Friday, 13 June 2014
It's been too long...!!!
Since completing the 2010 challenge, its been a bit of a running rollercoaster ride with injuries etc. but now things seem to be on the up & after completing my 30th marathon a couple of weeks ago I decided a new challenge is due...
All being well & if accepted I will share the news in the coming weeks then again start my updates on what I'm doing & where I'm going...!!!
Watch this space..!!!
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Bedford Half 12th Dec 2010
Typically around this time of year I enter the popular half arranged by Bedford Harriers and following the disappointment of the Norwich Half being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions I felt I had to make a point today and finally get some life back into the old legs… Not that I’m moaning after the year I’ve had and the races run but this is my distance and I want to get back into it…
The weather was ideal and despite snow in other areas of the UK , there was very little on the route with a slight breeze so the conditions were ideal…
With my faithful black bin liners covering the all too familiar running vest, even in at these low temperatures, I lined up at the start… The starter moved us forward so it was time to remove the liners, be strong and take on the icy breeze and we were off..!!!
The first mile was spent trying get past the slower runners that always seem to line up at the front but after that it was time to pace myself… A few miles ticked by but I was already starting to feel exhausted… Not sure why even though there are a few hills it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle so it was time to dig deep even at this stage of the race… By mile 6, the feeling started to dwindle and with a steady pace the half way point was reached in 46:27…
As the miles were covered and with any feeling of tiredness gone, I felt if anything that the pace had stayed the same or increased slightly as I started to pass the odd runner… At mile 9, a friend of mine, marshalling, gave a shout of encouragement to which I replied ‘I’m trying my best you know’ before we hit the downhill section at 10…
The few last few miles passed painlessly and by mile 13 I could even manage a quick burst of speed to cross the line in 1:32:18… The slowest I had run this course (by a matter of seconds) but a good day’s works with the second half completed in 45:51 so a negative split…
For those who live in the area, the Bedford Half is well worth a go as the course is a mixture of ups & downs plus the organisation is excellent…
With the last race of the year over, its time to consider my options / challenges for 2011 so watch this place plus I will blog a summary of the year’s events in the coming days….
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Poppy Half Marathon - 14.11.2010
After 11 marathons the thought of just half the distance was going to seem bliss but the last 2wks have seen me getting knackered after just a couple of miles so today was either going to be a breeze or tough…
Weather forecast had suggested heavy rain so normal dress code i.e. vest & shorts but no longer in the charity top and instead club colours…
On arrival at Bexhill, Mr Fish & co were right on this occasion and the rain was falling with no sign of letting up but everyone was looking up for that break in cloud and then on cue it arrived just before the start of the race…
After a quick mingle amongst the pack and no sign of other known club runners it was to be a solo effort and with a definite lack of speed I’d set myself an optimistic 1:35 but you never know…!!!
The course was made up of 4 laps at around the 5.5km (approx) and split times were to be recorded so it was to be a good test of whether or not I could run a steady pace throughout..
The race started and after a quick injection of speed to get past those who prefer to start at the front but then decide to walk after 100m, I was in a position to run my own race… The course was basically flat but the promenade was covered in shingle, from recent high winds, so some care was needed along this section but other than that it was fine..
Lap 1 past without incident as with Lap 2 but by now I was starting to get into my stride and if anything beginning to pick up the pace… Early thoughts may have considered a possible PB but the heavy rain that came from nowhere put pay to that… The route in places was like running through a stream but other than a pair of trainers that felt like lead weights I was fine…
By Lap 3, I was beginning to past runners on a steady basis but also starting to lap others… By the time Lap 4 arrived, though I was glad to be nearly there, I knew I still had some life in the legs and again pushed a little harder crossing the line in 1:33:48…
This was not a PB but one thing it did prove was that despite the miles covered over the last year, the legs still have some pace left in them… I’ve 2 more half’s before the end of year but all which are to be used to prepare myself for next year and possibly another challenge…
For those interested in the split times were;
Lap 1 0:23:50
Lap 2 0:23:33
Lap 3 0:23:21
Lap 4 0:23:15
Weather forecast had suggested heavy rain so normal dress code i.e. vest & shorts but no longer in the charity top and instead club colours…
On arrival at Bexhill, Mr Fish & co were right on this occasion and the rain was falling with no sign of letting up but everyone was looking up for that break in cloud and then on cue it arrived just before the start of the race…
After a quick mingle amongst the pack and no sign of other known club runners it was to be a solo effort and with a definite lack of speed I’d set myself an optimistic 1:35 but you never know…!!!
The course was made up of 4 laps at around the 5.5km (approx) and split times were to be recorded so it was to be a good test of whether or not I could run a steady pace throughout..
The race started and after a quick injection of speed to get past those who prefer to start at the front but then decide to walk after 100m, I was in a position to run my own race… The course was basically flat but the promenade was covered in shingle, from recent high winds, so some care was needed along this section but other than that it was fine..
Lap 1 past without incident as with Lap 2 but by now I was starting to get into my stride and if anything beginning to pick up the pace… Early thoughts may have considered a possible PB but the heavy rain that came from nowhere put pay to that… The route in places was like running through a stream but other than a pair of trainers that felt like lead weights I was fine…
By Lap 3, I was beginning to past runners on a steady basis but also starting to lap others… By the time Lap 4 arrived, though I was glad to be nearly there, I knew I still had some life in the legs and again pushed a little harder crossing the line in 1:33:48…
This was not a PB but one thing it did prove was that despite the miles covered over the last year, the legs still have some pace left in them… I’ve 2 more half’s before the end of year but all which are to be used to prepare myself for next year and possibly another challenge…
For those interested in the split times were;
Lap 1 0:23:50
Lap 2 0:23:33
Lap 3 0:23:21
Lap 4 0:23:15
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Leicester Marathon 10-10-2010
So here I am No.10 on the 10th Oct 2010 i.e. 10-10-10...! Quite ironic really that I should reach my target on this day but I did plan that way honest...!
I suppose I should waffle on about what an experience it was to run No.10 but to me it was just another race that I needed to get through without failing at the last hurdle..!!!
It's not ideal race given the early start and the 150miles to get there but I was there ready to line up...
The early stages were through the town so nothing to write home about as with the latter stages but the middle section was through rolling countryside...
Miles passed me by and with 20 in site I new the goal was to be reached even if I walked the last 6miles... With a quick pace in the early stages I was made to pay in those 6 miles and the hill upto 26 took its toll with the odd walk required but once to the top it was the so called sprint finish and with a fist in the air I'd done it...!
No.10 completed on the 10-10-10 in 03:32:06...
Unfortunately with no-one there to support me the celebrations were kept to a minimum but without sounding too selfish this was my challenge and my personal achievement..!!!!
Despite those words I do appreciate all the support I've had and the money that has been donated to a very worthy cause.... Demelza..!!!
Thank you..!!!!
Sunday, 26 September 2010
The New Forest Marathon 26- 09- 10
The New Forest marathon is deemed a favourite amongst many runners but one I had never considered running before but with a target of 10 to do it fell at an ideal time for the schedule...
Given its location a long weekend was made of the run and on flicking through the souvenir programme it was realised that quite of my colleagues from the local club were taking part in both the half & full events plus the hardened marathon runners met around the UK...
With a slight breeze, weather conditions seemed perfect but thought was with the left thigh and whether it would hold out...
A quick chat with the Dartford Runners and we were off... A few were looking at a 3:30 finish whereas I was opting for 3:45... Pace was set and the group remained together until around the 7-8 mile mark when I felt comfortable to ease ahead and lead but it was soon apparent I was pulling away...
Thats the way it remained pretty much to the end and with an undulating course and a few fairly steep climbs in the latter stages it was a course I preferred...
Mile 20 was reached and to my surprise the legs felt good and the pace remained steady but I must admit I did stop at a couple of water stations to enable water to be taken on board rather than taking shower...
As I've experience many times this year the last 5 miles were tough but for some reason I was on a high and enjoyed myself crossing the line in 3:25:48... Not a pb but a matter of seconds outside..!!!
Monday, 6 September 2010
Kent Coastal Marathon 5th Sept 2010
After a proposed summer of rest this was to be a good marathon with me feeling fresh and fit… How wrong can you be in life???
For those who haven’t read previous blogs or been in touch will know that for the last 6wks I’ve been trying to get rid of a injury that’s slowed my training to a few short sessions a week compared to the 40-50miles a week…
Don’t get me wrong I'm not complaining but during my rest period… Where did that come from..?
Either way I was going to run because a challenge is exactly that plus I’m so near the end now… This was to be No.7 of 10..!!
The Race
As usual I got there early and collected my race number and then spent the next 2hrs wandering around aimlessly waiting for the gun to go off.
Given the event was a half and full marathon, a few of my club there so it was an ideal opportunity to catch up and most importantly predict the outcome of our individual races... The marathon man of our club was in attendance and would be joining me at the start plus with nearly 40 under his belt my paltry 17 made me look a newcomer or his apprentice…
The first half of the course was deemed to be undulating with the second relatively flat with the latter starting at the finishing point for the half which always prove a test for the mind seeing the finishing line knowing you’ve another 13miles to go..!!!
After a delayed start the race finally got underway 15minutes late and by that stage the sun had already started to shine with a slight breeze coming off the sea.
The early miles were congested along the coastal footpaths but runners soon got thinned out as we began to reach the first few climbs as we headed towards Joss Bay, Broadstairs and the outskirts of Ramsgate…
It may have been September but it was hot with very little shelter from the sun. The scenery was pleasant so the time ticked by quite quickly and before you knew it you were heading back along the same route to complete the first half with supporters shouting ‘only a mile to go’ not knowing that some had opted for the full marathon and had another 13miles to go…
Into Cliftonville and with the finishing funnel in sight we headed straight pass for the second half of the race..!!! Why I asked myself as the legs had already started to fight back..!!!!
Miles 13 to 26 were run along the promenade / sea wall out towards West Cliffe taking in the delights of an abundance of seaweed and beach chalets with the odd person enjoying the sun even to the point where some were swimming in the sea… And there’s me thinking I was mad..!!!
By mile 17 the lack of training started to take its toll and the legs begun to feel like lead weights… I passed the 20mile mark over 10mins down on my preferred pace knowing that fitness was a keen facotr but I wasn’t going to let it get the better of me..!!!
Several runners breezed passed in the latter stages willing me on but the legs were definitely restricting the speed at that stage…
Back into Margate and the 25mile marker meant a short climb and the home straight so that was it… No.8 of the year complete and perhaps the hardest yet…!!!
My finishing time of 03:51:15 was slower than most but bearing in mind the events of the last 6 weeks is one that I am happy with…
My goal over the coming weeks is to get fit and complete the remaining marathons of 2010.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Salisbury 5-4-3-2-1 Trail Marathon - August 2010
Despite assuring everyone that I would rest up during the summer months, I felt I needed a decent training run and bearing in mind the length of time I have spent this year running the various routes close to home a race was needed…
To give me mileage, the only choice was a marathon so after checking out the various race calendars I chose Salisbury given the area and the fact it was off road…
Preparation was good but after a typical run leading up to the event I could barely walk..!!!
With the cause unknown I limped along for the next few days and by the Friday decided that was it I’d have to call it off… Despite this and not being one to give up easily I decided to ‘try’ out a few miles on the Saturday to ‘see’ how the leg felt…
The first few steps made me feel like puking but gradually the pain eased and it began to feel more like a stiff muscle rather than anything too serious… 3 miles were covered and if anything I felt the run helped so I decided the 26 miles would be attempted in Salisbury …
The 2hr drive to Salisbury was a bit uncomfortable but once out of the car the leg eased so that was it, I would be lining up at the start..!
Some would say I am mad running the number of marathons I do but the event was full of ‘mad’ runners who have completed 100’s so I’m a ‘newbie’ to them…
The course itself was undulating with the first few miles taking in a route around the Old Sarum and then it was off into the wilderness some would say…
Farmers fields formed part of the route with running replaced with hop, skip and a jump to dodge many a cow pat and the following a piece of string through the mystical forest making the run a very enjoyable day…
The route was well sign posted so the need to refer to the issued description notes proved never…
A few long hills were placed along the route but with all ‘up’ hills there is always a down section but this is where I suffered and the leg started to fight back… The water stations were well stocked with runners / hikers assessing the race so far or warning others of that killer hill just around the corner…
The last few miles were through villages and Salisbury town centre which for some allowed them to recover before the sprint to the finish… For me though, I had decided to prevent any further damage to the leg so opted for the walk / run technique given I like to finish a marathon and not die trying…
After a long day in the trainers, I crossed the line in 4:16:31 a personal achievement given the problems over the last week but more importantly a PB in trail marathons... It is a time I know I can improve on so I will be back next year to make amends and perhaps take 10mins off that time.. PS That’s not a challenge.!!
Now it’s time to rest up before the Kent Coastal in September…
To give me mileage, the only choice was a marathon so after checking out the various race calendars I chose Salisbury given the area and the fact it was off road…
Preparation was good but after a typical run leading up to the event I could barely walk..!!!
With the cause unknown I limped along for the next few days and by the Friday decided that was it I’d have to call it off… Despite this and not being one to give up easily I decided to ‘try’ out a few miles on the Saturday to ‘see’ how the leg felt…
The first few steps made me feel like puking but gradually the pain eased and it began to feel more like a stiff muscle rather than anything too serious… 3 miles were covered and if anything I felt the run helped so I decided the 26 miles would be attempted in Salisbury …
The 2hr drive to Salisbury was a bit uncomfortable but once out of the car the leg eased so that was it, I would be lining up at the start..!
Some would say I am mad running the number of marathons I do but the event was full of ‘mad’ runners who have completed 100’s so I’m a ‘newbie’ to them…
The course itself was undulating with the first few miles taking in a route around the Old Sarum and then it was off into the wilderness some would say…
Farmers fields formed part of the route with running replaced with hop, skip and a jump to dodge many a cow pat and the following a piece of string through the mystical forest making the run a very enjoyable day…
The route was well sign posted so the need to refer to the issued description notes proved never…
A few long hills were placed along the route but with all ‘up’ hills there is always a down section but this is where I suffered and the leg started to fight back… The water stations were well stocked with runners / hikers assessing the race so far or warning others of that killer hill just around the corner…
The last few miles were through villages and Salisbury town centre which for some allowed them to recover before the sprint to the finish… For me though, I had decided to prevent any further damage to the leg so opted for the walk / run technique given I like to finish a marathon and not die trying…
After a long day in the trainers, I crossed the line in 4:16:31 a personal achievement given the problems over the last week but more importantly a PB in trail marathons... It is a time I know I can improve on so I will be back next year to make amends and perhaps take 10mins off that time.. PS That’s not a challenge.!!
Now it’s time to rest up before the Kent Coastal in September…
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