Update...

Dear Damian Byrne

Thank you for signing up to run in the Big Fun Run event. Your application for
a place in the Derby Big Fun Run 2008 on Saturday 11th October has been
accepted. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

Tis done, I have signed up, chosen SADS as my charity and paid my £7.50 entrance fee, this is it, I have to do it now. 5k here we go.

I understand the treadmill/cross trainer is a completely different experience to road running, I did however manage 5k on the cross trainer (5.01Km/20 min 20 sec/ 302 calories), then straight to the treadmill for 2.5k (2.51Km/15 min 7 sec/ 261 calories).

I am going to set a pace of 30 minutes to do the 5k, this is at a steady 10Km/hour, not sure how realistic this is, only time will tell.

Am I going Mad.

I had a thought while waiting to go to the gym. - (May have been a momentary lapse of sanity)

Why don't follow the Tao route and do a real out-of-the-gym run.

Googling for "Derby 5k" brought a link to the same event Tao is running, the Big Fun Fun, and it's in Derby too.

There is no "fun" in a "run"

The only problem, it's 11 October. This gives me less than 6 weeks to prepare, not only this but I'm on holiday for 2 of those.

Can I compare running on the treadmill with running on the ground ?
Will my knee hold up for 5k ?
Will I wake up from this nightmare ?
How long are you supposed to prepare for a 5k run ?

I shall go to the gym and try a 5k treadmill run - Paramedics on standby

The Fatloss Fitness Continues

That's me that is (almost)

I have hit the gym 4 times in the last 5 days (I went for a walk on the other day !!!!)

As Tao will agree, the Podrunner Podcasts are not only good at listening to whilst doing your cardio, they also make it easier.

I managed 40 minutes on the cross trainer yesterday, burning 6oo calories and running 10k. YES Damian Byrne did a 10k run. - This was while listening to the latest podcast "167 BPM - “Waiting for the Sun”

OK I know its nowhere near a real 10k run, but made me think, could I do a real 5k run, Tao has gone a stage further and entered himself in the MK 10K.

I am off work this week and made a vow to go every day.

Todays workout consisted of;

• 15 minutes treadmill - 200 calories - 3Km
• 15 minutes x-trainer - 225 calories - 4.7Km
• Weights
• 15 minutes treadmill - 200 calories - 3Km

2 hours in the gym and still home by 9.30

By the end of this I aim to cycle to the gym, do my workout and cycle back again (7 miles on cycle), If that doesn't help me lose weight, I give up...

.... To think I'm calling this holiday from work !!!

Well... Would you ?

This report shows some companies are starting to allow employees to work 4 days instead of 5.

Great news I hear you shout, it does mean working 4 long days rather than 5, (for some this would mean us working 4 long days rather 5 long days, weekends and evenings).

This saves both the company money in operating costs, while saving the employee in travel costs and time, nursey fees etc and more importantly, gives them a 3 day weekend.

I'd be in, would you?

Still getting fit

An amazing coincidence occured, my fellow blogger, Xbox Owner, Ipod lover and former work colleague Tao has just started getting fit and has also blogged about it here and here.

We are both doing identical workout regimes using the exact same running podcast (Podrunner Intervals).

These Podcasts are brilliant, I am now listening to Level 1 - Week 4 which consists of;

BPM CHART:
5-minute warmup @ 129 bpm
3 minutes @ 140 bpm
90 seconds @ 130 bpm
5 minutes @ 140 bpm
2 minutes 30 seconds @ 130 bpm
3 minutes @ 140 bpm
90 seconds @ 130 bpm
5 minutes @ 140 bpm
Two minute cooldown @ 130 bpm

I ran this earlier this morning and managed a distance of 7.25k, burned 470calories in the 30 minutes the podcast ran for.

Geek Alert - Tao is now ready to run in the real world and splash out on pimping his iPod with the Nike Plus sports kit or a GPS watch and Google Mapping his route.

I have done similar althoug spent less (nothing). Firstly I don't go out running, however when I go out on my bike, I have a GPS enabled PDA and use GPS Tuner to map the route (30 day trial) which allows you to upload the data.

That's all I need (for now) although am looking to get a heart rate monitor to ensure I keep my heart at 150BPM (optimal for fat burning/cardio).

Get Fit (again)

It's that part of the year where I decide to get fit (again) 5 weeks to my holiday where I start to think, "Sh!t, I need to lose weight, I'm going on holiday soon".

I am quite lucky as the excess weight just drops off me as long I eat sensibly and exercise, I attempted the "AH nearly dying diet"* last year, although it worked and I lost almost 1 and a half stone, it's not recommended for 2 reasons;

1. You might die
2. You will probabyly put weight back on.

I have resorted to normal methods, cycling (Kind of) and going to the gym - this is what this post is about.

If you like listening to your iPod while running, and like fast music to help with the cardio, have a look at the Podrunner podcasts.

The Podrunner podcasts have a fixed BPM for use when cardio training
There are also Podrunner Intervals which have a varied BPM which I use for High Intensity workouts, I am currently doing the "First Day to 5K".

Try it.. (Or Don't)

The AH diet so called after "me mate" at work, who decided to go one better than me last year and have a brain tumor. - It's all about one-upmanship on our office...

EDIT: Apparently it wasn't a brain tumour - it was a "giant pituitary macroadenoma", (Isn't there a dance to that song). - I SAY : SAME THING

HTF

This is an addition to "WTF" in relation to what I have just watched...

How the hell did Usain Bolt manage to run 100m in 9.69 AND leave the rest of the field standing, it seemed he didn't even try.

Wow - I hope this is pure natural ability. Well done that man (He shouldn't have slowed down though).

Watch it here on the BBC site

Another One

Bernie Mac - a great actor and even greater comedian also passed this weekend, his stand up shows (not suitable for children) always featured is trademark "I ain' scared of y'all Mother Hubbards" - It wasn't actually hubbards but you get the drift. He died on Saturday of complications from pneumonia at just 50 years old - Wow !!!

RIP Bernie Mac

London to Brighton Bike ride
(Read: Little Eaton to Makeney Bike Ride)

They say things happen in 3s' My 3rd blog in a day.

First blog was the motivational video from a man who was dying, then a blog about a legend who has passed, this one is the very opposite (no not more babies - but staying alive).

This is going to be a shock to some, but I am back on my bike - the shock may be the sight of me in cycling shorts hence the conveniently placed newspaper showing the date.


I managed a 6 mile bike ride on Thursday, not far I admit and I had to stop twice, but it's most definetaly a start - less than a year ago I couldn't even pedal full circle so this is quite good going.

I'm all geeked up too - I have installed GPS Tuner on my PDA which gives tracks the whole route including distance, speed, altitutude, rate of climb etc, so will be able to monitor exactly where I have my heart attack. how well I am doing - I am hoping I can do a 10 mile ride in the next couple of weeks.

.... remember kids, wear your cycle helmet at all times. you may look a div - but when you smack your head on the ground - you just need to buy a new helmet rather than a coffin.

Bring on the bike ride Cookie - Lets have ya !!!

Isaac Hayes - RIP

Isaac Hayes - 20/08/1942 - 10/08/2008)

I was raised listening to Isaac Hayes, In fact Black Moses was one of the records I used to use to skid around the carpet on when I was a wee boy (Sorry Mum). Sad to hear that he passed away today.

He was the voice of the 70's for the single reason that is the movie "Shaft", and was the voice of the Chef in Southpark (until he fell out with the creators over a scientology episode).

Chocolate Salty Balls anyone?

Altogether now

"Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother-man? Shaft"

Life... and all that is associated with it.

We all bitch and moan about our lives, our jobs, our family and friends and the world in which we live in, most of us should be thankful we are alive, fit and well, I for one shouldn't complain after coming through a year of "a dodgy knee" as I can walk, ride and do everything else again that at one point thought I'd never do.

For those who still do have things to moan about, spend 11 minutes and 32 seconds watching the video below. This is a lecture given by Randy Pausch, a University professor in the US who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. This is actually a reprise of his last lecture given to his students and rather than be morose and sad.... well just watch.



Inspiration or what ?

New Gadget...

... and about time too, it's been months since I have had chance to get a new gadget, this is due to the ever increaseing price of Oil - It's not, but hey, let's jump on the bandwagon and lay blame.

Any-hoo

I have managed to acquire the new HTC Diamond.
First impressions.

When I eventually managed to get the box open, I switched the diamond on where I was greeted with the standard Vodafone version of the software, this of course will be changed to the standard HTC ROM as soon as I have a spare 10 minutes. All in all a slim device, similar in size to many of the Samsung phones around at the moment.

I like - the size, interface, the built in GPS, the 3.2Mp camera, the built in 4Gb drive

I don't like - the interface, lack of keyboard, no buit in GPS software, the built in storage (no capabililty to extend with MicroSD Cards etc.)

I recently gave up using the HTC Touch Dual as it became very slow and I am gradually going off full touch screens (yes I know the Dual had a slide out keypad), I reverted back to the trusted HTC S710.

I have been playing with the Diamond for 2 days, but again have reverted back to the S710 while I transfer contacts etc. Check back soon to see if I actually use the Diamond...

Go Go Go !!!!

Fantastic news (for us local people anyway)

It was announce on Friday that the British Grand Prix will move from Silverstone to Donington in 2010, this is due to problems between the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) and Bernie Ecclestone.
Whatever the issues are, I don't care, being an F1 fan for 2o years, (yes even before I was born), I have been wanting to go to a race for about 6 years although never actually bothered to, I had a ticket for last year but had to give it away so I have my knee op, and this years lot of "4 freebies" fell through..

Donington is in Leicester/Nottingham/Derby depending on your choice and is less than 45 minutes from my house, so come race weekend, I'll be able to get there in 2ish hours.

Can't wait - and Leah enjoy it even more then (She is also a fan of F1 - has been since 20 days old).
BTW:- Lewis Hamilton - well done

"...and the Creed and the Colour and the name don't matter..."

I remember the above line from a hymn we used to sing at school.... all those years ago.

As SWMBO is working (again), I have the pleasure of enjoying looking after my little girl, hence the 6.30 morning wake, I have been forced into watching the Baby TV channel, during Leah's sleepy time however, I watched BBC news who report on the adoption crisis facing black and ethnic minority children, this is plain damn crazy, councils and social workers are trying to "match" children and parents based on their ethnic origin etc, this is leading to these children being left in care longer than average, and people who want to adopt, not being able to, this made me think.

What does it matter.

The Flag of Damian Byrne

I am Half Caste (you may want to be PC and call it mixed parentag/mixed race/dual heritage whatever - I don't - I am a full, pure, 100% person), My mum is White (half British/half Irish), my Dad is Jamaican, this means that I am 1/4 Irish, 1/4 British and 1/2 Jamaican. I don't 'fully' match my parents, either in race, background etc, so what the hell would have happened if I had been put up for adoption.

I feel sorry for the poor children that cannot be adopted for the simple reason that they are the wrong colour, and this is the plain and simple fact - it is solely down to colour. I feel sorry for the people who can't have children and can't adopt, I think the majority of people would adopt a child be it black, white, yellow or pink with green stripes. I feel sorry for the perfect people runnig these councils who assume colour matters. (The same people that tell me I can't call myself Half-Caste, we can't say blackboard, blackmail, manhole cover, whitewash etc).

You should concentrate yourself on something that matters more in the world - FFS

"You're Hired"


Congratulations to Lee, Winner of the Apprentice 2008
And to Tao for his prediction...

The Apprentice - The Final

Yay - The final is upon us and the final 4 have been split into 2 teams,

Alex & Helene and Lee & Claire

The winning team of the last challenge have a 50/50 chance of being "Hired", Alex & Helene would be my favourite for Alex to get hired but you never know, if, on the other hand Lee and Claire win, I am edging towards Lee, however his presentation skills are not up to it (I know exactly how he feels when having to stand up in front of people - I hate it).

Here we go...

Tut Tut

Lewis Hamilton - You Tit !!!!

Euro 2008

Euro 2008 is less than an hour away, as there are no home teams there was no-one for me to support, however as I have paid 5 quid to enter the work sweepstake and have drawn France, this is now my adopted team, I am, for the next few weeks going to adopt the french way of life. As far as I know, this will involve the following

• Drinking wine with every meal.
• Riding a bike with a striped top and onions around my neck
• Shout alor and shrug my shoulders
• Drive like a madman

Please note: These "Stereotypes" are taked from the Harraps website and not my perception of French people at all, in fact I only know 2 French people, Bonjou Bonnie from the Royal Mail Days. and Jerome, the chain smoking, drinker Director of an IT company we worked with.

Vive La France

Gadgets

Back to gadgets.

It's been a while since I have looked at replacing my mobile phone for the simple fact that

1. There's nothing out there better than my HTC Touch Dual
2. The iPhone isn't available on anything other than O2.

Now there's a new toy coming very soon, and on Orange. The HTC Touch Diamond.
Orange - despite sending me a text stating you have reviewed my talkplan and I'm already on the best plan, I beg to differ, I want more minutes, more texts, unlimited data and one of these phones FREE.

Now then, isn't there a few football matches coming up..

The Apprentice - Part II

I may have failed in placing my hopes on Signature to win Britains Got Talent. (They came second), but so far so good on The Apprentice, Alex is still in contention as he faces the final week and the final 4.

I never quite got Lucinda, why would someone give up their "in excess of" £100k contract role for a £100k role working for Mr Amstrad. Me thinks maybe this is a self promotion. She stated she didn't "need" the job but "wanted" it. Stupid woman, the rest of these people actually need the job and the money that comes with it.

I am quite happy so far with the "firings"... Here's the Damo B rundown of the final 4


Lee McQueen - lied on his CV (but everyone does) - nice guy "last chance" - if he doesn't get the job, it's because of the CV issue - BIG MISTAKE, but will find work - nice guy.


Helene Speight - tough childhood (but who hasn't) - hard worker, will definately find work if she doesn't get hired by SrrrrrAlan


Alex Wotherspoon - described as a "looker" and "charmer" (what salesman can't charm) - was my favourite and is a nice bloke loves telling people he's " only 24" - I'm now thinking top 2 with...

Claire Young - I'nm not sure about her - she appears to be very good talks too much and get's herself into trouble for doing so, but "Sir Alan" likes her...