8.1 miles
To work: 4.7 miles @ 8.20 p/mile
Back: 3.4 miles @ 8.21 p/m
"Listen to your body", seems to be a sensible running mantra. Well, for the next few days I'm going to obey my legs and give them a few days off. Runs today were hard work. After all the recent races I could feel slight strains down both calves, making them feel a bit lame and I couldn't find any comfortable rhythm. I'm sure there's no injury, just tightness but it may be enough to forego a long run this weekend. I can then concentrate on tapering down throughout April until the marathon. Also breaking in my new Asics - they are the same make as the old pair, but maybe this isn't helping. Ho hum, a deserved rest is in order
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Tuesday 27th March
Rest Day
Cycled to work but no running - legs fine but needed the break! In talking to various club members and having the London urge I thought I'd turn on the sales charm and see if there were any late charity places for the FLM. Phoned a number of Child related charities to see if they had any late drop-outs (not wishing ill on others!) but it was not to be - apparently they all have long reserve lists and would have had to registered me by now. As Tim pointed out it's probably easier to enter the UK as a terrorist than enter the London Marathon. It's a funny old world! Thought it worth a late punt, but onwards to Stratford ....
Cycled to work but no running - legs fine but needed the break! In talking to various club members and having the London urge I thought I'd turn on the sales charm and see if there were any late charity places for the FLM. Phoned a number of Child related charities to see if they had any late drop-outs (not wishing ill on others!) but it was not to be - apparently they all have long reserve lists and would have had to registered me by now. As Tim pointed out it's probably easier to enter the UK as a terrorist than enter the London Marathon. It's a funny old world! Thought it worth a late punt, but onwards to Stratford ....
Monday 26th March 2007
BVH
6.1 miles @ 8.07 per/mile
It was a gorgeous day and still reflecting on the run on Sunday, I was looking forward to stretching the legs. It was first evening light run for some time (now the clocks have gone forward) and it seemed at the Club that everyone was putting in stellar performances yesterday at various 1/2 marathons. Geoff and Harvey also did PB's and I guess it must have been one of the busiest weekends in the Running calendar. Ran the Northfield circuit and after yesterday I could really feel the fatigue in the legs. Had a good chat with a couple of club members and recounted tales of races afterwards with a good pep talk from John Ward. Will take a dya off tomorrow and rest the weary ones!
6.1 miles @ 8.07 per/mile
It was a gorgeous day and still reflecting on the run on Sunday, I was looking forward to stretching the legs. It was first evening light run for some time (now the clocks have gone forward) and it seemed at the Club that everyone was putting in stellar performances yesterday at various 1/2 marathons. Geoff and Harvey also did PB's and I guess it must have been one of the busiest weekends in the Running calendar. Ran the Northfield circuit and after yesterday I could really feel the fatigue in the legs. Had a good chat with a couple of club members and recounted tales of races afterwards with a good pep talk from John Ward. Will take a dya off tomorrow and rest the weary ones!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunday 25th March - Summary
Summary of Week 11: 29.3 miles (inc PB for 1/2 Marathon)
What a great month, two 20 milers and a half marathon, and (fingers crossed) no injuries to mention (especially now that I've worked out which insole goes into which shoe!). Well, the racing shoes have now been put up until the marathon. Absolutley delighted with achieving my 1/2 marathon PB today as I achieved a time that I wasn't confident I could do - bit by bit the walls are coming down, and I'm glad to say it's down to hard work rather than natural talent (although a little of the latter wouldn't go amiss!) 29 miles is a decent return for the week, and I'll now concentrate on a slow tapering of mileage for the final month. Interestingly, looking at the stats in comparing times across distances (5km, 10km, 1/2m and marathon), I'm consistant up to the unchartered distance. This means I should be looking at a time between 3.11 and 3.21. We'll just have to see!
What a great month, two 20 milers and a half marathon, and (fingers crossed) no injuries to mention (especially now that I've worked out which insole goes into which shoe!). Well, the racing shoes have now been put up until the marathon. Absolutley delighted with achieving my 1/2 marathon PB today as I achieved a time that I wasn't confident I could do - bit by bit the walls are coming down, and I'm glad to say it's down to hard work rather than natural talent (although a little of the latter wouldn't go amiss!) 29 miles is a decent return for the week, and I'll now concentrate on a slow tapering of mileage for the final month. Interestingly, looking at the stats in comparing times across distances (5km, 10km, 1/2m and marathon), I'm consistant up to the unchartered distance. This means I should be looking at a time between 3.11 and 3.21. We'll just have to see!
Sunday 25th March 2007
Race: Stafford 1/2 Marathon
1hr 33 mins 41 secs (PB)
7.09 per/mile
I genuinely thought that this race would give me a great shout to achieve one of my major running goals for the year - a sub 1.35 half marathon. I had only cracked the 1.40 last October but with all the marathon training and anecdotes from others at the club regarding setting good times whilst training, I wanted to give this particular goal a really good go. Signs weren't great yesterday as I spent the evening in a smokey pub watching the England - Israel game over a couple of pints of guiness (to keep up the iron content and the game was poor!) and with the clocks going forward it meant an effectively earlier start. But arrived in Stafford in plenty of time on a chilly but dry day, and as the sun peeped out before the race it proved to be ideal running conditions.
The start was a shambles - near on 1000 runners bunched together in the town square, many having to vault over a railing to get into a starting position. It took a good half minute to get to the start line but after a frantic lap of the town, the field stretched out as we headed down the main road to the Shugborough Estate. Funny to thinkl I've brought the family here for days out - never envisaged running this section of road!). I was keen to break this into 3 races of 4 miles (aiming for 3 sub 30 minute sectors) with enough in the tank for a final quick mile. In reality I dug deep early on and rather than enjoy the scenery (my common folly!), worked a little harded than normal. Big incline at mile 3, but then enjoyed a 3 mile downhill burst running with a very quick older lady (who went on to win the 50+ female category). Excellent roadside support was given and the race changed direction at Shugborough, following an attractive country lane up and past the Estate before turning back into the Stafford area. All the training suddenly hit me at about 9 miles (one of those strange euphoric moments) - it dawned on me that I've probably not been this fit for a good 20 years! A life of desk slobbing and student debauchary was flying behind me! I was doing 7 minute miles and enjoying it! We headed up to an old disused railpath for a good 3 miles or so, on a flat scenic stretch and as we kicked back into Stafford, I put in a final sprint to clock shy of 1.34 (by my Garmin reckoning). Felt fantastic and like I'd really earnt this free medal! (and the Freetrade Banana!). Caught up with Simon Hall afterwards (who was running for Aldridge - he'd done a 1.27) and I believe that there was just one other Bournville representative, James Gittings. Then combined racing with family - met up with Tony + Helen and Amanada + Phil, and their families for lunch in Stafford
Interesting looking at the splits (the might of the Garmin system!), both by distance and by mile, as I think there may be a sub 1.30 in me! The fastest section was between the 10 mile and finish, indeed the slowest miles were the first few. Food for thought and I can honestly say that the post-race feelings are as special as when I clocked doing just over 2 hours in the Sheffield half, in 2005, my very first race!
Splits:
10km: 44.57 (7.15 p/m)
10m: 1.12.52 (split addition 7.04 p/m)
1/2m: 1.33.41 (last split addition 7.01 p/m)
1hr 33 mins 41 secs (PB)
7.09 per/mile
I genuinely thought that this race would give me a great shout to achieve one of my major running goals for the year - a sub 1.35 half marathon. I had only cracked the 1.40 last October but with all the marathon training and anecdotes from others at the club regarding setting good times whilst training, I wanted to give this particular goal a really good go. Signs weren't great yesterday as I spent the evening in a smokey pub watching the England - Israel game over a couple of pints of guiness (to keep up the iron content and the game was poor!) and with the clocks going forward it meant an effectively earlier start. But arrived in Stafford in plenty of time on a chilly but dry day, and as the sun peeped out before the race it proved to be ideal running conditions.
The start was a shambles - near on 1000 runners bunched together in the town square, many having to vault over a railing to get into a starting position. It took a good half minute to get to the start line but after a frantic lap of the town, the field stretched out as we headed down the main road to the Shugborough Estate. Funny to thinkl I've brought the family here for days out - never envisaged running this section of road!). I was keen to break this into 3 races of 4 miles (aiming for 3 sub 30 minute sectors) with enough in the tank for a final quick mile. In reality I dug deep early on and rather than enjoy the scenery (my common folly!), worked a little harded than normal. Big incline at mile 3, but then enjoyed a 3 mile downhill burst running with a very quick older lady (who went on to win the 50+ female category). Excellent roadside support was given and the race changed direction at Shugborough, following an attractive country lane up and past the Estate before turning back into the Stafford area. All the training suddenly hit me at about 9 miles (one of those strange euphoric moments) - it dawned on me that I've probably not been this fit for a good 20 years! A life of desk slobbing and student debauchary was flying behind me! I was doing 7 minute miles and enjoying it! We headed up to an old disused railpath for a good 3 miles or so, on a flat scenic stretch and as we kicked back into Stafford, I put in a final sprint to clock shy of 1.34 (by my Garmin reckoning). Felt fantastic and like I'd really earnt this free medal! (and the Freetrade Banana!). Caught up with Simon Hall afterwards (who was running for Aldridge - he'd done a 1.27) and I believe that there was just one other Bournville representative, James Gittings. Then combined racing with family - met up with Tony + Helen and Amanada + Phil, and their families for lunch in Stafford
Interesting looking at the splits (the might of the Garmin system!), both by distance and by mile, as I think there may be a sub 1.30 in me! The fastest section was between the 10 mile and finish, indeed the slowest miles were the first few. Food for thought and I can honestly say that the post-race feelings are as special as when I clocked doing just over 2 hours in the Sheffield half, in 2005, my very first race!
Splits:
10km: 44.57 (7.15 p/m)
10m: 1.12.52 (split addition 7.04 p/m)
1/2m: 1.33.41 (last split addition 7.01 p/m)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday 22nd March
BVH - Stamina Reps
6.1 miles in total
1.5 miles warm-up @ circa 8 min/mile
2 x 1.5 miles @ circa 7 - 7.15 min/m
1 mile warm-down @ circa 8.30 min / m
Well, thought I'd do a nice gentle run this evening with the guys at BVH in preparation for Stafford, but No! Instead it was stamina reps - took in the Bournville 5km circuit and after a pleasant warm-up, pushed a couple of laps at a not too strenuos pace - somewhere between my 5km and 10km pace, and had a good warm down. Could feel the extent of the effort later though in tight leg muscles. Thankfully the stomach virus has left me and I'm really looking forward to the half at the weekend. Good evening tonight - had some good chats with other sdoing training for various events and it keeps you motivated. Also cycled to work and back, so a few extra calorie-burning Brownie points!
6.1 miles in total
1.5 miles warm-up @ circa 8 min/mile
2 x 1.5 miles @ circa 7 - 7.15 min/m
1 mile warm-down @ circa 8.30 min / m
Well, thought I'd do a nice gentle run this evening with the guys at BVH in preparation for Stafford, but No! Instead it was stamina reps - took in the Bournville 5km circuit and after a pleasant warm-up, pushed a couple of laps at a not too strenuos pace - somewhere between my 5km and 10km pace, and had a good warm down. Could feel the extent of the effort later though in tight leg muscles. Thankfully the stomach virus has left me and I'm really looking forward to the half at the weekend. Good evening tonight - had some good chats with other sdoing training for various events and it keeps you motivated. Also cycled to work and back, so a few extra calorie-burning Brownie points!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Wednesday 21st March
10.1 miles
To work: 6.2 miles @ 7.56 p/m
Back: 3.9 miles @ 7.29 p/m
The vernal equinox, the beginning of Spring, and an unexpectedly excellent day for running. Almost didn't make it as Dan woke up and was sick and I've been really suffering with stomach problems since the weekend, the feeling of almost being cramped or winded after eating. I'm wondering if I have a food intolerance of some kind, but as it seems to have gone today, I reckon it's just a virus. Will keep an eye on it in the next few days.
Hadn't done much since the 20 miler - a game of tennis on Monday and a cycle to work yesterday but today it was a gloriously sunny, albeit bitter, day. Felt a real bouce in the step in running through Bournville and by the Rea Valley, and after a good day at work, upped the tempo for a quick return home. Listening to some hardcore uplifting dance probably helped as I wanted to push it to a speed I'm hoping to maintain at the Stafford half at the weekend. Pleased to achieve sub 7.30 min pace. Blister's back after the weekend run but not overly worried, no more really long runs now until the marathon so hopefully it'll heal over in plenty of time.
To work: 6.2 miles @ 7.56 p/m
Back: 3.9 miles @ 7.29 p/m
The vernal equinox, the beginning of Spring, and an unexpectedly excellent day for running. Almost didn't make it as Dan woke up and was sick and I've been really suffering with stomach problems since the weekend, the feeling of almost being cramped or winded after eating. I'm wondering if I have a food intolerance of some kind, but as it seems to have gone today, I reckon it's just a virus. Will keep an eye on it in the next few days.
Hadn't done much since the 20 miler - a game of tennis on Monday and a cycle to work yesterday but today it was a gloriously sunny, albeit bitter, day. Felt a real bouce in the step in running through Bournville and by the Rea Valley, and after a good day at work, upped the tempo for a quick return home. Listening to some hardcore uplifting dance probably helped as I wanted to push it to a speed I'm hoping to maintain at the Stafford half at the weekend. Pleased to achieve sub 7.30 min pace. Blister's back after the weekend run but not overly worried, no more really long runs now until the marathon so hopefully it'll heal over in plenty of time.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday 18th March 2007
Summary of week 10: 44.25 miles (and 18 miles on the bike)
Unexpectedly, today's race has been a real highlight. Done a PB and enjoyed whatever the weather could throw at us and the undulating nature of the rural course. I guess all the training is paying off and enjoyed the biggest weekly mileage yet (and probably the biggest until the marathon). Also enjoyed getting back on the bike and varying the workouts.
Race: Ashby 20m Road Race, Leicestershire
20.08 miles - 2 hrs 36 mins (PB) @ 7.46 mins per mile
The race of all seasons! Sleet, 20+ miles per hr side wind and bright spring sunshine - we had it all! Delighted with the race and often it's those races with the least expectation that turn out to be the best. Not feeling great when I woke up and when Harvey picked me up just after 8am, I really wasn't sure what to expect today. Got to Ashby in about an hour, a sleepy North Leicestershire town, and congregated with what seemed to be a fair number of runners in a field. It was definately glove weather (a dn suitabbly attired) with a cold northerly and as we set off, took it easy for the first couple of miles. After going over the A42, we quickly got into countryside with a punishing side wind for a couple of miles. I started with Harvey, Linda and Stella but with Harvey and Linda getting away quickly, I spent a good few miles chatting with some fellas from Derby in some lovely Spring sunshine, not noticing a decent incline. Was feeling good so then pushed on and passed both Harvey and Linda. Probably shocked Harvey into some positive action (even with a dodgy knee) and he sailed passed not to be seen again in the race! 10 mile split was decent and helped with Outkast on the iPod (although they had again been officially banned for the race - iPod's not Outkast, that is!) and at Packington we went back and did the loop again. In many ways it helped, knowing what was ahead, although there was a really unpleasant section with hairy sidewinds and heavy sleet between about miles 10 and 12. Ran with Linda from about the half marathon point, although she was immersed in Billy Joel, and trying to stick with her was a good incentive to post a decent time as I knew she's typically a good few minutes faster than me. There were loads of water stops (as well as handing out jelly babies and juice) which helped and although the last couple of miles were hard and inclining, they didn't prove too difficult. With about 800 metres to go I ashamedly put on a final burst to pass Linda and a few others, and took the tape over 3 minutes quicker than Gloucester. Harvey and Stella also did PB's and there was a great foodtastic Aldi goodybag and a really nice Aldi sweater. Mind you, with the possibilities of getting exposure walking back to the car, the sweater was appreciated! Chilled out at home for the rest of the day with Sian and the boys and, a large blood blister aside on the usual foot, have returned injury free. Knees are a little sore but with no more long races now before the end of April, it all bodes well I think for the marathon.
Splits:
10km: 49.04
10m: 1.17.20
1/2 m: 1.42.08
20m: 2.36.05
Unexpectedly, today's race has been a real highlight. Done a PB and enjoyed whatever the weather could throw at us and the undulating nature of the rural course. I guess all the training is paying off and enjoyed the biggest weekly mileage yet (and probably the biggest until the marathon). Also enjoyed getting back on the bike and varying the workouts.
Race: Ashby 20m Road Race, Leicestershire
20.08 miles - 2 hrs 36 mins (PB) @ 7.46 mins per mile
The race of all seasons! Sleet, 20+ miles per hr side wind and bright spring sunshine - we had it all! Delighted with the race and often it's those races with the least expectation that turn out to be the best. Not feeling great when I woke up and when Harvey picked me up just after 8am, I really wasn't sure what to expect today. Got to Ashby in about an hour, a sleepy North Leicestershire town, and congregated with what seemed to be a fair number of runners in a field. It was definately glove weather (a dn suitabbly attired) with a cold northerly and as we set off, took it easy for the first couple of miles. After going over the A42, we quickly got into countryside with a punishing side wind for a couple of miles. I started with Harvey, Linda and Stella but with Harvey and Linda getting away quickly, I spent a good few miles chatting with some fellas from Derby in some lovely Spring sunshine, not noticing a decent incline. Was feeling good so then pushed on and passed both Harvey and Linda. Probably shocked Harvey into some positive action (even with a dodgy knee) and he sailed passed not to be seen again in the race! 10 mile split was decent and helped with Outkast on the iPod (although they had again been officially banned for the race - iPod's not Outkast, that is!) and at Packington we went back and did the loop again. In many ways it helped, knowing what was ahead, although there was a really unpleasant section with hairy sidewinds and heavy sleet between about miles 10 and 12. Ran with Linda from about the half marathon point, although she was immersed in Billy Joel, and trying to stick with her was a good incentive to post a decent time as I knew she's typically a good few minutes faster than me. There were loads of water stops (as well as handing out jelly babies and juice) which helped and although the last couple of miles were hard and inclining, they didn't prove too difficult. With about 800 metres to go I ashamedly put on a final burst to pass Linda and a few others, and took the tape over 3 minutes quicker than Gloucester. Harvey and Stella also did PB's and there was a great foodtastic Aldi goodybag and a really nice Aldi sweater. Mind you, with the possibilities of getting exposure walking back to the car, the sweater was appreciated! Chilled out at home for the rest of the day with Sian and the boys and, a large blood blister aside on the usual foot, have returned injury free. Knees are a little sore but with no more long races now before the end of April, it all bodes well I think for the marathon.
Splits:
10km: 49.04
10m: 1.17.20
1/2 m: 1.42.08
20m: 2.36.05
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Saturday 17th March
3 miles - David Lloyd treadmill
Typical. Not a days illness (not even a sniff) in almost 3 months of training and the day before a 20 miler, I'm feeling decidedly dodgy. Think it's a bit of a stomach bug and Sian's had much the same - or could it be a reaction to over indulging in the pretzels and chocolate digestives? Also feeling really tired as James had learnt how to crawl into bed at 4am in the morning, and then flip around like a slippery fish - he was up at an ungamely time today. Anyhow, all these excuses, but I'm sure it'll be OK tomorrow - have read the bumph and it's looks al ittle hiller than Gloucester, but that should suit. I'll treat it like the Keyworth 1/2 before Xmas - run to enjoy it and not worry about the time. Also, not the ideal preparation - took Sian out early for Mothers Day - a family meal at TGI Friday's. Not sure if caramel swirl cheesecake is packed with good running fuel? Interesting weather forecast for tomorrow - cold, dry and windy.
Typical. Not a days illness (not even a sniff) in almost 3 months of training and the day before a 20 miler, I'm feeling decidedly dodgy. Think it's a bit of a stomach bug and Sian's had much the same - or could it be a reaction to over indulging in the pretzels and chocolate digestives? Also feeling really tired as James had learnt how to crawl into bed at 4am in the morning, and then flip around like a slippery fish - he was up at an ungamely time today. Anyhow, all these excuses, but I'm sure it'll be OK tomorrow - have read the bumph and it's looks al ittle hiller than Gloucester, but that should suit. I'll treat it like the Keyworth 1/2 before Xmas - run to enjoy it and not worry about the time. Also, not the ideal preparation - took Sian out early for Mothers Day - a family meal at TGI Friday's. Not sure if caramel swirl cheesecake is packed with good running fuel? Interesting weather forecast for tomorrow - cold, dry and windy.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Thursday 15th March
BVH 4 miles jog @ circa 9 mins p/m
With a 20 miler on Sunday it didn't seem a wise idea to do reps at the club, so instead enjoyed a gentle jog around the Northfield circuit. Sometimes it feels good to just to really take the foot off the gas and have a good natter! Primo was inspiring me with tales of the New York Marathon (one for the future?) and had a good natter with Helen - extolling the virtues of X-Country. After the marathon training, I'm definately going to look into incorporating more off road training and multi-terrain events.
Felt rather conspicuous in new trainers tonight. Since Xmas I've put in 400+ miles in the current Asics, so thought this would be a great opportunity to take out for a spin a new dazzling pair! With the training still being injury free (touch wood, fingers X'd, no black cats!) I've gone for another pair of Kayano's - Birmingham Runner had the same last year's model unbelievably at size 11.5 - but I'll be happier when they're alittle more muddied! Will alterante pairs for training and slowly phase out the old ones in time for the marathon
With a 20 miler on Sunday it didn't seem a wise idea to do reps at the club, so instead enjoyed a gentle jog around the Northfield circuit. Sometimes it feels good to just to really take the foot off the gas and have a good natter! Primo was inspiring me with tales of the New York Marathon (one for the future?) and had a good natter with Helen - extolling the virtues of X-Country. After the marathon training, I'm definately going to look into incorporating more off road training and multi-terrain events.
Felt rather conspicuous in new trainers tonight. Since Xmas I've put in 400+ miles in the current Asics, so thought this would be a great opportunity to take out for a spin a new dazzling pair! With the training still being injury free (touch wood, fingers X'd, no black cats!) I've gone for another pair of Kayano's - Birmingham Runner had the same last year's model unbelievably at size 11.5 - but I'll be happier when they're alittle more muddied! Will alterante pairs for training and slowly phase out the old ones in time for the marathon
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wednesday 14th March
11.6 miles
To work: 5.9 m @ 7.58 p/m
Back: 5.7 m @ 7.49 p/m
Day of contrasting runs! Woke up feeling great, dusted off my shades and really enjoyed running the canals and Rea Valley route into work taking in glorious Spring sunshine. Went into a real daydream mode. Then sat on my arse for most of the day reading CV's, making a few calls and eating chocolate - no real surprise then, when I didn't feel overly motivated for the run home! Got a stitch half way home as well which didn't help and just amazed by the amount of other people out there running the canals. Almost congestion at times (and dosen't include kamikaze cyclists). Got home, cooked tea and, in receiving my numbers for the Ashby 20 and Stafford half marathon, regained motivation. Downloaded runs to SportTracks and was really geekiy in looking for speed trends!
To work: 5.9 m @ 7.58 p/m
Back: 5.7 m @ 7.49 p/m
Day of contrasting runs! Woke up feeling great, dusted off my shades and really enjoyed running the canals and Rea Valley route into work taking in glorious Spring sunshine. Went into a real daydream mode. Then sat on my arse for most of the day reading CV's, making a few calls and eating chocolate - no real surprise then, when I didn't feel overly motivated for the run home! Got a stitch half way home as well which didn't help and just amazed by the amount of other people out there running the canals. Almost congestion at times (and dosen't include kamikaze cyclists). Got home, cooked tea and, in receiving my numbers for the Ashby 20 and Stafford half marathon, regained motivation. Downloaded runs to SportTracks and was really geekiy in looking for speed trends!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Monday 12th March
BVH 5.7 miles @ 7.51 p/mile
8 miles cycle (work)
Felt great to be back running after the holiday. Gave tennis a miss as I was itching to get back into training. Lovely evening and despite a massive turnout at the club, the Pebble Mill run quickly dispersed into small groups, and enjoyed running and talking with Harvey, Bob and Stella - discussed tactics for the Ashby 20 miler on Sunday, and such is the way, put the world to right! Spent most of the run trying to work out whether my orthotics (after a soaking at Gloucester) were in the right shoe - should be obvious, but I was never blessed with the greatest of common sense!
Also, a true sign of Spring. Dusted off the bike and rode to work - through the Uni and across Canon Hill Park and a great way of getting in a bit more exercise - a good 8 mile round trip. I've no excuses to add to my 'carbon footprint' now, and both cycling and running are quicker than taking the car.
8 miles cycle (work)
Felt great to be back running after the holiday. Gave tennis a miss as I was itching to get back into training. Lovely evening and despite a massive turnout at the club, the Pebble Mill run quickly dispersed into small groups, and enjoyed running and talking with Harvey, Bob and Stella - discussed tactics for the Ashby 20 miler on Sunday, and such is the way, put the world to right! Spent most of the run trying to work out whether my orthotics (after a soaking at Gloucester) were in the right shoe - should be obvious, but I was never blessed with the greatest of common sense!
Also, a true sign of Spring. Dusted off the bike and rode to work - through the Uni and across Canon Hill Park and a great way of getting in a bit more exercise - a good 8 mile round trip. I've no excuses to add to my 'carbon footprint' now, and both cycling and running are quicker than taking the car.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Wednesday 7th - Sunday 11th March
EURODISNEY + Summary of week 9: 9 miles
Managed a meagre 4 miles on the Hotel treadmill on Friday
Good timing as the family holiday co-incided with mid-marathon training - by and large a chance to rest the running muscles, and ease out the aches and pains of the past couple of months - or so I thought! Foolishly believing that completing a marathon would be the height of my physical and mental endurance this year, I hadn't reckoned on surviving five days at Eurodisney, Paris. Two children in tow, a punishing schedule in fitting in as many rides as possible with maximum autograph hunting of the Disney cast probably ensured that the training remains bang on schedule! Briefly, the highs and the lows:
Highs:
Quality family time
Enchanting characters (I know they're bored foreign students in suits but Dan truly believes that they live in Sleeping Beauty's castle and the Park is their daily garden!)
Cool rides - especially Pirates of the Caribbean and Guntastic Buzz Lightyear
Disneyland Hotel - awesome, makes kids of all of us
Innocence of youth
The Disney Parade - honestly, even tack can have a kind of style
The 2 hour period at the end of the day when the kids are both asleep and you can have a beer!
Lows:
Saturdays - Absolute murder. Takes Q out of the alphabet and makes you want to push / shove / scream (or all simultaneously). Thursday and Friday were OK though
Dead arms - Dan and James both decided that despite having suitable strollers, they wanted to be carried everywhere, and they refuse to take NO for an answer
The food - in the Park it is truly awful, chiptastic ...
Scary characters (if you're two years old!). James wailed even in the presence of the meekest Disney soul - ceratinly startled Goofy!
Managed a meagre 4 miles on the Hotel treadmill on Friday
Good timing as the family holiday co-incided with mid-marathon training - by and large a chance to rest the running muscles, and ease out the aches and pains of the past couple of months - or so I thought! Foolishly believing that completing a marathon would be the height of my physical and mental endurance this year, I hadn't reckoned on surviving five days at Eurodisney, Paris. Two children in tow, a punishing schedule in fitting in as many rides as possible with maximum autograph hunting of the Disney cast probably ensured that the training remains bang on schedule! Briefly, the highs and the lows:
Highs:
Quality family time
Enchanting characters (I know they're bored foreign students in suits but Dan truly believes that they live in Sleeping Beauty's castle and the Park is their daily garden!)
Cool rides - especially Pirates of the Caribbean and Guntastic Buzz Lightyear
Disneyland Hotel - awesome, makes kids of all of us
Innocence of youth
The Disney Parade - honestly, even tack can have a kind of style
The 2 hour period at the end of the day when the kids are both asleep and you can have a beer!
Lows:
Saturdays - Absolute murder. Takes Q out of the alphabet and makes you want to push / shove / scream (or all simultaneously). Thursday and Friday were OK though
Dead arms - Dan and James both decided that despite having suitable strollers, they wanted to be carried everywhere, and they refuse to take NO for an answer
The food - in the Park it is truly awful, chiptastic ...
Scary characters (if you're two years old!). James wailed even in the presence of the meekest Disney soul - ceratinly startled Goofy!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Monday 5th March
BVH
4.9 miles @ 8.21 p/mile
I was expecting the aches and pains today, the badge of survival of a 20 mile race. They never came though, surprisingly. Infact I was feeling quite spritely and forewent the usual tennis on a Monday night to go for a run down at the club. I think it helps to stretch the legs after such a long event (rid any lactic acid) and certainly there were a lot of guys there tonight who had the same idea. As usual, with Spring came the rain, and after starting gingerly, enjoyed a good near 5 miler having a natter with Harvey and a few others. Nice, easy pace but would have been dangerous to my health to go any faster! Bournville never ceases to amaze me though - I thought I had all the local routes licked - tonight however, after 10 minutes I was completely non-plussed. Have absoultely no idea how we managed to get to Kings Norton!
As I write this though (Tuesday morning - quick work break), despite a good nights sleep, my right leg has gone on strike - feels like it's done the miles but in a used, rather than painful fashion. I guess it knows that with Eurodisney tomorrow, comes a short running break. I must remeber to forget to pack my trainers for Paris!
4.9 miles @ 8.21 p/mile
I was expecting the aches and pains today, the badge of survival of a 20 mile race. They never came though, surprisingly. Infact I was feeling quite spritely and forewent the usual tennis on a Monday night to go for a run down at the club. I think it helps to stretch the legs after such a long event (rid any lactic acid) and certainly there were a lot of guys there tonight who had the same idea. As usual, with Spring came the rain, and after starting gingerly, enjoyed a good near 5 miler having a natter with Harvey and a few others. Nice, easy pace but would have been dangerous to my health to go any faster! Bournville never ceases to amaze me though - I thought I had all the local routes licked - tonight however, after 10 minutes I was completely non-plussed. Have absoultely no idea how we managed to get to Kings Norton!
As I write this though (Tuesday morning - quick work break), despite a good nights sleep, my right leg has gone on strike - feels like it's done the miles but in a used, rather than painful fashion. I guess it knows that with Eurodisney tomorrow, comes a short running break. I must remeber to forget to pack my trainers for Paris!
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Sunday 4th March 2007
Summary of week 8: 32 miles
Great to have managed the race that got away last year. Really enjoyed the Gloucester 20 and very pleased with a sub 2.40 time, the training is paying off. Probably went off a little too slow but this may well have been the catalyst for preserving energy for the mid-later stages. Certainly this race dominated the week's training and I'm sure it'll hurt tomorrow, but with Eurdisney looming (Wednesday - Sunday) I'll scale it down for a week and enjoy a mid marathon schedule break.
Race: Gloucester 20 miler, Frampton On Severn
20 miles: 2.39 @ 7.58 p/mile
'I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my bones', Wet, Wet, Wet! Ne'er was there such an appropriate lyric to describe the after effects of a 20 miler particularly on such a stormy day, as the River Severn threatened to engulf us, claiming most of the countryside around us on this rural route. In truth though it didn't harm the race one little bit. I'd been like a Michael Fish out-of-water all weekend, scouring the BBC website, hoping the anticipated Spring rains would leave us alone for the duration of the race, but alas not. Picked up Harvey early doors and wrestled with his portable Sat Nav to arrive at Frampton On Severn pretty early. Alledgedly Frampton is a picturesque chocolate-box village, even with it's own Green, so a great place to kick off the race. Good Bournville turnout and as we all had a natter the race began with us all at the very back! Took the first few miles out of the village very easy and even discovered a local running club unfortunately adorned with the teal vests. Previously I thought Bournville were unique in this respect and discussed with Harvey the obvious potential in wearing a Cadbury purple Dairy Milk vest. Anyhow, the light rain was holding well and the narrow country lanes were kind on the feet. Stella passed me at about 4 miles which kind of woke me out of a bit of a daydream and decided to step on the gas, moving from 8.30 min miles to 7.30 min miles for the next 7 miles or so. Seemed like a decent tactic and enjoyed passing a lot of people, taking in the first mini-hill, and only when at about 9 miles when we ran into a nasty side wind and heavier rain, was it a little uncomfortable. Soon disappeared though and there was excellent support from the local villagers with regular water stops, and we headed back for a second loop. This seemed to go pretty well, although I did have a marshall shouting at me to remove my headphones (officially the use of iPods were prohibited), which did seem a little petty. Fair play though as a few motorists on these small country roads did seem a bit miffed at being held up particularly in light of runners having to dodge numerous puddles. My son later reminded me of the 'Dr Foster went to Gloucester ditty ... maybe he was one of the pioneering Gloucester 20 runners? Anyhow, I was still feeling surprisingly strong at 18 miles, heading for home, and managed to quicken to confirm a sub 2.40 time, pyschogically important in it reflecting a potential sub 3.30 marathon. Overall, enjoyed the run, a lot of comeraderie and a well organised event. Excellent pre-marathon training and the mild, wet conditions were surprisingly conducive for a good, competitive race.
Splits:
10km - 49.34
10 miles - 1.19
1/2 mthon - 1.44
Great to have managed the race that got away last year. Really enjoyed the Gloucester 20 and very pleased with a sub 2.40 time, the training is paying off. Probably went off a little too slow but this may well have been the catalyst for preserving energy for the mid-later stages. Certainly this race dominated the week's training and I'm sure it'll hurt tomorrow, but with Eurdisney looming (Wednesday - Sunday) I'll scale it down for a week and enjoy a mid marathon schedule break.
Race: Gloucester 20 miler, Frampton On Severn
20 miles: 2.39 @ 7.58 p/mile
'I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my bones', Wet, Wet, Wet! Ne'er was there such an appropriate lyric to describe the after effects of a 20 miler particularly on such a stormy day, as the River Severn threatened to engulf us, claiming most of the countryside around us on this rural route. In truth though it didn't harm the race one little bit. I'd been like a Michael Fish out-of-water all weekend, scouring the BBC website, hoping the anticipated Spring rains would leave us alone for the duration of the race, but alas not. Picked up Harvey early doors and wrestled with his portable Sat Nav to arrive at Frampton On Severn pretty early. Alledgedly Frampton is a picturesque chocolate-box village, even with it's own Green, so a great place to kick off the race. Good Bournville turnout and as we all had a natter the race began with us all at the very back! Took the first few miles out of the village very easy and even discovered a local running club unfortunately adorned with the teal vests. Previously I thought Bournville were unique in this respect and discussed with Harvey the obvious potential in wearing a Cadbury purple Dairy Milk vest. Anyhow, the light rain was holding well and the narrow country lanes were kind on the feet. Stella passed me at about 4 miles which kind of woke me out of a bit of a daydream and decided to step on the gas, moving from 8.30 min miles to 7.30 min miles for the next 7 miles or so. Seemed like a decent tactic and enjoyed passing a lot of people, taking in the first mini-hill, and only when at about 9 miles when we ran into a nasty side wind and heavier rain, was it a little uncomfortable. Soon disappeared though and there was excellent support from the local villagers with regular water stops, and we headed back for a second loop. This seemed to go pretty well, although I did have a marshall shouting at me to remove my headphones (officially the use of iPods were prohibited), which did seem a little petty. Fair play though as a few motorists on these small country roads did seem a bit miffed at being held up particularly in light of runners having to dodge numerous puddles. My son later reminded me of the 'Dr Foster went to Gloucester ditty ... maybe he was one of the pioneering Gloucester 20 runners? Anyhow, I was still feeling surprisingly strong at 18 miles, heading for home, and managed to quicken to confirm a sub 2.40 time, pyschogically important in it reflecting a potential sub 3.30 marathon. Overall, enjoyed the run, a lot of comeraderie and a well organised event. Excellent pre-marathon training and the mild, wet conditions were surprisingly conducive for a good, competitive race.
Splits:
10km - 49.34
10 miles - 1.19
1/2 mthon - 1.44
Friday, March 2, 2007
Thursday 1st March 2007
BVH 4.8 miles
8.40 p/m
Spring at last - in like a lion, out like a lamb. Well I was more lamb today, a gentle run through Stirchley and Bournville with Martin and his 'angels' at the club. Enjoyed a good natter and, although there's still a slight pull, the calves are feeling OK. Bring on Gloucester on Sunday!
8.40 p/m
Spring at last - in like a lion, out like a lamb. Well I was more lamb today, a gentle run through Stirchley and Bournville with Martin and his 'angels' at the club. Enjoyed a good natter and, although there's still a slight pull, the calves are feeling OK. Bring on Gloucester on Sunday!
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