From the Evening Post
Tuesday 5th May 2009
(click on the clipping to enlarge)
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Marathon Man Socks it to them for Charity
From the Evening Post
Tuesday 5th May 2009
(click on the clipping to enlarge)
And the winner is !!!
My Lucky Socks Auction has ended and the winner is ...
Mrs Fiona Thomas who bid an amazing £38, all of which goes directly to Action for Children - thank you very much, the winner takes it all and my Marathon socks, unwashed as requested are on their way as well as a brand new pair or socks courtesy of 1000 mile who also made a denotation for my charity.
I am not sure what she will do with the old ones - I was afriad to ask !
I did wear them for the 09 London Marathon, and I am sure you don't need to me to tell you - still no blisters after 10 years !
Thanks very much for supporting my Charity.
The sale was reported in the Evening Post HERE
Saturday 2 May 2009
BBC Cymru Wales' online charity
Paralympic Gold Medallist David Stone MBE introduces aspects of the work of Action for Children-Gweithredu dros Blant in Wales. Inclusing a short interview with staff from Caerphilly Children Centre
BBC Cymru Wales' online charity feature for Spring 2009 is Action for Children-Gweithredu dros Blant. The charity offers support to over 14,000 of Wales' most vulnerable children, young people and their families, for as long as it takes.
The charity's projects and services throughout Wales provide many different types of support; from helping young carers and offering short breaks for children with disabilities, to family projects and support for young people leaving care.
Thursday 30 April 2009
Wednesday 29 April 2009
I did do it !
You would recognise the bald head anywhere !
Quick clip from the BBC as I run over Tower Bridge approaching half way
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Marathon Man calling for Bids to bring run of luck !
This is a copy of an article that appeared in the Evening Post on Friday 24th April 2009
You can click on the Article to enlarge
Monday 27 April 2009
The Marathon is done and so am I !
The Marathon is over - a fantastic day written in to History - the Last Marathon for Flora, but not for me - I have already tried registering for next year - the site is down - good start Virgin !
I have had an amazing weekend, stress free and with a perfect run in to Sunday, I travelled to London on the train with my wife Sarah and our daughter and arrived on time to be picked up by Craig Jones, my co conspirator in 1999, we stayed the weekend with Craig and his wife Ann. Particularly hospitable of them given that Ann is due to give birth a few weeks - thank you both and good luck !
We spent Saturday strolling on the Embankment, I set off minded that I was to conserve as much energy as possible - I gave in when Ann began to outpace me. We ended up sitting in the sun, snacking and watching the artists on the South Bank, before returning home for the inevitable Pasta Party - did you know Craig Speaks a little Italian ?
The news of the Evening was that the Sock Auction Closed - at an Amazing £38 !! There were 16 bids and the page had an amazing 190 views, thank you all - more news on this later.
Atmosphere
I woke early on Sunday, travel was going to be awkward with so many road closures, however we drove to the start and I walked in the last mile and half arriving at around 7.30am (race start was 9.45) there we already plenty of people around.
Runners into serious fancy dress getting ready !
Baggage transport - logistical nightmare always well executed
When I did the Marathon in 1999 I missed much of the build up arriving a little late, it was great being in the start area, huge LCD screen scanning runners doing their preparations - its really difficult rubbing in Vaseline in those hard to reach areas when your live on TV !
I made a few calls home and I was lucky to meet up with Chris Birch, another team runner on the way to the baggage trucks, where we ended meeting with half a dozen or so other team members - seeing them before the race made for plenty of banter as we passed on the course.
The Start
The start is split in to three, mine was the Red start, my number was printed with a number 8, putting me eighth out of nine groups to start - only the fancy dress runners were behind me ! Probably indicating expectation from the organisers given the ten years since my last run. It did cause some difficulties. Looking back the numbers show me finishing around 12,929 th, I started around behind 8,000 runners in my start - I guess by the time the races merge and I get to the finish I have passed almost 12,000 people. I think this really took its toll later on (or it might be an excuse !)
I waited in line for the race to begin, chatted to others around and just took in the atmosphere, it took just 15 mins this time to get to the start line - I am still amazed by the amount of people.
My first half Marathon went almost exactly as planned in terms of pace - I finished 13.1 miles in 2:03:29 - aiming for 2 hours but forgiving myself the congestion which began to ease by half way.
Mile 13 and Half Way
Shortly after halfway, is when I began to suffer - this was as I headed out towards the Isle of Dogs and docklands. I see the weather quoted as being 16C, although have heard reports as it being as high as 26C (confusing) and it certainly felt like the latter. it was here I struggled to keep cool, felt mild cramps and maybe even panic and self doubt.
Running on my Own
I did wonder whether running on my own was a good idea. In the first half, it would have been very difficult to run with a partner (unless you all run in an extended line across the course - it happens) but in the second half, it would have been good to have some company to ease away those thoughts, especially as it was at this point the first serious casualties appeared (not the usual plasters and Vaseline but paramedics and Oxygen) and I did not want to be next - I eased off - could I have kept my pace ? I doubt it, could I have maintained it a little higher - maybe but not this time.
Spotting family and friends
It always a great lift to be cheered on, a great tip is to put your name on your vest - spectators love this, and call out and welcome your reaction - I found other charities also giving a cheer. There is no greater feeling though than seeing your own loved ones - I spotted my family and friends (Team Partridge) at mile 13 and mile 22 - it really makes a huge difference.
Sarah, Ann and Craig with Neil on my left - love the cheer cards !
Difficult bits
I would suggest that 16 to 20 were the most difficult for me, even though they were far from the most painful (that goes firmly to 20 to 26). 16 to 20 for me is the no mans land, I had seen my family, run a distance I knew I could do comfortably but still had a heck of a long way to go. After 20 there is no way that I was not going back, I found myself continually questioning what I had left in the tank, I note from the pace graph that I like many others managed to pick up in the last 2.5km. Seeing the Mall was a huge lift, you can crawl in from there and be cheered for it !
I ran in with my arms in the Air - milking it for what it was worth !
My Time ?
Fours hours and 24 mins on the nose !
I went through the line, felt incredibly light headed for about 10 mins or so while I was "de-chipped" walked passed my bags - I struggled to concentrate on which lorry my gear was on.
My wife Sarah and our daughter
Repatriated !
I met up with my family at "P" point, lots of cheers and hugs, a few war stories and then to the Civil Service Club, for a shower, massage and three quarters of a pint of Guinness - they had run dry ! Bah !
All in £130,000 was raised for Action for Children by 60 runners - excellent effort, I met loads of really nice people on the team and I was treated like hero's back at the team HQ - bells were rung as I walked in and I did think there was a celeb behind me ! A special thanks to Nina Ping, my coordinator.
If every one who promised to sponsor does (!) then its £2,511.60 which is amazing !
If you haven't and would like to - PLEASE DO Just click HERE
My Own pace graph
I was the eighth fastest Partridge !
My HRM reading
Did I beat Gordon "F" Word Ramsay ?
I have been scanning some of the results on the FLM web site, particularly hearing the celebs complaining of a tough time. I especially noted Gordan Ramsay stretching at the road side.
In the office I joked about beating Gordon Ramsay - coming in at 4.05 its fair to say the answer is no - however I did beat him in the second half !!!
I did my second 13.1 miles in 2 hours 21, with Mr Ramsay taking much longer at 2 hours 22 ! In the second half, I was quicker by 56 seconds - I am happy with that !
What next ?
I have had an amazing weekend, stress free and with a perfect run in to Sunday, I travelled to London on the train with my wife Sarah and our daughter and arrived on time to be picked up by Craig Jones, my co conspirator in 1999, we stayed the weekend with Craig and his wife Ann. Particularly hospitable of them given that Ann is due to give birth a few weeks - thank you both and good luck !
We spent Saturday strolling on the Embankment, I set off minded that I was to conserve as much energy as possible - I gave in when Ann began to outpace me. We ended up sitting in the sun, snacking and watching the artists on the South Bank, before returning home for the inevitable Pasta Party - did you know Craig Speaks a little Italian ?
The news of the Evening was that the Sock Auction Closed - at an Amazing £38 !! There were 16 bids and the page had an amazing 190 views, thank you all - more news on this later.
Atmosphere
I woke early on Sunday, travel was going to be awkward with so many road closures, however we drove to the start and I walked in the last mile and half arriving at around 7.30am (race start was 9.45) there we already plenty of people around.
Runners into serious fancy dress getting ready !
Baggage transport - logistical nightmare always well executed
When I did the Marathon in 1999 I missed much of the build up arriving a little late, it was great being in the start area, huge LCD screen scanning runners doing their preparations - its really difficult rubbing in Vaseline in those hard to reach areas when your live on TV !
I made a few calls home and I was lucky to meet up with Chris Birch, another team runner on the way to the baggage trucks, where we ended meeting with half a dozen or so other team members - seeing them before the race made for plenty of banter as we passed on the course.
The Start
The start is split in to three, mine was the Red start, my number was printed with a number 8, putting me eighth out of nine groups to start - only the fancy dress runners were behind me ! Probably indicating expectation from the organisers given the ten years since my last run. It did cause some difficulties. Looking back the numbers show me finishing around 12,929 th, I started around behind 8,000 runners in my start - I guess by the time the races merge and I get to the finish I have passed almost 12,000 people. I think this really took its toll later on (or it might be an excuse !)
I waited in line for the race to begin, chatted to others around and just took in the atmosphere, it took just 15 mins this time to get to the start line - I am still amazed by the amount of people.
My first half Marathon went almost exactly as planned in terms of pace - I finished 13.1 miles in 2:03:29 - aiming for 2 hours but forgiving myself the congestion which began to ease by half way.
Mile 13 and Half Way
Shortly after halfway, is when I began to suffer - this was as I headed out towards the Isle of Dogs and docklands. I see the weather quoted as being 16C, although have heard reports as it being as high as 26C (confusing) and it certainly felt like the latter. it was here I struggled to keep cool, felt mild cramps and maybe even panic and self doubt.
Running on my Own
I did wonder whether running on my own was a good idea. In the first half, it would have been very difficult to run with a partner (unless you all run in an extended line across the course - it happens) but in the second half, it would have been good to have some company to ease away those thoughts, especially as it was at this point the first serious casualties appeared (not the usual plasters and Vaseline but paramedics and Oxygen) and I did not want to be next - I eased off - could I have kept my pace ? I doubt it, could I have maintained it a little higher - maybe but not this time.
Spotting family and friends
It always a great lift to be cheered on, a great tip is to put your name on your vest - spectators love this, and call out and welcome your reaction - I found other charities also giving a cheer. There is no greater feeling though than seeing your own loved ones - I spotted my family and friends (Team Partridge) at mile 13 and mile 22 - it really makes a huge difference.
Sarah, Ann and Craig with Neil on my left - love the cheer cards ! Difficult bits
I would suggest that 16 to 20 were the most difficult for me, even though they were far from the most painful (that goes firmly to 20 to 26). 16 to 20 for me is the no mans land, I had seen my family, run a distance I knew I could do comfortably but still had a heck of a long way to go. After 20 there is no way that I was not going back, I found myself continually questioning what I had left in the tank, I note from the pace graph that I like many others managed to pick up in the last 2.5km. Seeing the Mall was a huge lift, you can crawl in from there and be cheered for it !
I ran in with my arms in the Air - milking it for what it was worth !
My Time ?
Fours hours and 24 mins on the nose !
I went through the line, felt incredibly light headed for about 10 mins or so while I was "de-chipped" walked passed my bags - I struggled to concentrate on which lorry my gear was on.
My wife Sarah and our daughter
Repatriated !
I met up with my family at "P" point, lots of cheers and hugs, a few war stories and then to the Civil Service Club, for a shower, massage and three quarters of a pint of Guinness - they had run dry ! Bah !
All in £130,000 was raised for Action for Children by 60 runners - excellent effort, I met loads of really nice people on the team and I was treated like hero's back at the team HQ - bells were rung as I walked in and I did think there was a celeb behind me ! A special thanks to Nina Ping, my coordinator.
If every one who promised to sponsor does (!) then its £2,511.60 which is amazing !
If you haven't and would like to - PLEASE DO Just click HERE
My Own pace graph
I was the eighth fastest Partridge !
My HRM reading Did I beat Gordon "F" Word Ramsay ?
I have been scanning some of the results on the FLM web site, particularly hearing the celebs complaining of a tough time. I especially noted Gordan Ramsay stretching at the road side.
In the office I joked about beating Gordon Ramsay - coming in at 4.05 its fair to say the answer is no - however I did beat him in the second half !!!
I did my second 13.1 miles in 2 hours 21, with Mr Ramsay taking much longer at 2 hours 22 ! In the second half, I was quicker by 56 seconds - I am happy with that !
What next ?
More than 35,000 finish the 2009 Flora London Marathon
By 7pm this evening 35,306 had finished after Sir Chris Hoy had set 35,747 on their way from Greenwich this morning, the second largest field in London Marathon history. 36,156 had registered to run by close of play on Saturday from nearly 50,000 accepted applications.
Full story here
Full story here
It wasnt just me that found it tough !
Celebrities including Nell McAndrew and Gordon Ramsay were among those running the marathon, which Ronan Keating said had him "hurting all the way round".
The singer was running in aid of Cancer Research UK and the Marie Keating Foundation.
Bandmate Keith Duffy beat his personal best time for a marathon, running for The National Autistic Society.
Saturday 25 April 2009
April 25th - they day before !
It may as well be the day before Christmas - I do feel like a big kid. I have been to meet my Charity at London's EL Centre and introduced my self as "jeff" (why not !) and the response ?
I have registered, collected my "Chip" and a goody bag (including a can of Fuller's Bitter!) and its back home for an easy day before an early start tomorrow.
If you would like to follow my progress while I run, have a look at the Adidas "Track My Runner" Entry.
A last Chance to thank you for your support so far, I have really enjoyed the training and the fundraising - and feel all the better that its all for such a great cause.
If you would like to know more about Action for Children - click here.
If you haven't already - check out the socks !!!
Thank you.
Jeff
"Ah the sock man, Jeff Socks" Excellent !
I have registered, collected my "Chip" and a goody bag (including a can of Fuller's Bitter!) and its back home for an easy day before an early start tomorrow.
If you would like to follow my progress while I run, have a look at the Adidas "Track My Runner" Entry.
A last Chance to thank you for your support so far, I have really enjoyed the training and the fundraising - and feel all the better that its all for such a great cause.
If you would like to know more about Action for Children - click here.
If you haven't already - check out the socks !!!
£38.00
With 7 hours to go !!
(if you really want, you have the option with thanks to 1,000 mile of a brand new pair of running, hiking or golf styles)
Thank you.
Jeff
Friday 24 April 2009
Thank you 1000 Mile !
I have just had an email from "1000 Mile" www.1000mile.co.uk who in addition to a dontation for Action for Children have dontated a pair of running socks to the Campaign !
This may seem bizzare to you, but if you are lucky enough to win the Lucky Socks on ebay - you can choose which pair of Brand NEW socks you would like - although you can still have the old ones if you prefer!
They may be a small delay in dipatch and you will need to let me know what size and style of sock you would like
1000 Mile socks are available in 60 different styles, so whether you prefer a moisture wicking sports sock, a comfortable argyle golf sock or a sock which blends Tactel®, nylon and wool for walking and trekking... there is a sock in the range to suit every individual
Thank you 1000 Mile !
This may seem bizzare to you, but if you are lucky enough to win the Lucky Socks on ebay - you can choose which pair of Brand NEW socks you would like - although you can still have the old ones if you prefer!
They may be a small delay in dipatch and you will need to let me know what size and style of sock you would like
1000 Mile socks are available in 60 different styles, so whether you prefer a moisture wicking sports sock, a comfortable argyle golf sock or a sock which blends Tactel®, nylon and wool for walking and trekking... there is a sock in the range to suit every individual
Thank you 1000 Mile !
Thursday 23 April 2009
Save our Socks !!!
This is an SOS - Save our SocksWe have an out of town bidder looking to move my "Lucky socks" to foreign climes !!
Thank you to staff and pupils at Parkland's Primary, Sketty for joining in the Marathon fun. Today our SOS was launched with leaflets being handed all children at Parkland's.
Keep an eye on Fridays Evening Post for more News
Some Links
Swansea Evening Post's "Dieting Dad"
Socks on "Ebay"
Transport in London on Marathon Day
London again comes alive to the sound of pounding feet and cheering crowds as the City hosts its annual Marathon on 26 April. The route passes many famous landmarks so you can take in the sights while following the runners’ progress.
You can down load a full copy of this map here
Wednesday 22 April 2009
The London Marathon Route
The London Marathon Mass start is 9.45 AM from Greenwich Park, I start at the RED start with my number 33.603 which is also red. It may take me any where around 30 minutes to cross the start line.
I have been trying to give family and friends a best guess as to where I might be at any one time, its such a big event that other than to follow my predicted miles pace of 9 mins, the only other way is to use the "Track my runner" Tex facility offer by Adidas which is apparently free of charge other than text charges - you do need a WAP enabled phone - To activate you need to "text" "RUN" to "83040"
You might see some of these along your route !
Tower Bridge is crossed after mile 12
By the time you see Westminster at mile 25 the hard miles will have been done
The last few hundred yards follow Buckingham Palace
I have been trying to give family and friends a best guess as to where I might be at any one time, its such a big event that other than to follow my predicted miles pace of 9 mins, the only other way is to use the "Track my runner" Tex facility offer by Adidas which is apparently free of charge other than text charges - you do need a WAP enabled phone - To activate you need to "text" "RUN" to "83040"
You might see some of these along your route !
Tower Bridge is crossed after mile 12
By the time you see Westminster at mile 25 the hard miles will have been done
The last few hundred yards follow Buckingham Palace
Top 10 last-minute London Marathon tips
I have found this on the Telegraph Web Site
Which contains some tips from Haile Gebrselassie - "accept the pain, ignore the pain" Great !
Click here for the tips (Here)
I have also found this on a Blog Written by Greg Stevens which is very comprehensive
How to run well at the London Marathon
3 and half mile run
I went for a quick run before dinner tonight to loosen up, I may skip the one I had planned for Friday - I am not going to get any fitter by the weekend and I will probably end up tripping on a pot hole !
Tonight was just 3.5 miles which took me less than 28 mins - quicker than my marathon pace, its really difficult (being an in experienced runner) to get the pace right - especially with hills involved, on the day for at least the first 5 miles there will be so many people on the route that the chances of going off to quick will be limited and the markers every mile will help a lot.
No hills like this in London (well not for Sunday anyway)
All under control on the HRM - little higher coming back in as you would expect .
Tuesday 21 April 2009
There is a bidding war on for my socks !
I put my socks on ebay following an article published by my Local Paper The Evening Post, not expecting much - with 4 days of bidding left they have been bid up to £21 !!!
I find myself facing the loss of my trusty socks - albeit for a good cause.
Maybe I should start a campaign myself "Save our Socks!"
www,ebay.co.uk
Monday 20 April 2009
Dont know what to do with myself !
My running is complete bar two 20 min sessions this week, hardly worth getting my "daps" on for and all of a sudden I have spare time all over again, I am starting to tune up my bike for some long rides with my new found fitness, I haven't dared until now for - a fall is inevitable.
I did my last run of any significance on Sunday with fellow "Action for Children" Runner Alison Tay, around 71/2 to 8 miles along the sea front. Its the first time I have run with any one in 6 months, I left my MP3 at home - I was quite shocked at how hard I breathe although I did manged to spout my usual drivel as we trotted along.
My sponsorship has also had some welcome boost today with £250 being pledged, this doesn't include £100 to run in a Cardiff City Shirt - not sure what to say about that !
I have tried to thank every one personally as pledges have come in - if I have missed you I am sorry - I will catch up soon, the justgiving page has already collected £500 including the "giftaid" which has already gone to "Action for Children".
I think when this is all over a BBQ is in order - I'll cook !
I did my last run of any significance on Sunday with fellow "Action for Children" Runner Alison Tay, around 71/2 to 8 miles along the sea front. Its the first time I have run with any one in 6 months, I left my MP3 at home - I was quite shocked at how hard I breathe although I did manged to spout my usual drivel as we trotted along.
My sponsorship has also had some welcome boost today with £250 being pledged, this doesn't include £100 to run in a Cardiff City Shirt - not sure what to say about that !
I have tried to thank every one personally as pledges have come in - if I have missed you I am sorry - I will catch up soon, the justgiving page has already collected £500 including the "giftaid" which has already gone to "Action for Children".
I think when this is all over a BBQ is in order - I'll cook !
Sunday 19 April 2009
PayPal is giving away £10,000 a week ...
Did you know you can make donations on Justgiving using PayPal, nearly 10% of donations on Justgiving are now being made with PayPal.
More good news - from Monday 20th April 2009 onwards, PayPal is giving away £10,000 a week, every week, for six weeks – so every time you use PayPal, you’ll be entered into the draw to win. There are a few terms and conditions that you many want to read. Another great reason to sponsor your friends or donate to charity!
My justgiving page is www.justgiving.com/jeffpartridge
You can read more here
http://justgiving.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/justgivers-love-paypal/
More good news - from Monday 20th April 2009 onwards, PayPal is giving away £10,000 a week, every week, for six weeks – so every time you use PayPal, you’ll be entered into the draw to win. There are a few terms and conditions that you many want to read. Another great reason to sponsor your friends or donate to charity!My justgiving page is www.justgiving.com/jeffpartridge
You can read more here
http://justgiving.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/justgivers-love-paypal/
Thursday 16 April 2009
Dions Story - how you are helping change lives
Like many other 13-year-old boys, Dion enjoys playing The Lord of the Rings on his PlayStation and proudly wears the rugby shirt of his native Wales. But unlike most of his peers, Dion has Down’s syndrome and kidney failure and requires round-the-clock care from his mother, Nicola. He takes a variety of drugs day and night and has a strictly regulated diet, prompting concern far beyond the typical worries expected from a mother with a teenage son.
“If he so much as eats a banana he could have a heart attack, so the kitchen door is locked at night just in case he comes down and fancies a snack,” she said. The front door of their semi-detached home in Gelligaer, South Wales, is opened by a four-digit code, “which Dion can’t know, because he isn’t aware of the danger of the road outside”.
Nicola, 35, has to accompany him to hospital in an ambulance for three hours of dialysis three times a week. Her son is “happy-go-lucky, and good as gold”, she said, but the strains of looking after him, along with his younger sisters, are considerable. “I found out he had Down’s 20 minutes after the birth,” she said. “It has become our life, going in and out of hospital.”
This is where Action for Children comes in. In one of many shared-care schemes that we operate, David and Wendy West, from Oakdale, near Blackwood, South Wales, now look after Dion for a weekend every fortnight, offering Nicola a respite from the demands of his constant care. “He just becomes part of the family every other weekend,” Mrs West, who has two daughters of her own, said. “We go walking the dogs, to the cinema, out for a picnic or to church on a Sunday. Whatever we are doing, he fits in.” Having looked after Dion for seven years, the Wests are familiar with his medication and dietary needs, much of which fills the little Spider-Man suitcase that he brings with him. Dion loves his weekends at the West’s, as do Mr and Mrs West’s daughters!
“If he so much as eats a banana he could have a heart attack, so the kitchen door is locked at night just in case he comes down and fancies a snack,” she said. The front door of their semi-detached home in Gelligaer, South Wales, is opened by a four-digit code, “which Dion can’t know, because he isn’t aware of the danger of the road outside”.
Nicola, 35, has to accompany him to hospital in an ambulance for three hours of dialysis three times a week. Her son is “happy-go-lucky, and good as gold”, she said, but the strains of looking after him, along with his younger sisters, are considerable. “I found out he had Down’s 20 minutes after the birth,” she said. “It has become our life, going in and out of hospital.”
This is where Action for Children comes in. In one of many shared-care schemes that we operate, David and Wendy West, from Oakdale, near Blackwood, South Wales, now look after Dion for a weekend every fortnight, offering Nicola a respite from the demands of his constant care. “He just becomes part of the family every other weekend,” Mrs West, who has two daughters of her own, said. “We go walking the dogs, to the cinema, out for a picnic or to church on a Sunday. Whatever we are doing, he fits in.” Having looked after Dion for seven years, the Wests are familiar with his medication and dietary needs, much of which fills the little Spider-Man suitcase that he brings with him. Dion loves his weekends at the West’s, as do Mr and Mrs West’s daughters!
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