Sorry but `The Beatles` were wrong - it should have been "with a lot help from my friends…."

What can I say about the Endure24 - a 24 hour solo running race and just to recap - I had `dreamt` about competing in a 24 hrs running race almost since I started running - I thought how can runners do that, if they can do it why can`t I?? Is it just mind over matter stuff (read stubborn) - Thank goodness I don`t ask these questions about running a sub 17 minute 5Km (dodged one there I think !!)            Anyway I was meant to take part in a 24 hrs race last year but due to injury I pulled out from that attempt fairly early on in my training - the `itch` was still there - so when I saw this particular event I entered straight away as it ticked so many boxes & then set up a 6 month training plan - why 6 month - well mainly to get my head around the idea of ME running for a whole day & it was for real…………..

To those that don`t know the set-up of the Endure24; it is a 24 hour race, where teams can be of solo runners, pairs, 5`s & 8`s & how many laps you do is completely up to you. A lap measures 5 miles and is a bit of road, stony track & grass. It is a lot of fun esp. if you are in `rival` teams..(hint hint Club mates & Frimley Lodge parkrunners.. J )

Despite a 6 month training plan it came around very quickly, the last few weeks just seemed to merge into days - even on the Wednesday night at the Yateley 10Km it didn`t like only 3 days away that I would be attempting my first 24 hour run - I did feel very relaxed about the whole thing – confidence or `head in the sand` approach???            Training wise I had chalked out a plan – I had some fun along the way, ran many miles with a smile, pushed my so called `limits` - clocked up PB`s in the Mile, 5Km, 10Km, Half, 20 Mile, Marathon, 50Km, 32.75 Mile distances. I dealt with the couple of problems that had come up, skipped a few sessions but I kept positive & believed in myself.      If race day worked out well then fantastic / brilliant / excellent but if not, then my attitude was yes disappointment it wasn`t my day & pick myself up, dust myself down, hold my head up high, learn from it & come out better another day…...  

To quickly mention the Yateley 10Km – I do like these races - I like the course, I see so many friends, seeing Peter on the crossroads & it close enough so I can cycle. Nice new design of medal. It`s a good `Cove Jogger` turn out & everyone from the club did well. I ran a cheeky but relaxed  45:45 – pleased with that…..roll on race II in July.
 

The weekend plan was, & seeing as the location of the event (Wasing Park, Reading) was only 45 minutes away I thought it would set up `camp` on Friday afternoon then go home to chill out & have an early night etc & come back early the next morning. So with Dennis in tow we went over and set up on Friday - we found a brilliant spot - about 100 metres or so from the Start / Finish line, almost on the `racing line` so the access was really good. I do have to say the purple gazebo not only looked good but came in very handy for shade the next day. I did also put up my 3 man tent c/w camp bed - not that I had any real intention to use these to any great extent over the weekend but better safe than sorry. We left about 6.30pm, that surprising I did sleep `ok but still up awake at `silly o`clock`.

We arrived & wandered the site saying hello to the fellow campers err I mean runners - with a couple of hours to go I had breakfast No. 2 You could feel the excitement grow as race time grew closer & closer. My Crew / Support plans were very causal - drop in whenever really. I knew Dennis would be there till about 6.00pm on Saturday, team `Harvey's` would be coming along later on & then Richard would be covering the night shift.

The race started at twelve noon & the last hour came around very quickly - as we formed right at the back. I remembered looking up & thinking "Next stop tomorrow – blimey no turning back now !!! "  The hooter went off & the support & cheers as we started was just amazing. On events I like this I do like the first lap - you get to know the course. I had expected (hoped) the course to have a few more inclines in as I could use these as walk breaks but as we went round there was only really 3 places I guess you walk a good distance – odd as that sounds it was. The first walk break came about 1/2 mile in & lasted about 800 metres or so, then over a cattle grid which was my point every lap to start running, along a up & down ridge path to the 1st marshal point. Then into the woods - this was actually quite good as it offered shade in the Midday sun (it was getting quite warm) – I had figured it might be warm so my plan was to wear my club vest on the 1^st lap & then change into a short sleeved top & maybe even break out the sunhat & keep cool..

I always like the first lap of a lapped event - I saw Dennis just by the 6Km mark (3.7M) mark cheering away – I think he was having more fun than me !!! Then we headed towards in the `in-field` - basically the last mile or so was all on cut grass tracks that went around the tented village. I have to say I loved this part of the course - the support throughout the day was amazing esp. when they realised you were a solo runner (the different coloured race numbers gave it away). I completed the first lap in 57 minutes and thought “Yeap I`m liking this course”. I had a small stop this go. Like the Lightning 12 event I would be stopping each lap to change (Clean socks & t-shirt every two laps), eat (every other lap), wash my face, have a natter etc….

Video - Jon

This pretty much was the pattern for the first 5 or 6 laps - running at about 10 / 13 minute milling & then stopping at the tent – my 5^th miles were 19, 24, 24, 27, 31, 31, 37, 38, 56, 37, 1:41, 38, 25, 18, 31, 11, 24. As the day grew on more visitors from the club & from Frimley Lodge parkrun arrived - which was just fantastic - a total surprise…and hopefully I haven`t missed anyone…..Hannah & Chris, Margaret & Colin, Elaine & Colin, my Mum, The `Harvey` gang (Susan, Simon, Phoebe, Leonie) turned up & bringing excellent supportive posters. Later on Alison & David turned up. Richard, Karen B, David & Andrew & Louise - it was brilliant the support I was getting - I am sure it made me go around the course quicker just to see them all again or to see who turned up now. It also give me a longer break chatting to them. I think the one of the best hours was around 7 – 8 pm as the sun was setting, I almost wanted someone to set up a BBQ & I`ll join them every hour or so. Soon enough 8:00pm came along – the time where we had to dig out the torches & it was just myself & Richard for the night shift.

Just for some time / distance pointers,

 

Lap 1 - 00:57:38

Lap 2 - 01:02:50

Lap 3 - 01:11:06

Lap 4 - 01:09:04

Lap 5 - 01:13:26

Lap 6 - 01:16:16

Lap 7 - 01:18:04

Lap 8 - 01:24:46

Lap 9 – 01:30:30

At the 45 miles point I had a planned extended break - new clothes, feet sorted, a decent amount of hot drinks & warm food. This was a big milestone. I think it was around this time Karen B. turned up – day or night they kept turning up - I thought was just amazing & so nice. The next lap I did ok – still 11 / 13 min miling. I was just into the next lap (11th lap) I started to feel quite rough - stomach was churning, I had a headache, vision became a bit tunnelled & getting quite cold !!          I started to walk - each mile taking about 20 minutes. I used this time to listen to some motivating books on the iPod. One of my `no-no`s` & I say `my` as it was fascinating to see the various race strategies being used by the soloists and it just goes to prove – what works for one may not work for another – it was just me that I didn`t really want my race to become a `death march` so I took, what turned out to be one of the best decisions I made during the day & that was to have a `sleep` break. It was about 03:15am, Richard & I talked about this - I would sleep for 60 minutes & then assess from there how I felt – I stretched out on the camp bed, threw the unfolded sleeping bag over me & I think I was asleep before it landed on me…….

I awoke about 45 minutes later feeling a lot better – still a bit cold. I got up, had a wash, got changed in compression gear, warm long sleeved top & put on a jacket - I woke Richard saying I`m off in a moment. I guess it was about 04:30am when I finally went out…. I wanted to jog out this lap & see the sun fully come up. Soon in I regretted bringing out a jacket & such a warm top - never mind at least I couldn`t go too fast. Good news was that felt a lot better by the minute.

 

Nearing the finish of my 1st post nap lap (05:30am)

 

On my `2nd` post kip lap I felt back to `normal`. I had a `normal` breakfast & importantly I was in the last quarter of the race, in fact I had only 5 hours left. Richard now had gone – after doing a brilliant job of crewing through the night.    I was working out my estimated finishing mileage if I kept moving – not only did I want a certain mileage but I wanted to finish the race within a certain time window (between 12:15pm & 12:45pm). I knew my target mileage was `do-able` I just needed to pick up the pace a bit & cut down the breaks – the risk was that I would come to a grinding halt – cramp or injury. I looked at those two posters the girls had done & looked at my hand written note on the white board – it said - “How much do you want this???” I wanted this…it was there...I just needed to do it.

 

I had done about another lap when out on the course were Andy Carter & Dave Bush (from Frimley Lodge parkrun) - I hadn`t expected this at all - I shared a coffee with them as I completed another lap. They supported me for another lap then had to go. I did one more lap then Louise turned up – amazing. I didn`t expect all this support from my friends - I was feeling really emotional now  - I didn`t let on - thanks goodness for sun glasses that`s what I say…

 

I picked up the pace - I remember coming around the campsite / grass area with just short of 80 miles in my legs running just over 8.00 minute milling - thinking "WTF are you doing??" I didn`t care really I wanted my target distance!  I didn`t have too much of a stop in fact I think I just changed into my club vest (just in case I didn`t complete one more lap for any reason - I wanted to start & finish this race wearing my club vest). I didn`t walk too much of this lap - I couldn`t believe it when I saw the time later on - it was my fastest lap by 7 whole minutes – 50:32 including that 8:13 grass mile.

 

I got through the start / finish & unto my last lap - I took a break enjoying the moment, knowing I could walk it & still hit my target mileage - 90 miles – I could not believe it. I had thought about this moment & trained for it for 6 months & I was now within 5 miles of achieving it.      Strange as it sounds I didn't want to go out – I eventually set off - walking maybe the 1st full mile (till the cattle grid), then jogging, then getting quicker & quicker. I thanked every single marshal during this last lap esp. the one at the half way hut. Soon enough I heard the loud speaker as I neared campsite & the 6Km marker (I loved that point of the course) I could hear the cheers of teams & the runners coming through the finish line. Louise came out to run with me – I just about held it together. We entered the campsite field - less than one mile to go – Louise left me to finish the lap – what a feeling. Words fail me but I know I was loving the feeling - despite running all that time & all those miles I felt amazing.

 

Throughout most of my build up races I had thought about this finishing moment and how I would celebrate crossing the line.  Of course I didn`t do anything of the things I planned. I just crossed the line, stopped & placed my hands on my knees & leaned forward & looked down & closed my eyes for a moment or two & thought about what I`d done – I`d achieved something I had first thought about when I was sitting on a Greek beach in August 2008 – I couldn`t believe it….I had done it.

 

Lap 10 - 01:46:50

Lap 11 - 01:58:21

Lap 12 - 02:48:36

Lap 13 - 01:23:53

Lap 14 - 01:09:01

Lap 15 - 01:01:49

Lap 16 - 01:14:16

Lap 17 - 00:50:32

Lap 18 - 01:14:11

 

26.2 Miles in 5hrs 50mins (approx..)

50 Km (31 miles) in 7hrs 00mins (approx..)

45 Miles in 11hrs 3mins 40sec                   

50 Miles in  12hrs 50mins 30sec - New PB

52.4 Miles in 13hrs 30mins (approx.)

100 Km (62 miles) in 18hrs 00mins (approx.)

78.6 Miles in 21hrs 46mins (approx.)

90 Miles in 24:31:09

 

Full Results -  LINK - Full Results

 

This, of course has led to ask myself two questions……

 

  1.     How far can I go in 24hrs???

  2.     How far can I go – full stop???

 

A really big thanks to the Endure24 team they put on a really great event & a bigger thank you to my friends for supporting me during my training & build up to this but also everyone who turned & cheered me on & a big thanks to the solo crew members – Richard for doing so well in the night shift & Louise doing the last shift when my emotions were up & down & when it could have easily been so different – I really cannot express my thanks in you two.                      Also a special mention to Karen M. who has helped me so much over the 8 months or so in helping me regained my self-belief again. Thank you all – I feel so very fortunate. 

 

I did help raise some funds for a local charity – I am so pleased with the amount raised. They will really appreciate it. Here`s the link Link to My Charity Page

 

Next up – After nearly two weeks off it`s time to concentrate on the shorter stuff (gulp), having some fun at the Thunder Run (chasing down those mad soloists) all before ramping up for the Farnham Marathon, JW Ultra, Bournemouth Marathon & Caesars Camp 50 later in the year.

 

 

#Want It Get It

 

A pre-race blog….....`What next weekend means to me"

Well here I am – less than a week to go before I toe the line in a race that I`ve thought about since I really began running…

Let me explain. In August 2008 I went on a yoga holiday on a small & peaceful island called Paros in Greece (website LINK ) anyway we had the afternoon off so instead of going into town with the some of the class I sat down on the beach & started to read a book. This book I guess has changed my life – I know that`s a big thing to say – I honestly believe it did & for the better too – this book was `Ultra Marathon Man ~ Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes (& is available from all good book shops :-) )

I couldn`t put it down, I stayed on that beach reading away long after they back from town (& that` is saying something as the bus schedule wasn`t up to much). I stayed long after the last of the sunseekers went. I stayed as it was getting dark (see photo above - yes it`s my twitter background pic).    I thought it was fascinating – Why would someone do that? How can you do that? Why would you enter a relay race with a team of one??  

I read that book from cover to cover in less than two days. I wanted this book to give me motivation for my forthcoming first half marathon – the Great North Run – but instead it planted a seed that has been growing away inside my head. I still take that book when I`m staying overnight for a race.

 

I was lucky enough to meet Dean at a North Face shop in London in 2011, I told him this story & armed with the book he kindly signed it – it is one of my prized procession. He also signed my `crib sheet` that I was wearing during my first Ultra (this hangs up next to my PB`s race numbers).

This book, along with many others books & various folks in the running community has opened my eyes to what is possible if you only try – people can do amazing things when they say to themselves “I CAN” & follow their DREAMS -

“ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF”.

Yes I will be apprehensive next Saturday but isn`t that the point of a good challenge……

Charity - LINK

 

I`m running……I`m running out of races..!!!!

I think you guys know this already but I do prefer the longer distance runs & whilst I do try my hardest at the shorter stuff, and they are satisfying afterwards I do find them really hard work.      Knowing this what on earth was I doing entering a SINGLE mile race especially 13 days before a 24 hour run !!! The only conclusion I have come up with is that I am a race-addict - there I`ve said it now lets more on..

This race was the inaugural BUPA Westminster Mile race, starting in the Mail & ending just after Birdcage Walk. So a bit of a change to the 5 previous mile races I`ve done, which were all track miles - my PB, set in 2009 was 06:28 and I do have to say I was happy with that which is one reason why I entered this particular event - something different. Myself, Alison & David met at Farnborough Main to get the train up - once at Waterloo we took the `guided tour` route to St James Park via the London Eye, London Aquarium, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & strolled through St James Park. It is here we see the funniest thing ever…a remote control squirrel - not really but it could easily have been.

Anyway we made our way to the changing / bag drop area. My race was kicking off just after 10.00 - I was in the second Wave - Blue B - I don`t think BUPA has ever forgiven me from dressing up as a Nun & starting from the top starting Wave once. I make my way over to the start (basically just down from the finishing line in the VLM in the mail). I see Mark from the parkrun & wished him well - It is not often I get to a start line & feel out of place, each pen / wave has I guess only 50 or so runners…eeekkk (Going to be a lonely race then). I warm up & I get a nod of the head from a Kenyan runner who is also warming up - this makes my day. We form into the pen. Blue A`s off first…..then it`s my turn….

As we wait to move forward I shake my legs out, jump up & down, shakes my arms a bit more & relax my shoulders…I must of seen this on TV once - feeling so out of place…. We move forward & Richard Whitehead joins our wave - how cool is that….I`m `racing` Richard Whitehead.  I form up near the back. I`ve already set my Garmin on 0.25M laps. The hooter goes….& it`s nothing I known before - it`s like running from a burning building…..trying to get past folks, folks going past…

The turn down towards Horse Guards parade ground & the Garmin shakes - 1/4 mile in…the lactic acid hasn`t quite built up yet..still trying to run in the gaps….. I see the 800 metre to go sign & get caught up in a little group (and apart from the question on why on earth am I doing here the other question I ask is why are runners listening to music in a race like this ???). 400 to go - and my legs really don`t know what's going on…a few runners go past me & go past a couple - this is so mad. 200 to go - Now it starts to feel like I`m getting no-where my legs are going round then signs are not getting closer. I try to stand tall, swing my arms faster, lean forward - I seem to inch slowly towards the line.

100 to go - Come on, how hard is this - my lungs are bursting. We turn the last corner & I see the gantry - just coming up to my `immediate One Mile retirement time` I push for the line - hoping to get it but those few metres seemed to go on & on….I stop the garmin and feel like a Busking shark by sucking in the oxygen.  My goodness that was hard - no `satisfying feeling` kicking in just yet !!!

I look at my time & I am amazed - WOW I am stunned - 00:06:06. Ali & David popped up as I hung on the railings.

Splits (0.25M) & time - 1:25.7, 1:30.5, 1:33.9, 1:32.5, 0:03.0 (0.01 @3:59) - 06:05

Garmin Connect -

 

 

Eventually I go & get my gear & wandered back to the finish where we watch more races finish. Soon it`s Ali & David`s turn…..I watch the finishing timer tick over - I see the 1st runners coming through - slight problem in this race as these guys are all wearing yellow Sweatshop tops (except for one runner !!). Anyway I see Ali coming up & manage to take a photo just before she finishes & I look up & I think to myself that bloke just behind her looks a bit like David….IT IS DAVID - blimey !! I wandered up and contract David on an awesome time.. 00:06:39 - amazing run.

Afterwards we watch the youngsters & elite races - two great races to finish on. A brilliant day.

Results - Power of Ten LINK

 

 

Unto Bank Holiday Monday now & for the 4th time in a row it`s was the BUPA London 10,000 (please do NOT mix this up with the London 10Km as these are two different races). This BUPA event is a fantastic event - ok a bit expensive but it`s so worth it.

Like the day before we meet up at Farnborough Station - Ali, Lou, Dan, Dave, David, Dennis, James, Maurice & myself - the pre-race chat buzz is just great. We take the same route to get there - it`s the same set up as the previous day (no remote controlled squirrel though).

 

(Why do I think of this song.... YouTube LINK )

 

As we walk past the pens I see the `Tesco` boys & girls (Andover AC) & stop for a chat…I lose the others.. After a while I go over to the baggage area after saying hello the Chineham & Basingstoke lots - glad we got there early!!!! As I walk down to drop the bag off I see Tracy & Mike - who met at this race 4 years ago & this year got married so it was great seeing them. I go for a short warm up in the park - less than 5 minutes WU I guess. I wandered past the pens to see if I can see the others & wish them well. As I wait out my pen & bump into Ali, Dan & Dave & in hindsight we should have move in before we did to get a place near the front. We hear the wave in front go off…we move up…

The `hooter thing` goes off - and thank goodness the starting pace is not like yesterday…we head out under the - so this must be the 3rd route the organisers have tried out. I see Dennis & Maurice supporting - they shout out. We head down the Mall & left into a connecting street before the Embankment I see Dan goes past….a couple of moments later I see Dave chasing him…those two were not to be seen again…

This is good as I could tell that pace was a bit too quick - I try to keep the same pace going as we head down the Embankment. I grab a water - only really to throw over me. We go up & round to the 4 Km mark & hear this massive cheering coming back towards us - Mo flying past & Phil Wicks giving chase….it`s kind of like a Mexican Wave but a running version.. I like the next bit of the course as twists & turns through the market. Martin from Andover come past me - well he did start a wave behind me. As we head back we pass the runners going out - I love courses like that - I see Lou & give a shout (iPods got to love them…)

I didn`t look at the garmin but I felt I was running faster on the back half of the course - the space had opened up to run in. The downside was that I felt I was going too fast - I see I had 3 Km to go. My thinking was a gently 7 Km, then pick the pace up towards the middle / end part of the Embankment, round the corner to the 9 Km mark & go for home…sounded simply… I couldn't wait till the 9 Km mark then round Horse Guards parade ground & then seeing the 400 Metre sign… I hit the corner with thoughts of smacking down the Mall - instead I saw the tiny gantry way in the distance & my legs instantly gained 4 stone…how far is that !!!. I felt so tired I could hear the crowd pushing us on. I saw & heard Dennis. Long finishing straights should be banned….

I eventually made the line & I think never have been pleased to finish a race…it was indeed my last proper race in my training plan for Endure24 - I do plan to jog out Yateley 10Km a week next Wednesday or maybe do a bit of pacing.

Garmin splits & time - 7:10, 7:07, 7:11, 6:51, 6:58, 7:00 2:02 (0.30@ 6:54) - 44:22

I waited near the goodie bag area to see the others coming thorough - I missed them all except for Maurice who came down to chat.  After a while we headed to the baggage & changing area & met the others. Another great race. All the Cove Joggers do well.

Afterwards we headed back towards Waterloo stopping off at a pub - just to break the journey up a bit & then it would have been a bit rude if we didn`t stop at Dennis`s club - Jubilee Club for another pint & a bite to eat - I do have to say I am enjoying these post-race do`s almost as much as racing then.....

Garmin Connect -

 

Results - Power Of Ten LINK

So a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend starting out with an excellent Friday night, Westminster Mile on Sunday & the BUPA London 10,000 on Monday.

As I write this it`s only 10 sleeps till `No Sleeps`……ENDURE 24 - Website LINK

 

As it`s says in Dean Karnazes`s `Ultra Marathon Man – Confessions Of An All-Night Runner` book - "Sleep is for wimps` ~ Christopher Gaylord, underground ultra-endurance legend.  

 

`Balls out finish`……

I hadn`t realised this but I`ve been at `Hook` in one form or another every year since I started this running lark….

Hook 6             -           50:12 (2008) & 45:33 (2011)
Hook 10            -           1:18:58 (2009) & 1:17:31 (2010) & 1:28:49 (2012) & 1:14:53 (2013)

So as you have probably guessed this is one of my favourite events - it`s the typical `Village Fete Event`. I like the course (both the 6 mile & 10 mile courses), it`s local, proceeds from the day go to local needs, I know loads of folks running there - if you are thinking about putting on an event then basically copy this one - it ticks all the right boxes. This year was no different & the weather was perfect too.

The plan was I`ll see if I can get a PB - quite non-committal I guess. My PB was set back in October 2009 at Tadley 10 - 01:13:56 (7:24/m pace) - which I think even running how I am now is pretty good & looks fairly strong.

I arrived early as my training schedule said `15 miles` but I knew I wouldn`t do that much. I do go for a nice 2.5 mile (21:38) warm up around Hook though. I got back in time to get changed, said hello & caught up with a few folks I hadn`t seen for ages which was really good. Somehow time just disappeared and soon we assembled in the starting area for the countdown - no chip timer here. I didn`t get right to the front but not right at the back either. The hooter went off & off we went. Out of the school & then onto the roads around Hook…..

I tried to keep steady splits but it was way too fast in the 1st mile, by mile two I was slowing it down to where I wanted (around 7:20/m). Mile 3 included the incline towards Rotherwick (I know this area very well as that`s where I go to yoga every week). At this stage I noticed that I had got myself into a small pack of runners inc a Sandhurst lady runner which was pretty good - we kept the pace steady & stuck together. Just before the 5M water station the SJ pushed on in front & all in a sudden opened up a bit of a gap. Now around this time my shorts had developed a bit of a malfunction - the elastic had gone - thankfully it wasn`t the elastic around the waist !!!! I did feel rather exposed. It was fortunate that the course isn`t not very busy with spectators !!

Well at least it kept busy for a few miles.   I do like mile 7 as it`s on a corner of the pub & to me it feels like you have just turned for home. I wasn`t paying much attention to the pace I was running or my mile splits but I could see as it`s a long straight road who was in front & how far. Just by the turning I saw Dennis who was looking strong - I wished him well as I went past. By the roundabout we had 2 miles to go….this mile despite the twists & turns went quite quickly. Into the last mile & I felt strong. I went past a few more runners -  could see the SJ in front - I had gained a bit of ground on her. As I turned into the final housing `estate` I went past Mike Hewison - so he must have had a blinder of a race. I was gaining on my targets…down into the final straight - at this stage I had totally forgotten about my short situation - I wanted to finish… in the last few metres I went past the SJ runner. And I can confirm I am NOT a sprinter..

It took me a couple of minutes to grab my breath back. I grabbed a drink & poured it over myself. By this time Ali, David, James came over to chat, James kindly got me another drink but before I could drink any of it I gave it to another runner who was just finishing...

I looked at the Gamin & even though I got within a minute of my PB I was a bit disappointed – I guess this was a result of `non-committal race plan & the fun & games with the shorts. Afterwards we headed to the Raven for lunch - all in all a very good way to end a very good event.

I did have to ask the Race photographer to remove two of my race photos - sorry…..
 
Hook 10 - 1:14:53

Results 10 - LINK

Results 6 - LINK

Splits - 7:02, 7:14, 7:25, 7:49, 7:33, 7:36, 7:40, 7:58, 7:44, 6:46 (0.92 @7:21)



Woodland 5 & a bit.

Another event I`ve done a number of times over the years…

2008     -           50:37 (July)
2009     -           41:55 (May), 42:35 (June), 42:31 (July)
2010     -           41:45 (July)
2011     -           42:43 (June)
2012     -           47:18 (May), 47:29 (June), 48:07 (July)
2013     -           40:35 (May)

This is a good course - a good test - an incline to start with then two laps inc a couple of sharp hills but at least it has a downhill long straight to finish with. The length is 5.3 Miles. We got there early & I realised I had forgotten my Garmin - opps - only the second time I had done that. !!!! At least I had plenty of club vests to chase down. After a small warm up we assembled & waited for the start, after a gently start I gained a few places as we run up the 1st incline. Dave from the club disappeared from sight… My plan really was to use this as a bit of a tempo run - not planning record breaking times esp. with the hill (x 2) coming into play & yes I had planned to walk up them. As we approached the hill I thought about changing my mind but then saw it - I think 5 or 6 runners went past as I walked up it but even before we made it onto the main path - I guess 100 metres from the crest of the hill I had caught them. Even though I didn`t have anything to gauge this on I felt my 2nd lap was quicker than my 1st lap - I was running past a lot of folks. I used the same strategy for the 2nd lap as I used with the 1st. Again I caught the runners who ran past me as I walked up the hill within a 100 metres or so - this time we turned right & down into the long finishing straight - I did feel this was strongest part of the course. I went through the finish line and asked what rough time it was…40:41

In the end it was 40:35

Results - LINK

Ok maybe a bit faster than a tempo run but felt good. As it happened all Cove Joggers did really well & quite a good turnout too…..

Next up – two trips into London this BH weekend….Westminster mile & the BUPA 10,000 – yes racing a MILE. I have really lost the plot now I think.

Just over two to go before...ENDURE 24 - LINK

Double trouble or double the fun??

One of the biggest weekends in my 24hr training plan & oddly one I was looking forward to - my first back to back marathon days - Sunday being the Neolithic Marathon & on Bank Holiday Monday the Milton Keynes Marathon….
 

The weekend started - as it normally does with a parkrun. Due to Frimley Lodge park being taken over for the weekend it meant a rare `away day` run - a few of us from Frimley went over to Crane Park parkrun. A good, flat 2 lap course set in a nice park in Twickenham / Richmond. As is my way I do like to put in a fast time on new course so I was pleased with a good time esp. after Friday night`s social event.

Results - LINK

 

Garmin - 



The next day was the Neolithic Marathon. An event that catered for Marathon runners & Half Marathons runners & walkers also being able to choose the two different distances. When I entered I had booked the bus pass - which meant basically arriving at Stonehenge & taking me to the start at Avebury. I was booked on the 1st bus which meant a very early start to the day. I left my place just after 6 am, stopped for what now is a pre-race must - a large black coffee with enough sugar in it to hold the spoon upright !! We board the bus and I have to say the dogs which were on board were the most well behave dogs I`ve think I`ve seen - and that did include the dog licking his own refection in the window !! Anyway we get to the start - a place I`ve not been before - very nice - it has its own Stones. The time did soon disappear & the village became packed with runners - the walkers could go at any time. On the bus I saw running legend Rory Coleman & the very fast Jen - amazing endurance runners the pair of them - nether less to say I didn`t see Jen during the race at all - I did for the first 11 miles `play leap frog` with Rory.

My plan was to take it easy - no heroic at all - I had no real true gauge how I would feel in tomorrow`s run so it was a case walk where possible (& no I didn`t bring my cheating sticks). As it happens the 1st half of the course is where the hills are esp. the one up to mile 4 & the stepper hill at 11.5M. I just used these to walk up & tweet from. I had run the half marathon in 2010 so when we came across that start line (i.e. the last 13.1M) the course was a bit familiar. Almost as soon as we started (10.30am) the sun had broken through the clouds & so by half way it had got very warm - luckily I had brought my hand held water bottles & I was testing out my new sun cap (the `French Foreign Legion` style hat). I do have to say the 2nd half of the race is the most scenic - wide open stony trails with brilliant views across the plains - it was so nice to run along. By this stage I did take the approach of running / walking strategy esp. on the inclines & I had now dropped a NUNN tablet in my water (this did make a nice change to plain water & the taste of gels which I was taking one every 5 miles & I made sure I was drinking a bit more than normal).  

Towards the end - around mile 20 - I thought it would be nice to get a sub 4:30 but I could see I wasn`t just quick enough - no way was I going to smash the final few miles to get that target so I settled for a time of my PB plus no more than an hour (so 4:39:26).

As it happened I did out sprint a couple of runners and finished with a time of 4:33:24.

Once I finished I almost dashed to the car to freshen up, get on my recovery tights & grab some money as I wanted as much food & drink as possible - I don`t think I`ve eaten so much after a race. It did go down very nicely.

 

 

Splits - 10:13, 9:56, 9:41, 10:32, 9:46, 9:21, 9:18, 9:25, 11:55, 9:27, 9:55, 15:21, 8:44, 10:41, 9:20, 10:31, 14:31, 10:09, 10:43, 9:46, 12:01, 10:48, 10:48, 9:44, 9:59,  9:53, 0:40 (0.11 @ 6.12)

Garmin -

 

 

After about an hour or so I got back into the car & drove the hour or so home & almost jumped straight in the bath - bliss…. I couldn`t stay there too long as I needed to get up to Milton Keynes & book into my hotel & get ready for the next time. I did managed to stop half way up there for more food - and had a great chat with Richard finding out about the smack down which happened at the Frimley Park 10Km (gutted I had to miss that gem of an event)…

The next morning I awoke really early - 4.30am or something - more coffee :-) My legs were not that bad - yes I could tell they had just done a long run but surprising good - I slept in my recovery tights - it is a good job I have 4 pairs of these !!!

I got to the race (Stadium) & dropped my bag off - I straight away I bumped into Foxy & he asked what the plan was….it was another 4:30 ain (basically it`s 10 minute milling so very easy on the brain). He said I needed Rosemary the 4:30 pacer - perfect. I made my way to the start line - packed with 3,000or so runners. I saw Chris & it was nice to catch up with a bit with him. We did start the race together but after about a mile he pushed on - not surprising. At least he got a PB.

Just before the second mile I joined the back of the 4:30 bus - Rosemary was leading the way. I saw Plodding Hippo (Ruth) and wished her Happy Birthday - who does a marathon on their birthday ;-) I do have to say running with a really good pacer definitely took the pressure off - it`s like riding on the back of a tandem bike - putting in the same effort but not worrying about steering, braking - so easy. We were chatting, grabbing water from the many stations and feeding them into the runners in the middle of the pack. Cheering when we hit another mile bang on pace (see the splits below). She did a brilliant job. We did halfway in 2:14:xx.

At around mile 18 the course got a bit narrow so I pushed on in front of the pack - thinking if I did slow down then I could re-join the pack. As it happens I felt good - but making sure I didn`t over cook it & making sure I stuck to my gel & drink plan. The last thing I wanted was cramp or pick up an injury. By mile 23 I took my first walking break - it was strange that the steeper inclines came towards the back end of course inc a 1/4 of mile incline at mile 24 - which felt a lot longer. I walked up this one.

As we entered the last mile I thought it would be good to pick the pace up - I did actually feel strong. We went over the footbridge and along the foot path where we could see the Stadium looming down on us - great. I could even see the gantry so I picked the pace up even more… …..this however was a bit of a mistake……

This `finishing` gantry was not the finishing gantry but in fact was a gantry to indicate the entrance of the stadium…opps. I still had to run down into the stadium AND along the whole length of the pitch AND across the width of the pitch AND back up the far side of the pitch AND half way across the remaining width to the actual finishing gantry  - What a Muppet - I was knackered !!!

I have to say the Milton Keynes marathon is a fantastic event.

I stopped the Garmin - really pleased with the time - 04:22:48  (a combined time of  8:56:19)

Splits - 9:26, 9:53, 10:06, 10:03, 10:00, 10:05, 10:10, 10:07, 10:18, 10:12, 10:06, 10:09, 10:02, 10:17, 10:11, 10:08, 10:22, 10:10, 9:56, 10:08, 9:36, 9:33, 10:38, 9:37, 10:57, 8:30, 1:55 (0.25@ 7:39)Garmin -

 

What I learnt here is that anything is possible if you are open to it - Don`t say no I can`t before you even attempedt it – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

 

By The Way - it was double the fun :-)                 Now what comes after two……….

Next up - after a bit of unplanned restful weeks one of my favourite events - the Hook 10 .

Eeeekkk I`m running out of races before my Endure 24 one - only in 3 weeks or so now…

Charity Page - LINK