`Balls out finish`……

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results 10 - LINK

Results 6 - LINK

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



Woodland 5 & a bit.

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

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

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

In the end it was 40:35

Results - LINK

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

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

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

Double trouble or double the fun??

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

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

Results - LINK

 

Garmin - 



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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

Garmin -

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Charity Page - LINK

What`s that saying……"yesterday`s goals will not win today`s game"

So after a really good London - so many positives - I took my `five clear day break`. My first run out was at Winchester parkrun and I have to say I was really pleased with the steady pace I ran (7.10`s) PLUS it`s always great to catch up with folks at these inaugural parkruns (scores on the parkruns doors - Different events - 25 & Inaugurals - 9 & Total No.- 186).

 

Next day was the Bracknell Half & I only really entered this to get the legs moving again & back to plan. I did help that I really do like this event, I have run it twice before (2009 - 1:42:56 & 2010 - 1:41:52) so I knew the course. Despite all the twists and turns it is surprising fast - I also knew I wouldn`t be that fast this time around.

I got collected by Dan nice & early, we met up with fellow Cove Joggers - Duncan & James, along with Richard from SJ. Now I did beforehand I would be happy with a time of 2:00hrs+ but….the sun was out, shades were on, the birds were singing away, I had a race number on my vest, I was wearing club colours, I had my bright shoes on, I like the course …….what other excuses can I come up with. Let`s just say it didn`t happen that way.

Just before the start I found the boys, watched the nice helicopter display. The plan was for myself & Heather to run together so off we went - noting how many people run with their numbers on the backs (Guys it`s a very simply instruction - numbers to be worn on the front). The 1st mile was a bit fast but ok, the 2nd mile I think we did slow down on purpose but also the course narrowed a bit - this did feel very easy. I did want more of a test than that.

Somewhere during Mile 3 we picked up the pace, opps but overtaking folks & chatting away & feeling relaxed did feel good. This how it really carried on. Even going up the two main drags on the course. It was great to spot Alison & Brian from the club - how did they manage to see us so many times plus see the other behind too??? Also big high 5 to Ben (Heather`s O/H). Great to meet during & afterwards from Fetch – Fleecy J

Even towards the end of the run the pace felt relaxed, the conversation flowed along. I guess it was just after the 12.5 mile point I ask Heather if she wanted a gel - she declined :-)  

 

We crossed the finish line with a time of 1:46:33 - all in all a good, social run in the nice sunshine. Thanks Heather great to run with you again.

About 10 minutes later the boys came in - all very close to each other - all getting PB`s - brilliant. With Duncan the oldest brother getting in front of James (making it 2 v 1 to James so far in the `Ball Brother faceoff), also really impressed with Richard as he also ran London.

Two, well three things will stick out in my mind from this race;

 

1) Duncan`s Nike watch measured short so he had to run an extra 400 metres or so in circles afterwards so he could `clock` the distance. Which is ironic really as James did say while running these loops "Look at Duncan, what a clock !! ".

2) James`s post-race beer selection needs to seriously be addressed.

The 3rd thing is a bit private but I did receive some brilliant news after the race which almost proves the theory behind `Karma` - fingers crossed that justice shows through & the punishment & repercussions are to the maximum.

Race data….

Splits - 8:36,9:14, 8:15, 8:06, 8:05, 8:15, 7:58, 8:05, 7:54, 8:03, 8:07, 8:09, 7:40 (0.99 @7:43)

 

Also this week I`ve pushed my details of my 24hr hour - the amount of donations already is simply staggering - thanks - see link

LINK - My Charity Page Link


Next up - A new thing for me - a double marathon weekend - On Sunday the Neolithic Marathon ending at Stonehenge & then on Monday the Milton Keynes - a bit of a contrast but my plan said a `50 mile run` and this was the second best option. Pace wise - unknown really but it will be interesting to find out :-)

GAME ON

London – where the streets are paved, no I mean lined with gold…….

Yeap the Virgin London Marathon – my No. 2 target race of the year – opps sorry didn`t I mention that earlier J ok I may of mislead a few of you.

My second appearance at London. I ran in 2010 and while I was pleased with how I ran that day & improved my `pen 7 time` by 30 mins - I ran a solid 4:00:08 but I knew I could do so much better….at least 9 seconds better minimum.


After returning from my two week running break at the middle / back part of March I felt I had lost some of my endurance speed so I accepted that maybe a sub 3:30 was slightly out of touch, I would aim for a sub 3:35, then a sub 3:39:40 (PB = 3:39:41). The bombing at Boston also affected me - I wasn`t going to allow myself to be seen by anyone who came out in support of us running London and me not giving anything but top effort.

My taper was about 10 days – ok it was meant to be two weeks (after the Alice Holt Half) but basically I couldn`t resist an extra mid-week speed session J During race week I managed a slow-ish 7.5Miler,  & 2 ½ hrs of yoga (inc 1 ½ hrs of Bikram yoga), trip to the Expo, trip to theatre, even a social parkrun the day before - all meaning I felt nice & relaxed. On race day Cove Joggers runners are very fortunate as we are helped out by Sandhurst Joggers & use their London coach – saves a lot of hassle. We met at 6:30 for the trip up – imagine going on an exciting school trip when you were younger & you will not be far wrong :-) boing :-) Anyway we get to Blackheath nice and early & split into our various starts – I was in the blue start along with Pete, Garry, Richard – we managed to find Hannah soon after. Those two hours or so just disappeared – soon it was time to apply the sun screen & chuck the bag in. Before I dropped the bag I listened to one pre planned track on the iPod….

I made my way to pen 4 & sat down quietly for about 10 minutes just getting my thoughts together, practicing those meditations techniques. As I got up I looked over the barriers & saw Ultra Sparkly Bridget & chatted to her for a while, which was great as I`d not seen her for a long while… It was nearly time to go.  I had set the Garmin on 8:22m/m pace (just under 3:40 hrs) but wore a 3:35 pace band.

We stood in silence for the 30 sec - I didn`t quite hear the hooter but felt the surge towards the start. Just before the start by that mini roundabout I heard that Fat Boy Slim song - "Right Here, Right Now" blasting out - this was `my` song from my first, really pleasing run of the year at Stubbington Green 10Km in January - this brought back such a great feelings . I did start slow but as it happened it was only for one  mile.  Maybe half / ¾ mile in I saw Fay – an Andover runner come whizzing past me, I knew from an earlier conversation she did say she wanted a good time so I let her go on her way. I was quite happy running a bit behind schedule at that stage.

As the race went on I seemed to be quite fortunate & found a bit of space to run it. For some reason during these big & crowded races I always seem to run on the left hand side of the road – London was no different. I didn`t feel too cramped or get blocked too many times. During those first few miles the crowds were just amazing – I got so many `shout outs`. In fact the crowds throughout the race were just brilliant – instead of 2 deep they were 4 deep, where it was 4 deep they were 6 deep – the noise was more deafening than last time that was for sure. An excellent response to the bombers of Boston.

My gel plan was one every 5 miles - with a couple of jelly babies thrown in later on & water every now & again. 5 miles in (around 42:xx) I have the 1st gel, I felt I was about on race pace now & feeling really good, looking around appreciating the crowds, the other runners, the landmarks. As I came up to the hour point I noted the distance  – just over 7 ¼ miles – great almost on back on track. At around mile 8 an amazing thing happened – despite there being 34,500 or so runners in the race, also on the left side I ran into a friend which was great – we chatted for a bit, we wished each other well I off I went. I was just loving this race. Unsure if I got this from the crowds or the fact the sun was out - or indeed both - but I felt strong & full of energy.

Ten mile in (just over the 1:23) & time for another gel.  This one went all over my hands…lucky a water station was nearby. This it happened was a bit of a blessing as I felt so much better after `washing` my hands & wrists. I grabbed a few jelly babies to compensate for having half a gel. :-)

Going across Tower Bridge is simply just amazing, then turning right along `The Highway` & seeing the fastest runners coming on the other side - I didn`t quite see the leaders but did give a shout out to Phil Wicks (2:19:xx). Along here is the halfway point - 13.1Miles in 1:50:09 (cutting it very close to PB pace), the other great thing along here was the `Fetchpoint` - despite wearing my club vest I managed to get a huge roar (thanks guys) - just shortly after here I went past Iwan Thomas (who just beat me in the Stubbington Green 10Km). Just along here I got a shout out from Brian, Louise & David from Frimley Lodge - sorry guys I was on the left but thanks guys. Just after the 2hrs 09 point I was around the 15 1/2 mile point - another gel - I was still feeling very comfortable.

At around 17M point - I switched sides to see the `Runners World` support crew - somewhere I had completely missed in my previous London - opps. I clapped them as I went past. So under just 10 miles to go. (2 hrs 21 mins) - Ok I was behind on 3:35 pace but hadn`t lost anything to 3:40 pace. As we headed around this section I knew the underpasses would cause a few problems with the Garmin - lucky what had beeped at mile 19 (9:27m/m) - I did see the time at 20M - 2hrs 46min . Still cutting it close - I pushed on not allowing myself to fade - maybe that 2 week break had given my legs a chance to feel fresh!.

About 21.5 miles in you get to run past the runners who are around 13 / 14 mile point - which is great - the roar of the crowds is certainly louder. I moved to the right as I knew the `Fetchpoint` would be coming up but before that I saw one of the most inspiration things I have ever seen - I went past a charity cheering point (I wish I could remember what charity it was) & I saw this guy who had no lower arms but using his elbows to clap with - I caught his eye & thanked him - from this point on I had no right to feel any pain. I picked up the pace. I made a bit of a low past at the Fetchpoint - shouted out to HOD - sorry I didn`t stop. :-)

I have to say I loved `Blackfriars Underpass` - all the motivationally posters - I wanted to go back & read them all again - excellent idea. As we popped up on the Embankment I knew I hadn`t got that much further to go. I saw Big Ben in the distance & thought right it`s a just a half mile from there…I dug deep along this section - I grabbed water to cool myself off. I kept pushing that pace, maybe too fast but I wanted that PB - I knew it was close. I used the crowd, again so many shout outs. I looked at the Garmin at the 25.Miles point - 3hrs 27 mins - I knew from the underpass I couldn`t rely on the Garmin for an accurate distance - blimey this was going to be close…….

I got to Big Ben - right two more sections to go……I saw the first sign - 800 metres to go - despite passing loads of runners I started to feel like I was running in glue, 600 metres to go - COME ON it feels like minutes since the 800 sign. I saw the `3 Marathons in 3 Weeks` guy - Paris, Boston & London - I went past him & cheered him. I came to the 385 yards to go sign…..

I looked at the Garmin & saw 03:37 - I didn`t know if it was 03:37:59 or 03:37:01 - I `sprinted` down the Mail - and I can confirm I am not a sprinter :-) Each time someone went past me I gritted my teeth & took up the challenge to chase them down…."Come here you bugger` I remember thinking..


I came through the finish - my legs & lungs were shot - I stopped the Garmin, it said 03:39 - I changed screens… I couldn`t believe it……I was smack on my predication…….it said 03:39:29 - a 12 second PB, also a 49 second negative split race.

I bumped into Ali from the club, she had managed a 03:27:xx - I did say I wanted to be within 10 minutes of her but I didn`t really care - we had both run well. I chatted to other finishing area marshals I knew - Margaret, Ali`s Mum & Dad, Maurice, Darren Woods, then got my chip snipped from Debbie & got my medal from Julia - again from the club - which rounded off a brilliant race.. I saw Dennis & chatted to him for a while - at this point I was getting cold. I got my bag & got changed. Despite finishing 2nd Cove Jogger runner home & I did managed to grab 1st CJ runner down the pub - yeah - no medal there but the pint made up for it (thanks Lou).

What a fantastic day. I have to say & I know this one is fresh in my mind but I would say this is my best ever race…the support before race day, the superb crowds, the great weather, how I felt thought-out the race, my mile splits, my finishing time, cheeky PB, my negative split, the club mates in the finishing area, the club mates in the Pub…….. what a great day :-)

Well done London - the streets were indeed lined with gold.

(Lastly big shout to Hannah & Garry & Richard who completed their 1st (of many??) marathons & to David who knocked a huge chunk off his PB. ).

Splits - 9:00, 8:21, 8:08, 8:11, 8:13, 8:18, 8:13, 8:14, 8:07, 8:27, 8:27, 8:22, 8:07, 8:03, 8:06, 8:16, 8:09, 8:04, 9:27 (*), 8:05, 8:25, 8:22, 8:13, 8:50 (*), 7:12, 8:07, 3:50 (0.48M @8:05)

* I guess the underpasses effected these splits.

Next up - maybe this Sunday at the Bracknell Half - this will be a jog round just to get the legs moving - maybe a bit of pacing if not too fast.

Happy running folks.

Edit - look what You Tube clip I found - I loved this underpass....

If you don`t ask you don`t get…….

The `ask` was a challenge both in terms of timing & performance on the day. The challenge was to run a parkrun then at 10.00am start the `Bolt Round The Holt` 21KMs at Alice Holt. The travel time (without speeding) between the two venues was 26 mins - can you see the 1st part of the challenge?? Just to add a bit of extra interest not only did I want to run both events (nearly called parkrun a race…that was close….phew) but I wanted a to beat my previous 21 KMs best (set in 2009) of 01:48:49….now my thought process was that if I needed to be in a hurry why not try to get a parkrun PB there too.

 

That was the challenge - run a sub 21:05 at Frimley Lodge parkrun, then get to Alice Holt in time, then run a sub 01:48:49 - like all good challenges not easy but `do-able` :-)

 

Also running both events was fellow FL parkrunner Richard Boese, we were quite fortunate that registration for the Alice Holt was open at 07:45am, so the plan was hatched. I would collect Richard from his house (@ 06:45) drive to Alice Holt, get our numbers & chip timer, drive to Frimley Lodge parkrun. Run the parkrun, jump in the car & drive back to Alice Holt - with all timings of a Military Assault Operation.

 

Just before 09:00am we all assembled on the start area of parkrun - looked like a full house which meant very busy in the 1st half mile or so on the towpath. I set off fast, hoping to hit some space - I had set my PB the week before - at Basingstoke - and ran a first mile of 06:33 - I didn`t think I would hit that pace again but if I did I knew I could just about do it. I wasn`t too worried when loads of folks passed me just before the end of the canal stretch on the 1st lap - I kept pushing the pace. I didn`t look at the Garmin when the 1st beep went off. The `mud` section wasn`t too bad - the course had firmed up. Through unto the 2nd lap - I managed to tag myself on the back of a group of runners inc the 2nd lady. A couple of this group had dropped off half way down the canal - I heard a couple of shouts from runners coming out the mud section on their 1st lap - I was so tempted to see what time it was but didn`t. Second lady had moved ahead - we went around the dog walking field for the last time I had closed the gap & stuck right behind her. Onto the last field - I pushed forward & took them both just by the goal - I pushed again. I saw Dennis on the stones, I managed to gasp a `well done, keep going` to him before I pushed for 2nd to last turn, I knew someone was right on my tail. I got caught within meters of the line….as I finished I looked down & stopped the Garmin…..

It read 21:09 - darn missed it by 5 seconds but hey I gave it my best shot so whilst a bit disappointed it wasn`t that bad….

 

Splits - 6:37, 7:09, 7:10 (0.04M @4.52)

 

 

I waited for Richard to finish his run before freshening up a little - pining the race number on & driving off to Alice Holt.

 

The Sat Nav said - arrival time 09:56….

We arrive there & park up - we are 500 metres or so from the start line. So a bit of a jog to the start whilst fluffing around with the race belt & arm warmers.. We get there for the start only to be told the start was delayed by 30 mins. This gave us chance to say hello to fellow Cove Joggers Debbie & Jacqui who were doing the 5Km race (there was also a 10Km race too). The course was a 5Km lap so what the organisers planned was for the canine runners to go off first, then the 21Km runners - who had to do an extra 1Km lap, then the 10Km & then finally the 5Km runners went off. This meant we had to do this particular climb a total of 5 times !!!!

I had planned to run around 8:00 m/m (01:45:00) pace, which should be me a bit in the bag if the wheels came off a bit. The main course was undulating - steep descents & sharp climbs with a bit of flat - I had forgotten how undulating it was !! I went through the 5Km & felt comfortable (24:26 ish) - passing quite a quite runners in the process & out unto the 2nd lap. I grapped water where I could remembering I had already ran a speedy 5Km & it was warmer than usual. The 2nd lap felt more comfortable - the legs didn't complain as much, we had more space to run in - I could say thanks to the marshals (49:53 ish).  I did like the 3rd lap as not only did it feel we had the course to ourselves but it felt you knew you were only had one more to go so you could relax even more.  Towards the midpoint of this 3rd lap - Matt King came whizzing past enroute to his victory in 1:16:22. I guess I still had a mile to go on the 3rd lap before the 2nd guy came past (he finished in 1:18:23). I hit the final lap in good sprit, however I do recall at around mile 10 / 11 feeling really exhausted - I thought this was very odd as I don`t normally feel this `bad` at mile 10….I guess it took me a little while to realise / remember the parkrun beforehand - opps. After I realised that I seemed to pick myself up. Several runners caught me before the last climb - I knew the time was close - I didn`t really want to `just` miss out again so I hung on the back of them which wasn`t easy on that last incline. We came around the final corner & through the finishing gantry. I looked down - the Garmin said 1:46:11 - yes I beat my pervious 21KM best.
Physically generally ok, my legs were a bit tight but no issues with the ankle which was good - it was a bit obviously that I`ve lost a bit of fitness but very pleased I did 16 miles in just over 2 hours 7 minutes. Richard had a good run too.
I am pleased that I managed both runs, yes it would have been nice to get a best in both events but not too disappointed - I`m glad I asked myself the question thou.

 

Results - Results link

 

Splits - 7:52, 7:51, 7:38,  8:21, 8:09, 7:50, 8:31, 8:25, 8:04, 8:42, 8:52, 8:01, 7:50 (0.86M @9:05)

 

Next up - Taper time then `The Marathon` on the 21st.

 

The plan there is still unknown - I don`t think a sub 03:35:00 is on the cards now so really looking at;

Plan A) = A PB (sub 03:39:41),

Plan B = A Sub 03:45:00,

Plan C) = A Sub 03:50:00,

Plan D) = A Sub 04:00:08 (course best) - yes I missed the sub 4hr by 9 seconds in 2011

 

 

 

 

No Regrets….

 

 

Recently I had one of those conversations that I guess every runner gets or will get at some point - yes the `injury & regret' conversation - "running is bad for the knees….you will regret it you know…".

 

Yeap had one of those, to be fair it didn`t start too well..

 

"Hey Kelv, are you still running THE MARATHON now that you are injured?"…

 

Of course I replied…."Yes, still running THE MARATHON (I hope they did mean London !), first run back this Saturday"

 

"Hope it goes well but I knew you were doing too much…..you know running is bad for you….bet you regret it now ?"

 

"Err no…. I really enjoyed those weeks, so not at all - I loved those weeks"

 

Those weeks I am referring to was when I ran;

 

9th Feb - Frimley Lodge parkrun - 21:06 (PB)

10th Feb - Wokingham Half - 01:38:00 (PB)

17th Feb - Bramley 20 - 1st 10M in 01:27:57 - 2nd 10M in 01:15:30 - 02:43:58 (PB)

23rd Feb - Moonlight Challenge - Ran all 32.75M - 05:44:11 (PB)

3rd March - Bramley 20 - Even Paced 9:00`s - 02:55:21

10th March - New Forest 50Km - Birthday Run - 05:53:20 (PB)

17th March - Fleet Half - So many great things about this race……

 

Not only did I have fun in those races - I love running that way but I learnt a heck of a lot about myself & those `self-limits` you put on yourself. So it was rather bizarre that I saw one of these motivational posters saying almost exactly that - have no regrets but like most of these banners they need maybe one more line….& learn from any experience…good or bad. No regrets.

 

*As for the `injury` - it`s a lot better so a few more days rest then the tester at Basingstoke parkrun this Saturday. I had always planned to go back to Basingstoke around this time to give the course `a bit of a go` - unsure what I`ll do now but it will be fun going back seeing so many friends again & running the course again…the best bit about finishing your parkrun - going for coffee with great company afterwards :-)

 

Have I minded these last two weeks of not running - not really. I have to say I`ve done a lot more Bikram yoga sessions - mainly for the calorie burn but the warm conditions must get the blood flowing & therefore (in my limited opinion) be good for sorting injuries / niggles out …I don`t mind carrying out more of this experiment.

 

Tomorrow (Good Friday) I`m off to watch & support runners at the Maidenhead Ten - hope it`s warmer than when I watched the runners at last Sunday`s Cranleigh 15 / 21…and I hope the `abuse` is better… :-0  (Need to find out where the nearest Costa Coffee is to Maidenhead :-) )

 

Next up racing wise - Saturday week - a return to the `Bolt round the Holt` - 21Km - and yes of course there is a slight twist…. as it may include running Frimley Lodge parkrun beforehand - one starts at 9.00am & the other starts at 10.00am plus a 26 mins journey time ……………..then `THE MARATHON` on the 21st April :-)

Happy running & enjoy...

 

 

 

 

(Just cos I like the song)

Giving something back, helping out & remembering..

The `Fleet Half` Marathon - What a fantastic event…ok I`m ever so slightly biased as it`s my local half but I`m sure you will forgive me for that.

 

Yes one of my favourite events, it was a shame that I wasn`t going to race this one as I had been putting in the long miles recently & had a bit of niggle so when it snowed on the Monday my mind was made up - I was going to have some fun & wear fancy dress. Now earlier in the year I had found out someone who had helped me & many others at the Great North Run had died of cancer, only 46 – so shocking young. I wasn`t there in this particular year but I always remembered a story of Mick running the Great North in a Santa Suit so to me the outfit choice was easily made - this one was for you Mick.

 

So come the morning of the race, the banter & good luck messages started early. Evenually I cycled over to my Brother`s who lives in Fleet & walked up to the event HQ - it started to lash down - but the weather will be what it will be - no point worrying about something you can`t change. I had kept the dressing up in fancy dress very quiet but if the weather was different I would have cycled & walked in costume, which I think would have been funny - a Santa on a bike :-) Anyway I met Adrian en route & walked to the field - wow it was muddy !! We only had 40 minutes or so to go - we eventually met with Frimley Lodge parkrunners & other Cove Joggers. While it seemed every runner was hiding under the bag drop marquee I got changed into my outfit… with minutes to go I dropped the bag off - bumped in Marie & made our way to the start line. I saw the `sub 2 hrs bus` - Brian, James & Duncan, with David & Richard. I think they liked the last minute `celebrity`  J

 

I moved to the back of the starting field & made final adjustments to the outfit – safety pins everywhere - & saw Catherine & Julia, I moved up with Wendy & Adrian - all Cove Joggers - we had an incredible 19 club runners listed to start Fleet plus two more (Louise & Susan –brand new Cove Joggers) were helping out....an amazing club turn especially with a two more Cove Joggers at Reading Half too. The gun went off & we slowly moved forward - my plan was to join up with the sub 2 bus. I wished Wendy & Adrian a `Merry` time & off we (myself & my inflatable Rudolf) went….. I knew the bus would be around the 9.00m/m pace but I didn`t know how far in front they started - luckily it was only 30 seconds or so. It was James`s first half marathon which is great. They didn`t know I was joining them but with everything considered I thought a sub 2 would be ok. It was good to help Brian with the pacing & help others achieve their goal. It was also a bit fun running in fancy dress – to me it gave something back to the crowds & importantly the marshals giving them something to smile & cheer about when they stood in the rain - top effort of the marshals again. I do have to say the crowds were very responsive esp. in Fleet Town centre towards the Santa suit so many shouts, high fives - it was great.

 

We saw so many friends from Frimley Lodge parkrun along the High Street which was marvellous. This second mile is downhill & with a bit of showboating this mile was a bit fast but ok. We settled the pace down during mile 3 but then it`s down the High Street again during mile 4 - the crowds seemed to get louder - amazing turn out despite the weather. Again missed my Brother who was marshalling on the Crossroads….I did later see him coming back up Fleet Rd – hope the lady who dislocated her knee is ok.

 

As we headed out of Fleet towards the A30 and along Minley Road we compared what flavoured gel we were going to have - it was like ordering starters off a menu !!! When we turned down Blackbushe Road - the half-way point came up. Duncan & James were doing really well, ok they said they had up & downs but that`s like the course - ups & downs. My ankle / shin tendon wasn`t really liking the downs that was for sue but as the course is not known for the hills it would be ok. We passed under the M3 & up to mile 9 & along to one of my favourite parts of the course (it`s on one of the Cove Joggers longer training runs). At this stage Brian had moved up with David & Richard, who were just slightly ahead & keeping really good pace.  As we made our way along the course we counted down the mileage in parkruns terms.

 

At mile 10, just after the pub we had only one parkrun to go. They were still strong despite them thinking they were thinking the opposite. With 1 ½ miles to go we only had the length of Crookham Road to go – the crowds here hugely supportive, which was just great as it was slightly uphill especially towards the crossroads. I did leave the boys here as I wanted them to grab their own shouts for the finish. I did pick the pace up in this last mile, I got to the top & almost sprinted down the 400 metres or so to the finish. The organisors had tried their best but the finish strip was so muddy – good job we practised this type of finish at Frimley Lodge parkrun. I went through the finish & collected my medal from even more Frimley Lodge parkrunners – what a great feeling that is – thanks girls. I hung around to see David, James & Duncan in – they were all amazing. James had a hugely impressive first marathon (I did later note that he beat my 1^st half marathon time....) so did Duncan. Later we found out so did Abby Fudge- amazing time Abby..now I wonder where she gets that speed from????. After a while we collected our bags, got dry & warm & went to the pub.

 

Splits - 8:25, 8:46, 8:53, 8:52, 8:46, 8:50, 8:50, 8:52, 8:50, 8:53, 8:41, 9:02, 7:58, 4:44 (0.27M @17:35)*

 

* Forgot to stop the Garmin....what a rookie. Chip time 01:55:07

 
Results - Power Of Ten Results

Going to the pub afterwards rounded the day off – it`s so good to relax, have something to eat & drink & catch up with all the day`s running news. I do have to say the Guinness did go down very, very nicely….Thanks to all - A great day. One of the best I have to say.

Some Cove Joggers / Frimley Lodge runners enjoying a couple of post race drinks..Cheers

(Thanks to Louise for the photo).

Next up – well I am jumping on the bench for a while till this shin / tendon sorts itself out so Cranleigh is out & I`ve put myself down for  volunteering this Saturday at the parkrun. Rest will do me some good I think.