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.
Monday, 18 August 2008
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.
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Post-marathon rest
I've been taking a rest from running, spending the last week letting my body repair itself from the 26 mile effort in Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, why not find out how many 5 year olds you could take in a fight? ;) I can take 25.
25
Meanwhile, why not find out how many 5 year olds you could take in a fight? ;) I can take 25.
25
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Edinburgh Marathon conquered
It is done. I have completed the Edinburgh Marathon. OK, it was my fourth Marathon in the Scottish capital, but they have all been loads of fun. And now I have another big shiny new medal for all my efforts.
Having scrambled to the starting pens with just 15 mins to spare, it wasn't the most impressive of starts. I messed around too much before heading off from the flat. The result was I ended up doing a marathon-style 3 mile dash to the start line. Still, I guess that was part of my warm-up.
For some reason I always fail to appreciate the insanity of 26 miles until it is too late. After about 6 miles we passed alongside the finish line (a taunt to us all). From there we could see the towers of the Cockenzie power station far off into the distance. No big deal? Well, it's the 12 mile stage!!! The race had a long way yet to go.
After the power station we continued along the coast towards Gosford House. On a picturesque coastline it is the only building for miles around (bar the power station which was behind us), a massive stately home, standing out in monumental splendour. Again it beyond a sane distance. We kept running, eventually passing through the grounds of the said house and arriving at the 18 mile mark. Bliss... Only 8.2miles to go.
Turning back along the coast we were all now moving with the wind. Thank goodness!! Scunnered (tired) from facing the wind for 18 miles, the weather was now in our favour.
I managed to keep going. Slowing only occasionally I was getting closer to the finish line. Back along the sea's edge, past the power station again, back into Musselbugh and torward the horse track where we were to finish. The slow-downs were getting longer and my legs were in a world beyond pain. Could I do it? Had I enough left to make it all the way. Then, just after the 25 mile mark, I saw a young lass flat on her back next to an ambulance screaming in agony/frustration. This was disturbing. But feeling her frustration I vowed to keep going. I hadn't trained for hundreds of miles to finish less than one mile from the end. And if I did it wasn't going to be for the lack of trying.
Almost there. The race track came into view. I still had half a mile to go, but I wasn't stopping for anyone now. The pain was unbearable, but it was almost over. The crowds were growing. They spurred us all on; cheering and shouting their support as we closed in on the finish line. Into the race ground - the final stretch. The agony was immense, but it was about to be worth the pain. A final sprint? I went for it. With crowds cheering I increased the pace, less than 10o metres left. Keep going. 75, 50 the line towering upon us. 25 metres. Finshed!! Yes!! Marathon number 8! And a second best time of 4.04. Not bad. What a buzz!
Quickly the pain returns. Then, like everyone I receive my medal. Not a bad piece of metal. But it's nothing really. Not compared to the elation and satisfaction. I can't say more than that. Words don't do it justice. Marathon runners will know what I mean.
Next race? 10K in East London.
Next marathon? Who knows? New York? Beiruit? Chicago? Paris? Or maybe even London?
Having scrambled to the starting pens with just 15 mins to spare, it wasn't the most impressive of starts. I messed around too much before heading off from the flat. The result was I ended up doing a marathon-style 3 mile dash to the start line. Still, I guess that was part of my warm-up.
For some reason I always fail to appreciate the insanity of 26 miles until it is too late. After about 6 miles we passed alongside the finish line (a taunt to us all). From there we could see the towers of the Cockenzie power station far off into the distance. No big deal? Well, it's the 12 mile stage!!! The race had a long way yet to go.
After the power station we continued along the coast towards Gosford House. On a picturesque coastline it is the only building for miles around (bar the power station which was behind us), a massive stately home, standing out in monumental splendour. Again it beyond a sane distance. We kept running, eventually passing through the grounds of the said house and arriving at the 18 mile mark. Bliss... Only 8.2miles to go.
Turning back along the coast we were all now moving with the wind. Thank goodness!! Scunnered (tired) from facing the wind for 18 miles, the weather was now in our favour.I managed to keep going. Slowing only occasionally I was getting closer to the finish line. Back along the sea's edge, past the power station again, back into Musselbugh and torward the horse track where we were to finish. The slow-downs were getting longer and my legs were in a world beyond pain. Could I do it? Had I enough left to make it all the way. Then, just after the 25 mile mark, I saw a young lass flat on her back next to an ambulance screaming in agony/frustration. This was disturbing. But feeling her frustration I vowed to keep going. I hadn't trained for hundreds of miles to finish less than one mile from the end. And if I did it wasn't going to be for the lack of trying.
Almost there. The race track came into view. I still had half a mile to go, but I wasn't stopping for anyone now. The pain was unbearable, but it was almost over. The crowds were growing. They spurred us all on; cheering and shouting their support as we closed in on the finish line. Into the race ground - the final stretch. The agony was immense, but it was about to be worth the pain. A final sprint? I went for it. With crowds cheering I increased the pace, less than 10o metres left. Keep going. 75, 50 the line towering upon us. 25 metres. Finshed!! Yes!! Marathon number 8! And a second best time of 4.04. Not bad. What a buzz!
Quickly the pain returns. Then, like everyone I receive my medal. Not a bad piece of metal. But it's nothing really. Not compared to the elation and satisfaction. I can't say more than that. Words don't do it justice. Marathon runners will know what I mean.Next race? 10K in East London.
Next marathon? Who knows? New York? Beiruit? Chicago? Paris? Or maybe even London?
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Training done - only 26.2 miles to go
My training has finished. The weekly long runs are, for now, over. Having managed another 18 mile long run, only the race remains.
Its been a mission. Having woosed out on training over the Christmas/New Year time I had some serious work to do. Fortunately though I think it has all gone alright. Work and social commitments have occasionally got in the way, but to no great effect. Now, after hundred of miles of pounding the streets I have only another 26.2 miles to go. Edinburgh beckons.
Early Scotland v England
As a point of interest/trivia, every year there is a Scotland v England competition as partof the Edinburgh Marathon. Each runner picks their team of choice. Last year Scotland won by 2 minutes 2 seconds. You won't be surprised to hear I am running for Scotland. Let's make it two victories in a row!
Its been a mission. Having woosed out on training over the Christmas/New Year time I had some serious work to do. Fortunately though I think it has all gone alright. Work and social commitments have occasionally got in the way, but to no great effect. Now, after hundred of miles of pounding the streets I have only another 26.2 miles to go. Edinburgh beckons.
Early Scotland v EnglandAs a point of interest/trivia, every year there is a Scotland v England competition as partof the Edinburgh Marathon. Each runner picks their team of choice. Last year Scotland won by 2 minutes 2 seconds. You won't be surprised to hear I am running for Scotland. Let's make it two victories in a row!
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