The other side of the Mendips - another world...

I've just driven into Wedmore to grab some work to take home for the next few days; the forecast is for another snow-dump on Blagdon on Monday evening (not just Blagdon, of course, but that's what caught my attention). It is as though there has been no snowfall here whatsoever - completely green, dry, sunny and blue skies. In fact it was that way from Cheddar onwards. This of course is the south facing side of the Mendip Hills - whereas Blagdon is North facing and therefore still looks like the Alps. The roads are clear now but all around it's white and deep. I just cleared two tracks for the wheels the length of the driveway this morning: the driveway is about 500 yards long! Basically a private road covered in snow 18 inches deep in places, although mainly about 8 inches. Weird weather.

Decided to explore...

Overlooking the valley and Blagdon Lake...

church to right of centre

Looking up the driveway...

Deeper than I expected!

Very Pretty...not very practical!

Day 2 - Walking

Another cold day. Went to the Mall to buy suitcases, heart rate watch and other bits and pieces. Did 20 minutes brisk intensive walk plus sporadic instensive walks for 2 hours between shops! Feeling good about this venture. Will also use the Cross Trainer. Legs are aching a bit - and ankles and tendons in the heal. Running is a good lesson in patience because everything must be taken slowly and gradually. That said, if in 8 weeks I can run for 30 minutes non-stop comfortabley then that is rapid progression from where I am. Then I can train for my first race - a 3.1 mile race. This gives a lot of purpose. I am already feeling the better for the excercise so far. Very intrigued at what shape I'll be in a year from now.

I have decided to cut down on:

1. Cheese (no cheese lumps between meals)
2. Beer (no beers with meals, just one maybe in the evening occasionally)
3. No chocolates
4. No puddings or cakes
5. No eating between meals
6. No Mayo
7. No butter
8. Less full english breakfasts - 1 per month max

Replace with:

1. Humous
2. Fruit
3. Dried Fruit e.g. raisens
4. Rice bars, Cereal Bars - energy bars
5. Cereal
6. Porridge
7. Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs
8. Olive Oil spread

Need to look at my Marathon book again to stock up on the right foods.

Day 1 - getting started to run a marathon

Me and Frank (and maybe Andrew and Andy - they need to confirm) are doing the London marathon in 16 months' time from a standing start i.e. I can't even run to the mail box! We'd like to do it provided we can be successful in the ballot (there are alternatives). As a half way mark, I'd like to be ready for the Bristol Half which is Sunday 6th Sept. 2009 - 252 day's time.

I currently weigh 12 st 10lbs; waist is 40" and 43" around stomach! That was a surprise! Trousers are 36" - I must have got used to them being tight and ill-fitting. I wonder what I'll be in a year's time? Starting my training today: first, I need to be able to run for 30 minutes without too much trouble so that I am then ready to start the beginners marathon training with an 8 week lead in. I am starting an 8 weeks program to be able to run 2 miles (30 minutes comfortabley) Day 1: 1 min run, then a 2 min walk x 10. Weather today is cold max 3C, dry, sunny inetrvals.