graden.org.uk

Essar 4 Villages Half Marathon 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:00:09 +0000

First race of the year and a decent time (02:04:45) even though I had a big problem with my leg between 7 and 10 miles which meant I had to walk quite a bit. It eased and I finished with 2 very fast miles. Roll on Blackpool next month :-)

Training & some News to come

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:33:24 +0000

Week 1 of my marathon training is over and you can see how I did here.
Also, I will be announcing some news shortly that will give me more of a reason to do well at the marathon. Check here next week for more details.

Greater Manchester Marathon 2011

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 09:00:58 +0000

Well its time to get out training for my 3rd Marathon. On April 29th 2011 I will attempt to run 26.2 miles around Manchester and all just for fun lol.
As of today my 16 week training schedule starts which will include 3 ot 4 half marathons and around 250 miles of training. You can follow my progress on facebook, google+ and via a blog here on my own website.

The Wombats @ Liverpool Academy

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 19:30:11 +0000

This band really are one of the best lives bands ive ever seen. Truly good tunes and perfect set. Until the next time :-)

Conwy Half Marathon

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:33 +0000

Yet another sub 2 hour run. 01:58:02. Thats 4 on the trot so maybe ive just nudged on a bit in my speed. Started quite slowly having a chat with my mate Paul Taylor for the first 7 miles but then decided to push on half way up the huge hill and although it hurt reaching the top it was well worth it to absolutely fly down the other side. A steady last 3 miles to the finish and another brilliant time under my belt. Well chuffed and will be back again next year for definite.

The Vaccines @ Manchester Academy

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

PB @ the Lancaster Half Marathon

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 11:22:43 +0000

After virtually no training becasue of a house move (and a little bit of laziness) I just turned up wanting to beat last years time of 2h 15m. To my surprise I ran fast and comfortable for 11 miles and then really powered the last 2 miles to smash my PB with a time of 01:55:18
Totally out of the blue and awesome feeling. Doubt ill do the same at Conwy in 2 weeks but still looking forward to it.

The Rifles & The Book Club @ Leeds Cockpit

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 19:00:49 +0000

What an awesome Gig. First up were The Book Club who are basically a newer version of Milburn. They were amazing playing just about the full debut album. A long set for a support band. Defo cant wait to see these again.
Another support band appeared but they weren't very good and I cant remember what they were called lol.
Then the headline act The Rifles. Now the new album isnt quite up to the usual standard and once the crowd made them aware of that (muted applause for new - going mental for old) they stuck to the older material and it turned out to be a memorable performance. Very underrated band and deserve much more acclaim then they get.
Simply one of the best gigs of 2011 :-)

Little Comets @ Manchester Academy

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:30:11 +0100

The Specials @ O2 Apollo, Manchester

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:00:41 +0100

Second gig in two days and another brilliant one. For a bunch of guys in their 50’s they really are amazing. All the hits and more sounding just as they did 30 years ago. Roll on the next tour :-)

Missing Andy @ Moho Live, Manchester

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:54:20 +0100

Another brilliant gig from Missing Andy. Just wish more people would get behind them. At best there were only 40 people there. Still we enjoyed them hugely and the new album is out now which is brilliant.

Marathon Booked

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:13:15 +0100

After the disappointment of missing out on the London Marathon again I decided to enter the Greater Manchester Marathon on April 29th (1 week after London). So I now have a big challenge to keep me running through the winter. I genuinely cannot wait :-)
I have also entered several other events, mostly half marathons, and these can be seen on the main page of my site.

Great Cumbrian Run 2011

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 18:32:53 +0100

Time: 01:59:44
PICS
What a brilliant event. Felt really good this year apart from a struggle around 10 miles. Got chatting to a lad from Carlisle called Craig and the miles just flew by. Top bloke and a really good laugh. Managed to do a 7.5 min last mile so was well pleased with that and the time was under target. Next event is Lancaster Half in november....Bring It On :-)

Marathon-A-No-No

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:30:57 +0100

Today was the day I got a London Marathon magazine through the door. Unfortunately it had ‘commiserations, you have been unsuccessful’ across the front :-(
Huge disappointment. So I think im gonna enter the Greater Manchester Marathon on April 29th 2012 instead.

Great North Run 2011

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:26:47 +0100

Time: 02:09:54
PICS
Well it was that time of year again and my 5th Great North Run in a row. Quite a good one this time from an actual running point of view. Didnt get to caught up in traffic, and felt pretty good most of the way but lost about 5 mins cos I needed a toilet stop just after 5 miles :-(

As you can see by my time it cost me dearly and with my previous best being 2:07 its clear I would have beat that record. Oh well never mind, theres always next year.