70 Days #LondonMarathon2018

As I embark on the last 70 days before the Virgin London Marathon 2018 takes place on 22nd April I decided to blog my progress.

In the next 10 posts I will talk about the training, the charity and the least fun part... dieting.

As some one who can often veer away from structured plans, preferring to lie horizontal and watch tv, this also gives me a good outlet to make sure that I keep disciplined and reach my goal.


Running Schedule this week

Monday Night - 30 minutes (Jog)
Wednesday Night - 60 minutes (Top Speed)
Thursday Night - 45 minutes (Jog)
Saturday Morning - 16 miles long run

Having run the Brighton Marathon last year and come up short in achieving my goal a sub 4 hour marathon I have decided to take a different approach. In my training last year I was too focused on the time itself rather than preparing my body for the longevity of race day. Often I would run 8 minute 30 miles and then the body would break down prior to completion of the distance. Due to this approach, the furthest I had ran before race day was 19 miles. Very poor preparation and I have been told by experienced marathon runners that 3 long runs are required before the 22nd.

Diet Plan

I type this while a ferroro rocher is stuffed in my mouth. I know... Someone is doing well. Low carbs when not exercising after that meal, cutting back on sugars and not too much fat. Easy right...?

Big problems are my love of crisps, slight addiction to dr pepper zero and a laddish behaviour when it comes to alcohol on Saturdays.

What I hope is that I can blog about new recipes I have tried that cater for marathon training. I will harness my inner spirit chef James Martin and get all northern and chef like up in here.

Social

How running the marathon and the training has an impact on a 26 year old single male whose friends are absolute social butterflies. I mentioned lack of discipline, this will be tough. Will my ego stand up to the barrage of abuse when I order a Becks... Blue. So many lad points lost.

Music

Each post I will post my favourite running tune of that week. The one that gave me the most motivation so that by the end of it I will have a good selection of tracks to look into.

I promise this will be more entertaining now that I have set out the structure. With photos and general wonderment.

Follow my instagram samjtomkinson  for picture updates.

The 5-3-2 formation looks set to take the football world by storm

After the departure of Spain from the World cup, in harrowing fashion, and Bayern Munich’s failure to retain the Champions League the “false nine” formation looks set to be locked away in the annals of football.

The formation that has stood out so far in this World Cup is the versatile 5-3-2 formation used to such great effect by the Netherlands and Mexico.

Both teams were unbeaten in the group stage, showing both attacking flair and defensive stability.

 The Netherlands' formation in practice

It is naturally a counterattacking formation, almost a foil for the “false nine” formation. Where the “false nine” style of play looks at keeping the ball as much as possible, the 5-3-2 is set up to play direct and with pace.

There is a lot of flexibility to this formation, however, and it is not necessarily restricted to this setup. Obviously with wing backs, when in attack it looks more like a 3-5-2. The three centre midfielders have the option to be versatile, with one player able to play in a more advance position, think Wesley Sneijder for the Netherlands, so that it looks more like a 3-4-1-2.

The key components to the 5-3-2 are wing backs with the ability to attack and defend, a ball playing centre back that can glide into the oppositions half to start attacks and a genuine striker.

One of the reasons why this formation is so effective is that when in possession teams can play keep ball. The three centre backs mean that teams can pass it at the back with ease. The three centre midfielders do not get over run in the middle. The wing backs offer the wide options and one of the two attackers has the freedom to move to wide positions.

Secondly, with three at the back teams cannot break against them as effectively. If the opposition decides to play more direct, there are three recognised centre backs or defensive minded players able to deal with it. With a ball playing centre back there, such as Rafael Marquez for Mexico, the side can start an attack with a player who is just as comfortable stopping one.

Thirdly, there is always a player in the box. Sides that play with a “false nine” formation are often criticised for not getting enough players in the box. Germany, in the World Cup so far, look a much more dynamic side when Miroslav Klose comes on giving them a different option and another factor that defences have to deal with.

Finally, there is freedom for a “number 10” to drop off or join the front man or move into the wider areas. Allowing these players freedom makes it difficult for opposition to defend as they find little pockets of space in the final third where they can be devastating. It doesn’t restrict them, like Eden Hazard for Belgium has found, to the wider areas and allows them to have more influence on the game. Arjen Robben for the Netherlands and Giovanni dos Santos for Mexico have been outstanding in this role.

It would not be surprising to see Louis Van Gaal adopt this formation in the Premiership next season and it could possibly see it take the football world by storm.

What attributes are needed to win at Roland Garos?

The crowning event of Tennis’ clay court season is the French Open. This Major tournament is one of four Grand Slams available to the world’s elite.

The red clay of Roland Garos is a far different prospect than the grass of Wimbledon or the hard court surface at Flushing Meadows.

Clay courts slow down the ball and produce a much higher bounce than grass or hard courts. To win this event, though, it takes a certain type of player.

Clay courts are affected most by the weather. When it is cool and humid the court is more sluggish, however, when the temperature is warm and conditions are humid the clay hardens up making the surface quicker.

Since 2002 the tournament has been dominated by Spanish and Argentinean players with Rafael Nadal picking up a record eight championships. Players from these backgrounds play a lot of clay court tennis from a young age so are accustomed to the trials and tribulations of Roland Garos.

8 Time French Open Champion Rafael Nadal

Nowadays, players are exposed to the clay from a young age due to Tennis academies around the world. So what it is that allows these players to have a significant advantage? There is a certain style of play that is necessary.

Those who stay deep in the court and rarely advance to the net have dominated the clay for a while now, this style is called ‘baseline’. With the slow surface, serve and volley specialists have their advantages nullified. The baseliner has the time to react to the heavy serve and so more points are decided with a rally.

There is always room for a big serve, but with serves being easier to return players can not be as one dimensional.

It would be disrespectful to label Pete Sampras as one dimensional, a player who boasts 14 Grand Slam titles, but he was not with out weaknesses. An example of his limitations in his was the inability to win the French Open.

                                                          The French open was the one Major that alluded Sampras

Sampras had a more direct approach, which did not suit the clay. Sampras was unable to hit as many winners or Aces and so was not as potent. His net game was also rendered ineffective; opponents had more time to deal with the six feet one frame of the American.

Sampras also used to hit the ball flatter than baseliners such as Rafael Nadal. Without the ball skidding on, like it does on hard courts, flat strokes are not as effective as heavy topspin shots.

What is needed in a player is the ability hit the ball with as much topspin as possible. This will make opponents have to take shots at an increased height, often above shoulder height, which is far more difficult than when the ball is lower.

It is also crucial to be able to counter the top spin if an opponent adds an unplayable amount on. Slice shots are used to counter this. They are necessary to balance out the spin making it easier to control the accuracy of the stroke.

With longer points move around the court is more important. Athleticism and speed are crucial attributes to be successful. The likes of Guillermo Coria and David Ferrer have relied heavily on this aspect. Neither is blessed with strong ground strokes, however, their stamina, agility and sharpness around the court more than make up for this.

These players are shorter than average tennis players, both at five feet nine. Serving is not as important on the clay, as stated earlier, and these two are testament to this.

With his exceptional physique and style of play there is no wonder that Rafael Nadal has been nicknamed the ‘King of Clay’. He has all the attributes to dominate all comers. It will take a monumental effort for anyone to dethrone him this year.

Rickie Lambert’s move from Southampton to Liverpool suits all involved

 From a neutrals perspective the unravelling at Southampton breeds concern. The Saints played with great flair to reach eighth in the Premier League, but now their squad is starting to be poached by bigger clubs.

Mauricio Pochettino has left for Tottenham Hotspurs, with players such as Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana being heavily linked with moves away from St Marys. The move, though, for Rickie Lambert, suits all parties concerned.

Lambert, a childhood Liverpool fan, is 32 years old and so has a limited shelf life at the highest level. He is unlikely to get another chance to play in the Champions League and so must take this opportunity.

As a child it would have been his dream to play at Anfield on a big European night, so you can hardly begrudge him this move.

Those sceptical of the move can argue that he will not play regularly; he will be the third choice striker behind Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.  Though, with such a small squad and playing in four competitions next season, Lambert will have a role to play for Liverpool.

That role could be a vital one. With Gerrard unlikely to feature in every fixture, Liverpool need a set piece specialist as skilful. In fact Lambert is a superior penalty taker and so will offer that option.

He also offers a different style to Sturridge and Suarez. With his sheer physical presence, aerial ability and holding up skills Liverpool can look to him to be a target when they need to be more direct.

When in Europe there will be times when Liverpool will go through periods with little possession and chance will be few and far between. Lambert is the sort of player who can muscle his way to half chances from nowhere.

His lack of European experience could be counted against him. Lambert has never played in a European competition and has only a handful of caps for England. Though, in his brief England career, he has proven to be more than adept.

Lambert scoring on debut in a 3-2 win against Scotland at Wembley

For Southampton, the player does not have much shelf life left. He has been synonymous with Southampton’s rise from Championship relegation to a top ten Premier League finish, but his time is limited. It is the right time to cash in on the England international.

It is a very difficult time for Southampton at the moment and if they are not careful all the hard work over the last five years could be for nothing. With Pochettino leaving and other players looking to move on it is going to be interesting to see whether or not Southampton can stay in the division.

It may seem quite brash to suggest a team finishing eighth face a relegation battle. With many first team players expected to exit it will be difficult to replace them and build the same sort of team chemistry that Southampton possess with the current squad.

Even though the Southampton are losing are good player they are right to take the money. 

Natwest T20 Blast: Ones to watch

17:30 16/5/2014 sees the Natwest T20 Blast lifts off. With the rise of the Big Bash and IPL going from strength to strength this is England's answer to the global phenomenon that is Twenty20 cricket.

Despite inventing the concept, England has fallen behind the pecking order. So in order to catch up with the competition the re-branded T20 Blast looks to attract more audiences with fixtures played solely at the weekend (including Friday evening)

The hope is also to bring in big names into the competition that will draw in the crowds. In this blog I look at the players who will either bring in those crowds, emerge as England players or play crucial roles for their teams.

Aaron Finch

The big Victorian has an insatiable T20 record. He made a mark on England and Steven Finn when the first ball he faced of the English went all the way. He then continued in this vain to play one of the greatest international innings ever. Representing Yorkshire he will be the focal point of a strong side that has never had any real success in the competition.

Runs: 3244
Average 37.28
Highest Score: 156

Strike rate: 135.5

Jesse Ryder

In Jesse Ryder Essex have themselves a mercurial talent who on his day can be a world beater. Leg side dominant he can dispatch any bowler in the world but controversy always looms near. More recently known for his off field incidents however, and a lack of matches at the highest level could go against him. Put his canny medium pacers in the mix and Ryder can really be a force in this season T20.

Batting

Innings: 82

Runs: 2113

Average: 27.80

Highest Score: 90*

Strike Rate: 145.12

Bowling

Wickets: 22

Best Bowling Figures: 2/14

Average: 44

Economy rate: 8.08

Kevin Pietersen

KP. The name resonates throughout the game. He has been there done that and taken a few bowlers to the cleaners around the world. He no longer plays any form other then T20 and by the looks of things he is short of form. He has struggled in the IPL with his leadership credentials mocked in the Indian press. Pietersen, however, will come back and it would take a bold man to suggest that he won't come good this Summer.

Innings: 90

Runs: 2545

Average: 33.05

Highest Score: 103*

Strike Rate: 135.30

Reece Topley

The left arm quick will have a lot of interest in him this Summer from the England selectors. Ear marked as a future England player the Essex seamer has all the attributes needed to strike fear into opposition batsman. Peter Moores likes a Left armer and it is this style of bowling that has had such a impact in this format of the game. A good season from Topley could see him catapulted into England setup.

Wickets: 38

Best Bowling Figures: 4/26

Average: 13.78

Economy rate: 7.59

Will Gidman

The Gloucestershire all rounder has made a real impact in the first class game since moving from Durham in 2011. A late bloomer Gidman has excelled in the longer format and has the opportunity this year to make a real impact in T20. Having only played a handful of matches this could be the year Gidman makes a real name for himself and put his name in the mix for England spots. He has a first class bowling average of 21 so there are very few in the game as good with the ball as Gidman


Innings: 7
Runs: 78
Average: 13
Highest Score: 40*
Strike Rate: 86.66

Wickets: 1
Best Bowling Figures: 1/18
Average: 76
Economy Rate: 9.50

Sam Billings

There was a time in T20 cricket when teams thought that they could give a batsman the gloves and they just had to catch the ball without much issue. This concept was dismissed as quickly as it came to fruition due to impact that a quality keeper can make. Kent's long standing keeper Geraint Jones has been usurped by Billings in the first class game and the same is likely to happen in the T20 blast. Billings has some huge shoes to fill and after bursting on the scene with some excellent performances in front of the sky cameras needs to push on with his career. This is an excellent opportunity and one that Billings should grasp with both hands.

Innings: 22

Runs: 417

Average: 19.85

Highest Score: 59

Strike Rate: 103.99 

Catches: 15

Stumpings: 0

David Willey

Son of former England player Peter, Willey was a key component for a victorious Northants side last year. A big game player he can be destructive with the bat, as shown in the final last year, as well as an attacking bowling. He is also dynamic in the field, making him the complete three dimensional cricketer. Another good season for Willey could see him in line for an international call up. 

Innings: 38

Runs: 466
Highest Score: 60
Average: 19.41
Strike rate: 122.30


Wickets: 53
Best Figures: 4/9
Average: 17.30
Economy Rate: 7.14

Luke Wright

Axed for the up coming ODIs and T20Is after starring in the Big Bash and participating in the World T20 must be a bitter pill to swallow. Sadly the participation in the World T20 was that, it was a rather limp showing from the man who was in the team of the tournament. His reaction to the dropping will see whether Wright can once again find a way back into the side. Gun ho bat, athletic fielder and decent operator with the ball are all attributes that when they come together make Wright the ideal T20 player. If they do come together expect a title challenge from Sussex.

Innings: 165

Run: 3831

Highest Score: 117 

Average: 25.71

Strike Rate: 145.11

Wickets: 79

Best Bowling Figures: 3/17

Average: 32.44

Economy Rate: 8.54

Derby Day vs Varsity which is better?

There are two approaches Universities take when playing against their rival University in a non BUCS event. The one is the traditional varsity which is implemented by Oxbridge and Russel group universities who compete against former polytechnics. This is when each sport is played over the academic year at various times and often at professional sports venues.

The other is used by the Bristol Universities and East Anglia versus Essex, to name a few. This is when a whole day is designated for every sport to be competed in various locations across either the campus or the city.

Which one is better? Does it depend on the University?

For more sport minded Universities the first one, which I will call varsity, is better. Whereas for less historically sport minded Universities the second, which I will call Derby Day, is superior.

Poster of the University of Essex's
American Football promoting 
Derby Day 2014
The reasons behind this is that Derby Day unites the University for one day a year and for those who do not necessarily enjoy sport get the urge to support their sports teams. It is for only one day a year so it feels like they have done their duty but only 24 hours of their lives has been taken up by something that they are not entirely interested in.

It also gives the opportunity for less renowned sports to get the deserved support and attention that other sports do. For example Derby Day 2014 saw a thrilling climax in the Pool matches where, normally an under supported sport, there was the same level of interest as a other more mainstream sports receive.






The sheer amount of interest across the two universities can be best explained by this tweet  from Concrete UEA Student's Newspaper: https://twitter.com/Concrete_UEA/status/445332754092134400/photo/1

No matter the results throughout the day there is always interest in each event. It just so happened that this year it was the closest in recent years.

In varsity though, because of the high level in sport at these Universities, stadiums are filled to watch the one off events. Unlike Derby Day, only first teams play which gives each match an increased edge to it.

There is also more professional coverage of the events, due to the stadia that teams played and also the detailed attention that they can give to each match. Unlike Derby Day, only one sport is played in the same week so there is huge build up for that one sport. However, coverage of Derby Day is getting significantly better each year. Soon each of the over 30 sports on derby day will have the same coverage as each specific varsity match.

This is the highlights of the Nottingham varsity Ice Hockey match: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gp5tUJi6c4

if you look for other links there are 40 minute pre game shows and live videos of the whole match. This level of coverage epitomises the difference between the days. Derby Day joins a University in support in a more fun filled day, but still with the necessary competitive edge. Where as varsity has the feel of a professional sports team derby, often due to the standard play, coverage, lack of matches and the facilities used.

In conclusion it really depends on the University with both concepts offering a lot and are fantastic spectacles.

Does the technical area cause more harm then good?

In the light of Alan Pardew's seven game ban for headbutting Hull City's David Meyler calls for a reassessment of the technical have been brought forward.

Pardew, not shy of touchline infringements having been in trouble with the FA on four previous occasions, will not be allowed in the stadium for the first three games and will be banned from the touchline for the next four.

What I'm going to look at is how crucial is the technical area in football?

In other sports it plays a significant part for head coaches. In American Football the coach plays the most crucial role in the whole operation. They call the plays, with the help of specialist coaches, and are constantly interacting with members of the squad.

With the stop start nature of American Football it is crucial that the coach uses this time to orchestrate their plans.

Is their need for this level of interaction with players in the beautiful game?

In Rugby Union manages sit in boxes or in the stands away from the action as they put faith in their players and use the week before to fully prepare them.

However, the formations in rugby is rigid and cannot be changed, where as football you can have any formation you want. Also in rugby the coaches are down on the touchline interacting at all times.

The main issue with managers is their interactions with the referees on the sideline. It is perfectly fine them sorting out tactics and interacting with their players but often Managers can lose their cool and lash out at referees.

Ian Holloway speaks about this issue in a very reassuring and frank manner. This video was taken before Crystal Palace played Manchester United, back when he managed Palace. He speaks about how it's not the end of the world because he can give team talks before and at half time, he has the chance to prepare them and speak to coaches who had to make the decisions at his expense. However, being the passionate man he is he wants to do as much as possible to help his team:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88Y_LsGlHVk

Managers do not need necessarily need to be there to make an impact on the game and due to the frequent infringements that occur across all leagues (I was unable to find statistics but there were thousands of news articles about touchline bans).

However, there will be uproar amongst managers and will there will be major backing of the LMA to stop any move to take managers away from the technical areas even though they do more harm than good there.