Mike Munds Gym

Mike Munds Gym: Another "no more excuses post"

2010-07-27T03:17:00.000-07:00

Mike Munds Gym: Another "no more excuses post"

Another "no more excuses post"

2010-07-27T01:06:00.000-07:00

This lady is partially sighted and comes to the gym with her guide dog Darcy

She has written a poem so I thougth that I would share:

THE GYM

WEEK ONE

One fine morning on a whim

I decided to join the local gym

They told me, after using this machine and that;

I would soon lose all my fat.

So week one was a doddle...

10 minutes on each machine,

I'd soon have the figure of a super model.

WEEK TWO

Week two was not so bad,

All my friends thought that I'd gone mad.

But when I get gid of all this flab

I will look absolutly fab.

WEEK THREE

So its now week three and she put me on a machine that climbs a hill

Then its two long miles on the cursed treadmill

I'm sweating blood and tears
and I shoot her a look that is a threat to kill

Guide Dog Darcy looks on unimpressed

I can see she is bored, I must confess.

We come her five mornings a week

No wonder she lies ther looking bleak!

I think to myself "God love a tryer"

So it will be worth it when I lose this spare trye!

WEEK FOUR

Hooray! I've just been weighed and have lost a stone.

I'll soon be a bag of bones.

All that slog and sweat, no more winges and moans.

A few months of this and it will be bliss,

I'm dedicated that a morning I will not miss!

So if you want to get fit and trim,

Do what I did and join your local gym.

Margaret Oldham, July 2010

MOV017

2010-06-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Mike Munds Beach Body Boot Camp Wadebridge 2009

2010-06-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

BOOT CAMP IS NOT....

2010-06-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

A glorified aerobics class done outside.The traditional definition of a bootcamp is MILITARY TRAINING.

Bootcamp is thought of as a tough and rugged affair, meant to separate the strong from the weak and to be challenging both mentally and physically. It is a rite of passage for military recruits to prepare them for battle.
Now I'm not saying that in my bootcamp that I am going to run you into the ground and come at you with a whistle and megaphone, (Liv might tho!!) but I think that I still need to do the name justice and challenge you.

So this year I've set a limit to the number of people attending. There will be 20 people only -this will make sure that we can supervise you and make sure that what you are doing is both effective and safe? Remember, you have hired us for our expertise and to get results. It's hard to give you the best possible service when we've got a 1 to 30 instructor to bootcamper ratio.

We wont always have everybody doing the same thing all at once - I think a group dynamic warm-up is essential, but after that, we will split you into your own ability group and work on your strengths and weaknessess.

We wont be using pink fluorescent dumbbells - It's a bootcamp, not a muscle pump class. Need I say more? But we will be using kettlebells - I can't emphasize this enough, but I have yet to find a more versatile piece of equipment out there. They can be used the way traditional weights have been used. You can throw them (just make sure you have a clear area), you can swing them, squat, deadlift, press, row. The options are endless.

And we WILL be using some "unconventional" equipment - I'm big on creating a supportive team environment when I teach my bootcamps. you may have seen us flipping tyres and doing team games

Here are some videos

See you in this years BOOTCAMP

Mike Munds Beach Body Boot Camp 2010

2010-06-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

Here we go again folks. Its time to attack the fat, burn the blubber and melt the mid rift.

Lets shape the shoulders, tone the triceps and sharpen up the six pack

The BEACH BODY BOOTCAMP starts at 7am Monday 21st June sharp.

Its six weeks of proper fitness training following a variety of exercises designed by me and Liv to shape YOU up for the summer.

BOOTCAMP works because:

You work out first thing in the morning and lots of studies have shown that this is the best time of day to workout if you want to lose weight.

I give you a six week diet plan to follow.you don't have to think about what to eat just follow the plan that's it.

Not only do the trainers encourage you. You will find that you will get heaps of support from your fellow bootcampers

Variety.Every day is different it keeps your body on its toes and guessing as to what is coming next.

You will be weighed, measured and your body fat taken every week to make sure you are on track.

I tried the program on myself for just FOUR weeks and this is what happened:

Sorry about that yuk anyway ....

You can see more results here: http://www.mikemundsfitness.co.uk/ including the video of Mark Prideaux who lost an amazing 2 stone in six weeks despite being injured!

If you decide that you would like to take part in this years bootcamp remember that this is a big commitment. I will only take on 20 people who want to shape up this year. Excuse makers and bone idle time wasters need not apply.

Bootcamp starts 7am Monday 21st June 2010. At this time I have 6 spots left. You may book YOUR place by emailing me at mikemunds1@yahoo.co.uk

BOOTCAMP: Failiure is NOT an option

Diets and Exercise can help YOU lose weight

2009-11-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

Well quite a lot of you agreed with my previous post infact I've never had so many responses to one post so thank you all. Its a good job we are keeping ourselves fit and healthy and make a stand against the sedentry lifestyle eh?

Three weeks ago I gave out my 7 week Weight loss program and promised a MM Hoodie to the person who lost the most weight before Christmas. Fiona got her hands on the program and lost 9lbs in two weeks :-)

Close up yup that 16st 13lbs

As if by magic......

Well a lot of hard work actually but lets take a close up of that.

Just think if you need to lose a few pounds and tone up in time for Christmas (maybe to look extra sexy in that party dress) and you'd started my fitness program 2 weeks ago you could be 9lbs lighter.

Wait there is still time pick up a copy at reception tomorrow

See you in the gym

Who needs fat loss surgery?

2009-11-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

Page 27 of this weeks Cornish Guardian (Weds 4th Nov 2009) Beverley Coumbe, the reporter, asks the question:

WHY ARE WE SO OVERWEIGHT?

You might want to read the article before you read my response. Oh and if you are easily offended by strong language then I suggest you dont read any further.

I’m shaking my head at the sad at the fact that Cornwall had got a bar iatric unit.

If you don’t know what that is let me tell you. That’s the hospital unit where people who don’t have enough self control to stop them from over eating processed high fat, high sugar foods and are too lazy to get off their backsides and do some sensible exercise go to be cut open and fitted with a gastric band so that they can lose some weight.

I actually can’t figure out whether these people are on the blame train or not. I’ve spoken to a lot of overweight people and most can’t seem to understand why they are over weight as they eat hardly anything. Until we discover the truth when I ask them to complete a food diary.

Mr Finley, the consultant in Upper Gi, laproscopic surgery at Treliske Hospital blames the Cornwall’s obesity problem on “social attitudes towards food”

He said that “We are training our children to eat everything on their plates regardless as to whether they are full or not. This came about as a result of rationing during the war when food was scarce.”

I think that this man is still living in the nineteen fifties. I’m forty years old with a 7 month old daughter. I was born in 1969. I don’t know anything about rationing. .My father is in his sixties and might remember rationing, just. (Sorry Dad) When he puts on a few pounds through eating a little too much cheese, he regulates his diet and starts doing some light exercise. He loses the weight that he has put on and goes back to his normal healthy weight. He doesn’t blame social attitudes towards food. He knows that he is responsible for the weight gain and no one else.

Mr Finley goes on to say that “We also use sugary foods as an inducement for good behaviour in our children”.

Is it me? I certainly would not feed my daughter anything sugary or processed or anything I wouldn’t eat myself. In fact I spend a lot of time reading about and then making, my own baby food. Which is both nutritious and by the look of Bonnie when she has eaten it, delicious. Ok she is only 7 months old but I would never even consider using sweets as a bribe for good behaviour. Maybe I just had a great upbringing myself.

This also doesn’t answer the question as to why adults are having gastric bypass operations. For an adult to blame social attitudes towards food is like me blaming the barmaid for my Sunday hangover.

It was reported in the Cornish Guardian this week that the unit was a welcome addition to the RCHT as previously these bone idle bastards….sorry obese patients had to be carted off to Taunton to receive specialist treatment. I’m sure that Somerset Heath Authority has the money to “treat” a basically self induced condition.

The treatment itself is not without risks. Patients could experience: blood clots, wound infections, hernias, sickness, burping and neurological problems such as tingling skin and feeling cold. Hell there is even a 1 in 200 risk of death in the riskier gastric bypass operation. Bloody hell I’d rather eat salad and go for a brisk walk. The things that some people will do to get out of eating properly and exercising is unbelievable.

Mr Finlay goes on to confidently say “ Diets don’t work once your body max index is more than 35” I’m training a lady who’s BMI is currently 37 she lost 5lbs last week as a result of diet and exercise.

Oh I thought Id check my BMI and it gave me a calculation of 30.4 now I admit I’ve put on a few pounds but I wouldn’t put myself in the obese category.

Also if you check out the last video on my website (www.mikemundsfitness.co.uk) you will see that Mark, 6ft 1inch and 228lbs which gives him a BMI of 30 and puts him in the obese category. Mark loses over 2 stone by employing a diet and exercise routine.

This blows Mr Finlays statement “For those already obese (that’s me and Mark) that diet and exercise programmes are ineffective in sustained weight loss”

Beverley Coumbe’s report asks the question – why are we so over weight? Then in a sub heading “We look at the facts behind our bulging waistlines and ask is enough being done to prevent people going under the knife”

She neither answers the original question nor offers any alternative options to gastric bypass surgery.

She interviews one woman who is about to go under the knife and who won’t be named, (quite rightly you should be ashamed of yourself.) This poor lady blames giving up smoking and having three children on her weight gain.

Nice.

Here is my advice: Stop eating so much and go play with your kids that will be good start.

Oh and well done on giving up smoking, but as you are in the “health caring” profession shouldn’t you know better than to have started smoking in the first place.

As for the question – why are we so over weight?

For a County that has got so much to offer in terms healthy outdoor activities, from miles of beaches to walk, surf and swim in to great leisure facilities, golf courses, horse riding and country walks. There are also a whole lot of local farm shops, fish mongers and restaurants offering healthy food.

PLUS even if you are a couch potato there are numerous government sponsored television adverts telling us to move our bodies more, eat healthy foods. Even the cookery programs aren’t getting the message over despite Mr Oliver’s best efforts. Does anyone even bother with Fit 4 Life?

I can only shake my head and say you are fat because you are bone idle. You won’t take any type of regular sensible exercise and ready meals are your saviour so that you can waste more of your time watching Jeremy Kyle than preparing nutritious food.

OK I might be getting a little carried away now but lets all start taking responsibility for our own health and stop burdening the overstretched NHS with problems which we can avoid.

See YOU in the gym

What goes on tour stays on tour... or does it?

2009-04-02T07:13:00.001-07:00

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Birthday Blog

2009-03-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL 40th BIRTHDAY BLOG

A big thank you to all who wished me a Happy Birthday over the weekend, and thank you for the excellent new surf board I cant wait to use it. I had no idea what was going on

Well it all started off so well. Luke told me he would pick me up at 12 but I really had no idea what was going on. Unfortunately for Nic I just happened to be looking out of the window when I saw him try and Ninja his way down the lane, Hood up, Head Down.

True to form at 2pm (late as ever) Luke came up to get me and told me to put on some boardshorts and nothing else! Well I had consumed about 7 or 8 bottles of Desperados beer (the beer of choice) by this time and was more tha happy to get my kit off.

"Who ya gonna call?"

Blindfolded I was led through the Gym to unmistakable disabled changing room, or, to give it its proper title "Lukes Room"

I was as expecting some sort of naked lady when I took off the blindfold so, outstretching my arms felt the smooth finish of a gorgous surfboard instead, then was drenched in cold water as someone turned on the shower. The blindfold was removed and I was blinded by a totally PINK room! See pics above

"Luke gets his groove on"

"DJ GAV"

Nice work everyone It actually looks great.

Just in case Johnny forgets his own name again

Below Roger manages to hid his meat and two veg

"Roger Ramjet"

More drinking ensued and by the time Roger and the mini bus turned up at 4pm I can honestly

say I was off my face.

A short journey to Exeter, a Curry and an underground Punk Club finished the evening off nicley and with everyone accounted for we all passed out at around 4am.

Nice to know I can still party as hard at 40 as I could at 20.

Big thanks to LUKE, NIC, JEN, MELINDA, MATT, ROGER, GAV, JOHNNY and everyone else who helped.

P.S. Party hard, live life to the full and skid to the grave knowing that you have no regrets.

2009-03-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

You know I’ve been doing my workout first thing in the morning with a really good friend of mine who has recently rejoined the gym. I must admit he’s kicking my ass at the running and I seem to, be shall we say, be encouraging him with his weight training :-)

(YES THAT DOES SAY 7.15am ON THE CLOCK)
Now load of people say to me training? Why are you training when you do all those classes? Well you see, your body is an amazing, adaptive piece of machinery. When you throw a certain demand at it, it adapts in amazing ways to be more equipped to handle that demand in the future.

So the classes I teach has little or no effect on my body especially as I don’t put in 100% as I have to instruct, spot and correct. When you work out you need to be progressive and make each workout harder than the last to get great results.

Progressive? Yeah, you know, how you’re increasing the work you do from one cardio session to the next in order to ensure that you continue to improve your fitness and lose body fat.
So, when it comes to exercise, if we do the same 30 minutes of steady state cardio from one workout to the next, within 2-3 workouts we’ll be well adapted to those exact cardio demands. So well adapted, in fact, that those 30 minutes will be barely better than sitting on the couch.
And the same is true for high intensity work. If we don’t progress the workout from one session to the next, the demands will be so small on our bodies that we’ll see none of the benefit we saw when we started the program.

So there is a “secret” to an ever-increasing health profile, an ever-improving body composition, and non-stop performance increases. And it’s called progression.

Weight Training Progressions

Now, most people oversimplify the idea of progression. They assume that to “make it harder” from one week to the next, they need to spend more time exercising. However, that’s not always the case. Sure, this type of volume progression is one method to progress your program. Yet it’s not the only way.
In our weight training arsenals there are several ways to design programs to ensure progress toward a variety of goals, including increased strength, increased power, increased muscle mass, etc.

Here are a few examples of ways to design a proper progression in the weight room.

#1 Simple Load Progression
Classic progressive resistance training (or simple load progression as I call it) relies on the necessity of increasing our load lifted over time, assuming the same repetition range.
Like Milo, the Greek wrestler who purportedly jogged around the perimeter of the Coliseum with a calf on his back, getting stronger and stronger as the calf slowly grew into a bull, we try to increase the weight lifted from one week to the next in order to continue to progress.

#2 Complex Load Progression
Periodization models have introduced the idea of systematically increasing our load lifted while decreasing our repetitions. This model uses gradually increasing loads (or intensities, defined as a percentage of 1 rep max) while using gradually decreasing volume (measured by the total number of repetitions performed during a workout). These types of sessions are called intensification sessions.

Of course, even within an overall periodized program that’s focusing on intensification (heavier loads and fewer reps during a workout), the idea of simple load progression still stands. Obviously, if you’re using a similar repetition range from week to week during an intensification phase, you should be increasing your load used, even if you’re only using the same rep range during two consecutive training sessions for that movement.

#3 Simple Volume Progression
Compared to the simple load progression above, simple volume progression is pretty much the opposite. Instead of increasing the load from week to week, you keep the load the same while increasing the volume (measured by the total number of repetitions performed during a workout, whether that’s adding a few reps to each set or adding a few total sets).

So, instead of doing 6 reps at 80kg, as you did during week one, you’d be doing 7 reps at 80kg during week two. Alternatively, instead of doing 3 sets of 6 reps at 80kg, you might do 4 sets of 6 reps at 80kg. Either way, volume progresses, load stays the same.

Other examples, of varying utility, based on your goals, include:
Decreasing rest time from week to week in order to improve between-set recovery.
Increase rest time from week to week in order to handle heavier loads on subsequent sets.
Another example of using time as a variable is Charles Staley’s EDT. This style of training demands that, from one week to the next, you increase the number of reps you perform while keeping the total exercise time constant.

I’ll give you some examples of Cardio progressions next time :-)

Have a great day and I’ll see you in the gym
MM

P.S. More valuable information at www.mikemundsfitness.ning.com Please join in :-)

Not more excuses?

2009-02-27T23:38:00.000-08:00

This site seems to becoming my RANT page and here I go again. I hate complaining and really don't like to moan but what are your thoughts on this?

Last September 2 friends joined my gym. They were both keen, excited about doing something positive in there life, losing some weight and feeling better about themselves.

Unfortunately one of the friends became genuinely ill and could not attend any more. Now under the rules of their contract If someone is genuinely ill and medically unfit to exercise then they can freeze, or in extreme illness cases, cancel their contract. fair enough.

Last week I had a visit from the OTHER friend the one that was not ill. She was complaining that Harland's (the nice people that handle all gym contracts) would not cancel her membership.

I asked her why she would want to cancel? Surly she still wanted to get the same benefits out of the gym that she wanted when she joined? Was she unhappy with the service? Was there anything I could do to make her gym experience more pleasurable?

Oh she said I have a swollen knee and can not exercise.

I asked what was wrong with the knee.

She said that she had been to several surgeons and there was nothing they could do

Oh I said So what is the matter? What did these surgeons say was wrong

She avoided the question.

I explained that Harland's handle ALL membership enquires and I was here to help with fitness questions and help every member achieve their fitness goals.

She said that she wasn't were happy about that and left.

By the way whilst this conversation was going on in the gym was:

Steve: 56 sitting in a wheelchair, had a stroke in his early thirties, comes to the gym 3 times a week despite having little control over his movements, I take the time to help him around He's lost over a stone in weight and gained strength in his arms an legs.

Frank: 71 Heart bypass recovery patient also has problems with his grip due to a tendon problem in his hands. Comes three times a week and has reduces his resting heart rate and increased his hand grip.

Denis: 53 Has Depression Mental heath issues and a speech impediment. He's only been coming for a month but attends the gym for about 30 minutes a day. He finds the gym helps lift his mood and he gets great benefit from the social interaction talking to other gym members

Now lets go back to the lady with the "swollen knee" in fact lets not.

Id rather that she hadn't joined the gym because now instead of having a positive and beneficial impact on her life she will probably spend a lot more energy and cause herself a lot of stress trying to "get out" of her contract.

Actually If you are that lady and you are reading this please come back lets get your body moving and let me help you achieve the goals that you joined the gym for.

That goes for all of you out there

For now take care and keep fit,

See you in the Gym

P.S. Please leave a comment about this blog or pop over to http://www.mikemundsfitness.ning.com/ and leave a comment there.

Consistancy is the Key

2009-01-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Go to any bookshop and look in the diet section. Now count how many books there are. 10? 20? 100? 1000? All diff rent; Atkins,Weight Watchers, The South Beach Diet, I remember the cabbage soup diet. Which one have you used? One, Two, ALL?

Now how can there be so many diet books and which one works? Well they all do. And that goes for workouts too. The thing with fitness workouts is that you have to establish a base level and work your way up. The same as a diet.

For example every month there is a new fitness magazine out showing you how to do the same exercise. Just how many times do you need to be shown how to do a bench press or a triceps kickback by a different fitness model?

So its the same with BOTH dieting and keeping fit. Everyone wants to look like the fitness model demonstrating the exercises or promoting the eating plan but not everyone can succeed and achieve the look.

Dieting isn't fun and (as much as I try to make to be as diverse as possible) exercise can also be boring. As much as I wish you could, you cant magically transform your body by buying a diet book or a gym membership. Sorry but its hard work all the way until...

It becomes second nature to you and you live life like a fitness model. That's when you don't even think that you are on a diet and exercise becomes as much of a habit as brushing your teeth. You've got to find your own way. I'd love to guide you but you have got to make that conscious decision to make it happen and then get busy.

In fact here is a great tip from Mark (who lost a lot of weight last year) Mark found that doing his workout at the same time every day helped him stick to the plan and achieve his goals.

Consistency with Marks workout and diet helped him. Mark lost over a Stone in weight in 2008

Looking Great Mark

So if you can be consistently good in keeping to your diet and your workout you will achieve YOUR goal. If you are consistently bad then you wont. Check out this vid:

So in 2009 lets all eat better and exercise consistently

MM

P.S. A high profile client of mine (film star) consistently ate carrots for the duration of the shoot. She (oops that's narrowed it down). She lost loads of weight unfortunately she also turned orange! That fucked up continuity :-)

Excuses Excuses

2008-11-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

On Friday I "went over" on my ankle in my Friday morning Fat Attack session. If you haven't done Fat Attack its basically a hi impact, hi energy interval training aerobics class. Maybe I was getting carried away as I normally doubt apparently,according to some people, going over on you ankle is easily done. Although I must say that in all my teaching life I have never injured myself or twisted my ankle.

Anyway there I was enjoying the last 5 minute aerobic peak and I caught the edge of my ankle on the floor the next thing I see is the sole of my foot pointing the wrong way up!

I went over like a sack of spuds and felt like throwing up. apparently the colour drained from my face. It took a lot of self control and a lot of biting my bottom lip to encourage the class to finish the section.

What happens next is that the class want to stop so I can get treatment! Well thank you for your concern but I'm sorry you don't get out of doing your press ups that easily! So we finish the class and I apply ice immediately. Of course my foot swells up to twice its original size and is turning a nice shade of blue as I type this. Yes it was probably silly of me to continue but there is something inside me that compels me to deliver the service that you are paying for. Injured or not.

I'm not some type of masochist and quite frankly hate being injured or ill but I am dedicated to my job, if you can call it a job. I like to think of it as a lifestyle choice :-) so..

Why I'm I being told by some people " Oh dear you'll have to cancel your classes now"

Well quite frankly bollocks will I. What I'll do is find an option for me to do and you guys will do the hard work. Easy. After all Its YOUR WORKOUT not mine. I'm here to guide you safely through YOUR WORKOUT and to encourage you to find YOUR own option so YOU can achieve the goals YOU want.

What sort of trainer would I be if I found an excuse to cancel your workout? Its hard enough encouraging some people to partake in some regular exercise as it is. I must admit a twisted ankle is a reasonable excuse. I discovered that I can still swim and do upper body exercises without causing any further pain so I can do MY WORKOUT. It might not be the workout I want to do but its better than nothing.

Its my belief that my workout is non negotionable and neither is yours. Just incase you are still unclear all classes will be running this week :-)

Feel free to leave me a message or comment. See you in the Gym MM

A quick catch up

2008-11-23T02:46:00.000-08:00

Forgive me father for I have sinned. Its been 7 months since my last blog!

7 months!!! My apologies I promise to be a little more regular from now on

So a brief recap over the last months since the London Marathon.

MAY

May saw the launch of the FIRST MM BOOTCAMP. and how great was that? Over 80 of you pounding the streets of Bodmin at 7am every morning for Six Weeks. We even had live coverage on Radio Cornwall. But the important thing was the results. Everyone who followed the program lost weight. The most being 18lbs !!!!!! That's not bad going for six weeks work. Look out for next years which is going to be even bigger. Me and Liv are working on it even now.

SEPTEMBER

The annual Dragon Boat Race in Falmouth and probably the only sunny day of the year. A crack elite of MM members take the Henderson party bus down tho Falmouth to take on 15 other teams in the best Dragon boat race of the year. With Stan and Luke on Holiday we draft in some non members to put up a valiant race against the formidable Cornish Pirates only to come 2nd.

I think that we need to introduce drug testing into this sport to ensure a level playing field. Still there is always next year.

Its great to meet new members and sad to see members leave but It is with great sadness that I have to report that Katrina, our little drummer girl and great gym member, died in a tragic accident in Slovakia soon after this picture was taken. Kat you were an inspiration and we all miss you.

We also think of Mike, her boyfriend who also sadly lost his sister in the same month. Chin up Mikey hope you come back soon mate.

OCTOBER

October saw some strange going ons in Bodmin with no carnival to attend this year, a few of us felt the need to dress up anyway and get out and about to promote the fitness lifestyle that embodies the MM FITNESS COMMUNITY.

Just what were Batman and Robin doing running around the Streets of Bodmin with MM fliers?

Who were the three beauties who were promoting health and fitness in the pubs around Bodmin?

And who says that parking is a problem at MM FITNESS STUDIO?

These are a few questions that, unfortunately will remain a mystery but with Christmas looming we can look forward to a great end of year party and refreshing our health and fitness goals in 2009

London Marathon 2008

2008-04-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

THE LONDON MARATHON 2008

This was my first London Marathon. I had run the Paris marathon 20 years earlier in a time of 3hrs and 52 minutes. Of course I'm 20 years older and 5 stone heavier now.

The training had gone well and I had run 4 good 19 mile training distances as well as alternate 7 and 3 mile runs within the weeks leading up to the day. I must admit I felt good.

The sun was shining on race day and as I cued with the 34,999 other runners I must admit that I had no pre race nerves just some quiet excitement and within no time at all we were off. I past the start just 4 minutes after the hooter had marked the beginning of the race but was confident that the timing chip attached to my shoe would give me an accurate over all time.

Its hard to describe running with 35,000 people only to say that there always seemed to be someone in my way. It got worse when the people from the blue start merged with the people from the red start. You could hear a loud "booing" noise coming from both teams. It reminded me of the sound from the film Zulu when the tribe appears on the hill. Speaking of Zulu I passed the Masai tribe complete with shoes made out of tyres, sheathed spears and a British Commando escort at mile six.

I was surprised to note that I was running consistent 8 minute miles. I had not timed individual miles before and looked forward to seeing the green and yellow arches that marked every mile along the route. A glace at the pace guide strapped to my wrist indicated that I could possibly finish in 3hrs and 35 minutes! I took on some water from the many water stations around the route.

Mile twelve and Tower Bridge was in sight and so was an ominous black cloud. First two then three drops of rain splashed on my nose. Then the heavens opened. I soon became soaked and my feet splashed water up the inside of my legs. From having an enjoyable time I soon became cold and tetchy. There were still people in the way and I nearly lost my cool when accidentally nudging someone out of my way they pushed me in the back. A large BBC TV camera swung overhead so I just kept running. I could see the headlines now "Fight breaks out on Tower Bridge".

Just off Tower Bridge the course is such that the Elite runners could be seen on the other side of the road running back at me. The crowd burst into loud chants "LIZ LIZ LIZ" Liz Yelling the British Olympic hopeful passed me on the other side of the road!

The next few miles snaked around the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf. The sky scrappers seemed to funnel the wind and rain and I began to slow. A six foot bottle of Innocent Smoothly passed me. Just a pair of legs could be seen out of the bottom. I always said Id never be beaten by someone in silly fancy dress and I contemplated tripping them up.

Then another push in the back. "Right this time I'll ave ya. No cameras about this time"

"Oi Mundsy you git" It was my running / training partner Jeremy Hoskin. What were the odds at mile 19 amongst 35,000 people of us meeting. We ran together for a while. We were both feeling the pain now. Eventually I ran ahead and lost him in the crowd. The rain let up eventually and the sun re emerged. I seemed to find some more energy and picked up the pace. It was count down mile 21, 22, 23 ,24, 25 BIG BEN! " big ben. big ben. Big Ben Big Ben Big Ben" oh that's "Big Bob" (see Al Murray if you think Ive lost it here)

600 mtrs to go......200 mtrs to go. There is the Mall and the finish line. I catch a lady dressed as Wonder Woman and pass her. I will not be beaten by someone in a costume!! Finished 3hrs 45mins and 3 seconds. Jeremy is close behind 3hrs 52mins

The tag is snipped off my shoe and I'm handed my medal. I must admit I had a little cry. I must say that the organisation was brilliant and my kit bag was waiting for me amoungst all the others. The London Crowds were also fantastic throwing street parties and cheering every one on.

Although I enjoyed the day. I don't think I'll do it again but ...never say never.

Oh yeah and if you ever have the urge.... do it ...but dont do it in fancy dress!!!