The Wrong Brother

The wrong brother won.

The sibling rivalry re-match went ahead as planned. I was in Piccadilly for the London 10K while my brother, Fraser, was on Clapham Common for the Clapham 10K. To cut a long stary short, he won. By 4 minutes. He ran 47 minutes and I ran 51. I am so hacked off! So, so hacked off.

Beth and I made it to Piccadilly no problem. We dumped our bags and warmed up a little before heading to the start line. It was a cool day, unlike previous years when it had been super-hot. Everything seemed fine and we were cautiously optimistic.

Unfortuately the next two hours were less than ideal. The queue was horrendous! We ended up waiting for ages just reach the start line. During which time the weather turned hot. Very hot! Then the race started.

Well it wasn't a race for everyone!! Some of the 'runners' were out for a Sunday stroll, which wasn't good for any runners needing to get past. The amount of time added to my race from having to weave past these numbnuts I don't know, but I'm sure it didn't help my time. If these idiots are going to pay £30 for a stroll aound London they could at least get some manners and move to the side!

Clapham 10K vs London 10K - the rivalry continues...

My brother is aiming for 45 minutes in the up-coming Clapham 10K. Ambitious little sod!!

The next brotherly contest beckons. And the bar has been raised. My little brother, Fraser, has decided he's going to aim for a 45 minute finish. Being his second ever 10K he's setting himself quite a goal. However, considering how much he trains I reckon its well within his grasp. Being a caring elder brother, I hope to beat whatever time he achieves.

One problem exists. While Fraser runs the Clapham 10K I will be running elsewhere, in the London 10k in Piccadilly. So keeping ahead of him won't be so easy. I'll be running 30 minutes earlier and in the centre of London. Then Fraser takes to Clapham Common in a smaller, much more low key, event. Trying guage who is ahead will be nigh impossible. Only our respective race times will tell who is victorious.

Who'll come out ahead? Well, that's yet to be decided. Preferably yours truly.

Sibling Rivalry - victorious, for now

The 10K sibling rivalry has been decided, for now.

Despite crappy weather, I really enjoyed yesterday's 10K race in Staines. Not known for being the most exotic part England, I wasn't expecting too much from the local 10K race. However I was happy to see my expectations exceeded in what was a well-orgasnised and marshalled race. And, brotherly rivalry has, for now, been happily laid to rest.

After meeting the crew from British Gas (yes, my brother, Fraser, works for one of the UK's 'favourite' companies) we had a wee warm up prior to the race. We all had different aims. Some of us after good race times, some just looking to finish and others, most importantly, looking to better their novice wee brother on his maiden run. After loosening up we readied ourselves for the race.

We were off. Avoiding the bollards which floored one runner (that must have really hurt) we headed out of the park onto the streets. Then, before I could pause for thought, the worst happened. My brother passed me. Stepping onto the road he was somehow ahead. Nightmare!

Luckily the nightmare quickly ended. I passed my brother well before the 1km mark leaving him well behind. Or so I thought. I ploughed on through, miserable wind and rain and occassional threatened sunshine. All the way, no sign of my 'bother'. Then over the line with a respectable time of 47.53. Nice! I had beat him.

I thought I had left him miles behind. Haha. Not quite. 2 minutes later I heard a familiar voice call out for me. It was him, having just finished with a very respectable time of 49 minutes. I had beat him, but by no great margin. It seems like I have some family competiton.

It looks like my summer running is going to be interesting. Fraser has decided on another 10k on July 12. I'll be runnig the same day, but elsewhere. I should, by experience, do better, but it is by no way guaranteed. I'm really going to have to run my socks off to ensure another victory over the novice. Lots of training beckons.

Staines 10K - the battle nears

It's only four days now to my first 10K of 2009. Not really a major deal I'll admit. However this race is a little bit different from others - I have one of my brothers taking part. Battle beckons.

It's his first race, but I'm not in the mood to give him any chances. Having been persuaded to run by his workmates, he's been training for 3-4 months now. And if he's telling the truth, he's progressed quite well. With training runs up to 10K and a target time of 55 minutes he's on target for a respectable finish.

It's anybody's race. Having recently run a marathon I should by rights have not problems finishing ahead. However my two week holiday after that has really dented my fitness. I've been catching up with my efforts and it looks like it could well be a close one on Sunday.

Virgin London Marathon 2010 - application sent

Once again I've applied for the London Marathon. This is the sixth year in row that I have tried for a place, having been unsuccessful in the five previous years. However this time should be different. London marathon rules state that if you apply for five consecutive races and are unsuccessful on each occasion you receive preference in the ballot sixth time round. Notably they stop short of ensuring a place, but I am hopeful.

London Marathon 2001 was my first 26-miler. The race was a tough slog for me, having never run any running event previously. However, the atmosphere was amazing! The constantly cheering crowds, egging everyone on, was truly inspiring and ever since I've been looking forward to running the race again. 2010 will be that year. I can't wait!

Post-marathon - training begins again

The Jungle Room, Graceland

I always find post-marathon training a bit of a struggle. After working up to 26.2 miles and enduring and enjoying the thrill of the race I like to take a wee break from training. And after the Georgia marathon was no exception.

Being on holiday I had the perfect excuse. Trips to the Georgia Aquarium (biggest in the world I'm told), Graceland, Nashville, etc all provided an ideal distraction. Although I had my running gear ready most days, it was never used. It was fun, but not good for races ahead. Now I have to sort myself out for summer - 10Ks and all.

So far things are going OK. Two runs in I am up running about 3 miles without any real problem. However with a 10K race 3 or 4 weeks off I need to 'up' that just a bit. Wish me luck :-)

Marathon No.9 - The Hills of Georgia

It's taken me four days to get round to typing this up account of the ING Georgia Marathon. Pain and disappointment hasn't helped. The target was 4 hours. The outcome was somewhat different.

Aiming to break the 4 hour mark, I positioned myself with the 3:50 pace team. The plan was to keep up with those guys, allowing myself a 10 minute cushion for the later part of the race. That would hopefully take me to the finish within my target time. However, my hill training has been sporadic to say the least, and I was about to come unstuck as a result.

Atlanta, and around, is not known for being hilly. However, it's not far from the Appalachian Mountains, so a few hills shouldn't be unexpected. Well, there were a 'few' hills. And a few more. And by about mile 13 I was beginning to feel the worse for the apparent never-ending up-and-down of the route. There are some worthwhile site en-route to the finish line including Martin Luther King's Birthplace, the Jimmy Carter Center and the Miss Daisy House (from Driving Miss Daisy), but I missed all those in face of the onslaught of hill-hell.

As for my time. Hmm.. Well, it was a 'little' over 4 hours. I did have fun and I'm still having a great time here in Atlanta/Georgia, but my next marathon is going to be somewhere a lot more flat. That I promise.