What a year its been for me!
This time last October 2008, I was just starting up running again after 4 years where I was just doing drips and drabs. I would still go to the gym and cycling but had no real goals. So for 2009 I set myself a target of doing a marathon by the end of the year. To start with I would train for the Balloch to Clydebank half marathon in March. This was a tough race and those last 4 miles it was tempting to walk but I managed to keep it going through the pain. I was happy with my time of 1.51 and made me more determined to complete a marathon. So I booked up for Loch Ness straight after it which was early October. April and May were just ticking over months and apart from the Balfron 10k I struggled to get motivated because my training plan didn't start till late June.
So I booked up for East Kilbride half marathon in June. Due to not having done much I took it easy on the first lap. But then I found I had so much more energy and blitzed the second lap and finished in 1.51 also. This was the turning point and got me motivated to start my training plan. Unlike London in 2004 where I did the long runs but did a max of 5 mile runs during the week. This time I followed a Runners World training plan pretty much to the T. I absolutley loved training for it. In August I did the Helensburgh Half marathon in 1.45. Which was by far my best performance of the year and I felt I could have gone on longer.
September was the most fun month for me as I had my 2 weeks off. Where I did 2 races - Mugdock trail race and Great Scottish run. I also supported by brother and fiance do the West Highland way. By taking there bags to the next destination and running back to meet them.
Then the big one in October - Loch Ness Marathon. After my first marathon experience in London in 2004 where I blew up at 14 miles and hobbled ran to the finish. This went brilliantly. I took it easy to start off with and the hills between 16-22 I nailed. I hit the wall after that but I didn't care. I finished in 4.07 which is a PB by 40 minutes. I know I am more than capable of running faster but this wasn't really about that. It was about enjoying my running again and get rid of the experience from London with new positive expereiences. Ones which I can take with me in future marathons.
In late October I decided to give my running a boost and to maintain it over winter. So I joined Giffnock North and have never looked back. Its great to run with people of similar pace and similar goals. In November and December - I completed my first hill race, cross country and club handicap. All great experiences and ones that I am looking forward to doing more of next year.
Monday 28 December 2009
Sunday 27 December 2009
Lochaber Marathon Training week 1
Well this was a week with a difference!
After spending the last few months ticking my running over. This week was the return to an actual schedule. This is without doubt the best condition I have been in going into a training programme so I am excited to see just how good I can get. Having not done much endurance over the last few months, the aim for the week was to get back to doing longer runs as I have not done anything over 10 miles since Loch ness marathon in early October.
This was also a transition week as I finished up work on Tuesday which meant going from night runs to morning runs. Monday saw a thin layer of snow falling so I was pleased to get an easy 8.5 miles in. On Tuesday I had planned a light run at night so I could do an easy run on Wednesday morning and that would be the transition. However the weather decided otherwise as more snow fell meaning I didn't get home from work till half 7. So I decided just to take the night off and focus on running the next day. I still did an easy run and managed 10k in some tough conditions underfoot because of the snow. Thursday I went easy again and went towards Pollockshaws as I thought it would be easier going towards town and I was right. So managed just under 10 miles which I was pleased with.
Then Christmas day where I stayed up at my parents. I had planned to run to the park run, do it, then come back. But I got up slightly too late so just drove down and parked 1.5 mile away. Giving me a good warm up. I decided I wasn't going to race this as it was still snowy underfoot. But at the same time thought I'd try and go at tempo run pace. It was an altered course due to the conditions and it was a nice change. Also there was only about 30 people doing it because it was Christmas day. I set off at a steady pace and felt very comfertable going up and down the hills. Since it was an out and back route it was good to see the faster runners going the other way and also see who you were near. I was in a group of 3 which turned into 2 as we reached the foot of the hill on the return. It was a long climb back up but I still felt comfertable so pushed the pace a bit. At the corner you go in the opposite direction to the way you usually go and thought he might catch me going down the hill but no sign. I kept pressing on the steep up hill then sharp down hill until it flattens out alongside the Burrell collection. I was pleased with how comfertable it felt and even more pleased when I found out I was only 2 seconds outside my PB which felt a lot tougher. So 6 miles in total including the warm up and warm down.
It is not often where I hit 30 miles during the week so when Saturday came I wasn't too bothered whether I did my 5 miler or not. I helped out at the Park Run today where I did the timer. It is kind of the pressure job and I think is seen as the one which people have to earn by volunteering a lot. Being my ninth time it was nice to do it for a second time. It was a lot easier than last time too as there was only about 50 people running and as always it was a good laugh. I decided to take it easy for the rest of the day and save myself for tomorrows long run.
As usual I slept in, so didn't make it to the Club's long run. Whether it was actually on is anyone's guess! So I finally set off about 12. I decided to take the pressure off given the conditions and just see how far I could go. I did my tactic of heading towards town, to give me the best start possible and just took my time. Once I got out of Shawlands heading south, the snow just got deeper and deeper. Though the tempreture was actually fine and I could have easily got away with shorts. The toughest stretch was going past Roukenglen and up past Patterton station. You can't really run on the road here as the traffic goes too fast and the snow along with the climb it felt like I was going 2 mile an hour. At 8 miles which was Asda, I did it in 1 hour 21 minutes which given the conditions I was pleased with. I also now had a target of trying to get under 10 minute miles. I planned the route from here going in some back roads which helped. As it meant I could run on the road which almost felt like I was cheating because its so much easier than the snowy pavements. But when you think about it, its just how it would be normally! So after going up past Mearns Castle I was confident of completing the run and I did. Its great to be back doing long runs again and its good that I have not lost my endurance.
I am planning another easy run tomorrow and hopefully it will be ok given today's run but I'm not too bothered if its not. I'm pleased with the 45 miles I have done this week even if 95% was easy running. The aim of building up endurance has been fufilled. I plan on having another similar week this week, then start building in the tempo runs and the speed work with the club in the new year.
After spending the last few months ticking my running over. This week was the return to an actual schedule. This is without doubt the best condition I have been in going into a training programme so I am excited to see just how good I can get. Having not done much endurance over the last few months, the aim for the week was to get back to doing longer runs as I have not done anything over 10 miles since Loch ness marathon in early October.
This was also a transition week as I finished up work on Tuesday which meant going from night runs to morning runs. Monday saw a thin layer of snow falling so I was pleased to get an easy 8.5 miles in. On Tuesday I had planned a light run at night so I could do an easy run on Wednesday morning and that would be the transition. However the weather decided otherwise as more snow fell meaning I didn't get home from work till half 7. So I decided just to take the night off and focus on running the next day. I still did an easy run and managed 10k in some tough conditions underfoot because of the snow. Thursday I went easy again and went towards Pollockshaws as I thought it would be easier going towards town and I was right. So managed just under 10 miles which I was pleased with.
Then Christmas day where I stayed up at my parents. I had planned to run to the park run, do it, then come back. But I got up slightly too late so just drove down and parked 1.5 mile away. Giving me a good warm up. I decided I wasn't going to race this as it was still snowy underfoot. But at the same time thought I'd try and go at tempo run pace. It was an altered course due to the conditions and it was a nice change. Also there was only about 30 people doing it because it was Christmas day. I set off at a steady pace and felt very comfertable going up and down the hills. Since it was an out and back route it was good to see the faster runners going the other way and also see who you were near. I was in a group of 3 which turned into 2 as we reached the foot of the hill on the return. It was a long climb back up but I still felt comfertable so pushed the pace a bit. At the corner you go in the opposite direction to the way you usually go and thought he might catch me going down the hill but no sign. I kept pressing on the steep up hill then sharp down hill until it flattens out alongside the Burrell collection. I was pleased with how comfertable it felt and even more pleased when I found out I was only 2 seconds outside my PB which felt a lot tougher. So 6 miles in total including the warm up and warm down.
It is not often where I hit 30 miles during the week so when Saturday came I wasn't too bothered whether I did my 5 miler or not. I helped out at the Park Run today where I did the timer. It is kind of the pressure job and I think is seen as the one which people have to earn by volunteering a lot. Being my ninth time it was nice to do it for a second time. It was a lot easier than last time too as there was only about 50 people running and as always it was a good laugh. I decided to take it easy for the rest of the day and save myself for tomorrows long run.
As usual I slept in, so didn't make it to the Club's long run. Whether it was actually on is anyone's guess! So I finally set off about 12. I decided to take the pressure off given the conditions and just see how far I could go. I did my tactic of heading towards town, to give me the best start possible and just took my time. Once I got out of Shawlands heading south, the snow just got deeper and deeper. Though the tempreture was actually fine and I could have easily got away with shorts. The toughest stretch was going past Roukenglen and up past Patterton station. You can't really run on the road here as the traffic goes too fast and the snow along with the climb it felt like I was going 2 mile an hour. At 8 miles which was Asda, I did it in 1 hour 21 minutes which given the conditions I was pleased with. I also now had a target of trying to get under 10 minute miles. I planned the route from here going in some back roads which helped. As it meant I could run on the road which almost felt like I was cheating because its so much easier than the snowy pavements. But when you think about it, its just how it would be normally! So after going up past Mearns Castle I was confident of completing the run and I did. Its great to be back doing long runs again and its good that I have not lost my endurance.
I am planning another easy run tomorrow and hopefully it will be ok given today's run but I'm not too bothered if its not. I'm pleased with the 45 miles I have done this week even if 95% was easy running. The aim of building up endurance has been fufilled. I plan on having another similar week this week, then start building in the tempo runs and the speed work with the club in the new year.
Sunday 20 December 2009
20/12/09 - Club Christmas Handicap
Today was a race like none other I have entered before for a number of reasons.
1st - Its 4.6 miles
2nd - People start at different times based on ability
3rd - I reckon there was 20 people racing max!
I arrived in plenty of time for the 11am start running 2 miles from home to the club for my warm up. When I got there I was the 3rd person to arrive. So I got my number and checked out when I would be starting. To my surprise I was predicted to do it in 30 minutes 30 seconds! Now as much as I would absolutley love to be able to do it in that time, I checked out some calculators before the race and I would be happy to get under 35 minutes and thought I might be able to get below 34 minutes. I asked if the times were fixed and they were, so too late to change it. Just to give you an idea of where I was positioned in the pack. There are 5 training groups A-E with A group being the best. I train with group C and fit quite nicely into the middle of the group during sessions. My predicted time meant I was starting after most of the B group!
So mentally I just treated this race like any other and just focused on my own race. Baring in mind there was a strong chance I would get overtaken very early, the question was, how early! The conditions were actually very good considering it had been icy the last few days. A thin layer of snow overnight meant slipping was not a problem and provided some grip. The sun was out and there wasn't much wind. So after 10 minutes of watching people set off at intervals, I was off. I got into a good pace early and was pleased to get to over a mile without being overtaken! Heading up Clarston Road, I was being overtaken regularly by the 5 or so runners who set off behind me. When I got to Clarkston Toll, everyone had overtaken me and out of sight! I was just over half way and had 2 miles left. It was a really weird position to be in. I kept thinking, maybe someone elses handicap was off as much as mine or someone might have gone off too fast and be struggling. So I kept pushing up to Eastwood toll. It was really surreal moment when I realised I was wearing a number indicating that I'm in a race. But people passing would be wondereing who I m actually racing! lol. Then the last mile I realised I wasn't going to catch anyone and accepted what I knew was highly possible in the first place and that is that I would come in last. Funny thing is I really wasn't bothered. I have read quite a few stories about people coming last and the way I see it is someone has to be! So going into the finishing straight I had a big smile on my face (at least inside!) and came into everybody clapping which was nice.
It almost felt like a right of passage in the end, a kind of initiation into the club. I was pleased with my time of 34.29 which meant I was averaging about 7.24 a mile.
1st - Its 4.6 miles
2nd - People start at different times based on ability
3rd - I reckon there was 20 people racing max!
I arrived in plenty of time for the 11am start running 2 miles from home to the club for my warm up. When I got there I was the 3rd person to arrive. So I got my number and checked out when I would be starting. To my surprise I was predicted to do it in 30 minutes 30 seconds! Now as much as I would absolutley love to be able to do it in that time, I checked out some calculators before the race and I would be happy to get under 35 minutes and thought I might be able to get below 34 minutes. I asked if the times were fixed and they were, so too late to change it. Just to give you an idea of where I was positioned in the pack. There are 5 training groups A-E with A group being the best. I train with group C and fit quite nicely into the middle of the group during sessions. My predicted time meant I was starting after most of the B group!
So mentally I just treated this race like any other and just focused on my own race. Baring in mind there was a strong chance I would get overtaken very early, the question was, how early! The conditions were actually very good considering it had been icy the last few days. A thin layer of snow overnight meant slipping was not a problem and provided some grip. The sun was out and there wasn't much wind. So after 10 minutes of watching people set off at intervals, I was off. I got into a good pace early and was pleased to get to over a mile without being overtaken! Heading up Clarston Road, I was being overtaken regularly by the 5 or so runners who set off behind me. When I got to Clarkston Toll, everyone had overtaken me and out of sight! I was just over half way and had 2 miles left. It was a really weird position to be in. I kept thinking, maybe someone elses handicap was off as much as mine or someone might have gone off too fast and be struggling. So I kept pushing up to Eastwood toll. It was really surreal moment when I realised I was wearing a number indicating that I'm in a race. But people passing would be wondereing who I m actually racing! lol. Then the last mile I realised I wasn't going to catch anyone and accepted what I knew was highly possible in the first place and that is that I would come in last. Funny thing is I really wasn't bothered. I have read quite a few stories about people coming last and the way I see it is someone has to be! So going into the finishing straight I had a big smile on my face (at least inside!) and came into everybody clapping which was nice.
It almost felt like a right of passage in the end, a kind of initiation into the club. I was pleased with my time of 34.29 which meant I was averaging about 7.24 a mile.
Tuesday 8 December 2009
05/12/2009 - Scottish Athletics West District CC championships
Title sounds good doesn't it?! :-) I always fancied doing a cross country and knew that the only way I would be able to run one was if I was a member of a club. So having been a member of Giffnock North I was now eligible. I only found out about this race a couple of weeks before at training when one of the guys mentioned it. So I went home to investigate and entries were closed. Fast forward a week and just before training started in the get together. Bruce said that they had a drop out, so there was a place free if anyone wanted to run on the Saturday. I waited a bit to see if anyone stepped forward and didn’t so I put my hand up.
So Alan Stewart the Men’s team captain kindly sorted me out with a vest and said to turn up at Irvine by 1pm. I arrived about 12.45pm in time for the Senior Women’s race with an impressive turnout from Giffnock of 8 runners. It was a good team spirit as we cheered them on. The way the course is laid out meant the Senior women run 2 laps which add up to 6,400 metres. Each lap consists of first of an out and back section, so we were cheering them about half way through the lap and then they go on a big loop round the out and back section back to the start. Generally the course is pretty flat with 3 very short sharp hills which slow you down but you can make up for it with the short sharp downhill. I would say about half the course was muddy which was fun.
Next up was the Under 17 men where Giffnock literally ran away with the team prize, setting the scene for the Mens race. There were 4 of us from Giffnock running – David, Derrin, James and myself. As expected as soon as the gun went off, people took off very fast. Unlike other races I have run this year where people go out to fast and I catch up with a lot later in the race. I knew that the people in this race are more than capable of maintaining the pace the set out at, such is the standard at these things. So I got into a nice rhythm and completed the first lap in 15.30 which I was pleased with as it had shown I hadn’t gone out too fast. Just at the start of the second lap James passed me and was running strong. Throughout the first 2 laps David was always in view and my aim was to try and stay with him as long as possible. To my surprise as we were running back towards the finish on the third lap before completing the last big loop I was quickly gaining on him and caught him. I shouted some encouragement and he shouted some back and I edged away and started focusing on the next person in front. I over took a few more people and ended up finishing in 46.44 which I was delighted with as although it was 9,600 metres, it was a cross country so it is meant to be slower. My 10k PB is 46.50 so I sense a 10k PB may not be far away.
90th Derrin 39.45
149th James 45.20
156th Stuart 46.44
159th David 47.22
So Alan Stewart the Men’s team captain kindly sorted me out with a vest and said to turn up at Irvine by 1pm. I arrived about 12.45pm in time for the Senior Women’s race with an impressive turnout from Giffnock of 8 runners. It was a good team spirit as we cheered them on. The way the course is laid out meant the Senior women run 2 laps which add up to 6,400 metres. Each lap consists of first of an out and back section, so we were cheering them about half way through the lap and then they go on a big loop round the out and back section back to the start. Generally the course is pretty flat with 3 very short sharp hills which slow you down but you can make up for it with the short sharp downhill. I would say about half the course was muddy which was fun.
Next up was the Under 17 men where Giffnock literally ran away with the team prize, setting the scene for the Mens race. There were 4 of us from Giffnock running – David, Derrin, James and myself. As expected as soon as the gun went off, people took off very fast. Unlike other races I have run this year where people go out to fast and I catch up with a lot later in the race. I knew that the people in this race are more than capable of maintaining the pace the set out at, such is the standard at these things. So I got into a nice rhythm and completed the first lap in 15.30 which I was pleased with as it had shown I hadn’t gone out too fast. Just at the start of the second lap James passed me and was running strong. Throughout the first 2 laps David was always in view and my aim was to try and stay with him as long as possible. To my surprise as we were running back towards the finish on the third lap before completing the last big loop I was quickly gaining on him and caught him. I shouted some encouragement and he shouted some back and I edged away and started focusing on the next person in front. I over took a few more people and ended up finishing in 46.44 which I was delighted with as although it was 9,600 metres, it was a cross country so it is meant to be slower. My 10k PB is 46.50 so I sense a 10k PB may not be far away.
90th Derrin 39.45
149th James 45.20
156th Stuart 46.44
159th David 47.22
Wednesday 11 November 2009
07/11/09 - Tinto Hill Race
Images taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottishhillrunners/
This wasn't just any race. It was not only my first hill race, but also my first race representing Giffnock North. I arrived about half 12 and registered and got my number in Symington. Unlike road races which cost between £10 up to £50 for marathons. Hill races are cheap. The reason for this is that no roads have to be closed and there are no goody bags or prize money (that I'm aware of). It is just simply a race to the top of a hill and back down again. The simplicity of it all is what I liked the most. Due to the simplicity it is also cheap at only £4. I then drove to the start about 2 miles away at the foot of Tinto hill where cars were parked along a narrow road parking where ever they could.
Having an hour to wait till the start I sat in the car a played the DS until about 20 mintues to 2. It was a cold day in November and although it was a bit cloudy the conditions were good. I went for a warm up jog along the narrow road and back to the car where I was having trouble deciding what to wear! Being a hill race you have to think about what the conditions are like up the top, which is like gambling! Especially with my lack of experience at this sort of event. At about 1.50pm the crowds started to gather at the foot of the hill from the start and I positioned myself at the back of the pack. I had heard there was a few people from Giffnock North also running this race that I have not met yet but I thought they would probably nearer the front of the pack and I later found out I was right.
As well as being my first hill race, it was also one of the quietest races I have done (with the exception of the weekly park run). There was about 300 people participating. Although the path up the hill is reasonably wide for the most part, its still not a road or anything like that. So it felt like there was just the right amont of people and spread out quickly.
And we're off. I got into a nice rhythm straight away. I had reccied the course a couple of weeks back so I knew what to expect. I knew the first section was a gentle incline and all very runnable with a few boggy bits. Then after half a mile is where it gets steep bits start and a power walk is nessessary. I found myself overtaking quite a bit for starter. After the first steep bit, it levels out again and returned to running. This repeated for a while, until there was a long gentle incline, which I am guessing was about a mile and a half in. At this point, I looked to the side for a second to see a flash of Prasad Prasad, the leader absolutley flying down the hill. There was then the steep ascent to the top which I fast walked. More and more people came flying down taking all sorts of routes. Just as I was getting to the top, I was gaining on a fellow club member who I must have only been 10 metres behind. The trig point is situated on a massive set of boulders which we ran right around but not up to the trig point. I had managed the ascent in just over 33 minutes which was 2 minutes slower the winners overall winning time! Simply amazing!.
Spot the Stu - Near the top of Tinto:
Then there was the descents and my first real attempt at a descent and you could tell! I started off down the steep bit and started quickstepping down out of control and ended up sliding on the small stones. It appeared my trail shoes were not quite giving the grip I needed but also my head was thinking too much about it. And I ended up taking it easy down the steep bits where needless to say I was getting overtaken left, right and centre. But I did my best to just concentrate on my own race. I enjoyed the gradual descents more as I felt comfertable striding out at these points. I ended up finishing in 52.40, meaning about 19 minutes for the descent and finished 249th out of 300.
I really enjoyed the race and it littrally is a breath of fresh air compared to road races. I definitley need to work on my descents. To show you the difference it can make. The guy from Giffnock North who I was just behind on the ascent. Finished in 47 something minutes which was 5 mintues ahead of me! But I had fun and there is always next year :-)
This wasn't just any race. It was not only my first hill race, but also my first race representing Giffnock North. I arrived about half 12 and registered and got my number in Symington. Unlike road races which cost between £10 up to £50 for marathons. Hill races are cheap. The reason for this is that no roads have to be closed and there are no goody bags or prize money (that I'm aware of). It is just simply a race to the top of a hill and back down again. The simplicity of it all is what I liked the most. Due to the simplicity it is also cheap at only £4. I then drove to the start about 2 miles away at the foot of Tinto hill where cars were parked along a narrow road parking where ever they could.
Having an hour to wait till the start I sat in the car a played the DS until about 20 mintues to 2. It was a cold day in November and although it was a bit cloudy the conditions were good. I went for a warm up jog along the narrow road and back to the car where I was having trouble deciding what to wear! Being a hill race you have to think about what the conditions are like up the top, which is like gambling! Especially with my lack of experience at this sort of event. At about 1.50pm the crowds started to gather at the foot of the hill from the start and I positioned myself at the back of the pack. I had heard there was a few people from Giffnock North also running this race that I have not met yet but I thought they would probably nearer the front of the pack and I later found out I was right.
As well as being my first hill race, it was also one of the quietest races I have done (with the exception of the weekly park run). There was about 300 people participating. Although the path up the hill is reasonably wide for the most part, its still not a road or anything like that. So it felt like there was just the right amont of people and spread out quickly.
And we're off. I got into a nice rhythm straight away. I had reccied the course a couple of weeks back so I knew what to expect. I knew the first section was a gentle incline and all very runnable with a few boggy bits. Then after half a mile is where it gets steep bits start and a power walk is nessessary. I found myself overtaking quite a bit for starter. After the first steep bit, it levels out again and returned to running. This repeated for a while, until there was a long gentle incline, which I am guessing was about a mile and a half in. At this point, I looked to the side for a second to see a flash of Prasad Prasad, the leader absolutley flying down the hill. There was then the steep ascent to the top which I fast walked. More and more people came flying down taking all sorts of routes. Just as I was getting to the top, I was gaining on a fellow club member who I must have only been 10 metres behind. The trig point is situated on a massive set of boulders which we ran right around but not up to the trig point. I had managed the ascent in just over 33 minutes which was 2 minutes slower the winners overall winning time! Simply amazing!.
Spot the Stu - Near the top of Tinto:
Then there was the descents and my first real attempt at a descent and you could tell! I started off down the steep bit and started quickstepping down out of control and ended up sliding on the small stones. It appeared my trail shoes were not quite giving the grip I needed but also my head was thinking too much about it. And I ended up taking it easy down the steep bits where needless to say I was getting overtaken left, right and centre. But I did my best to just concentrate on my own race. I enjoyed the gradual descents more as I felt comfertable striding out at these points. I ended up finishing in 52.40, meaning about 19 minutes for the descent and finished 249th out of 300.
I really enjoyed the race and it littrally is a breath of fresh air compared to road races. I definitley need to work on my descents. To show you the difference it can make. The guy from Giffnock North who I was just behind on the ascent. Finished in 47 something minutes which was 5 mintues ahead of me! But I had fun and there is always next year :-)
Monday 5 October 2009
04/10/09 - Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon
Saturday
On the Saturday Mum and me headed up to Inverness by car. This gave me the opportunity to drive the route the day before the race. Also to stop off at Foyers falls along with other places beside the loch and took some pictures!
We got to Inverness late afternoon and chilled in the hotel for bit which was right on the River Ness. After that we headed up to Queens Park Stadium which was about 15 minutes walk from Inverness. There we registered and got our numbers as well as my timing chip. Then we headed for the buffet for a fantastic feed shown in the photo below!
For starter we had Carrot and coriander soup, for main had pasta, baked potato and salad and finally carrot cake for desert! A true advantage of having a running event sponsored by Baxter’s! The food was magnificent! Not only that but there was a band playing some Celtic music which created a nice atmosphere. Anyway then headed back to the hotel, chilled out for a bit and got stuff organised for the next day, then went to sleep.
Sunday
One of the things that went wrong with the London marathon was that I was so excited I hardly slept. But this time I had a great sleep and was a lot more relaxed which was good. I went for breakfast in the hotel restaurant at 6.30 am. The hotel opened the restaurant early just for the marathon runners which was good of them! Needless to say the place was packed with runners. And luckily for me they did porridge which is my food of choice before long runs.
Me at 7am! still not quite awake
Then at Quarter past 7, I left my mum as she took a picture of me beside the River Ness and I headed for Queens Park stadium once again. This time it was to get a bus to the start. I was there pretty prompt at half 7 so was on the 5th bus out of half of a mile worth of buses! Over 2000 people! I sat next to a guy called John from Dundee, who was a good laugh. Which was good as the buses were meant to leave at 8am, but didn’t leave till 8.45am because they were 3 buses short. I am not sure exactly what happened but eventually it was sorted. This meant we didn’t get to the start till 10am which was when the race was meant to start. Luckily I had my mobile with me so I could text my mum to tell her the race was delayed.
The Race - The Start
The start was mobbed! I had heard there was always a big queue for the portoloos, so thats the first thing I did. Because I was in one of the first buses there, they dropped us off where the 5 hour runners congragted, probably about quarter of a mile from the start. So next I got changed, made sure I had all my shot blocs, nuun tablets and water. I then went to drop off my bag at the baggage truck which was situated beyond the start line. I then walked back up to the 4 hour congregation bit. Next was the warm up which was funny as only the Sub 3 hour folk could see or hear it! As the start is down the bottom of the slope and we were on a flat bit above it.
The Race – The first half
After about 5 minutes I was off and so happy to get going. I had decided that there was no point in trying to weave in and out of people for starter and I would just let the crowds dictate the pace. This helped as it meant I wasn’t going out too hard which is so easy to do with all the adrenaline build up. The first 3 miles were rolling and flat with some amazing views of the hills around before turning left on to the B582. The road winds and descends quite a bit between 3-4 miles and runs along beside the river and surrounded by trees. At mile 4 was the first climb of the day. It wasn’t really that steep but it was long. I felt comfortable and maintained my pace while a lot of people seemed to slow down. But I was confident due to all the hill work I have done.
Then the next hill at 5 miles was shorter and steeper as we climbed into Foyers. Again I maintained my speed and I knew after this there was not anything as steep as this until much later in the race. At this point I also got talking to a guy who turned out to be someone from the Runners World forum which I had been using in the run up to this race! What are the chances of that! So we got talking for quite a few miles before running our own race. Foyers is a nice wee town and is also where we got the first glimpse of Loch ness. The day was perfect with only a few clouds, so we got some spectacular views.
Just after Foyers, I saw a sign saying 14% gradient! Yes there is a big drop of desent on this course. But what you have to realise is that it seems to all come in very short period; especially in this case. Quite a few people would over take me on the down hills, but I decided it would be better to take it easy, knowing I would overtake them on the uphills. Between 6 and 9 miles there were various more steep descents before at 9 miles it’s down to loch level where you could see Urquart castle across the loch as well as Drumledrochit. The next 4 miles to the half way point I would describe as rolling with quite a few flat bits. I got talking to another guy for a few miles here which made the time go by quicker. I decided at the start I would not check my watch till the half way point. I did this for a couple of reasons; one was so that I was running at a pace which felt comfortable and the other was so I was not constantly checking my watch every mile and then worrying if I was going to slow or fast. So at the half way point I was pleased to see that I went through at just over 2 hours 4 minutes.
The Race – The second half
From my previous marathon experience where I had to start walking at 14 miles due to cramp; I did wonder how far I could make it without walking this time. Well the next 3 miles from 13.1 were again fairly flat and were gently rolling like before. Then at 16 miles the road turns away from the top of the loch towards Dores. Dores was fantastic! There must have been 50-100 people lining the road cheering us on. It gave me such a lift and exactly what you need at this stage of the race. At 17 miles the hills started. The first one was pretty gradual and then levelled off. The second between 18 and 19 miles went on and on and on! But I was still feeling good at this point. I was overtaking a lot of people as they walked up/slow run up the hills. At 19 miles it levelled off with a slight decline which was nice. Then there was a guy in a gorilla costume with a horn thing which was funny. At Scantiport the last major climb started which was reasonably long and fairly steep. Again I ran pretty strongly up it overtaking people.
I ran fine to the first roundabout which was about the 22 mile mark and then my head started to go. I turned and saw a bush and though this was the last chance for a loo stop before you won’t be able to go again as the crowd’s line the streets, etc. I had been holding off for the past 10 miles as I thought if I stopped I wouldn’t be able to get going again. And I was right! The last 4 miles was tough, but I was happy as at least this time I hit the wall with less than 4 miles to go rather than 12 miles to go! I would walk for wee bit and checked my watch to make sure the maximum I would walk at any one time would be 2 minutes and then I would run for as long as I could.
Me at the 24 mile mark.
At the 24 mile mark the road turns off and goes alongside the River Ness. I had been looking forward to this as this is where my Mum was waiting for me and I saw her instantly which gave me a huge lift. The route then headed up to the road bridge and looped back round the opposite bank passed my hotel. Again I was really gritting it out and trying to run as much as possible.
Race – The Finish
The mile markers felt like they were getting further and further away from each other, until finally I could hear the cheers from the stadium as I ran round the back of it and ran the rest of the way on to the track and across the finish line. I was absolutely delighted with my time of 4.07.47.
Just crossed the finish line!
I was awarded with my medal and goody bag. I then met up with my mum who was delighted for me, while I collapsed on to the ground and just lay there. I really don’t think I could have given any more today mentally or physically. The even more amazing thing is that even with the small walking breaks in the second half and the fact the second half is a lot hillier. I ran it a minute quicker than the first half; meaning a negative split! I made sure I got some fluid on board and went back to the hotel for a well deserved dip in the Jacuzzi. After some dinner in Jimmy Chungs Chinese Buffet, I got back to the flat and checked the internet. To my delight I saw that I had managed to reach my Cancer Research charity target of £500! I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single one of you who donated and definitely made the day all the more worth while. Also a special thanks to my Mum for all her support over the weekend and driving me home today as there is no way I could have!
Me with ma medal
Some Stats –
Out of 2205 people who started the race, 2173 finished it! This is quite incredible and means there was a 98.5% finish rate!
My chip position was 1090/2205. Meaning I finished in the top half (just, lol)but just not if you take it from the people who actually finished.
Overall I had 6 shot blocs, 1 every 4 miles. 3 half NUUN tablets which desolve in water and replace salt lost.
Lessons Leared –
Things that went well -
- This time I followed a schedule and was averaging 40-50 miles a week which included a good balance of speed work/tempo runs/long runs and easy runs.
- Shot blocs and NUUN tablets definetley helped and prevented me from getting cramp.
- Hill work very beneficial and helped me go up the hills
Things to change –
- I only did one run of 22 miles which was on a tough course and had to run/walk the last 4 miles. I think it would be beneficial to do a few runs of 22 miles maybe even a 23 or 24.
- Although hill work was good, would be good to do actual hills, north of Scotland which are way harder than the ones dealt with today. This will make you even stronger in the last section and means the hills shouldn’t take everything out of you at the end.
- I reckon I could up the training even more, maybe with another easy run on the Friday or upping the speedwork reps.
- Maybe try 8 shot blocks, one every 3 miles- see if that helps
Overall I think have still a quite a few marathons at least to go before I have mastered them, but I have definitely taken a giant leap forward with this marathon and I am extremely pleased with the result.
Sunday 27 September 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 15
An up and down this week. I have been getting far too excited about this marathon and it really all came down to earth with a bump by the end of the week!
My right thigh has been niggling away all week and looking back on my blog over the past 15 weeks it has been a recurring theme. It goes away, comes back, goes away again. You get the picture. I have been applying ice to it and now deep heat so hopefully it will choose to go away next Sunday!
Anyway on Tuesday night it was 12 x 2 mins hills. Which I was quite surprised by given that I was meant to be tapering and this is the toughest hill session I have done yet! I decided that instead of going for 2 mins hills, I would do 400m as that is roughly about the same and means I can see if I am improving. All I can say is what a session! I averaged between 1.48 and 1.52 with the slowest being the first one at 1.55 and the fastest being the last one at 1.44! I really felt comfertable going at a faster pace and with incline all the way!
Wednesday was an easy 5 miler then Thursday was a 3 mile hilly tempo run with 1 mile warm up/warm down. I did the 3 miles in 23.10! with 4 reasonable sized hills and I felt I could have gone on quite comfertably - so I was very happy with that. All three runs, although my thigh was a wee bit niggly, I felt really springy which was reassuring.
Then on Saturday I ran to the Park run in Pollock Park and back, an easy 4 miles altogether, volunteering in between. I felt really groggy and the tradition of having a bad Saturday run was back at it again :-).
Then today I was meant to go out for 12 miles at a steady/marathon pace. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to see if I could run 8.30 pace and have energy left to burn next week. However I woke up and still felt a bit groggy but my confidence was high as I had a great week and I have done tempo runs for 10/11 miles faster than I intended to do today. The first mile however totally drained me. It was straight up Old Castle Road and by the top of it I was huffing and puffing, which is very unusual for me, as normally I'm fine with hills and with the hill work I did this week along with all the other hill work I thought I would be fine. But I clearly set out far too fast, way faster than 8.30 pace. So after running through Linn Park and nearly getting attacked by a dog. I cut my loses and ran back home. At this stage there was no point in totally exhausting myself further and potentially causing mor damage to a niggly thigh. Also I forgot the golden rule I have learnt over the years. The first mile is always the most difficult and if you do it right, you'll be able to up it later. whoops! lol
Anyway I'm still optimistic about next week, although slightly less excited which can only be a good thing as it means I'm calmer! I realise that I need to respect hills a lot more and although I know I am capable off running under 3.45. Loch ness is probably not the marathon to go for it. My original plan was to go for a 1.50-1.52 for the first half. Going by that logic the second half is tougher and could do 10 minute miles and I could get round in about 4 hours and if I was doing well, Sub 3.45 would be on. Now I think its better to do it the other way round. Do the first half 9-10 minute miles then the second half see how I feel. Although I think it would be wise to maintain the same pace until 20 miles then see how I feel. As beyond 20 is still unknown terroritory. But over all its going to be great to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and people who love to push themselves to the limit.
Finally thank you to everyone who has sponsered me and supported me throughout my training :-)
My right thigh has been niggling away all week and looking back on my blog over the past 15 weeks it has been a recurring theme. It goes away, comes back, goes away again. You get the picture. I have been applying ice to it and now deep heat so hopefully it will choose to go away next Sunday!
Anyway on Tuesday night it was 12 x 2 mins hills. Which I was quite surprised by given that I was meant to be tapering and this is the toughest hill session I have done yet! I decided that instead of going for 2 mins hills, I would do 400m as that is roughly about the same and means I can see if I am improving. All I can say is what a session! I averaged between 1.48 and 1.52 with the slowest being the first one at 1.55 and the fastest being the last one at 1.44! I really felt comfertable going at a faster pace and with incline all the way!
Wednesday was an easy 5 miler then Thursday was a 3 mile hilly tempo run with 1 mile warm up/warm down. I did the 3 miles in 23.10! with 4 reasonable sized hills and I felt I could have gone on quite comfertably - so I was very happy with that. All three runs, although my thigh was a wee bit niggly, I felt really springy which was reassuring.
Then on Saturday I ran to the Park run in Pollock Park and back, an easy 4 miles altogether, volunteering in between. I felt really groggy and the tradition of having a bad Saturday run was back at it again :-).
Then today I was meant to go out for 12 miles at a steady/marathon pace. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to see if I could run 8.30 pace and have energy left to burn next week. However I woke up and still felt a bit groggy but my confidence was high as I had a great week and I have done tempo runs for 10/11 miles faster than I intended to do today. The first mile however totally drained me. It was straight up Old Castle Road and by the top of it I was huffing and puffing, which is very unusual for me, as normally I'm fine with hills and with the hill work I did this week along with all the other hill work I thought I would be fine. But I clearly set out far too fast, way faster than 8.30 pace. So after running through Linn Park and nearly getting attacked by a dog. I cut my loses and ran back home. At this stage there was no point in totally exhausting myself further and potentially causing mor damage to a niggly thigh. Also I forgot the golden rule I have learnt over the years. The first mile is always the most difficult and if you do it right, you'll be able to up it later. whoops! lol
Anyway I'm still optimistic about next week, although slightly less excited which can only be a good thing as it means I'm calmer! I realise that I need to respect hills a lot more and although I know I am capable off running under 3.45. Loch ness is probably not the marathon to go for it. My original plan was to go for a 1.50-1.52 for the first half. Going by that logic the second half is tougher and could do 10 minute miles and I could get round in about 4 hours and if I was doing well, Sub 3.45 would be on. Now I think its better to do it the other way round. Do the first half 9-10 minute miles then the second half see how I feel. Although I think it would be wise to maintain the same pace until 20 miles then see how I feel. As beyond 20 is still unknown terroritory. But over all its going to be great to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and people who love to push themselves to the limit.
Finally thank you to everyone who has sponsered me and supported me throughout my training :-)
Sunday 20 September 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 14
Okidokey Week 14...
Since I did my long crazy run on the Saturday, my rest day was moved to Sunday. Meaning Monday it was go, go ............. go! I went to Pollock Park to do a speed session of 6 x 800m with 100m recoveries, although I think I was doing closer to 900m reps with 1 mile warmup and warm down. The session went well and felt recovered from Saturdays exploits and got quicker throughout the session. Tuesday was an easy 6 miler which I did within in the hour.
Then Wednesday I was ready for my 10 mile tempo run at hopeful marathon pace. This run started badly and got worse. My right thigh was sore from the off but managed the first mile in 8.17, which I was surprised with as I felt I was taking it easy, mile 2 I did a similar time but then it felt like there was nothing left in the tank on top of my sore thigh. So I decided to cut the run short and walk back. A cut short run here and there is not going to affect my overall training, but if I continued on and my thigh got worse I would have regretted it, especially since all the work I have put in to this.
Thursday was another adventure up to Fort William with friend Steven. Steven was still a bit down after falling short of completing the Three peaks challenge the previous week so wanted to take it out on Ben Nevis! So we set off at a brisk pace and managed to maintain it up the whole 5 miles to the summit. It is a pretty easy path, or should I say a motorway! in path terms. It is reasonably wide all the way up and obviously there are steep bits but its pretty easy walking if you've done a few munros before. Made it up to the summit in 2 hours 5 minutes which is the same time it took me to do Ben Lomond which is about 500m lower than Ben Nevis. The views from the top were fantastic! We spent a good half an hour taking it all in....
and then there was the descent, letting gravity take over we were back down in 1 hour 35 minutes. Meaning a round trip of 3 hours 40 minutes.
Took Friday as a rest day and had intended to do an easy run on Saturday. However had a few too many lemonades on Friday night so didn't get to sleep till late and had a lie in instead.
Finally Sundays long run starting at 8am. I did Old castle road hill to start off with then headed to Eaglesham and kept going. I'm still not too sure if I turned back too early or not as there was so many roads turning off that I couldn't remember which one to turn back at. However I worked out if it was the wrong one the maximum lost mileage would be 2 miles, still an 18 miler. However the second half I did pick it up and my time was 3.06.30, so I reckon I must have done more than 18 and closer to 20 miles, as there is no way I was doing more than 10 minute miles for the whole time! So I'll call it a 20 ish!
So that rounds off the hard training with 5 long runs spanning more than 100 miles! and plenty of miles in between. Now its taper time, which means backing off a bit and letting my muscles recover and hopefully peak 2 weeks today! More importantly now the physical training is done, its now time to look at the mental training. This is going through all the possible scenarios on race day, where I want to be when etc. Also a technique I use for long runs is splitting up the run into chunks and only concentrating on one chunk at a time and occasionally thinking a head to the next one. Obviously the hill from Dores has been on my mind and I am visualising myself running strong up it.
Since I did my long crazy run on the Saturday, my rest day was moved to Sunday. Meaning Monday it was go, go ............. go! I went to Pollock Park to do a speed session of 6 x 800m with 100m recoveries, although I think I was doing closer to 900m reps with 1 mile warmup and warm down. The session went well and felt recovered from Saturdays exploits and got quicker throughout the session. Tuesday was an easy 6 miler which I did within in the hour.
Then Wednesday I was ready for my 10 mile tempo run at hopeful marathon pace. This run started badly and got worse. My right thigh was sore from the off but managed the first mile in 8.17, which I was surprised with as I felt I was taking it easy, mile 2 I did a similar time but then it felt like there was nothing left in the tank on top of my sore thigh. So I decided to cut the run short and walk back. A cut short run here and there is not going to affect my overall training, but if I continued on and my thigh got worse I would have regretted it, especially since all the work I have put in to this.
Thursday was another adventure up to Fort William with friend Steven. Steven was still a bit down after falling short of completing the Three peaks challenge the previous week so wanted to take it out on Ben Nevis! So we set off at a brisk pace and managed to maintain it up the whole 5 miles to the summit. It is a pretty easy path, or should I say a motorway! in path terms. It is reasonably wide all the way up and obviously there are steep bits but its pretty easy walking if you've done a few munros before. Made it up to the summit in 2 hours 5 minutes which is the same time it took me to do Ben Lomond which is about 500m lower than Ben Nevis. The views from the top were fantastic! We spent a good half an hour taking it all in....
and then there was the descent, letting gravity take over we were back down in 1 hour 35 minutes. Meaning a round trip of 3 hours 40 minutes.
Took Friday as a rest day and had intended to do an easy run on Saturday. However had a few too many lemonades on Friday night so didn't get to sleep till late and had a lie in instead.
Finally Sundays long run starting at 8am. I did Old castle road hill to start off with then headed to Eaglesham and kept going. I'm still not too sure if I turned back too early or not as there was so many roads turning off that I couldn't remember which one to turn back at. However I worked out if it was the wrong one the maximum lost mileage would be 2 miles, still an 18 miler. However the second half I did pick it up and my time was 3.06.30, so I reckon I must have done more than 18 and closer to 20 miles, as there is no way I was doing more than 10 minute miles for the whole time! So I'll call it a 20 ish!
So that rounds off the hard training with 5 long runs spanning more than 100 miles! and plenty of miles in between. Now its taper time, which means backing off a bit and letting my muscles recover and hopefully peak 2 weeks today! More importantly now the physical training is done, its now time to look at the mental training. This is going through all the possible scenarios on race day, where I want to be when etc. Also a technique I use for long runs is splitting up the run into chunks and only concentrating on one chunk at a time and occasionally thinking a head to the next one. Obviously the hill from Dores has been on my mind and I am visualising myself running strong up it.
Sunday 13 September 2009
Saab Salomon Turbo X, Mugdock + WHW - 12/09/09
After a week of fun trail running, how could I possibly top it/finish it off?!
How about by running a 10 plus mile trail race followed by an out and back section of the West Highland way?! Ok then! So before the race started, I wanted to treat this more as a long training run and try and do about 22 miles all together, so on top of the race I wanted to try and run to Dumgoyne and back which adds up to approximatley 12 miles I think!
So I situated myself towards the back of the pack and aimed for a pace of about 10 minute miles. The course did not have mile markers so pacing was really just what you felt comfortable doing! I reckon the first couple of miles ish, were all on park paths. I think they do this to spread the field out before all the single track and fun stuff starts! I looked around at one point and saw the marshall at the back bringing up the rear. I never expected to be this far back but surely people had gone out too fast. This was my first time doing the event but looking at the course description and the way it is advertised - it sounds tough! So even though I was doing it as part of a longer run I think I would have taken it easy anyway (I right, lol).
Anyway after 2 ish miles we veered off the path and onto a boggy trail of long springy grass. The first real obstacle was a burn about 2 foot wide and quite deep. People were queueing up to get over it. Some seemed to stop and ponder how to get over it but i just went straight in and got straight back out. Then the route went back through that long, wet springy grass which was so nice to run on before turning back on to the path. The route then climbed up the first hill, but with a slight difference. There were dead trees on either sided and the actual track was up and down, with big puddles on every down. But there was a higher track you could take which avoided some of the puddles. Once reaching the top the hill, we went through more puddles till eventually going back down the other side where I managed to overtake a few people.
Then there was the water station which signified the half way point and I was feeling good. There were a couple of more uphills on the paths before veering right up a very steep slippery hill! people were sliding back down all over the shot. Must have been the shoes, but I managed to get a good grip and strided right up it over taking even more people. Then the second most fun bit of the race. A long trail, up and down through the forest, jumping over logs and the ocassional mud! I then heard music - Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses blasting out! But before I got to that bit there was thigh deep liquidy mud which went round a corner then gradually climbed out of it. I almost fell completely in, but somehow kept my balance.
Then I arrived at where the music was blasting out from. This section is the start of a 1-2 mile section of the most extreme terrain on the course and its also timed with chip mats. The start of it you go into cloud of smoke and you are just guessing you are going straight, when it cleared we were back on the trails. This time the mud was really thick, to the point where I was struggling to lift my leg up and thought I was going to lose a shoe! There were also steep rocky ascents and slippery decents. At one point a women let me past her as I was climbing over a log, forgetting that I was in a mud pit and splashed her, whoops! As the race results show though I did pretty well in this section. Going into it I was 318th going into the Turbo. For the actual Turbo section I did it in 23 mins 18 seconds and was the 236th fastest person to do that section.
After the Turbo X section finished it was all path with a nasty wee incline at the end. Overall I finished in 291st place in a time of 2 hours 2 minutes and 44 seconds. I actually completed the last section of the course between the turbo X finish and the actual finish in 7 mins 44 seconds which was 178th fastest for that section!
What an event! So much fun, I had a smile on my face for pretty much the whole race. Its not about getting a PB unless its for this specific course. Its about getting really muddy, challenging yourself against the tough course and enjoying the wonderful trails around Mugdock Park. You have to be patient at times because there are back logs at some of the obstacle as people try and find there ways round them with out getting too dirty! Trust me, in the end you will get dirty no matter what! I actually did most of my overtaking on the steep climbs and muddy bits. Just because I didn't think about it. I just went for it! At the end of the day the mud comes off.........after about half an hour in the shower! Also the goody bag was superb! An actual Salomon wicking t-shirt, for goodness shakes milk shake, water bottle, energy gel, fruit bar, training log etc etc.........Well worth the money!
Anyway now for phase 2. I dumped my goody bag in the car, had a few fudges and got my new water bottle and headed for the West Highland way which I reckon was about a mile away. I got there after a steep uphill and a very steep downhill. Joining the West Highland Way about the 3 mile mark there were plenty of walkers along the way asking how I got so dirty which was good banter. I decided just to run for an hour out the way and I pretty much got to where the WHW meets the A81 at Dumgoyne, then I turned back and realised I was really beginning to feel it! The first couple of miles back from Dumgoyne were flat which I managed ok, but then the hills got steeper and steeper and I walked every one of them and ran the flats and downs (the one or two that were there!). I was spent and it was really hot, I wish I had more water and thought 750 ml would be enough but not on this day. I got to the 3 mile mark on the WHW and headed up the road to the car park which I knew was only a mile away. But I had forgotton just how steep and long the hill was that I had ran down earlier. I struggled to walk up it! I finished in about 2 hours 18 minutes.
This was easily the toughest training run I have ever done, I have only ever been on my feet run/walking for that long once and that was the London marathon. In total I was run/walking for more than 4 hours 20 minutes. I don't know why I suffered so much in the last 4 miles. Maybe it was my mind, I definetley did not have enough to drink considering the heat for the 10-12 miler on the WHW. It may be because I haven't done a run lasting over 3 1/4 hours. Or it was just because of how technical the whole thing was! Or because i ran/walked 15 miles the day before with nearly 1000 metres of ascent? I don't know but I am still pleased to have completed this run (even with walking) and have my 3rd 20+ mile run in the bag.
3 weeks today until the Loch ness marathon! and planning another hard week this week and then its taper, taper, taper for the final two weeks.
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 13
What a week! This has been the most fun week of the year by far!
After spending the day recovering from the Great Scottish run the day before, I was pumped and ready to go on the Tuesday. Having the week off from work, I decided to take my running to new extremes. My brother and his girlfriend Nic were doing the West Highland way, so I decided to help them out as well as getting some good running in!
Ken and Nic spent the night in Rowerdenan Youth Hostel next to Loch Lomond which is about the 25 mile mark on the WHW. So I met them at 9am, took their bags and shoved them in the car so all they had to carry was day sacks that day. I then drove up to Inveranan (Beinglass farm) which is about the 40 mile mark of the WHW and parked at Drovers in. Steven and Liz met up with Ken and Nic and started walking towards Inveranan. Once at the Drovers I put on my trail shoes and headed the opposite way down the WHW. Straight up a big hill which I managed to run the most of the way up. The trail was so much fun with lots of puddles from all the rain. As I got down to the loch side, although a lot of it was not runnable it was fun going up and down all the rocky bits. I got to Inversnaid, the half way point at 12.10 which was only 10 minutes behind when the gang got there from the opposite direction. In effect it was the longest 7 miles I have ever done taking just over an hour an half, but if you've seen the trail you'd know why. I then grabbed some lunch with the gang and we walked to Inveranan which took just over 3 hours.
The Wednesday I just took it easy and did a 7 miler on the pavements around the south of Glasgow. Was a bit weird after Tuesday's escapeds, so decided to try out my new earphones which wrap around the ear and they were excellent so may use them in the future for easy runs. On all other runs I would barely pay attention to it as either I'm switched off or far too switched on!
On Thursday I thought about doing a speedwork session but then I thought about my schedule for the next few days and decided against it! I headed up to the Kingshouse Hotel in the afternoon which is in the Glencoe region to meet up with Nic and Ken who were just finishing their longest day yet on the WHW, 20 miles! So I had dinner with them and headed up them and headed up to my hotel in Kinlochleven.
On Friday morning I managed to set off running from Kinlochleven and headed up the hill on the opposite side of the Devil's Staircase. Man was it tough! I ran/walked all the way up and there was some breathtaking views. Then there was the fun bit! The descent! Dancing round the rocks and there was opportunities where I just tore down the hillside until I got down to the A82 where I ran round the hillside until Kingshouse Hotel was in sight, which is also where I met Ken and Nic. I reckon I managed about 7 1/2 miles in 1 hour 38. It may sound a little long but with about 500 metres of asecent over 4 1/2 miles! may have something to do with it! I then walked back up and down the otherside of the devil's staircase and headed back to Kinlochleven. Some of the folk on the trail actually recognised me from Inversnaid and stopped short of calling me a complete nutter! haha
and then there was Saturday........ which deserves a blog of its own!
After spending the day recovering from the Great Scottish run the day before, I was pumped and ready to go on the Tuesday. Having the week off from work, I decided to take my running to new extremes. My brother and his girlfriend Nic were doing the West Highland way, so I decided to help them out as well as getting some good running in!
Ken and Nic spent the night in Rowerdenan Youth Hostel next to Loch Lomond which is about the 25 mile mark on the WHW. So I met them at 9am, took their bags and shoved them in the car so all they had to carry was day sacks that day. I then drove up to Inveranan (Beinglass farm) which is about the 40 mile mark of the WHW and parked at Drovers in. Steven and Liz met up with Ken and Nic and started walking towards Inveranan. Once at the Drovers I put on my trail shoes and headed the opposite way down the WHW. Straight up a big hill which I managed to run the most of the way up. The trail was so much fun with lots of puddles from all the rain. As I got down to the loch side, although a lot of it was not runnable it was fun going up and down all the rocky bits. I got to Inversnaid, the half way point at 12.10 which was only 10 minutes behind when the gang got there from the opposite direction. In effect it was the longest 7 miles I have ever done taking just over an hour an half, but if you've seen the trail you'd know why. I then grabbed some lunch with the gang and we walked to Inveranan which took just over 3 hours.
The Wednesday I just took it easy and did a 7 miler on the pavements around the south of Glasgow. Was a bit weird after Tuesday's escapeds, so decided to try out my new earphones which wrap around the ear and they were excellent so may use them in the future for easy runs. On all other runs I would barely pay attention to it as either I'm switched off or far too switched on!
On Thursday I thought about doing a speedwork session but then I thought about my schedule for the next few days and decided against it! I headed up to the Kingshouse Hotel in the afternoon which is in the Glencoe region to meet up with Nic and Ken who were just finishing their longest day yet on the WHW, 20 miles! So I had dinner with them and headed up them and headed up to my hotel in Kinlochleven.
On Friday morning I managed to set off running from Kinlochleven and headed up the hill on the opposite side of the Devil's Staircase. Man was it tough! I ran/walked all the way up and there was some breathtaking views. Then there was the fun bit! The descent! Dancing round the rocks and there was opportunities where I just tore down the hillside until I got down to the A82 where I ran round the hillside until Kingshouse Hotel was in sight, which is also where I met Ken and Nic. I reckon I managed about 7 1/2 miles in 1 hour 38. It may sound a little long but with about 500 metres of asecent over 4 1/2 miles! may have something to do with it! I then walked back up and down the otherside of the devil's staircase and headed back to Kinlochleven. Some of the folk on the trail actually recognised me from Inversnaid and stopped short of calling me a complete nutter! haha
and then there was Saturday........ which deserves a blog of its own!
Sunday 6 September 2009
Great Scottish Run - 06/09/09
In a topsy turvy week, it was by far the worst build up to a race I have ever had. It took me till Wednesday to recover from an epic hill walk the previous Sunday. Then on Wednesday I got food poisoning and really knocked me out to the point where I was wondering whether I would be fit to run this one at all. Even yesterday I was still feeling a bit rough. Anyway enough excuses :-)
I woke up at 8am and probably felt between 70 and 80%. I got to George Square just after 10pm in plenty of time for the 10.30 kick off. There are 4 different clusters which are distingushed by the colour of your number. The fastest guys were white, next blue, then green and finally yellow. I was in the Blue cluster as I predicted a time of 1.45 which is what I ran the Helensburgh marathon in a month earlier. I knew that I was going to be slower today so I situated myself right at the back of the Blue cluster. There was a couple of guys (probably famous) doing commentary and build up over the tannoy system. Who I have to say were superb! and really distracted me from all the build up tension. It was nice of them to go through the elite athletes one of which had a half marathon PB of just over an hour! It wasn't just this though he also went through the cream of the crop in Scotland, names in which I recognised through My Race and the weekly Pollock Park run 5K. I'm looking forward to the official results to see how they all got on as well as fellow Park Run volunteers.
Anyway to the actual race! The idea of the clusters was to spread out the field. So there was a gap between each cluster of a few munutes. So the whites were off, then it was us.....the blues. Everyone started jogging a good 200m before the line, but I just walked as my philosphy is, your time does not start, until you cross the chip mat. So needless to say I had my own moment crossing the start line by myself! lol. As usual the pace at the start was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to quick and I didn't actually catch up with the main blue herd till after quarter of a mile. With a few shimmies through the streets we were on the Kingston bridge! What a novelty, 2nd time i've ran over it and the novelty has not worn off! The first mile is always a good indicator of pace and I did the first one in 8.45, so my plan worked as I delibratley started slow and due to the bottlenecks early on it worked out well. The course then heads west along Paisley road west towards Bellahouston Park. Its a nice flat, wide road so it was good to get in a good rhythm. Turning into Bellahouston for miles 4-6 and a nice gentle uphill. Going into 6 miles I was about 51 minutes if I remember correctly so was bang on 8.30 pace.
Then we headed up to Pollock Park, and in just entering it there was a chip mat which I presume was for the 10k mark. It was nice to run round Pollock Park for miles 6 to 8 miles as I have ran it a lot in training and as part of the Park run so I knew what I was in for. From mile 8 it began to hurt a wee bit, but I was in the knowledge that after 9-10 miles it is pretty much flat or downhill to the finish and just as well! Mile 10 onwards it hurt! and I reckon it was definitley down to not being 100% and having not run the week before hand. But I maintained my pace and drilled through it. At mile 11, Richard Gough (Ex - Rangers footballer) was standing at the side of the road waiting for the celebrity relay baton to reach him. So I high fived him and wished him luck! Not that he needed it after he did the 5K Park Run I marshalled at yesterday in sub 22 minutes! And from 12.5 mile onward the crowds were particuarly great, although they were good most of the way round the course. But obviously at the finish it was electric. I finished in a time of 1.48.21 which I was absolutley delighted with given the circumstances. It is my 2nd best half marathon time this year out of 4 and my 4th best half marathon time ever out of 8 half maras.
Overall Great Scottish run is a great race with a great atmosphere. There a pipers at most of the mile points. There is congestion at some points but it still has massive PB potential. The weather on the day was pretty wet and about 12 C, so pretty much perfect running weather. The goody bag and medal are good value. It is not the most scenic of runs but Pollock Park and Bellahouston Park make up for it. Its the 3rd time I've done the GSR and I'll definetley be back for more in future.
Well it looks like after that and a day off tomorrow, I'll be ok to go back to hard training for the next 2 weeks, then its 2 weeks taper - THEN ITS LOCH NESS! WOO, so close now, its getting exciting :-)
I woke up at 8am and probably felt between 70 and 80%. I got to George Square just after 10pm in plenty of time for the 10.30 kick off. There are 4 different clusters which are distingushed by the colour of your number. The fastest guys were white, next blue, then green and finally yellow. I was in the Blue cluster as I predicted a time of 1.45 which is what I ran the Helensburgh marathon in a month earlier. I knew that I was going to be slower today so I situated myself right at the back of the Blue cluster. There was a couple of guys (probably famous) doing commentary and build up over the tannoy system. Who I have to say were superb! and really distracted me from all the build up tension. It was nice of them to go through the elite athletes one of which had a half marathon PB of just over an hour! It wasn't just this though he also went through the cream of the crop in Scotland, names in which I recognised through My Race and the weekly Pollock Park run 5K. I'm looking forward to the official results to see how they all got on as well as fellow Park Run volunteers.
Anyway to the actual race! The idea of the clusters was to spread out the field. So there was a gap between each cluster of a few munutes. So the whites were off, then it was us.....the blues. Everyone started jogging a good 200m before the line, but I just walked as my philosphy is, your time does not start, until you cross the chip mat. So needless to say I had my own moment crossing the start line by myself! lol. As usual the pace at the start was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to quick and I didn't actually catch up with the main blue herd till after quarter of a mile. With a few shimmies through the streets we were on the Kingston bridge! What a novelty, 2nd time i've ran over it and the novelty has not worn off! The first mile is always a good indicator of pace and I did the first one in 8.45, so my plan worked as I delibratley started slow and due to the bottlenecks early on it worked out well. The course then heads west along Paisley road west towards Bellahouston Park. Its a nice flat, wide road so it was good to get in a good rhythm. Turning into Bellahouston for miles 4-6 and a nice gentle uphill. Going into 6 miles I was about 51 minutes if I remember correctly so was bang on 8.30 pace.
Then we headed up to Pollock Park, and in just entering it there was a chip mat which I presume was for the 10k mark. It was nice to run round Pollock Park for miles 6 to 8 miles as I have ran it a lot in training and as part of the Park run so I knew what I was in for. From mile 8 it began to hurt a wee bit, but I was in the knowledge that after 9-10 miles it is pretty much flat or downhill to the finish and just as well! Mile 10 onwards it hurt! and I reckon it was definitley down to not being 100% and having not run the week before hand. But I maintained my pace and drilled through it. At mile 11, Richard Gough (Ex - Rangers footballer) was standing at the side of the road waiting for the celebrity relay baton to reach him. So I high fived him and wished him luck! Not that he needed it after he did the 5K Park Run I marshalled at yesterday in sub 22 minutes! And from 12.5 mile onward the crowds were particuarly great, although they were good most of the way round the course. But obviously at the finish it was electric. I finished in a time of 1.48.21 which I was absolutley delighted with given the circumstances. It is my 2nd best half marathon time this year out of 4 and my 4th best half marathon time ever out of 8 half maras.
Overall Great Scottish run is a great race with a great atmosphere. There a pipers at most of the mile points. There is congestion at some points but it still has massive PB potential. The weather on the day was pretty wet and about 12 C, so pretty much perfect running weather. The goody bag and medal are good value. It is not the most scenic of runs but Pollock Park and Bellahouston Park make up for it. Its the 3rd time I've done the GSR and I'll definetley be back for more in future.
Well it looks like after that and a day off tomorrow, I'll be ok to go back to hard training for the next 2 weeks, then its 2 weeks taper - THEN ITS LOCH NESS! WOO, so close now, its getting exciting :-)
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 11
Best week yet.
It started on Tuesday where I did a speedwork session of 1.5 mile times 3 with 1/2 mile recoverys averaging 12 minutes per rep on quite a hilly circuit. Then Wednesday was an easy 10 miler with as many hills as possible incorporated.
Then Thursday was an 11 mile tempo run! With the first 6 miles being uphill into a head wind so I was delighted to average 8.30 minute miles for the first 6. Then I upped it for the downhill with 2 short sharp up hills mixed in for the last 5 miles coming in at 1.31.04. So it was very pleasing.
After last weeks early morning Saturday long run, I wanted to do it again but this time a 20 miler. I had the added pressure of having volunteered for the Pollock Park, Park run which started at half 9 and volunteers have to be there at 10 past ish. So nothing like a bit of pressure! I got to pollock park at 5.55am and started the run at 6am. The first 8 miles were all up hill, then the next four were up and down. Then the next 8 were mainly down hill with some short steep hills thrown in finishing with a lap of Pollock Park which I included just in case I had to cut it short and not be late for volunteering duties! I made it however in 3.05.59 which is pretty much bang on 4 hour marathon pace! So I was delighted and giving out numbers at the park run finish was a good warm down.
So in total over 4 runs I ran 51 miles for the week! Which is my highest mileage week ever!
Like last Sunday a hill walk was planned for Sunday with good friends Steven and Liz. Steven is doing the 3 peaks challenge (Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowden (Wales) in 24 hours! which is over 3400 metres of ascent!) in a couple of weeks so wanted a challenging hill walk. So we planned to the 4 munros known as the Arrochar Alps or try and do as many as possible! We started the walk at 8am and did Ben Vorlich first, the ascent was pretty straight forward but the descent was steep and tough. After this we crossed the dam and headed up a very steep Ben Vane. When I reached the top you couldn't see a thing! I actually wondered if it was the top as it was just a cairn as oppose to the trig point on Ben Vorlich, but it definetley was the top. We then headed down Ben Vane to the foot of Ben Imme. By this time, time was getting on, so we decided just to go round Ben Ime and head for the ridge between Ben Imme and Ben Narnain where we just headed down the easy path. The walk lasted 11 hours in all and about 1800 metres of ascent/descent. I probably learned more about hill walking that day than any other.
A few lessons
- Know your own strengths and weeknesses and also that of the people you are walking with
- Have back up plans, when things don't go to plan.
- If you are going to do steep ascents and descents train your legs for them!
- And thank goodness I brought a map and compass as often visibility was zero!
The Recovery
On the day I felt ok, but the Monday I was sore! It hurt to walk especially up and down stairs. Tuesday it was still just as painfull and even today! Wednesday! It is still sore but gradually getting better. So needless to say training has been impacted and I have had to miss Tuesday and today's run. But at the same time I almost see this as a blessing in disguise. I am due to do the Great Scottish Run on Sunday so this is almost like a mini taper. Hopefully I will be able to do this and it would be even better to get a light jog in Friday or Saturday.
If I am still stiff i will just light jog it round. If I am ok, I plan to run there and back at about 10 min mile pace (light jog). Then run the half marathon at hopeful marathon pace (8-30 to 9 minute miles).
It started on Tuesday where I did a speedwork session of 1.5 mile times 3 with 1/2 mile recoverys averaging 12 minutes per rep on quite a hilly circuit. Then Wednesday was an easy 10 miler with as many hills as possible incorporated.
Then Thursday was an 11 mile tempo run! With the first 6 miles being uphill into a head wind so I was delighted to average 8.30 minute miles for the first 6. Then I upped it for the downhill with 2 short sharp up hills mixed in for the last 5 miles coming in at 1.31.04. So it was very pleasing.
After last weeks early morning Saturday long run, I wanted to do it again but this time a 20 miler. I had the added pressure of having volunteered for the Pollock Park, Park run which started at half 9 and volunteers have to be there at 10 past ish. So nothing like a bit of pressure! I got to pollock park at 5.55am and started the run at 6am. The first 8 miles were all up hill, then the next four were up and down. Then the next 8 were mainly down hill with some short steep hills thrown in finishing with a lap of Pollock Park which I included just in case I had to cut it short and not be late for volunteering duties! I made it however in 3.05.59 which is pretty much bang on 4 hour marathon pace! So I was delighted and giving out numbers at the park run finish was a good warm down.
So in total over 4 runs I ran 51 miles for the week! Which is my highest mileage week ever!
Like last Sunday a hill walk was planned for Sunday with good friends Steven and Liz. Steven is doing the 3 peaks challenge (Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowden (Wales) in 24 hours! which is over 3400 metres of ascent!) in a couple of weeks so wanted a challenging hill walk. So we planned to the 4 munros known as the Arrochar Alps or try and do as many as possible! We started the walk at 8am and did Ben Vorlich first, the ascent was pretty straight forward but the descent was steep and tough. After this we crossed the dam and headed up a very steep Ben Vane. When I reached the top you couldn't see a thing! I actually wondered if it was the top as it was just a cairn as oppose to the trig point on Ben Vorlich, but it definetley was the top. We then headed down Ben Vane to the foot of Ben Imme. By this time, time was getting on, so we decided just to go round Ben Ime and head for the ridge between Ben Imme and Ben Narnain where we just headed down the easy path. The walk lasted 11 hours in all and about 1800 metres of ascent/descent. I probably learned more about hill walking that day than any other.
A few lessons
- Know your own strengths and weeknesses and also that of the people you are walking with
- Have back up plans, when things don't go to plan.
- If you are going to do steep ascents and descents train your legs for them!
- And thank goodness I brought a map and compass as often visibility was zero!
The Recovery
On the day I felt ok, but the Monday I was sore! It hurt to walk especially up and down stairs. Tuesday it was still just as painfull and even today! Wednesday! It is still sore but gradually getting better. So needless to say training has been impacted and I have had to miss Tuesday and today's run. But at the same time I almost see this as a blessing in disguise. I am due to do the Great Scottish Run on Sunday so this is almost like a mini taper. Hopefully I will be able to do this and it would be even better to get a light jog in Friday or Saturday.
If I am still stiff i will just light jog it round. If I am ok, I plan to run there and back at about 10 min mile pace (light jog). Then run the half marathon at hopeful marathon pace (8-30 to 9 minute miles).
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 10
Interesting week last week to say the least!
Tuesday was a fartlek session with 1 mile warm up, then 6 miles fartlek where i went for it up the hills, easy pace down the hills and steady pace on the flats followed by a 1 mile warm down. On Wednesday it was bucketing it down and did an easy 9 miler. Thurdsday night was a 4 mile tempo run with 1 mile warm up/1 mile warm down.
Then Saturday. The plan for the weekend was to do my long run on Saturday morning then drive up to Fort William Saturday afternoon then climb Ben Nevis on the Sunday.
Due to having to sort stuff out in Glasgow on Saturday too meant I had to get up early to squeeze in my long run. I had wanted to get another 20 miler in but I would have had to got up at 5.15am! I did try but slept in till 6.15 (I never thought I'd say that!). So I did have a back up plan of doing a 12.5 mile loop followed by the park run in Pollock park which started at 9.30am. So I drove up to Pollock Park and started the run at 7.10am. I got the 12.5 miles done and got back to PP at 9.10, so with 20 minutes to spare I did an out an back run for 15 minutes meaning I was back at the start with 5 minutes to spare before the Park run started. So before the Park run started I rattled up 14 miles. I was feeling good so I decided I would start off at the pace I hope to go at in the marathon which is 8.30 min/per mile. It felt really good after the first mile I upped the pace and maintained it for the rest of the run ending up doing a personal best of 24.24 and 17 miles total. I have run faster 5Ks in training but I only count offical ones for personal best purposes. So although it wasn't a 20 miler, still a good session.
On the Sunday, myself Steven, Alan and Dan were going to attempt Ben Nevis but decided to abort it as the weather forecast was shocking consisting of gales and rain. So for our own safety and being in the most exposed place in Britain it was a good decision at the time not to go up. So instead we took 2 cars to Glen nevis visitor centre. Dropped one of the cars off and headed for Kinlochlevin. Alan and Dan decided they were going to take it easy and do an out and back walk. So myself and Steven pressed on and did the West Highland way from Kinlochlevin to Glen Nevis visitor centre. It was awesome with great views and the weather had not hit till the drive home so it was a pleasent walk which was about 12.5 miles which we managed in just under 4 hours.
Tuesday was a fartlek session with 1 mile warm up, then 6 miles fartlek where i went for it up the hills, easy pace down the hills and steady pace on the flats followed by a 1 mile warm down. On Wednesday it was bucketing it down and did an easy 9 miler. Thurdsday night was a 4 mile tempo run with 1 mile warm up/1 mile warm down.
Then Saturday. The plan for the weekend was to do my long run on Saturday morning then drive up to Fort William Saturday afternoon then climb Ben Nevis on the Sunday.
Due to having to sort stuff out in Glasgow on Saturday too meant I had to get up early to squeeze in my long run. I had wanted to get another 20 miler in but I would have had to got up at 5.15am! I did try but slept in till 6.15 (I never thought I'd say that!). So I did have a back up plan of doing a 12.5 mile loop followed by the park run in Pollock park which started at 9.30am. So I drove up to Pollock Park and started the run at 7.10am. I got the 12.5 miles done and got back to PP at 9.10, so with 20 minutes to spare I did an out an back run for 15 minutes meaning I was back at the start with 5 minutes to spare before the Park run started. So before the Park run started I rattled up 14 miles. I was feeling good so I decided I would start off at the pace I hope to go at in the marathon which is 8.30 min/per mile. It felt really good after the first mile I upped the pace and maintained it for the rest of the run ending up doing a personal best of 24.24 and 17 miles total. I have run faster 5Ks in training but I only count offical ones for personal best purposes. So although it wasn't a 20 miler, still a good session.
On the Sunday, myself Steven, Alan and Dan were going to attempt Ben Nevis but decided to abort it as the weather forecast was shocking consisting of gales and rain. So for our own safety and being in the most exposed place in Britain it was a good decision at the time not to go up. So instead we took 2 cars to Glen nevis visitor centre. Dropped one of the cars off and headed for Kinlochlevin. Alan and Dan decided they were going to take it easy and do an out and back walk. So myself and Steven pressed on and did the West Highland way from Kinlochlevin to Glen Nevis visitor centre. It was awesome with great views and the weather had not hit till the drive home so it was a pleasent walk which was about 12.5 miles which we managed in just under 4 hours.
Sunday 16 August 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 9
Another good week and recovered from last weeks Helensburgh half marathon just in time for Tuesday's speedword session of 3 times 1 mile fast on a hilly loop. Felt good and managed 7.41 and 7.42 for the first two loops then 7.24 for the last one.
Wednesday was a success for a completley different reason as I actually managed to do 8 miles at an easy pace without speeding up and maintaining an easy pace which is important when you have two hard days either side of this session. Although I did get lost at one point meaning it was more like 8.5 miles.
Then Thursday, a few weeks back I did a 7 mile tempo run which was my longest tempo run ever. Today I did a 9 mile tempo run and it actually felt better than my 7 mile tempo run as I didn't get a stitch this time! When I got back I realised it was 8.7 miles but I'm not going to lose sleep over it! Still I did it in just over 1.08 meaning it was faster than I went in the first 9 miles of the Helensburgh half as I did that in 1.13 something. So I reckon I would have been between 1.10 and 1.11 if I did bang on 9 mile.
Saturday was an easy 4.5 miler, then Sunday was the biggie. My first 20 miler since training for London in 2004. For the first 4 miles it was raining a lot and I was absolutley drenched, but it cleared up after that meaning it was just really windy the whole way instead. It was easily the toughest run I have done this year. I started it at my parents so I could finish at the top of a hill. So the route replicated what Loch ness will be like. The first 4 miles were up and down hills. Then the majority was downhill from the top of Barrhead Road going down through Thornlibank and round Pollock Park which took it up to 10 miles with a few more hills thrown in. Then the two toughest hills between 10 and 15 miles going up the middle of Queens Park then up Old Castle road to the top of Linn Park. From there it was mainly up hill up to Mearns Castle High School which was especially tough to finish off with as my legs were hurting and I was going into a headwind! But I made it and I am pleased to get the first of many 20 milers in the bank.
It also tips of a record high milage for a week with over 48 miles! So close to 50,I'll get there!
Wednesday was a success for a completley different reason as I actually managed to do 8 miles at an easy pace without speeding up and maintaining an easy pace which is important when you have two hard days either side of this session. Although I did get lost at one point meaning it was more like 8.5 miles.
Then Thursday, a few weeks back I did a 7 mile tempo run which was my longest tempo run ever. Today I did a 9 mile tempo run and it actually felt better than my 7 mile tempo run as I didn't get a stitch this time! When I got back I realised it was 8.7 miles but I'm not going to lose sleep over it! Still I did it in just over 1.08 meaning it was faster than I went in the first 9 miles of the Helensburgh half as I did that in 1.13 something. So I reckon I would have been between 1.10 and 1.11 if I did bang on 9 mile.
Saturday was an easy 4.5 miler, then Sunday was the biggie. My first 20 miler since training for London in 2004. For the first 4 miles it was raining a lot and I was absolutley drenched, but it cleared up after that meaning it was just really windy the whole way instead. It was easily the toughest run I have done this year. I started it at my parents so I could finish at the top of a hill. So the route replicated what Loch ness will be like. The first 4 miles were up and down hills. Then the majority was downhill from the top of Barrhead Road going down through Thornlibank and round Pollock Park which took it up to 10 miles with a few more hills thrown in. Then the two toughest hills between 10 and 15 miles going up the middle of Queens Park then up Old Castle road to the top of Linn Park. From there it was mainly up hill up to Mearns Castle High School which was especially tough to finish off with as my legs were hurting and I was going into a headwind! But I made it and I am pleased to get the first of many 20 milers in the bank.
It also tips of a record high milage for a week with over 48 miles! So close to 50,I'll get there!
Monday 10 August 2009
Helensburgh Half Marathon – 09/8/2009
Arrived about 8.45 in Helensburgh on a mild Sunday morning parking in the car park beside the pier; in plenty of time for the half 9 start.
Picture of me before the start:
Having 8 weeks of marathon training in the bag I was keen to really give this a go and push from the start. At about 9.20 everyone started to assemble on the main road where I went towards the back of the pack as I had read that there is a lot of club runners run this race so there would be a lot of people faster than me! I had a couple of times in the back of my head. 1.40.19 is my PB, so I wanted to try and get as near to that as possible as my personal best for this year was March’s Balloch to Clydebank half marathon just down the road in 1.51.08. So I thought if I try and do 8 minute miles and try and hang on.
Well it didn’t work out that way. The first 4 miles the top of my leg was sore, so I ended up doing 8.30 miles which I was quite happy with as I was starting to feel comfortable. The first 10 miles is an out and back along the A814 which runs beside the side of Gare loch. The views were excellent as you could see across to Greenock and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. The sun began to gradually turn up the heat although it didn’t seem to affect me at all. I decided to call the 5 mile turn around the half way point, as after 10 it is just a 5k left. At the turn around the course leaves the A814 goes under the road then goes up and round to go back on to the A814. At this point I started to realise the sore bit at the top of my leg had gone. So I got to the 7 mile mark in just over 58 minutes which I was pleased with so I decided with just less than 10k left to go I would up the pace and see if I could hang on. I started to pick people off and no one overtook me at all. It was great! As oppose to the first half where I felt like I was overtaking people in slow motion. It now felt like I was zooming past people. There were a few hills or really should I say undulations especially at mile 11 but due to all the hill training I have been doing was hardly noticeable and didn’t need to drop the pace.
As I reached the last few miles I was waiting for it to hurt but the pain never came. I regularly filled up my water bottle with the water provided and also took a cliff shot bloc at mile 6 and 10. So As I turned the last corner, the course heads towards the pier and the finish line. I saw the clock ticking away 1.44. 40, something, then into the 50s. I knew sub 1.45 was a possibility so I started sprinting and I really went for it. Of course the timer was 20m in front of the finish line so I wouldn’t know my race time or indeed whether I managed Sub 1.45 until the next day. On my watch it said 1.44.51! I was absolutely delighted as I had managed to run the last 6.1 miles in under 47 minutes meaning a nice negative split. I received my medal and got a bottle of lucozade, recovery flapjack and mars bar. Had my warm down along the pier to finish off an excellent day out in Helensburgh.
Sprint finish!
I would definitely recommend the Helensburgh half marathon, it is very scenic in places and goes through the town and houses elsewhere. With a capacity limit of 500 and just over 400 runners running today it’s a nice number and things spread out after 3-4 miles. It is definitely a PB course too as I would have been even closer to mine if I didn’t have the leg problem early on. It is quite a rolling course but no steep bits. The marshals were excellent and I did not have to stop at all even though the roads were not closed.
I checked my official time today on the Helensburgh athletics website and I got 1.45.01! So close, but I am still absolutely delighted. The irony is that on my marathon training schedule for next month it says ‘run a Sub 1.45 half marathon’. So 2 seconds out is pretty impressive! So with the Great Scottish run next month I’ll just have to try and find those 2 seconds!
Finally thank you to my Mum for her support throughout the day.
Picture of me before the start:
Having 8 weeks of marathon training in the bag I was keen to really give this a go and push from the start. At about 9.20 everyone started to assemble on the main road where I went towards the back of the pack as I had read that there is a lot of club runners run this race so there would be a lot of people faster than me! I had a couple of times in the back of my head. 1.40.19 is my PB, so I wanted to try and get as near to that as possible as my personal best for this year was March’s Balloch to Clydebank half marathon just down the road in 1.51.08. So I thought if I try and do 8 minute miles and try and hang on.
Well it didn’t work out that way. The first 4 miles the top of my leg was sore, so I ended up doing 8.30 miles which I was quite happy with as I was starting to feel comfortable. The first 10 miles is an out and back along the A814 which runs beside the side of Gare loch. The views were excellent as you could see across to Greenock and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. The sun began to gradually turn up the heat although it didn’t seem to affect me at all. I decided to call the 5 mile turn around the half way point, as after 10 it is just a 5k left. At the turn around the course leaves the A814 goes under the road then goes up and round to go back on to the A814. At this point I started to realise the sore bit at the top of my leg had gone. So I got to the 7 mile mark in just over 58 minutes which I was pleased with so I decided with just less than 10k left to go I would up the pace and see if I could hang on. I started to pick people off and no one overtook me at all. It was great! As oppose to the first half where I felt like I was overtaking people in slow motion. It now felt like I was zooming past people. There were a few hills or really should I say undulations especially at mile 11 but due to all the hill training I have been doing was hardly noticeable and didn’t need to drop the pace.
As I reached the last few miles I was waiting for it to hurt but the pain never came. I regularly filled up my water bottle with the water provided and also took a cliff shot bloc at mile 6 and 10. So As I turned the last corner, the course heads towards the pier and the finish line. I saw the clock ticking away 1.44. 40, something, then into the 50s. I knew sub 1.45 was a possibility so I started sprinting and I really went for it. Of course the timer was 20m in front of the finish line so I wouldn’t know my race time or indeed whether I managed Sub 1.45 until the next day. On my watch it said 1.44.51! I was absolutely delighted as I had managed to run the last 6.1 miles in under 47 minutes meaning a nice negative split. I received my medal and got a bottle of lucozade, recovery flapjack and mars bar. Had my warm down along the pier to finish off an excellent day out in Helensburgh.
Sprint finish!
I would definitely recommend the Helensburgh half marathon, it is very scenic in places and goes through the town and houses elsewhere. With a capacity limit of 500 and just over 400 runners running today it’s a nice number and things spread out after 3-4 miles. It is definitely a PB course too as I would have been even closer to mine if I didn’t have the leg problem early on. It is quite a rolling course but no steep bits. The marshals were excellent and I did not have to stop at all even though the roads were not closed.
I checked my official time today on the Helensburgh athletics website and I got 1.45.01! So close, but I am still absolutely delighted. The irony is that on my marathon training schedule for next month it says ‘run a Sub 1.45 half marathon’. So 2 seconds out is pretty impressive! So with the Great Scottish run next month I’ll just have to try and find those 2 seconds!
Finally thank you to my Mum for her support throughout the day.
Saturday 8 August 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 8
Need to read the blog title...week 8 and repeat...week 8. I have just realised for this weeks Tuesday session I did week 9 instead! D'oh, So instead of doing 3 x 1 mile at 7 min/per mile pace I did 16 x 200m. But to make it a bit more challenging i did the 200m over one of the steepest hills in the area known as Langside hill. On the schedule I was to do this in a minute per rep so considering the uphilll I was pleased to average 1.04 in the first 8 reps and then the second 8 I just got quicker and quicker. 1.03, 1.02, 1.01. You can see I really wanted to go under a minute and then I got a 59! For the last 2 reps I really pushed it and got 57 in rep 15 and then 56 in rep 16!
Needless to say the next day I was stiff and the first couple of miles of Wednesday nights easy run were tough but eventually found my stride and for the last 2 downhill miles I blitzed it! Which I really shouldn't have done but I really couldn't help myself. So Thursday nights tempo run again started and I was stiff but still managed 8.10 minute miles on a fairly hilly circuit.
and then today probably the worst run of the week even though it was just an 'easy' three miles. It is almost as if my legs shutdown after a day off and take a while to get going again. It was horrible, I have no idea if I was dehydrated or what but I have not changed my routine. So for tomorrows half marathon at Helensburgh will be interesting, I was originally going to go for 1.40 - 1.45. But really will need to see now. will be pleased to get under 2 hours and delighted if I got under 1.50 for the first time in 5 years. The game plan is to go out 8 - 8.30 pace and see how long I can go for. This is the most work I have done before going into a half marathon so fingers crossed!
Needless to say the next day I was stiff and the first couple of miles of Wednesday nights easy run were tough but eventually found my stride and for the last 2 downhill miles I blitzed it! Which I really shouldn't have done but I really couldn't help myself. So Thursday nights tempo run again started and I was stiff but still managed 8.10 minute miles on a fairly hilly circuit.
and then today probably the worst run of the week even though it was just an 'easy' three miles. It is almost as if my legs shutdown after a day off and take a while to get going again. It was horrible, I have no idea if I was dehydrated or what but I have not changed my routine. So for tomorrows half marathon at Helensburgh will be interesting, I was originally going to go for 1.40 - 1.45. But really will need to see now. will be pleased to get under 2 hours and delighted if I got under 1.50 for the first time in 5 years. The game plan is to go out 8 - 8.30 pace and see how long I can go for. This is the most work I have done before going into a half marathon so fingers crossed!
Sunday 2 August 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 7
What a week!
Tuesday night was my first hill session of the training and went really well with lots of rain! Wednesday night a nice easy 8 miles.
Then Thursday night.... This run I knew was probably one of the most challenging training runs I have ever attempted. I have done 3 - 5 mile tempo runs plenty of times before but tonight I would attempt a 7 mile tempo run. On the schedule it says 7 miles in 1 hour. However I really wanted to get as close to 56 minutes as possible meaning 8 minute miles. Everything was going according to plan up until 5 miles where I got a stich. But I ran with it right to the end and managed 55.07! So was really pleased.
Saturday morning I slept in so had to drive to the park run where I volunteered and entered everyone's race placing on to the computers. Once again I had fun and was a good laugh. When I got home I did my easy 4.5 miler setting things up nicely for Sunday.
Today I managed 18 miles with the first 8 miles a net up hill and probably the majority of 150 metres of ascent with the exeption of Maneswood Road, Pollock park and through the middle of Queens Park. On the schedule it said to do this in 2.35 which must be on schedule for 3.45 marathon. But I was really just aiming to do it in under 3 hours (10 minute miling. So I was pleased to do it in 2.47. So I probably did the hills in 10 minute miling then the downhill and flats in 9 minute miling.
So overall a great week and a record high for weekly mileage of 44 miles :-)
Next Sunday I am doing the Helensbourgh half marathon which I have never done before and didn't actually know about it until today!
Tuesday night was my first hill session of the training and went really well with lots of rain! Wednesday night a nice easy 8 miles.
Then Thursday night.... This run I knew was probably one of the most challenging training runs I have ever attempted. I have done 3 - 5 mile tempo runs plenty of times before but tonight I would attempt a 7 mile tempo run. On the schedule it says 7 miles in 1 hour. However I really wanted to get as close to 56 minutes as possible meaning 8 minute miles. Everything was going according to plan up until 5 miles where I got a stich. But I ran with it right to the end and managed 55.07! So was really pleased.
Saturday morning I slept in so had to drive to the park run where I volunteered and entered everyone's race placing on to the computers. Once again I had fun and was a good laugh. When I got home I did my easy 4.5 miler setting things up nicely for Sunday.
Today I managed 18 miles with the first 8 miles a net up hill and probably the majority of 150 metres of ascent with the exeption of Maneswood Road, Pollock park and through the middle of Queens Park. On the schedule it said to do this in 2.35 which must be on schedule for 3.45 marathon. But I was really just aiming to do it in under 3 hours (10 minute miling. So I was pleased to do it in 2.47. So I probably did the hills in 10 minute miling then the downhill and flats in 9 minute miling.
So overall a great week and a record high for weekly mileage of 44 miles :-)
Next Sunday I am doing the Helensbourgh half marathon which I have never done before and didn't actually know about it until today!
Sunday 26 July 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 6
Another solid weeks training with an extra thrown in for good measure!
Tuesday was speedwork night and the first time ever I have done 400m reps. I managed 9 x 400m with 200m recoverys averaging about 1 minute 50 sec for each with worst of 1.57 and best of 1.39 with the encouging thing being that I got faster as the session went on.
Then on Wednesday did an easy 7 miler in nearly dead on an hour which was very pleased with as that means I was going 7 miles per hour! :-) Then Thursday it was a 4 mile tempo run with some hills with 1 mile warm up, 1 mile warm down.
Friday was a rest day then on to my most strenuous weekend this year by far. On Saturday morning did an easy 4.4 mile. Followed by climbing Beinne Chabhair in the afternoon which was by far the toughest hill climb I have done but felt surprisingly good reaching the summit. It was challenging because of the eroded path on the way up beside Beinglass falls for starter so it was a steep gradient. Then when we reached the top of the first steep bit we followed the burn up a gradual incline which was extremely marshy! On the way up we were jumping over the really marshy bits but by the way down we stopped caring and just ploughed through them. Then the path veered left up a steep hill. At the top of the hill there is a ridge which goes up and down constantly until reaching the summit of Beinne Chabhair. Luckily the path got better and less marshy the further up we went. Just to give an idea of how hard this mountain is though. Although it says its 930 odd metres, there is over 1000m of ascent due to the down hill bits on the way up. Also I climbed Ben Lomond this year in 3 and half hours (2 hours up, 1 and half down). This took 4 hours to go up and 2 hours 40 to go down! and we really were not hanging about on the descent. So with 20 minutes at the top to admire the breathtaking views where you could see as far away as Glasgow, all in all was a 7 hour round trip. With a well earned meal at the Droovers inn down the bottom where we parked.
So Sunday a few people had there doubts I would be able to do my long run with yesterdays long day. But although I had a wee bit of stiffness in the morning it went well and managed to average 10 minute miles for the scheduled 16 miles. So over the weekend I managed almost 30 miles altogether! Actual running during the week was a record high of 38.4 miles, so Overall a very good week and a much needed rest day tomorrow!
Tuesday was speedwork night and the first time ever I have done 400m reps. I managed 9 x 400m with 200m recoverys averaging about 1 minute 50 sec for each with worst of 1.57 and best of 1.39 with the encouging thing being that I got faster as the session went on.
Then on Wednesday did an easy 7 miler in nearly dead on an hour which was very pleased with as that means I was going 7 miles per hour! :-) Then Thursday it was a 4 mile tempo run with some hills with 1 mile warm up, 1 mile warm down.
Friday was a rest day then on to my most strenuous weekend this year by far. On Saturday morning did an easy 4.4 mile. Followed by climbing Beinne Chabhair in the afternoon which was by far the toughest hill climb I have done but felt surprisingly good reaching the summit. It was challenging because of the eroded path on the way up beside Beinglass falls for starter so it was a steep gradient. Then when we reached the top of the first steep bit we followed the burn up a gradual incline which was extremely marshy! On the way up we were jumping over the really marshy bits but by the way down we stopped caring and just ploughed through them. Then the path veered left up a steep hill. At the top of the hill there is a ridge which goes up and down constantly until reaching the summit of Beinne Chabhair. Luckily the path got better and less marshy the further up we went. Just to give an idea of how hard this mountain is though. Although it says its 930 odd metres, there is over 1000m of ascent due to the down hill bits on the way up. Also I climbed Ben Lomond this year in 3 and half hours (2 hours up, 1 and half down). This took 4 hours to go up and 2 hours 40 to go down! and we really were not hanging about on the descent. So with 20 minutes at the top to admire the breathtaking views where you could see as far away as Glasgow, all in all was a 7 hour round trip. With a well earned meal at the Droovers inn down the bottom where we parked.
So Sunday a few people had there doubts I would be able to do my long run with yesterdays long day. But although I had a wee bit of stiffness in the morning it went well and managed to average 10 minute miles for the scheduled 16 miles. So over the weekend I managed almost 30 miles altogether! Actual running during the week was a record high of 38.4 miles, so Overall a very good week and a much needed rest day tomorrow!
Sunday 19 July 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 5
Good weeks training this week. On Tuesday did my first ever Fartlek. Did 1 mile warm up then a 4 mile fartlek where i basically speeded up for all the hills, took it easy on the downs. Then reasonable pace on the flats followed by a one mile warm down.
Wednesday night was an easy 6 miles then Thursday was one of my best training runs ever. A hilly steady 5 miler in 39.54! so was very pleasing! :-)
On Saturday I ran to the park run 5k in Pollock Park and back for an easy 4 miles total. I volnteered again where I was helping registering the results of all the runners. Despite some technical difficulties with one of the laptops, it was good fun and good opportunity to meet runners. Also well impressed with my brother who got a new PB of 26.36 beating his previous best by nearly a minute!
Then on to Sunday's long run! The first 3 miles were not good as I really felt my right leg was going to get injured at the top of my leg, but managed stick it out and it got better after that so managed the 15 miles planned. So another good week in the bag :-)
Saturday 11 July 2009
Hardrock vs Badwater
Hardrock vs Badwater
Unknown to the majority, 2 of the toughest foot races in the world are taking place this weekend. Both in USA; Badwater in Death Valley, California and the other is Hardrock in Silverton, Colorado. Personally I have not even run an ultra marathon before. But a flame has been ignited due to all the books I have read on the subject and also reports from Stan Jenson’s website www.run100s.com. The question is which is toughest? Well here is a comparison:
Hardrock Badwater
Distance 100.5 miles 135 miles
Elevation
Elevation gain 33,000 ft 13,000 ft
Elevation decent 33,000 ft 4,700 ft
Total Elevation gain/decent 66,000 ft 17, 700ft
Elevation gain/decent per mile 660ft per mile 128ft per mile
Highest Altitude 14,048 ft 8, 360 ft
Lowest Altitude 7, 870 ft (-) 280 ft
Temperature
Average max temperature 80 F 130 F
Average min temperature 50 F
Time
Time Limit 48 hours 60 hours Course Record (Men’s) 23.23.30 22. 51 mins.29 secs
(Kyle Skaggs) (Valmir Nunec)
Course Record (Womens) 29.24.30 26.51.33
(Krissy Moehl) (Jamie Donaldson)
Average Finish Time 40 hours 44 - 48 hours
Someone who has done both
- Scott Jurek 26. 08.34 24. 36.08
Percentage of finishers 2008 69.5% out of 141 91% out of 80
Terrain composition 62% trail, some cross country, jeep road All Road
Tag Line from Organisers Post - Graduate' 100 mile run The most demanding and extreme
running race offered anywhere on
the planet.
Where to Start?! Well I think the statistic of 660ft of ascent/decent per mile in Hardrock compared to 128ft of ascent/decent per mile in Badwater speaks volumes. Also the terrain in Hardrock is a lot more challenging than Badwater as Badwater is all on a road. Hardrock is therefore is a lot more dramatic with many river/stream crossings, steep slopes both up and down and even snow to contend with!
Being all road at Badwater also means that crews can access there runner every couple of miles or less! Meaning they can spray there competitor down/give them food and drink and constantly change pacers. Where as Hardrock goes into the midst of the Colorado Mountains meaning there are a lot less access points for crew.
The low point at Hardrock is almost the highest point of Badwater, so instead of the heat of Badwater, you have to deal with high altitudes for most of the race. So half of it is luck of the draw; if your body is bad at dealing with altitude, Hardrock is tougher. But if you’re bad with high temperatures Badwater is going to be tougher. But on a level playing field most things seem to swing in favour of Hardrock being more difficult.
Another issue is the time limit; The 48 hour limit for Hardrock and 40 hour average time of finishing appears to be a lot tougher than a person doing Badwater which has a time limit of 60 hours with the average runner doing it between 44-48 hours. Even though it is 35 miles longer – does the higher time limit the reason more people finish it. Personally I think so as the times suggest people finish Badwater quicker than Hardrock even though it is longer. Or could it be that Badwater has a stricter entrance policy limiting the field to only 80? Personally I don’t think so as Hardrock still requires you to have run at least 1, 100 miler in the last few years.
Speaking of times there have been quite a few people who have run Badwater in under 24 hours or there about. But Kyle Skaggs is the only person ever to have completed Hardrock in 2008 in less than 24 hours. Just to put it in perspective, he knocked nearly 3 hours off the previous record held by Scott Jurek who is no mug either being a 7 time winner and course record holder of the Western States 100 mile race. Kyle’s performance is considered in Ultra circles as one of the all time best ultra performances.
Overall for an average person who is good with heat and good at altitude, I think Hardrock is technically and physically a much harder course. Even though Badwater is longer it is all on road and it is nowhere near the elevation change of Hardrock. I think if you can run 100 miles in the heat, you can run 135 miles in the heat. If the course was on the sand beside the road I think it would be closer. Please don’t think I am understating the difficulty and achievement of finishing Badwater as it is still a mammoth achievement and is tougher than 99% races out there, this is just comparing it to Hardrock. Mind you the true test really comes from people who have been there done that and got both t-shirts and of course this is just an opinion from a wannabee ultra runner. But to me Hardrock is tougher all round. Personally, the heat puts me off doing Badwater but I tell you what if I really want one of those Hardrock t-shirts…..
Unknown to the majority, 2 of the toughest foot races in the world are taking place this weekend. Both in USA; Badwater in Death Valley, California and the other is Hardrock in Silverton, Colorado. Personally I have not even run an ultra marathon before. But a flame has been ignited due to all the books I have read on the subject and also reports from Stan Jenson’s website www.run100s.com. The question is which is toughest? Well here is a comparison:
Hardrock Badwater
Distance 100.5 miles 135 miles
Elevation
Elevation gain 33,000 ft 13,000 ft
Elevation decent 33,000 ft 4,700 ft
Total Elevation gain/decent 66,000 ft 17, 700ft
Elevation gain/decent per mile 660ft per mile 128ft per mile
Highest Altitude 14,048 ft 8, 360 ft
Lowest Altitude 7, 870 ft (-) 280 ft
Temperature
Average max temperature 80 F 130 F
Average min temperature 50 F
Time
Time Limit 48 hours 60 hours Course Record (Men’s) 23.23.30 22. 51 mins.29 secs
(Kyle Skaggs) (Valmir Nunec)
Course Record (Womens) 29.24.30 26.51.33
(Krissy Moehl) (Jamie Donaldson)
Average Finish Time 40 hours 44 - 48 hours
Someone who has done both
- Scott Jurek 26. 08.34 24. 36.08
Percentage of finishers 2008 69.5% out of 141 91% out of 80
Terrain composition 62% trail, some cross country, jeep road All Road
Tag Line from Organisers Post - Graduate' 100 mile run The most demanding and extreme
running race offered anywhere on
the planet.
Where to Start?! Well I think the statistic of 660ft of ascent/decent per mile in Hardrock compared to 128ft of ascent/decent per mile in Badwater speaks volumes. Also the terrain in Hardrock is a lot more challenging than Badwater as Badwater is all on a road. Hardrock is therefore is a lot more dramatic with many river/stream crossings, steep slopes both up and down and even snow to contend with!
Being all road at Badwater also means that crews can access there runner every couple of miles or less! Meaning they can spray there competitor down/give them food and drink and constantly change pacers. Where as Hardrock goes into the midst of the Colorado Mountains meaning there are a lot less access points for crew.
The low point at Hardrock is almost the highest point of Badwater, so instead of the heat of Badwater, you have to deal with high altitudes for most of the race. So half of it is luck of the draw; if your body is bad at dealing with altitude, Hardrock is tougher. But if you’re bad with high temperatures Badwater is going to be tougher. But on a level playing field most things seem to swing in favour of Hardrock being more difficult.
Another issue is the time limit; The 48 hour limit for Hardrock and 40 hour average time of finishing appears to be a lot tougher than a person doing Badwater which has a time limit of 60 hours with the average runner doing it between 44-48 hours. Even though it is 35 miles longer – does the higher time limit the reason more people finish it. Personally I think so as the times suggest people finish Badwater quicker than Hardrock even though it is longer. Or could it be that Badwater has a stricter entrance policy limiting the field to only 80? Personally I don’t think so as Hardrock still requires you to have run at least 1, 100 miler in the last few years.
Speaking of times there have been quite a few people who have run Badwater in under 24 hours or there about. But Kyle Skaggs is the only person ever to have completed Hardrock in 2008 in less than 24 hours. Just to put it in perspective, he knocked nearly 3 hours off the previous record held by Scott Jurek who is no mug either being a 7 time winner and course record holder of the Western States 100 mile race. Kyle’s performance is considered in Ultra circles as one of the all time best ultra performances.
Overall for an average person who is good with heat and good at altitude, I think Hardrock is technically and physically a much harder course. Even though Badwater is longer it is all on road and it is nowhere near the elevation change of Hardrock. I think if you can run 100 miles in the heat, you can run 135 miles in the heat. If the course was on the sand beside the road I think it would be closer. Please don’t think I am understating the difficulty and achievement of finishing Badwater as it is still a mammoth achievement and is tougher than 99% races out there, this is just comparing it to Hardrock. Mind you the true test really comes from people who have been there done that and got both t-shirts and of course this is just an opinion from a wannabee ultra runner. But to me Hardrock is tougher all round. Personally, the heat puts me off doing Badwater but I tell you what if I really want one of those Hardrock t-shirts…..
Monday 6 July 2009
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 3
How time flies! That is me completed 3 weeks of my 16 week training programme.
The week started a bit shaky. On Tuesday I had scheduled 1 mile warm up then 1 mile times 4 with 1/4 mile recovery. Before this I have been hitting my target pace and mileage fine. But this one I bit off a bit more than I could chew. For a start I picked a hilly 1 1/4 mile loop, so I knew not to expect the 7 minute miles on the plan. Next even though it was 8pm at night it was extremely hot! I was sweating just with the warm up! Then the the first mile of the repeats I did in 7.26 and pounded way too much on the downhills meaning my legs were already sore and knew i could not maintain that pace. By the second mile I was already destroyed and made it round in 7.58 and decided to call it before I did any damage so i ploded home.
Wednesday was a lot better with a nice easy 7 miler. On Thursday I had a steady 4 miler scheduled but I decided I had unfinished business from earlier in the week so went for the session i meant to do on the Tuesday.... and I nailed it!. Took the first couple of loops easy and did it in 8.10, 8.10, then did the 3rd in 8 minutes dead. Then the fourth in 7.44. So I have learnt a lot this week about speedwork!
Friday was my day off, then Saturday I ran to the Park run and back in Pollock Park. So that was a nice 5 mile loop and in between I helped out with the Park run for the first time after running it the week before. I handed out the numbers at the end and thouroughly enjoyed it! It was a good laugh and all the volunteers are sound. I will definetley be volunteering again as its a great event.
Then on to Sunday for the long run. I did a 9.6 mile loop the week before and had a 10 miler on the schedule for this week. I decided this week to have the 9.6 miler as base then any hill off of the route I would go up it. So I ended up with a 13.5 miler and it felt really good!
The week started a bit shaky. On Tuesday I had scheduled 1 mile warm up then 1 mile times 4 with 1/4 mile recovery. Before this I have been hitting my target pace and mileage fine. But this one I bit off a bit more than I could chew. For a start I picked a hilly 1 1/4 mile loop, so I knew not to expect the 7 minute miles on the plan. Next even though it was 8pm at night it was extremely hot! I was sweating just with the warm up! Then the the first mile of the repeats I did in 7.26 and pounded way too much on the downhills meaning my legs were already sore and knew i could not maintain that pace. By the second mile I was already destroyed and made it round in 7.58 and decided to call it before I did any damage so i ploded home.
Wednesday was a lot better with a nice easy 7 miler. On Thursday I had a steady 4 miler scheduled but I decided I had unfinished business from earlier in the week so went for the session i meant to do on the Tuesday.... and I nailed it!. Took the first couple of loops easy and did it in 8.10, 8.10, then did the 3rd in 8 minutes dead. Then the fourth in 7.44. So I have learnt a lot this week about speedwork!
Friday was my day off, then Saturday I ran to the Park run and back in Pollock Park. So that was a nice 5 mile loop and in between I helped out with the Park run for the first time after running it the week before. I handed out the numbers at the end and thouroughly enjoyed it! It was a good laugh and all the volunteers are sound. I will definetley be volunteering again as its a great event.
Then on to Sunday for the long run. I did a 9.6 mile loop the week before and had a 10 miler on the schedule for this week. I decided this week to have the 9.6 miler as base then any hill off of the route I would go up it. So I ended up with a 13.5 miler and it felt really good!
East Kilbride Half Marathon 2009
Having run this race twice before in 2004 (1.42) and 2005 (1.58), I was looking forward to getting back to running it after 4 years off. The good news was that the organisation was as good as ever and the only blip was the false start in which the councillor couldn’t get the gun to work and just told everyone to go! Before marshals had to stop runners as the gun sets off the timing mat (or something like that!). So once the councillor got a cap in the gun we were underway...
As well as having the half marathon; a 10k is on at the same time and all the runners are mixed together distinguished by red race numbers for 10K runners and black race numbers for half marathon runners. Also a nice touch to the race numbers this year was that your name and where you’re from are under the number! So I was Stuart from Glasgow for the day.
The half marathon is a two lap course with the second lap having a two mile out and back section to make up the miles, as the 10k goes off into the track after the first lap. For the first lap I just had the intention of taking it easy and see how I felt on the second lap. I went through 7 miles about 1.03 and felt really good so decided to up it a bit for the second lap. The second lap I really enjoyed as it was a lot quieter as all the 10k runners which took up well over half the field were gone and a was regularly overtaking people. The course has what I would call long inclines and declines. I wouldn’t say they were enough to call hills or affect pace really. So PB potential is quite high here.
I ended up finishing in a time of 1.51.57 which I was really pleased with as I have not done as many long runs in the last month. The last 6 miles felt really comfortable at the faster pace and I reckon I could have sustained it for many more miles.
Overall this is a great race – excellent marshalling, 2 laps meant the water stations every 2 miles and it’s always good finishing on a track for that sprint finish! (ok so maybe not a sprint ;-), slightly faster than before!)
Balfron 10k 2009
So I headed over early to get my race number and chip. The organisation was second to none as there was not even a queue even though there were over 600 runners plus a junior race. Then I headed back to the car to chill out with some tunes until 10.30 where I did a light jog back to Balfron high school to warm up. As I was entering Balfron High school there was a guy telling me ‘Go in that lane’, thinking that I was in the 4k junior race and I was last! So we had a good laugh about it when he realised I was just warming up.
The race itself was really enjoyable. The start went really smoothly as everyone seemed to be at the right point in the pack so I got up to my pace straight away. The course is an out and back course which is pretty much continuously undulating. It is one of those races where it was really a necessity to train on hills as you could tell in the second half of the race many were caught out by going off too quickly.
There were small pockets of support throughout the race that were extremely encouraging. On top of that the marshalling was second to none and the finish had a good crowd. The free orange and grapes stall was a nice touch at the finish. The goody bag included a bar of chocolate, a bottle of water and a very nice medal.
Although not a PB course, this is an incredibly scenic and well organised race now in its 3rd year. Being only half an hour out of Glasgow it is handy too.
Balloch to Clydebank Half Marathon
Woke up on Sunday morning of race day to find a thin layer of snow but luckily by the time I got over to Balloch the weather had turned to rain and the snow washed away quickly. However in true Scottish style the weather changed from one extreme to the other; one minute it was really windy and cold then wet and then sunny then back to windy! So race day outfits were needless to say very varied!
The race limit is 500, so after a mile the pack is fairly spread out and by mile 3 you find it is spread out enough that you have your own space. Most of the course is run on pavements or the cycle track between Balloch and Glasgow, as the roads are not closed. However this wasn’t an issue due to the excellent marshalling throughout the course who stopped the traffic. I think I only stopped once to let a bus turn in to a street I was crossing and that was it.
The atmosphere at the event was just right; the marshalls provided the majority of support to the runners while the field was mainly made up of club runners. So the times were quick; with the first runner coming in at 1.12 and the last about 2.20 with the majority of people finishing in under 2 hours. Although the race was fully subscribed only 388/500 runners finished, with many probably put off by the weather.
The course itself I would describe as mildley undulating. There were quite a few long gentle climbs but none I would really describe as hills. Although I was maintaining quite a steady pace up them, I seemed to be overtaking quite a few people. So maybe other people saw them as hills!
Personally I didn’t PB this race as, this was my first half in 4 years, but I reckon it’s a course which you could PB on as it is reasonably flat and a spread out field which means you are not really jostling for space at any point.
I didn’t actually realise I was finished till I was given the goody bag as there was people standing in front of the finish sign to the left of the road. There were a fair number of people who hung around to cheer on the later runners which was nice. The finish momento is the best I have been given as it is a glass ornament with a kind of hologram of a runner inside with ‘Balloch to Clydebank half marathon’ engraved on the front. My only critisim of the ornament would be that it doesn’t have the year on it. However normally I would just shove my medals in a box but this one will be on the mantle piece for a few months at least!
Overall an excellent, well organised event showing quality is better than quantity. One I will do again in the future for sure.
Lessons Learned
- Have everything done by Saturday night – eg race number attached to clothing.
- Have bag packed with clothing for all weather
- Porrigde went down ok on race day had about 2 ½ hours before start. Try toast though.
- Make a checklist of everything you need for race day so don’t miss anything.
- Starting warm up at least half an hour before. Also drank a pint of water with breakfast then sips in the run up. Also took half a 500 ml water for first 5 miles. Worked well.
- Keep yourself moving for the rest of the day so legs don’t stiffen up.
- Pace was well judged – almost even split – started hurting about mile 9 but played good mind games to keep going.
The race limit is 500, so after a mile the pack is fairly spread out and by mile 3 you find it is spread out enough that you have your own space. Most of the course is run on pavements or the cycle track between Balloch and Glasgow, as the roads are not closed. However this wasn’t an issue due to the excellent marshalling throughout the course who stopped the traffic. I think I only stopped once to let a bus turn in to a street I was crossing and that was it.
The atmosphere at the event was just right; the marshalls provided the majority of support to the runners while the field was mainly made up of club runners. So the times were quick; with the first runner coming in at 1.12 and the last about 2.20 with the majority of people finishing in under 2 hours. Although the race was fully subscribed only 388/500 runners finished, with many probably put off by the weather.
The course itself I would describe as mildley undulating. There were quite a few long gentle climbs but none I would really describe as hills. Although I was maintaining quite a steady pace up them, I seemed to be overtaking quite a few people. So maybe other people saw them as hills!
Personally I didn’t PB this race as, this was my first half in 4 years, but I reckon it’s a course which you could PB on as it is reasonably flat and a spread out field which means you are not really jostling for space at any point.
I didn’t actually realise I was finished till I was given the goody bag as there was people standing in front of the finish sign to the left of the road. There were a fair number of people who hung around to cheer on the later runners which was nice. The finish momento is the best I have been given as it is a glass ornament with a kind of hologram of a runner inside with ‘Balloch to Clydebank half marathon’ engraved on the front. My only critisim of the ornament would be that it doesn’t have the year on it. However normally I would just shove my medals in a box but this one will be on the mantle piece for a few months at least!
Overall an excellent, well organised event showing quality is better than quantity. One I will do again in the future for sure.
Lessons Learned
- Have everything done by Saturday night – eg race number attached to clothing.
- Have bag packed with clothing for all weather
- Porrigde went down ok on race day had about 2 ½ hours before start. Try toast though.
- Make a checklist of everything you need for race day so don’t miss anything.
- Starting warm up at least half an hour before. Also drank a pint of water with breakfast then sips in the run up. Also took half a 500 ml water for first 5 miles. Worked well.
- Keep yourself moving for the rest of the day so legs don’t stiffen up.
- Pace was well judged – almost even split – started hurting about mile 9 but played good mind games to keep going.
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