Thursday 31 October 2013

304/365 Just keeping it simple 5K by Big Kev

304/365 Just keeping it simple 5K by Big Kev

With lots on and my presentation looming on tomorrow's horizon, I was overjoyed to get my laptop back and have the ability to work at a normal pace. It is not until the technology is missing that we appreciate our attachments.

So long story short today, the presentation is mostly complete, I have had a couple of run throughs and I am happy to press print on the handouts. Therefore as the printer is whizzing away in the background I have time to get the blogs out.

The run tonight was a very simple out and back affair, it might be dark and cooler, but it certainly clears the mind and gets the creative juices flowing again. I came back with some more good content and got straight back to the presentation. Tina dished up an amazing Spanish chicken dish to keep the fuel levels up and I even had chance to catch up with Jess and Katie for a bit.

Right back to it. The printer needs loading with paper.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

303/365 A mad dash only too be late 6 Miles by Big Kev

303/365 A mad dash only too be late 6 Miles by Big Kev

It was great to be back at work today after a few days off to reset the mind, body and soul. A trip to Gloucester to settle into our new office brought with it lots of new surprises (all good).

Being a Wednesday it is GWR’s club night and I was due to catch up with a few people, so I was keen to get there on time. The weather and conditions though had another take on it. I left on time and made the first part of the journey through Gloucester with ease, however when I reached the motorway the junctions where stacked, so much for half term.

I finally made it to the club as everyone was leaving for their planned runs, so after a super quick change I left about 5 minutes or so late. Now this may not sound a lot, but that’s in essence a 5 minute head start.

Therefore the head went down and the pace was increased. I had chosen to run the 6mile route as I didn’t want to push too hard, go figure.

I did eventually catch the group as the first regrouping point some 5K into the run. A quick glance at the watch showed I had actual done the distance in under 20 minutes, not too shabby!

The second half of the run was much more relaxed and gave me a good chance to chat and recover, the only inconvenience was the ascent of Stoke Hill and back onto the Downs.

With the run over and conversations had, I headed back home to get a head start on a presentation for Friday.

Another day done and another day closer to 365.



Big Kev

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Angie - Day 303 - 2.2 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Back home! Was midnight before got home last night so a bit of a lie in until 9am. Still boxes to unpack so went for a run at tea time. Will have missed my target for mileage this month and probably won't get to a thousand BUT after 303 days I'm still running so can't complain.

Angie - Day 302 - 1.2 mile

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Early run as flying back today. Will miss the clean fresh air, beautiful scenery and flat routes :-)

Angie - Day 301 - 1.1 mile

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Early minimum run as off early today to catch the train to Zurich. Then hire car for a 2 hour drive to the Eiger. Another lovely day, been so lucky with the weather. Went up on a train, had a drink, very short walk and then back. Pity not longer to explore but wonderful all the same.

Angie - Day 300 - 2 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Yay!!!! made it to another milestone, seems hard to believe only 65 days to go. Different route with a run towards next village. What will I do for a challenge next year I wonder?? :-)

Angie - Day 299 - 3 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Run along the lake again before breakfast. Lovely and flat :-). Then out for the day to do some walking and catch a gondola up a mountain. Beautiful and very warm.

Angie - Day 298 - 1.7 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
5am start to drive to Luton to catch Easyjet to Zurich. Then  train drive to place staying. Managed a short run along the local lake before tea. Beautiful setting and quite warm, happy days :-).

Angie - Day 297 - 2.4 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Out at lunchtime. Stomach hurting so kept close to work!

Angie - Day 296 - 1 mile

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Busy day so got up extra early to complete minimum run, 6am(ish) and drizzly so pleased did it. Nails and eyelashes after work :-).

Angie - Day 295 - 3 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Went to collect currency from Post office for Switzerland so no lunch time run today. Went as soon as I got home, a slightly different route but managed to get 3 miles completed.

Tuesday 29 October 2013

302/365 Just doing it my way. 5K by Big Kev

302/365 Just doing it my way. 5K by Big Kev

With another lazy start to day, the sun shinning and the winds light, I was really looking forward to my run this morning. Its my last day off until Christmas and Tina is keen to make sure I enjoy it. We have tickets to see Russell Brand tonight, so I am certain the evening will end with a few laughs. I have some home based paperwork thats been nagging at me, so I am also keen on getting that off my desk. That would then leave this afternoon for either some relaxing or spontaneity. I will let you all know how that pans out tomorrow.

The trails around Leigh Woods this morning were once again awash with colour. The waters have now subsided and the tracks made by their flow have been lined with banks of leaves. If I hadn't seen the amount of water running yesterday, I would be wondering how on earth the leaves have formed these wonderful shapes.

The run itself was a lot easier than yesterday as the cumulative effect of all of the aches and pains from the challenge are starting to ease. Its not until I have slowed down (a little), that I have become aware of how many things I am trying to juggle all at once. It appears that there is only a finite amount of Kev to go around and I need to prioritise a little better on how this gets spread.

I am going to spend a hour on my diary today and make sure I make time for all of those that deserve it (if they like it or not!).

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Monday 28 October 2013

301/365 A colourful carpet and water everywhere 5K by Big Kev

301/365 A colourful carpet and water everywhere 5K by Big Kev

Today was the first of my two days off and after last nights storm a lazy morning with no commuting was just what the Doctor ordered.

Tina had given me a weather window of between 12 and 3pm for my run today and it panned out perfectly. I think she may have missed her vocation.

The strong winds last night didn't cause any damage at home and so I wasn't expecting any trouble running around Leigh Woods. This turn out to be the case and beyond the odd small branch on the trails it was easy to get around. The winds though had created a colourful carpet of leaves from light yellows all the way through to dark greens and reds. It really was very pretty and soft to run on, just what the legs needed.

What was noticeable though was the amount of water running off the slopes and across the trails, it seemed to have created mini waterfalls at every turn. So thank you Inov8 for my trail shoes they make short work of this terrain and keep me upright (mostly) on all but the steepest descents.

The body is still a bit weary following the last few weeks and whilst I took it easy (easier) yesterday the hamstring is still tight. Therefore, I think I might kick back, run a bath and chill out for the rest of the day. Why? Because I can.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Sunday 27 October 2013

300/365 300 days and a SRC Nightingale Nightmare 10K by Big Kev

300/365 300 days and a SRC Nightingale Nightmare 10K by Big Kev

Well this day has had elements of the ridiculous about it. From the almost unachievable landmark of 300 days, right through to the halloween creatures running through the woods at the SRC 10K.

I have also been able to catch up with JPC and Alf as they were also at the event today, dressed in full Zombie attire (fake blood and all). For those who don't know, Jim and Alf are running 10K a day everyday (crazy) for some excellent charities. please, please, please check out his facebook page as they have been very kind to the Big Kev's cause. www.facebook.com/10kX365

From my own point of view I could have shed a tear today, if it wasn't for the horizontal rain smashing into my face. I have seen some sights today, so much so that I have to congratulate the SRC marshals who puled out all the stops, from Skeletons to Pumpkins. I also particularly loved the distance markers which were carved pumpkins and really set the scene.

I am home now clean, feed and warm and looking forward to a couple of days of R&R.

65 Days left, BOOM!

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Saturday 26 October 2013

299/365 The day before tomorrow 5K by Big Kev

299/365 The day before tomorrow 5K by Big Kev

As it appears to be the apocalypse tomorrow, does that make Monday 'The day after tomorrow'?

Still whilst the UK is still in one piece, tonights run was a simple out and back through Abbots Leigh. It did require a head torch as the back roads have no lighting at all. It did make for a very moody run with the clouds whizzing across the moon and the intermittent rain.

Lets hope that the rain and wind that will be working its way across the country doesn't have too much of an effect on Southville Running Club's Nightingale Nightmare tomorrow.

I am hoping to join in tomorrow as the hamstring seems to be recovering.

Lets see what the big 300 brings.

Missing Katie today as we have spent most of the evening on Skype discussing the weather and Ron Burgundy.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Well done to all of those that took part in Ashton Court 10K today it looked great.

Friday 25 October 2013

298/365 Just about dodged the rain 5K by Big Kev

298/365 Just about dodged the rain 5K by Big Kev

I have to start tonights blog with a big thank you to an anonymous sponsor. Just before I set off out tonight I had an email alert to say that I had received a £50.00 pledge on my just giving site.

It certainly put a spring in my step and this was my quickest run this week. I am still suffering with a tight hamstring so no park run tomorrow :( This may also hamper my run on Sunday as I was hoping to do the Southville Running Club's, Nightingale Nightmare 10K. Let's wait and see.

Tonight's run covered the same beautiful Leigh Woods as the Nightingale Nightmare will and the conditions underfoot will definitely required a good pair of trail shoes.

Sunday will the Big 300 for me and a few other crazy folk attempting to complete a whole years worth of running, so to all of them good luck with Sunday and the rest of the year.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Thursday 24 October 2013

297/365 Slow and steady wins the race. 5K by Big Kev

297/365 Slow and steady wins the race. 5K by Big Kev

A day of change today, we were given some good early news today our new Gloucester office was handed over early. We have therefore spent the day moving into our amazing new space.

Therefore the running front has been pushed to the end of the day today. I have been slowing up this week and today is no different, the right hamstring is still very tight, even with all the stretching and massage from Tina. I may need to employ an expert to help out!

I have therefore taken the first step towards that this evening and have reached for the Vodka! Suddenly all the pain seems to have gone away.

I have a few days off next week, so I intend on grabbing some R&R and applying some TLC to some very sore limbs.

I am keen to be fresh and ready for Sunday as it will be the Big 300 for Big Kev. Therefore if anyone would like to join me on Sunday drop me a line with a preferred time and I will see what I can do.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

296/365 Up and downs on a club night 6 miles by Big Kev

296/365 Up and downs on a club night 6 miles by Big Kev

Once again I am reminded of how fragile this challenge can be. In the last 4 years since joining the club I have run down Falcondale Road a lot. I have done it in beautiful sunshine, near horizontal rain, deep snow and even black ice. There is a downhill section that is relatively dark due to the tree canopy blocking out the street lights and it was at the base of a tree whose roots have raised the pavement where this challenge could have ended.

I was running with someone (for modesty sakes they will remain nameless) who is a big supporter of this challenge and encourages me at almost every point. We had been enjoying our conversation and time we had to catch up when we reached the very point in question. This point is where we also start our descent and naturally increase our speed. All to quickly you feel a stumble and you try to catch yourself and in my case you try and catch the person falling, its too late and you hear the sound of skin against tarmac and know the tarmac is winning. Then a few uncontrolled rolls later and its finished.

It was all over in a flash and credit where credit is due, the person in question just picked themselves up and after a quick check just carried on. It wasn't until we reached our regrouping point (some 2 miles away) that we could properly asses the damage. The escape had been a relatively lucky one and beyond the dented pride, the cuts and inevitable bruises that will follow, there was no lasting damage.

With all that said though, if I had been the one running next to the tree, it could have so easily been me hitting the tarmac and I would guess that the damage could have been far worse.

I have 4 days to go until the big 300 and tonight has been a stark reminder of the need to stay focused and not to become complacent. The reason it is called a challenge is because there are going to be times of adversity and this requires help and support. Fortunately I have a lot of help and support to call upon.

So a big, big thank you to the nameless person tonight as they showed me the spirit of this challenge and also to all my family, friends and colleagues who continue to keep me motivated.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

One final point, following the right foods and hydration all day Hangry Kev has been banished.

Tuesday 22 October 2013

295/365 Hangry *TM 5K by Big Kev

295/365 Hangry *TM 5K by Big Kev

Now before you all think Kev's been on the booze again, today's title is not a spelling mistake as I know I can be a bit slap dash on the spelling front. No, the trademarked title is used often in the Caple household. Hangry is a combination of Hungry and Angry (more grumpy than angry, however Humpy could be misconstrued).

I have made some very poor nutritional decisions over the last couple of weeks and I have definitely not hydrated properly. Reflecting on the Portishead half I actually only had one swig of water for the whole race. Not clever!

So as of tomorrow morning I am going to focus on getting the basics right and hydrate properly. I therefore need to apologise to those close to me for being Hangry and I will reverse the process as quick as possible.

All this was brought to a head today as I have not been able to shift this Hangry mood regardless of the good things that have been happening around me.

Tonight's run was therefore contemplative and a readjustment of my normal Ashton Court route, this allowed me to berate myself properly and form a plan of action going forward.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Monday 21 October 2013

Angie - Day 294 - 3.2 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Ran just past Castle Hill and down a bit of a footpath on the way back. Even hillier here than Meltham! Not long to go until the next milestone of 300 days :-0

Angie - Day 293 - 2.3 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Turned right out of my drive and climbed up to Castle Hill, beautiful views from the top and the good thing was all downhill on way home. Taking mum home today :-(, visiting dad who has been in Oz for a month, my gran and my brother who's birthday it is today. All go but good seeing all my nearest and dearest on the same day. Got tomorrow off work as well so happy days.

Angie - Day 292 - 2 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
First run in Almondbury. Ran down to the village, 0.5 miles to local Chinese take away, 0.6 miles to pub and 0.75 to Co-Op and lots of other small shops. All down hill! Ran to a mile and then turned around, only problem all up hill on way back :-)

Angie - Day 291 - 1.6 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Mum coming over for a couple of days to help :-) Another short early morning run as lots to do!

Angie - Day 290 - 1.5 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Day of the move so an early morning run! Removal men coming at 12 so hopefully everything will have gone through by then, especially as charging £80 an hour :-) Very excited and looking forward to moving to a new area.

294/365 Reality bites! 5K by Big Kev

294/365 Reality bites! 5K by Big Kev

At no point today did I look forward to my run, at no point today did I eat enough food, at no point today did I get organised and therefore at no point on today's run was I surprised at how much it hurt!

The run was wet, windy, dark and 5K long, lets leave it there.

Whilst yesterday was full of smiles and celebration, I must remember that tomorrow is not just another day, its another run.

I know, I know this and I know I get reminded by those that love me, so at some point you would think I would pay attention, right? However, I don't think I am going to change.

So lets get the self doubt and moaning over with and lets make some time for a bath, some wine and some time with Tina. a very early start tomorrow, so an early night might also be in order.

Happy Kev tomorrow me thinks.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev


Sunday 20 October 2013

293/365 Portishead Half Marathon by Big Kev

293/365 Portishead Half Marathon by Big Kev

What a day, strong winds and heavy rain all night put me in two minds as to wether to take part in the event or not. As Tina rightly pointed out, a case of pneumonia might well put and end to this challenge so some caution might need to be exercised. However the curtains were drawn before day break and the skies had cleared and the wind had eased.

Therefore Tina (my rock in all this) and I set off for the registration tent in Portishead. After signing in and being given very my special 365 race number (thanks Jarad) we met up with our Honorary Big Kev's and my Big Kev's running squad.

After swapping the obligatory race day banter with friends and shivering through the warm up, we where eventually ushered to the start line with the light rain falling. The Half marathon today had got a real sting to it, in that the two lap course has a section of hill that is long and very steep. This section of hill was to be timed on the first lap and provide for a King and Queen of the hill prize. The timed section was some 350m and deserved respect, when I reached this section I could see Matt Burns from Southville gun it. Now I do like my hills, however Matt was not going to be caught and in the end this turned out to be the case as he was rightfully crowned King of the hill and by calculations Annabel Granger is Queen. For a guy not quite as young as used to be I was very pleased with my King of the hill 4th overall!

Now with one lap done including a bit of a detour near the end of it (no great drama only one place needed to be given back) we set about covering the same lap and that hill again. With my focus on this I completely lost track of pacing and just cracked on. Before I knew it I was descending Nore road once again and heading back to the Marina. A quick glance of my watch and with the gallant deed done of restoring Damien to his rightful position the race was done. Yeah done, in 1:25:00, OMG and 8th overall, BSC (a reference for my kids) and 2nd MV40, WTF!

This challenge never ceases to amaze me. How can this be so, I seem to be defying convention at every turn. Yet I know this is true as I am continuing to prove that running every day can be done. I also know this has to be right as I know of others who have completed this challenge and have demonstrated this very condition. The condition is Running Every Day syndrome or RED for short. Now when the RED mist descends there is no talking to or deviating from the task at hand, be it 5K or 13.1 miles.

I am proud to say I am a RED mist sufferer and long may it continue (well for another 72 days anyway)

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Thank you for all your recent sponsorship you really are keeping me going and another Big thank you to all the honorary Big Kev's today.

The actual Big Kev


Saturday 19 October 2013

292/365 Parkrun after Milton Jones 5K by Big Kev

292/365 Parkrun after Milton Jones 5K by Big Kev

Last night Tina and I were treated to an amazing evening of stand up comedy from Milton Jones. He made us both laugh so much our ribs hurt. So after a couple of pints of Cider I slept soundly, so soundly that Tina had to remind me of the time this morning. The time was 8:40 and parkrun, starts at 9:00 so not a lot of preparation or warm up was had.

Still with so many smiling faces and warm welcome, when I finally arrived, I just got on with it.

19:31 is really not too shabby and all I can say is that the whole run was made on muscle memory as the mind was a still a little fragile.

The rest of the day has been spent doing errands and the time has flown by. With the Portishead Half Marathon tomorrow I think I better put my feet up for an hour.

Thanks again for all you support yesterday the word is beginning to spread far and wide.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

8 days to go until the massive 300.

Friday 18 October 2013

291/365 A lunchtime loop 5K by Big Kev

291/365 A lunchtime loop 5K by Big Kev

So the next big milestone is in sight, 9 more runs until the massive 300!!!!!!

Yesterday was very poignant for me as a couple of people independently said, I was an inspiration to them, I did thank them humbly and yet they have been the ones who are inspirations to me. You know who you are, so again thank you

I see this challenge as more determination than inspiration, don't get me wrong I have had some real aha moments, however they are far outweighed by the don't give up now moments.

So you all have a call to action tonight. I want to officially announce the logistic for the 'End of the Road' run on New Years Eve. After a lot of thought I will be offering two routes to the participants on New Years Eve. The first will be the infamous Ashton Court parkrun route which will allow me to complete my minimum 5K for the day and therefore the whole challenge. Additionally though, I am aware that there are a lot of people who want to support me, but perhaps not for the whole 5K route (something about a big hill????). Therefore I am offering a walking alternative that shouldn't be too taxing and will allow one and all a walk around the grounds. The distance will be less than 5K and I will measure it accurately tomorrow at the official Parkrun and let you know.

So your call to action is this, log into the facebook page, confirm your attendance at the event on New Years Eve and then invite your friends, family, neighbours and anyone else that could do with a bit of exercise! I would like to end the year with a flourish on the fund raising front, so invite away as the run is free, the company is free and the location is free, all that I ask is that everyone makes a donation to Macmillan on the day. £5.00 of 5K seems fair.

So its now over to you. Lets get the 365 runners, walkers, helpers out to celebrate on day 365.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Thursday 17 October 2013

290/365 for Dave 5K by Big Kev

290/365 for Dave 5K by Big Kev

Today's run is dedicated to our dear friend Dave who passed away a year ago today. Dave is one of the reasons I put on a Macmillan shirt every day and face the elements. I have been think about today's run for some time and how I was going to mark it. Well it kind of just took care of itself, the weather behaved itself and I was able to enjoy a lap of my favourite route in the setting sun. I have realised that I have marked it by just being here and completing another day.

After the obligatory man shower we headed on over to Lou's for an evening of catching up, laughing and reminiscing. A great way to end the day.

For Dave.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev


Wednesday 16 October 2013

289/365 GWR AGM and 5K on my own! by Big Kev

289/365 GWR AGM and 5K on my own! by Big Kev

A quick blog tonight as the run itself was a short one. It was GWR's AGM tonight and therefore the standard club runs were put on hold. I had agreed to meet a group of people and go out before the meeting, however the plan failed at the very last hurdle. I left Gloucester on time, I made it to Bristol on time, I even made it to the road that the club is on in time. This is the part that then goes spectacular wrong. It was gridlock and I proceed to sit in my car not moving for 15 minutes, watching all my fellow runners making their way out on their chosen runs.

Now by the time that the traffic clears (all caused by an event at Redland School) I had no choice but to run the minimum 5K on my own and try to calm down. I have not done or even attempted road rage for many years, however the ineptitude of the drivers in the quarter mile by the club I encountered tonight hit a new level.

Still, once the kit was on and the run was underway, I soon left the issues behind.

Once back at the club, showered and changed, the formalities of the evening could take place and then due to the kindness of Andy Smith and some persuasive raffle ticket selling, another large sum has been raised for the Arthur Dagger fund. Great to see so many friendly faces tonight.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Angie - Day 289 - 1.5 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Moving tomorrow so one of last times will do this route in Meltham. Going to be nice to have a change of scenery after nearly 9 years :-)

Angie - Day 288 - 2.1 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
A short run after work. Unfortunately started with a water infection today so was a bit painful :-( Docs tomorrow morning so hopefully sorted soon.

Angie - Day 287 - 4.4 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Went out at lunchtime a bit of an extended run as I know there will be a few minimums this week. Slow and steady.

Tuesday 15 October 2013

288/365 Warm up at GWR coaching 5K by Big Kev

288/365 Warm up at GWR coaching 5K by Big Kev

288/365 9x3min efforts no stopping 6 miles by Big Kev


Running in circles (well Rectangles actually) 5K then 10K

It was a big night out for Tina and Jess tonight, they had tickets for Cats at the Bristol Hippodrome and I promised to be their taxi. As a consequence I had kept my run for the gap between dropping them off and picking them up. Just by chance the timing coincided nicely with GWR’s coaching session held at the Bristol Rugby academy site on the Portway.

I asked if it would be ok for me to warm up by just running my 5K first rather than taking part in the drills. After I was given the nod, I set off by doing laps of the field, now I have not done laps since I was at school and/or late for a rugby session. So hence the actual running in rectangles!

It was a great measure for me tonight as it has almost been a year since my last session. I have in the past had the innate ability of do myself some damage when it comes to speed sessions, so Tina had made it very clear that I had to be careful tonight. I am glad to report that I am all in one piece and I am still on track.

So after the 5K warm up I then moved up to the main session. This session consisted of 9 x 3 minutes efforts with 1 minute 15 second recovery. I made sure that I didn’t stop running in the recovery parts to keep the heart rate up and the body warm. I actually managed a better average pace from this session as compared to the initial 5K, go figure.

I hope this won’t be my last coaching session before the end of the year as I really enjoyed tonight. Thanks to all my fellow GWR participants tonight and of course Nic Oughton for all the effort he put in to make sure we maintain our pace and motivation throughout. Just remember the gloves next week Nic!


Big Kev

287/385 One before work and fingers crossed 5K by Big Kev

287/385 One before work and fingers crossed 5K by Big Kev

A early run this morning around Leigh Woods was followed by dropping Katie off at the train station for her long journey back to Canterbury. After saying our goodbyes I was time to set off for Gloucester with fingers crossed. It was an important day for our apprentice Jordon, as he had been short listed for the Outstanding Contribution to Business Growth category for the Grow Gloucestershire Showcase Awards. As his employer we were invited as guests, along with his family to the gala dinner. On this occasion the finger crossing didn't quite work. However even though he didn't eventually win, as employers we are still the winners as he had added to our business exponentially. Everyone needs a chance to shine, it's amazing what happens when you give someone the time to do so.
My run this morning was a true autumnal run and the beanie has come out of the cupboard as a warm head helps keep the rest of the body warm.

Sorry for the delay in getting the blog out, but at least you can appreciate why its a bit late!

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev

Photo of Michelle Duberry (apprentice 2006 winner), Jordon and Steve Knibs


Sunday 13 October 2013

286/365 A run before a day of travelling 5K by Big Kev

286/365 A run before a day of travelling 5K by Big Kev


Today was a day that was going to be dominated by travelling as our Sunday lunch plans involved us being in Carmarthen for 11:30am. It had been too long since the whole family had visited Tina’s Mum and Dad at their home in Wales. The timing could not have been better, as independent of our decision to visit on this day; Katie had decided to come home for the weekend. Therefore the full complement of the Caple Clan were off on a road trip!

With the day planned out, I knew the run today had to be an early one. Not too early as to effect a good nights sleep, but an early one nonetheless. Today’s route was eerily quiet and all the cars on the road seemed to be full of people wearing technical T-shirts travelling on their way to their own escapades. As the mind wandered I tried to guess what race, cycling event or outdoor adventure they were off to. All too soon though I was heading for home and rain looked imminent, so I was pleased to reach the halfway point before the clouds let loose.

A quick man shower later and I am working my way through my muesli contemplating which vehicle to take to Wales. Then Tina answered this for me as she said she would drive back. This would allow me some time to work on the laptop - the truck it is then.

No sooner than we arrived in Wales and had a piece of Katie’s (early) birthday cake, we were whisked off for lunch. So we basically had our dessert an hour before we had lunch, now that’s different. After a huge carvery and a good catch up, the girls had decided it was time for some retail therapy before heading back to Bristol. It’s been a long time since a Sunday has been this relaxed, brilliant.

The body is feeling a little less battered when compared to this time last week and I have most definitely enjoyed the extra hour in bed for the last two days.

Bring on the week ahead.


Big Kev


Angie - Day 286 - 6.4 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Met Helen for our usual Sunday run. However she kept getting a few pains in her chest (hopefully just the hills) and so we were slower than normal. Still she managed approx. 5 miles which is the furthest she has run for a while. On my target so far this month to average 3 miles a day but is going to be difficult soon with my move. Will do my best :-).

Angie - Day 285 - 2.4 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Morning run. Going to be a busy busy day packing boxes and taking things down ready for my move.

Angie - Day 284 - 3 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Out at lunch time, usualish circuit.

Angie - Day 283 - 1.1 mile

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Out for lunch then an interview technique workshop in the afternoon. Got some excellent news in that I'm moving 17 Oct, yippee....... New start in a lovely new house, can't wait. Also an area unfamiliar with so new running routes to explore :-) still as hilly but that's ok. Later getting home and quite tired so just the minimum.

Angie - Day 282 - 3.2 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Had a CV writing workshop in the morning which was excellent so did not run at lunchtime as usual. Out after work. Nothing exciting to report.

Angie - Day 281 - 3 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Issues with my Garmin meant I missed the first 0.3miles, so timing reads as 2.7m. Had an interview at 1pm for a Business Manager role at my local school. Unfortunately was un-successful but it was my first interview for nearly 9 years and wasn't as bad as I expected so hopeful :-) Went for run at tea time.

Angie - Day 280 - 3.7 miles

Untitled by AAllum20 at Garmin Connect - Details
Lisa's little girl poorly so I ended up working from home. A bit of a shame as I got up at 6.20am as usual, never mind :-) So went out at lunch time. Really hope if I hear if I'm moving next week, getting quite stressed about it all now.

Saturday 12 October 2013

285/365 Parkrun route B 5K by Big Kev

285/365 Parkrun route B 5K by Big Kev

I do love a parkrun on a Saturday morning, especially when the house is all sleepy when I leave. The weather was just about playing ball this morning and whilst the rain clouds were there, they were keeping the rain inside. That said the wind was stiff and the temperature was showing a marked decline compared to last week. So much so, that on my first climb of the now famous Ashton Court parkrun hill, I was greeted by Marcus at the turning point dressed head to foot in what could be described as Arctic exploration clothing.

The route B course is only rolled out when conditions dictate a change of plan and with what looked like 50 or so new runners to the parkrun community, I do hope they come back next week to experience the classic route A.

Today's time was nothing special in the grand scheme of things for this year and considering the efforts of the last week I am actually more than happy with the result. It is always interesting, even now, listening to people before or after the run and hearing of their forthcoming exploits. I have made the decision to limit the number of full races between now and the end of the year as this week has shown me that if I keep pushing as hard as I have been, I could possible just implode.

I have just 4 planned races left; Portishead Half Marathon, Christmas Cracker, Clevedon Boxing Day run and my 'End of the Road' New Years Eve 5K run. I will of course continue to frequent the Ashton Court hill for the remaining Saturday mornings of this year. But do just let me know if you fancy joining me for a run between now and the end of the year.

Keep on sharing.

www.justgiving.com/kevin-caple

Big Kev