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.
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Monday, 6 October 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
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!
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!
Monday, 18 August 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, 15 June 2008
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.
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.
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