Jessica Mae

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Our daughter, Jessica Mae was born today at 2:44am, weighing in at 6lbs 13oz.

Both my wife and baby are doing fine.

I've got a cold!

I started with a sniffle last night. I didn't feel too great today either, so I went poolside. I certainly didn't think it was that wise running in the cold, very wet, and windy conditions whilst not feeling too well.

This evening, I feel worse and now definitely have plenty of cold symptoms. About to have a warm lemon drink.

Still, somehow managed to move the furniture out of the lounge and back into the dining room, so that's another room back to normal... getting there.

I have a funny feeling that I won't be running tomorrow, now that would be silly!

4.45km Park Loop (Clockwise) in 20:32

I was not mentally in the mood today. I felt tired and a little drained, but still got out there and pushed as much as I could for today.

Oh yes, I forgot to unpack my Heart Rate Monitor strap from my referees kit bag again!


The Stats

Time: 20:32
Distance: 4.45km (2.77m)
Average speed: 13.003kmh (8.080mph)
Average pace: 4:37 per km (7:26 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 165, HRmax 173, and 323kcals (estimated)

Baby Furniture Building etc.

This post relates to Sunday 19th November 2006:

Yesterday (Saturday) was spent building a baby's fullsize wardrobe. Took me 4.5 hours!

Then I emptied the nursey with all the stored second bedroom stuff and put into the second bedroom! Getting very bored of moving furniture now! I still need to unpack the second bedroom stuff and make it into a bedroom once again. That will have to wait for the moment.

Today (Sunday), I built the baby's dresser and baby's shelf. Took me 3.5 hours!

Then I moved the furniture out of the dining room including the old carpet. I also took up the hall old carpet too. These areas going to be laminated tomorrow (Monday). After that, all our floors will have had their old carpets replaced with new carpet, vinyl, or laminate, just in time for our new arrival.

I'm out tomorrow (Monday) evening at Referees' League meeting, so the all the furniture that is in the wrong place will unfortunately have to stay there until Tuesday night.

Need to build the baby's cot next. Certainly busy with the all important preparations at the moment...

Moving furniture

Today, we were having our carpets replaced within the lounge, stairs and landing, beadroom 1, 2 and 3.

So, my day off was spent moving furniture about from 8:15am until 6:30pm with a 30 minute lunchbreak. Then a one hour evening meal break, followed by another 1 hour 30 more furniture moving.

I felt drained and physically exhausted... in fact I went a little light headed at one point, probably due to blood sugar levels. Beer helped!

I need to empty the 3rd bedroom into bedroom 2, but will do that tomorrow now. I will be building the baby's flatpack wardrobe tomorrow morning too - not long now - a week on Monday IF all goes to plan.

So, no running today, but cetainly plently of cross-training exercise!

7.58km Park Green and Dingle Loop in 36:29

Today was the day that I meet up with John for our monthly run together.

I had accidently left my Polar heart rate monitor strap in my referee's bag, so I do not have any official HRmax, HRavg, and kcal values today.

We decided to run the 7.58km Park Green and Dingle Loop (map), which in actual fact was a brand new route for John. Our 5.00km split time was 23:20 and the completion time was 36:29. We ran at chatting pace all the way around.

I have to say that the run seemed to me to be over extremely quickly today compared with running the route on my own. It was also more enjoyable too.


Previous Times

Fri 10-Nov-2006 in 34:00
Mon 13-Nov-2006 in 36:23


The Stats

Time: 36:29
Distance: 7.58km (4.71 miles)
Average Speed: 12.466kmh (7.746mph)
Average Pace: 4:49 per km (7:45 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 154, HRmax 169, and 507 kcals (estimated)

Well earned steam and suna

Following last night's refereeing experience at Marine FC, my legs were a bit stiff to say the least this morning.

Also, I did not arrive home from the match until 12:20pm and therefore did not get into bed until 12:50pm, so as you can imagine, I was a bit tired this morning, especially considering that I did not sleep all that well either.

I missed eating an evening meal and had simply gone past it by 12:20pm, so I had burned calories but had not replaced them.

For these reasons, my plan from when I got up this morning, which I stuck to, was to go poolside for a well earned steam and suna...

Marine FC 1 - 0 Prescot Cables FC - Referee!

Tuesday 14th November 2006, 19:45 kickoff

Northern Premier Legaue, Premier Division (Unibond Premier)

Marine FC 1 - 0 Prescott Cables FC


After 28 minutes of play, a player accidently kicked the referee's calf. He came off for some treatment but went back on again afterwards. However, he began to struggle and five minutes later he came hobbling off and declared that he could not continue.

Marine FC made an anouncement asking whether there was any qualified referees in the crowd. So, up stepped Kevin Nelson, a Level 6 Liverpool referee from Waterloo. He came into the referees' changing room where I supplied him with a full referees kit including boots and FA Badge.

I transferred Phillip Croft the junior assistant referee over to the dug-out side, as he suddenly was promoted to senior assistant referee and I to the match referee with full powers for that game.

After a delay of some 12 minutes since the referee had come off the game, I took a deep breath and walked out to the middle and got the match underway again. The skill level and pace was much faster than my usual Supply League standard and I found myself sprinting quite often.

In the 88th minute, Marine FC scored the only goal to win the match.

That was my very first senior refereeing role and to be honest I enjoyed the experience. Had I not refereed at Supply League Level and also as an assistant referee at this Level for four seasons, it probably would have been a very scary experience. However, it was my fourth year thank goodness which gave me that much needed confidence.


Referee: Tom Conway (replaced by me after 33 minutes)
Assistant Referees: Phillip Croft and myself (replaced by Kevin Nelson after 33 minutes)
Assessor: None

First Half: 49:00, HRmax 169, HRavg 133, 489kcals.
Second Half: 48:00, HRmax 169, HRavg 150, 647kcals.
Totals: 1:37:00, HRmax 169, 1136kcals.

3.22km Park Loop Short in 14:11

I have an evening match as an assistant referee, therefore, I sensibly went for a short 2 mile run today.

1st mile: 7:12 (including 3 kissing gates to negotiate)
2nd mile: 6:59.


The Stats

Time: 14:11
Distance: 3.22km (2.00 miles)
Average Speed: 13.621kmh (8.464mph)
Average Pace: 4:24 per km (7:05 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 161, HRmax 169, and 213 kcals

7.58km Park Green and Dingle Loop in 36:23

My intention, exactly like on Friday, was to jog the 7.58km Park Geen and Dingle Loop at a steady pace, and unlike Friday, that's exactly what I did!

My legs felt stiff, I was not as metally strong, and it was extremely windy - believe me! I did not need any more excuses not to go fast.

My 5.00km (split time), today was 23:37 which is 1:29 slower than Friday's 22:08. My finish time of 26:23 is 2:23 slower than Friday too. Sometimes one day can be more difficult than another. Still not a bad lunchtime distance to start off the week.


The Stats

Time: 36:23
Distance: 7.58km (4.71 miles)
Average Speed: 12.500kmh (7.767mph)
Average Pace: 4:48 per km (7:43 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 154, HRmax 169, and 507 kcals

Eccleshall FC 0 - 2 Curzon Ashton

Saturday 11th November 2006, 15:00 Kickoff

North West Counties League Challenge Cup Second Round

Eccleshall FC 0 - 2 Curzon Ashton FC

Curzon Ashton left it late to prevent extra time, Cahill scoring in the 82nd and Moore in the 84th minute of the match.


Referee: Pat Dunn
Assistant Referees: Craig Doyal and myself
Assessor: None

First Half: 46:00, HRmax 157, HRavg 122, 489kcals.
Second Half: 46:30, HRmax 157, HRavg 126, 476kcals.
Totals: 1:32:30, HRmax 157, HRavg 124, 985kcals.

7.58km Park Green and Dingle Loop in 34:00

Another brand new route: 7.58 Park Green and Dingle Loop (see map)
My intention was to jog this new route at a steady pace, however, I reached the 2km mark 13 seconds faster than yesterday without even trying too hard. Basically, for some strange reason, I was feeling both mentally and physically strong. At that point, I thought I'd push a littler harder.

My 5.00km (split time), considering I had gone through one metal kissing gate and two other wooden kissing gates, ran up the 1.1km Green Lane climb and also the combined Dingle Lane and Longwood Road climb was 22:08 (4:26 per km or 7:07 per mile pace). Up to that point, I had been running at an average of 14.5kmh on the flat, 14.8kmh on the downhills, and 12.5kmh on the climbs).

Just before the 5.00km distance it began to rain, at the 5.50km distance the winds also picked up, and at the 6.10km distance it began to rain harder.

I actually enjoyed doing the run today, which is unusual, as most of the time we runners simply enjoy having completed the run. It'll probably be ages again before I have another day like today.


The Stats

Time: 34:00
Distance: 7.58km (4.71 miles)
Average Speed: 13.376kmh (8.312mph)
Average Pace: 4:29 per km (7:13 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 161, HRmax 170, and 512 kcals

7.58km Park Green and Dingle Loop

7.58km Park Green and Dingle Loop

Basically, you run out along the Oak Walkway until you get to Green Lane at the 2K mark. Now, instead of turning left up Green Lane, you turn right down Green Lane and continue until you reach The Thorn Public House at the top of Green Lane.

Turn left down Lumbrook Road and continue for about 1km until you reach Dingle Lane and then head down Dingle Lane.

At the Lyon's Lane and Cann Lane North junction, turn right into Lyon's Lane, then immediately left into Longwood Road.

Follow the bends of Longwood road for about 1 mile until you reach the Pewterspear Garden Path before heading down it for its 800 metre length.

Exit the Pewterspear Garden Path at London Road, but take the Old King's Street Roman Road (a public path) and follow it until you reach Stretton Road. At Stretton Road turn left and head past the Church.

The run terminates at the bus stop just before St. Matthew's C of E Primary School where you began 7.58km (4.71 miles) ago.

6.10km Park and Dingle Loop in 27:37

The same route as yesterday and 12 seconds faster too!

My time at the top of the Pewterspear Garden path both today and yesterday was 20 minutes exactly. That means that I gained the additional 12 seconds in the last 1.1 miles.


The Stats

Time: 27:37
Distance: 6.10km (3.79 miles)
Average Speed: 13.253kmh (8.235mph)
Average Pace: 4:32 per km (7:17 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 160, HRmax 171, and 412 kcals

6.10km Park and Dingle Loop in 27:49

Another brand new routine (more off road than the Wright's Green and Dingle Loop).

Basically, you run out along the Oak Walkway until you get to Green Lane at the 2K mark. Now, instead of turning left up Green Lane, you turn right down Green Lane. About 100 metres on, take a left-hand turn along Dodds Lane, that brings you out onto Lumbrook Road just before Dingle Lane. Head down Dingle Lane.

At the Lyon's Lane and Cann Lane North junction, turn right into Lyon's Lane, then immediately left into Longwood Road.

Follow the bends of Longwood road for about 1 mile until you reach the Pewterspear Garden Path before heading down it for its 800 metre length. I'll have to take a photo of the Pewterspear Path now it's all orange and brown.

Exit the Pewterspear Garden Path at London Road, but take the Old King's Street Roman Road (a public path) and follow it until you reach Stretton Road. At Stretton Road turn left and head past the Church. The run terminates at the bus stop just before St. Matthew's C of E Primary School where you began 6.10km (3.79 miles) ago.


The Stats

Time: 27:49
Distance: 6.10km (3.79 miles)
Average Speed: 13.158kmh (8.176mph)
Average Pace: 4:34 per km (7:20 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 161, HRmax 172, and 416 kcals

Boring, boring Treadmill 5K

Today, I was reminded why I run outside instead of on a treadmill... it is so increadibly boring!

I decided to play it safe and run on the treadmill due to the little niggle that my hip is giving me. However, whilst running the 5.00km, I began to overheat even with the gym's air conditioning units and began to get extremely bored at about 3.0km mark. I don't think I'll be doing that again in a hurry.

Oh well, 2,830 metres completed in the standard 12 minute cooper time and the whole distance completed in 21:55. Not too bad I suppose.


The Stats

Time: 21:55
Distance: 5.00km (3.11 miles)
Average Speed: 13.688kmh (8.505mph)
Average Pace: 4:23 per km (7:03 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 162, HRmax 175, and 327 kcals

Steam, Sauna, and Jacuzzi

I felt my hip whilst refereeing on Saturday. I could feel it yesterday and today too. Also my knee was giving me some grief again - not much, but a reminder.

So, an icepack on both today whilst in the steamroom and sauna. The I focused the jets on my hip and knee in the Jacuzzi.

Just being cautious. I've been there once, so I'm looking after myself this time.

I'll see what I'm like tomorrow.

Christleton 1 - 2 Maghull

Saturday 4th November 2006, 14:00 Kickoff


West Cheshire Football League

Christleton 1 - 2 Maghull

Maghull scored in the first half and Christleton equalised in the second half. Due to the many number of second half injuries, time lost, and substitutions, I added five minutes at full-time.

With 4 minutes and 50 seconds played of the added time, a Christleton defender in their own penalty area fouled a Magull player. I immediately signalled a penalty award to Maghull. As you can imagine, I was not very popular with the home players and home support. In fact, I was surrounded by many players who appealled the very late decision. I had to wave theses players away.

The penalty was scored. I again had players running up to me. I had to caution one for clear open dissent.

Maghull had effectively won the game with the very last kick of the game.

Afterwards, I discovered that my assistant referee had also signalled a penalty, the assessor fully backed me with my decision in fact saying that he could not understand why Christleton were complaining about a such obvious penalty.

In the bar several Christleton players came to me and apologied for their outburst confessing that I had been right with my decision to award a penalty against them and it was just clear frustration at the end of the game. One of these players who apologied was the player I had cautioned.

Sometimes as a referee you have to make brave and honest decisions not necessarily popular ones. Today was one of those days...

Referee: Myself (Level 4)
Assistant Referees: Jack Blakemore (Level 5) and Shaun Byrne (Level 5)Assessor: Bob Fernell


I had forgotten to wear my heart rate strap during the first half, so made the decision that it was probably pointless to wear it during the second half.

Steamroom and Jacuzzi

My hip was still not 100%, and considering that I am refereeing tomorrow, I went poolside again today.

The Steamroom was operational again, so I spent 18 minutes getting steamed and 10 minutes in the Jacuzzi.

Poolside

I felt a twinge in my hip last night that is still with me today.

So, just to be on the safe side, I thought it would be a good idea to have a rest day today.

The steamroom was out of order unfortunately! However, the suna and jacuzzi were operational so I used them instead.

6.70km Wright's Green and Dingle Loop in 30:53

Another run around the 6.70km Wright's Green and Dingle Loop in a faster time than yesterday. There was no wind which certainly did help, although it was quite fresh I have to say.


The Stats

Time: 30:53
Distance: 6.70km (4.16 miles)
Average Speed: 13.017kmh (8.088mph)
Average Pace: 4:37 per km (7:25 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 154, HRmax 165, and 433 kcals