been home in half the time.

Shed loads of runners out, about 15 in total throughout, it got a bit crazy at one point with 7 of us all heading up the same street.

A long soak in the bath eventually warmed me up.

wii fit BMI - 25.41 - the lowest for a long time

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

58 Days To Go

A tough week this week, got out and did 5 miles on tuesday 1 warm up 3 fast (slower than the 13 i did on sunday but still classed as fast ?????????????) 1 cool down. The legs still ached after sundays race but I had to get out and do it. Wednesday I was full of cold, felt like shit and had absolutely no energy to do anything so I had to stay in bed I just couldnt with all the will in the world force my self up. Felt a bit better on thursday and did 10 miles, should of done 12 but that was enough. Couldnt however keep the 'slow' pace i was supposed too.

Got 5 then 18 miles planned this weekend definately time to start putting the miles in, and the big miles. Just recieved an email from the NDCS saying 8 weeks to go, which is frightening, whilst I feel good and fit at the minute I also feel a million miles away from being fit enough to do a marathon.

wii fit BMI - 26.92 - this is getting silly no matter whay I do it stays around this level

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

62 Days To Go

A up and down few days since I last posted. We went to the gym on Friday due to the lads being away and just how boring is treadmill running. I had planned to do just a quick 10km's but had to finish after 6 because I was just sooooooo bored. I though it might be a good change and might be different watching a bit of telly whilst running but god how do people do it.

An easy 5 on saturday in preparation for the latest race this year, The Great North West Half Marathon in Blackpool on Sunday.

4 inches of snow didnt put off the two super athletes from Wigan, the 10 mile hike from the car to the start line, my fault, nearly did though.















And just to prove we did turn up in our shorts in the snow and run.

A great run and two PB's for the second time in two weeks. I got 1:32:52 official time which is 3 mins quicker than my last and also included, annoyingly, a wardrobe malfunction which meant i had to stop after 4 miles and take my shoe off and fix the inner sole and Swav did 1:32:11 which is about 5 mins off his last. There was no last mile sprint this time though. I dont know if I put a bit too much effort in after stopping to try and make up the lost time but there really was nothing left after that and it was a pleasure to get across the line.















The legs feel ok today, muscles are a bit stiff but not too bad. We will crack on this week and get some more training done, the next race is a 20miler in about 5 weeks with another half marathon in about 8 weeks again back in Blackpool so hopefully we will be after getting another PB.

1st Song on Ipod - None at the gym and dont race with my Ipod

wii Fit BMI - 25.62 - am now defo stuck in the overweight 25 bracket

Thigh muscle - 24 ins - does seem to be getting bigger

Beer Belly - 39 ins doesnt seem to be getting smaller

No of runners seen - 880 - 750 odd behind me - losers !!!!!!!!

No of miles run so far - 244 miles

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

66 Days To Go

Feel a bit guilty about this weeks training. After the 4 miles Monday night I was way too knackered to get out on Tuesday morning, Sundays run really took its toll. The muscles ached and a tiny bit of a foot injury kept me in my bed. Finally got out last night and did 8 miles in Wigan but the foot is hurting.

Didnt manage to get out this morning either so will need to carry it over till tomorrow and get some miles in. Race on Sunday and I feel I have properly let the training slip this week. We will do what we can this week and start again next week following the schedule again.

Need to get out there again before the motivation starts to slip.

1st Song on Ipod - Kings of Leon - Sex is on Fire

wii Fit BMI - Havent done it due to a stonkingly big curry tonight

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

69 Days To Go

Not had a chance to post for a few days most probably due to being so knackered from the training.


Kept up with the schedule and did a tidy 5 miles on Saturday evening, felt ok was on good form and looking forward to my first real long run of the year on Sunday with 16 miles due.


God how knackered was I, and still am. Everything was going fine sailed through the first 5, second 5 was alright as well, upto 13 was no problem but the last 3 was an absolute killer. In the space of a week I have gone from looking something like a not too bad athlete to a complete wreck. It is the first time this year my body has hurt so much. Muscles ache like crazy in my legs and my foot is absolutely killing. I dont think I have done to much damage but dont really have any time for a rest so i will get to the jacuzzi this week hopefully and dip them in.

Have done 4 miles tonight as a warm down from yesterday which was good as it stretched the muscle and they dont feel as bad.

1st Song on Ipod - Jesus Jones - Welcome Back Victoria

wii fit BMI - 25.78 - I will never break the 25 mark no matter what i do

No of Runners Seen - 5 - 1 Hello and 4 miserable bastards (unless they had met me after 13 miles then they would have probably seemed like the life and soul of the party - a simple ackknowledgment isnt too much)

Beer Belly - 38.5ins - must be just getting more toned as it aint going anywhere

Thigh Muscle - 24ins - a bit bigger

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

72 Days To Go

5 miles done this morning including 3 fast. It felt ok, I think the day off yesterday did the world of good. A nice rest in the sauna and jacuzzi this evening as well.

1st Song on Ipod - Supernaturals - Lazy Lover

wii fit BMI - 25.85 - going nowhere

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

73 Days To Go

After yesterdays early exploits I was too knackered to run this morning so I stayed in bed.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

74 Days to go

I think i have said it once already this year and now I will say it again, getting up to go for a run with a 4 still on the alarm clock is just plain stupid. It did hit me around 3pm when i head butted the table at work due to being totally knackered. Just me and the burgulars up at such a stupid hour

10 miles done which in itself is bloody crazy on a weekday morning, and it was cold damn cold. Though it did feel ok afterwards and was pleased with it.

Legs however are taking a bit longer to recover this week most probably due to sundays race but we will be out again with a fast 6 miles tomorrow.

1st Song on Ipod - Grim Northern Social - Honey

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

75 Days To Go

God that was a tough run today, 8 hill runs, 2 mins fast up and 3 mins jog down. I was knackered afterwards. The muscles are a bit stiff after Sundays 1/2 marathon. Got 10 mile run planned next so it will be an early start and i imagine the legs will be even stiffer after that.

1st song on Ipod - realised that the battery keeps failing and wiping off the latest song

wii fit BMI - 26.05

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

76 Days To Go

No run today due to race yesterday.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

77 Days To Go

First big race this weekend, absolutely belting 67th out of 269. New PB by nearly 4 mins - 1hr 35mins 25 secs - cant believe I actually ran so quick. My fastest mile was the last at 6mins 50 secs now that has never happened before. A race of quite a few other firsts for me as well - 1st time i have done the 2nd half of a half marathon quicker than the first half and the first time i have chased down so many people in the last mile, i think i overtook about 5 its normally double that that overtake me. I felt ok afterwards as well so it was a really good test of how the training was going this year.

A nice course with hardly any hills, main problems being the bridges up and over the motorway, but thoroughly enjoyed the run, quiet country lanes which is always nice.

A big well done to Swav as well who modestly said he would love to break 1hr 40min at some point soon and goes and knocks 3 mins of his PB with 1hr 37mins 46secs - the challenge will now be in 2 weeks when the next half marathon is scheduled - where do we go after these times.

What a good looking pair of athletes!!

No scarf this week but a medal and a pair of socks????????????

1st song on ipod - Banned from the race due to insurance reasons - big yellow sign at the start

wii fit BMI - 25.87 - went up - think it might be the mothers Sunday Dinner post race which may have done it

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

78 Days To Go

A quick 4 miles done today in preparation for the 1/2 marathon this weekend. Feel good and ready for it.

1st Song on Ipod - Dont know ipod at home!!!!!!!!!

wii fit BMI - In wigan at the folks so no wii fit.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

79 Days To Go

6 'Steady' miles - which turned out to be just as fast as the 10km I did on Sunday - so very pleased that I can match that pace first thing in the morning as I am usually a good bit slower.

After saying yesterday that I live in the quietest post 6.00am village in the world it is officially true as I didnt see a single person today which I think is a first. Even the old boy I see at different spots around the village everyday wasnt even about - just as I have finally got a little more than a grunt out of him he bloody disappears especially after I have said hello to him every day since I started training for last years marathon.

Had a nice dip in the jacuzzi and sauna this evening whilst the big fella had his swimming lesson - does make the muscles feel tons better. However the rest and recovery was slightly tainted by the fat couple in the sauna who looked as though they were going to get up to some jiggy jiggy right there in front of us all. Thankfully however after he threw a few of his best lines out there, wasnt a pretty sight or sound, she decided she was having a swim first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and I am not being size discriminationary - it just wasnt nice.

1st Song On Ipod - Dont know still wont let me scroll back

wii fit BMI - 25.56 - Lowest in a long while

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

80 Days To Go

7 miles done this morning, absolutely nothing to report, no dead bodies found, only 1 live one seen for that matter. I have to live in the quietest post 6.00am village in the world. There is absolutely nobody about and nothing happening.

It was a good 7 miles, I felt ok and if time had allowed would have probably done a couple more.

Due to missing a day on tuesday there will be no usual day of rest tomorrow never mind will get up and carry on especially with my first half marathon of the year on Sunday.

1st song on Ipod - Not sure as it was playing up a bit - think it was some Alanis Morissette shite - need a stern word with the missus over this.

wii fit BMI - 25.68

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

81 Days To Go

A very good but very tough run this morning. 6 miles done, 4 miles doing a 'Fartlek' run, basically sprinting for a bit then jogging. I decided to do between lamposts, sprinting 1 then 2 then 3, it was knackering and thankfully part of the schedule I dont have to do very often. Getting ready for my 2nd race of the year this weekend, a hopefully flat 1/2 marathon after last weekends hill climb.
Legs and muscles feel ok so far, and definately a lot better than this time last year. As it isnt hurting as much it does feel at times that i am not doing enough but we will see how this weekends run compares.

1st song on Ipod - it packed in halfway round and reset itself !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wii fit BMI - 25.78 - god it is taking an age to get this down.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

82 Days To Go

Wife not well so unable to go running this morning -2 days on the trot not very good at all.

Will now need to miss Friday day off and train the rest of the week.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

83 Days To Go

Day of rest today after yesterdays race.

A massive lie in until 6.00am get in

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

84 Days To Go

First race completed today. God it was cold and tough, never known a course have so many hills. The old boy at the start said add 5 mins on to your best and that is what you will get. I did it about 3 mins slower than my PB so am really happy with that - and that still allowed me time for walking down some of the hills as it was to icy and dangerous to run down them and also to pick a fellow runner up of his arse just before he got squashed by a milk tanker. I felt good going into it and still had a bit left in the tank after finishing so could probably have gone a bit quicker.

Somebody made a comment about this course defying the laws of physics as it is uphill almost constantly for 4.5miles but you still manage to get back to the same starting point. It was by far the toughest course I have done but probably the one with the best views. When you run as fast as I can up some of them hills you get time to have a good look around.

Take a look at the link, www.flamingphotography.co.uk/photo4342376.html, 2 hats and 2 pairs of gloves was enough - i have never and wasnt about to start this weekend and wear tights to race in.

No t-shirt or medal after this race - a damn nice scarf instead.

Looking forward to my first half marathon of the year next week now that i have the race bug in my system.

1st song on Ipod - No Ipod on race day

wii fit BMI - 25.67

No of Runners Seen - 269 - 95 in front of me the others all behind.

Run 31 miles this week - short due to the race.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

85 Days To Go

An easy 5 miles run today - it felt good and was quite a good morale boosting run. Kept to an ok pace and felt alright afterwards. The day off yesterday has worked wonders.

Looking forward to the first race of the year tomorrow to see how well I am doing against last year. We will have to see what the course is like though as last year in Dewsbury was quite an easy route.

1st Song on Ipod - Hue & Cry - Guy on the Wall

wii fit BMI - 25.96 - really are stuck around this level now.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

86 Days To Go

No run today and it felt great.

Also a nice lie in the jacuzzi and sauna.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

87 Days To Go

Loads better today, 5 miles done with a fast 3 miles in the middle. It was tough but went well, a massive difference from yesterday. There seemed to be a bit more energy in my legs.

Prepping for my first race this weekend and I might even wear my new trainers, if my wife lets me. Even after this up & down week i am looking forward to it. It will be a good test of how i am doing.

I did a 10k this time last year so we will see how i am fairing up against last years training.

It has also been the quietest week i think ever on the road. I havent seen a single other runner whilst out.

1st Song On Ipod - Simple Minds - Street Fighting Years

wii fit BMI - 25.90

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

88 Days To Go

An absolutely awful run today. It was just crap. The warm up was crap, the middle stretch was crap, the cool down was crap the drinking the water after the run was crap. I did the 8 miles my schedule said but i didnt enjoy it one bit. I just couldnt get into it. I had been up throughout the night coughing my guts up so i am putting it down to lack of sleep and therefore tiredness.

We will get up again tomorrow though and try again.

1st song on ipod - Blur - The Mark of the Devil

wii fit BMI - 25.86

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

89 Days To Go

A good run today, 7 x 1/2 mile fast runs - 6.5miles in total. Only missed 2 of my targets so really pleased with that. Was full of energy and was properly up for it.

Less than 3 months to the big day - I think it should be ok - feeling a lot fitter this year than i did this time last year.

First race of the year this sunday a 10km run in Meltham, never done this race before so not sure what to expect. I know some of the area and it can be hilly so we will just wait and see.

8 miles planned tomorrow, will need to find a new route as i have gone over the same stretch for the last week and half and it is getting a bit montonous.

1st Song on Ipod - Athlete - Wires

wii fit BMI - 25.96 - fatty

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

90 Days To Go

No run today should have done 4 but didnt have the energy to get up.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

91 Days To Go

A good run today - did still feel a bit crap but got on with it and in the end it wasnt too bad. Just short of 15miles done at a good pace as well. This is the longest i have run since the marathon last year and it doesnt get any easier. The miles start flying up from here. Did 3 20mile runs last year, checked this years and its 6. A bit of the motivation and determination came back as well which is good as it was going to be a tough old few months to try and train if it wasnt there.

Eager to get out again and push myself.

Saw a massive 8 runners today and 1 during the week so its been a busy old time out there on them streets. Did make a bit of a mistake and show off as I overtook someone, unfortunately did it just as I turned to head up the hill which then meant I had to keep up the pace all the way. I couldnt let the old dear overtake me after that could I. A couple more pretty boy runners out today who looked as though they had just stepped out the front door and were going for a 1 mile jog. I think i am actually an angry runner or i go into the 'ZONE' and I just dont like certain runners who dont look as though it is hurting as much as it is me.

I havent many photos to put up yet so i took one of my nice new trainers which my wife wont let me wear yet for some reason.

1st Song on Ipod - Simple Minds - Big Sleep - something i could do with

wii fit BMI - 25.65 - Its flying off me now

Thigh Muscle - 23.75 ins - growing

Beer Belly - 39 ins - shrinking

I have done a 108miles so far so thats KC Stadium, Hull ticked off as well

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

92 Days To Go

Should have done 5 miles today but still felt like crap so have had to bottle out.

15 miles planned for tomorrow so hopefully will feel like it and will be back on track.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

93 Days To Go

No run today - day of rest and boy was it needed.

Had a sit in the sauna and jacuzzi which was like heaven on the muscles.

Still feel like crap though.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

94 Days To Go

5 Miles done today at a good pace. It was tough though and I missed my target pace by about 15/20 secs per mile.

The nice suggestion by my wife to train for a quicker time is proving to be quite hard. Was a bit demorilised by missing my target again but we will percevere and see how it goes.

Legs are hurting, got a sore throat, feel like crap as well so motivation is quite low at the minute.

A day off and a sit in the jacuzzi at the gym as weel tomorrow so hopefully will feel a load better after that.

1st Song On Ipod - U2 for the second day running but cant locate which song. This Ipod needs bining

wii fit BMI - 26.11 the weight is piling on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

95 Days To Go

7 miles run today at a nice easy pace, it was a bit of a non-event in a way just putting the miles in. I can feel myself getting to that point that it really is just about doing more and more miles. 5 steady miles to do tomorrow which should be ok, though the legs are feeling a bit tired.

Forgot to put my tights in the wash so had to go out in my shorts and it was cold, I never thought a nice bit of tight lycra would keep you so warm.

1st Song on ipod - U2 - All I want is You

wii fit BMI - 26.00

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

96 Days To Go

The legs still felt as stiff as anything this morning, I knew it wasnt going to be a good run when I struggled to match the warmup pace. Planned 4 x 1 mile fast runs but in the end it turned out to be a 4 x 1 mile a tiny bit quicker than normal run.

Just need to percevere and do the miles and it will come soon.

For those who are new to my blog the reason for the all of this is my aim to complete my 2nd London Marathon in aid of the National Deaf Childrens Society.
My eldest son Evan was born 15 weeks premature on Christmas day 2004, one of the drugs my wife was given to try and keep Evan tucked up inside a bit longer had possible side effects that could damage his hearing. When faced with Death or Deaf its a no brainer. Coupled with various other issues as a result of his prematurity Evan has learning difficulties, one of the main things holding him back however is his communication and the help and support we have received from the NDCS has been tremendous. All this has helped Evan to start a 'normal' school this year and he is flying, he even spelt his first word - tomato - to me last night. You will not believe how that felt.
If by putting myself through 16 weeks of shite it gives someone else the chance to even just experience what i did last night, hearing your son utter letters for the first time in 5 years then getting up at 5.00am 6 days a week and running hundreds of miles is more than worth it.

Thankyou for all your support and I look forward to collecting all your sponsorship.

1st Song on Ipod - Corinne Baily Rae - Trouble Sleeping - Proper running tune!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wii fit BMI - 26.24 - oh its all going wrong I am getting bigger and bigger

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

97 Days To Go

No run today due to being at Head Office early doors, I dont think 4 hours in the car and an all day meeting helped the muscles recover from yesterday as I was as stiff as a board when I got home.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

98 Days To Go

A good old run today - 13 miles - which is the longest I have run since last years training. It felt ok, managed it alright and hit my target time to perfection.

Was also my first day of training with just 1 hat and 1 pair of gloves and a pair of shorts, it was positively tropical out there.

Another reasonable turnout for my peers with 7 others out and about. A couple of very 'experienced' runners along the route who looked like they could keel over at any moment. Also two seen on my own street which is a first.

Also a morning for stupid women drivers - running along no problems, cars passing by quite happily, have a look around, turn back and the silly bitch - no appologies for the terminology, she was - has decided to aim her car straight at me as there was another car parked 40 yds away. I think the old boy walking his dog got a bit of a fright as i leapt straight in front of him to avoid certain death and then proceeded to let the woman know just what I really thought of her. It really isnt that hard to drive in a straight line and it really isnt hard to see a 6ft 2in bloke in a skimpy pair of running shorts.

Have changed my challenge, I am going to see if I will run enough miles during training to have done enough distance to visit all 20 Premier League Grounds. Starting in Sunderland then Hull, I will wave at Dirty Leeds as I pass it, then over to the North West. I have worked out roughly how many miles I should do during training. I have set up a poll on the left for you to see what you think. I am going to follow running routes not driving so no motorways. Over the first 2 weeks I have run 74.5miles - so i have made it all the way to North Grimston, N Yorks. Should be in Hull at the end of next week.

1st Song on Ipod - An Emotional Fish - Summertime

wii Fit BMI - 25.92

Beer Belly - 39ins - its going

Thigh Muscle - 23.5 it aint going

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

99 Days To Go

Oh well the family trip to the 'Pantomime' didnt quite go as planned. Musical Theatre was probably more accurate and Evan lost interest after about 5 mins. So we got the hell out of there as quick as we could as i dont think folk were too impressed with all the noise we were making.

It did however mean we got home earlier than expected and I managed to get a sneaky 5 miles in. It was a good controlled run as I felt well and had to actually put the breaks on at certain points to stay within my pace.

1st Song on Ipod - Earthbound - Connor Reeves - No idea who it is.

wii fit BMI - 25.82 - This is the same as a week before the marathon last year.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

100 Days To Go

Suprisingly hard this morning, only 4 miles, 2 easy 2 fast - 7min mile pace - unless it was just the legs feeling a bit tired I 'm not sure and the lad has an eye infection so no swimming which means no laying about in the jacuzzi and sauna for me.

Not sure whether I will get a run in tomorrow as a family trip to the pantomime is planned and i aint getting up at 5.00am on a saturday.

1st Song on Ipod - Ipod went a bit crazy and I cant remember

wii fit BMI - 25.84

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

101 Days To Go

A big thankyou to Phyllis who was the 1st sponsor for the second year running - xxx.

I crossed the line of no return today and got out of bed when there was still a 4 on the alarm clock (4.50am). I must now be getting really into this training lark or just totally loosing it.

Absolutely nothing of interest happened today, didnt see a single sole either walking or running. It was a bit nippy and a few 'Dancing on Ice' moves were carried out along the route but no perfect 6's

6 miles done at a fairly good pace and felt alright after it. Unfortunately no day off tomorrow due to yesterday so will just have grin and bear it.

1st Song on Ipod - Blondie - The Tide is High - Just the tune to motivate at 5.00am

wii fit BMI - 26.00 - aagh

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

102 Days To Go

Supposed to do 6 miles today but after running late last night there was no way the legs would allow it. So had today off and will do todays tomorrow and tomorrows on friday. Oh and it has just dumped a boat load of snow on the village so it will be fun again in the morning.

103 Days To Go

The worst training run I have ever done. My big lad was up a lot of the night so I was to knackered to go in the morning so went at 8.00pm. It was bleak, cold, miserable and truly unenjoyable. Plus too many folk about, and these car things which just dont exist at 5.00am. I'm even expected to look when crossing the roads ?????????

A few odd looks as to what this wierdo was doing running on such a miserable night. They certainly wondered what was going through my head when i did a short lap and ran past them a second time.

Its the first time i have run in an evening for about 8 months and as daft as it may seem i would take 5.00am any day of the week.

I did 9 miles which included 3 x 2 mile fast runs and again thanks to my lovely wife for suggesting I train for a quicker time, the fast runs were FAST. Missed my target on 2 of the 3 but not by too much and the miserable conditions etc etc etc etc may have aided that. But for all the moaning above I was glad i did it and felt good afterwards.

1st Song on Ipod - Bob Sinclar - I Feel For You (Original Club Remix) - Dont mess about with boring versions

wii fit BMI - 26.00 - It really is looking like 26 is going to be the barrier to break.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

104 Days To Go

No run this morning - little lad was a bit grumbly as I got up so had to bin it. Happy enough though as the legs felt tired for the first time which I kind of knew they would.

Just checked my run for tomorrow and was not pleasantly suprised to find it is 9.5miles with 3 x 2 mile fast runs - get in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

105 Days To Go

Just another 15 weeks to go until the DAY


First long run done - 12 miles - felt ok. I just wish I hadnt totally underestimated the climb from 6 - 7 miles - it never seems quite as steep when you are in the car.


Due to climbing Mount Everest halfway round I missed my scheduled pace by about 10 secs/mile but dont feel to bad about it, it's the quickest I have run at this distance in quite a while so I am very pleased with it.


A massive total of 6 runners seen this morning which considering I hardly saw any last year is a good turn out, and they all said hello which is unheard of, even the prancing one in his shorts who sprinted past me as if I was going to be impressed. 8 miles down, freezing cold, running uphill and my Bingo Wings (Google it if you dont know what I mean) rubbing like shite on my sides, the last thing i was ever going to do was be impressed by someone who had probably just fallen out his front gate.


Just sorting my race calender out as well, Meltham 10k on the 31st January, Central Lancs Half on the 7th Feb. Was going to do the Spen 20 again this year but it is on Mothering Sunday so really not quite sure about that one. East Hull 20 on the 28th March and Blackpool Half on the 11th April. All races are open for entries so please feel free to join me.


I have run a total of 34 miles this week, starting off in Leeds and heading for London I have got to just south of Jct 34 on the M1 - I have set myself a challenge to see if I can run from Leeds to London back to Leeds and then down to the start line by the time I have finished my training.


1st Song on Ipod - Blur - All We Want


wii Fit BMI - 25.92 - never to cross 26 again.


Beer Belly - 40ins - will now be a weekly measure as it aint going anywhere fast.


Thigh Muscle - 23.5ins - as above


www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

106 Days To Go

A nice workout in the snow today. 4 miles done along country lanes which with this depth of snow certainly gave the leg muscles a good test.

Quite a few stares from the disbelieving public that someone is stupid enough to run in this weather.

First long run of the year tomorrow - 12 miles so will see how that one goes.

1st Song on Ipod - Eels - Susans House - absolutely no idea - will need to ask the wife about this one.

wii fit BMI - 26.09

Beer Belly - no change still a nice round 40ins

Thigh Muscle - 23.5ins

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

107 Days To Go

A day off - no run - just a sauna and a jacuzzi to sort the muscles out.

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

108 Days To Go

Oh my god how cold was it this morning. It was minus 3.5 the other day and this morning absolutely battered it. I think i finally got a sweat on as i came back into my street at the end.
The folk on the bus certainly had a good old stare at the silly idiot in his tights in the snow.

4 miles done at a good pace, didnt quite do the pace on my schedule but I will excuse myself due to the conditions.

After many many days last year of never seeing anyone out running in the morning, i finally see someone this year on the coldest day ever.

Day off tomorrow - lovely.

1st Song on Ipod - Blur - Globe Alone

wii fit BMI - 26.37 - 2lbs on though i have had my dinner.

Beer belly - 40ins - aint going anywhere

Thigh muscle - 23ins - a little increas - will check the tape measure tomorrow

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

109 Days To Go

Today was fun and games in the snow, tomorrow is going to be even better. Shed loads of the stuff has fallen today.

Probably had my closest dice with death today as the nice truck driver decided that even though there was no chance of him and the gritter passing each other he would try anyway and chose to swerve straight at me from about 10 yards away. Having to jump of an icy road into a small snow drift that you dont know what its covering is a bit nervy but not quite as nervy as seeing his wing mirror sweep past your head from what seemed about 6 inches. Took a minute or two to calm down after that one.

5 miles run and it was ok, nice and easy, tomorrow has the first real test in that the new faster schedule properly kicks in and I have a 4 mile run at a pretty fast pace, so we will see how it goes. If I can get off the drive!!!!!!

1st Song on Ipod - The Levellers - The Boatman

wii fit BMI - 26.09 - boringly the same as yesterday

Beer Belly - 40ins

Thigh Muscle - 22.5ins

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

110 Days To Go

The big guy upstairs was certainly looking down on me this morning - it wasnt as cold as yesterday and the silly white stuff didnt start falling until I was safely back inside the house. Tomorrow should be a good old laugh trying to get through 8 inches of snow.

Did a good 4 miles at a good pace and even after only a couple of days I am starting to get the bug again.

1st Song on Ipod - Smalltown Boy - Bronski Beat - Google it you youngsters out there!

wii fit BMI - 26.09 - starting out OVERWEIGHT

Beer Belly - 40ins

Thigh Muscle - a cool 22.5ins

www.justgiving.com/davidmcnamara2010

The Sequel - 111 Days To Go

Firstly all sequels are crap compared to the original and this next 111 days will be no different. I have tried to con you all into thinking it will be something new and great with an amazing colour shift from black to white but it will be the same rubbish that I type as last year.

I have at this moment in time thought of absolutely nothing new and exciting to put on so we will see what happens.

The boring running stuff first - I was going to start with a lovely picture of Paul Swift at yesterdays Central Lancashire Half Marathon - the first race of the year but it was cancelled due to ice. But a big up for Swav who still did 13 miles - in his shorts (I did 5 - in my shorts).

The first day of this years training went well minus 3.5 degrees when i checked after finishing but it felt a lot bloody colder - 2 hats and 2 pairs of gloves and my tatty old tights and it was freezing - i thought my thumbs were going to drop off at one point. 4 miles done - first 4 of about 500.

I would like to thank my wife for encouraging me to aim for a quicker time this year and thus download a quicker schedule. What was last year a 'brisk' pace is now this year classed as an slow pace. I am so looking forward to some of the fast runs in the next few weeks.

De ja vu strikes with this years first run photo - it is exactly the same as last year with a good load of snow on the ground and it has just started snowing again now.

1st Song on Ipod - Dont know as Itunes has disappeared and Ipod battery run out.

wii fit BMI - 26.31 - loads better than this time last year but well over a stone in weight put on since the marathon last year.

Now something for you guys to feel proud about -

Size of Beer Belly - 40ins - this is going down this year.

Now something for you ladies to think about -

Size of Thigh Muscle - 22.5ins

Lads please feel free to post your sizes as I know you will all secretly measure to see how you compare to a MARATHON RUNNER.