Bells Birthday

What better way to spend a Friday night than in Covent Garden?

I headed to the Roadhouse on Friday to celebrate Bell's Birthday.

It was then a short walk up to Soho for some more drinks including shots!

Bright Light Bright Light

The day after the run Tadders and I headed over to the Hoxton Bar and Grill in the evening to see Bright Light Bright Light. Tadders had seen him before and tipped me off. The band had created quite a buzz with a fair few A&R guys there to see them, including an old friend of mine from my days at the Lion.

I really enjoyed them. Quite funky, great sound and I think they will go far. If you get a chance, check them out.

The next act up, Lisa Mitchell, we didn't stay long for. Apart from my tiredness I wasn't sure how good a girl whose outfit reminded me of Minnie Mouse was going to be. To be honest she wasn't bad but not good enough to keep me at the venue.

BUPA 10000 2009

On Monday it was my first shot of the year at running a 10k in under an hour. The conditions were far better than the previous year although we did have a bit of a scare at the start when it started to spit with rain.

I was in the forth wave and found this year I wasn't held up by any slow runners which was great.

I wore my watch this year so I had a better idea of what time I was running to. At the first km marker I was pleased to see I had run it in 5.30 so I was on-course for the under the hour mark.

At 5km I was still making good time but at 8km I started to get sore feet and my back started to play up. But I pushed past the pain and kept up my pace.

Once I hit the 200m to go marker I somehow found a burst of energy and decided to go for a sprint finish. And the all important bit - the time......

The chip time is the all important one - 57.31!! I was really pleased at breaking the hour mark and I shaved 7 minutes off my time from last year. I also appear to have joined a running club called Thamesmead West.

Now the training starts for the London to Brighton cycle!

Surprise!

Saturday night Mum and I headed down to the Running Horses in Erith for Cheryl's surprise party. The above was when she first walked into the pub and she quickly ran back out again.

Eventually she came back in.

A Day Up Town

On Saturday once I finally awoke after Walpurgis Night I headed up to Embankment to meet Matt who was on a whirlwind tour of London whilst over from Jersey for a couple of days.

We started off in Starbucks next to Embankment before walking along the river to the Tate Modern. There was lots going on outside including a judo exhibition which brought back memories for me of those days many years ago when I used to throw people around in a quest for a black belt.

After checking out a few displays (it was ridiculously busy in all the galleries so we didn't stay long) we headed into Borough to the Southwark Tavern for a drink. Matt also showed off his purchases from the morning:

It was great to catch up and we went are separate ways in the early evening to different birthday parties.

Walpurgis Night

Friday night was time for all things Gothic as myself and my friend Chris hit London Bridge's SE1 for The Last Tuesday Society's Walpurgis Night.

I got all corseted up for night

but Chris out-did me on the outfit front

We started the night off with a lecture on Necropolis: London and Its Dead which was an interesting insight into cemeteries around London.

We then moved onto some life drawing

There was a medieval feast complete with real pigs head

Chris took part in some pole dancing

While I constructed a super glider


Band wise there was plenty on offer but my favourite of the night was The Trans-Siberian Marching Band.

All in all it was an amazing night. I managed a staggering 7 hours in the killer heels. Chris and I finally got back to the house at 5am - 24 hours since I had woken up the morning before. Not that I am complaining. I just hope my legs have recovered in time for Monday.

10K Prep

Its not long now until the BUPA 10000. This week I have been attempting to get my fitness levels up and ensure my body is ready for the task by stocking up on carbs via pasta intakes.

The only snag I have hit is my back playing up. This is my own fault as due to business at work I haven't been to yoga or pilates for a while and it is showing in my core strength. I am not sure if this can be remedied by Monday but I will try my hardest to make sure it is.

Time wise, I seem to be running around the hour mark which is good. I think the weather will play an important factor on Monday as to what time I can achieve. If the wind is anything like it was at the weekend I could be struggling but hopefully it will be fine.

So its back down the gym tonight for some cardio work and ab strengthening exercises.

And just an aside - I am running low on charity donations so if you can spare a couple of quid, please donate at the Urban Fox Challenge page by clicking here.