Saturday 14th to the Friday 21st February 2014

Saturday 15th February

I had my alarm set for 6.30am to get up and go running for 7.30am with the Clare Crusaders running group, as I do most Saturday mornings, for a 15 mile run.  When the alarm went off I could barely lift my head off the pillow.  My body was tired I felt I needed the rest so I turned the alarm off and reset it for 8.30am.  I decided instead of going for the outside for a run I would go to the gym.  I ran 7.5 miles in the gym.  I rarely run in the gym as I don’t like running on a treadmill, I find it hard to get a steady pace going.  I also sweat buckets in there, but this time I was surprised at how comfortable I was while on the treadmill.  Next up was the X-Trainer for 45mins; I did a total of 6.7miles on this.  After that it was time for the stepper for 20mins, not my favourite machine, but it’s a good work out.  Then the last bit of cardio on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work.  I had started back doing the plank and push ups recently.  I had been doing theses in the past but I got out of the habit of doing them.  I did 30 seconds plank, followed by 30 push ups (push ups with knees on the ground to start back with) 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I did 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with each leg raised; 10 seconds rest and repeat 4 times. I then did a variety of ab crunches X 80 and again repeat 4 times.

Finished before 1pm and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Sunday 16^th February

I went to the gym at 10am. I started with 10mins on the rower to warm up, then the X-Trainer for 45mins.  After that it was time for the stepper for 20mins.  Then on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work.  I did the plank and push ups.  I did 30 seconds planking, followed by 30 push ups.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches. I then did a variety of ab crunches.

I also did a few weights, 3 sets of 12 on the Leg Curl, Leg Extension and Leg Press.

Finished off in the pool with a 30mins swim.

I was finished and ready to go to Cusack Park to see Clare play Kilkenny.

When I got home from the match, I went for a 4 mile walk with the dog.  I like to go for a relaxed walk on the weekends.  Strolling around without pushing my body or trying to get a good time. It is really relaxing.

Monday the 17^th February

I was a bit slow getting out of bed this morning.  I arrived at the gym for 7.15am, so I got 20mins done on the X-Trainer followed by 20mins on the stepper.  Then down to the pool for a 30mins swim.  All set and ready to go to work for 9am.

Today I only got a chance to go on walk on my lunch break; I would normally do a walk on each of my tea breaks as well.  It was a 30mins walk.

After work I headed for the gym again.  This evening I did the same as normal. 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the Bike.  I finished with very quick 20 length swim.

Tuesday 18^th February

I had to be at work for 8am this morning so I had very little time.  I did 20mins stepper followed by 20mins X-Trainer.

I didn’t get any walks done today while on my breaks at work.

This evening I wasn’t able to get to the gym until after 6pm so it was a quick session of the stepper, x-trainer and bike, 20mins on each.

Finished with 20 leg raises followed by 1 leg raised ab crunch, 20 with 1 leg raised and then switch; 10 seconds rest and repeated 4 times. I then did a variety of abs crunches.

30mins swim to finish and then home for dinner.

Wednesday 19^th February

The gym opens at 6.30 on Wednesday.  So I was in there around that time.  I got 30mins done on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the bike.  

Then into the pool for 30mins swim.

I got my walk done on each of my breaks today, I do a lap around the block on my two 15mins break and twice on my half hour lunch, it’s a 0.75mile route.

After work I had intended to hit the road for a run, but decided against it and headed to the gym.  I did my regular session of the X-Trainer for 45mins.  Next up it was the stepper for 20mins.  Then on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work. It was the same as on Sunday. I did the plank and push ups.  I followed this with leg raises and ab crunches.  I then did a variety of ab crunches.

Finished in the gym around 8pm and then headed down to the pool.  As it was Wednesday it was width swimming from 8pm.  I much prefer swimming the full length, I find the shorter distance a bit boring, and so I only did about 10mins and then headed home.

Thursday 20^th February

Went for an early morning 10k run with John and Anne.  We started and finished at Active Ennis Leisure Centre.  Then down to the pool for 30mins swim and I’m ready for work.

I completed my regular walks on my breaks at work.

In the evening I did my regular session of the X-Trainer for 45mins.  Next up it was the stepper for 20mins.  Then on the bike for 25mins.

I finished with core and ab work. I did the plank and push ups.  I followed this with ab crunches with leg raised.  I then did a variety of ab crunches.

Finished with 30mins swim.

Friday 21^st February

I got to the gym just before 7am.  I was the first customer in the gym which was a bit weird, as there is normally a few there before me.  First up was 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the bike.  Then into the pool for 30mins swim.

I again got my regular walks on my breaks at work completed.

After work I headed for the gym again.  This evening I did the same as normal. 30mins on the X-Trainer, 20mins on the Stepper and 25mins on the Bike. 

RTE Guide Feature February 1st 2014

I headed to the bright lights of Dublin City on Thursday the 9^th January, to the RTE studios, for my photo shoot for the RTE Guide WeightWatchers feature. My WeightWatchers leader Kathleen and I left at 7am.  When we got to RTE we meet the organisers and we were shown to our holding area, right beside the Late Late Show dressing rooms. 

Once there I met up with my fellow WeightWatchers success stories Anna Moroney and Sarah Murphy, along with WeightWatchers leader of the year Catherine Flanagan.  Also there was Margaret and Hillary from WeightWatchers Ireland, hair stylist Michael Doyle and make artists Zoe Clarke.

The ladies were taken straight away to get their hair and makeup done, while I sat relaxing drinking tea for a short while.  Our stylist Julie Cobbe from stylefish.ie joined us with the outfits for the day.  She had a range of outfits for us to try on.  I, like most men, wouldn’t be a fan of trying on clothes, so trying on different combinations of clothes wasn’t my idea of having a fun.  But I have to say it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined it.  Julie knew what looked good and what didn’t. So after about an hour we decided on the outfit that suited me best for the shoot.

Next up was my hair and make up.  I have a new appreciation for what women go through to get ready for a night out.  They spend nearly 20mins on my makeup, I thought I looked great without it lol, but the makeup artist said I needed it, who was I to argue?  My hair only took about 30 seconds to do, a bit of gel and I was ready for my “Close Up”.

Down to the photography studio for my photo shoot.  Our photographer for the day was John Cooney.  He put us at ease, getting us to relax by cracking a few jokes; it was more enjoyable once we relaxed.  I did not believe that he would have to take so many photos from so many different angles, all for just 2 pages in a magazine. 

I was the first to be finished so I could relax and enjoy the rest having their photo shoot. Near the end my leader Kathleen and I got a few pics together, which are also in the feature.  We started preparing around 10.30am and it was nearly 3.30pm by the time we finished. We were all starving by this time, as we hadn’t a chance to eat all day so once we got changed we headed for the famous RTE canteen.

The whole day was a great experience.  Everything was a new for me, from having a stylist choosing my clothes to having my hair and “makeup” done.  It was a great day, even with the “makeup”. And to top it all off, we got the walk around the set of “Fair City” LOL

Below is the article as featured in the RTE Guide February 1^st - 7^th 2014

Sunday World Feature from January 5th 2014

This is my feature in the Sunday World on Sunday January 5th 2014

Saturday 8th to the Friday 14th February 2014

Saturday 8th February

In Barcelona this morning.  It is great to wake up and there is no wind and rain, and the temperature was a tropical 14 degrees. John and I hit the road for 8am we did a 6.5miles, 3 miles up hill, and 3.5miles downhill.  A gentle incline and a nice handy decline.  What a way to see the city!  It appears to be a city where people like their running; every 100yards we were meeting others out running.  Good wide footpaths so plenty of room for everyone.  The only downside was there were so many traffics lights that we had to stop for, which kept interrupting our rhythm. Finished around 9am and ready for breakfast.

The beautiful streets we were running on.

Sunday 9th – Monday 10th February

I took these 2 days off to enjoy the sites of Barcelona, but with all the walking through the streets of Barcelona I was as tired as if I had a hard days training done.

Tuesday 11th February

I had intended to go to the gym for 7am, the alarm went off at 6.15am, but after the previous day travelling on planes and buses, I just couldn’t get my head off the pillow.  I hit the snooze button and eventually got out of bed at 7.30am and headed to the pool for a 30mins swim. 

After work, I headed to the gym. I did 40mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 25mins bike.  I also did 20mins core work. Then down to the pool for a 30mins swim. Home for 8.15pm and ready for dinner.

Wednesday 12th February

I was in the gym at 6.30am this morning.  I got a bit extra done this morning.  I did 35mins on the x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 25mins bike.  Then down to the pool for a 30mins swim.

I would normally do my walks on my breaks at work, but today there was a hurricane outside so I stayed safe inside.

I had planned on running outside but with the weather so bad I stayed in the gym.  I did 40mins on the x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 25mins bike. I did a few crunches and leg raises. And finish off in the pool for a 30mins swim.

Thursday 13th February

I went to the gym for 7am.  I got my regular work out of 20mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 20mins bike.  Then my 30mins swim and I’m all set to go to work.

In the evening I did a 6mile run outside.  Finished early and headed home

Friday 14th February

Up a bit earlier this morning and in the gym for just after 6.30am.  I had to be at work early this morning so I got 30mins on the x-trainer done and then 20mins on the stepper.  That’s all I had time for and headed to work.

The weather was better today so I got my walks done on my breaks at work.  I feel it shortens my day by getting out of the office every few hours for a bit of fresh air.

In the evening I did my regular session of 40mins on the x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 25mins bike. I did a few crunches and leg raises. And finish off in the pool for a 30mins swim.  Home in time to watch the Late Late LOL!

Saturday 1st to the Friday 7th February 2014

Saturday 1^st February

I had my alarm set for 6am and gradually got out of bed around 6.30am.  I had a quick bite to eat and then headed to the pool for a swim.  I did a half hour swim; this woke up the body and had me loosened out for my run at 8am

I run most Saturday mornings with the Clare Crusaders Running Group.  We meet up at 7.45am and start the run at 8am. This week we did 12 miles. Wind, Rain, Floods, Numb and cold are just some of the words that describe this run. It was absolute torture running in those conditions.  My average pace per mile is 9.25min.  I completed it in a time of 1hr52mins. Not my quickest time but in those conditions I was fairly pleased. I was so numb at the end I couldn’t move my fingers, but it still felt great having completed it.

I went to the gym after that to try and get the heat back into my body.  I am a member at Active Ennis Leisure Complex.  I would normally workout on the Cross Trainer for about 30mins, the Stepper for 20mins and the bike for 25mins. I also did about 20mins core work, sit ups, abs crunches and the plank. I like to do this bit of extra training; I find it beneficial for building up the strength and the endurance of my legs.

I had finished all this by 12 which meant I could relax for the rest of the day.”

Sunday 2^nd February

I was celebrating my friend’s birthday on the Saturday night so I was kind of hung-over on Sunday morning.  This meant it wasn’t going to be my best training session.  I gradually woke up and headed to the gym for 12pm.  Today I worked out on the X-Trainer on the highest level for 40mins; this is properly the closest you can get to running without running, and without the impact on your limbs from the road.  Next I went to the stepper for 20mins, on highest level.  I hate doing the stepper I find it extremely tough.  If you want to work up a sweat, this is the one for you.  After this I did 25mins on the bike also on the highest level.  Then I finish up in the gym with some abs and core work, about 20mins of abs crunches, planks and leg raises.

I always try and finish my work out with a swim, today was no different and I swam 40 lengths (1000 meters).  Then home to watch the Ireland Ruby game!

Monday 3^rd February

This morning, as I try to do most mornings before work I aim to go to the gym for 7am.  This morning was no different.  I have hour in the gym and a half hour of a swim, and then ready for around 8.30am to go to work.

My normal pre work, work out is 20mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 20mins bike, and finished off with 40 lengths (1000 meters) swim.

During my break at work I generally go for a walk around the block, its ¾ of a mile route.  I do this on my morning and evening break and twice on my lunch break.

I finished work around 5pm and headed to the gym.  I was in a bit of a rush this evening so I didn’t get to do my full work out.  My work out this evening was the x-trainer for 40mins, the stepper for 20mins and the bike for 20mins.  I finished off with quick swim.

Tuesday 4^th February

I normally do less on a Tuesday and have it as my rest day. 

In the morning at 8am I went for a half hour of a swim.

After work I went to the gym for 35mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 20mins bike.  Then down to the pool for a splash and dash, 15mins swim.

Wednesday 5^th February

I was in the gym for 7am; I did my regular session of 20mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 20mins bike.  Then my 30mins swim and I’m all set to go to work.

After work I decided to change things a bit.  I did a circuits class at Active Ennis Leisure Complex at 6pm.  I have done this class in the past but it could have been six months since the last time. I got to the gym at 5.30pm and went on the cross trainer for 30mins.  Then into the aerobics studio for the class.  Daniel was our instructor for the night.  He put us through our paces doing Ab Trust, Jumping Jacks, Triceps Dips, Berpies, Plank, Sprinting, Push Ups, Squat Jumps with TRX Straps and Bosu Ball lateral Squat Jumps.  This was a great class and I was exhausted after a good work out.

After that class I went for a relaxing swim for 30mins.

Thursday 6^th February

Up and in the gym for 7am. Again I did my regular session of 20mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 20mins bike.  Then my 30mins swim, fresh and awake to start my day.

I also did my regular walk on my breaks at work I went for a walk around the block, its ¾ of a mile route.  I did this on my morning and evening break and twice on my lunch break.

In the evening after work in did my regular work out, 40mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 25mins bike.  Then onto my core work, 20mins of abs crunches, planks and leg raises.

A 30mins swim to finish the day.

Friday 7^th February

Today I’m heading off and a holiday to Barcelona, so I only have time for a quick morning session of 20mins x-trainer, 20mins stepper and 20mins bike.  Then my 30mins swim.

Now time to go to the airport and relax!

Introduction To Darren February 2014

“My name is Darren Kelly, from Toonagh just outside Ennis Co Clare. I have been on quite a journey over the past two years.  In January 2012 I weigh in at over 29 stone.  In the past 2 years I have lost 14 stone.  This has been achieved through exercise, hard work and setting myself challenges.  In 2012 I ran my first Dublin Marathon, the 2 previous years I had walked the Dublin Marathon, the first year it took me over 9 hours and the 2nd year it took me 8 hours 30mins. Last year 2013 I completed 2 Marathons the Great Limerick Run in 4 hours 42mins in May, this I found extremely difficult and then The Dublin Marathon which I completed in 4 hours 15mins, my aim was to finish in 4.15 or less, so I was thrilled with the result. I was tired and sore, but comfortable finishing. All the hard training had paid off.  My Story was recently featured in The Sunday World and the RTE Guide.

To date I have competed in 5 Full Marathons, countless half marathons and 10K.

My Challenge this year is to compete in 3 Marathons.  First up is the Connemarathon on the 6th April, 2nd is Edinburgh marathon on the 25th May and last but not least is the Dublin Marathon on the 27th October.

I have set this blog up to show my progress from the start of the year to the finish when hopefully I will have successfully completed all 3 marathons and stay injury free.

As part of my training I will be competing in a number of local races, such as the Pakie Ryan and the Eamon Moloney Memorial Run on the 29^th March.  My last competitive 10k was the Clare People 10K with I completed in a personal best of 49mins.  My aim for the Eamon Moloney 10K would be 46mins.

I will be posting here the training I am doing in preparation for these races and to show how training is going for me.

 Before:

 After:

Feel free to ask me any questions.