Kielder Marathon

Completed! Slow but very enjoyable...I'm way behind on my blogging but plan to catch up again soon with a 2012 update and some more about Kielder.

Half way...almost

Well Sunday was the half way marker in the 2012 challenge, half the year gone. So how does the target look?

After last weeks epic Mull mileage I had hoped to be almost bang on the required 1006 miles, looking towards the long run home...well I'm not quite there yet.

As of yesterday my total was 992.2 miles.

It's been a fun year to date, if a bit of rollercoaster! The mileage has grown steadily and at one point in February it looked as though my weekly totals were heading well above the required 38.5 miles. However this turned out to be too much too soon and I was soon nursing shin pain that had me back to minimal mileage.

But I got through that and in the process of recovery smashed my 10k PB to a new 46:13 and hit a new marathon PB of 4:13:15.

Things were looking up as June started until life took over and I only had time for small runs. However I had a plan!

As I knew we would be heading up to Mull at the end of the month, I hatched a plan to catch up my mileage in an epic week of running around the island.

You can read more about that adventure when I post at the weekend, but for now I'll just say it wasn't quite the loop I was looking for and resulted in a nasty shin injury that is proving very painful to get moving.

So, back to minimal slow two mile runs to sustain my LUR streak for the foreseeable future and hope that I don't slip too far behind again.

But I have learnt a few interesting things.

Slow long runs (10min plus pace) can happen on consecutive days without the world ending. And pain is a funny thing...I know it wants me to stop, but it somehow motivates me to keep going.

A friend said to me after my Mull run..."learn to love your pains; you've earned them". So that's what I'm going to do, it's a reminder of the journey that I'm on and so long as it doesn't get any worse I will keep the streak going as long as I possibly can...in some ways that is becoming more of a challenge that the miles.

Anyway, most of all I know that I'm in better shape now than I have been for a long time...I feel happy, have made a few new running friends and can't wait for the new challenges that this year still has to offer.

Mull Madness minus 1

Just back in from an easy two miler to get the legs ready for the off tomorrow and it's amazing what a difference some rest and a lazy holiday day can make.

Yesterday I was quite worried after my streaking two miles. My shins were sore, my right shin throbbing and hot afterwards and I was feeling a little light headed and dizzy even thought I only managed a slow pace.

Tonight however the breeze was refreshing and I felt so happy to have the chance to attempt to run around Mull. I was tempted to keep on going and see how far I managed, but I'll keep that in the back for tomorrow.

I'm sure by Tuesday or Wednesday I'll be longing for that rested feeling, but for now I'm going to have some supper, watch the football and go to bed happy in the knowledge that I'm going to start a cracking adventure tomorrow, one that I hope will give me even more great Mull memories to share with my family and friends.

The Burg from the garden of Traigh Mhor.
I'll be running behind the Burg tomorrow as I head towards Ben More.

(I'll try and post up some progress, but Internet via mobile is pretty ropey and so more pictures may have to wait until my return!)

Mull Madness, or not quite an ULTRA but...

I seem to be forever apologising about the lack of regular posts, but truth be told between work, baby preparations (ie complete gutting of our flat!) and maintaining my running streak, there just doesn't seem to be enough time to blog on a daily or even weekly basis.  In fact if you check my dailymile progress you may even be fooled into thinking I've not run for a while.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Despite some pretty foul weather and being forced into running late in the evening (often past 11pm!) I have not only maintained my streak, but also increased my minimum distance to 2miles and thrown in the requirement for 50 sit-ups and 50 push-ups each day.  These additions are part of me joining the Louisiana Ultra Runners Streak Clique, a lovely bunch of running nuts!

Anyway, I digress since the purpose of this post was to update on my plans for next week when we visit the beautiful Isle of Mull, off the west coast Scotland.

Mull is a very special place for me.  It holds my favourite places on the planet and has an almost magical ability to put me at ease with everything going on  in my life and I've been going there once or twice a year almost every year after being introduced to the island by my lovely wife Jenny in 1999.

So, since I have fallen behind a little with my #run2012miles challenge I though what better way to catch up than to run around the island that I love.  107miles in 6 days...how bad could it be?

The crazy plan: A little over four marathons in 6 days

This is part of my run2012miles challenge raising money for 5 great charities.  If you'd like to help support these please click on the Virgin Money Giving button on the top right of the blog...thank you for your support!

Monday, Day 01: 12.5 miles, 558 ft of climb (DETAILS)

Gribun to Ben More

Starting off at the turning to the Gribun, day one is the shortest day to allow me to establish a steady slow and comfortable pace that hopefully won't leave me too wrecked for the rest of the week.  The first four miles are fairly flat and then there is a three mile Cat 5 climb before a steady descent to the coast and the undulating road to the Ben More car park.

Tuesday, Day 02: 18.5 miles, 650 ft of climb (DETAILS)

Ben More to Tostarie

This is my excuse for missing yet another Up&Running shop run with my friends in Bristol!  Although through day 2 the sea is always in sight, there are some serious undulations starting from around the 9 mile marker.  A 1.5 mile climb incorporating another Cat 5 climb of 200 ft is the toughest of the day, but hopefully the beautiful views of Loch Na Keal and across Loch Tuath to Ulva will make up for the discomfort.  The run ends at Tostarie, a cottage Jen and I once stayed in over Christmas. 

Wednesday, Day 03: 18.1 miles, 1129 ft of climb (DETAILS)

Tostarie to Tobermory

This will be a tough day.  Starting with another cat 5 climb inland over Tresnish point before descending down towards the coast and along to Calgary bay before climbing across the north of the island through Dervaig and the windy roads and a further 3 cat 5 climbs before descending into Tobermory and with any luck some fish and chips on the pier from the van that features in Les Routiers!

Thursday, Day 04: 20.7 miles, 728 ft of climb (DETAILS)

Tobermory to Craignure

This will be an early start as we are staying just outside Bunessan at Traigh Mhor, The drive to Tobermory is around 90mins each way.  Day 4 stays along the coast road with views across the sound of Mull back to the mainland.  This is probably the leg I am least looking forward to as it starts with a steep climb that continues for the first four miles before dropping down again to the undulating coast.  This is the longest leg and along a fast A-road without any pavement.  The only plus side is that unlike the vast majority of the island which is single track, there are at least lanes for traffic in each direction!  Getting to the car park at Calmac Ferry Terminal in Craignure will be a relief!  I'm told we are celebrating at the ninth wave...I think I'll have the lobster nomnomnom!

Friday, Day 05: 19.5 miles, 755 ft of climb (DETAILS)

Craignure to Pennyghael

Very little sea to see on Day 5, but the run through the glen is spectacular.  I've run this before and know that the climb up through the glen of over 600ft in 6 miles is tough, even on fresh legs.  But the feeling that you get encompassed by the wonderful mountains is really quite breathtaking.  I just hope that I'm in a state able to appreciate it.  This run may very well take me in excess of 4 hours on tired legs, but words can't descibe how happy I will be when i pass the Gribun turning just before Pennyghael knowing that I have completed a ciruit of the island on foot.  Wish me luck in getting there...I will sleep well on Friday night!

Saturday, Day 06: 15.5 miles, 397 ft climbed (DETAILS)

Pennyghael to Fionnphort

The final stretch and it is out along the Ross.  This is the bit of Mull that makes me tingle, that has me not sleeping like a child before christmas on the build up and contains some of the most magical places imaginable.  Unfortunately for you I'm not sharing my secrets here as they need to be discovered to be enjoyed...like most of Mull, the more time you put into exploring, the greater your rewards and enjoyment!

So a steady and enjoyable stretch to finish with along through Pennyghael and Bunessan and finishing at the Iona Ferry.  I think it would be rude not to have lunch at the one and only Keel Row and maybe soak my feet off the jetty celebrating smashing through the half way mark of my 2012 challenge!

Totals: 104.8 miles, 4217 ft climbed

So with any luck, that will be 4 marathons in 6 days, an epic weeks running of over 100 miles and hopefully I should be through the half way mark for my 2012 challenge!

It won't be possible without some serious support from Jenny and possibly Phil driving me to the starts and scrapping me up at the end of the day when I'm done...and also Mam Reed who will be filling me up with Mull pie amongst other things to make sure I'm fuelled for my runs!

I'm not an ultra runner yet, but I hope one day I'll get there!

And the winner is....

Congratulations go to Matthew, who with his predicted time of 4hrs and 14mins was the closest to guessing my Edinburgh Marathon finishing time of 4:13:15

To read all about how I got on in Edinburgh click here.

Matthew was in Bristol over the weekend as was able to pick up his prize donated by Up & Running, Bristol in person.

Matthew (left) collecting his prize from Pete outside
Up & Running Bristol

Up and Running have been fantastic supporters of my 2012 challenge on all sorts of levels.  Not only are they a great place to get specialist shoes and other running paraphernalia, but there is a great wealth of knowledge there if you pop in with any questions.  And for those just starting out running there are a number of running groups that head out from pretty much all of their stores nation wide.  I'm quite often out with one of the groups on a Tuesday, sometimes I even manage to make it to the Thursday session too!

So whether you need friendly shoe advice, or just want to talk running and find out more about running events in your area, why not pop along and say hi.

Inside Matthews Running Goodie Bag:
A technical shirt, some socks and plenty of SiS fuel and recovery

Hopefully there will be more prize winning chances for my sponsors later in the year...keep checking back on the blog, find me on facebook or follow me on twitter

Hot and Long in Scotland...or how I nearly went sub 4 for a marathon!

***Finally I have managed to make some time to catch up on a little blogging.  Technically I should really be caked in dust ripping the last bit of ceiling down, but that can wait until after lunch now!***

Race Preparation

I was a little nervous going into this race as it was 5 years ago that I last ran this distance and my training hasn't been going as well as I had hoped .  I'm at one of those life junctures where everything seems to be colliding (Work, Study, DIY, Fatherhood, 2012 challenge and marathon training) and I have yet to work out how it's all going to fit together on the other side.  But life is a compromise and so although I hadn't run as many long runs as I had hoped, I did have a good run of high mileage weeks in February and I hoped that combined with my daily running streak I would at least have a good enough base to get around in one piece.

Running through St Andrews Park...
Yes it was too hot for tights!

I did manage to taper as much as I could whilst still running at least a mile each day, knocking out 23 miles Monday to Saturday and with the exception of a tempo run on Tuesday they were all at a comfortable or slow pace.

Carbo loading began on Tuesday after my fast run and with the discovery of NUUN hydration tablets (thanks Shaun!) I felt a lot less worried about salts and hydration than I have been in previous events.

MBW took on the driving and with a stop over in Birmingham on Thursday night we arrived in Edinburgh late Friday afternoon in time for another big pasta meal and a good nights sleep.  Unfortunately, we were located in a third floor flat on Cowgate, just up from the infamous Three Sisters and so we had a choice...bake in the flat with the windows and secondary glazing shut, or try to sleep through the late night revelries of numerous local and European stag/hen parties!

Expo...or was it?

The following day after a restless sleep we headed down to the race expo which was being hosted in Dynamic Earth.

Marathon Expo and EMF events

I have to say this was a little disappointing.

Having run London and Paris marathons before, and knowing what pride the Scots take in a good event and party, I couldn't believe that the organisers hadn't managed to get a selection of trade stands together and host some talks, maybe massages, ask the experts etc... Even Bristol managed to have more going on at the 10k a few weeks ago.  Given the high cost of entry for this event this was a major let down.

However, I did get to meet some of the lovely Team Macmillan ladies who were brilliant in offering MBW a pass into the finishing enclosure so that she had somewhere to rest the bump before I caught up with everyone at the end.

L to R: Reshma, Sue, Me & Jan

I also managed to pick up some useful additions from the one small but fortunately well stocked trade stand, run and become.

Tri-berry and Strawberry Lemonade flavours...yum!

...and a handy none bounce belt for gels and nuun

After a quick bite to eat I then decided to grab a quick power nap whilst we awaited John's arrival at the flat.  I must have needed the sleep though; I awoke around two and a bit hours later with John having arrived and everyone ready for a light bite before a bit of Euro-trash to get us ready for bed.

Final countdown...just time for one last run.

Before we ate I managed to head out for a short blast down to the Parliament building and back, and in my short shorts seemed to cause quite a stir, getting all manor of whistles and shouts...worryingly not just from hen parties, but also the odd burly Scottish white van man.  Sometimes I wish I did run in headphones!

Quick shower on my return and a grilled chicken salad, then ready for bed...until we got sucked into watching Eurovision as the voting was about to begin!

By the time Sweden had won, and the UK spared a humiliating last place (thanks to Norway) it was late and pre-race angst was starting to set in. 

Race morning

The heat and noise again didn't provide the best of sleeps and I was a little agitated at breakfast.  Some rice pudding, banana and a little cold custard soon settled my nervous stomach and John and I were ready to head off to our starts.  

Having predicted a 4:30 finish on my application form I was at the blue start on Regents Road; John being a speed demon at 3:30 was a Brown starter on London Road.

Not nervous at all...honest!

The walk to the start was only around a mile, and since I was starting at 10:00 this gave us plenty of time.  The sun was already starting to warm me up though, and by the time I got to Regent's road I was happy to off load my bag and sweater to the baggage bus and head off to find a loo.

The queue for toilets was pretty enormous and I'm not sure looping everyone around the rear of the cubicles on a hot sunny morning was the best of ideas...it only takes one person in a crowded place to start gagging before there's a massive involuntary puke fest!  Not a great hydration strategy at the start of a marathon!

Whilst killing time before the start I did get to chat to quite a few other runners.  Most like me were a little worried about the heat, but the general atmosphere was one of nervous excitement.  There is something wonderful about that moment before the gun; looking around and reading peoples faces, shoulder to shoulder with strangers all united with a common goal.  I glanced down at my watch and my pulse was steady at around 70bpm...it was about to get going!

And we're off!

The first mile was a stead down hill towards the Scottish Parliament building, and despite the crowds I managed a health 8:45 split.  MBW was waiting at the turn around and I was able to give sprout a quick tap, although I was too fast for a photo apparently!

First of many Macmillan cheer points!

The lead group just after 1 mile

The route continued out through East Edinburgh (through some partially open roads which wasn't nice since fumes from traffic are not conducive to good health whilst pushing your lungs hard!) towards the coast and I managed to sustain splits averaging 8:35 until mile 6 and a necessary pee stop.  Queuing cost be around 4 minutes and I as we were along the flat but congested promenade I upped the pace a little for the next three miles to try and claw back some of the time lost.  By half way I was averaging 8:37 pace (discounting my toilet stop) and I was feeling pretty comfortable despite the heat of the midday sun.

My hydration at this point was my main concern.  I didn't want to drink too much, but the heat of the sun was making me very thirsty.  I decided to add a nuun tablet to each of the water bottles at the drinks stations and take on about a third to half of a bottle each time (around 100-160ml), discarding the rest.

There's quite a trick to getting the oversized tablet into a bottle on the run.  By the third or fourth station I had mastered the technique which involved removing and breaking the tablet when I saw the signs for drinks, then trying not to dissolve them in my hands whilst being splashed by other runners!  Sticky and slightly salt hands, but quick movement through the drinks stations was achieved

The route out along the coast road was lovely, but the dark tarmac and the beating down sun was starting to hurt by mile 17 and when I saw the Macmillan cheer point just before mile 18 I had to stop for a drink, some jelly babies and....the green afro!  With my pace still under 9 mins I was looking good for a 3:45 finish, something I would never dared dream before the start!

But the sun was really cooking the runners now.  Afterwards I would be told that out on the coast road the temperature got up to 26c, but it felt hotter than that when we moved away from the slight coastal breeze to the still of Gosford House  By mile 19 my splits had dropped to 9:30's but I still managed the 30k mat in 2:49:43 so a sub-4 looked on the cards.

The green afro was a master stroke.  Far from what everyone believed (that it would cook my head) it proved to be a huge asset, not only in eliciting moral support and cheers from the crowds:

'GO JIMMY GREEN'

'YER AIRS GOON GREEN'

...it also was great when sodden with water at keeping my temperature down!

However, despite every effort to keep cool in the tortuous heat, by quads gave in at around mile 22 as we approached Cockenzie power station on the return leg.  My splits plummeted and now it was a battle to stay sub 4:05, nope...sub 4:10....not quite, sub 4:15!

With every last bit off effort and struggling through a horrid 12:24 for mile 25 and 11:11 for mile 26, I managed to up the pace for the final stretch and power through across the finish line in 4:13:15, knocking over 45mins off my previous marathon PB.

Can you spot THE GREEN AFRO!

I was spent!  That was the toughest run I've had in a very long time.  The course is as advertised a fast flat-ish route, but why they start so late is beyond me!  I really feel for the 5-6hr runners who would have been under that intense heat for even longer.  Please EMF, if you can, why not match every other major city road marathon and start early!

Post race celebrations

Having crashed down across the finish line I wasn't in any huge rush to get into the crowds in the meeting zone and so I slowly ambled across until John and MBW caught sight of me and shouted out.

John had managed an impressive, but slightly frustrating 3:33:43 and so was a few minutes of his target, however I would learn later that another friend, Pete from Up and Running Bristol would be even closer to breaking 3:30, with a frustratingly close 3:30:28

We headed over to the Macmillan tent where we were greeted by cheerleaders and treated to a massage before refuelling on all manor of goodies.

Give me an M....

A sea of green, winners every one!

Although I was running for all five of my charities that are part of my run2012miles challenge, the support from Macmillan really made this a memorable event.  The cheer points and the tent at the end were hugely appreciated and they really did a great job in securing such sponsorship from local businesses who provided all of the refreshments and food at the end. A great charity and one I would urge first time marathoners to support as they will certainly be there to support you!

Final thoughts

Although the training hadn't been brilliant and my 2012 challenge and running streak meant that rest days were not an option, this was still a satisfying and enjoyable race.

Knowing I had friends in the field, support waiting for me and the best wishes of my friends and sponsors really meant a lot and contributed towards another memorable moment this year.  I certainly couldn;t have gotten this far without the love and support of MBW (Jenny) who made the journey up (and the 2mile each way walk to the coaches!) despite being 24 weeks pregnant with out first baby.

I'm often found eulogising marathons and I'm sure it annoys some people; it may not be everyone's cup of tea.  However, when you look at the crowd of people, spectators, supporters, runners and event crew, all enjoying being part of an event where you can push yourself, find your limits and then find out how you deal with them....well, it really is something you have to have experienced to understand how great that feels.

So a big shout out to all those people who have supported me in this, the first of this years marathons and the run that took me through 800 miles of my 2012 mile challenge!

Me and John...ready for pizza!

THANK YOU EVERYONE

Wet T-shirt...pics to follow!

No rest for the wicked!

After what has felt like a tough week, todays run was surprisingly enjoyable and reinvigorated me just as I was starting to burn out!

Last Sunday I took part in the Edinburgh marathon (report to follow), my first full marathon for 5 years and although I had a few miles behind me courtesy of the run2012miles challenge my less than ideal prep and the lack of rest days left me feeling very tired afterwards.

I managed a short mile-ish recovery run on Monday, followed by a 5 mile or so group run on Tuesday with Up & Running Bristol. This took in some varied terrain through Blaise, with some steep inclines (of both varieties...the downs being far worse than the ups!) On Wednesday I had to get up to date with my accounts and submit by VAT return...and so ended up squeezing in a late (11:30pm I think!) short mile or so in before the fun started on Thursday with our flat renovations!

Doing it myself....well, with a little help from my brother!

During all of this MBW and I had been trying to keep working and sort out how on earth we were going to get all of the work done to the flat we needed to do before the baby arrives. In the end we realised that the only way we could get it done was to temporarily move out and take up residence in Hullavington with Mam and Dad. So we needed to pack up our life and move out so we could get on with taking our flat apart!

Our Living Room...

Fortunately my brother was on hand to assist with the demolitions and Thursday through Sunday I have been clearing out and then stripping a kitchen before removing a lath & plaster ceiling in the living room...not a pleasant experience with all that plaster and 100 year old dust. (not to mention the old cigarettes we found...)

Interestingly...I found an advert for the very same
in the 1953 Coronation edition of Picture Post 

So with all that going on whilst my body has been in marathon recovery mode and my mind suffering post marathon blues it's amazing that I've managed to get out running at all!

Well for that I have to thank a certain David Coffey and the Louisiana Ultra Runners, who very kindly invited me to join their Facebook Group and take part in their latest challenge.

New Challenge!

This involves a slight expansion of my streaking project. Whereas I had decided that to complete my streak I needed to run at least 1 mile every day, the LUR challenge requires at least 2 miles per day as well as 50 push-ups and 50 sit-ups...so much for recovery!

Friday was day 1 of the LUR challenge and although doing the mileage wasn't going to be a problem, 50 push-ups ans sit-ups pretty much killed me! I managed just about by spreading them out, but on saturday morning I felt as though I had been badly beaten up!

I managed to get through Saturday, but after a restless nights sleep and a day during which I must have sweated my body weight I felt terrible when it came to running late at night. To add to the frustrations, my Garmin battery gave up and I only managed to officially record around 900m of the run! It was quite possibly the most uncomfortable run of the year so far!

Wet and Wild

And then today, having woken up feeling as though I had been trampled on by a heard of animals I was in no fit state to even get up, never mind sit up 50 times! Off to Bristol it was to finish removing a plaster cornice, loft insulation and then all the timber laths.

By the time we were done, respirators sodden with a bitter black sweat and goggles misted through, we were both ready for bed. My brother (Matthew) had to leave earlier so that he could get back for my niece and nephew's bed-time and I was contemplating a run back into the village.

Having moved our stuff to Hullavington, I was limited in the choice of running attire I had with me, and so ended up going out in shorts and a cotton tee with my wind proof Ron Hill hi viz jacket...well' it is sort of water proof! It had been raining on and off all day, but when we came to leave and head back for the day we had saturating showers, the kind that feel almost more like a thick mist rather than a downpour. Lovely!

I was so tired that I actually managed to fall asleep in the car as we headed back towards the village; waking just in time to confirm that I would run on the way rather than go out late again as I had the night before.

I jumped out of the car near Sherston and planned to take the turning towards Hill Hayes. By the time I got to that junction the decision had been taken to extend the route and I headed towards Norton and added an extra half mile or so.

I don't know what it is about the rain, but tonights run has to go down as one of my most memorable. I felt comfortable at around 8:20 pace and although soaked to the bone, I didn't feel the cold until I stopped and the rain on my face felt refreshing. When I returned to the village I lay outstretched on the lawn for around 6-7 minutes in the pouring rain, enjoying that 'I'm alive' feeling and being very grateful for my freedom to run in all weather.

The rain washed away some of my stresses and when I finally got out of my soaking clothes I was feeling fresh and happy to have enjoyed such a childish run, outside in the rain, splashing though puddles and relishing being alive!

Now I'm sure that there was more I wanted to say, but I'll leave it at that for tonight.

I'm hoping to have my Edinburgh race report up soon, although it may have to get knocked down my list of priorities, I just have to get the baby's room ready in time!

Why run 2012 miles?

As many of you know I have been doing a little bit of running this year. Those of you who have been following the blog (http://belmontroadrunner.blogspot.com) or follow me on twitter (@mgossage) will know what I've been up to as I have hauled by tired, lazy and on occasion sickly self around the streets of Bristol, often early in the morning or late at night, to keep up with my commitment to run every day through 2012 with the aim of reaching 2012 miles before the year is out...all in the name of charity, or multiple charities in this case!

Well, as the weekend approaches I am preparing to take on the Edinburgh Marathon, the first time I have run that distance for five years, and without a days rest from running in the 148 days leading to it.

So this is just a quick note to explain why I'm doing what I'm doing.

I've chosen to run for the five charities I regularly support because it was just too difficult to choose between such worthy causes. The Grand Appeal provide life saving beds for premature babies, the most vulnerable people on the planet, whilst Merlin ensure that after the emergency relief teams leave war torn or disaster ridden places, the medical infrastructure can be rebuilt so that communities can survive. I've had friends touched by Cancer who have praised the work of the Macmillan nurses, always on hand to comfort and advise through the most traumatic of times and others who have benefited from the campaigning and research provided by the British Heart Foundation. And finally Shelter, who again I am supporting through my practice and offering consultation to home owners in return for donations that help fund the fight against rouge landlords, lobby for affordable housing and help to educate on the importance of the a good place to live. How could I choose?

I know that these are tough times, but all and any donations are greatly appreciated...and if you sponsor me and manage to predict my race time, you are in with a chance to win a prize donated by specialist running store Up & Running Bristol

Running can be tough, but every time I get a hour to do what I want to do...even if sometimes I don't want to do it...I am thankful that I have a home, I have my health and I have the luxury of time to do it.

Just a selection of the excellent crowd from the Up & Running Shop runs

The wonderful 'mile'ers' up at Newcastle station after the OneShow1000 relay

And when I can do it surrounded by friends...well that's about as good as it gets!

Edinburgh Predictions ?!?

The countdown has begun and I'm now into the final week before my first marathon in five years.  I sort of know what to expect, but that doesn't stop the nerves from building and the worries from rushing around my head.

Have I run enough? Have I rested enough? Did I go far enough? Should I have done more hills? Which shoes shall I wear? Vest or T?  The permutations between PB and DNF are endless, and each carrying with them varying degrees of satisfaction, disappointment and associated physical and mental pains.

The facts however are simple enough to dig out of my training history, so here's some info for all you stat freaks.  Let me know what you make of it and give me your best predictions.

My Base
My mileage covered this year so far is around 770 miles, averaging almost 40/week and that is a much better base than I've every had before.  The only real problem being that as you can see below, I peaked in February and the past few weeks have had much lower mileage than I would have hoped for.

Weekly Mileage split into HR zones

My Distance
Although I gradually built up and sustained a good average mileage, long runs have not been as long as I would have hoped.  Looking back, although I have 21 runs over 10 miles, only 5 of these stretch to 15!  I don't think I'm going to be that comfortable past the 17/18 mile mark.  Let's hope the crowd will encourage me at the end.

Daily Distance (miles)

My Pace
This has gradually crept up through the year and one of the great benefits of recording all my runs using my Garmin and SportTracks is that I can now see improvement in average pace across all my running, not just events.  In effect I have shaved almost two minutes off my min/mile pace and this has given me a new 10k PB of 47:49 over an undulating and waterlogged GWR Towpath course as well as decent 1:52:35 for a gruelling Forest of Dean Half. 

Average Pace (min/mile) over the year so far

My Predictions

So how might my recent times translate into predictions?

Well, using the infamous RunnersWorld calculator I get the following marathon time results:

• Based on a 20mile training run: 4hrs 17min
• Based on Forest of Dean Half: 3hrs 53min
• Based on my recent 10k PB: 3hrs 39min

So, with an average of 3hrs 57min it looks as though I may actually break the illusive 4hrs!  But I don't think that's going to happen this time....I'm not going to hold my breath.

If I've learnt anything from previous races it's that there are just too many variables, so I'm going to set my sights on a new marathon PB of sub 4hr 30min and hope I can keep on target and the lack of long runs doesn't bite me where it hurts!

Just wish me luck, and please if you can, visit my sponsorship page and help support the charities I'm running for.

Running a Rollercoaster...

This week has been pretty intense.

It started with the disappointment of missing the London Marathon Ballot entry on Monday, a pain that was soothed by the unexpected completion of my first long run in some time on Tuesday, which was quite a relief as I was starting to worry I wouldn't have time to build up to a decent 20 miler before the Edinburgh Marathon on 27th May.

With that out of the way I knocked out a really comfortable recovery run on Wednesday before reality came crashing down with Thursdays Hill session that left me feeling drained and floppy...not a good pre-race preparation for my first 10k race of the season.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I was quite stressed before the start of Friday's 10k due to a far from ideal build-up, and so was over the moon to get around with a new PB.  And with a steady two on Saturday, the week was looking liking being an epic week!

Until today!

I didn't sleep very well last night for some reason and although I had planned to get out early, it was around 9:45 by the time I actually managed to get out the door.

I had decided that after a sudden upsurge in miles this week I wouldn't be pushing the pace to marathon pace, but instead would just run by my HR, keeping below 149 and in my aerobic zone.  My legs were feeling quite heavy and I didn't have anything to prove with pace.

After around 2 miles I could already start to feel some discomfort in my shin; the right leg this time.  It didn't seem to be getting any worse and so I continued, HR was keeping me at a slower pace, but I was sure it would be okay.

What I hadn't counted on was the sun.  It was over-cast and around 7/8C when I left the house in my leggings and shower proof jacket.  By the time I reach 10km the clouds were parting and it was beginning to get rather warm!

I hadn't planned to take any water with me although I did have two gels.  This was an obvious mistake and I ended up asking for a cup of water from a KFC over at Cribbs Causeway retail park!  To their credit they didn't make a fuss and I was hugely grateful...11 miles in and that could have been a show stopper.

As it transpired my downfall was to come a few miles later as my legs just realised they had given me too much already this week.  No amount of Gel/ Water or promises of Holly's massage would keep them going and around 15 miles I knew I was beaten.

I'm not going to get too upset though.  This was the first 50+ miler week for twelve weeks, and given that it included both my longest run and a 10k PB I don't think I have much to complain about...other than a grumbly worry that my shins may yet come back to bite me if I'm not careful!

My focus now is some quality tempo sessions and a taper in preparation for Edinburgh.

My 2012 mileage total now stands at 715 miles (1144km*) 

that leaves just 1297miles to go.

On Day 127 of my streak I can report that I'm 16.5 miles ahead of schedule, so fingers crossed I will be able to bank

*I'm more than half way to my original goal of 2012km

Soggy, squelchy, super towpath 10k

Well I couldn't resist a quick blog about tonight's GWR Towpath 10k.

I've spent the last few days trying to finalise a research proposal and hence have been a little stressed, so when I realised I hadn't quite enough time to get it finished today and had to rush back to get ready for the race, well you can imagine I wasn't in the best of moods for the start.

I was also still mentally and physically tired from a week of tough efforts. An impromptu 20 miler on Tuesday that started off as a 6 mile tempo run that I extended; just because it was a lovely evening. A 5+ mile recovery run on Wednesday and then Hill reps on Thursday left my quads and calves feeling like jelly.

Still, a snickers and a bag of jelly sweets at tea time and I at least thought I'd get around without coming last!

Given the recent cold spell I chose to run in my leggings and a t-shirt under my vest. Okay, the t-shirt was actually there to help contain my man flesh, although I really not know how those whippets managed vests when there is no fat on them to keep themselves warm! Anyway, I digress.

Since I managed to convince Jen to drop me off, I could spend the short drive calculating times and paces and trying to get a handle on how to try and feel more positive.

I decided that I would push for 8 min pace and if I had to slow down at the end, hopefully I could keep it under 52 mins.

As we set off I got carried along with the pack and soon realised that I needed to ease off as we were running sub 6:30 pace. The first up, around the flyover ramp soon saw to that and I dropped it down to a health 7:20ish.

As we exited the park and picked up the tow path I found myself being over taken by quite a number of the quicker runners but held on to what felt like a strangely steady pace, albeit with a thumping HR at almost 180BMP!

The slightly undulating towpath was quite a challenge in places. Soft grass gave way to sloppy mud which in turn was replaced by puddles of ever increasing size. At one point I'm sure it must have been around 20-30 meters of solid flooded path, up to 6" deep in places I discovered!

Still, these challenging conditions didn't take the smile off my face when I reached the turn around in 23minutes.

Now I just had to pull off a reverse split...or maybe not.

Heading back towards the start the mud was made more difficult by having other runners coming towards you. I slipped a number of times but nothing serious and soon found I was at the back end of a break away pack that maybe had a minute on those behind us.

My aim was just to hang in there. As we approached the 7km mark I realise I had never run so far at this pace before and just wanted to see how long it would last.

There were three runners in front of me, could I catch them?

One of the things I love about these events is the fact that despite the fact that most of the participants don't have any serious expectations of winning, there are races to be had at all levels along the course.

As we approached 8km the pace had dropped a little and was hovering around the 8min mark. A short uphill gave me the opportunity to power past the first three and set my sights on another small group around 60m ahead.

By this time I was starting to feel a little funny. I felt as though I couldn't clear my throat and was dry retching a little.

We approached the 9km marker and up the flyover ramp I managed to take two of the runners in front of me as they slowed for what is probably the steepest bit of gradient on the course.

Almost vomiting as I turned to head down the other side (apologies to the marshall if i made you feel nauseous) and now it was back through the park with the finish line in sight; my final quarry just 30m ahead.

But kicking to try and catch was met with a strong response that I just couldn't match. With only 10-15 meters to go I was spent. The foot came off the gas and I coasted across the line in under 48minutes.

UPDATE.....Official gun time was 47:49....A new 10km PB!

I'm pretty pleased with that! (as you might have guessed)

The race was very well organised and I want to say a huge thanks to all the marshalls, time keepers and other race officials who made it possible.

I had to dash off at the end (after a bit of a chat with some fellow runners of course) but hope next time to head back to race HQ for a well deserved pint!

If you live in Bristol and haven't tried this series you are really missing something. The Bristol 10k might have the bells and whistles, but the Towpath and other local club run events are grass roots running and great fun for all involved.

Edinburgh marathon....bring it on!

I think it may be time to start thinking about some new kicks...maybe next month...

100 Day Streak...Done! Am I runner yet?

579 Miles so far! (as of Monday) #run2012miles

Well, Monday saw me break through my 100 day streak barrier in a run against the elements as well as a test of my mental fortitude.  It got me to thinking about my aim to become a runner and how that was progressing.

Running has been something I've enjoyed on and off for around 10 years.  In fact it was the 2002 London marathon that I began training for first after being challenged to enter by a friend at work (Bodkin it's all your fault!)  Unfortunately I had a freak injury involving a blackthorn that required my shoe to be cut off my foot (under gas and air!) only a few weeks prior to the race; I deferred to 2003 but was hooked on long distance running!

After that I seemed to get into the cycle of 3-4 runs a week through December to April, Spring Marathon and then nothing through the Summer/Autumn.  I finished my MA and professional exams in 2005 work started to take over more any more and then 2011 turned into a horrible year that left me in a depressed state, over weight and no longer even walking much.  When however I found out I had been successful in securing a role as a 2012 Gamesmaker I decided that things needed to change, this Olympic year would be different.  When to that was added the news that I would become a father too, well, it certainly looks now as if 2012 is likely to become of the best years of my life.

So, running was to become my route to a positive and healthy future.

My motivation for building the streak was multifaceted and has changed a little along the way. Like many things I embark upon on it didn't have a whole lot of reasoning behind it, but sort of emerged out of the mire of ideas around running 2012 miles* in 2012. I realised that every day that I didn't run the requisite 5.5miles would mean another day of increased mileage. Logically it seemed the best way to stay on top of this would be to run every day.

So the streak sort of emerged out of the challenge. But I also realised it would help serve another purpose. What better way could there be to becoming a runner than to get out and run every day?

*BING* I could do that! I would finally break through the jogging barrier and start to feel more comfortable wearing a club vest.

Not to say that my first hundred days of daily running have been challenging would be misleading, but it hasn't been as bad as I thought it might, and it could have been a lot worse.

Yes there have been some days where I have not  been very well and shuffled around a mile or so in some form of deranged fugue, but these days have taught me when to listen and modify my efforts to my capabilities. 

The days that I've gotten out early and then felt extra chuffed with myself for doing what I know many others haven't, such as running in the snow, the rain and the freezing dark mornings have been special, but so have those unexpected long ones where I've just pushed myself a little further away from home and taken in some new parts of Bristol that I hadn't seen before.

The funny thing I've noticed is that it is on the days when I don't plan but throw in an extra loop, or decide on a little fartlek to up my HR a bit that I seem much happier.  It would seem as though my body is just like the rest of me; it doesn't like being told it has to do something.

I've learnt that slow and long seems to be the way forward.  It is only recently as I've started to push myself a little harder with more effort sessions and hills, pushing my HR and pace up that I've started to worry about injury.  Taking it steady and looking for consistency before growth have kept me on track.

But I also wouldn't have been able to do this without the people I've surrounded myself with, both in the real world and online through forums and blogs.  I used to think that distance running was a solitary sport; an assumption far from the reality out there!

Not only am I fortunate to have an understanding family and very supportive wife, who doubles as emergency rescue for the odd long one that gets called off mid-run, but I've got to know a great deal of new people around the world at all sorts of different levels who have been both a wealth of knowledge and a huge support on the days when it isn't going so well.  There's some fantastically inspirational people out there and if you run, you always have something in common to talk about!

Then there's the @UpandRunningBS6 crowd.  Having just recently started to cut my teeth on efforts I'm hugely thankful for the challenging and enjoyable sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays with a great crowd.  The friendly chat takes the edge off the hard work and I certainly push myself harder than I would on my own.

Which reminds me...maybe I should try and get back along to Westbury Harriers at some point over the summer....would that help clarify for forward motion nomenclature?

So am I a runner yet?

Well, I'll let you decide that, but how many of you went out for a two hour 'jog' in Monday's weather?

*this started as 2012km, but soon grew to the greater challenge!

Ahead of the curve...but falling behind!

Apologies are needed.

Sorry.

It has been almost three weeks since my last blog, and boy what a lot has happened since then. Hopefully you'll see why I've kinda had my hands full.

First up is a status update.

My wife and I are pleased to announce that we are expecting our first baby in September. Obviously we're pretty chuffed with this news and those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook will have known for a whole now. I'm both scared and excited; the rough proportions of these two emotions vary on a daily basis. We are almost 14wks in and so just at the start of the second trimester.

I thought I had loads of reading to do with my running, but that's nothing compared to fatherhood! I almost wonder if Amazon have a vested interest in the pro-life lobby...there is certainly a wealth of stuff out there and that's before we even start on all the accessories!

So although I'm hoping to keep running every day I can certainly see its going to be very difficult come September. In fact, given our ETA of 18th Sept, my entry into the Kielder marathon on October 7th may start to look risky. Oh boy! (or girl!)

That aside I've also been very busy at work and have had a stinky cold that has left me feeling that sleep is far more preferable to yet more Internet.

So happy news aside I am focusing on trying not to feel too sorry for myself.

Yes I only ran 30 odd miles last week...yes I may have even less in the bag this week, but what does it matter?

I've run every day and even when I'm feeling crappy have found a quick couple of KMs is perfect for raising my spirits. I've come to distinguish between physical exhaustion and mental exhaustion, and also to realise that through my running I'm training to combat both of these foes.

I understand myself enough to know that I take on too much and have a tendency to get stressed about things when they don't go exactly to plan, but what I'm not very good at is taking the advice of those who are there to help keep me on a steady course.

But I am trying...

Change is a gradual process, and I'm lucky to have some wonderful friends and family to help shape me into someone who understands a little better not only my own limits but also my own potential.

This quote sort of sums it up...

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” -Anatole France

So although I've dropped off a little from my 50+mile weeks, I know that it is temporary. I believe I can do it and won't stop dreaming that we will also raise loads of money to make a difference to some amazing people.

I have some time off work next week...I think I'm going to have to start formulating my plan!

Muwhahaha......

cough...splutter...thud!
(I'll shake this cold first though!)

Milestones and Promises... #run2012miles

After the barrier breaking epic that was last week...(I think my auto DM weekly round up called it Stellar!) I knew I was going to have to take it easy and I could hear my body groaning right from the off on Monday.  In summary...

Mondays run was far from ace
Tuesdays run was full of pace
Wednesdays run lacked get and go
Thursdays run went slow fast slow
Fridays run had a frightful mile
Saturdays run just brought me bile
But the route that was run on at the end of the week
Made me glad for this challenge, there's no place for the meak

So that sees me through day 50 of my running streak and the fact that it wasn't the longest or fastest, the wettest or the coldest got me thinking about what makes a streak special, and more importantly why I feel I should carry on doing it at the expense of hard training sessions that need more rest afterwards. 

Well I'm not sure why other people do streaks, some say it's a good base training, others think this is just mad, but what I've noticed is that it is forcing me to try and understand and listen to my body a little more.

In the past when training for events such as the London marathon I have religiously followed the programmes given to me by others.  These are inevitably generic, and although they often come with a number of caveats, warnings and some might say promises (Get you round, Intermediate, Sub 3-hr!) none of them are designed for me and none of them really should be followed to the letter.

Whilst the times, targets and techniques outlined in many of these programmes are very well researched, have a very good grounding in respected training practices and may even on occasion work, they do also encourage a rather one dimensional aspect to training, that could if not compensated with a gooddose of level headedness leave you feeling like you're always chasing goals and feeling guilty if you don't manage to meet your daily quota.

I think the key thing here is motivation.

If this long to-do list motivates you to get out and train, then it must be a useful tool.  However if you don't listen to your body and either push yourself too far because you're being told to, maybe causing you to feel too tired and miss a session later in the week, or cut a run short when you have plenty in the tank then I'm not sure you are going to getting as much from your efforts as you possibly good.

By having the goal to run every day, I'm forced to listen to my body on a daily basis and make judgement calls as to when I can go longer and when I just have to put in a mile.  The motivation is there to get out even when feeling lazy or under the weather and whilst I may only do a mile or two to keep the streak alive, it's a mental victory that I will be able to call upon when the going gets tough at the later stages of longer runs.

I have also found that because I'm listening to my body (with my Garmin, quite literally my heart!) I'm able to tailor runs that push me when I need it but enable me to tick over and recover in between.

So whilst others may say it is a daft idea to run every day, I have to say that I have never loved running as much as I do at the moment.  I'm never going to win any races, but I win every day I get out there and keep the streak alive.  It's a baby at the moment, but as it grows I'm sure I will become quite proud of the achievements we will have shared along the way.

It works for Ron Hill...

So, who fancies meeting up on Easter Monday for day 100?

Happy running!

What a week...bed will feel good tonight!

Those of you who check out my reports on dailymile will know that this week started with a bit of a mental challenge. Feeling low in all sorts of ways made it very hard to keep motivated, but the continued support of the #run2012miles team and those around me got me out when feeling rubbish. So I must send a huge shout out to the team for keeping me on the road.

After Monday's run I decided that I must have overdone it last week with my epic 60+ miles, so this week I decided not to set myself any distance targets and take it easy. Even so, this didn't stop me thrashing out a quick ish 10+miles on Tuesday when I joined the group run from @Up&RunningBS6 and chalked up my fastest 10 in ages!

Of course, this left me suffering a little and I was back on plan B for the rest of the week, with another tough cold and dark morning run on Friday squeezed in before heading across to London.

But catching up with some great friends and heading along to the bushy parkrun gave me a burst of enthusiasm that propelled me around the course for my fastest 5k (25:29) in almost 5 years. I even then managed a quick swim, although that was mainly to stop me extending the run further as if I'm honest my legs were out of juice and it was quite a chilly morning (they announced -7 at the start of the run!)

I tried not to moan too much but figured I would have to get out early this morning if I was going to ensure my running didn't dominate our weekend and decided I should probably keep it to around 10 miles to not risk feeling rubbish or injuring my already stiff legs.

Well it turned out to be quite a special run. For most of the loop around Bushy Park and Hampton Court I just had the deer and the chilly air for company, although a few marshals started to appear as they were setting up for a 10k race. Dog walkers and a few other runners materialised around 8:30 but I was almost out of the park then and on my way to Richmond.

I took a loop that I think was used mainly by mountain bikers, keeping close to the walls and enjoying the challenges of the frozen wheel ruts and plenty of roots to navigate. The loop ended up being slightly longer than planned, but I was feeling okay so carried on regardless.

As I jogged through Teddington towards the lock a few more folk appeared; off to a coffee shop for a latte or just getting the dog exercise before church maybe? But quite a distinct lack of runners...it wasn't THAT cold was it?

This soon changed as I crossed over the two bridges at Teddington Lock and started off towards Richmond bridge along the Thames. The entrance to the locks was frozen solid and made an incredible pinging sound as you bounced stones off the surface. I just wish I could have recorded it, but I don't tend to take a camera with me.

I was passed in both directions by all sorts of runners pounding the towpath, in shorts, leggings (and even down jackets! Sweaty or what!) and since my pace had slowed quite a bit by then it was lovely to exchange a few 'good mornings' and a big 'thank you' to the team out picking litter from the river bank.

By the time I reached Richmond bridge the day was in full swing and it was obvious that this was going to be a 15+ mile effort. I returned back to Teddington along the opposite bank as much as I could but found it quite frustrating that past Twickenham I had to resort to the pavement along a fairly busy A-road. A real pity a the rest of the run had been lovely.

I'm not sure if everyone appreciated it, but the royal parks are quite an amazing asset to our capital city. It's quite something to find such lovely an large open spaces in one of Europe's largest and busiest cities.

By the end of the run I'd clocked up around 17miles, bringing my weekly totals to around 52 (although I haven't downloaded them yet).

So quite a week. Started off badly, was going to be an easy one and I end up with my fastest 10miler, fastest 5k and my longest long run all in a 50+ week.

If only they could all be like that!

The best laid plans of geese and men

Today was always going to be a bit of a rush. Up with the @6am club and trying to squeeze a 5mile recovery run in before a 8:50 train to London may have been optimistic given my late interval session at the gym yesterday (they were locking the doors behind me) and me not feeling 100% nor sleeping well this week. But the only other option would have been to scratch my streak and well, I don't think I am going to enjoy telling people that I ALMOST ran every day in the year we hosted the Olympics. It's a bit like saying Paula Radcliffe almost won an Olympic medal....

Well I certainly know that Paula will do her absolute best to take the Olympic gold and I know that I need to do my best to keep my streak alive.

Anyway, I digress.

So bag packed I decided to drive to the gym, do a loop around then I could shower, change and drop the car home before walking to the station. The fact that we currently don't have a bathroom (bad time of year for DIY I know!) makes the gym leg of this plan a necessity. Otherwise I'm sure I'll upset a few of my fellow astronomers when I take my seat at Astrofest later today. Perfect I thought. A little late out the door but arriving at the gym at around 6:45 I estimated that I could probably get a hours run in and still get back for around 8:15; plenty of time to walk to the station!

The white stuff that had appeared over night wasn't going to deter me from executing my perfect plan...and anyway it was easily cleared of the car and the drizzle that was now precipitating would take care of the rest.

It was whilst stuffing my locker with my change of clothes that I realised flaw number one in my plan. No Garmin. Not a major issue some might say, except if you want to demonstrate beyond all doubt to the naysayers that you did indeed run every day! The failure to pick up this much loved bit of kit was made all the more embarrassing by the fact that I was wearing the quick release strap firmly around the outside of my running jacket. A bizarrely minimalistic accessory that was somewhat devoid of and useful function.

I was going to have to run home. Not a massive inconvenience, but would certainly add some interest to the mix explaining to MHW what a numpty I had been!

But worse than that I would probably run it too fast because I was ever so slightly nervous going out with a time piece.

Needless to say the run itself was fairly uneventful and after a 30sec pit stop back home I was able to complete another 4 miles to make up the early morning 5. It wasn't anywhere nearly as cold as it had been and so although there was some drizzle, some icy rain that stung my cheeks and some confident looking snowflakes, I was wet but not as chilled as previous runs had left me.

So imaging my feelings when I got back to the gym and saw the signs declaring "NO HOT WATER"...gutted to say the least. But then somewhat philosophical. I was obviously meant to have a cold shower...and anyway surely that would suit my Spartan regime. In fact I started to convince myself so completely that this would in fact be the equivalent to the endurance pros and their ice baths that I was positively disappointed when it was its usual piping hot.

Great recovery, it was 8:15 when I left the gym so I'd managed to get my 5 miles in and just needed to swap out my rucksack contents and I'd be on my way.

Not being one who uses the car a great deal I obviously hadn't counted upon what is termed 'Rush Hour' traffic (although it didn't exactly seem as though many people were rushing)

Still I was almost home, in fact in the very next parallel street working around our one-way system when I noticed the flashing lights ahead. They were orange. Now whilst this might seem good that there were no emergencies being tended to, it became apparent that I wasn't going to be moving anywhere soon. At least until the lorry that was displaying these amber beacons had successfully of loaded the delivery of building materials it has just started to crane off. 8min wasn't going to be long enough...I needed to change my plan.

So, having noticed a parking spot a few cars back I switched on my hazard lights and slowly reversed, hoping that the line of vehicles behind me would do the same. Thankfully they complied and I was able to ditch the car (quite possibly my worse parking effort ever!) and run around the corner on foot.

Well thankfully the rest of the journey has gone to plan so far. I'm comfortably tucked away at the rear of the quiet coach supping my latte and writing this blog.

The weekend isn't going to be a high mileage one as we're catching up with some of our best friends and want to spend some time with them rather than out on my own. However I will be running my first parkrun with them at the original Bushy Park, so that should be fun and if the snow is around still a long run with Bernie on the bike may be called for. We'll see...but whatever happens I'm sure it will energise me a little and have me ready to pound out a few longer ones next week.

Oh I almost forgot...there were no Geese of any variety to be seen out this morning...they're obviously fair weather fowl and/or are too busy terrorising my friend John up in York. Check out the link to his blog in my profile (who I'm following) and you'll find many a fowl fact follows.

Keep on running all you #2012in2012 folks!