Mark Mitchinson's
It seemed a long time coming but Marathon Day finally arrived. Here’s my video diary, featuring the carbo-gel packs, the ten pound note, my trusty miCoach phone, the start… the wall, and finally the finish! Thanks again to all of you who have supported me by following this blog and helped me raise thousands of pounds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
My Training Diary
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Apr 21 2008
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Apr 18 2008
Rocky II - The End
Well I did it.
I’m just waiting for a call from a member of the London 2012 Olympic Committee telling me my time of 5 hours 24 minutes is under the qualifying time to represent Team GB in four years time.
Joking aside, I did manage to beat my time of ten years ago, although that clearly wasn’t particularly impressive! It was tough, and almost impossible to get into any stride pattern.I started at the back which was a huge mistake. Within 200 yards I was being held up by people already walking the course; it was like waiting in a queue to buy the upcoming Samsung Soul (U900).
When I spoke to others lining up on the day it was clear that I hadn’t put in the miles necessary to do a good time and I certainly hadn’t completed enough long distance running before the off.
Having said all that, I did it and I’m proud and privileged to have been able to run on behalf of Richard and Lauran McGowan; my short term pain is, I hope, Lauren’s, and people with this awful illness, long term gain!
It’s an emotional day for many reasons but to see and very clearly hear the crowd literally screaming for people to do well is an awesome feeling.
I did really slow down towards the end of the race and then the worst of my fears was realised: the same two bloody Rhinos came past me as they had done ten years before. You just want to sink to your knees - or trip them up… if only I could catch them. Third time lucky? No, I think not!
At this point, I would like to thank a few people without whose support I would not have been able to complete this monumental task. In no particular order they are as follows:
- My wife Lynne and our children Louise, Callum and Chloe
- Also our friends for listening to the endless woes about my aging decrepit legs; I love you all!
- To my PA Louise Munyard; quite simply, a rock and the real deal!
- To Anne-Sophie for being part of the Gala Dinner Charity event
- Cheil, The Lounge, Us3
- To all the kind and generous people who sponsored me along the way. (Although the final figure has yet to be announced, it’s already more than I could have hoped for… keep pledging!)
- To Carey McGregor and Steve “Basher” Bishop the pace makers and co-runners
- To the other guys who occasionally joined in on the lunchtime runs.
- To Samsung and President IS Kim and MS Kim
- To everyone in my team at work. You’re the best!
- To “T” for walking with me when I needed moral support over the final stages of the run
- To Jess, Jo, Damon and Brent for looking after my physiotherapy and massage needs, and there were many
- The list goes on and on, but finally to the whole McGowan family. I know Richard was so proud of his family and it can’t be easy for you right now, but at least your, son, daddy, brother, friend touched the heart of everyone he met and it’s Richard who asked me to run the marathon to help find a cure for Lauren and many others like her. I’m just proud that I was able to help this amazing charity.
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Filed under: My Training Diary
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Mar 20 2008
Hemel Hempstead 20 mile training run
As promised, here’s my video diary from Hemel Hempstead last Sunday.
It’s what I would call an ‘honest’ account!
By Mark Mitchinson | 2 Comments
Filed under: My Training Diary, Videos
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Mar 17 2008
The highs and the lows
What a week it’s been!
I started last Sunday (9th March) laid up in bed with food poisoning, not able to complete my half marathon on the south coast… to completing a 20-mile run/hike yesterday in some of the worst conditions I have ever experienced.
Within 200 yards of starting the run yesterday, my feet were submerged in water and mud whilst running along the canal at Hemel Hempstead. Still, the important thing was I managed to complete the run without stopping, in about 4 hours. Look out for my post-race video.
Sandwiched between two very different Sundays, I managed to complete a further 10 miles and pick up the prestigious ‘Manufacturer of the Year 2008′ award at this year’s Mobile News Awards, held at the Hilton, Park Lane on 13th March.I would like to say a huge thank you to all my team in the UK and Ireland for their tremendous hard work and dedication in winning Manufacturer of the Year for the second year running.
Back to the training; there are only 3 weeks of training left before I take my place in line on 13th April. It is still going to be a monumental task for me to finish the marathon but at least I can look back on yesterday’s achievement with some pride… the toughest physical and mental experience I have had to encounter thus far!
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Feb 19 2008
8 weeks… and counting
I’ve had a bit of a disappointing week training wise; I wasn’t able to run as often as I would have liked.
Whilst it sounds like an excuse, this was mainly due to being at an industry conference in Barcelona, which involved the occasional extra large glass of red wine! In addition to that, I was very fortunate to be invited, by Orange, to the BAFTA Awards on 10th February.
Before making it down to London that afternoon, I did manage to complete my first half-marathon distance, which was a great milestone for me. However, walking up the red carpet without the aid of crutches proved more difficult than it should have been!
This week, I anticipate completing another 13-mile run… while carefully watching my alcohol intake!
By Mark Mitchinson | 2 Comments
Filed under: My Training Diary
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Feb 15 2008
Beating the bogeyman
While I have a minute…
Peter, many thanks for your support and the costume suggestion you left in your comment the other day. “Fungus the Bogeyman” is now, err… on the list.
In answer to your question: I’m currently the VP here at Samsung Mobile. Glad to hear from another happy customer!
Amy… glad you liked the video. We had a lot of fun making it!
I’ll try to post an update on my own progress later on today.
By Mark Mitchinson | 1 Comment
Filed under: Competitions, My Training Diary
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Feb 8 2008
9 weeks… and counting
I’ve been really encouraged this week with the number of miles I’ve managed to complete.
On Sunday, I completed just under 12 miles, which is the farthest I have run in 10 years.
I’m still feeling the muscle discomfort, but I guess that is to be expected. This week, I’m on course to complete 30 miles in total.
Meanwhile, the product gala dinner on 28th February is shaping up really well. Samsung product portfolio looks very strong this year and we are excited about demonstrating some of these products. There is one product that I’m particularly excited about that will be featured at the event. We’ve also had confirmation of a number of well-known and respected celebrities and sports personalities who are lending their support to the evening and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Unfortunately, Richard McGowan has taken a turn for the worse and our thoughts are very much with him.
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Filed under: My Training Diary
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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!
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Filed under: My Training Diary
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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).
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Filed under: My Training Diary
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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
