After
my efforts at the Endure24 I took my two week planned break and it was always
the plan to concentrate
on the short stuff before building back up
in a month or so, however I did underestimate how long it took to get back to
normal - let`s just say my legs were a bit shocked when I went out for the
first few times.
The `Longest parkrun day`
- 6 parkrun courses one after each other. It was tougher than I thought – so
glad Alice Holt was the second course we visited but really good fun. 18.6
miles in 2:28:43
What else - quite a lot really
but I did take the sensible option on a couple of them - I used the Woodland
5 & a bit (41:36) & Yateley 10Km (46:05) as hard effort runs
rather than flat out races. I didn`t race New Forest 10 (1:37:37), had a
bit of a untidy race at the Adventure Boot Camp 10Km (51:27).
I gave the Elstead `Marathon`
(41:57 - 5.4 Miles), the very hilly Gibbet Hill 10Km (49:49) & the
flat Dinton Lakes 10Km (46:22) a bit of a go - interesting twists to
those two 10Kms as they were on consecutive nights. Cove Joggers
(eventually – yes sorry about that) fielded 4 teams at the Bounders Relay
(4 x 2.1 miles) - one year I`ll make that top team but I did put myself down
for two runs – first run was 15:40 & the second run was a pleasing 15:07. I
`dipped my toe` in triathlons - Sandhurst Joggers put on a `Try-A-Tri`
which consists of a 200 mtr pool swim, 10Km cycle & 1.8 mile run. While its
good every while to step out from your comfort zone it did feel weird even at
that distance…not felt like that for ages. Great fun, well worth doing &
from the results I know where I need to concentrate if I want to give it
another go……………….who knows ;-) Anyway the Results = Swim 4:50 (11th), Bike
25:26 (16th) & Run 13:32 (4th) = Total time 43 mins 48 secs. Position -
14th from 22
Lastly, and the race I was
gearing up for was the Olympic Park 5M. A rare chance of a 5 mile PB as
I had only really raced one a few years back (38:20) & no I`m not counting
the Woodlands 5 & a Bit as `races` in this. We arrived at Stratford and
almost immediately lost ourselves in the sea of blue `National Lottery` race
tops but we managed make it to the Stadium intact where we met up with more
runners from Frimley Lodgers & Cove Joggers. We had about 50 mins or so
that just simply disappeared. I was lucky enough in the 1st (Red) wave - it
still took my 5 minutes to cross the line. The plan was sub 37 maybe even
manage a cheeky sub 36 (I often do as a mid-week speed session 4 miles in
29.3x) so in race conditions I thought these goals were realistic.
I was surprised
how narrow & how many twists the course had for so many runners but I guess
it did prevent you from chasing off too fast in the 1st couple of miles…Despite
the fact I was `going slowly` I look at the Garmin when it beeped for the 1st
mile - 7:17 so as it happens spot on pace. I guess it helped as I ran on the
far left or far right hand side of the tracks - I seemed to get more space to
overtake. We soon came to water station at mile 2 - I didn`t bother & used
that opportunity to overtake a few more that moved over or slowed down for the
water - I did miss seeing what that mile split was. I enjoyed the next section
as you could see the fast boys & girls (& some `walkers` !!!) coming
down towards at their 4 mile mark so expericance told me we would speed up - we
did - 3rd mile in 6:58 - brilliant. I wondered what mile 2 was…..my legs,
despite the parkrun & `Try-A-Tri` the day before were feeling ok. I was
swinging my arms like a loon. I found mile 3 the worse for twist & turns
& I guess many runners who went off too quick were being caught out her. I
looked forward to the next section as you could see runners on the other side
going past - mile 4 marker appeared - 7:20 pace - I saw Ali & David on the
other side. I kept pushing the pace & soon we were under the Stadium - this
section was to me was not the best section on the route - it went on for ever.
The garmin beeping like mad - lost signal but like most things it was pleasing
when you saw the light at the end of the tunnel…and out on the track we
went. I am struggling to think of a better setting for a finish to any race –
what a feeling. Amazing – even the feeling of 200 to go wasn`t too bad. Over
the line in 36:18
Next up is, and for the fourth
consecutive year - the Thunder Run24 - Team Name `Willy Wonkers IV`
don`t get confused we are a mixed 5 team…is a personal goals of 7 laps too much
????
What can I say about the Endure24 - a 24 hour solo running race
and just to recap - I had `dreamt` about competing in a 24 hrs running race
almost since I started running - I thought how can runners do that, if they can
do it why can`t I?? Is it just mind over matter stuff (read stubborn) - Thank
goodness I don`t ask these questions about running a sub 17 minute 5Km (dodged
one there I think
!!) Anyway I
was meant to take part in a 24 hrs race last year but due to injury I pulled
out from that attempt fairly early on in my training - the `itch` was still
there - so when I saw this particular event I entered straight away as it
ticked so many boxes & then set up a 6 month training plan - why 6 month -
well mainly to get my head around the idea of ME running for a whole day &
it was for real…………..
To those that don`t know the set-up of the Endure24; it is a 24
hour race, where teams can be of solo runners, pairs, 5`s & 8`s & how
many laps you do is completely up to you. A lap measures 5 miles and is a bit
of road, stony track & grass. It is a lot of fun esp. if you are in `rival`
teams..(hint hint Club mates & Frimley Lodge parkrunners.. J )
Despite a 6 month training plan it came around very quickly, the
last few weeks just seemed to merge into days - even on the Wednesday night at
the Yateley 10Km it didn`t like only 3 days away that I would be attempting my
first 24 hour run - I did feel very relaxed about the whole thing – confidence
or `head in the sand` approach???
Training wise I had chalked out a plan – I had some fun along the way, ran many
miles with a smile, pushed my so called `limits` - clocked up PB`s in the Mile,
5Km, 10Km, Half, 20 Mile, Marathon, 50Km, 32.75 Mile distances. I dealt with
the couple of problems that had come up, skipped a few sessions but I kept
positive & believed in myself. If race day
worked out well then fantastic / brilliant / excellent but if not, then my
attitude was yes disappointment it wasn`t my day & pick myself up, dust
myself down, hold my head up high, learn from it & come out better another
day…...
To quickly mention the Yateley 10Km – I do like these races - I
like the course, I see so many friends, seeing Peter on the crossroads & it
close enough so I can cycle. Nice new design of medal. It`s a good `Cove
Jogger` turn out & everyone from the club did well. I ran a cheeky but
relaxed 45:45 – pleased with that…..roll on race II in July.
The weekend plan was,
& seeing as the location of the event (Wasing Park, Reading) was only 45 minutes
away I thought it would set up `camp` on Friday afternoon then go home to chill
out & have an early night etc & come back early the next morning. So
with Dennis in tow we went over and set up on Friday - we found a brilliant
spot - about 100 metres or so from the Start / Finish line, almost on the
`racing line` so the access was really good. I do have to say the purple
gazebo not only looked good but came in very handy for shade the next day. I
did also put up my 3 man tent c/w camp bed - not that I had any real intention
to use these to any great extent over the weekend but better safe than sorry.
We left about 6.30pm, that surprising I did sleep `ok but still up awake at
`silly o`clock`.
We arrived & wandered the
site saying hello to the fellow campers err I mean runners - with a couple of
hours to go I had breakfast No. 2 You could feel the excitement grow as race
time grew closer & closer. My Crew / Support plans were very causal - drop
in whenever really. I knew Dennis would be there till about 6.00pm on Saturday,
team `Harvey's` would be coming along later on & then Richard would be
covering the night shift.
The race started at twelve noon & the last hour came around
very quickly - as we formed right at the back. I remembered looking up &
thinking "Next stop tomorrow – blimey no turning back now !!! "
The hooter went off & the support & cheers as we started was just
amazing. On events I like this I do like the first lap - you get to know the
course. I had expected (hoped) the course to have a few more inclines in as I
could use these as walk breaks but as we went round there was only really 3
places I guess you walk a good distance – odd as that sounds it was. The first
walk break came about 1/2 mile in & lasted about 800 metres or so, then
over a cattle grid which was my point every lap to start running, along a up
& down ridge path to the 1st marshal point. Then into the woods - this was
actually quite good as it offered shade in the Midday sun (it was getting quite
warm) – I had figured it might be warm so my plan was to wear my club vest on
the 1st lap & then change into a short sleeved top & maybe
even break out the sunhat & keep cool..
I always like the first lap of
a lapped event - I saw Dennis just by the 6Km mark (3.7M) mark cheering away –
I think he was having more fun than me !!! Then we headed towards in the
`in-field` - basically the last mile or so was all on cut grass tracks that
went around the tented village. I have to say I loved this part of the course -
the support throughout the day was amazing esp. when they realised you were a
solo runner (the different coloured race numbers gave it away). I completed the
first lap in 57 minutes and thought “Yeap I`m liking this course”. I had a
small stop this go. Like the Lightning 12 event I would be stopping each lap to
change (Clean socks & t-shirt every two laps), eat (every other lap), wash
my face, have a natter etc….
Video - Jon
This pretty much was the pattern for the first 5 or 6 laps -
running at about 10 / 13 minute milling & then stopping at the tent – my 5th
miles were 19, 24, 24, 27, 31, 31, 37, 38, 56, 37, 1:41, 38, 25, 18, 31, 11,
24. As the day grew on more visitors from the club & from Frimley Lodge
parkrun arrived - which was just fantastic - a total surprise…and hopefully I
haven`t missed anyone…..Hannah & Chris, Margaret & Colin, Elaine &
Colin, my Mum, The `Harvey` gang (Susan, Simon, Phoebe, Leonie) turned up &
bringing excellent supportive posters. Later on Alison & David turned up.
Richard, Karen B, David & Andrew & Louise - it was brilliant the support I was getting - I
am sure it made me go around the course quicker just to see them all again or
to see who turned up now. It also give me a longer break chatting to them. I
think the one of the best hours was around 7 – 8 pm as the sun was setting, I
almost wanted someone to set up a BBQ & I`ll join them every hour or so.
Soon enough 8:00pm came along – the time where we had to dig out the torches
& it was just myself & Richard for the night shift.
Just for some time / distance pointers,
Lap 1 - 00:57:38
Lap 2 - 01:02:50
Lap 3 - 01:11:06
Lap 4 - 01:09:04
Lap 5 - 01:13:26
Lap 6 - 01:16:16
Lap 7 - 01:18:04
Lap 8 - 01:24:46
Lap 9 – 01:30:30
At the 45 miles point I had a planned extended
break - new clothes, feet sorted, a decent amount of hot drinks & warm
food. This was a big milestone. I think it was
around this time Karen B. turned up – day or night they kept turning up - I
thought was just amazing & so nice. The next
lap I did ok – still 11 / 13 min miling. I was just into the next lap (11th
lap) I started to feel quite rough
- stomach was churning, I had a headache, vision became a bit tunnelled &
getting quite cold !! I started to walk - each mile taking about 20
minutes. I used this time to listen to some motivating books on the iPod.One of my `no-no`s` & I say `my` as it was fascinating to see the various race strategies being used
by the soloists and it just goes to prove – what works for one may not work for
another – it was just me that I didn`t really want my race to become a `death
march` so I took, what turned out to be one of the best decisions I made during
the day & that was to have a `sleep` break. It was about 03:15am, Richard
& I talked about this - I would sleep for 60 minutes & then assess from
there how I felt – I stretched out on the camp bed, threw the unfolded sleeping
bag over me & I think I was asleep before it landed on me…….
I awoke about 45 minutes later feeling a lot better – still a
bit cold. I got up, had a wash, got changed in compression gear, warm long
sleeved top & put on a jacket - I woke Richard saying I`m off in a moment.
I guess it was about 04:30am when I finally went
out…. I wanted to jog out this lap & see the sun fully come up. Soon in I regretted bringing out a
jacket & such a warm top - never mind at least I couldn`t go too fast. Good
news was that felt a lot better by the minute.
On my `2nd` post kip lap I felt back to `normal`. I had a `normal` breakfast & importantly I was
in the last quarter of the race, in fact I had only 5 hours left. Richard now
had gone – after doing a brilliant job of crewing through the night.
I was working out my estimated finishing mileage if I kept moving
– not only did I want a certain mileage but I wanted to finish the race within
a certain time window (between 12:15pm & 12:45pm). I knew my target mileage
was `do-able` I just needed to pick up the pace a bit & cut down the breaks
– the risk was that I would come to a grinding halt – cramp or injury. I looked
at those two posters the girls had done & looked at my hand written note on
the white board – it said - “How much do you want this???” I wanted
this…it was there...I just needed to do it.
I had done about another lap when out on the course were Andy Carter & Dave Bush (from Frimley
Lodge parkrun) - I hadn`t expected this at all - I shared a coffee with them as
I completed another lap. They supported me for another lap then had to go. I
did one more lap then Louise turned up –
amazing. I didn`t expect all this
support from my friends - I was feeling really emotional now - I didn`t
let on - thanks goodness for sun glasses that`s what I say…
I picked up the pace - I remember coming around the campsite /
grass area with just short of 80 miles in my legs running just over 8.00 minute milling - thinking
"WTF are you doing??" I didn`t care really I wanted my target distance! I didn`t have too much
of a stop in fact I think I just changed into my club vest (just in case I
didn`t complete one more lap for any reason - I wanted to start & finish
this race wearing my club vest). I didn`t walk too much of this lap - I
couldn`t believe it when I saw the time later on - it was my fastest lap by 7
whole minutes – 50:32 including that 8:13 grass
mile.
I got through the start / finish & unto
my last lap - I took a breakenjoying
the moment, knowing I could walk it & still hit my target mileage - 90
miles – I could not believe it. I had thought about this moment & trained
for it for 6 months & I was now within 5 miles of achieving it.
Strange as it sounds I didn't want to go out – I
eventually set off - walking maybe the 1st full mile (till the cattle grid),
then jogging, then getting quicker & quicker. I
thanked every single marshal during this last lap esp. the one at the half way
hut. Soon enough I heard the loud speaker as I neared campsite & the 6Km marker (I loved that
point of the course) I could hear the cheers of teams & the runners coming through the
finish line. Louise came out to run with me – I just about held it together. We
entered the campsite field - less than one mile to go – Louise left me to
finish the lap – what a feeling. Words fail me but I know I was loving the
feeling - despite running all that time & all those miles I felt amazing.
Throughout most of my build up racesI had thought about this finishing moment and how I would celebrate crossing the
line. Of course I didn`t do anything of the things I planned. I just
crossed the line, stopped & placed my hands on my knees & leaned
forward & looked down & closed my eyes for a moment or two & thought
about what I`d done – I`d achieved something I had first thought about when I
was sitting on a Greek beach in August 2008 – I couldn`t believe it….I had done it.
This, of course has led to ask myself two questions……
1.How far can I go in 24hrs???
2.How far can I go – full stop???
A really big thanks to the Endure24 team they put on a really great event & a bigger thank you to my friends for supporting me
during my training & build up to this but also everyone who turned &
cheered me on & a big thanks to the solo crew members – Richard for doing
so well in the night shift & Louise doing the last shift when my emotions
were up & down & when it could have easily been so different – I really cannot express my thanks in you two. Also a special mention to
Karen M. who has helped me so much over the 8 months or so in helping me
regained my self-belief again. Thank you all – I feel so very fortunate.
I did help raise some funds for a local charity – I am so
pleased with the amount raised. They will really appreciate it. Here`s the link
Link to My Charity Page
Next up – After nearly two weeks off it`s time to concentrate on
the shorter stuff (gulp), having some fun at the Thunder Run (chasing down
those mad soloists) all before ramping up for the Farnham Marathon, JW Ultra,
Bournemouth Marathon & Caesars Camp 50 later in the year.
Well here I am – less than a week to go before I toe the
line in a race that I`ve thought about since I really began running…
Let me explain. In August 2008 I went on a yoga holiday on a
small & peaceful island called Paros in Greece (website LINK ) anyway we had the afternoon off so instead
of going into town with the some of the class I sat down on the beach &
started to read a book. This book I guess has changed my life – I know that`s a
big thing to say – I honestly believe it did & for the better too – this book
was `Ultra Marathon Man ~ Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes (&
is available from all good book shops :-) )
I couldn`t put it down, I stayed on that beach reading away
long after they back from town (& that` is saying something as the bus
schedule wasn`t up to much). I stayed long after the last of the sunseekers
went. I stayed as it was getting dark (see photo above - yes it`s my twitter background pic). I thought it was fascinating
– Why would someone do that? How can you do that? Why would you enter a relay
race with a team of one??
I read that
book from cover to cover in less than two days. I wanted this book to give me
motivation for my forthcoming first half marathon – the Great North Run – but instead
it planted a seed that has been growing away inside my head. I still take that
book when I`m staying overnight for a race.
I was lucky enough to meet Dean at a North Face shop in London
in 2011, I told him this story & armed with the book he kindly signed it –
it is one of my prized procession. He also signed my `crib sheet` that I was
wearing during my first Ultra (this hangs up next to my PB`s race numbers).
This book, along with many others books & various folks
in the running community has opened my eyes to what is possible if you only
try – people can do amazing things when they say to themselves “I CAN” & follow their DREAMS -
“ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF”. Yes I will be apprehensive next Saturday but isn`t that the
point of a good challenge……
I think you
guys know this already but I do prefer the longer distance
runs & whilst I do try my hardest at the shorter stuff, and they are
satisfying afterwards I do find them really hard work. Knowing this what
on earth was I doing entering a SINGLE mile race especially 13 days
before a 24 hour run !!! The only conclusion I have come up with is that I am a
race-addict - there I`ve said it now lets more on..
This race was the
inaugural BUPA Westminster Mile race, starting in the Mail & ending
just after Birdcage Walk. So a bit of a change to the 5 previous mile races
I`ve done, which were all track miles - my PB, set in 2009 was 06:28 and I do
have to say I was happy with that which is one reason why I entered this
particular event - something different. Myself, Alison & David met at
Farnborough Main to get the train up - once at Waterloo we took the `guided
tour` route to St James Park via the London Eye, London Aquarium, Westminster
Bridge, Big Ben & strolled through St James Park. It is here we see the
funniest thing ever…a remote control squirrel - not really but it could easily
have been.
Anyway we made our way to the changing / bag drop area. My race was
kicking off just after 10.00 - I was in the second Wave - Blue B - I don`t think
BUPA has ever forgiven me from dressing up as a Nun & starting from the top
starting Wave once. I make my way over to the start (basically just down from
the finishing line in the VLM in the mail). I see Mark from the parkrun &
wished him well - It is not often I get to a start line & feel out of
place, each pen / wave has I guess only 50 or so runners…eeekkk (Going to be a
lonely race then). I warm up & I get a nod of the head from a Kenyan runner
who is also warming up - this makes my day. We form into the pen. Blue A`s off
first…..then it`s my turn….
As we wait to move
forward I shake my legs out, jump up & down, shakes my arms a bit more
& relax my shoulders…I must of seen this on TV once - feeling so out of
place…. We move forward & Richard Whitehead joins our wave - how cool is
that….I`m `racing` Richard Whitehead. I form up near the back. I`ve
already set my Garmin on 0.25M laps. The hooter goes….& it`s nothing I
known before - it`s like running from a burning building…..trying to get past
folks, folks going past…
The turn down
towards Horse Guards parade ground & the Garmin shakes - 1/4 mile in…the
lactic acid hasn`t quite built up yet..still trying to run in the gaps….. I see
the 800 metre to go sign & get caught up in a little group (and
apart from the question on why on earth am I doing here the other question I
ask is why are runners listening to music in a race like this ???). 400 to
go - and my legs really don`t know what's going on…a few runners go past me
& go past a couple - this is so mad. 200 to go - Now it starts to
feel like I`m getting no-where my legs are going round then signs are not
getting closer. I try to stand tall, swing my arms faster, lean forward - I
seem to inch slowly towards the line.
100 to go - Come on, how hard is
this - my lungs are bursting. We turn the last corner & I see the gantry -
just coming up to my `immediate One Mile retirement time` I push for the line -
hoping to get it but those few metres seemed to go on & on….I stop the
garmin and feel like a Busking shark by sucking in the oxygen. My
goodness that was hard - no `satisfying feeling` kicking in just yet !!!
I look at my time
& I am amazed - WOW I am stunned - 00:06:06. Ali & David popped up as I
hung on the railings.
Eventually I go
& get my gear & wandered back to the finish where we watch more races
finish. Soon it`s Ali & David`s turn…..I watch the finishing timer tick
over - I see the 1st runners coming through - slight problem in this race as
these guys are all wearing yellow Sweatshop tops (except for one runner !!).
Anyway I see Ali coming up & manage to take a photo just before she
finishes & I look up & I think to myself that bloke just behind her
looks a bit like David….IT IS DAVID - blimey !! I wandered up and contract
David on an awesome time.. 00:06:39 - amazing run.
Afterwards we watch
the youngsters & elite races - two great races to finish on. A brilliant
day.
Unto Bank Holiday
Monday now & for the 4th time in a row it`s was the BUPA London
10,000 (please do NOT mix this up with the London 10Km as these are two
different races). This BUPA event is a fantastic event - ok a bit expensive but
it`s so worth it.
Like the day before
we meet up at Farnborough Station - Ali, Lou, Dan, Dave, David, Dennis, James,
Maurice & myself - the pre-race chat buzz is just great. We take the same
route to get there - it`s the same set up as the previous day (no remote
controlled squirrel though).
As we walk past the pens I see the `Tesco` boys
& girls (Andover AC) & stop for a chat…I lose the others.. After a
while I go over to the baggage area after saying hello the Chineham &
Basingstoke lots - glad we got there early!!!! As I walk down to drop the bag
off I see Tracy & Mike - who met at this race 4 years ago & this year got
married so it was great seeing them. I go for a short warm up in the park -
less than 5 minutes WU I guess. I wandered past the pens to see if I can see
the others & wish them well. As I wait out my pen & bump into Ali, Dan
& Dave & in hindsight we should have move in before we did to get a
place near the front. We hear the wave in front go off…we move up…
The `hooter thing`
goes off - and thank goodness the starting pace is not like yesterday…we head
out under the - so this must be the 3rd route the organisers have tried out. I
see Dennis & Maurice supporting - they shout out. We head down the Mall
& left into a connecting street before the Embankment I see Dan goes
past….a couple of moments later I see Dave chasing him…those two were not to be
seen again…
This is good as
I could tell that pace was a bit too quick - I try to keep the same
pace going as we head down the Embankment. I grab a water - only really to
throw over me. We go up & round to the 4 Km mark & hear this massive
cheering coming back towards us - Mo flying past & Phil Wicks giving
chase….it`s kind of like a Mexican Wave but a running version.. I like the next
bit of the course as twists & turns through the market. Martin from Andover
come past me - well he did start a wave behind me. As we head back we pass the
runners going out - I love courses like that - I see Lou & give a shout
(iPods got to love them…)
I didn`t look at
the garmin but I felt I was running faster on the back half of the course - the
space had opened up to run in. The downside was that I felt I was going too
fast - I see I had 3 Km to go. My thinking was a gently 7 Km, then
pick the pace up towards the middle / end part of the Embankment, round the
corner to the 9 Km mark & go for home…sounded simply… I couldn't wait till
the 9 Km mark then round Horse Guards parade ground & then seeing the 400
Metre sign… I hit the corner with thoughts of smacking down the Mall -
instead I saw the tiny gantry way in the distance & my legs instantly
gained 4 stone…how far is that !!!. I felt so tired I could hear the crowd
pushing us on. I saw & heard Dennis. Long finishing straights should be
banned….
I eventually made
the line & I think never have been pleased to finish a race…it was indeed
my last proper race in my training plan for Endure24 - I do plan to jog out
Yateley 10Km a week next Wednesday or maybe do a bit of pacing.
I waited near the
goodie bag area to see the others coming thorough - I missed them all except
for Maurice who came down to chat. After a while we headed to the baggage
& changing area & met the others. Another great race. All the Cove
Joggers do well.
Afterwards we
headed back towards Waterloo stopping off at a pub - just to break the journey
up a bit & then it would have been a bit rude if we didn`t stop
at Dennis`s club - Jubilee Club for another pint & a bite to eat - I
do have to say I am enjoying these post-race do`s almost as much as racing
then.....
So a brilliant Bank
Holiday weekend starting out with an excellent Friday night, Westminster Mile
on Sunday & the BUPA London 10,000 on Monday.
As I write this
it`s only 10 sleeps till `No Sleeps`……ENDURE 24 - Website LINK
As it`s says in
Dean Karnazes`s `Ultra Marathon Man – Confessions Of An All-Night Runner` book
- "Sleep
is for wimps` ~ Christopher Gaylord, underground ultra-endurance
legend.
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…..
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
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.
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.
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)
