Richmond Riverside 10K - Sibling Rivalry Decided

I ran my fastest 10K this year. 45:41 is not too shabby by anyone's standards, and I'm feeling ready for the half marathon in two weeks time. But was it enough to beat my little brother, Fraser?

No! I've been training loads recently. 3 times a week plus races. So I was hoping it'd be enough to give me an edge. Not so. Having led for almost all the race I was beaten, when, in the closing seconds, Fraser sprinted past to beat me. F....! Fraser wins 2 races to my 1:(

BTW, the race was pretty good, if a little expensive. I recommend.

Streatham Common 6 mile cross country - a killer race

My second cross country race, on Streatham Common, was just 6 days after the first. I didn't expect it to be easy, cross country never is, but I was shattered!

Streatham Common is basically one big hill. The race wasnt ALL up and down, but most of it was. And not being the biggest fan of hills, I struggled just a bit. The race started, heading down, down and down. That was good while it lasted. But then there was pay-back - uphill. And this went on for 6.3 miles.

I made it to the end! How, I barely remember. The time was just over 49 minutes, which is not too shabby, and it was great practice for the 17th (10K against my brother).

Then, after-race beers:)

Croydon Switchback 5 - My inaugural cross country race

Today was my first cross country race. The event was the Croydon Switchback 5 - a 5 mile race through Croydon's Lloyd Park and surrounding hills.

As I found out, it was tough. Having thought it was going to be more of 5 mile race round the park I wasn't prepared for the hills 2 miles into the race. We seemed to be running up and down constantly. I was almost getting dizzy. Fortunately they didn't last too long, and then it was back to a flatter course.

The last 2-3 miles was more forgiving and I made up a few places. The final result was 44th out of 103 with a time of 38:31, a nice sub-8-minute per mile. Sweet!

The club did well too, taking 5 awards, including second placed runner and first place women's team. Not too shabby.

Next, Streatham Common cross country 6 miler? I think so.

Richmond Riverside 10K - Sibling Rivalry Decider

The battle of the brothers is to be decided in Richmond. After the Richmond Riverside 10K we will know who is the better runner.

After a recent equaliser, sibling rivalry required that a third and deciding 10K be run. The venue will be Richmond and the race is the The Fix UK Richmond Riverside 10K. Who will win is open to question, but by rights it should be me. I am the eldest and have been running for a bit longer. Saying that Fraser plays football avidly so is no slouch, and has been training like a maddie. Whoever wins, it'll be a close one.

Then we intend to get absolutely lagered:))

Silver Comet Half Marathon - Back to Atlanta

I've gone and signed up for my next race - the Silver Comet Half Marathon.

I know what you're thinking. I'd never heard of too until Beth pointed it to me, and that it coincides with my next trip to Atlanta. I'll be away from near the end of October to early November, and this race takes place on October 31 - a nice start to Halloween:)

From what I hear it quite a scenic route. The race heads out along the site of an old deserted railtrack, once the route of the Silver Comet train. It's supposed to be quite flat, so I'm hoping for a good time. PB??

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.