Mark Mitchinson's
This is the ultimate story of an underdog mobile executive who has a real purpose - to raise funds for a great cause. Shot with gritty realism on the mean streets of London, with some breathtaking action sequences in the Chelsea FC gym and a thrilling finale in Trafalgar Square!
Archive for January, 2008
-
Jan 31 2008
-
Jan 31 2008
10 weeks… and counting
Firstly I would like to thank everyone who has made donations. It gives me a great deal of motivation to continue with the rigorous training schedule, knowing I have your support.
I have discovered a really interesting run near the office, which undulates over 6 miles. The only real obstacle on the run is the cross-breed Alsatian that likes to pick off stragglers at the back of the running group – principally me!Having become accustomed to the friendly farmer’s dog, I was faced with an all together new obstacle whilst completing a 10 mile run this afternoon. That obstacle is known to us all as ‘White Van Man’. I can only assume he was a disgruntled LG Viewty user! Undeterred, I managed to complete the run in one piece.
I have probably done more miles this week than in previous weeks, but am still struggling in terms of distance and time. I appear to be cramping up and will look to get some physio over the coming weekend. It is a real issue maintaining the speed necessary to see me through. The upside is that I am marginally ahead of the guy who completed the marathon last year… in a diver’s suit!
By Mark Mitchinson | 1 Comment
Filed under: My Training Diary
-
Jan 29 2008
Sensible shoes
Top tips from Kathryn Freeland, Celebrity Trainer
Choose the correct shoes
Go to a specialist running shop where they will assess your gait, this will make a huge difference to your performance and help to absorb shock thus help avoid injury. It is time for new trainers if the tread is worn or when there is no ankle or forward motion support. Never wash your trainers in the washing machine as this damages the support.
Learn the correct foot technique
You should land softly & quietly on your heel then push off from the ball of your foot and toes, make sure your feet are not rolling in or out (pronation or supination). Your feet should be hip width apart and parallel to each other.
Here are some more of my thoughts about footwear.
Celebrity Personal Trainer & Managing Director of Absolute Fitness & Evening Standard Top Ten Trainer
-
Jan 26 2008
11 weeks… and counting
How do you feel?
I am feeling fine in myself. I am in a different place now, not just in age but in terms of lifestyle. I guess one of my concerns from the outset is being realised somewhat, in the sense that I am not built for long distance running. One instructor at my gym likened me to a JCB… nice! I haven’t run any semi-serious distance since the marathon in 1998.
Is it tougher 2nd time around?
Fundamentally the work/life balance is proving to be my most challenging obstacle. Working in a demanding environment, whilst rewarding and challenging in its own right, does not allow me a great deal of free-time. My wife Lynne and youngest children, Callum and Chloe are very supportive and motivational to be around. The other thing I miss this time around is my running partner, Timo… I’ll finish whatever the conditions.
What is your diet?
I haven’t eaten meat for almost 10 years so I have a healthy diet of fish and pasta with fresh vegetables and fruit. As a special treat, I tend to wash this down with a good bottle of red wine!
What methods of training/additional exercise are you doing?
I tend to do most of my running during breaks at work and at weekends. We have some picturesque places to run around our office with a few 4-6 mile routes to choose from.
I am not sure if it is intentional, but some of my colleagues have been running with me and have decided - for motivational purposes - to thrash me within an inch of my life. I am not at all put off by them having showered and eaten a 3 course lunch before I return!! It is not about speed that counts, but more about making it through to the end.I am mindful, however, of the need to increase the mileage… thank you Mr Ian Clarke (O2).
By Mark Mitchinson | No Comments
Filed under: My Training Diary
-
Jan 24 2008
My favourite tunes
When I’m running, I need some really loud get-up-and-go music to keep me moving. Here are some of my favourite tunes taken from my Samsung MP3 player.
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye
- Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
- Kings of Leon
- Off the Wall - Michael Jackson
- The Killers
- Metallica
- Joe Bonamassa
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
If you’ve got any tunes that you think will help me crack the pain barrier, please send a message and let me know!
By Mark Mitchinson | 1 Comment
Filed under: I'm Listening to..., My Training Diary
Tagged as: motivation, tunes
-
Jan 23 2008
Some photos of the Samsung Fun Run
Here are a few photos from the recent Samsung Fun Run. To see more, click on the link below…
Fun Run photos on Flickr.
1. With Joe Cole (that’s him on the right), Chelsea FC and Patron of the CFT
2. The team photo
3. On your marks!
4. You can’t see the agony on our facesA few more photos of Joe Cole when he visited the Samsung offices.
By Mark Mitchinson | No Comments
Filed under: Photos, Samsung Fun Run
-
Jan 23 2008
Getting Started
Top tips from Kathryn Freeland, Celebrity Trainer
Build up gradually
You should have a structured programme that increases your distances and times gradually - no more than about 10% per week so as to avoid injury. Vary your running surfaces, hard and unstable surfaces for ankle strength and stability and softer surfaces to avoid injury. Beware of running downhill unless you have perfect technique and are used to it.
Always warm upThis will improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury. Aim for 5-10 minutes, start with a brisk walk then some mobilising such as side bends, knee raises, hamstring curls and ankle rolls and then into a slow jog. Avoid static stretches at this stage as they are usually unnecessary, cool you down and can cause injury, they should be done at the end of your running sessions.
Strength training
Alongside your running programme you should also include strength training especially your core, gluteus and quadriceps 2-3 times per week.
Exercises such as: the plank (core); lunges (gluteus and thighs); static squats (quadriceps)
Celebrity Personal Trainer & Managing Director of Absolute Fitness & Evening Standard Top Ten Trainer
By Kathryn Freeland | No Comments
Filed under: Training Tips
Tagged as: exercise, fitness, kathryn freeland, warm-ups
-
Jan 22 2008
Speedy Gonzales
I think Mark should wear this costume for the fun run!
By Ian Fleck | No Comments
Filed under: Competitions
-
Jan 22 2008
-
Jan 22 2008
