On Top Of The World....

Brighton Marathon.

I entered this one last April before I firmed up plans for Comrades as everyone was talking about it – all good, well except the `Power Station` part !!! As my plans for this year unfolded & took shape this weekend would be an important pin. I wanted to qualify early for Comrades (which I did at Portsmouth ~ 4:20 – 4:40) but wanted to push (without breaking myself) for a better Batch (Pen) placement.  I had a go & just missed an improvement at Dover Marathon (4:22) so this was the next attempt. I didn`t really want to push myself at London & North Dorset is hilly but I had those in my back pocket if I had to.

On race day & I had decided not to travel & stay down there.  I was kindly driven down my the Fudges who were there in support of #CoachFudge team, runners from Windle Valley, Frimley Lodge parkrun & I`m sure every other runner that ran past – thanks again for the lift down & thanks to Darren for the 5:50am pick up.  We got there in plenty of time – I didn`t see too many signs for the University car parks but there again I wasn’t driving. Jumped on bus & met the famous `parkrun tourist party bus` team from Reading which was nice as I got to chat to them. The bus dropped us off very close to the near the start & we said our farewell to the Phil who was in the elite start. I didn`t need the loo so I had loads of time to chat.

I was off in the Red pen and after a few adjustments in my kit after my little warm up run I made my way into the starting pen where I met up with fellow Frimley Lodge parkrunners – Alex & David.

The plan was 03:55:xx OR 04:15:xx and anything else would be just a good day in the Sun – I wore a 4:00 hr (9:09) pace band as I could see where I was all the time against that plan – very useful things those pace bands.

Anyway after a couple of minutes after the starting hooter we were off. The start was interesting esp the slight climb & decent where runners went off to fast & paid the price. I managed to see the `Pink` wave go off as I circled round the first lap. I did actually find the first 5 miles really enjoyable – the crowd support was amazing – folks everywhere (inc Gobi – who seemed to be everywhere). On the slight climb through the town I found myself running with fellow Cove Jogger Luke we both commented that last time we ran a marathon together it was the `hot` one at Bournemouth - I took a gel every 55 mins – also a couple of sips of water (I do have to say I`m a fan of those paper cups). I do also like course where you can see the faster runners coming along on the other side and Brighton course is a great one for that – the leader came flashing past – no-one near him. We saw the lead Ladies. I saw David Ross (Comrades) followed by Phil (#CoachFudge & Frimley Lodge pr), Kate chasing a sub 3 and Big Pete both from Winchester, also spotted Lisa from Fleet . Also a fast Fetchie I chatted to at the start.

Now not one to study the course I was taken back by the out & back route at 8.5 / 9.5M but it was useful to see who was just behind. As I start the hill I saw Abby & Ben & just behind was Richard all in fine form. At this stage of the race I was slightly ahead of target time – through 10M in just over 1hr 25mins. I did think this section (8M – 14M) was a fast part of the course (best mile was 13M at 8:06 min/m).

Through half way in 01:52:42. Just after this we went down another out and back part – again enjoying this part. I got a massive shout out by the `Andover Crew` at 16M / 19M (through 30Km in 02:39:26) and out along the beach road again.

(Me at Mile 19 - photo thanks to Bob Fudge)

I did still feel strong here – I guess all those long runs in the hills are paying off. The pace did start to drop around the 21 mile mark - I had really expected this as yes done the long runs (530 miles this year so far) but no tempo runs and for a good marathon you cannot skip important parts of the training but I kept moving forward – I knew apart from a disaster I would bump up my batch (pen) position.

Just before the mile 24  marker I walked through the water station (good job the wasn`t an ice cream seller there). So with 2 miles to go no sub 03:45 but maybe a sub 03:50. I have to say I did take my foot off the gas as it were – I don`t really want to do that again but I guess I was just `saving my legs` for London.  I saw Paul Sinton-Hewitt near the finish – what a good place to watch the race - and dropped down onto the beach front and through to the finish.

I finished in 03:50:36 – so race plan A achieved – I am running Comrades from Batch (pen) C.  I am delighted in that.

One stat I did notice before Brighton Marathon was that according to Strava that I had managed to run 33,307 ft of elevation this year – now Mount Everest is `only` 29,029  ft high so in a way I am `on top of the world`.

Next up – and apart from a rather special parkrun at Frimley Lodge the Saturday (a double `250` celebration) it`s that London thing. 

Follow the Yellow Brick Road.....

I do enjoy March, it is such a great month for putting in some good solid miles & normally loaded with races - well this year did not disappoint. It was also time to shift the focus from the trails & unto the roads.

Miles = 188.7 Miles 
Time on Feet = 29 hrs 19 mins 
Elevation = 10,102 ft
Highest Weekly Mileage = 62.2 Miles
Longest Run = 26.9 Miles (Port Of Dover Marathon)
Longest `Time on your feet` run = 4 hrs 23 mins (Port Of Dover Marathon)
Highest `Back to Back Days / Miles` = 6 Days / 62.2 Miles
Races = 6 (Yateley Hockey Club 10Km, Leith Hill Half, Kingston Breakfast Run 16M, Fleet Half, Port Of Dover Marathon & Tempest Ten)   
parkruns = 3

Yoga Sessions & Hours = 6 off & 9 hrs (6 x 90 mins of Bikram Yoga)
PT Sessions = 3
Sports Massages = 3
Swim = 1 km (30 mins)

Highlights =  It`s been a great month, recording my highest monthly mileage ever (closest was 181 M back in Jan 2010). I also managed to tick off a run I thought of years ago but never managed it till this year. The run was a bit of a warm up to a very local half Marathon & complete it in a good time - I ran the 5 miles to Fleet (42mins) & completed the Half in a progressive time of 01:46:06. A fantastic run at Kingston.  

Conclusions =   As Oliver said..."Please Sir, I want some more !"  

Comrades Connection - Yellow Brick Road is Toto & this.

Breakfast at Tiffany`s…………….well Breakfast in Kingston really.

When I put my Comrades training plan together it was always on the `shew-whiff` basis by being hampered by `that` tight  hamstring so no normal speed sessions or tempo runs planned in but the main emphasis being on endurance (miles & miles) & strength-work (hills & hills & PT) and stretching (hours & hours of yoga & massage) & making up the rest was listening to experience – both from self & others, belief in myself, bit of luck and all bounded with a heavy splash of fun.

Well a fun part came this weekend at the Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run There was 3 distances – 8.2M (one lap), 16.2M (two laps) or a new 20M (a two & half lap course) - I opted for the 16.2M run.  When I first saw this it literally screamed progressive run but at what pace? There were pacers there – 6 minute, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 (the 6 min pacer was apparently on a bike).

It was a nice & early (start time 08:30am) & on the way over I bumped into Matt – good to briefly say hello. I parked up & as I was dropping my bag off I chatted to Mike from the Club (Windle) who had just got back from hols & made our way to the start line – literally all  metres away from each other. The course itself was flat & basically through the start / finish, over a bridge, along the River past Hampton Court , over another bridge, out towards Hinchley Woods and along the river towards Kingston.  I opted to start & cross the line with the 10 min pacer and then catch up the 9 min pacer – chase the pacer - a similar plan when I did the Basingstoke Half last year but not straight away – kind of  a `8, 4 + 4` plan.  I settled nicely into pace with the slowest three miles in the first four miles.  I took two gels – one on each lap but no water during the race. The water stations & the wearing of earphones (narrow footpaths on the inward trip) were to me the only areas of concerns.  As we headed back towards Kingston I could feel the pace increasing.  I turned left past the start and out on my second lap. It was nice to increase the pace – I felt like I was racing again plus you do get a boost from passing other runners.  I totally recommend progressive runs rather flat out runs. With about 4 to go I saw Steve & wished him well. As I past the final water stop (approx. 13M point) I did push the pace to catch the pacer – I hadn`t seen their flag at all & getting a bit concerned !!! With a mile or so to go when I saw the group – a bit narrow for such a large group.  I caught up and thought well I`ve come this far & might as well carry on to the finish and after a while went past.  It is nice to end a solid week training (44 mile week) with a sprint finish & feeling good J

As I made my way through the finish tunnel I was given the largest goodie bag I have ever been given – it was incredible, full of useful stuff too – well done Lidl & well done Human Race Events for putting on this race.  It`s one I`ll do again.

Race splits;

Start – 4M = 00:37:26

4M to 8M = 00:37:09 (halfway turn 01:14:17)

8M to 12M = 00:34:37

12M to 16M = 00:33:06

Finish = 02:21:00

Full Garmin details - 

Results - HERE

Job done – had a lot of fun & March`s race number 3 in the bag – only 3 to go (Fleet Half, Dover Marathon & Spitfire 20M).

My legs are just fine and dandy.....

The marks in the snow;

February;

Miles = 105.7 Miles.
Time on Feet = 20 hrs & 26 mins.
Elevation = 10,266 ft.
Highest Weekly Mileage = 57.1 Miles.
Longest Run = 32.5 Miles (Punchbowl `Marathon`)
Longest `Time on your feet` run = 7 hrs 25 mins 43 sec (Punchbowl Marathon).
Highest `Back to Back Days / Miles = 5 Days / 57.1 Miles.
Races = 2 (TVXC - Thames Valley Triathletes, Punchbowl Marathon)
parkruns = 2

Yoga Sessions & hours = 2 off & 3 hrs (2 x 90 mins of Bikram yoga) 
PT Sessions = 2
Sports Massages = 1
Bike Miles = 0

Highlights = A fantastic end to Cross Country seasons - managed 4 races. Also managed some time off with an excellent 8 days skiing - stats; 51 hrs, 177 miles, 95 runs & top speed 48.4mph.  

Conclusions = It`s all about the hills.

The road (trail or treadmill) to Comrades - it`s an Ultramarathon not a sprint !!

Scores on the Doors;

January;

Miles = 132.3 Miles.
Time on Feet = 20 hrs & 58 mins.
Elevation = 7,159 ft.
Highest Weekly Mileage = 40.4 Miles.
Longest Run = 20.1 Miles (Stonehenge Stomp `20`)
Longest `Time on your feet` run = 3:35:36 (Stonehenge Stomp).
Highest `Back to Back Days / Miles = 5 Days / 31.0 Miles.
Races = 4 (Tadworth Ten, TVXC - Tadley, TVXC - Bracknell, Stonehenge Stomp 20)
parkruns = 7

Yoga Sessions & hours = 8 off & 10 hrs inc 4 x 90 mins of Bikram yoga
PT Sessions = 3
Sports Massages = 1
Bike Miles = 0

Highlights = Started off with a double parkrun & run in-between Rushmoor & Frimley Lodge (Thanks to Dave for the tow). The splendid Thames Valley Cross Country meet at Tadley which was a true mud-fest of a XC - fantastic. Planned progressive parkrun (Splits - 8:09, 7:45, 7:22) - encouraging.

Conclusions = Highest monthly running mileage since June 2013 (155). It`s been a good solid month of moving forward & active rest. No speed work but that will come. Good base work done.

"Because you know I'm all about that bass" -  Meghan Trainor.

RIP Graham Petrie.

Looking forward.......

What an `odd` year....

I`ve been busy at work & socially - not too much running as I`ve had a hamstring strain for most of the year - remembering I had my left hamstring taped up in February in the Pilgrims Ultra.

This strain really did blow my early plans of 14 Marathons (or Ultras) in 2014 - I got to 5 by April then had to let this challenge go.

It has not been all doom & gloom though (not that you would have expected that from me) as I managed to sneak in 4 Marathons & 5 Ultras (not inc. the 5 laps of Endure 24 & 5 laps of Thunder Run or the Elstead `Marathon`). I did also including a couple from my `bucket` list - a back to back Ultras, Alexander The Great Marathon, The `D-Day` Marathon in Normandy & still ran at Endure 24 & Thunder 24 and not forgetting I ran my 250th parkun (inc winning the 100 mtr challenge) plus having fun at other races.

(I would like to thank everyone who came along & sent me kind messages that weekend)

During this time I didn`t really attempt any `speed work` & cut my mileage down by 50 miles per month (& I know it`s all relevant and what`s makes running so good as we are all at our own levels) but most of my running has been at around 10 min / miling (easy of the brain too) with hardly any long runs.

So instead of getting down I`ve been looking forward....

So on 1st September I entered and I guess my biggest challenge....the `COMRADES` - a 89 Km (55 Miles) road race in South Africa and I need to finish within 11 hrs 59 mins & 59 seconds of starting gun.......Oh and it`s on an `UP` route.

It`s a big challenge - my biggest one yet & I`m so glad I ran Caesars Camp 50 M in less than 12 hours.  I know I can do this.

As it`s a `gun to gun` time I really need to be as close to the start as physical possible - to do this I need to get a good starting pen position (or `Batch`). The qualifying time is 5:00 hrs, then 4:40 hrs, 4:20 hrs, 4:00 hrs, 3:40 hrs, 3:20 hrs & 3:00 hrs & race times can only count from 1st Aug `14 to 4th May `15...

My thinking here was to qualify in the 1st place & taking the pressure off & then use another marathon to bump up my pen. With that in mind I went to Portsmouth marathon (No. 38) this weekend to obtain this - I am glad to say I got my qualifying time of 04:35:11 - Pen `F`.

My training plan still need to be firmed up - so far I`ve entered the Fleet Half, Dover & Brighton marathons - still awaiting to hear about London and might enter Tadworth 10, Bramley 20, Moonlight Challenge (32M) & Surrey Spitfire 20......

All in all it`s going to be an exciting (& fun) time ahead.........looking forward is so much better than looking back.

:-)

What a weekend - Le Marathon de la Liberté & #DDay70 (Plus 7)

(Drawing by Benjamin Thomas & really does sum up how you feel when running this event.)

Another event on my bucket list – I first saw this event back I think in 2011 & I`m so glad I left it to #DDay70 to run it which I have to say was more luck than judgement. Like all races in France you need a Doctor`s note (£25) so with that in hand I entered, I eventually booked the ferry crossing (initially I tried to booked the actual D-Day weekend & did wonder why the Friday night & Sunday night`s crossing were already full !!) & booked a nice quiet hotel (Hotel du Havre) about 2 miles away from the finish and waited till race weekend……..

And what a weekend it was !!

The train from Farnborough was hassle free as it was straight to Portsmouth Harbour and with a short taxi drive I was at the International port awaiting boarding….

It was a really nice, smooth crossing except that I fell asleep in my reserved seat & woke up in the morning on the floor....a bit bizarre and there was me thinking I was a light sleeper !!! Shortly after arriving I found a café in Ouistreham & over breakfast I planned out the day – trip to Sword Beach landing area, see some of many memorials & visit a few museums.

First up was Sword Beach - even the walk to the beach brought goose bumps to the back of neck - it was quite electrifying. The houses were still proudly showing their appreciation by showing flags of all sizes. (I instantly knew what I had forgotten - a flag for my race). I got to the actual beach & have to say it was quite a humbling experience -I had pictures in my head from various war films like Saving Private Ryan and knew it wasn`t even close to knowing how those young men felt fighting for survival on all of those landing beaches not just Sword Beach.

I walked past the `Memorial Commando Kieffer` & down towards Colleville-Montgomery - I didn`t realise how far it was. As I came back I stopped in Museum No. 4 Commando & Le Grand Bunker Museum - quite incredible. You could easily spend all day walking round just that one little place & if I ever came back I would spend more than a few short hours plus you would need a car to see the larger tributes to those fought & died during D-Day & the weeks after.

Eventually I headed back to the ferry port area to have lunch - I had almost forgotten I had to collect my race number from `Le Memorial de Caen` & check into the hotel plus it wouldn`t be a bad thing if I got off my feet for a while. The expo was in full swing when I got there (4pm ish), got my number & had a look around the various stalls. I knew my hotel was about 3Km away - I just had to make sure I headed 3Km in the right direction. I am glad I walked back that day as I knew I had to do the next day too. I eventually got to the hotel & it was a fairly straight forward route - even going past a couple of nice bars - and checked in. After I had a shower I did manage to grab 40 winks, afterwards I got my race kit & bag together & realised I didn`t bring my normal breakfast - good job I carry a few things to eat after these long runs so they would have to do plus I`m sure (hoped) I would find a cafe open near the start. I went out for dinner but did dragged myself away before the England game as my taxi was booked at 06:30am..

We had free buses taking us from the finish to the various starts (10Km, Semi or Full Marathons) - it was quite funny as I saw loads of buses & headed that way. The marshal informed me that they were the Semi-Marathon buses & that I needed to head over in that direction - I headed off & turned the corner & saw only two buses...and thought I`m gonna actually be last then!

As we got one of the first buses we were almost the first ones at the Marathon starting area - a little fishing / harbour town called `Courseulles-sur-Mer`.  I found my cafe & coffee was drunk :-) I walked a little just to keep the legs ticking over - I wanted to keep the warm up to a very easy one as while the hamstring was OK I didn`t want to push my luck anymore than I was already !! I guess within 10 minutes of the start (09:10am - odd time eh??) I went for a little jog - only to see a `Farnham Runner` on the other side - I said hello & wished him luck. As we formed into the starting area I saw another local running vest - this time it was Reading Roadrunner - bizarre. We chatted for a bit then the race started.

My race plan was changed when I saw in the previous week the cut-off times (being 5hrs) as ideally I wanted to jog round taking loads of photos & clocking a time of 5:30hrs perhaps. So I changed it to around 4:45hrs.

We headed out of Courseulles-sur-Mer & the support was amazing - loads of cheers - I even got my first "Monsieur K" - we headed out of the town and along the open roads. After about 3 miles we ran along the beach road and I began to notice was how flat & open it was & thoughts of what it must of been like 70 years ago. We were at this stage running towards "Juno" Beach and past many memorials. Pace wise I hit the 10Km mark in around the hour & time for my 1st gel (1 every hour on the hour)

Just before the 10M point (01:36:xx) and it didn`t feel like the 10M point we ran into Colleville-Montgomery so my trip the day before wasn`t wasted as we ran exactly where I walked even past the Grand Bunker. The support around here was great. Soon enough we went past where I had breakfast & lunch the previous day & headed down the river. I went through half way in 02:06:xx so a bit quick - looking back I guess it was due to I wasn`t really thinking on the running but more on the history of the area (that`s my excuse anyway).

For some reason I had expected the half way point was to be Pegasus Bridge & us to actually run over it but as we came up towards it I saw it from side on - I stopped to take a couple of photos (14.85M in 02:24:xx) & saw a Hatch Warren (nr Basingstoke) runner just ahead (he did keep that way too). Despite me paying not too much attention to running I was getting (& no real surprises) a bit tired esp after about 16M we turned off the river path and headed up into a built up area. Another thing was also clear this part had more of an incline without a lot of descent parts.

I guess I first started to walk around 17.5M (02:53:xx) which on the back of my recent runs wasn`t too bad really. This last section of the route was very pretty but again very open & despite the inclines very flat. We headed down narrow tracks and here I did wonder how many hours it took to clear back in 1945. We past several small cemeteries - all carefully looked after.

At around the 3:30 hr mark the last of the pacers (4:30) came past - I did half think of hoping on board but by this time the `Ultra shuffle` was in full swing. My hamstring was generally OK but what I had noticed was that my soles of feet were hotting up - I guess from the lack of pounding (something to note for next year I think).

Soon enough & I do not recall many Km / Mile markers we came into the last mile - the crowds were building up & cheering away - during the last 1/2 mile or so I untie my flag & waved it back - great response back. Went through the line & collected one of the best medals I think I have (Dog tags), collected my goodie bag, grabbed some water & coke - I did declined the cheese.

I did find the showers - which I have to say were very nice not only from a post marathon feeling but it did also mean I would not be travelling back `marathon` fresh. I walked back to the hotel feeling pretty good - the walk actually helped my recovery. I got to the hotel & arranged a taxi to take me back to Ouistreham, where I could really start enjoying the post marathon recovery with some Leffe & a bit of lunch.

The return night crossing was uneventfully in terms of sleeping positions - must of been tired.

 

I have been fortunate to enjoy many fabulous running weekends & mini-breaks and this one was up there with those.

Score on the doors - Marathon No. #35 (inc #18 Ultras) done.

News - To help me get into shape & be more prepared for the racers at the end of this year & next I`m working with Fleet Sports Therapy - something I`m very excited about.

Next up - is the Endure 24 & two teams of eight from Frimley Lodge parkrun (Frimley Lodgers I & II) - this will be heaps of fun plus a bit of running thrown in.