Hi,
My name is Nim Saranna and I'm responsible for After Sales &
Customer Liason at Autobahn.
I've entered the London Marathon due to take place on
25th April 2010 and I truly feel privilaged (and petrified!!) to be
participating in the event and having the opportunity to raise
money for Cancer Research UK, a Charity that's close to my
heart.
Please visit my funraising home page http://www.runningsponsorme.org/nim and
contribute generously.
Leading upto the Marathon on 25th April, I'll be sharing my
trials and tribulations of my training and other events that take
place around me.
Please send all comments to me Nim@autobahn.co.uk
Monday 26th April 2010
Ouch - I ache all over!!
Who's idea was this to run??.... Oh yeah - mine!!
Sunday 25th April 2010 - MARATHON DAY
Well, it's finally arrived!!
No head cold, temperature or cough is going to stop me taking part
today, not after all the training & the sacrifices (not least
by my family, friends & colleagues putting up with me all
throughout). This is something I wanted to do and I wasn't
going to let anything get in the way.
We start off with breakfast at 7.45am (porridge & orange juice)
& get changed in to the running gear (vicks, vaseline,
liniment, in all).
To get to the starting point at Greenwich, we have to catch two
different tubes and then walk. Although we left with a lot of lead
time, we find it's not long enough as the trains are packed
like sardines and there are delays.
As Lash & I walk towards the strting points, accompanied by
Lash's wife Charnjit, my son Sukhi & our friends Paul &
Malcolm, we are shouted at by the Race Marshalls that we're late
and have to get a move on. We step up the pace and further
along, we are again informed that we need to get to the start point
or we'll miss the start. We have to do nearly a mile just get
there!!.
After setting off, it was amazing to see the number of people
running in fancy dress, cartoon characters, teams joined up to make
caterpillars (we later found out that amongst the team was Pricess
Beatrice - and we were patting them on the back!!! - Bet the
security team had some nervous moments). Amongst the many
celebrities taking part (including Richard Branson who was
promoting Virgin as sponsors of the event) , there were
many people there who were taking part for charities and
for loved ones. Whatever the reasons for people taking part, it was
a phenominal event and made even greater by the thousands of
people who came to cheer on the participants. Beer, jelly
beans, water, orange slices - everything was on offer by the
spectators - The cheering & encouragement was incredible and
certainly very uplifting - enough to get you through the pain
barrier and get you to the next milestone.
Well, the end result was that Lash & I both managed to finish
the marathon in 5hrs & 7mins and achieved our ambitions.
Thanks to everyone who donated to my chosen charity - Cancer
Research UK - and all of you for your encouragement & support,
without which it would have been very difficult.
If you haven't donated and would like to, please click on the link
below & enter your credit card details.
http://www.runningsponsorme.org/nim
Thanks once again!!
Here's to the next challenge.....
Saturday 24th April 2010
It's one more day and I will be participating in the greatest
Marathon event in the world!!
Unfortunately, my cough is as bad as ever and I have a constant
streaming nose, my head is completely bunged up and I'm really
feeling down.
After a full day at work, we (Myself, Lash, our wives &
children, together with our friends Paul & Malcolm) travel by
train to London for overnight stay.
Staying at the superb Plaza Westminster Hotel, we had a meal at a
small family run Italian restaurant around the corner. Whilst
everyone tucked into anything their heart desired (alcohol
included), Lash & I were limited to pasta & water.
Went to bed around 11 O'clock, covering myself in Vick decongestant
& burying my head under the duvet. Not a good night's sleep -
probably down to nerves but also my cough & bunged up head.
Wednesday 21st April 2010
After a sleepless night spent coughing & with a temperature,
I'm in no fit state to any form of physical exercise.
I'm mindful that I have to show at the gym this morning to meet
everyone for our usual Wednesday morning session.
I opt to sit in the steam room & that's about as much as I can
manage.
Tuesday 20th April 2010
I'm on the coundown now and scheduled to do just 3 miles
today.
Unfortunately, I've got some cold symptoms and I really coughed
& splutterd all the way.
I feel dog rough and have a temperature & a wheezing
cough.
I come home and go straight to bed at 8 O'clock!!
Saturday 17th April 2010
My final "long run" before the big day next Sunday.
The fundraising's going well, I have over £800 paid for and more
pledged.
Please help and donate generously by visiting Cancer Research UK
fundraining page http://www.runningsponsorme.org/nim
I come home from work on a glorious sunny afternoon. It's coming
into the evening time and it's tempting to get the barbeque out and
have some beers, rather than go out running. All sorts of thoughts
are entering my head as to how I can justify doing anything but
running. My daughter put paid to that when she reminded me that I
was only a week away from the big day and I haven't been doing
my runs, so I need to do every bit possible now.
Smiling sarcastically, I get changed, fill my bottle of water &
head out to do the scheduled 8 miles.
I start out quite gingerly with my left knee giving me little sharp
pains, but at least the ankle is better and seems to be taking the
strides well.
Strangely, I don't come across any one else running this route out
into the countryside. Even the dog walkers seem to have stayed at
home.
I quickly find out that they are all in the beer gardens of the
pubs that I'm running past!!
I find it tough going due to the relatively warm weather and aslo
the fact that the breathing was difficult due the strong smells of
the pig swill that the farmers were spreading in the fields.
I completed the run and was home whilst the sun was still out -
this is something that hasn't happened before!!
Now where are the ice packs.....
Thursday 15th April 2010
The hip joint / lower back seems to be much better but the ankle
& knee on the left are still giving me gip.
I rubbed some ralgex on them and did some warm up excercises be
fore going on a determined 4 miles run.
Whilst it wasn't completely comfortable, I did have in mind that it
is a relatively short run and I should manage this without having
to pull up.
I come back to put some ice on to bring down the inflammation
but had a bit of an uncomfortable night.
Rest day tomorrow, so should help.
Wednesday 14th April 2010
After yesterday's little run, I'm feeling encouraged but the
imflammation on the joints is still there.
I join Team Autobahn at the gym at 6.30am sharp (except Mike,
who slept in and will have to buy the lunch on Saturday as a
penalty).
As I go on the treadmill, I'm flanked by Lash & Paul, the
Directors at Autobahn, and both are well into the flow. I
concetrate on not falling off (which I've managed to do in the
past).
I manage my 3 scheduled miles but the niggling pains are there,
only I can't put any ice on the joints as I have to get into
work.
See how it feels tomorrow.
Tuesday 13th April 2010
OK, into the last full week before the big day and I'm quite
concerned as I haven't been doing any running at all.
I need to snap out of this and try to get some miles under my belt,
otherwise I'll be up a gum tree come a the big day.
On the other hand, I don't want to aggravate my knee / hip &
ankle injury, otherwise the result will be same.
I'm determined to do something, so I do my 4 miles very gingerly.
After a quick shower, it's straight on with the ice packs - only
problem is I've got injuries in 3 areas and I've only got 2
hands....
Saturday 10th April 2010
Missed the longest scheduled run of the training regime (20
miles).
Don't know where this one is going now, after all the input in the
past weeks / months.
Thursday 8th April 2010
Went to see the physio today and he's told me to have a complete
rest.
The only thing he's sugessted is swimming bu I can only do a doggie
paddle for 5 minutes...
Wednesday 7th April 2010
Went to gym this morning and did about 20 minutes on the cross
trainer but the discomfort level increased.
Feel totally p****d off now and don't know what to do.
I've made another appointment with the physio.
Tuesday 6th April 2010
No!! There's very little improvement on the injury front so I'm
still laid off.
See what I can do in the gym tomorrow.
Saturday 3rd April 2010
I'm getting really frustrated now as I'm scheduled to do 12 miles
today but the ankle / knee / hip won't allow me to do even one
mile.
Ah well, a Saturday night out with the lads then - what else is a
man to do?....
Thursday 1st April 2010
Still unable to run, I decide I must do something.
The only thing I can do is go for a gentle 1 mile walk.
Wednesday 31st March 2010
The ankle / hip / knee combination are keeping me from running and
I'm getting disheartened.
I went to the gym today but only lasted 10 minutes on the cross
trainer before going to have an early shower.
Late in the evening, I seek comfort in my friends
Carling & Stella, much to the dismay of my wife &
daughter
Tuesday 30th March 2010
The ankle is getting better but still tender - No running today
Saturday 27th March 2010
No running today, and the ankle / knee / hip are really tender
Thursday 25th March 2010
Went to see the physio today as not only my ankle, but my knee
& lower back are absolutely killing me.
The physio tells me to rest or I won'yt be running in the Marathon
at all.
Wednesday 24th March 2010
Done my ankle in yesterday's run and it's really sore. I still step
up though and go out for a run, ignoring advice by my colleagues
and family.
Serves me right for not listening as I only manage 2 miles
and have to turn back as I the ankle is giving me real gip.
I spent the evening with an ice pack on it and didn't sleep very
well.
Tuesday 23rd March 2010
Run 5 miles today and it's fantastic - I can actually see what's
around me and avoid the dog / horse / cattle muck on the road &
pavements, as the clocks have gone forward!! Still doesn't help
with my stamina and ability to run though...
Really pleased to learn that my brother (also the MD of the
company) Lash is going to be running the Marathon too!!
A late stamina test run with Daley Thompson, no less, got him an
entry - Fantastic!!!
Sunday 21st March 2010
Got up really early today, much to the wife's surprise, as I'm
normally one for having a lie in on Sundays.
Out of the house and running at 7 O'clock!!
As I struggle for the first couple of miles through the dark,
there's no one about - it's eerily quite and all I've got is me,
the sound of my feet, and my thoughts.
Slowly, the time advances and distance increases. Before I know
it, I've covered several miles and it's daylight. People are
appearing on the road, on the way to to the shop to get the Sunday
morning papers or walking their dogs. Cyclists dressed in racing
gear are out and the joggers are out too - there is community
out here that I hadn't witnessed since I had a paper round!! I was
actually enjoying this and reached my halfway point &
turned back towards home - I was actually halfway back on the
return journey before I started tiring.
I get more and more tired as I get towards home and end up walking
the last 2 miles, occasionally trying to step it up but not
quite managing it.
Still, I'm proud of what I've achieved today AND I'm home
before the kids are out of bed!!
As I drive to garden centre later today, I clock that I've actually
covered just over 20 miles!! Brilliant - Now to tell the lads I
can't play football later because I can barely walk!!!!
Saturday 20th March 2010
Left the run today and decided to do it on Sunday as I was late
home from work.
Thursday 18th March 2010
I was supposed to have done 8 miles yesterday, only managing 4
miles. At least I'm up and running again, and am definitely feeling
better and with a little more energy. With this in mind, I manage 5
miles, made a little easier with a lot more people out running
this route today. There is unspoken bond amongst the people
pounding the pavements and there is automatic encouragement by just
a nod of the head or a thumbs up. Those walking their dogs are
equally encouraging, but I'm always giving them a wide birth,
scared I might be bitten!!
See what happens on Saturday - It's another big one
scheduled!!
Wednesday 17th March 2010
Went to the gym today to join Team Autobahn that is Richard, Mike,
Paul & Lash - Managed to do 4 miles on the treadmill without
falling off.
Somewhat easier than yesterday, but perhaps that's because it's
different running on the treadmill. Anyway, I'm pleased with my
input and the subsequent output. See how I get on on tomorrow.
Tuesday 16th March 2010
As I haven't done any form running for the last week except the 5
miles which I struggled with last Saturday, I decide on a short run
of 3 miles today to get a base to build on. I thought I would
breeze through this, but it was abit tougher than I thought -
obviously need to start building up again slowly.
Saturday 13th March 2010
I havn't done any from of exercise or running this
week.
I come home from work and do 5 miles to mark a run for the week.
Something better than nothing, I suppose.
Wednesday 10th March 2010
Missed the Autobahn Team meeting in the gym this morning & I
don't go running.
Legs are like lead and just seem to be totally drained of
energy.
Tuesday 9th March 2010
Totally fatigued and definitely no running today
Monday 8th March 2010
Haven't got the energy to get out of bed, completely
whacked, and don't even make it to work...
Saturday 6th March 2010
Got up really early today (the wife wondered what was going on as I
normally have to be dragged out of bed) and set off from home at 4
O'clock.
Dark, icy cold winds & frosty outside, I convince
myself I must do this. As I head down the road, I thought I
would be the only one about at this hour.
To my surprise, I'm greeted by clubbers coming home from a night
out (a few of them somewhat worse for wear). I look at them and
I think that in a few miles, I'll be just as unstable as
them...
I huffed and puffed this run, absolutely determined to complete the
scheduled 18 miles. As it was, I ended up walking and
struggling to stay on my feet for the last mile. Just about made it
home and collapsed in heap.
"Come on, have a shower - you're going be late for work" I can hear
the wife's voice ringing in my ears. Oh yeah, I knew there was
something I had to do.... help!!!
Thursday 4th March 2010
Exhausted but determined to complete the midweek runs. I'm
starving but fotunately, my consignment of
suplements from Lucozade has arrived which allows me to take in
some sticky sweet stuff to fuel my body for a little run.
I run down to the city centre and back for a change
of scenery (not that you can see anything in the dark).
There are a number of people honking their horns and sometimes
shouting - I don't know if it's directed at me and indeed, if it's
meant be as encouragement or abuse. Either way, I stick my weary
arm in the air at an attemt at a wave as acknowledgement. The truth
is, I wish they would stop and give a lift home, making up some
excuse to say I was needed back urgently. No such luck though and I
just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Wednesday 3rd March 2010
Hey, it's dry & not freezing cold!!
Positive thinking is the key today - I've convinced mtself that
this will make my running easier.
I choose a route that will bring me back to work (as I haven't
spent long enough there already!!). Serously though, this does
serve a purpose as it's exactly 4 miles (half the distance to be
run today) and also there is a water tap outside the premises which
I can use for topping up my water bottle.
I puff and pant my way to the garage and start back on my
journey home when I come across running club group coming in the
opposite direction. I give way and let them pass on a narrow
stretch of pavement and head off again, promising myself that I'll
have a sip of water again in another mile.
As I head down the road and the mile mark approaches, a female
runner joins in from another road just ahead of me. I decided to
follow, forgetting all about my sip of water. The gap of 10 paces
or so increases gradually and as I target trying to catch up
towards the end of the road, she is so far ahead that it seems I
must be walking!!
Ah well, ONLY another mile to go.....
Tuesday 2nd March 2010
I'm just about recovering from last Saturday's run and am
scheduled to do 5 miles today. As I think positively, I know that
this effort now will stand me in good stead later. OK, let's march
out again but to break it up, I'll do a different route
today.
Bad move - this route is hillier than the previous ones I've done
and is unlit in many areas. Not a good experience, this one.
At least I'm back home in time to have something to eat &
digest it before going to bed.
Saturday 27th February 2010
Oh My!! I've really been looking forward to this one (not).
It's 17 miles today and I've been thinking about this one (having
nightmares actually). I've thought about it, thought about and
thought about it. Now, it's a matter of doing it - The longest run
so far.
I drove out yesterday and measured the distance of 8.5 miles
out, knowing that if when I come out this far, I'll have to get
back home somehow!!
I spend the day at work and motivate myself on the way home with
loud music pumping out in the car. Withought thinking about
anything else, I get changed, tell the wife that I "may be
sometime" and step out again, with the mental picture of the route
to be taken.
I'm pleasantly surprised to see the number of people out running
today, all of whom acknowledge one another as they pass. This is
really nice and gives me encouragement.
As I get nearer to the halfway mark, I'm forced to run on a busy
section of the A45 dual carriageway. This was quite frightening as
it was dark and I was relying on my reflective gear to be seen and
not becoming a casualty. Fortunately, this was only for about half
a mile each way.
Coming back at mile 11 and I have to come up a very long steep
hill which absolutely does me in. Afetr a brief walk and sip of
water, I head towards home again, only to step into some horsemuck
which sprays all the way up to my face - lovely!!
I slogged home, walking the last half mile, wreaking of horse muck
and completely done in.
On getting home, the wife nearly passed out when she saw the state
of me. Houseproud as ever and setting her priorities, she made me
strip by the front door before allowing me to go upsatirs to have a
shower. Love you too.....
Just about getting my senses back after the shower & some
recovery drinks but too tired to eat - can't even chew my food. On
top of that, my nipples are sore and bleeding from rubbing against
my top - help!!
Thursday 25th February 2010
I'm still cold from yesterday but at least only 4 miles today.
My mentality is that this will be a walk in the park compared to
yesterday so I'm pumped up to get it out of the way.
I come home from work, get changed, hat on - gloves on - and
I'm out of the door before I've had any time to dwell on
anything.
I'm covering quite a few miles now but getting ever slower. I've
tried different foods, different times in day to run, even bought
some running socks (used to run in my football socks!!). I haven't
been timing myself but just the feeling I get about the pace at
which I'm running & the difficulty. Anyway, keep plodding
and get the run done.
Looking forward to not running tommorow.
Wednesday 24th February 2010
Freezing bloody cold again with cutting winds, but at least it's
dry.
I come home from work and am really weary - all this running is
really becoming a chore!!
The smell eminating from the kitchen is telling me to get
changed, have a wash and sit down for tea until my 15 year old
daughter reminds me that I must do the midweek long run of 8 miles
- Thanks for that Sabrina!! Now go and do your homework &
revision & anything else tha's just as unpleasant!!
Off I tread again - checking which way the wind is blowing
(getting stronger all the time), I choose to go against the wind
with the logic that it will be easier for me on the return journey
with the wind behind me.
I slog the 4 miles and the wind is beginning to swirl. As I head a
mile or so back, the wind changes direction and would you
believe it, I'm running against the wind again!! Ah well, only
another 3 miles to go....
Tuesday 23rd February 2010
Did the 4 mile run last night and seemed hard work.
With about a mile to go, I came across a group of youths
skateboarding outside a local supermarket. They had erected an
obstacle course and were going around the various items and jumping
over others.
As I approached them, they all stood either side of the pavement,
creating a guard of honour, which I had to run through -
not wishing to confront them, I obliged (they were friendly enough
and just wanted to have a laugh).
The funnel they had created led me to a couple of milk crates which
were placed alongside each other, which I had to hurdle. The youths
clapped & cheered, encouraging me tp jump over the crates. I
just about managed it and the feat was greeted with great applause,
whistles and laughter. It was a genuine attempt at encouragement
and as a thank you gesture, I applauded back. Encouraged by
this, I head home to get there a lot quicker and with a smile on my
face.
Monday 22nd February 2010
Change of schedule this week as my all our family are going
out on Friday night and this will end up with me consuming some
beers and also will run to being a late evening, scuppering my
chances of an early morning Saturday run.
So, I've embarked on a plan to bring everything forward by one day
and will do a 4 mile run tonight.
Whilst it's still very cold, most of the snow & ice has
melted off the pavements and the conditions are favourable.
Had some cream cakes today and need to take it easy. It's a
tradition for anyone at work to buy cream cakes when it's their
birthday - failure to buy or eat is not an option!!
Saturday 20th February 2010
Got up really early today at 4am - unheard of for me, but needs
must!!
Got out of the house half an hour later, still rubbing my eyes but
tht was short lived as the temperature of minus 5 Celcius
gave me a sharp wake up.
The conditions outside were dreadful as the snow had turned to
solid ice and set unevenly - prime conditions for picking up and
injury.
As it was very early on a Saturday morning, there was very
little traffic on the roads and I took advantage of running on
the road whenever possible to minimise the risk of injury. This was
OK on the outbound journey but became difficult on the return
journey as traffic on the road increased.
I was at around the 8 mile mark struggling to get up a hill when I
heard someone shouting "Should've gone in a Porsche - it's a lot
faster!!" - It was our milkman, with his hand on his thighs,
rolling with laughter - I'm glad he thought it was funny, but I was
just concetrating on putting one foot in front of the other
without falling over!! The thought of shouting something back at
him one day did cross my mind, but right now, I just wanted to get
home.
Eventually completed the 11 mile schedule in time to get to work
and have a Saturday night out with my wife.
Friday 19th February 2010
Just as I had feared, the weather did take a turn for the worse and
snow was heavy. The drive home was hazardous and running on the
road was definitely a no-no. So, what to do? Stay at home, risk
injury by running on the road, or what? A decision was made - I
must take a drive to the gym and do some running on the
treadmill.
It took nearly an hour to get through all the traffic, a
journey which would have been about 10 minutes under normal
conditions, but I made it to the gym. It was eerily quiet as there
were only about 5 people there, but I just got down to it and did
my quota of 4 miles on the treadmill and headed back home, taking
another hour to get back!
Thank God I don't have to do anything today, as it's a rest
day.
Thursday 18th February 2010
Got home around 6.30 last night and I really didn’t want to go
running, although it was dry and not bad at around 3 degrees - It
was probably the temptation to sit down with a glass of wine and
watch the Champions League footie on the telly instead of running 7
miles.
But hey-ho, the logical side of my brain over-rode the rest of me
(rare occurrence) and governed that the old body needed working
again and the training schedule has to be adhered to (especially in
the wake of my recent groin injury and subsequent lay off).
My son, Sukhi, was home from university (saying he was missing us
and just wanted to say hello but he probably run short on supplies
and money).
He suggested (whilst constantly giggling like a schoolgirl) that I
would enjoy running (enjoy???) if I had an iPod and music to keep
me company.
Anyway, he attached the iPod and wired me for sound - off I trotted
to pound the pavements. I had taken just a few steps and the
headphones fell out, the story being repeated every 50 yards. My
brain just couldn’t compute any more as it was just too much trying
to breathe and putting one foot in front of the other, let alone
trying to add a third item into the equation, so the headphones
swung against my chest for the rest of the run.
I completed the 7 miles without the music but
ended up with a throbbing left ankle – have to see if it’s the
running shoes that’s causing it or something I’ve tweaked. The
weather’s taken a turn for the worse as the snow is settling and
the conditions look a bit treacherous. I can ill afford to skip any
more training runs – I’ll see how I feel this evening as I’m due to
run another 4 miles – perhaps skiing might be easier in this
weather….
Wednesday 17th February 2010
I had scheduled to go for a run this morning (so I can watch some
Champions League footie on TV this evening) but got up late.
Still, I got to the Esporta gym by 6.30am (which, incidentally,
is sponsored by Autobahn) in time to join my colleagues Paul, Mike
& Richard in our weekly team bonding session.
With our Managing Director away on holiday with the kids on half
term, we had thought of skipping this week’s session and keeping it
a secret. But somehow we all teamed up again to do another stint
and came to work & to open for business by 8 o’clock.
Well, it’s 7 miles scheduled tonight and whilst my legs are still
sore, I know that I’ll have to cover the miles to keep on track.
Will I do it or create some fantastic excuse for opting for the
football and a glass of wine?....
Tuesday 16th February 2010
Went out for a gentle jog from my house to the City Centre (a
couple of miles) just to see how I get on with my recovery from the
recent injury to my adductor muscle. Seemed to be OK on the injury
front but didn’t half huff & puff. I could have almost stopped
off at the pub down the road and had a pint if I had some money on
me – the temptation was great but the lack of money and the thought
of ribbing that would have come my colleagues at work (“you haven’t
got the discipline to do the marathon!!” I can hear ringing in my
ears) kept me away – a bit of a scale tipper there, the heavier of
the two being the lack of money!!
Hard work today, but I’m pleased that I came through it.
Report again tomorrow…