ING Atlanta Marathon, here I....wait

Off to America in March for the ING Georgia Marathon? Or, just off to America? I can't believe my application stalled on the final page. Now I don't know if I'm signed up or not!

With holidays booked off work and flights mind, it was time to book up for my next marathon. That should be easy enough. Well, maybe not. I logged in and provided all the necessary details - name, address, credit card details, and the rest. Fine, no probem. But when, after all that, it stalls on the vary last page it's blinking infuriating!! There's no confirmation email, so I assume I am not signed up, but can I be sure? I am so annoyed. Active.com are not my favourite group of people right now.

3 minutes? Really?

What now? I've submitted a support ticket, asking for confirmation and/or remedy. Let's see how long these guys take to respond. They are in the US, so I guess a response may be postponed untill they wake up. But they better do something fairly soon. Its tough enough training in the cold without the not knowing if I have a place or not!!:(

Running in China

I just returned from China the other day. What what a great time! I had a superb time, seeing Beijing, Shanghai and visiting friends in Hangzhou. While there, as well as seeing the Forbidden City, World Finance Centre, etc, the plan had been to do a bit of running. However the air quality made that less than straightforward.

First stop Beijing. What a city! Running round Tiananmen Square, Beihai Park and Temle of Heaven would have been so cool. It was seriously cold, but I had warm running gear so the weather was no major drama. But the air tasted of burnt plastic, so that was right out. Maybe in Shanghai?

Down to Shanghai. I arrived surfacing at People's Square in the city centre with the park full of people doing Tai Chi. It seemed like a healthy place. And being near the coast it would probably have decent air. As the day wore on, while I visited the Bund, next to the river the air started to feel manky. Hmmm... So, when I left for Hangzhou the following morning I wasn't a bit jealous seeing the Shanghai marathon running past.

Hangzhou, third time lucky? With a huge and beautiful lake (West Lake) next to the city and lots of countryside the hope was this would be a clean city. Marco Polo apparently spoke highly of it, saying it is "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world". And, to be fair, it was pretty impressive. Also, the air didn't smell or taste of anything. Wey!

So, eventullay having time away from the sites I set off on a run. The choice was the lake or towards the Lin Ying Temple. The lake was always mobbed with cowds so I decided on the road to the temple. Along paths offset from the tree-lined streets, past the nearby tea plantations and on to the Temple. Then back to the flat. A joy. And my lungs were in the same state than when I set out.

London Marathon - Rejected Again!

I can't believe it! It was my 6th application to the London Marathon, and 5th in a row. Surely I was guaranteed a place this time? No. Apparently not. This really snookers my plans.

I've been asked over to Atlanta, by a friend, to run in March. The choice was to the the full ING Marathon or the half maranthon. Ideally, I was hoping to run the half, as part of my build up for the London Marathon. By guaging my perfromance in Atlanta I would have had a good idea exactly how my training was going, and use that information to best prepare for 26 miles. Alas, this isn't going to happen.

This leaves 2 alternatives - Edinburgh marathon in May or commiiting to the 26 miles in Altlanta. Am still undecided, but I think I'll by opting for the American option. 4 years running in the Edinburgh race has been fun, but I'm in the mood for another foreign race. And catching up with friends will be lots of fun. So, it looks like Atlanta beckons.

London Half Marathon (Run to the Beat)

The inaugural London Half Marathon, my fifth half marathon, and possibly last chance for a PB this year. Did I manage it? Did I heck.

A series of factors conspired to thwart my plans. London Transport started by having a train break down in the tube station we all needed to reach. This meant we all had an unforeseen 3-4 mile trek to the start line (at the O2 Arena). Luckily the race was postponed for 45 minutes to accommodate this. Then weather did its worst - it rained non-stop all morning. And finally, and possibly most importantly I hadn't trained as much as I would have liked. There were several reasons for this, none of which are any good.

The route was OK. Probably on a par with the Great North Run, taking place on the same day. However they didn't have a dreary mist to deal with, so they probably had some fine views. For us the Thames-side part of the our race was slightly less impressive than it could have been.

It wasn't all bad. Moaning aside, I was inspired as I was during the London Marathon by the local crowds cheering everyone one. Right or wrong, London people have a bad reputation for selfishness. Again, I saw otherwise. Through this I made it to the end, and even kept within 2 hours.

My time? 1hr 55. Not brilliant. And well outside my best. But all things considered, not a bad effort.

Nike 10K - Wembley Stadium and beyond

My head was killing me! I'd had a good night, but now I was paying for it. And I did not want to get up, never mind run 10K in North London.

Eventually I dragged my sorry self out of bed. Then, fed and watered, and watered a bit more. Slowly I began to feel alive. However as to the idea of running anywhere, never mind a 10K, I was feeling none too confident. But, having never dropped out before, and with some workmates to defeat, I made my way to Wembley Stadium.

Jeez! They really dragged it out before the race. At first a concert, then interviews, more music and more chatting. Many appreciated Paula Radcliffe and Seb Coe being there, but boy did the pre-race show drag on. Only at 7.30, half an hour late, did we, at last, set off.

Ugh! We were off. But I was still not in a good way. And at the 1K mark I knew just how bad things were. I had been aiming for 45 mins, 4:30 per K, but my watch said 5 minutes. Nightmare!! Then at 2 miles 10 minutes 20. No!!!! And at 3K I just wanted to stop. ButI kept going. As at Victoria Park, I was determined to plough on.

As I kept going it started to get easier. The crowd thinned and I stopped feeling so ill, and began to pick up some speed. Soon I reached 5K. Halfway done, there was no stopping now. Then 6K , then 7, eventually 8 and then 9. I was closing in on 50 mins.

Busting my guts I powered on. My watch read 49 minutes, but I still couldn't see the finish line. Then I heard someone say it was just round the corner, 200m away. I squeezed the last drop off effort from my aching legs. 49 mins was gone. Could I make it within 50 minutes? I sprinted on, round the corner and with the finish line in sight. With other runners doing the same I passed some and was passed my others, everyone going at full tilt. Almost there. Then over the line. Done!

My time? 50:20. Damn! I missed by a mere 20 seconds.

Good news though. London took second pace in the World Race of 26 cities, bettered only by Madrid.

And I managed to beat both workmates taking part. Sweet!

Training for Nike 10K - The Human Race

I recently signed up for the next Nike 10K. Last time it was South London vs North London. This time it will be London against the rest of the world. About 30 other cities, worldwide, will be taking part.

Now to train. My preparaton has, I must admit, been a bit lacklustre of late. With a niggling injury (sore knee) I have been taking it easy. However, over the past 2 week this has changed. With the opportunity to run in the hills behind Alicante and my brother signing up for another 10K (he will not be allowed to get a better time than me) I have stepped up my efforts. After my recent good time in Elmbridge I'm aiming for a PB. Two weeks now to push close to that possiblilty. Hopefully the buzz of the occasion will hep me get there.

Elmbridge 10K

I've been bonkers busy, so this entry is just a little bit late.

The race was the Elmbridge 10K on July 20th. This is a favourite with many from my running club, but I had yet to experience it. This year I decided to join in the fun.

This time I arrived in good time. No trains were cancelled, so I reached the closest train station, Waltham-on-Thames, without any grief. There I met up with a couple of friends and made it to the start where we met up with more of our team.

To the race. It turned out to be was similar to the recent Dysart 10K. Half was along the road,then the remaining 5k took us along the edge of the River Thames. No problem. Well, except for the raging heat and a sore knee, twisted while I was running up the escalator at Waterloo station.

The first 5K was toughest. All of it was out on the open road, which was both HOT and quite a bit dull. I was keeping good pace though, keeping up with some of our better runners. Then we turned onto the towpath along the edge of the Thames and into the shade. With some cover and a much more interesting route, I started to apply some more effort. I was keeping my place, and passing one or two more than those who got the better of me. The only real concern was seeing one of our team surrendering the race to a hangover. That wasn't going to stop me though. With less than 500m to go I went for it. Quickening my pace I decided to leave nothing for after the race. I was tiring quickly, but not slowing, passing 4, 5, 6, and more in the last 50m then over the line. Yeh! I knwew I had a good time. Weather and injury be damned, this had been a good race.

Result: 45:38. That's 50+ seconds up on my last 10K. With a bit more effort I reckon I can break 45 mins and go for a personal best (sub-44:15) next time round.

Dysart Dash 10k

4 seconds faster than two weeks ago:-)

The race was almost a minor event. I had arranged to meet my friend Beth at 8.00 in Richmond before the race. She had come all the way from the States so I was keen to arrive in good time before travelling on to the race. Setting off in good time all seemed well. Until I arrived at the train station. Closed!! Ouch (I said something slightly stronger). OK, time for an unexpected warm-up. I set off for the next station.

I almost arrived in time. Not knowing the way, I ran in the general direction, asking anybody I could for directions. I started with some time to spare, but as I arrived the train pulled out of the station. Blast! Then my connecting train was cancelled. Jeez!! 8.00? Not a chance. Feeling like the worst host ever I had Beth make her own way to the race through a part of town even I didn't know.

Luckily all ended well. Through effort, good fortune and a taxi we made it to the race start in time. We both did alright and Beth seemed quite chuffed with the medal she had to take back home.

Next race? I'll think about that soon enough, after getting over this one.

Barts and The London Charity 10K

First 10K of the summer and I'm still suffering from it! I've just completed the Barts and The London Charity run in Victoria Park, and I am absolutely spent. Three weeks ago I ran a marathon. How I managed I can't fathom. Any further today and I would have collapsed in a heap. But, I made it. And not too badly as well :-)

My training had been a nightmare. After a week off, I managed a full weeks worth of training. Then tragedy struck. A monster hike along the Thames Path and an ill-judged long run the day after reduced both my feet to a blister-ridden mess. Seven days ago there was no way I could run. Not for love nor money. Luckily I was all healed for today. But would the lack of training affect my efforts?

My 10K PB is 44 minutes 15 seconds. That was the target. Secondary target was a sub-48 minute race. I hadn't managed better that 48 minutes for over a year and was getting annoyed with myself. This was a flat course so a good time was on the cards. I started well the first 2K took me just over 8 minutes. Niiiice! But I had started too fast. Soon I started to tire massively, and I hadn't even reached the 3K mark! Nightmare.

"You're never beaten until you admit it."
- General George S. Patton, Jr

I have never stopped in a 10K and didn't want this to be the first. And there was no way I was giving up pre-5K! I aimed for the 5K mark. The plan was to reach half-way. Then I would aim for 7K - a respectable distance. Then, being so close to home I would just have to push on and finish. And to cut a long story short that is what I did. Result: 46 minutes 37 seconds. Not a PB, but two minutes better than the previous 18 months. That'll do just nice:-)

Next stop, Dysart Dash 10K in two weeks time. Hopefully no blisters between now and then.

Post-marathon rest

I've been taking a rest from running, spending the last week letting my body repair itself from the 26 mile effort in Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, why not find out how many 5 year olds you could take in a fight? ;) I can take 25.

25

Edinburgh Marathon conquered

It is done. I have completed the Edinburgh Marathon. OK, it was my fourth Marathon in the Scottish capital, but they have all been loads of fun. And now I have another big shiny new medal for all my efforts.

Having scrambled to the starting pens with just 15 mins to spare, it wasn't the most impressive of starts. I messed around too much before heading off from the flat. The result was I ended up doing a marathon-style 3 mile dash to the start line. Still, I guess that was part of my warm-up.

For some reason I always fail to appreciate the insanity of 26 miles until it is too late. After about 6 miles we passed alongside the finish line (a taunt to us all). From there we could see the towers of the Cockenzie power station far off into the distance. No big deal? Well, it's the 12 mile stage!!! The race had a long way yet to go.

After the power station we continued along the coast towards Gosford House. On a picturesque coastline it is the only building for miles around (bar the power station which was behind us), a massive stately home, standing out in monumental splendour. Again it beyond a sane distance. We kept running, eventually passing through the grounds of the said house and arriving at the 18 mile mark. Bliss... Only 8.2miles to go.

Turning back along the coast we were all now moving with the wind. Thank goodness!! Scunnered (tired) from facing the wind for 18 miles, the weather was now in our favour.

I managed to keep going. Slowing only occasionally I was getting closer to the finish line. Back along the sea's edge, past the power station again, back into Musselbugh and torward the horse track where we were to finish. The slow-downs were getting longer and my legs were in a world beyond pain. Could I do it? Had I enough left to make it all the way. Then, just after the 25 mile mark, I saw a young lass flat on her back next to an ambulance screaming in agony/frustration. This was disturbing. But feeling her frustration I vowed to keep going. I hadn't trained for hundreds of miles to finish less than one mile from the end. And if I did it wasn't going to be for the lack of trying.

Almost there. The race track came into view. I still had half a mile to go, but I wasn't stopping for anyone now. The pain was unbearable, but it was almost over. The crowds were growing. They spurred us all on; cheering and shouting their support as we closed in on the finish line. Into the race ground - the final stretch. The agony was immense, but it was about to be worth the pain. A final sprint? I went for it. With crowds cheering I increased the pace, less than 10o metres left. Keep going. 75, 50 the line towering upon us. 25 metres. Finshed!! Yes!! Marathon number 8! And a second best time of 4.04. Not bad. What a buzz!

Quickly the pain returns. Then, like everyone I receive my medal. Not a bad piece of metal. But it's nothing really. Not compared to the elation and satisfaction. I can't say more than that. Words don't do it justice. Marathon runners will know what I mean.

Next race? 10K in East London.
Next marathon? Who knows? New York? Beiruit? Chicago? Paris? Or maybe even London?

Training done - only 26.2 miles to go

My training has finished. The weekly long runs are, for now, over. Having managed another 18 mile long run, only the race remains.

Its been a mission. Having woosed out on training over the Christmas/New Year time I had some serious work to do. Fortunately though I think it has all gone alright. Work and social commitments have occasionally got in the way, but to no great effect. Now, after hundred of miles of pounding the streets I have only another 26.2 miles to go. Edinburgh beckons.

Early Scotland v England

As a point of interest/trivia, every year there is a Scotland v England competition as partof the Edinburgh Marathon. Each runner picks their team of choice. Last year Scotland won by 2 minutes 2 seconds. You won't be surprised to hear I am running for Scotland. Let's make it two victories in a row!

Penultimate long run - too hot...

Second last long run before the 26 miler. And I'm still scunnered!

The week had been HOT!! I ran twice at 6am during the week to keep ot of the heat and, hoping to run 18 miles, and my long run was going to be another early start. Waking at 7:30, I took about 40 minute for rehydration before heading out. After 20 minutes warm up I was off.

The aim was 18 miles. And I wanted to head out to meet some friends at 12:00. It was going to be tight. Not wanting to carry any water I had loaded up with cash and set off for my forst watering hole, 6 miles in. I made it and refuelled. This carried on, runing, keeping in the shade as much as possible. Without too much bother I found myself at the 17 mile stage. But I was beginning to tire.

Last mile. I had 15 minutes to fnish within 3 hours, which should not have been a problem. Then I 'hit the wall'. All my muscles screamed with pain. Every movement became an aching mission to move the next step forward. The, to add insult to injury, one of my friends from the running club drove by, slowing down to tell me I wasn't puting in enough effort. Jeez!! I kept quiet and didn't swear. Eventually the next 15 minutes passed and I was home. 18.1 miles, done. Thank goodness that was over.

Now? Time to carbo-load. Pasta and bread frenzy begins.

Bank Holiday - Where's the rain?

I feel wrecked. Another run in the heat-trap that is London. I'm burned, aching and wishing there was more than 20 days until the big one in Edinburgh. And it was a bank holiday! So, where was the crappy, cloudy weather?? I could really have done with it.

Today was the May Day bank holiday. For the benefit of non-UK people, this is the public holiday on May 1 or the first Monday thereafter. Typically it means guaranteed rubbish weather. For a long distance runner from non-tropical Scotland this is far from a bad thing. However, this Monday bucked the trend. Sun and 21oC both appeared as predicted.

Maybe I should have started earlier. Running 11am -1:30pm in the heat was probably a bit stupid. OK, I admit it, really stupid. But I did manage a 17 miles and have a nice glowing tan..., which is nice. Still, it was daft.

Two more long runs to go. Eek!!

17 miles in London heat

What a run! I'm still recovering. After weeks of not really getting any better I've pushed onto 17 miles. And considering the punishing heat I'm quite pleased with this effort.

Now I have 3 more long runs before heading up to Edinburgh. Next week I'm aiming for 18 miles. Having never gone beyond 17.5 miles in training this will be most pleasing. My optimism is growng and hopefully a good race time beckons :)

At last, 16 miles

I did it. I ran a 16 mile training run. It was a bit later than hoped, but now it's done I am confident of at least finishing in Edinburgh. I ran solid for 16 miles in my first marathon - London 2001 - and ever since have related that feat to being sufficiently fit to go the distance. Now to build on that foundation :-) Target: finish in under 4 hours. My PB is 4.01.

This is Battersea Power Station, on the bank of the River Thames. Built in the early 1930s it is now a defunct empty shell. Despite this, it is a listed building and revered London landmark. Seeing this marks the 6 mile point in my favourite long run route.

London Marathon Day

35,000 runners ran the London Mrathon today. Having run in 2001, experienced the superb atmosphere, and been rejected for the past four years, I was slightly envious. But I wasn't ready to run 26 miles, so I wasn't too concerned. Plus, I have the Edinburgh Marathon to worry about.



Having taken a week off because of a sore knee, I needed to do some serious training. The plan had been 16 miles. Nobody was up for the trip to Thames Embankment and back so we headed out to on a 10 mile route southwards, my plan being to add a few miles on at the end.

We set out. How many made it back I won't know until Tuesday (track day). Four of us took the 'wise' decision of taking a detour to add on a few miles and toughen up the course. Hmmm.. That quickly went awry. Rain, traffic and wrong turnings split us up and after about 30-40 minutes we became 3, then 2, and then I was on my own. I kept going, rain lashing down, not really knowing where I was going.

After a calculated detour I made it back to base. Noone was about. The continued rain and lack of a clubhouse (being refurbished) meant there was nothing to hang about for anyway. So I went home catch up on the the Marathon.

My distance? I can only guess. Roughly 13 miles?? Not ideal, but I'm back with the plan and looking to a good run next week. 16 miles? I hope so, if only so I don't get bored promising it to myself. LOL.

Oh yeh, and I've just applied for next year's London Marathon. This will be my 5th year in a row that I've applied to run my second London Marathon. I loved it in 2001 and seriously hope I get in again this time. We shall see...

Ceilidh-induced pain and snow in London hinders 16 mile plans

This weekend was an important two days for London and athletics. It is the last weekend before the London Marathon - last chance for participants to manage a training run before a pre-race week of rest. Also, the Olympic flame is being carried across the city in a 31 mile relay. And, I hoped to manage a 16 mile long run. For many of us none of this went quite as planned.

London has been eveloped in snow! It usually only happens about once in every 3 or 4 years, but this is the second time in 3 weeks! I woke this morning to see the white stuff falling past the window, covering the ground and putting paid to my plans. However, after Friday night, this may have been a blessing in disguise.

You probably guessed it from the title, I went to a Ceilidh on Friday. After dragging myself up on Saturday afternoon I felt my calves and my knees like never before. I was in bloody agony!! A Saturday long run was right out! And today I felt not much better, the snow being almost a relief.

Anyhoo, I eventually dragged my sorry ass out for a run this evening. After some stretching, I staggered round the local park a couple of times. That's 4 miles. Rubbish!! Nowhere near what I wanted. But, hopefully next week we'll do the same as last year - head into Embankment, watch a few minutes of the London Marathon before running back to base. That's roughly 16 miles :-) Wish me luck.

15 Miles then to the Pub

What a scramble! I had to meet my brother at noon to watch the football. Glasgow Rangers against Glasgow Celtic (a match of huge significance where we are from) was being shown in one of the local bars. But first I had to run 15 miles. No problem. Right?

Wrong. I was up at 8am as planned, everything going well so far. Then I remembered all that wine I'd drank the night before. Duh!! I felt like crap. Time to rehydrate. So, by about 9.30, and after a LOT of water, I was ready to go. 20 mims warm up then off to Chelsea and back. Would I make it??

Yes. 14.7 miles later I made it back to my house, stretched, showered and got myself ready. I arrived at the bar just in time to meet my brother. We watched Rangers win against their Glasgow rivals Celtic while enjoying a few beers a free pies (all good marathon food). One of us supports Celtic, the other Rangers. Who was happier? That, I am not saying, but surviving that day makes me feel more ready for my next marathon.

Easter Training in Sunny Glasgow

I've just got back to London from spending Easter weekend in sunny Glasgow. Seeing my Mum and catching up with friends is always nice. But the idea of going for a long run there this eary in the year is not always a pleasant one. It can be seriously cold!

And it was. I'm not too sure how far I ran (10-15 miles), but I felt it all the way. And so did others runners I saw out training, all both of them. Yep, that right, I saw two other runners in the two hour spell I was out. In London I lose count after about 30 minutes.

Anyway, moaning about it never helps so I did the milage. Out to the city centre. Then along the side of the River Clyde on to Ibrox Park, home to Glasgow Rangers Football (soccer) team, and back past Hampden Park (the Scottish national soccer stadium). A good run, but I felt the winter all the way. Twice it even started snowing!! My fingers were going numb. (Note to self, buy some running gloves fool!!) Finally though, I made it home; back to a warm house and steaming hot shower. Bliss.

9 weeks until my next visit to Scotland - the Edinburgh Marathon. Time to step up a gear.

Edinburgh Marathon - all signed up

I've gone and done it! I've signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon. This will be my eighth 26 miles and fourth time round Edinburgh. If its as well organised as before and I give it my all it should be another great tour of the Scottish capital, hopefully with a nice new PB :)

I'm from Glasgow, rival city to Edinburgh. So, by 'law' I am wary of the place. However, as far as organising this kind of event is concerned they have done a damn good job every year I've been there. Every aspect of organisation was flawless (although it did rain for a couple of hours last year) and the people come out in their thousands to support the runners. I can't wait to take part. My anticpation is growing by the minute.

Reading Half, conquered. Next stop Edinburgh Marathon?

I did it! I completed the Reading Half Marathon. And with a respectable time as well.:-)

How chuffed am I? 2 months ago I woldn't have believed it possible. Back in early January I was unfit, fat, and getting fatter. The idea of running to the end of the road was getting embarrassingly scarey. But with eight weeks of training, if with a few hiccups along the way, I managed to turn it around. The long runs, track sessions and muderous hill training has done the business and taken me past another finish line. My time: 1 hour 40 mins - my second best time out of four half marathons. Not bad :-)

At this moment I only have London Half Marathon arranged, but that's in October. Between then and now I'll need to sign up for something else. London 10K? Edinburgh Marathon,? Elmbridge 10K? Father's Day 10K? Or maybe all of them??

Reading Half Marathon here I come

Training has finished. There is nothing more to do now. The race beckons. Ready or not, I'll be running this Sunday in the Reading Half Marathon.

But I am ready. Less beer and better training have been paying dividends. Track sessions have become easier, and long runs have been longer. Hill sessions remain as murderous as ever, but that has always been the case, so no major worries there. All said, 13.1 miles is well within my grasp.

One last hurdle beckons. A big beer Friday! 'Last Friday of the month' beers and a leaving do that could be quite monumental spells impending doom for both my liver and race efforts. Its going to be tough. But if I keep fairly sobre and make it through the evening without pickling my liver (and have to spend Saturday in bed recovering) I should be OK for Sunday. I am meeting friends after the race and don't want to report a bad time, so hopefully that should help keep me in line. Time will tell.

Now I need to sort out a race or two for summer. Edinburgh Marathon and a 10K in London?

Ready for Reading Half Marathon

At last, a week of training to be proud of. I've made enough progress to feel confident of finishing my impending half marathon, and I actually feel fit for once.

3 more training sessions. Thursday hills was 'murder' as ever. However on Sunday, after dragging myself out of bed, into a freezing cold morning (cars were all covered in frost!!) and up to the track to meet the Sunday crew from the running club, we got ready for our weekly long run. Off we went. And less than 2 hours later I had ran what felt like 12 miles. And a wee check-up online suggests the route was actualy 13.4 miles. Yeh!!! I am there! I am ready! Result. And to complete the past week's efforts, this previous evening's intervals was so much less difficult than previously, and not finishing last was quite a bonus.

Reason for improvement:- less beer. Here endeth the lesson.

Now to apply for the Edinburgh Marathon??

11 Mile Run and Signed up for London Half Marathon

Nnnng!!! I am so unfit. Another hill session and another track session. Both completed, but not worth shouting about:( As for my long run, now that was a different matter. I totally smashed my 10 mile endurance target. An 8 mile trip to Brockwell Park and back then another 3 miles around the local park. 11 miles! Result.

Oh yeh, and I'm giong to need to keep up the training. I checked my email on Sunday morning and found I had signed up for the London Half Marathon in October. ****! I seriously need to drink less alcohol.

4 Weeks to Reading

Another week. Fitter, faster and further. OK, further.

I gave Hell a miss. Thursday was a nightmare of a day! It was cold, windy and I was sneezing all over the place. Run up and downa hill 6 times? Forget that!!

I made it out on Saturday though, for my long run, and what a result. The target was 8 miles. Over the local park and up towards and around Clapham Common, then back again. I was shattered! I had a blister that felt like sin. But I had run 8.88 miles! Superb. I'm well and truly on track. Next long run I'm going for 10 miles :-)

Next stop, Tuesday track session. I finished, but my performance was pooooor. Watching little 10 year olds fly past me didn't please me one bit. I would have done better if I didn't have a half-healed blister to contend with. Honest. Well that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!

Half way to a Half Marathon

A good week's training. Even with too much alcohol on Saturday, good progress has been made.

Another Thurdsay reminder of what Hell will invovle reminded me not to miss my weekeknd long run. After 6 missions up the slope I was dying. And I was being asked to attend the club long run on Sunday. The previous effort had been 11 miles! I said I would do my best to turn up, but had bad visions and thoughts of taking my travel card.

Sunday arrived. Unfortunately that followed Saturday and too much imbibing. I woke up 2 hours too late for the club run, and was no use to man nor beast. However with a few hours rehydration I set off for a 6.5 mile run - about 3 miles up on previous 2008 best efforts. I made it!! Two loops out past Wimbledon dog track and back - 6.72 miles in total. Superb. More than half way to my 13.1. mile target. For the first time this year I feel inspired. PB in March? Possibly.

Then intervals on Tuesday. As promised we were asked to run 4x1600m with 400m rest between each mile. Absolute murder polis! I thought my lungs were going to pack in! Still I made it. Another small step in the right direction.

In conclusion: So far so good. The prime directive of finishing the Reading Half Marathon seems likely. A bit more training and I'll be ready. Oh, and my fat post-christmas belly is begining to shrink as well. Sweeeeeet :-)

London Half Marathon

I've just heard there is going to be a London Half Marathon this year. The date I was given was October 5. The location is thought to be in and around the O2 in North Greenwich.

This is totally unconfirmed. It's the first news I have heard about it, and I can't find any mention of it on the 'net. However it was being discussed by fellow runners at tonight's hill training session, and the sources are far from unreliable. Some were against the idea because it would be a mass participation event, but I reckon it would be a cool idea, especially London has no half marathon race of its own. And if the atmosphere is anything like the London Marathon it will be lots of fun.

Update:
The race is called Run to the Beat - http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk. Runners will run to music that "will be scientifically selected to match the physiological and psychological demands of the half-marathon event". Music always helps me run further and faster, so this should be a good race. PB?? Count me in!

Light at the end of the Tunnel

Another week of effort. Another week of desparate exertion! But now I feel like I'm making some progress.

Depite no hill training over the last week or any long run I'm beginning to feel fitter. Instead of a bout of hills, (work got in the way) I ran a little circle around the Thames from Parliament to Waterloo Bridge. Usually I go as far as Blackfriar's Bridge, but not while I am fat and unfit.

Then, hiking in Dorset at the weekend, I missed my long run. Not good. But I'm telling myself the 35 miles of walking will help. Not sure about the beer though.

And earlier tonight, back to the track. 7 times 800m with 200m intervals. Toughest yet this year. However, I didn't feel as close to death as in previous weeks, so I assume I am beginning to make some progress. We were informed that next week is miles. As you will expect, we are all looking forward to the challenge. :-\

Training and Raining

Things are improving, slowly. With another week gone before I kill myself running the Reading Half Marathon I am beginning to feel a bit more ready for the 13.1 miles. But I reckon I may need to invest in a waterproof running jacket first.

Hill training, weekend long run and intervals at the track all went as hoped. I survived the hills, doubled my endurance on Sunday (up to a massive 3.6 miles) and endured the track (finished last again, but slightly less obviously. Really.). I just wish it had been dry. Going past all those non-runners with looks of disdain suggesting "You nutter! Go home and stay dry you fool!" wasn't the best, especially as they were all right. To the London Marathon shop I think, ASAP!

My next week is going to be a bit all over the place. I'm goingto miss hill training through work and will be out of town, hiking, when I normally do my long run. That sure ain't going to help. Regardless, I'm going to have to make up the training somehow, which should be 'fun'.

First Track Session 2008 - Torture

It'd been two over months since I had been to the track. After a minor injury in the Athens Marathon in November and the distraction of Christmas (ok, beer) about nine weeks had passed since I last took to a running track.

I was about to pay for my recent laziness. After arriving at the track and greeting a few people, our coach, Stan, mentioned my recent tardiness. Justifiably, he suggested I attend more often. Then I found out why.

We were to run 6 x 800 M with 200 M in between. For some reason I found this to be less than easy, and more difficult than usual. Coming home second-from-last of about 40 I wasn't overly pleased with myself. Though I am sure a few people finished early. Honest. Anyway, I'm 'up to' 3 miles now, so I'm mildly hopeful for my half marathon in March.

2008 - a new year of running

Another year, another 12 month of training for 10Ks, half marathons and marathons. Or as most people describe it, madness.

I have just set out on a renewed (suspended for Christmas cheer) training for my long distance races. Having plunged in and signed myself up for the Reading Half Marathon in March, there is no time to sit about. My two training runs, so far, were shocking! A desperate bout of hill training on Thursday and a gasping 1.5 mile effort yesterday around the local park are testament to the work needing to be done. It's not going to be easy. The alcohol and laziness of the holiday season has done me no good and 8 weeks of painful effort await.

Will I manage 13 miles om March 2? Let's hope so :\