Christmas Partying meets Cross Country

What a weekend! What a week!

Before yesterday morning's Sunday run we were discussing the demons that runners have to cope with. Alcohol was mentioned. And, from the last week's experience, and more so this weekend running, I wholeheartedly agree.

It was Christmas party week. As ever, this involved a touch of booze. Or more correctly, a big bucket of booze.

My employers managed to find £1000 of sponsorship for the bar tab for Thursday's party. Not a huge deal if you work for a big company. However I work for a small company of 14 people, and only 10 of us could make it to the event. That made it £100 to spend on beer, spirits cocktails. etc. And, boy, did we go for it! And I paid the price.

Saturday's 5.6mile cross country was a disaster. Still feeling rough from Thurday, and having eaten nowhere near enough I set off on my second proper cross country race. Ugh!! I felt ill from the start. Cut a long story short they were taking down the finish line when I crossed it. What an embarrassment.

Sunday's run was mildly better, but I am staying well away from beer for the foreseeable future.

South of Thames 5 Mile XC + Running Club meal = Sore Head

I ran my first proper cross country this weekend. The race was the South of Thames 5 Miles at Sparrow's Den in West Wickham in Kent. It took forever to get there (tube, train, train, tram and train), but it was worth it, even if I did have to run in normal running running shoes.

Running cross country without spikes isn't easy. I had hoped to buy some shoes before the race, but to cut a long story short, I didn't get any. So I had to run in the mud, slipping about all over the place. Luckily I managed to not fall over once :-). Didn't quite win tho. LOL.

Then back home and out to the club formal. Lots of speeches and things. Lots of beer too:-) It was good fun, but Sunday was a washout. I ached like a fiend, legs and head. Ugh... My usual Sunday run was out of the question. And it rained too, so I stayed in bed.

Silver Comet Half Marathon - 13.1 miles of rain

Back to the USA, this time to run the Silver Comet Half Marathon in Mableton, Georgia. This was easily my wettest race yet, but without doubt, the best half marathon route I've run to date.

We arrived at the start area at the Mable House Cultural Arts Centre. We received our race numbers and waited. It was pretty to cold so, with over an hour until the start, we warmed up. Luckily the weather warmed up too as the race approached.

We were off! 1.5 miles to the Silver Comet Trail then the remaining 11.6 out and back. It should have been fairly straightforward. Then, the skies opened. From being a lovely autumn morning, the weather instantly turned, a hideous downpour drenching everyone. Nobody was about to give up at this early stage so we carried on.

Then we reached the trail. I'm not a huge fan of out-and-back races, but this was an exception. The trail was flat. A PB was not out of the question. It was pleasant too: tree-lined with autumn leaves colouring the scene, crossing over rivers and streams as we ran. And, the rain having stopped, it turned into a really enjoyable race.

I didn't quite manage a PB. However I finished with a time 1.43 and placed 188th out of about 1800 runners. A respectable result, helped by an enthusiastic crowd and encouraging fellow runners. All in all a lot of fun a great experience.

If you have the chance, run this race. Even with the rain it was a whole lots of fun.

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.

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.

Georgia Marathon, training done

My Georgia Marathon training is done. 17.5 miles round south London saw the end of my efforts to be ready for the race in Atlanta. Has it been enough? Realistically, that doesn't matter. Enough or not, I have to run. But I am quietly confident. After all it is my ninth marathon.

I fly off on Friday. This gives me two days to recover from the flight and sort myself out for the race. As ever, there is an obscenely early start - 7.00am. That means up at 5.00am. Hopefully my brain will still be on UK time, i.e. 5 hours ahead, so it won't feel so early. At least I should be done by 12.00 - time to enjoy a slap-up meal and few beers. Mmm... Nice.

Carbo-loading gone awry

My pre-marathon carbo-loading isn't going well. It was bad enough that I had to cut my (penultimate) training run short when I came over all dizzy.

I've probably been taking in the wrong types of sugars/carbohydrates. Mixing up isotonic drinks seemed like a good idea, but it's really not cutting it if I feel 'hitting the wall' pains at 14 miles. At the same time I have to admit to not increasing my starch intake. Bread, pasta and rice consumption has been static. And I'm paying for this mistake now.

I've two weeks to fix matters. That's two weeks of heaps of pasta, rice and (because its an easy snack) bread. I'll have to wait until morning though, as the corner shop is closed.

Summer 10Ks - the preparation begins

British 10K London participants, the Cheeky Girls

Summer is coming, which means '10K season'. Deadlines for a lot of 10Ks have been approaching so I've signed up for a few that interest me. So far the plan is to run in the Staines 10K on 17th May, one of the Regents Park Races (4th July) and the British 10K London on 12 July.

There are plenty of 10K races this summer. For anyone keen enough, there is probably at least one 10K every weekend, with many more to spare. They range from low key club races such as the Elmbridge 10K and the Epsom 10K to the more popular central London races such as the Bupa Great Capital Run. Usually, I pick a mixture of big and small and this year is no excpetion with the Staines race being one of the smaller affiars with the two London races sure to be busy races, packed with thousands of runners and great atmosphere.

That'll do for now, but I'm sure to sign up for at least one more, probably the Elmbridge race if it doesn't clash. Maybe see you there:)

Speedwalker, "Pity the fool"

What's the deal with speedwalking? It seems like an unhappy medium between walking and running. I am quite bamboozled as to why anyone would do it.

Yesterday while out running I saw one. He was, from what I could gather, speedwalking around the park. maybe I'm being a bit unfair, but it didn't look good. And, it didn't even look comfortable. I almost wished I'd stopped and asked him why he did it.

For some reason it makes me think about Snickers.

16 mile run, and more. Back on track

Albert Bridge, one of the sights on my long runs

Thank goodness! A good run, and no injuries. After two weeks of near aborted runs coupled with horrific blisters which put paid to midweek efforts, today went well.

The target was 16 miles. Having run 14 and 15 miles the previous two Sundays, the logical next step was 16. This is quite an important taget for me. I ran my first 26 miler - the Flora London Marathon - having previously only managed 16 miles in training. So, by training up to this distance I know I can at least finish. And 16 miles is just what I did, with a little bit extra just to show off. Sorted!

Now to concentrate on being ready to finish in style. Sub-4 hours is (again!) the target.

14 mile long run, and blisters

I ache like a fiend! After a 14 mile run my legs are still screaming. Even with post-run stretching I still ache all over. And the blisters don't help. Maybe I should have broken my new shoes in a bit longer before a Sunday long run.

It's 6 weeks and counting. The Georgia Marathon is getting scarily close. So, I thought it was time to stop running with the club and do my own long run. Knowing what distance I have run at any point and being able to 'chop and change' the route is a big help. 15 miles was the target. Unfortunately I had failed to properly break in my new shoes. Duh! With 14 miles done blisters started forming. And that was the end of that - homeward bound :(

I just hope the blisters heal soon...

No Running in freezing London

Jeez. What a week! Snow and ice has put paid to the best part of a week's training.

It hardly ever snows in London. Regardless, it snowed like a fiend last week. Having managed a 13 mile training last Sunday, we sat in the clubhouse relaxing as the snow began to fall. And it didn't stop until Monday morning.

Being that it hardly snows here they are invariably unprepared for such weather. Very few made it to work on Monday, schools were closed and the city almost ground to a halt. Unfortunately this included the running track. By lunchtime on Tuesday we were told the track was out of action. Often this means a road run instead. Not on ice-covered pavements! No bloomin' way!! And with no thaw until Friday, the week was effectively a right-off.

With 6 weeks of training to go before my marathon in Atlanta this is not good. I'm sooooo jealous of those running half marathons and 10Ks the same day. .....So, jealous.

New running shoes, and more

A good week for training for marathons. New running shoes, visa ok'd for America and a major improvement in training.

The week didn't start so well. The Frank Harmer Memorial 10K that I was hoping to run in early March, has been cancelled. Building work scheduled for the changing facilities that we would have used means the race is no more. I'm most disappointed. As I said before it would have been good to have a shorter race prior to my marathon on March 29. Oh well, no point in moaning.

On a more positive note, Homeland Security have given me the OK to enter the USA. Going there to run in March, this really helps. There is now a new requirement called ESTA, which you need to meet to travel to the States. By providing details like your passort number and address where you'll be staying in the US, they decide if you are worthy of entering their great nation. Some of the quiestions were, it has to be said a bit surprising, like:

C) Have you ever been or are you now involved in espionage or sabotage; or in terrorist activities; or genocide; or between 1933 and 1945 were you involved , in any way, in persecutions associated with Nazi Germany or its allies?

I answered no, which seemed to be what they wanted.

And this weekend has been most productive. I bought a nice pair of much needed running shoes. Now I can be reasonably sure my knees will be ok in the coming year. And a 13 mile training run to Battersea and back has put me on track for a decent performance in Atlanta this March. A bit more effort and I may at last break 4 hours. Here's hoping.

Cold running, London style

Jeezy peeps! The last week has been absolutely baltic! Not the ideal weather for running. But, with my Altanta Marathon application sorted out there's no time to lose.

With London suffering freezing temperatures my three training runs in the past week have all been less than comfortable. A grim venture outside at the weekend wasn't fun. This was followed by a trip to the track being aborted (in favour of runnign round the local park) because of ice and, most recently, another park circuit in a favour of the usual hill session - mist meant that visibilty was down to about 20 metres, and closer to home seemed a better option. None of it was fun.

On a happier not, I've just signed up for the Frank Harmer 10K in March. This is the running club's annual event and will take place on March 1 in Brockwell Park in Herne Hill. It should be a good 'tester' prior to Atlanta. And a bit warmer too:)