2 days ago 6 servicemen, 5 from Britain and 1 from the USA, set off on a 63-day run across America. Starting in New York, they will run 16 to 23 miles every day until they reach their finish line in Santa Monica, California. Inspired by Forest Gump’s epic run across America, this race has been called the Gumpathon.
The brainchild of CSgt Damian Todd RM, this race intends to raise awareness and funds to help injured servicemen. Funds will be used to help the efforts of the charities US Semper Fi Fund, Help for Heroes and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Donations can be given by text, online or bank transfer.
Find out more about this ambitious run and give generously.
Find out more about the Gumpathon or visit the official website.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Wimbledon 5K Dash
I always enjoy running in Wimbledon. The races are low key, mainly attended by club runners, so there are no massive crowds or walkers getting in the way. Also, it's a lovely area and starting and finishing at the running track in Wimbledon Park is something I always appreciate.This was only my third 5K, my last attempt being almost 2 years ago. My PB was 21.45, but with training only recently having got back on track, I was realistically looking for a time below 25 minutes. The weather was a bit muggy, but that seemed a fair ambition.
The course was not overly tough, I had been warned about Church Road, a notorious hill for Wimbledon races. This was at the 2K point, and for a moment it did seem to go on forever. However, after that it was all downhill and flat terrain all the way back to the park and onto the track to the finish line.
I was knackered, but I noted my time. It was 23.46. Result!
Next stop, a 10K? I have to avenge my brotherly defeat of last year. Perhaps the Wimbledon 10K in October?
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Atlanta Peachtree Road Race - Independence Day 10K
Every year the people of Atlanta, Georgia celebrate the American Independence with a 4th of July 10K through downtown Atlanta, the AJC Atlanta Peachtree Road Race. With 59,000 participants, it is the largest 10k in the world. I had the fortunate opportunity to take part.
As well as the massive number of runners the Peachtree Road Race is known for its heat. Runners start, in waves, at 7.30 am, then every 5 minutes until 9.00 am. Being the height of summer in southern USA, it pays to be able to start near the front. Luckily I started in wave B, at 7.35.
The route is hilly and all downtown. Starting at Lenox Square Mall, we ran via a number of hills, to the finish line in Piedmont Park. The most notorious hill on the way is 'Cardiac Hill' at the 4-mile point, so-called because it is located next to Piedmont Hospital. Trust me, it's well-named. I was wrecked by the time I reached the top, but it was worth it, and the organisers had the good sense to lay on some water at the top of the hill. That done, the remaining 2 miles weren't too tough. After another (not-too-tough) hill the finish came into site. I reached the line and looked at my watch. 54:16, not too bad, especially in the heat.
As well as the massive number of runners the Peachtree Road Race is known for its heat. Runners start, in waves, at 7.30 am, then every 5 minutes until 9.00 am. Being the height of summer in southern USA, it pays to be able to start near the front. Luckily I started in wave B, at 7.35.
The route is hilly and all downtown. Starting at Lenox Square Mall, we ran via a number of hills, to the finish line in Piedmont Park. The most notorious hill on the way is 'Cardiac Hill' at the 4-mile point, so-called because it is located next to Piedmont Hospital. Trust me, it's well-named. I was wrecked by the time I reached the top, but it was worth it, and the organisers had the good sense to lay on some water at the top of the hill. That done, the remaining 2 miles weren't too tough. After another (not-too-tough) hill the finish came into site. I reached the line and looked at my watch. 54:16, not too bad, especially in the heat.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
London Marathon Result
Hours upon hours of training, and hundred of miles of footwork, all came to a climax on Sunday. Yes, it was the London Marathon.
Despite London Underground's best efforts (the Northern line was closed) I made it to Blackheath without any bother. After some warming up, during which the elite women set off, I headed for the start line.
This time round I was at the Blue start. Last time, in 2001, I was at the Red zone. I'm not quite sure what the difference is, but my suspicion is that the Blue zone is for faster runners. Anyway, off we went.
Well, off we went for about 400m. Then, dead-stop. What the blinking flip!!!? I couldn't believe it! After all the organisation that goes into the race, and we still have to suffer a bottleneck so close to the start! PB chance? Slipping away... Luckily it all fixed itself and we were off in earnest.
The first two or three miles are always the quietest, but that doesn't last. It wasn't long before we hit the crowds. Then it was constant cheering and encouragement. This was what I remembered from my previous London Marathon, and this year's crowd was every bit as encouraging as before.
The fantastic atmosphere didn't end. From the east end pubs (The Albion, Rose of Denmark, etc), past the Gypsy Moth in Greenwich, over Tower Bridge, through Canary Wharf and onto Embankment, at last leading onto Birdcage Walk and past Buckingham Palace to the finish line, the crowds were amazing. Like many, I was a wreck at the end, but the atmosphere kept me going.
My plan of beating 4 hours fell apart at about the 20 mile stage. My legs started giving up on me, my knees in particular. My training wasn't what it should have been. I didn't do enough long runs, and I suffered for it.
The end result was i finished with a time of 4 hours 23 minutes. I've still to beat 4 hours, but the day was great fun. Perhaps I'll try another marathon later this year. With that in mind, I went to the pub:-))
Despite London Underground's best efforts (the Northern line was closed) I made it to Blackheath without any bother. After some warming up, during which the elite women set off, I headed for the start line.
This time round I was at the Blue start. Last time, in 2001, I was at the Red zone. I'm not quite sure what the difference is, but my suspicion is that the Blue zone is for faster runners. Anyway, off we went.
Well, off we went for about 400m. Then, dead-stop. What the blinking flip!!!? I couldn't believe it! After all the organisation that goes into the race, and we still have to suffer a bottleneck so close to the start! PB chance? Slipping away... Luckily it all fixed itself and we were off in earnest.
The first two or three miles are always the quietest, but that doesn't last. It wasn't long before we hit the crowds. Then it was constant cheering and encouragement. This was what I remembered from my previous London Marathon, and this year's crowd was every bit as encouraging as before.
The fantastic atmosphere didn't end. From the east end pubs (The Albion, Rose of Denmark, etc), past the Gypsy Moth in Greenwich, over Tower Bridge, through Canary Wharf and onto Embankment, at last leading onto Birdcage Walk and past Buckingham Palace to the finish line, the crowds were amazing. Like many, I was a wreck at the end, but the atmosphere kept me going.
My plan of beating 4 hours fell apart at about the 20 mile stage. My legs started giving up on me, my knees in particular. My training wasn't what it should have been. I didn't do enough long runs, and I suffered for it.
The end result was i finished with a time of 4 hours 23 minutes. I've still to beat 4 hours, but the day was great fun. Perhaps I'll try another marathon later this year. With that in mind, I went to the pub:-))
Monday, 19 April 2010
London Marathon countdown
It's less that 6 days to go now. Come this Sunday I'll be doing my second marathon tour of London. As ever, I'm feeling that odd mix of dread and anticipation - dreading the pain, but anticipating the amazing atmosphere and the buzz of achievement.
This will be my 10th marathon. My first was the 2001 London Marathon. Since then I've run marathons in Edinburgh, Atlanta, Vilnius and Athens. All these have been great fun. However, nothing has been quite as invigorating or memorable as running 26.2 miles in London. So, this will be a much anticipated return to where it all started.
This will be my 10th marathon. My first was the 2001 London Marathon. Since then I've run marathons in Edinburgh, Atlanta, Vilnius and Athens. All these have been great fun. However, nothing has been quite as invigorating or memorable as running 26.2 miles in London. So, this will be a much anticipated return to where it all started.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Peachtree 10K on 4th July. Atlanta here I come!
I just signed up for the Peachtree Road Race 10K. It took a while. The demand to take part in this race is typically phenomenal, and this year was no exception. The Active.com website crashed under the strain, and I had to wait for them to fix the problem.The Peachtree Road Race the world's biggest 10K. This year there will be 58,000 participants. Being run on Independence Day (boo) it typically fills up in no time. I've never raced in such a big event, so it should be quite an experience.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
New shoes for the London Marathon
I hate buying shoes. Even running shoes. Why some women love shopping for shoes is something that will always be beyond me. But, I needed a new pair, so I went to Run and Become and found some. I am now the owner of a nice new pair of Mizuno Wave Ultima 2.
Hopefully I can break them in before the London Marathon. Only 5 weeks to go. I hope I can do it. My old scabby pair are long past their best and I don't want to run 26 miles in shoes lacking support.
Hopefully I can break them in before the London Marathon. Only 5 weeks to go. I hope I can do it. My old scabby pair are long past their best and I don't want to run 26 miles in shoes lacking support.
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