Well, it's been a while since I last update this blog....I've just about recovered from my last challenge for The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK!!!
With today being the 19th Anniversary of his death, i got thinking about what else I can do to help raise money and support the work The BMF4CRUK do in raising awareness of bowel cancer. When I think back to my last challenge in 2010 I think I'll admit I was disappointed. As I've explained to friends today, the problem with me is I get a certain stubbornness about me when preparing for these challenges. So I lose myself in the training and preparations and forget to think about the marketing and getting the word out there. I could have raised so much more had I thought more about telling people about what I was going to be doing.
So, I'm in the early stages of planning my next event. 900 miles of cycling in 8 days....actually, make that 7 days. The plan? Well, as ever it involves the two grounds closest to my heart. I'll be cycling from Newcastle United's St James' Park to West Ham's Boleyn Ground.......via Lands End.
I'm aiming to raise £10k in the process and am looking to do this in the last week of September 2012.
As I say, it's early days. At the moment I'm on the hunt for backers.....it's going to personally cost me a fair bit financially as I never like to offset money raised into covering the cost of the event. So if there's anyone out there that wants to help me, hotels etc then please do not hesitate to contact me on 07798 853160 or info@jamiepenfold.com
In the meantime, can i point you in the direction of an inspirational little fella called Jonjo Heuerman who is currently walking between Wembley and West Ham's Boleyn Ground. He's only 9 years old. This is the second time he's done the walk and currently with this event he's raised £37k. He's such an inspiration and deserves everyone's support. You can find more info about his efforts here
Viva Bobby Moore!
Showing posts with label Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. Show all posts
Friday, 24 February 2012
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Nearly there
First of all, apologies. I know I should have kept the blog up to date but things have got very busy around here. Where to start??
Well, for the past couple of months now the gym work has intensified. 6.30am gym sessions 4 to 5 times a week to work on my strength and stamina. I've said it before and I'll say it again....I HATE WEIGHTS!!!! This has been the most difficult part of the training. But I've noticed a massive difference especially when out on the bike. I've dropped a few pounds which has helped both on the bike and out running.
Out on the bike, the miles are stacking up. Lots of short high tempo rides with one or two longer rides in between. Looking at the routes for the 2 days of cycling in September, there isn't much in the way of hill work but I've been keen to get some hill training done, so I've made sure some of my training rides have included riding through the likes of Newburn, Throckley and Heddon on the Wall. Not terribly steep climbs but long climbs. My main concern is day 1 of cycling will include a steady climb up past Durham right at the start of the day. Don't want to burn myself out at the start.
The bike is going in for a service next week to make sure it's ready for the 2 days.
As for the running, well, I'm back out on the road. Running definitely isn't my strongest discipline these days. When I was younger I could run for miles. But now what with years of football injuries behind me, I find it a little more difficult. I'm out doing regular 3 to 4 mile runs and will start increasing that over the next few weeks.
I've also had to fight the urge to go for a fast time in the Great North Run. If I didn't have 2 days of cycling to follow, then yes, I'd go for a faster time. It's a matter of just getting round the course with as little fuss as possible without causing any damage or injury.
There have been a few hiccups along the way. A few injuries, the most serious being a back injury done while getting the kids in the car for school back in June which put me out of action for 2 weeks. There's been a few aches and pains with my ankles. But apart from that relatively injury free.
A week in Cyprus didn't help either. I tried to get out for a run on my first day there but after 2 miles it looked like someone had thrown a gallon of water over me. When I got back on the bike on my return I struggled to do 20 miles!
But all in all, I'm getting there. I'm getting a bit irritable now. I'm getting bored of the training and just want to get out there and do it now.
I'm nearly up to the £600 mark with sponsorships. If truth be told, I'm a bit disappointed. I was hoping to be past £1000 by now. But hopefully, the press release I'm going to start sending out will encourage more people to donate. I am so thankful to those who have already done so.
That's about everything for now. I'll be updating now on a weekly basis and hopefully will have some photos to add as well.
Until next time, be careful out there....
Monday, 12 April 2010
Back in the saddle
It's been a couple of weeks since I last updated the blog and there's certainly a lot to update you with. Training in general is coming along nicely. I'm feeling fitter and fresher each week now and have really started to enjoy it.
So where to start?
Lets start with going for a Body Balance Assessment at Be-Fit in Newcastle. I've known Antonia Pellegrino and her brother Michael for a few years now and have seen some of the work they have done with pro-sportsmen and women. So when Antonia suggested going along for an assessment and putting together a training plan I jumped at the chance.
First thing I was told was to stop running. I don't need to be putting the miles in at this early stage but instead concentrate on strength and cycling.
Next I was told that my right foot was out of line and needed manipulating. This would help prevent all sorts of issues. So for the next 20 minutes or so I was bent, pulled, stretched and prodded (with a chopstick!). The end result? A straight foot and no ankle pain. It did feel a bit odd walking around at first...and I also felt taller. After that we went to the gym to pull together a fitness programme concentrating on my back, legs and shoulders (basically, the parts of me that are going to get a hammering on the bike).
So after an hour there I felt a million dollars! Seriously, you should checked them out. They work miracles there .
Despite being told to stop the running for a while I couldn't resist a sneaky jog to see how my new trainers and newly aligned foot felt. I'll be honest, it felt weird. But at the same time I felt good and there was no ankle pain!
Most importantly though over the past few weeks is the increase in bike training. The weather has improved so I've gradually started to get the bike off the turbo trainer and out onto the road. I did a few shorter rides in the evenings after work (including a climb up Dunston Bank in Gateshead) to get the feel for the road again. I was quickly reminded about how poor the roads are at the moment, dodging potholes while contending with a few impatient drivers. Then there was the spilt diesel on a roundabout which I was turning right on in Wallsend. The adrenalin was pumping as the front wheel started to slide out from under me. Luckily, I stayed on and there were no cars.
However, yesterday (Sunday) was my first ride of any meaning of the year. 7am, looking out the window, blue skies, no breeze and sunshine. Perfect!
Wrong. Within 30 minutes I realised it was a lot nippier than first imagined. I had my fingerless mits on so was feeling the cold a bit but in general it was all fine. Heading from North Shields I made my way along the banks of the Tyne, along the Quayside and then made my way up the bank through Scotswood, Newburn and Throckley, eventually reaching the top of the climb at Heddon on the Wall. Once I was at Stamfordham I turned and made my way back to North Shields via Ponteland, Wide Open and Backworth.
Now, remember I said no breeze? Wrong! There was a slight breeze coming in off the coast which I had to cycle into from Ponteland for the next 20 miles until I got home...and it was cold and energy sapping. That being said, I pushed on and made it back in one piece with no major dramas.
This morning, my legs feel great. So it's back to the gym tonight for another strength session.
On the donation side of things. I'm getting a lot of encouraging messages of support and have now just about reached the £300 mark....10% of my target. I would dearly love to smash that the £3000 target well before I start in September so please, share the blog with as many people as you know and visit the fundraising page and donate . It's for a great cause.
Until next time..
So where to start?
Lets start with going for a Body Balance Assessment at Be-Fit in Newcastle. I've known Antonia Pellegrino and her brother Michael for a few years now and have seen some of the work they have done with pro-sportsmen and women. So when Antonia suggested going along for an assessment and putting together a training plan I jumped at the chance.
First thing I was told was to stop running. I don't need to be putting the miles in at this early stage but instead concentrate on strength and cycling.
Next I was told that my right foot was out of line and needed manipulating. This would help prevent all sorts of issues. So for the next 20 minutes or so I was bent, pulled, stretched and prodded (with a chopstick!). The end result? A straight foot and no ankle pain. It did feel a bit odd walking around at first...and I also felt taller. After that we went to the gym to pull together a fitness programme concentrating on my back, legs and shoulders (basically, the parts of me that are going to get a hammering on the bike).
So after an hour there I felt a million dollars! Seriously, you should checked them out. They work miracles there .
Despite being told to stop the running for a while I couldn't resist a sneaky jog to see how my new trainers and newly aligned foot felt. I'll be honest, it felt weird. But at the same time I felt good and there was no ankle pain!
Most importantly though over the past few weeks is the increase in bike training. The weather has improved so I've gradually started to get the bike off the turbo trainer and out onto the road. I did a few shorter rides in the evenings after work (including a climb up Dunston Bank in Gateshead) to get the feel for the road again. I was quickly reminded about how poor the roads are at the moment, dodging potholes while contending with a few impatient drivers. Then there was the spilt diesel on a roundabout which I was turning right on in Wallsend. The adrenalin was pumping as the front wheel started to slide out from under me. Luckily, I stayed on and there were no cars.
However, yesterday (Sunday) was my first ride of any meaning of the year. 7am, looking out the window, blue skies, no breeze and sunshine. Perfect!
Wrong. Within 30 minutes I realised it was a lot nippier than first imagined. I had my fingerless mits on so was feeling the cold a bit but in general it was all fine. Heading from North Shields I made my way along the banks of the Tyne, along the Quayside and then made my way up the bank through Scotswood, Newburn and Throckley, eventually reaching the top of the climb at Heddon on the Wall. Once I was at Stamfordham I turned and made my way back to North Shields via Ponteland, Wide Open and Backworth.
Now, remember I said no breeze? Wrong! There was a slight breeze coming in off the coast which I had to cycle into from Ponteland for the next 20 miles until I got home...and it was cold and energy sapping. That being said, I pushed on and made it back in one piece with no major dramas.
This morning, my legs feel great. So it's back to the gym tonight for another strength session.
On the donation side of things. I'm getting a lot of encouraging messages of support and have now just about reached the £300 mark....10% of my target. I would dearly love to smash that the £3000 target well before I start in September so please, share the blog with as many people as you know and visit the fundraising page and donate . It's for a great cause.
Until next time..
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
2 steps forward...
So this is where we are:
The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK have sent out their running pack and fundraising support kit. The running vest looks great with MOORE and 6 emblazoned across the back.
I've been putting in more time down the gym doing strength work. I hate doing weights (especially when there are huge meat heads walking around). But I'm starting to see the benefits of including the weights in the training routine. My back and neck hurt less now when I'm on the bike and the arms don't ache so much either.
Cycling training is taking shape. Chances of getting out on the road have been limited but luckily I had a backlog of various Tours recorded on Sky+, so I spent most of last week on the turbo trainer while watching The Tour of Oman. Definitely looked a lot warmer out there.
After my ankle twist a week or so back I've been gingerly getting back out and increasing the miles again. Sunday saw me put in a solid run from home to Tynemouth and back (just short of 5 miles). The ankle still doesn't feel great but at least I can run again.
I've come down with a cold. No amount of vitamin C or telling the kids to cover their mouths when they cough was going to stop me getting it. I went out for a run last night and although I started off comfortably and at a good pace, by the time I got to the 1 mile mark my breathing was all out, my throat was dry and I was sweating buckets. Half a mile later I turned back and by the time I had reached home I felt like I had done a marathon. By 9pm I was out for the count.
So today, I have no voice and feel like my head is wrapped in cotton wool. Maybe it's my body trying to tell me that I need to slow it down a bit. I've gone into this like a man possessed and I have to keep reminding myself that I've still got just over 6 months to go. I'm going to have a few rest days, get rid of the cold and hope to get out on the bike again on Monday evening.
The big motivation is the sponsorship side of things. £102 raised so far (which all came in a space of a couple of days). This blew me away. Thanks to those who have sponsored so far.
Until next time...
The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK have sent out their running pack and fundraising support kit. The running vest looks great with MOORE and 6 emblazoned across the back.
I've been putting in more time down the gym doing strength work. I hate doing weights (especially when there are huge meat heads walking around). But I'm starting to see the benefits of including the weights in the training routine. My back and neck hurt less now when I'm on the bike and the arms don't ache so much either.
Cycling training is taking shape. Chances of getting out on the road have been limited but luckily I had a backlog of various Tours recorded on Sky+, so I spent most of last week on the turbo trainer while watching The Tour of Oman. Definitely looked a lot warmer out there.
After my ankle twist a week or so back I've been gingerly getting back out and increasing the miles again. Sunday saw me put in a solid run from home to Tynemouth and back (just short of 5 miles). The ankle still doesn't feel great but at least I can run again.
I've come down with a cold. No amount of vitamin C or telling the kids to cover their mouths when they cough was going to stop me getting it. I went out for a run last night and although I started off comfortably and at a good pace, by the time I got to the 1 mile mark my breathing was all out, my throat was dry and I was sweating buckets. Half a mile later I turned back and by the time I had reached home I felt like I had done a marathon. By 9pm I was out for the count.
So today, I have no voice and feel like my head is wrapped in cotton wool. Maybe it's my body trying to tell me that I need to slow it down a bit. I've gone into this like a man possessed and I have to keep reminding myself that I've still got just over 6 months to go. I'm going to have a few rest days, get rid of the cold and hope to get out on the bike again on Monday evening.
The big motivation is the sponsorship side of things. £102 raised so far (which all came in a space of a couple of days). This blew me away. Thanks to those who have sponsored so far.
Until next time...
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
17 years on!
I've spent most of the day wondering where the past 17 years have gone. I remember the evening of 24th February 1993 clearly. I hadn't long got back from school, was sat on the coffee table. Mum was sitting on the sofa (it was a horrible green and pink flowery one). Neighbour's had just finished and then the 6 o'Clock News started
"Tonights headlines.....England's World Cup winning captain, Bobby Moore, has died..."
Mum put her hand over her mouth and started crying. I was 15 but knew enough about the importance of Bobby Moore, not just to my club, West Ham, but also to the national football team. Everything just stopped. We never moved until the news finished. Dad stood motionless, not saying a word. The way they were it was almost like we had lost a relative.
17 years on most people have forgotten about what today is about. The authorities never gave Bobby the recognition he deserved. The West Ham and Fulham fans still remember on the 24th Feb each year. It's important for us to remember The Greatest. The man was a gentleman and in today's football world of sleaze and money, a lot of footballers would do well to follow his example of how he led his life on and off the pitch.
And this is why I am doing this event. It's going to hurt. It's going to be tough. But it's the least I can do in the memory of such a great person. Since his death The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK has been working tirelessly to fight bowel cancer and the only way they can continue this fight is through people like myself trying to go the extra mile and raising money on their behalf.
I'm starting to get donations and messages of support and I've still got just over 6 months to go. It's blown me away to be honest. Let me make this clear...this is not a West Ham thing as some people have suggested. Far from it. Bobby Moore is more than just West Ham. He represented football and everything that was and is good about it.
Viva Bobby Moore!
"Tonights headlines.....England's World Cup winning captain, Bobby Moore, has died..."
Mum put her hand over her mouth and started crying. I was 15 but knew enough about the importance of Bobby Moore, not just to my club, West Ham, but also to the national football team. Everything just stopped. We never moved until the news finished. Dad stood motionless, not saying a word. The way they were it was almost like we had lost a relative.
17 years on most people have forgotten about what today is about. The authorities never gave Bobby the recognition he deserved. The West Ham and Fulham fans still remember on the 24th Feb each year. It's important for us to remember The Greatest. The man was a gentleman and in today's football world of sleaze and money, a lot of footballers would do well to follow his example of how he led his life on and off the pitch.
And this is why I am doing this event. It's going to hurt. It's going to be tough. But it's the least I can do in the memory of such a great person. Since his death The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK has been working tirelessly to fight bowel cancer and the only way they can continue this fight is through people like myself trying to go the extra mile and raising money on their behalf.
I'm starting to get donations and messages of support and I've still got just over 6 months to go. It's blown me away to be honest. Let me make this clear...this is not a West Ham thing as some people have suggested. Far from it. Bobby Moore is more than just West Ham. He represented football and everything that was and is good about it.
Viva Bobby Moore!
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