Bramley 20 - As Hannibal Smith says…"I love it when a plan…….goes out the window, let`s go to plan B"

Another local race which I had run back in 2010 so it was nice to go back. The 20 is a 2 lap, very scenic slightly undulating course with the lumps & bumps all happening in the last couple of miles. The plan was to run a progressive run of 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 2 (or 09:03, 08:53, 08:33, 08:23, then as fast I could manage for the last two miles). The trouble with this plan is that you look at the Garmin ALL the time - very difficult if you are not a fan of this…which I think you know I`m not a time watcher !!!.

 

Anyway race starts at 10:30am so I collect Dennis (who is just spectating today) early & set off. The car park is about 15 mins walk away so it`s another race you need to get there early to. We wandered in the Race HQ, had a coffee & saw many faces from Basingstoke parkrun which I hadn`t seen for ages, I saw Ben but missed seeing his `baggage` J With about 10 mins to go & I know I`m not racing the 1st bit of the race I head out for a small warm up. I bump into Heather & her 10M pacer (Jock) have a bit of a giggle, which is always fun when you start a race smiling.

 

The `gun` goes off - it takes a while to cross the line but soon up & running. Within a few miles I`m already sick of looking at the Garmin…..The 1st mile is quicker than planned, 2nd was spot on, 3rd too fast just & 4th too slow & the final mile too fast….. I was thinking “what is actually acceptable on the `too fast & too slow` limits??”. Plus I had realised the last time I did this type of pacing I had set the Garmin data fields to a `Last lap pace` & `Lap pace` rather than the normal run setting I`m used to – so I was guessing really on speed…..headache !!!

 

I still hadn`t really controlled the pacing by mile 7. What made it worst that a rather loud, chatty loud runner who was pacing someone was matching my pace – did I mention he was rather loud? I did actually think about saying “Hey you do mind this is my quiet time” but didn`t so I did the next thing - I sped up J When I saw the `8:22` I did actually think this pace was nice (my 3:39 PB marathon pace), the next mile I did slow it down a touch but basically knew `Plan A` was out of the window.              What made it worst that during the last mile of this lap & there was me happily running along thinking about not a lot when who do I see heading towards me but this Heather with a massive grin & after some abuse about my speed she tells me of her superb run – apparently I need to run a 10M race in less than 1:11.xx. She left me with that thought….

 

I go through half way in 1:27:57

Breakfast??? (Thanks to Colin for the photo)

As we head out on the second lap I find myself starting to use `Plan B` - run at 8.00`s. Even since Benidorm Marathon I have wondered if I can run a 3:30 Marathon but w`ll see. I did slow down during the next mile – again by watching the Garmin. I get fed up with this & decided just to run. By this stage I`m overtaking loads of the folks who overtook me earlier in the race. I saw Jon, from Chineham Park but past him at a water station, I saw another Chineham runner way in front who looked like she was going strong. .

I will admit to cranking up the pace to see how long I could hold out at 7:30`s. I have been working with this technique that if something is bothering say a feeling or a negative thought etc,  you move from the front of your mind to the side. So each I `felt` tired going up a slight incline or very flat straight part I pushed that `tired` thought to one side. It seemed to work as I was gaining on her & still overtaking loads. So hills at miles 16 & 17 came & went. I think it was around mile 18 just at the top of the rise I went alongside her. We pushed each other in these final few miles which was a great way to finish off a long race….in the end she did pull away so her final must have been incredible - impressed.

Through the finish & I did know I was on for a PB – Old PB was 2:47:13. I wondered if I could get a sub 2:45. I stopped the Garmin at…………. 2:43:58

The second 10M was in 1:15:30 – a 12:27 minute negative split race - Well at least I got that bit right J Very pleased with race & legs are feeling good.



Results - The Power Of 10 Results

Next up – And it`s not a case of Rock & roll up Ultra – but I am doing the Moonlight Challenge this Saturday Night (starts at 6pm) purely as practice for the Run24 (5 laps of 6.55M) so it`s jogging round & may even be a bit of walking / running……and a bit of tweeting. Let`s hope there is no snow….

Oh the Race Director is this guy – super impressive `Book` - Unstoppable - by Mike Inkster
 

Lightning sometimes does strike twice......

Quick round up since the last blog – January ended with stats of 174 miles or as I am preferring 25:36 hrs of running with & 6 hrs yoga which was quite pleasing. Confidence was boosted by the two PB`s gained. To me January was always going to be quick miles working on speed & tempo with the following months working on longer runs.

So to February and after what seemed a slow start to the month – basically I took a Sunday off running but knew it was probably the best thing to do. The weekend just gone was Frimley Lodge`s parkrun 3<sup>rd</sup> Birthday so I felt it rude not to give it a bit of go plus I think it will be the last time for a while I`ll be able to do a bit of a speed session with big Sunday runs coming up.  So after the prize presentation we made our way to the start line – I got near the front of the start line (still feels a odd mixing it up the fast boys & girls). The `hooter` went off & I found myself around 15^th spot as we ran up the canal towpath – I did think to myself it would be rude to overtake a 2:44:XX runner so I backed off a bit :-) I tried to keep on the back of fellow Cove Joggers - Dan - but he pulled away towards the end of 1^st mile – instead of my head dropping I thought “right let`s try not to widen the gap”. On the long straights & around the field I could see him in the distance so it gave me something to aim for.

 

One the second lap I heard my number being called out by Maurice “21st" – blimey !!! I kept pushing with a few runners overtaking me – I also managed to overtake a couple myself J. With about ½ mile to go no-one was going to pass me & if they did I was going to gain my place back – thankfully it only happened once but I did think he was going to re-claim that position on the line. I pushed towards the line & stopped the Garmin – I was amazed when I looked down......21:06 – an incredible 45 second PB. I `knew` I could run 21:30 but 7 seconds short of a 20:xx – WOW. I made sure I had double helping of birthday cake J

Big thanks to all the team & volunteers at Frimley Lodge – well any parkruns really as they are truly wonderful events.

 

Thanks to Bob Fudge for taking the video - LINK

 

The next day was the Wokingham Half…..

 

I do like this event, I`ve ran it several times. The weather is often terrible, the start area is always a bit confusing, if it`s rained the mud around the baggage area is always there……these all add to the event itself in my eyes. The facilities at the start / finish, the marshals & first aiders around the course is spot on. They even put this event back on when it was snowed out one year. The course itself is flat - ok a couple of motorway bridges & a slight incline around mile 11 & shaped in a rough `6` shape - out & back with a loop but I think it`s a fast course - similar to the Brass Monkey course in York….well in fact 20 seconds faster :-)

 

Come race day & the rain all weekend hasn`t stopped - it`s going to be wet. Myself & Dave from the club get there in plenty of time as the car parks are quite away from the Race HQ - so do not arrive late as this race otherwise you will miss it. We grab a coffee & get under some shelter, one thing I do like about this one as its local I see a lot of familiar faces - some from other races, some local club runners, many from parkruns. I chat to `Muttley` who I`ve not seen for a while, I see Lisa - the lady who bashes my legs to bits - she is looking good despite her comments about not running well…blah blah blah - I know she is going to smash the course (& she did). Just before the start we make our way through the `starting time positions` - I catch words with Mike, Ben, Mark, Darren, Jonathon, Garry as I`m moving along…. then I spot an old face* in the crowds - it`s Heather - which is absolutely great to see her at a start line again. Always good to catch up with Lee too. We didn`t have to catch up before we were off  & out under the starting gantry. Heather is off like a rocket - I think no worries I`ll catch her later on somewhere….

 

Now my race plan was a little undecided - race it / hard effort / paced run. Could I race a half ….I wore my club vest, compression vest, marigolds & gloves & shorts - with the Garmin under the marigolds…..which meant I couldn`t see it. So the plan changed to a `feel as it`s goes` run - which I guess isn`t a bad thing. We headed out unto the course - I`m still wearing my clear bin liner (cheapest waterproofs I know), I get into, what I think is a good pace but still runners are streaming past me…...inc what seemed like a bus load of Sandhurst red vests. Lisa H. goes past & I wonder what time she is after…

 

I guess because I`m running in a relaxed way i.e. not worrying about the mile splits or keeping on schedule I enjoy the course & look at other runners. I notice, unlike a lot of races I don`t seem to be in the same group for long - not that I`m chasing runners down but seem to be moving well. I hear the odd chatter of times around the course but generally not playing too much attention to it  At around mile eight I chat to Jon & Faye from Andover & have a little chat there & see Dave up in front - but just before I could pass him he dives off into the bushes - I`m sure he knew I was gaining on him!!! He catches me back up in a little while anyway. We chat & ran together for a couple of miles before he pulls over again……

 

At this stage we are on the part of the course where we head for home - I decide I`ll pick up the pace in the closing miles & take the bin bag off just before the last mile. I see so many local club vests to chase. I caught loads who went past me earlier which is always good. The incline section caught me out as I got blocked in a bit - what a rookie mistake !!! Now it`s around this point I think "Where`s the f*ck is Heather" - a bit like that song "Who the is f*ck is Alice" but with different words - this does actually make me run a bit faster…she must be around here somewhere…….I`m sure I didn`t pass her…

 

Two miles & a bit left and I pick the pace up again - I see `targets` come and go but still no Heather…. At mile 12, just on the bend I rip off the bin bag & give it to a marshal & went for it (OK, it did help that there is a slight incline there). I pass the section where you can see the back of finish area & the take a look at the Garmin…..Mile 12.4 the Garmin says 1:33:xx - I think "Wow I could just about do this but where the f*ck is Heather??...."    I take out another target - I have three corners to go…..two corner to go - I see Mick n Phil on the side encouraging runners through. I gasped a "thank you" I pick the pace up again - it feels I am in full sprint mode….still no Heather thou (but to be fair I could have passed all my family in this section & not noticed)…around the last corner - I could not catch my last target…..as she has already finished…

 

I did congratulate her on a fantastic run - I looked at the Garmin & had to think…was that a PB or not……to be fair I was a bit fried. I`m sure it was - at it happens it was a PB by 20 seconds.

What a weekend - a 21:06 parkrun followed by an expected 1:38:00 Half.

Sometimes good things do happen when it`s not expected or planned.

 

I saw Dave finish, we collected our stuff, after a shower we & headed off to the pub for a relaxing chat & Roast....again getting soaked in the process.  All in all a very good & unexpected weekend.

 

* That will teach you & those 35 seconds ;-)

 

Splits - 7:36, 7:42, 7:35, 7:42, 7:32, 7:34, 7:24, 7:31, 7:34, 7:35, 7:50, 7:10, 6:58, 0:12 (0.03@ 6:42) - Ave 7:31 min / mile.

 

RESULTS - POWER OF TEN RESULTS

Near the last corner....

 

Other stuff – Weight wise & recent increase in speed – I do think this is down to weight loss (was 84 KGs now 70 KGs), I feel better, fitter, faster. I am training better too but another main reason is that changing the way I think – becoming more positive / looking at things differently.  Just to recap I started to notice this weight loss around December time, and  while this is a good thing it was also worrying so much so that in mid January I went to the Doctors, who recommended blood tests. A week or so later the results came back – and I was amazed at the number of tests they ran came back with nothing wrong. 

 

Also around the same time I had been in contact with an old friend, which hasn`t worked out & can never work out now – there are always two sides to a story but trust & honestly are so important to me & I do deserve better….something I had chosen to ignore & disregard.

 

Another big step around December time I started to work, basically with a `Life Coach` – and I guess I could ask 100 folks about what their thoughts are about that & I would get 100 different views back.

I know it`s a bit `alternative` but I like that - I gave up smoking through hypnosis.....next month I`m looking forward to my first meditation course. It fits in with my belief system.

 

Now a couple of things that is changing is how I`m dealing with sorting out my `old cupboard` - dealing with the new stuff at the front then digging out the stuff at the back.

The other & has already changed to a certain degree is my thought process – it is quite amazing what happens when you think differently. I certainly have noticed this in my running esp at that point when you are tired & can easily slow down or cut a run short.

 

This is why you are seeing so much `Positive thought / inspirational` phrases being shared on my FB page – all I say & I know it`s not for everyone but try it before you knock it - it works. Even a listening to a `positive thought`  podcasts on long run helps too…..and makes a difference to hard banging house music.

Power Of Affirmations

An incredible Interview - Hypnotherapy, Obsession, Self Esteem, Narcissium
 

I also recommend that you read Brian E. Millar`s blog - his latest blog is brilliant - see `My Blog List`

“Your words have power. What you tell yourself throughout a day can be one of the most important conscious choices you make in each moment. Be mindful of what you say to yourself. Think about what words you use in quiet moments with yourself. Be selective and work on empowering, self-coaching and loving yourself !”

 

“The fastest way to become the master of your thoughts and emotions is through challenging situations. If your life is going along fairly smoothly, there are not the same opportunities that enable you to strengthen your determination and will over your own thoughts and emotions.

It's when we're challenged that we see exactly how much control we have over ourselves. One way to get back in control is to distract yourself by focusing on something else, and keep distracting yourself until you feel much better. keep doing this until you can return to the challenging situation and only feel optimism about it – “ From The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne.

Anyway enough about that.......Next up – This Sunday it`s the Bramley 20, another local race set on an enjoyable course. This will be a progressive (5 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 2) run - so I will have some fun there.

 

My Endure 24 Charity Page - LINK

 

Right Here Right Now.

Well “Happy New Year” to you all – can I really say that on the 20^th ???

 

It`s currently week 5 in my training plan for `Endure 24` race. The first two weeks were effected by Christmas & New Year but I did try to work with the plan & build the mileage up. Since the New Year the mileage has gone – 39M, 36M, 41M. I guess it`s still early days but I`m feeling good – not fatigued, not bored & healthy. I am enjoying mixing up the short fast runs, with the tempo & slower medium runs – I did my 1^st 2.5hr run this week – just sneaking over the 17M mark. All good really.

After missing out (my decision) the Tadworth 10 – I did get to wear my 1^st race number of the year today at the Stubbington Green 10Km.  I guess I went for the `Mr. K taking it easy` week – Easy 7.5M on Monday, hard 4M (29mins) on Wed, 17M on Thursday & a 23min parkrun in the snow yesterday…..…I really had expected this race to be called off but it wasn`t – thank goodness.

From the club it was only myself & Dennis, basically this meant an early start so Dennis could stop & chat to everyone he knew before the race – plus the car park is a good walk away. In the end Dennis didn`t run. We got there & literally bumped in Jerry North – he is a star man, always a smile & a warm welcome (they use to run against each other in the early 60`s you know..). We grab a coffee (black) & whilst getting changed I down a gel for the heck of it. I drop the bag off & go for a small warm up (less than 0.5M) – basically to the start line. At this point I don`t really have a game plan….but I look the part – short sleeved compression top, Club Vest & new arm sleeves, gloves & shorts – I decided against wearing the Brook T6`s racers. I think maybe a sub 48 – nah I just go with the flow – wearing the arm sleeves does make seeing the garmin quite tough anyway.

I get to the front & work back – where should I position myself?? I see loads of folks clearly too far near the start line & wearing far too much - Ok it`s snowing & chuffing cold but still – we are in England !!! Anyway I settle a little bit back. I hear the hooter go…and nothing :-O always gets me that.  After a little while we set off & within minutes I am dodging folks already – arrrgghh. After I guess the 1^st mile the course opens up. I settle into a pace that is comfortable – thinking can I hold this pace throughout the run?? I relax, look around – such a nice route – very scenic with many twists & turns. After about 1 ¼ miles we head down & left and to me & unsure why but this is where I think the race starts foe me.  The course twists down narrow roads – all fairly ice & snow free, then just before the 1.5M  - the only real hill on the course. This slows the pace down but soon enough we are the top – gasping for air but the course generally drops downhill from here.

As we headed around the course I kept thinking about being relaxed – did notice I don`t seem to swing my arms too much…as snow was settling on them – LOL. Despite not looking at the garmin I did try to keep the pace steady – I didn`t seem to work with any one group or any one runner. I did find some sections & parts (towards & from sea front section) tough & a struggle but for some reason I thought “Well I can`t do this bit tomorrow” and even more bizarrely thought of the Fatboy Slim song “Right Here Right Now”  (I did also laugh at the `Fatboy Slim connection) – but it worked and I pushed the pace again to where I thought it had been.  By this stage I was counting the distance down – 8Km – great 2Km to go…again I didn`t slow down. I was almost running out of `targets` - soon enough `400M to go` sign was in sight . I did open a bit, surprised how much I had left in the tank. I heard shouts of “Come on Kelvin”, “Well done Mr. K” etc - I was on my toes – I went around the corner – and you could have knocked my down with a feather. I saw the Race Clock. I caught my last target right on the line. I grabbed the arm sleeve in a desperate hurry to get to the garmin & press the stop button…

I couldn`t believe it – I shook hands with everyone around (inc Iwan Tomas & no Luke I didn`t beat him as he ran a 43:30 C/T), I saw the Andover Boys & Girls who had great races. I went for a small cool down – only to give myself a bit of space really.

Garmin time - 43:36 (Gun time 44:03 - chip timer didn`t seem to work)

Previous 10Km PB - 45:14 - June 2009

I went back to where Dennis was standing & caught up with Simon & the girls who were waiting for Susan to finish (who also had a fantastic race). I collected my bag & chatted to Brian (Ex Cove) for a bit. All in all a great day – and totally unexpected.

Full Power Of Ten Results

Garmin
 
What else in going on – well I`m having a long over due sort out. I`m sorting my `cupboard` which is filled with all sorts of stuff from my life – good & bad stuff but it`s all mine. It`s not going to be a quick job but I knew that from the start. What I didn`t really appreciate was how strong the ties are to the `old familiar` stuff despite knowing it`s just junk & takes up valuable space.

Next up – Week 6 in the training plan I guess, seriously the Wokingham Half on 10^th Feb

My Endure 24 Charity Page - LINK

 

Well not quite but close.....

Before I get onto my 2013 plans that I guess I should mention 2012.

The first 4 months of 2012 was a bit pants – we are not talking M&S pants here but `5 for £3.00 bottled grey coloured` pants. Having to jog around my favourite Aerodrome for 1 lap rather than racing 2 laps, nearly getting beaten by Percy Pig at Fleet, ditching my London plans & pulling out from my target No. 1 race. The total mileage for those four months was 133 Miles, and that inc 82M for March.

The next 5 months were better – averaging about 80M per month, which included good 10M runs at Alton & Hook, a nice jog at the South Downs Half, totally enjoying Thunder Run (even thou poor fitness levels were showing), a really interesting 18.6Km race in Greece, a comeback 20M in Milton Keynes & my first (& only) Marathon this year in Farnham – so generally getting there.

The last 3 months have seen the mileage nearly getting there – the yearly highlight was Caesars Camp 50 in mid October in difficult conditions, having a good run out at Gosport Half & a good parkrun blast just a couple of weeks ago. So ending the year nearly on form again & defiantly happier.

(For the `stats` fans among us – 2009 = 1,395 Miles, 2010 = 1,576 Miles, 2011 = 1,434 Miles & so far in 2012 = 811 Miles)

What`s the 2013 plans.....

Well as the picture says "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - is actually fairly close to the truth. As on June 8th I plan to be on the start line of the Run 24 ( http://www.endure24.co.uk/ ) an off-road 24 hour race, held in Wasing Park, Reading - this would be a solo attempt (yes basically a repeat of last year`s target race).

Many of you know since I`ve started running in 2008, I have done few odd races before - 12 hrs race, 50 Mile race, completed 3 Ultra-marathons before actually running a marathon but this is something different. I am under no illusion that I will be pushing myself, both physically & mentally, on race day & during training.

Training wise - I am looking at following the training plan in the `Relentless Forward Progress` book - I have worked it out that the mileage if I follow this plan is 970 miles (not inc 50 Km B`day Race or Race day itself). With a bit of poetically licence most of my races fits within this plan - except my Birthday Run in the New Forest in March but it`s my birthday & I can do what I want.

I will be looking to raise money for a local charity to Farnborough - Parity for Disability (http://parityfordisability.org.uk/), they are a great charity that do important work locally in supporting children & adults with severe & multiple disabilities and like many smaller charities they are often over-looked. I will be setting up a `mycharitypage.com` in the forthcoming weeks - I do have a few ideas to rattle the sponsorship tin for this one (the last time I raised money with back in 2008 for my 1st Half Marathon when I ran the Great North) so please give as much as you can. Every single penny helps these guys to a better life.

I will be looking for a support team on the day so it you want to help please give me a shout.
I am looking forward to this challenge, it`s both exciting & hard work..

Feel free to following me on Twitter (@Mister_KG) or follow this blog

The power of the mind........& a bit fun.

Things have been going well since Gosport, amazing what happiness & a good run can do for one`s confidence. This had got me thinking about my year`s running - generally not the best since I started this game. I hadn`t pushed myself, distance or pace wise since the comeback - definitely a case of holding back for fear of a repeat injury - unsure if this is normal or not but I guess it is. One season`s best I wanted to beat was my parkrun time - my season`s best was 23:56 - I simply had to do better but was running out of events.

So with that in mind I decided that the 8th Dec was the time to give it a bit of a bash. I eased off the miles in the week before, no 3 mile warm up, head was in `racing mode`. Kit was chosen - Club vest, shorts. Ok I hadn`t planned the weather being so cold (coldest this year) so the `marigolds` came out. Half mile warm up, I made my way to the dizzy heights of the front of the start line !!! Now I know parkrun folks don`t want to call it a race but raced off when the hooter went off. The plan was to sit behind Alison until I got spat out of the back as that should still give me a SB`s time. Within 0.5M I had gone past Alison - opps but running quite well. I was overtaking more folks than being past - all good. I didn`t look at the Garmin when the mile bleep went off. I did find myself slowing, but each time I leant forward a bit more, shorten my stride - thought of the wheel & pushed on. Back on the canal path for the second time & I went past a long time target. Now it was a case of just waving to acknowledgement to the marshals rather than saying "thanks a lot ". In the last mile & I could hear ladies behind me (cough thing) - I thought it was Alison sitting on me then storming past in the latter stages - well that`s what I would do. She pulled along side - it wasn`t Alison.

A marshal said words of encouragement - then said "Well done Jo, 1st Lady".....well that`s sorted then - I can beat 1st Lady (it doesn`t happen that often) - taking my chance I picked up the pace for the final bit & raced, screamed towards the finish line. I stopped my watch & collected my token - position No. 34, then checked the Garmin - I was actually shocked - initially I thought my Garmin had stopped during the run as I could not really believe the time.....it said `22:18` That`s ridiculous - that`s only 25 seconds slower than my PB & 20 seconds from my course PB set back in April 2010. Bizarrely my legs were not that tired - nothing left in the lungs but legs fine. Amazing what you can do if you set yourself up do to something & let go any fear or doubts. I did enjoy my scrambled eggs on toast down the post-parkrun cafe.

Splits - 6:56, 7:31, 7:24, 0:26 (0.07 @ 6:05) - Ave 7:16/m


The next day was the Hogs Back Road Race (racing two days on the trot - just like old times ;-) ) A local race, l did like this one but they had changed the course - no legging it up the Hogs Back road from Guildford avoiding the traffic :-( but for Health & Safety reasons totally understandable. Myself & Dave got there early - one cup of tea later & a short warm up it was start time (9.00am). Like normal I hadn`t really looked at the course so it would be a bit of surprise. Race plan as my legs were suffering from previous day speedy parkrun so it was a case of `Have a bit of fun" that was introduced. We started near the back but soon found the pace was too slow so were found the gaps & pushed ahead. Amazing what people wear - far too many folks wearing too many clothes & getting too hot too quickly. The hills towards the end of the 1st mile thinned out the runners but as I like going uphill it wasn`t a real problem. After about 2 miles we headed downwards - now letting go down hill is something I`ve been working on - I let myself go & flew down the hill. I eased up & waited to Dave to come back alongside.Then the course became very interesting - a good mile of twists & turns & up hill climbs. Myself & Dave almost stride for stride. Then came the flat at around 3.5 mile stage...and Dave took off....but didn`t disappear off in the distance as is the norm with him. After what seemed a long time we arrived at the top of the Hogs Back - it was all downhill from here. OK going downhill towards Compton on icy roads wearing my racing slicks (Brooks T6`s) isn`t great & was a bit dicey. We went past where I helped man a support stop at the Pilgrims Challenge earlier in the year.

Despite the tired legs, the distance between Dave & myself wasn`t increasing. At around mile 5 & I guess the 1st time in any race I was very cold in the `shorts department` - painfully cold. I was actually thinking "could I run at this pace with my gloves shoved down the front of my shorts??" I had worked out I only had at best just over 15 mins of running time left - I could manage that. The last mile did go quite quickly, I closed the gap with Dave - nearly in striking distance - maybe 400 to go but then he looked round. I couldn`t believe it - he hadn`t looked around for 4 miles - and sprinted off. I tired to catch him - we overtook several runners in this closing stage but I couldn`t get that distance back. Crossed the line & I wouldn`t like to use the phase "Warmed myself up" but I did feel better. Again really pleased with the finishing time - just by having a bit of fun & letting go.

(Instead of a mug or medal - the freebie was free photos - see above example of the sprint finish)

Splits (& guess the hills) - 7:53, 7:57, 8:53, 8:13, 7:07, 7:29, 7:38, 0.23 (0.06@ 6:15) - Ave 7:52/m



Next up - a bit of R&R & then the Haslmere Boxing Day Run on er Boxing Day - a serious race complete with a beer stop :-)

Have fun & enjoy.

Four years & 31 half marathons later....well I did say I`ll be back !!

Gosport Half

Despite only really back in training for 2 weeks (just under 30 miles per week) plus race week after CC50 I was looking forward to returning to Gosport & running this half marathon. My previous outing here was in 2008 & was in fact my 2nd Half Marathon & on that day I ran what was a PB of 1:48:22. A couple of reasons to look forward to this one was the big club turnout - 9 of us went down...and the pub lunch afterwards.....oh and of course the running bit.

From memory it was a very similar day - weather wise - very nippy & blue skies but still going with the Club Shirt & shorts (as it happened I went for the vest). I picked up Dennis - who wasn`t running but fancied a day out - and made our way down. Got there & almost straight away bumped into Dave, Dan, Tony, Anthony & Pete from the club. Drank coffee & fluffed around a bit, collected the timing chip, dropped my bag off & went for a warm run (0.87 M @ 8.16/m pace) where I nearly ran into Alison & David (again from the club). During this warm up I thought about the race plan - I knew I was on for a seasonal best - Fleet 2:07:XX - but a week before it was a sub 1:50:XX, during the week I had added 5 mins so a sub 1:55:XX, however down there & warming up I settled back for a sub 1:50 - with a super top goal of a course best...

We made our way to the start - the new start position - & found ourselves pretty much at the back. Hooter goes off & Dave manages about 20 metres till he gets `bored` and runs off - I`ve tried before to go with him & learnt the hard way so I hang back with Dan & Tony. 1st mile pops up & we are about right. 2nd mile was a bit fast - "easy tiger." We enter the dreaded Aerodrome - now the only good thing when in here is that we you see the faster folks running towards you - always impressive. Loads of Tesco`s runners doing well. Soon enough if was my turn to head out.

As the miles ticked over - the trouble with this course & for me it`s `too flat` - once settled into a stride my mile splits were very much the same. Back into the Aerodrome for a mile or two. Again saw the faster runners - saw Dave looking strong, I wondered where Alison was???? I went past Tony & Anthony a couple of miles back & saw Pete, Garry & David on the switchback parts & could see Dan in front but couldn`t catch him. As we headed out of the Aerodrome I felt my legs getting really bit tired - come on only a parkrun to go....

I expected the course to be along the promenade for a couple of miles then up a bit of incline & then home so it was a bit of shock to see Alison waving at me & coming towards me - I bet the confused look I gave was quite impressive. This kept me wondering for a mile or so. The course had changed - we had to run a small loop & then dropped down to a small path by the beach - during this mile I did feel myself slow & the group I was trying to tag unto moved further ahead. I tried to pull the pace back during the last mile but didn`t quite have in the legs - I did know a sub 1:50:XX was pretty much in the bag.

I saw Brian (Cove Joggers Ex Secretary) on the last corner, then Chris from Farnham Runners - both cheering me on...... 500 to go - I saw my target ahead. I don`t know if he had realised but he put his foot down too - and I now can confirmed that I am NOT a 400 metre runner but I gave it my all up the final part of the course. I went through the finish & nearly collapsed in a heap - it took me a while to catch by breath & stop my head spinning. I thanked the finishing area marshals & made my way through the finishing area. (btw I didn`t catch him).

Splits - 8:23, 8:09, 8:13, 8:01, 8:10, 8:12, 8:10, 8:07, 8:21, 8:21, 8:20, 8:38, 8:28, 1:01 (0.14@ 7:27)





Finishing time - 1:48:41 - 19 seconds away from my 2008 time - very happy with that esp as this is one of the few times I`ve actually felt like I`ve been racing this year and 3 minutes from my best 2011 time.

During the home straight I saw & heard Dennis so I made my way back down the him, chatted for a while before getting cold, so I headed back to the school to collect my bag & get showered. After we got changed we all met up & headed off to the pub for a Sunday lunch - which I have to say was very enjoyable. If you are looking for just one reason to join a Running Club that`s its there.

Weight wise - definitely getting rid of the `ball` - more running plus doing a lot more yoga - I guess up to 4 hours a week.

Next up - Sunday week it`s the `Hog`s Back Run` - and not wanting to pre-judge this one but they have changed the course from a really interesting 8 miler to 11.5 Km so we shall wait & see what`s that like.....

The results are in....

Yes the results are in from the Caesars Camp 50M run & worth waiting for.

I was one of the 45 starters than ran the 50 mile course in conditions & I quote from Henk "the worst they have ever been" & from the 29 who made it to the end I finished in 19th place.

Results - Link thing

I could be a bit negative to say that if I`d finished 7 minutes better I would have gained 3 places but I will not – it was tough, I learnt a lot – quite a lot about me & can honestly say I enjoyed it.

I guess the big question is - which will be sooner.....................my next 50 miler or next year`s CC50 race?? :-)

Next up this Sunday – Gosport Half. Unsure of the actual race plan but thinks a seasonal bests is on the cards.

Oh yeah I`ve been making plans for next year...... ;-)

Life is good - thankyou  K