I think this was some University undergraduate's idea of a joke. Much as I'd like to believe it I can confirm that it is, in fact, bollocks. Yes, I play for 2 hours most nights of the week and build up a bit of a sweat. But think about it... I get to sit down for the whole gig and drum sticks really don't weight that much - it's basically the equivalent of sitting in a chair and waving your limbs about for 2 hours. It would be more difficult it I was playing with baked bean tins.
Anyway, I spent my day off in London with a girl who just got a place to run the marathon next year. She applied for it not wanting to get a place (go figure). The day before the results came in she was desperately hoping that it would be a rejection. She tells me she's rubbish at running and yet she already ran the marathon once. She was interested in getting some running shoes so we went to the Nike shop. Now, you may already know that I'm a sucker for gadgets. I couldn't resist the idea of having a pair of trainers that measure how far you run, in what time and for how long. It'll even tell you how many calories you've burned (so I know to stop before I disappear completely.) I ended up going on a treadmill while a video camera recorded my running style (apparently that of someone with some kind of disability.) The guy found me some special shoes to make me run a little bit less like I needed to go to the toilet. He seemed genuinely amused at the fact that I didn't know how to run properly.
In hindsight I think the fact that I was out of breath after 30 seconds on a treadmill should have been warning enough to stop me spending money on shoes which were going to make me feel like I had to go running on my own. But, I had a girl who didn't want to run the marathon egging me on and telling me that I'd feel great if I got into the habit of running. I also bought some special socks and a gay looking stretchy windbreaker top.
We left the Nike shop and headed straight for Beard Papa's cream puff shop (I've been planing that for months) and ate lots of cream puffs. I think there should be a setting on this thing that tells you when you've burned off a cream puff (it'll probably take me a week at the rate I'm going).
This morning I decided I'd begin my running schedule. I decided to put up a picture of my running statistics rather than a photo of me in my running gear (though the latter would certainly have more comedic value).
I ran a mile in about 10 minutes. Didn't warm up or stretch (haven't figured that out yet). I was knackered after half a mile, and after returning to the hotel felt sick for a good 30 minutes. I really hope I get better. Right now I'm actually feeling quite good - I'll keep you updated on my progress.
By the way, the Nike site and the thing that goes on your iPod is well cool. If you join up you can compare runs and schedules and things with other users. A good way to give you a kick in the butt and get you out there.
Also, Beard Papa's rocks!
J
