The Great North Run weekend.
To me this is where my running all started. A quick re-cap - I entered the GNR 2008 via a MIND charity place in March 2008 - eekk....my 1st half marathon, now I need to start running & training. On the 5th October 2008 I went through the finish line at South Shields in a time of 1:57:19. Last year (GNR 2009) it was my 13th Half Marathon (& 1st in fancy dress - ran as Asterix) and finished in 1:48:04. This year it seemed a bit special that I would be running my 21st Half Marathon at Newcastle.
So the weekend. Like last year I flew up from T5, and again I ran the Bedfont parkrun before the flight - well would be rude not to. We got there to Bedfont early (I was with my cousin who had managed to get a ballot place in the GNR but dogged by injury), saw a couple of ex-club runners beforehand. I do like Bedfont as the corners seem to work for me. While I didn`t feel like I went for it I managed to beat last year`s time by 11 seconds;
Splits - 7:07, 7:23, 7:27, 0:42 (0.1M @ 7:00/m) - final time 22:39
Pleased with run and course PB. A quick chat afterwards & jumped in the car for the short drive to T5. No problems with the flight except for my Cousin, Colin, posing for the full-body scanner :-)
Arrived at Newcastle via the Metro from the Airport (great service that), and wandered down to where they were holding the Great North Games & a walk around the expo. Race morning woke early - not as early as some thou - looked out of the window to see rain pouring down - a wet run then! Breakfast done & out the door nice and early. Met up with Colin under the footpath bridge. Shortly afterwards, as I`ve just been reminded, the `usual RW suspects` arrived in shifts - Shielsy, Mick the Mackem, Dasher Dart, Shrek, Spongecake, Vicki GW with her amazing outfit, Mandie & Steve in fancy dress complete with bike :-) , WTS, Rtg, RLTW, Stringy, Old Shawdowfax....I`m sure there was a couple more but I`ve done well remembering that little lot! Stayed till about 10.15, did a short warm up as I made my way to my zone (Left hand zone B and on the left). Didn`t see Vicki GW or Jovi Runner.
Soon the hooter went and we were off. I had a rough plan 1:45 + /- 5 mins . Crossed the start line within 3 mins - saw Minnie & Mickey Mouse (30 GNR Club) & wished them well. Almost silently we made our way under the carriageways but soon enough the cheers & shouts were heard and we were off. The crowds looking down is still very much amazing. A quick check at the mile one marker - a fraction fast but ok. Saw Floella Benjamin, saw another 30 GNR club- Geordie Nick in his Buzz Lightyear outfit - shook his hand. I was a little earlier for the Red Arrows at the Tyne Bridge (around 12:xx) - I didn`t wait around so I carried on. Saw Vicki with her pink dress at I think around the 3M marker - just after the water station - I graped a bottle as I thought she might be a bit warm.
Even though the course is undulating I didn`t find too much a problem, the only thing that caused me `concern` was that I was caught in two camps - Shall I race it (@ 7.30/m - sub 100) or steady as she goes @ 8.00/m - so I did a bit of both. Also I ran through a few more Chi Running drills than I guess I would normally - column, lean, feet moving in circles, heels up, elongate the neck & bar through the ankle (like the kids robots) which lead to short strides.
Saw the chuckle brothers which was so funny - well done them. The miles ticked away, no Powerade, just water & a gel @ 9M, soon enough mile 10 came round & the Fetchpoint - looking forward to this point. Thanks guys esp Lisrun. Soon enough the final incline - kept it steady. The sea seem to appear from no-where, down the hill which I have to say was the most painful part of the race & along and into the never-ending but fantastic final mile. Through the finish and pleased with the result - two course PB`s in two days :-)
After a quick chat with Dave B (storming run) & HOD I made my way to the pub to meet with the `usual suspects` - I do love the buzz of post race chatter. Waited for my cousin to finish & made our way to the South Shields Metro station, should have caught the ferry to North Shields but we would not have raced Vixx76 for the metro (which I think was a draw in the end)
Splits from this year & 2009 in brackets.
Mile 1 - 7:24 (8:01)
Mile 2 - 7:52 (7:59)
Mile 3 - 7:46 (7:57)
Mile 4 - 8:01 (8:08)
Mile 5 - 8:08 (8:29)
Mile 6 - 7:35 (7:57)
Mile 7 - 7:33 (7:46)
Mile 8 - 7:45 (8:09)
Mile 9 - 8:03 (8:23)
Mile 10 - 7:56 (8:26)
Mile 11 - 8:00 (8:34)
Mile 12 - 8:03 (8:37)
Mile 13 - 7:32 (7:59)
Last Bit - 1:38 (1:33)
Final Time - 01:43:15 (01:48:04)
5 Km - 00:24:19 (00:25:08)
10 Km - 00:48:57 (00:50:36)
15 Km - 01:13:25 (01:16:15)
Overall Position - 3,313rd (4,926th)
(* Didn`t record 2008 stats)
Overall a pleasing run (3rd fastest half of the year behind Brass Monkey & Bracknell) and I know I can go faster on this course.
Out with friends on Sunday which is just so fantastic as it just finishes the weekend off perfectly. It was a wet weekend but certainly didn`t damper my enjoyment – roll on next year.
Next up is the JW Ultra this Saturday, then the `silly season`.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Friday, 3 September 2010
You know it, I knew it - who was I kidding.....
A bit of a catch up...
You know it, I knew it - who was I kidding - I did enter those two events I mentioned - Trial Challenge & Burnham Beeches Half
Trail Challenge an interesting evening`s run - given a electronic finger & a map with check points. Ran it with a non-runner friend in a very respectful time of 48:12(was a little short @ 5.46M) - Nice to finish it esp after last year`s `issues`
Burnham Beeches Half - Superb event (as most Championship events are). Basically from my feedback on RW it is a well organised, very scenic race with lots of shade from over hanging trees. Plenty of off-site parking. Can make use of the free swimming pool afterwards. I was looking forward to this year`s event ever since finishing last years race - basically I ran like a muppet - such a poor race last year where I started off with one of our fastest club runners & we increased the pace until I fell off the train at the 6 mile point - well it was 12 months ago. Please to say I had a far better run this year. Great to see a few faces before & afterwards too :-)
This year`s splits
1) - 1m - 8:47 (9:34)
2) - 1m - 8:41(8:46)
3) - 1m - 8:33(8:18)
4) - 1m - 7:46(7:39)
5) - 1m - 7:46(7:40)
6) - 1m - 8:19(8:05)
7) - 1m - 8:31(8:18)
8) - 1m - 8:39(8:51)
9) - 1m - 8:45(9:01)
10) - 1m - 7:52(8:48)
11) - 1m - 7:50(7:55)
12) - 1m - 9:00(9:25)
13) - 0.75M - 6:09(8:12/m) (9:16)
14) - - (0:43)
1:46:39
Last year`s splits in bracket the finish time of 1:52:20.
Other news - Managed a week away. Started to up the mileage a little in preparation to the forthcoming Great North Run & JW Ultra and then the few marathons I`ve got lined up (Abingdon, Athens & Benidorm). No real target / racing times in mind just prep work for next year. Talking of which - plans have started to take shape as I`ve entered the Moonlight Challenge & Dartmoor Discovery (both 32 Milers), with thoughts on entering the County to Capital (45 miles in January) soon.
* I`m not really working through the alphabet - Abingdon, Athens, Benidorm, County to Capital.....
Next up - Great North Run. The scene of my first half marathon in October
2008 so it brings back so many really good memories - it`s a cracking weekend.
You know it, I knew it - who was I kidding - I did enter those two events I mentioned - Trial Challenge & Burnham Beeches Half
Trail Challenge an interesting evening`s run - given a electronic finger & a map with check points. Ran it with a non-runner friend in a very respectful time of 48:12(was a little short @ 5.46M) - Nice to finish it esp after last year`s `issues`
Burnham Beeches Half - Superb event (as most Championship events are). Basically from my feedback on RW it is a well organised, very scenic race with lots of shade from over hanging trees. Plenty of off-site parking. Can make use of the free swimming pool afterwards. I was looking forward to this year`s event ever since finishing last years race - basically I ran like a muppet - such a poor race last year where I started off with one of our fastest club runners & we increased the pace until I fell off the train at the 6 mile point - well it was 12 months ago. Please to say I had a far better run this year. Great to see a few faces before & afterwards too :-)
This year`s splits
1) - 1m - 8:47 (9:34)
2) - 1m - 8:41(8:46)
3) - 1m - 8:33(8:18)
4) - 1m - 7:46(7:39)
5) - 1m - 7:46(7:40)
6) - 1m - 8:19(8:05)
7) - 1m - 8:31(8:18)
8) - 1m - 8:39(8:51)
9) - 1m - 8:45(9:01)
10) - 1m - 7:52(8:48)
11) - 1m - 7:50(7:55)
12) - 1m - 9:00(9:25)
13) - 0.75M - 6:09(8:12/m) (9:16)
14) - - (0:43)
1:46:39
Last year`s splits in bracket the finish time of 1:52:20.
Other news - Managed a week away. Started to up the mileage a little in preparation to the forthcoming Great North Run & JW Ultra and then the few marathons I`ve got lined up (Abingdon, Athens & Benidorm). No real target / racing times in mind just prep work for next year. Talking of which - plans have started to take shape as I`ve entered the Moonlight Challenge & Dartmoor Discovery (both 32 Milers), with thoughts on entering the County to Capital (45 miles in January) soon.
* I`m not really working through the alphabet - Abingdon, Athens, Benidorm, County to Capital.....
Next up - Great North Run. The scene of my first half marathon in October
2008 so it brings back so many really good memories - it`s a cracking weekend.
Friday, 6 August 2010
And now for something completely different.....
Thunder Run 24hr - Basically an off-road 24 hr event with teams of solos runners, pairs, fives or eights (mixed & un-mixed) running in 10 Km laps.
Got to Catton Park about 6ish on Friday. At that stage not many runners / campers had arrived so found Mr SJ & Stringy (captains of the Willy Wonkas & The Oompa Loompas) & Chris straight away and pitched up the tent - just about managed it before the rain started. Had a look around & saw the familiar faces of Elaine & Colin, then Leila, Martin & Mark. The Fetch village was growing. Wandered over to the marquee tents - food tent (c/w with chandeliers), Adidas were there (strange that) & massage areas just being set up but the starting / finishing areas looking good thou. A bit of food & an early night was in order.
Woke early but decided that staying in the sleeping bag was a good plan but eventually poked my head out of the tent....Runners arriving all the of the time and the field filling up. Watching tents being put up gave us cheap entertainment.
Kick off was at 2.00pm with a race briefing just before. It turned out that last year`s numbers around 160 off - this year it was approx 1,100 runners (I have to say except for the 1st lap it didn`t look packed). The Captains went out first - well it was only fair and then it was down to the umm err highly planned running order. The Oompa Loompa`s running order was Stringy, Vixx, Becky, me & Richard - I couldn`t wait for my go...24 hrs to be at a race without running & watching others run is a long time esp for me but soon enough it was my turn.
Resisted the urge of rushing off at the start and kept it steady - I really didn`t know how many laps I would be doing or the actual course. It was an interesting course with a mixture of grass, tight trails, twisting wooded section complete with tree roots, stony tracks & not forgetting the inclines & grassy meadows & down-slopes - with basically meant we were in for a fun time esp at night :-) Also I may of picked up on the fact that the event was sponsored by Adidas with parts of the course named like Kandida Climb, Adistar Descent or Supernova Stretch. There was a water station at half way just before a slope so instead of gulping the drink down I carried it - which cause a bit of laugh with the FETCH point & one of the solos runners who kept swopping positions with me asked if I was going to carry it all the way round (the empty cup came in handy at the end).
First lap completed in just over 52 mins and pass the baton * unto Richard ( * the `baton` was a basically a rubber wrist band) - smiles all round. I had planned to eat straight away - like within minutes of finishing, then washed & changed & maybe even a quick nap. Let’s just say it didn`t happen like that - note to self need to be more disciplined next time. After the shower I had a massage which helped to sort out any 1st lap niggles which I`d seemed to have picked up. Couldn`t wait to go out again. Back at base camp it was quite odd - runners coming and going, eating not eating, putting race numbers on taking them off....all a bit odd. A bit like the runners out on the course - each one having their own agenda & race plans.
Next lap would be in the dark - head torches on at 8.20pm - the best bit. Again kept it steady not looking at the garmin, not looking for a time. Back in safely in 56mins which I was pleased with. Niggles all gone. The second transitional period was better – a bit of food and even managed a kip of about 90 mins.
I was back out in the `swop over` zone in plenty of time for my 3rd lap - I saw a couple of incoming runners who had no-one to hand the baton over to (one runner got very upset with his team mate after having to wait....for 6 minutes - which oddly enough turned into at least 8 minutes by the time he had finished shouting at his next runner - not a morning person I guess). The sun was just sneaking through the early morning clouds. Hearing the birds start to sing was a great feeling going round the course. Just sneaked a better time of 55 mins.
Back to base camp - for food. Was this breakfast, evening meal or what???? Managed to have another 90 mins of sleep & showered & changed ready for the next lap. Time was just ticking away too quickly now.
Back out for lap 4 - just about getting used to the course. So enjoyed the rise up around 7 Km - views are the top were just great. All downhill from there (well not really but it gave you that impression). The support in last Km was great. During this 4th Lap I did wonder if I would be going out again - who knows.. I just made sure I came in as quickly as I could. Came in with my 2nd fastest time of just over 53 mins which was good & constant. Pleased I didn`t walk any of the course in any of the laps.
I didn`t go out again and the team did 21 laps in 23:56:05 which was a great performance.
Packed up the tents and went over to watch the prize giving – some truly remarkable performances - In fact everyone did a fantastic job I do mean that from the runners & walkers who did a couple of laps to the long ultra runners fighting over silverware (special mention to the Willy Wonkas & Monty`s Shooting Stars in the mixed 5`s - great running). This was a truly great running weekend. Great for meeting Fetchies – missed saying hello to a few thou :-)
I just loved the spirit of this event and the sheer enthusiasm of the race organiser. I`ve been luckily enough to have been to some really good events and this is right up there with the best of them. Many, many thanks.
My splits;
1M - 9:23/m - 10:52/m - 10:37/m - 9:36/m
2M - 8:32/m - 9:49/m - 9:00/m - 8:45/m
3M - 8:52/m - 9:50/m - 9:29/m - 9:05/m
4M - 10:06/m - 11:13/m - 9:28/m - 10:01/m
5M - 8:43/m - 9:10/m - 9:23/m - 9:06/m
0.82M - 6.46/m (8.15/m)- 0.69M - 5.38/m (8:09/m) - 0.96M - 7.55/m (8:15/m) - 0.81M - 6:46/m (8:21/m)
Lap times;
52 mins 22 sec (Sat 5.30pm)
56 mins 30 sec (Sat 10.30pm)
55 mins 52 sec (Sun 04.30pm)
53 mins 19 sec (Sun 10.30am)
I know I have said I`ll be hitting the ball long next year and I like the idea of running in `timed` events but surely, and even looking at the male solo results, this is a bit far..............but who knows what can happen in 12 months....
Next up – Nothing entered for August but a few enter on the day events ear-marked, a bit of downtime maybe even a holiday before building things up for the Great North Run & the JW Ultra next month.
Got to Catton Park about 6ish on Friday. At that stage not many runners / campers had arrived so found Mr SJ & Stringy (captains of the Willy Wonkas & The Oompa Loompas) & Chris straight away and pitched up the tent - just about managed it before the rain started. Had a look around & saw the familiar faces of Elaine & Colin, then Leila, Martin & Mark. The Fetch village was growing. Wandered over to the marquee tents - food tent (c/w with chandeliers), Adidas were there (strange that) & massage areas just being set up but the starting / finishing areas looking good thou. A bit of food & an early night was in order.
Woke early but decided that staying in the sleeping bag was a good plan but eventually poked my head out of the tent....Runners arriving all the of the time and the field filling up. Watching tents being put up gave us cheap entertainment.
Kick off was at 2.00pm with a race briefing just before. It turned out that last year`s numbers around 160 off - this year it was approx 1,100 runners (I have to say except for the 1st lap it didn`t look packed). The Captains went out first - well it was only fair and then it was down to the umm err highly planned running order. The Oompa Loompa`s running order was Stringy, Vixx, Becky, me & Richard - I couldn`t wait for my go...24 hrs to be at a race without running & watching others run is a long time esp for me but soon enough it was my turn.
Resisted the urge of rushing off at the start and kept it steady - I really didn`t know how many laps I would be doing or the actual course. It was an interesting course with a mixture of grass, tight trails, twisting wooded section complete with tree roots, stony tracks & not forgetting the inclines & grassy meadows & down-slopes - with basically meant we were in for a fun time esp at night :-) Also I may of picked up on the fact that the event was sponsored by Adidas with parts of the course named like Kandida Climb, Adistar Descent or Supernova Stretch. There was a water station at half way just before a slope so instead of gulping the drink down I carried it - which cause a bit of laugh with the FETCH point & one of the solos runners who kept swopping positions with me asked if I was going to carry it all the way round (the empty cup came in handy at the end).
First lap completed in just over 52 mins and pass the baton * unto Richard ( * the `baton` was a basically a rubber wrist band) - smiles all round. I had planned to eat straight away - like within minutes of finishing, then washed & changed & maybe even a quick nap. Let’s just say it didn`t happen like that - note to self need to be more disciplined next time. After the shower I had a massage which helped to sort out any 1st lap niggles which I`d seemed to have picked up. Couldn`t wait to go out again. Back at base camp it was quite odd - runners coming and going, eating not eating, putting race numbers on taking them off....all a bit odd. A bit like the runners out on the course - each one having their own agenda & race plans.
Next lap would be in the dark - head torches on at 8.20pm - the best bit. Again kept it steady not looking at the garmin, not looking for a time. Back in safely in 56mins which I was pleased with. Niggles all gone. The second transitional period was better – a bit of food and even managed a kip of about 90 mins.
I was back out in the `swop over` zone in plenty of time for my 3rd lap - I saw a couple of incoming runners who had no-one to hand the baton over to (one runner got very upset with his team mate after having to wait....for 6 minutes - which oddly enough turned into at least 8 minutes by the time he had finished shouting at his next runner - not a morning person I guess). The sun was just sneaking through the early morning clouds. Hearing the birds start to sing was a great feeling going round the course. Just sneaked a better time of 55 mins.
Back to base camp - for food. Was this breakfast, evening meal or what???? Managed to have another 90 mins of sleep & showered & changed ready for the next lap. Time was just ticking away too quickly now.
Back out for lap 4 - just about getting used to the course. So enjoyed the rise up around 7 Km - views are the top were just great. All downhill from there (well not really but it gave you that impression). The support in last Km was great. During this 4th Lap I did wonder if I would be going out again - who knows.. I just made sure I came in as quickly as I could. Came in with my 2nd fastest time of just over 53 mins which was good & constant. Pleased I didn`t walk any of the course in any of the laps.
I didn`t go out again and the team did 21 laps in 23:56:05 which was a great performance.
Packed up the tents and went over to watch the prize giving – some truly remarkable performances - In fact everyone did a fantastic job I do mean that from the runners & walkers who did a couple of laps to the long ultra runners fighting over silverware (special mention to the Willy Wonkas & Monty`s Shooting Stars in the mixed 5`s - great running). This was a truly great running weekend. Great for meeting Fetchies – missed saying hello to a few thou :-)
I just loved the spirit of this event and the sheer enthusiasm of the race organiser. I`ve been luckily enough to have been to some really good events and this is right up there with the best of them. Many, many thanks.
My splits;
1M - 9:23/m - 10:52/m - 10:37/m - 9:36/m
2M - 8:32/m - 9:49/m - 9:00/m - 8:45/m
3M - 8:52/m - 9:50/m - 9:29/m - 9:05/m
4M - 10:06/m - 11:13/m - 9:28/m - 10:01/m
5M - 8:43/m - 9:10/m - 9:23/m - 9:06/m
0.82M - 6.46/m (8.15/m)- 0.69M - 5.38/m (8:09/m) - 0.96M - 7.55/m (8:15/m) - 0.81M - 6:46/m (8:21/m)
Lap times;
52 mins 22 sec (Sat 5.30pm)
56 mins 30 sec (Sat 10.30pm)
55 mins 52 sec (Sun 04.30pm)
53 mins 19 sec (Sun 10.30am)
I know I have said I`ll be hitting the ball long next year and I like the idea of running in `timed` events but surely, and even looking at the male solo results, this is a bit far..............but who knows what can happen in 12 months....
Next up – Nothing entered for August but a few enter on the day events ear-marked, a bit of downtime maybe even a holiday before building things up for the Great North Run & the JW Ultra next month.
Friday, 23 July 2010
Worthwhile effort...
Wycombe HM
Never ran this one before & only made aware of it only recently. I didn`t really knew too much about this one except that I could enter on the day & it was 45 mins away. I had run doubles event before - half marathons & a 10 KMs but never two HMs back to back. I would do this for more Thunder Run training than anything - a supported Long Slow Run. To be honest it was hard to get the motivation going for this one. I had easier options - club run (most of the guys I run with were at Surrey Slog), treadmill run, or go for a run later in the day.....
Got there with plenty of time - booked in, saw a couple of faces (MicknPhil chatting away, Sarah Gee checking the route). I had decided to wear my compression full legs for a change - first time I had worn them for any real distance. Went for a warm up - legs felt surprising good but it was only a mile warm up. .I guessed about 2:00 hrs (9.09 m/m or 6.6mph) would be good - I didn`t really want to see any 8:xx mile splits...
Met up with a couple of fetches (Kallywag & Footpad). Waited around for a minute or two before the big off - 10Km & HM runners starting together...
The first section is over the field = not that quick = excellent. Then turned a corner and unto a solid path. A few twists and turn - I looked up and couldn`t really believe where we were going. It was like an alpine pass - a `S` shaped route to the top. It was steep. Well at least I was dashing off! Felt for Mick at this point but from what I heard the hills ended after about a 1 1/2M
Heard the 1st mile bleep - 1 down 12 and a bit to go. I settled down quite quickly, OK I had a couple of slightly quicker than planned miles but found my rhythm well. At this stage I was running with `Too Much Water` which helped. We chatted away as the miles clicked over - I did check my garmin every so often just to be sure. It was a nice pace.
Just before Mile 6 is quite a sharp decline - too sharp for me really (One reason why I like hilly events is to practise my hill work - I`m `ok` going up but I am rubbish at going downhill (can you tell by my brilliant mile split) - I guess it was down the Munro went I got injured coming down to the finish. I make sure I don`t extend the leading foot out but it comes at a price - I lose so many places as the other runners fly past me) Of the many runners that went past was footpad - he said why...I didn`t ask anymore.
The course bottomed out and we were back on the flat. I kept the pace steady. TMW wanted to catch a breath and dropped back a bit - I had a feeling he would pass me in the later stages. Took a gel in mile 9 which was good as I found mile 10 a struggle. Stopped briefly to help out footpad and carried on. TMW came flying past.
I calculated that I would just be over 2:00 hrs - even thou I wasn`t racing I didn`t want that so I sped up a touch. It was nice that I didn`t want or need to stop - a bad habit that had crept into my recent long runs. By mile 12 I knew I had to put my foot down ever more to get a sub 2 hrs. One sharp incline left then unto the track that went around the finishing area. Unto to the grass area and through the finish.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 10:15(10:15/m) - 126cal
2) - 1m - 9:44(9:44/m) - 129cal
3) - 1m - 8:46(8:46/m) - 130cal
4) - 1m - 8:50(8:50/m) - 130cal
5) - 1m - 9:01(9:01/m) - 129cal
6) - 1m - 9:11(9:11/m) - 132cal
7) - 1m - 9:09(9:09/m) - 131cal
8) - 1m - 9:07(9:07/m) - 131cal
9) - 1m - 9:10(9:10/m) - 130cal
10) - 1m - 9:29(9:29/m) - 129cal
11) - 1m - 8:51(8:51/m) - 131cal
12) - 1m - 8:51(8:51/m) - 130cal
13) - 1m - 8:17(8:17/m) - 130cal
14) - 0.14m - 1:00(7:09/m) - 19cal
Garmin time - 1:59:40....excellent
Went through into the finishing area and was awarded with the most generous goody bag which included a technical T-shirt, a huge medal, massive bottle of water, fruit, energy bars, more nibbles, pen etc and it was a start gun to finish timed event all for (a pay on the day price of)...£15.00 - so generous...I have a feeling they feel guilty about the first mile and half.....and a cup of water from TMW - thanks
Stayed to watch the prize giving - some super times....
Saw MicknPhil finish with an inspiring and had the pleasure of chatting to then for a while - giving high fives to Phil.
An incredible event - a must do event.
Weekend`s bling
Got home and checked my time and my start gun to finish time was....2:00:01 opps
Coming up - A bit of a Running Club weekend. A few of us are meeting up at the Frimley Lodge parkrun, then on Sunday it`s the club`s Ray Tapp memorial run - a 4.25M run (without any timing / HR devices) and who finishes closest to their predicted time wins. Then on Wednesday it`s the Woodland 5 and then the weekend`s Thunder Run..
Never ran this one before & only made aware of it only recently. I didn`t really knew too much about this one except that I could enter on the day & it was 45 mins away. I had run doubles event before - half marathons & a 10 KMs but never two HMs back to back. I would do this for more Thunder Run training than anything - a supported Long Slow Run. To be honest it was hard to get the motivation going for this one. I had easier options - club run (most of the guys I run with were at Surrey Slog), treadmill run, or go for a run later in the day.....
Got there with plenty of time - booked in, saw a couple of faces (MicknPhil chatting away, Sarah Gee checking the route). I had decided to wear my compression full legs for a change - first time I had worn them for any real distance. Went for a warm up - legs felt surprising good but it was only a mile warm up. .I guessed about 2:00 hrs (9.09 m/m or 6.6mph) would be good - I didn`t really want to see any 8:xx mile splits...
Met up with a couple of fetches (Kallywag & Footpad). Waited around for a minute or two before the big off - 10Km & HM runners starting together...
The first section is over the field = not that quick = excellent. Then turned a corner and unto a solid path. A few twists and turn - I looked up and couldn`t really believe where we were going. It was like an alpine pass - a `S` shaped route to the top. It was steep. Well at least I was dashing off! Felt for Mick at this point but from what I heard the hills ended after about a 1 1/2M
Heard the 1st mile bleep - 1 down 12 and a bit to go. I settled down quite quickly, OK I had a couple of slightly quicker than planned miles but found my rhythm well. At this stage I was running with `Too Much Water` which helped. We chatted away as the miles clicked over - I did check my garmin every so often just to be sure. It was a nice pace.
Just before Mile 6 is quite a sharp decline - too sharp for me really (One reason why I like hilly events is to practise my hill work - I`m `ok` going up but I am rubbish at going downhill (can you tell by my brilliant mile split) - I guess it was down the Munro went I got injured coming down to the finish. I make sure I don`t extend the leading foot out but it comes at a price - I lose so many places as the other runners fly past me) Of the many runners that went past was footpad - he said why...I didn`t ask anymore.
The course bottomed out and we were back on the flat. I kept the pace steady. TMW wanted to catch a breath and dropped back a bit - I had a feeling he would pass me in the later stages. Took a gel in mile 9 which was good as I found mile 10 a struggle. Stopped briefly to help out footpad and carried on. TMW came flying past.
I calculated that I would just be over 2:00 hrs - even thou I wasn`t racing I didn`t want that so I sped up a touch. It was nice that I didn`t want or need to stop - a bad habit that had crept into my recent long runs. By mile 12 I knew I had to put my foot down ever more to get a sub 2 hrs. One sharp incline left then unto the track that went around the finishing area. Unto to the grass area and through the finish.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 10:15(10:15/m) - 126cal
2) - 1m - 9:44(9:44/m) - 129cal
3) - 1m - 8:46(8:46/m) - 130cal
4) - 1m - 8:50(8:50/m) - 130cal
5) - 1m - 9:01(9:01/m) - 129cal
6) - 1m - 9:11(9:11/m) - 132cal
7) - 1m - 9:09(9:09/m) - 131cal
8) - 1m - 9:07(9:07/m) - 131cal
9) - 1m - 9:10(9:10/m) - 130cal
10) - 1m - 9:29(9:29/m) - 129cal
11) - 1m - 8:51(8:51/m) - 131cal
12) - 1m - 8:51(8:51/m) - 130cal
13) - 1m - 8:17(8:17/m) - 130cal
14) - 0.14m - 1:00(7:09/m) - 19cal
Garmin time - 1:59:40....excellent
Went through into the finishing area and was awarded with the most generous goody bag which included a technical T-shirt, a huge medal, massive bottle of water, fruit, energy bars, more nibbles, pen etc and it was a start gun to finish timed event all for (a pay on the day price of)...£15.00 - so generous...I have a feeling they feel guilty about the first mile and half.....and a cup of water from TMW - thanks
Stayed to watch the prize giving - some super times....
Saw MicknPhil finish with an inspiring and had the pleasure of chatting to then for a while - giving high fives to Phil.
An incredible event - a must do event.
Weekend`s bling
Got home and checked my time and my start gun to finish time was....2:00:01 opps
Coming up - A bit of a Running Club weekend. A few of us are meeting up at the Frimley Lodge parkrun, then on Sunday it`s the club`s Ray Tapp memorial run - a 4.25M run (without any timing / HR devices) and who finishes closest to their predicted time wins. Then on Wednesday it`s the Woodland 5 and then the weekend`s Thunder Run..
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
A trip down (well UP) memory lane...
Swanage Half
I was asked couple of weeks ago if I wanted to run this event in the place of an injured runner (thanks RFJ) - a legal change by informing the RO and everything. Unfortunately we never received a reply BUT the damage was done and the seed was sown ....you could enter on the day and the race was on a Saturday
As a kid we used to camp nr Crofe Castle so it would be nice to go down to Swanage again. however the downside was that the trip would take just over 2 hours to get there so I decided that I would run if the weather was decent (beach afterwards).
With the race bag packed I was up & out of the door by 6.00am (start was at 10.00am with the entry desk closing at 9.00am) - another trip down the M3, M27 and thankfully the traffic was not a problem and got there nice and early. I drove along some of the course getting there (around the 7M mark) - and I really wished I hadn`t....to say it was undulating would be an understatement - the race was billed as "TOUGH BUT REWARDING`
After warming up we all filled into the starting area and pretty much on time we started. Like most races I had a rough idea on my expected time, for this one it was 1:50 to 2:00 (or 8.23/m to 9.09/m or 7.2 mph - 6.6mph). Been practising not racing off too quickly at the start recently so I kept it steady - the steady incline in the 1st mile also helped to slow it down.
Mile 2 was also uphill, At mile 3 there was a decline but then a sharp incline - I wasn`t going to be fast one but still quite pleased with the mile spilts. At about 3.5M we generally dropped down & the views over the sea made a nice change.
Around the Mile 4 I saw a local club vest - Sandhurst Jogger - said hello and pushed on a bit. Nice section from mile 4 to mile 7.
Just before the turning at Crofe Castle it was around the halfway point - I notice my garmin clicked over the 56 mins mark at 6.55M. We turned off the tight busy road section & unto a single track / road - it was the hilly route I had seen on my way in. With the overhanging branches & the twist & turns it seemed that the hill just kept increasing - I took another `tea break` (walk break) - a bad habit I had got myself into recently. Just before the mile 9 marker we went downhill. The rest of the miles seemed to fly past and before I knew it we were back in Swanage. Ran along the front - Shouted out to Ian & Sandra and went through the finish line.
Through the finish at 1:51:25 (Garmin time) - pleased with that esp with those hills - see profile.
Collected a very unusual race memento - a golden trainer. It was also nice to get a choice - trainer or a glass paperweight. Never been given a Golden shoe before so it was an easy choice.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 8:26(8:26/m) - 128cal
2) - 1m - 8:42(8:42/m) - 132cal
3) - 1m - 9:02(9:02/m) - 131cal
4) - 1m - 8:00(8:00/m) - 132cal
5) - 1m - 8:21(8:21/m) - 132cal
6) - 1m - 7:49(7:49/m) - 132cal
7) - 1m - 7:59(7:59/m) - 133cal
8) - 1m - 9:49(9:49/m) - 132cal
9) - 1m - 9:22(9:22/m) - 126cal
10) - 1m - 8:20(8:20/m) - 131cal
11) - 1m - 8:23(8:23/m) - 133cal
12) - 1m - 8:00(8:00/m) - 132cal
13) - 1m - 8:19(8:19/m) - 131cal
14) - 0.12m - 54(7:32/m) - 16cal
The afternoon was spent on Studland beach - mixture of reading & napping - the sea water did wonders for the legs but did sting a bit a first.
Another cracker of an event - if you get the chance then you should enter this event - thanks again RFJ for pointing this one out to me.
Next event ......................................well I do have a Sunday free now............
I was asked couple of weeks ago if I wanted to run this event in the place of an injured runner (thanks RFJ) - a legal change by informing the RO and everything. Unfortunately we never received a reply BUT the damage was done and the seed was sown ....you could enter on the day and the race was on a Saturday
As a kid we used to camp nr Crofe Castle so it would be nice to go down to Swanage again. however the downside was that the trip would take just over 2 hours to get there so I decided that I would run if the weather was decent (beach afterwards).
With the race bag packed I was up & out of the door by 6.00am (start was at 10.00am with the entry desk closing at 9.00am) - another trip down the M3, M27 and thankfully the traffic was not a problem and got there nice and early. I drove along some of the course getting there (around the 7M mark) - and I really wished I hadn`t....to say it was undulating would be an understatement - the race was billed as "TOUGH BUT REWARDING`
After warming up we all filled into the starting area and pretty much on time we started. Like most races I had a rough idea on my expected time, for this one it was 1:50 to 2:00 (or 8.23/m to 9.09/m or 7.2 mph - 6.6mph). Been practising not racing off too quickly at the start recently so I kept it steady - the steady incline in the 1st mile also helped to slow it down.
Mile 2 was also uphill, At mile 3 there was a decline but then a sharp incline - I wasn`t going to be fast one but still quite pleased with the mile spilts. At about 3.5M we generally dropped down & the views over the sea made a nice change.
Around the Mile 4 I saw a local club vest - Sandhurst Jogger - said hello and pushed on a bit. Nice section from mile 4 to mile 7.
Just before the turning at Crofe Castle it was around the halfway point - I notice my garmin clicked over the 56 mins mark at 6.55M. We turned off the tight busy road section & unto a single track / road - it was the hilly route I had seen on my way in. With the overhanging branches & the twist & turns it seemed that the hill just kept increasing - I took another `tea break` (walk break) - a bad habit I had got myself into recently. Just before the mile 9 marker we went downhill. The rest of the miles seemed to fly past and before I knew it we were back in Swanage. Ran along the front - Shouted out to Ian & Sandra and went through the finish line.
Through the finish at 1:51:25 (Garmin time) - pleased with that esp with those hills - see profile.
Collected a very unusual race memento - a golden trainer. It was also nice to get a choice - trainer or a glass paperweight. Never been given a Golden shoe before so it was an easy choice.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 8:26(8:26/m) - 128cal
2) - 1m - 8:42(8:42/m) - 132cal
3) - 1m - 9:02(9:02/m) - 131cal
4) - 1m - 8:00(8:00/m) - 132cal
5) - 1m - 8:21(8:21/m) - 132cal
6) - 1m - 7:49(7:49/m) - 132cal
7) - 1m - 7:59(7:59/m) - 133cal
8) - 1m - 9:49(9:49/m) - 132cal
9) - 1m - 9:22(9:22/m) - 126cal
10) - 1m - 8:20(8:20/m) - 131cal
11) - 1m - 8:23(8:23/m) - 133cal
12) - 1m - 8:00(8:00/m) - 132cal
13) - 1m - 8:19(8:19/m) - 131cal
14) - 0.12m - 54(7:32/m) - 16cal
The afternoon was spent on Studland beach - mixture of reading & napping - the sea water did wonders for the legs but did sting a bit a first.
Another cracker of an event - if you get the chance then you should enter this event - thanks again RFJ for pointing this one out to me.
Next event ......................................well I do have a Sunday free now............
Thursday, 15 July 2010
One packed weekend
A good weekend away.
Managed to successful switch off the auto-drive on Saturday morning and so instead of turning off at Basingstoke on the M3 I ended up on the M27 and arrived early at the Eastleigh parkrun. It was good to go back. For some reason the course seemed longer and it was good to see just under a 100 runners there now. Anyway the race plan was to run 8:00`s. I finished in a (non-train delayed) time of 24:48, which was no where near my course PB of 22:49 but pleased with general time as it was my 1st real race since Devon. Good coffee & cake in the cafe afterwards too.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 7:55(7:55/m) - 130cal
2) - 1m - 7:58(7:58/m) - 133cal
3) - 1m - 8:14(8:14/m) - 132cal
4) - 0.1m - 41(6:50/m) - 12cal
The reason to run Eastleigh was that I was running in the New Forest 10 the next day so it made perfect sense to camp over - last minute test out for all the gear for the Thunder Run too. Camp site was OK - def set up for the younger camper. Pitched tent in record time & like the true pro I plonked a hankie on my head & fell asleep in the sun. In the evening I took the `bike from the boot` (SF-FDB-2000 Bugatti Royale - LOL) & set off for the Chequers Inn. Very nice Pub - watched the semi-finals and a good fish n chips. Cycled back. The plan was to get an early night....there was a slight flaw in this plan. As then the fireworks started !!! after they had stopped it was the music, shouting etc - I guess I woke up 8 or 9 times. At roughly 5.00am the people in a nearby tent went to sleep !!!! Then the rain started !!! Thankfully it stop after a hour or so.
Finally decided to get up, have breakfast. Luckily for me the clouds cleared & the sun came out & dried off the tent. So I packed up my gear & drove the few miles to the start line & I was coming in from the other thus avoiding the delays at Lyndhurst.
I found out late on Thursday that a friend of mine was also camping in the New Forest...they were staying less than half a mile from the start line AND on a very much quieter campsite. They had deer & singing birds on their site - I had rottweilers & pit balls...!!! (Their campsite for future reference it was the Long Meadow Campsite)
Anyway ran to their site as a warm up. Met up with them and show them where we would be running & which side I would be running. Their daughter had been practising shouting "Come on Kelvin". Finished off the warm up & got ready. Met up with Ruth, JohnJ, Monty, Sue, Richard & Lynn and got into the starting area. With the start time of 11.15 am - It was getting hot already.
I had ran this event before in 2008 - it was my first 10 miler. I almost cried when I had to hand back my race number in 2009 due to injury so I knew the course - a bit of a slow start through the gate, then a smallish track then onto Forrest, with a small road section where we had to make way for the four legged wildlife then back into the Forrest.
We set off & I made sure I didn`t go off too quickly - out of the field and saw my friend with his daughter on his shoulder - as I approached the corner to the track all I could hear was her voice shouting out "Come on Kelvin" even when I had past that`s all I could hear - I think she was shouting that at everyone but it was great to hear. Briefly met up with helly d - we compared future battle plans - she won with her trump card - Ridgeway 85 - blooming looney !
Made our way unto a track - 1st down @ 8.33 - mmm a little slow. I wanted about 8.00`s (1:20:00) so increased it a little. Marshals seemed to be everywhere. Just settled into a good pace - saw Ruth in front & going well - wasn`t tempted to chase her down just running at my own pace. I past her at the 2.5M water station and onto the road section. Great to run along - open woodland either side watching the horses graze. (Yeti - I spoke to a Bournville Harrier but forgot your surname - mind you she didn`t give me long as she sprinted up an incline just before 4M mark). Saw James - a Sandhurst Jogger and played cat and mouse for a while.
All going rather well till about 5.5M - Ruth passed me (no connection) and then I had to stop for `water out` - maybe a bottle of Lucozade just before the start wasn`t the best idea ever. Found it tough to get going again but did overtake a few runners again. Really enjoyed the water spray around 6M. At the last water station (7.5M) I decided to stop & drink rather than drink on the move. I was looking forward to mile 8 - second to last mile. Soon I could think only a mile to go. Went around the corner and saw a short sharp incline - quick walk.
Then the final mile & unto the same track as going out. Past the final marshals & into the finishing straight - I did give it all in those last few metres - good for the folks watching (cheers for the shout out Monty) but it shows I had more to give during the run.
Through the finish in 1:24:28 & collected the horse brass (nice change to a medal) - afterwards we had a very nice picnic with fizzy wine & everything (said no to the bizarre beetroot thou) - thanks Sue, Lynn & Richard (parkrunners) for that.
Ok 11 minutes over my HM PB but with a bit more work I shall be there again...
Basically if you get a chance to enter this one then do so - it`s a great event with nice scenery, loads of cheerful marshals, fast enough at the sharp end of things, fun runs to keep you busy, plenty of parking, space & time to stay on afterwards, nice horse brass but it does get hot thou.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 8:33(8:33/m) - 128cal
2) - 1m - 7:50(7:50/m) - 132cal
3) - 1m - 8:04(8:04/m) - 132cal
4) - 1m - 8:06(8:06/m) - 131cal
5) - 1m - 8:07(8:07/m) - 131cal
6) - 1m - 8:52(8:52/m) - 130cal - er `water out`
7) - 1m - 8:17(8:17/m) - 132cal
8) - 1m - 9:12(9:12/m) - 129cal - stopped for water in
9) - 1m - 9:07(9:07/m) - 127cal - quick walk
10) - 1m - 8:10(8:10/m) - 125cal
11) - 0.03m - 10(5:42/m) - 3cal
Next up - and it`s really not my fault - I might be doing the Swanage Half marathon this Saturday (I know a Saturday race). I`ve checked out the comments from last year and it`s billed as a `tough but rewarding` event. I would be doing it as a training run. I can enter on the day (too late for postal entries) but I need to be all parked up & signed in by 9.00am at the latest........but Swanage is 2 hours away !!!
I did also played with the idea of going over to Kent and watching the mad folks doing the Kent 50 - if I do, then I hope I (& the runners) don`t get dizzy as it`s on a 6.5M lap (same course as the Moonlight Challenge in Feb)
Also what about the Wycombe half on Sunday too - again can enter on the day???
Decisions, decisions, decisions....will come down to weather I think.
Looking forward to the Thunder Run at the end of the month - One BIG race or loads of smaller races???.
(PS I didn`t run Yateley 10Km in the end - so that`s two races I`ve DNS this year :-O must be getting sensible in my old age)
Managed to successful switch off the auto-drive on Saturday morning and so instead of turning off at Basingstoke on the M3 I ended up on the M27 and arrived early at the Eastleigh parkrun. It was good to go back. For some reason the course seemed longer and it was good to see just under a 100 runners there now. Anyway the race plan was to run 8:00`s. I finished in a (non-train delayed) time of 24:48, which was no where near my course PB of 22:49 but pleased with general time as it was my 1st real race since Devon. Good coffee & cake in the cafe afterwards too.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 7:55(7:55/m) - 130cal
2) - 1m - 7:58(7:58/m) - 133cal
3) - 1m - 8:14(8:14/m) - 132cal
4) - 0.1m - 41(6:50/m) - 12cal
The reason to run Eastleigh was that I was running in the New Forest 10 the next day so it made perfect sense to camp over - last minute test out for all the gear for the Thunder Run too. Camp site was OK - def set up for the younger camper. Pitched tent in record time & like the true pro I plonked a hankie on my head & fell asleep in the sun. In the evening I took the `bike from the boot` (SF-FDB-2000 Bugatti Royale - LOL) & set off for the Chequers Inn. Very nice Pub - watched the semi-finals and a good fish n chips. Cycled back. The plan was to get an early night....there was a slight flaw in this plan. As then the fireworks started !!! after they had stopped it was the music, shouting etc - I guess I woke up 8 or 9 times. At roughly 5.00am the people in a nearby tent went to sleep !!!! Then the rain started !!! Thankfully it stop after a hour or so.
Finally decided to get up, have breakfast. Luckily for me the clouds cleared & the sun came out & dried off the tent. So I packed up my gear & drove the few miles to the start line & I was coming in from the other thus avoiding the delays at Lyndhurst.
I found out late on Thursday that a friend of mine was also camping in the New Forest...they were staying less than half a mile from the start line AND on a very much quieter campsite. They had deer & singing birds on their site - I had rottweilers & pit balls...!!! (Their campsite for future reference it was the Long Meadow Campsite)
Anyway ran to their site as a warm up. Met up with them and show them where we would be running & which side I would be running. Their daughter had been practising shouting "Come on Kelvin". Finished off the warm up & got ready. Met up with Ruth, JohnJ, Monty, Sue, Richard & Lynn and got into the starting area. With the start time of 11.15 am - It was getting hot already.
I had ran this event before in 2008 - it was my first 10 miler. I almost cried when I had to hand back my race number in 2009 due to injury so I knew the course - a bit of a slow start through the gate, then a smallish track then onto Forrest, with a small road section where we had to make way for the four legged wildlife then back into the Forrest.
We set off & I made sure I didn`t go off too quickly - out of the field and saw my friend with his daughter on his shoulder - as I approached the corner to the track all I could hear was her voice shouting out "Come on Kelvin" even when I had past that`s all I could hear - I think she was shouting that at everyone but it was great to hear. Briefly met up with helly d - we compared future battle plans - she won with her trump card - Ridgeway 85 - blooming looney !
Made our way unto a track - 1st down @ 8.33 - mmm a little slow. I wanted about 8.00`s (1:20:00) so increased it a little. Marshals seemed to be everywhere. Just settled into a good pace - saw Ruth in front & going well - wasn`t tempted to chase her down just running at my own pace. I past her at the 2.5M water station and onto the road section. Great to run along - open woodland either side watching the horses graze. (Yeti - I spoke to a Bournville Harrier but forgot your surname - mind you she didn`t give me long as she sprinted up an incline just before 4M mark). Saw James - a Sandhurst Jogger and played cat and mouse for a while.
All going rather well till about 5.5M - Ruth passed me (no connection) and then I had to stop for `water out` - maybe a bottle of Lucozade just before the start wasn`t the best idea ever. Found it tough to get going again but did overtake a few runners again. Really enjoyed the water spray around 6M. At the last water station (7.5M) I decided to stop & drink rather than drink on the move. I was looking forward to mile 8 - second to last mile. Soon I could think only a mile to go. Went around the corner and saw a short sharp incline - quick walk.
Then the final mile & unto the same track as going out. Past the final marshals & into the finishing straight - I did give it all in those last few metres - good for the folks watching (cheers for the shout out Monty) but it shows I had more to give during the run.
Through the finish in 1:24:28 & collected the horse brass (nice change to a medal) - afterwards we had a very nice picnic with fizzy wine & everything (said no to the bizarre beetroot thou) - thanks Sue, Lynn & Richard (parkrunners) for that.
Ok 11 minutes over my HM PB but with a bit more work I shall be there again...
Basically if you get a chance to enter this one then do so - it`s a great event with nice scenery, loads of cheerful marshals, fast enough at the sharp end of things, fun runs to keep you busy, plenty of parking, space & time to stay on afterwards, nice horse brass but it does get hot thou.
Split Summary
====
1) - 1m - 8:33(8:33/m) - 128cal
2) - 1m - 7:50(7:50/m) - 132cal
3) - 1m - 8:04(8:04/m) - 132cal
4) - 1m - 8:06(8:06/m) - 131cal
5) - 1m - 8:07(8:07/m) - 131cal
6) - 1m - 8:52(8:52/m) - 130cal - er `water out`
7) - 1m - 8:17(8:17/m) - 132cal
8) - 1m - 9:12(9:12/m) - 129cal - stopped for water in
9) - 1m - 9:07(9:07/m) - 127cal - quick walk
10) - 1m - 8:10(8:10/m) - 125cal
11) - 0.03m - 10(5:42/m) - 3cal
Next up - and it`s really not my fault - I might be doing the Swanage Half marathon this Saturday (I know a Saturday race). I`ve checked out the comments from last year and it`s billed as a `tough but rewarding` event. I would be doing it as a training run. I can enter on the day (too late for postal entries) but I need to be all parked up & signed in by 9.00am at the latest........but Swanage is 2 hours away !!!
I did also played with the idea of going over to Kent and watching the mad folks doing the Kent 50 - if I do, then I hope I (& the runners) don`t get dizzy as it`s on a 6.5M lap (same course as the Moonlight Challenge in Feb)
Also what about the Wycombe half on Sunday too - again can enter on the day???
Decisions, decisions, decisions....will come down to weather I think.
Looking forward to the Thunder Run at the end of the month - One BIG race or loads of smaller races???.
(PS I didn`t run Yateley 10Km in the end - so that`s two races I`ve DNS this year :-O must be getting sensible in my old age)
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Nearly a photo finish.....
North Devon Marathon
Looking forward to this event for such a long time, as I`ve been to Woolacombe so many times before on boys weekends that when I saw this event I knew I just had to enter.
Training wise - from what I knew from the area I knew that I wouldn`t be running all of the course but feet time would be important. I was also hoping some of my long runs from VLM would carry over. My actual long runs were - 17M (with a parkrun in the middle), a 20M & a very hilly & warm 18.3M (30Km) Plus Doking 10 & the Bracknell Half - I was fairly happy with that.
I was staying at a friends parent`s cottage - in the middle of nowhere. Stayed there before - didn`t see Johnny Kingdom :-( in the local pub On Friday afternoon I managed to miss all of the Glastonbury traffic which was great so made good time. Saturday I spent on the beach at Saunton Sands & roaming around the local area. It was going to be hot.
I`d plan to be at the starting area on Sunday at 9.00am so all fairly normal there. Parked up in the main car park (£5.50 per day). Arranged to meet my Mum there (who was in the area - holidaying) which was cool. Fluffed around a bit before the 10.00 am start. .
Basically the route (and to include the half) was a figure of 8 with Woolacombe in the middle - 1st half going over to Croyde way & the second half was over Mortehoe, Lee area - I didn`t know this part of the course !!!
Soon enough we were herded into the start area. Saw a few folks I knew - Gymfreak & Foxy Davy. Said hello to Muds (who had a great run). Gymfreak pointed out some of the 100 marathon crowd including Brian Mills - who has completed over 720 marathons!!!
We were off - we were given a 10 minute head start on the Half Marathons runners.
Kept it steady for the 1st few miles (did go a bit fast during mile No. 2 - opps). Saw the front runners already opening up a very impressive lead. Just before my 3rd mile the first half marathoner came flying past - he was quick & had a good lead. Gladly we didn`t have to go up the Pole. Even this early into the event the views were just impressive - took your mind away from the terrain. First lady came past - wow! Down into Croyde - took a gel at 5M and Gymfreak came along side. Then in a bizarre turn we were sent across the beach - sand running - Ohh good I read about sand running in my Chi book. Anyway across the stream, over more sand & unto the rocks - so that`s Road, track, grass, sand, water & rock - we had just made it to 6M point. !!!! Walked up the hill. We followed the coast road which looks towards Saunton Sands. Then about mile 8 we had to go up the first of the major steps - not a lot of fun. Then along the top of the ridge - you could see all around the local area. One of the half marathoners asked me if I was doing to the full event - I said "yes, only because that way I get the most out of my car parking fee".....time for a couple of jelly babies I think.
Beforehand I was guessing I`ll be through half way in around 2:00 - 2:10 but I knew it was going to be later, we run the same bit of the course from about 11M so I guessed around 2:20. Picked up a Lucozade (Fuel & Focus) - I thought I was be pretty sick of gels & water during the 2nd half. As I ran through the start / finish area it was great to hear your name being called out. Momentum carried me through to around 15 - then I had to stop due to the scenery - took out the phone & took a couple of snaps. Saw Sammy the Seal sunbathing on `The Point`
At this stage it was like one of the Ultras - running by yourself, maybe seeing the another runner in the distance. The course got harder from about 16 with the ups & downs, `steps` and then the small hill around 18 that seemed to go on and on and on.....(Lee) but with water stations every two miles or so there was always something to look forward to - the marshals were just great - they knew what we wanted. I can`t actually describe in words how my head felt when I squeezed the sponges over it or how it felt when I put back on a soaking wet cap - let`s just say it was one of the many great memories from day.
There was a nice section by the Water Reservoirs along the disused railway line, however it was slightly uphill but I ran next to a chap who was a bike (I felt like a slower version of a Boxer & his trainer). At the water station at the top the lady said only 6 mile to go - which actually I thought was a shame. What seemed only a stone`s throw away the next water stations appeared - only 5 Km to go :-( Just follow the road down and up into Woolacombe. Great feeling to see the finish in the distance. As I ran along the side of the hill I heard a massive cheer - I guess England had scored...well I didn`t think it was for me :-O I did take my England flag from the Camelpak.
Down the final hill and unto the road we had started - half mile to go and I get a bit of cramp in my left calf. Well crap to that - carried on and through the finish.
As it happened my Mum was behind the finish line with the camera - instead of taking a photo she took a small video of my finish with my name being called out and everything....
Saw the prize giving and headed over to the Red Barn to watch the remaining second half of the England game. It was packed - enough said about the rest of the afternoon I think.
On reflection - it was a great day and maybe even the best event I`ve done this year. Also despite running further on three occasions this was the hardest marathons I`ve done esp the second half - and yes (IMO) even beats Caesars Camp Midnight 30.
I`m hoping the next marathon would be easier. *
Final Time 5:46:37
Splits
1) - 1m - 10:01(10:01/m) - 126cal
2) - 1m - 8:44(8:44/m) - 130cal
3) - 1m - 10:14(10:14/m) - 132cal
4) - 1m - 10:28(10:28/m) - 125cal
5) - 1m - 9:17(9:17/m) - 129cal
6) - 1m - 10:40(10:40/m) - 128cal - Croyde beach run.
7) - 1m - 12:09(12:09/m) - 119cal
8) - 1m - 16:30(16:30/m) - 113cal - 1st steep hill,
9) - 1m - 12:20(12:20/m) - 118cal
10) - 1m - 11:22(11:22/m) - 122cal
11) - 1m - 11:44(11:44/m) - 121cal
12) - 1m - 10:22(10:22/m) - 127cal
13) - 1m - 10:30(10:30/m) - 128cal
14) - 1m - 13:22(13:22/m) - 114cal
15) - 1m - 16:27(16:27/m) - 114cal - Photo point
16) - 1m - 17:43(17:43/m) - 112cal - Photo point
17) - 1m - 20:21(20:21/m) - 101cal - Steps
18) - 1m - 21:05(21:05/m) - 99cal - Lea Hill
19) - 1m - 19:07(19:07/m) - 92cal - Hill
20) - 1m - 16:17(16:17/m) - 101cal
21) - 1m - 12:53(12:53/m) - 118cal
22) - 1m - 17:37(17:37/m) - 104cal - Walked / Ran
23) - 1m - 13:30(13:30/m) - 111cal
24) - 1m - 12:46(12:46/m) - 116cal
25) - 1m - 10:35(10:35/m) - 121cal
26) - 1m - 9:25(9:25/m) - 128cal
27) - 0.13m - 1:07(8:39/m) - 15cal
Next up is Elstead Marathon *
(OK hands up time here...the Elstead Marathon is an off-road 5.4 mile event with a river crossing and I only ran to get my trainers back on - completed it in 45:06)
Next one is the tomorrow night - Yateley 10Km (jogging) & then Sunday`s New Forest 10 which I am looking forward to.
Looking forward to this event for such a long time, as I`ve been to Woolacombe so many times before on boys weekends that when I saw this event I knew I just had to enter.
Training wise - from what I knew from the area I knew that I wouldn`t be running all of the course but feet time would be important. I was also hoping some of my long runs from VLM would carry over. My actual long runs were - 17M (with a parkrun in the middle), a 20M & a very hilly & warm 18.3M (30Km) Plus Doking 10 & the Bracknell Half - I was fairly happy with that.
I was staying at a friends parent`s cottage - in the middle of nowhere. Stayed there before - didn`t see Johnny Kingdom :-( in the local pub On Friday afternoon I managed to miss all of the Glastonbury traffic which was great so made good time. Saturday I spent on the beach at Saunton Sands & roaming around the local area. It was going to be hot.
I`d plan to be at the starting area on Sunday at 9.00am so all fairly normal there. Parked up in the main car park (£5.50 per day). Arranged to meet my Mum there (who was in the area - holidaying) which was cool. Fluffed around a bit before the 10.00 am start. .
Basically the route (and to include the half) was a figure of 8 with Woolacombe in the middle - 1st half going over to Croyde way & the second half was over Mortehoe, Lee area - I didn`t know this part of the course !!!
Soon enough we were herded into the start area. Saw a few folks I knew - Gymfreak & Foxy Davy. Said hello to Muds (who had a great run). Gymfreak pointed out some of the 100 marathon crowd including Brian Mills - who has completed over 720 marathons!!!
We were off - we were given a 10 minute head start on the Half Marathons runners.
Kept it steady for the 1st few miles (did go a bit fast during mile No. 2 - opps). Saw the front runners already opening up a very impressive lead. Just before my 3rd mile the first half marathoner came flying past - he was quick & had a good lead. Gladly we didn`t have to go up the Pole. Even this early into the event the views were just impressive - took your mind away from the terrain. First lady came past - wow! Down into Croyde - took a gel at 5M and Gymfreak came along side. Then in a bizarre turn we were sent across the beach - sand running - Ohh good I read about sand running in my Chi book. Anyway across the stream, over more sand & unto the rocks - so that`s Road, track, grass, sand, water & rock - we had just made it to 6M point. !!!! Walked up the hill. We followed the coast road which looks towards Saunton Sands. Then about mile 8 we had to go up the first of the major steps - not a lot of fun. Then along the top of the ridge - you could see all around the local area. One of the half marathoners asked me if I was doing to the full event - I said "yes, only because that way I get the most out of my car parking fee".....time for a couple of jelly babies I think.
Beforehand I was guessing I`ll be through half way in around 2:00 - 2:10 but I knew it was going to be later, we run the same bit of the course from about 11M so I guessed around 2:20. Picked up a Lucozade (Fuel & Focus) - I thought I was be pretty sick of gels & water during the 2nd half. As I ran through the start / finish area it was great to hear your name being called out. Momentum carried me through to around 15 - then I had to stop due to the scenery - took out the phone & took a couple of snaps. Saw Sammy the Seal sunbathing on `The Point`
At this stage it was like one of the Ultras - running by yourself, maybe seeing the another runner in the distance. The course got harder from about 16 with the ups & downs, `steps` and then the small hill around 18 that seemed to go on and on and on.....(Lee) but with water stations every two miles or so there was always something to look forward to - the marshals were just great - they knew what we wanted. I can`t actually describe in words how my head felt when I squeezed the sponges over it or how it felt when I put back on a soaking wet cap - let`s just say it was one of the many great memories from day.
There was a nice section by the Water Reservoirs along the disused railway line, however it was slightly uphill but I ran next to a chap who was a bike (I felt like a slower version of a Boxer & his trainer). At the water station at the top the lady said only 6 mile to go - which actually I thought was a shame. What seemed only a stone`s throw away the next water stations appeared - only 5 Km to go :-( Just follow the road down and up into Woolacombe. Great feeling to see the finish in the distance. As I ran along the side of the hill I heard a massive cheer - I guess England had scored...well I didn`t think it was for me :-O I did take my England flag from the Camelpak.
Down the final hill and unto the road we had started - half mile to go and I get a bit of cramp in my left calf. Well crap to that - carried on and through the finish.
As it happened my Mum was behind the finish line with the camera - instead of taking a photo she took a small video of my finish with my name being called out and everything....
Saw the prize giving and headed over to the Red Barn to watch the remaining second half of the England game. It was packed - enough said about the rest of the afternoon I think.
On reflection - it was a great day and maybe even the best event I`ve done this year. Also despite running further on three occasions this was the hardest marathons I`ve done esp the second half - and yes (IMO) even beats Caesars Camp Midnight 30.
I`m hoping the next marathon would be easier. *
Final Time 5:46:37
Splits
1) - 1m - 10:01(10:01/m) - 126cal
2) - 1m - 8:44(8:44/m) - 130cal
3) - 1m - 10:14(10:14/m) - 132cal
4) - 1m - 10:28(10:28/m) - 125cal
5) - 1m - 9:17(9:17/m) - 129cal
6) - 1m - 10:40(10:40/m) - 128cal - Croyde beach run.
7) - 1m - 12:09(12:09/m) - 119cal
8) - 1m - 16:30(16:30/m) - 113cal - 1st steep hill,
9) - 1m - 12:20(12:20/m) - 118cal
10) - 1m - 11:22(11:22/m) - 122cal
11) - 1m - 11:44(11:44/m) - 121cal
12) - 1m - 10:22(10:22/m) - 127cal
13) - 1m - 10:30(10:30/m) - 128cal
14) - 1m - 13:22(13:22/m) - 114cal
15) - 1m - 16:27(16:27/m) - 114cal - Photo point
16) - 1m - 17:43(17:43/m) - 112cal - Photo point
17) - 1m - 20:21(20:21/m) - 101cal - Steps
18) - 1m - 21:05(21:05/m) - 99cal - Lea Hill
19) - 1m - 19:07(19:07/m) - 92cal - Hill
20) - 1m - 16:17(16:17/m) - 101cal
21) - 1m - 12:53(12:53/m) - 118cal
22) - 1m - 17:37(17:37/m) - 104cal - Walked / Ran
23) - 1m - 13:30(13:30/m) - 111cal
24) - 1m - 12:46(12:46/m) - 116cal
25) - 1m - 10:35(10:35/m) - 121cal
26) - 1m - 9:25(9:25/m) - 128cal
27) - 0.13m - 1:07(8:39/m) - 15cal
Next up is Elstead Marathon *
(OK hands up time here...the Elstead Marathon is an off-road 5.4 mile event with a river crossing and I only ran to get my trainers back on - completed it in 45:06)
Next one is the tomorrow night - Yateley 10Km (jogging) & then Sunday`s New Forest 10 which I am looking forward to.
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