Definetly my most difficult week this year so far, not in terms of physical fitness but mentally its been a bit of a struggle. But the good news is I'm through it and still managed to get out as much as I would like.
On the Monday having rested on Sunday, I was going to go for an easy 10 miler right up until i was going to start my run. I thought hang on I've got 3 hard weeks now, whats the point in doing 10, how about just start with an easy one. So since Monday is bonus day I decided to just do my usual 10k.
Then Tuesday was another one where I kept changing my mind! I got home early from work as I had a medical appointment at 4pm. So I thought I would do my 13 mile tempo at 5pm get it out the way. Then I thought I could actually make the track session at 6pm tonight. When it got to 5pm I wasn't feeling great and empty. So I had a pizza, so that was the track session out! So at 7pm I started my 13 mile tempo. I thought the first 2 miles I had gone out too hard, but I looked at my watch after a mile and it was 8.17 so clearly not. The next 3 miles were uphill up the Ayr Road. I felt fine until I looked at my 500ml bottle of water and realised there was hardly anything left! I had only been sipping it, so it was clear it was leaking out the lid! So then I had to reasses what strategy to take. I decided that for gradual inclines i would maintain the same steady pace. For the 2 steep long inclines I would take it very easy. Then for the downhills i maintained a steady pace where I would have usually upped it. So all in all it was a good run and averaged below 8.30 minute miles for 12.9 miles.
On Wednesday it was a tough one mentally to get out the door. It was snowing really heavy and it was lying making it tough going. I do enjoy running in the snow but as I say its tough work! So I did an easy 10k and by the looks of it I wasn't the only one who found it tough to get out the door as I didn't see one other runner! I was thinking that the last part of the run would be slightly easier as it passes a row of shops so it would be well trampled: WRONG! It was slushy as anything and even harder to run in than the snow not to mention the drenched socks! But again glad I went out and more miles in the bag!
Thursday club night was meant to be 3 times 2 miles but due to the snow they decided to just go for an easy run which I thought might turn into a tempo at one point but never did. However one of the other guys Hugh was up for doing the last of the 3 *2 miles a bit faster. The thing is I knew Hugh was a Sub 19 minute 5k runner so I said to him I would try and keep up but setting my expectations low! I did actually manage to keep up for over a mile which I was pleased with, then the gradual ascents started. Usually i'm quite good at these but not at the pace we were going at and Hugh not suprisingly shot off into the distance. But I was pleased to complete the 2 miles in 13 mins 10 seconds although I think its just shorter than 2 miles this is still very fast for me and I thanked Hugh for really pushing me.
Friday day off, then todays adventure. The plan in my head was to get about 5am then out by 6-6.30am. Do 17 miles then do the park run to finish and see how much I could push it in the park run. But not surpisingly i got woken up at 5am, changed my alarm to go off at 7am and went back to bed! So I got up at half 7, then out the door at 8.30am. So I got 4 miles done before the park run, caught up with folk before it started for 15 minutes then the park run started. In total I saw Ian Goudie three times supporting at various points during the run which was apprecitated. I was going a lot slower and like a lot of people he was wondering what was up! But I was determined to keep my pace down even though running with people tends to make you go faster as I knew I'd pay for it later. But I resisted and finished in 28.48 which is a personal worst. But I did have another 13 miles to do! So as soon as i handed in my barcode I was off again. At mile 11 I got to the bottom of the Ayr Road where the pavements were still snow covered. The further up i got the more covered it became until I reached where the Ayr Road crossed the motorway and it must have been about 7-8 inches and at that point I started running on the road! As I was coming back down there was actually a guy running through the deep snow and we both just grinned at each other. Once I was going back down the Ayr Road it was easier mentally to know its pretty much all downhill, flat from here. My legs also felt good for the last 5 miles unlike previous weeks which is a good sign. I was a lot slower paced but 6 miles was through snow so I am not too bothered about it. It is just good to get my first 20 under my belt and another 50 mile plus week!
I was also on the Clyde Stride website looking at the course photos. To be honest when I signed up I didn't think the scenery would be that good because when you think of the Clyde you always think about the river going through urban Glasgow. But I have to say once you get past Cambuslang the scenery looks like it gets amazing with really good running trails :-)
Saturday 27 February 2010
Sunday 21 February 2010
20/02/10 - Stewarts National Cross Country Championships - Falkirk
What a day for racing. Perfect weather, the sun was out, still a bit of mud to give it that cross country feel and no ice patches to contend with.
I arrived at Callender Park in Falkirk at half past one, giving me a full hour before the race started. I headed over to the Giffnock tent but there was just the juniors there so I headed over to the start/finish bit see if anyone was there and the senior ladies were just completing their first lap. By the time I got back the senior men were starting to arrive and we went over and cheered on the women as they finished their second and final lap. Time flew by and before I knew it I was off for my warm up with Kevin, Marc and Derren. When we got back we put on our vests and headed over to the start line with the 447 strong field. I don't use the term strong lightly, this really was the best club runners in Scotland in amongst other club runners like myself who just love cross country.
The gun went and we were off! I had positioned myself pretty much at the back with club mates Phillip and David. Immediatley we went straight up a hill which meant it took a while for the field to spread out. But as we got to the top then turned right and right again we were back down the other side. David went ahead and Phillip and I were still running together. The course then goes right round a loch then takes a sharp left up the second major hill of the day and as always a nice long down hill. Then there is quite a bit of flat running with a steep decent/ascent in and out of a ditch which really slows you down. The next major hill is a bit easier than the other ones. Then the course goes flat again in a big loop. In the last half a kilometre their is another short, sharp uphill and followed by a gradual ascent. Then a very awkward downhill which doesn't last long but its just very muddy and slippy. I was speaking to one of the ladies after she'd finish and she said wear spikes but I only had trail shoes. After speaking to some of the guys after though the seemed to think it didn't matter what you wore it was slippy! Luckily it didn't last long and although the long finish straight was just as muddy, it is lot easier to run on mud on the flat.
So that was the first 4km lap complete and 2 to go, I heard someone shout out the time and it was 19 mins 20, which meant I hadn't gone too hard. David was still in my sights probably about 30 metres ahead. While Phillip had fell behind. Not really suprising as he has just become a Dad, so hasn't been able to get out that much, but he finished which is impressive considering there was a number who dropped out. The second lap I probably ran it a bit faster but still maintained a pace which meant I had plenty left for the last lap. It was actually quite exciting as I ran up the last short steep ascent, as the crowd were starting to go wild and running along. As the 2 leaders came through, running neck and neck. Alisdair Hay apparently had an incredible kick at the finish to win for a second year in a row.
As the last lap started I was catching David. And I remember that first uphill seeing Bernie our coach encouraging me to catch David which I managed just at the flat bit just as we were turning to go back down. To be honest I fully expected David to fly back past me on the downhill, but he never and that was the last I saw of him. I immediatley focused my attention on the next person in front then the next. I was absolutley flying up the hills and keeping a good pace down them. I remember the last long uphill well as I managed to overtake a guy from Carnegie. Every other time I overtook someone, that was it I wouldn't see them again. This guy though wasn't going anywhere! After the top of the hill, i could feel him breathing down my neck and we were running stride for stride for about a kilometre. That was until we reached the last short, sharp, steep uphill followed by the gradual incline. I really put the foot down and I never looked back until the finish. It must have worked because I ended up beating by 4 seconds. After i overtook him i saw another group of people ahead but they were out of reach and they were at least 20 seconds ahead of me. At the finish I waited for the guy from Carnegie just as sign of sportsmanship to shake his hand and thanked him because he really pushed me and it was a good battle. He shaked my hand and merely replied with his age as if because I'm 26 I'm meant to beat him. If only it worked like that but the reality is it really doesn't. I can understand that older runners, running the same time as me, do have a better age graded ranking than me. But I really hope if I'm still running at that age and a youngster beats me, I congratulate him on a good race and on a strong finish. Not letting age come into it and accepting we are in the same race.
So I headed off to find my Giffnock teammates and also waited on David coming in. We all congratulated each other, had a laugh then went on our warm down.
To be honest before this year I never really treated races as races against other people more against myself and doing the best I can do. But as one of the coaches pointed out as we were watching the women finishing. 'It doesn't matter where you are in the field there is nothing like a good battle to finish'. It's so true and I think in turn will push me to even better times.
I am really pleased with how today went, in terms of my pacing, my time of 56.56 and just running round a great course. It was also great to have the support dotted around the course from some of the senior women, Bernie, Alan, Steven and Jacqui. It always gave me a boost.
I arrived at Callender Park in Falkirk at half past one, giving me a full hour before the race started. I headed over to the Giffnock tent but there was just the juniors there so I headed over to the start/finish bit see if anyone was there and the senior ladies were just completing their first lap. By the time I got back the senior men were starting to arrive and we went over and cheered on the women as they finished their second and final lap. Time flew by and before I knew it I was off for my warm up with Kevin, Marc and Derren. When we got back we put on our vests and headed over to the start line with the 447 strong field. I don't use the term strong lightly, this really was the best club runners in Scotland in amongst other club runners like myself who just love cross country.
The gun went and we were off! I had positioned myself pretty much at the back with club mates Phillip and David. Immediatley we went straight up a hill which meant it took a while for the field to spread out. But as we got to the top then turned right and right again we were back down the other side. David went ahead and Phillip and I were still running together. The course then goes right round a loch then takes a sharp left up the second major hill of the day and as always a nice long down hill. Then there is quite a bit of flat running with a steep decent/ascent in and out of a ditch which really slows you down. The next major hill is a bit easier than the other ones. Then the course goes flat again in a big loop. In the last half a kilometre their is another short, sharp uphill and followed by a gradual ascent. Then a very awkward downhill which doesn't last long but its just very muddy and slippy. I was speaking to one of the ladies after she'd finish and she said wear spikes but I only had trail shoes. After speaking to some of the guys after though the seemed to think it didn't matter what you wore it was slippy! Luckily it didn't last long and although the long finish straight was just as muddy, it is lot easier to run on mud on the flat.
So that was the first 4km lap complete and 2 to go, I heard someone shout out the time and it was 19 mins 20, which meant I hadn't gone too hard. David was still in my sights probably about 30 metres ahead. While Phillip had fell behind. Not really suprising as he has just become a Dad, so hasn't been able to get out that much, but he finished which is impressive considering there was a number who dropped out. The second lap I probably ran it a bit faster but still maintained a pace which meant I had plenty left for the last lap. It was actually quite exciting as I ran up the last short steep ascent, as the crowd were starting to go wild and running along. As the 2 leaders came through, running neck and neck. Alisdair Hay apparently had an incredible kick at the finish to win for a second year in a row.
As the last lap started I was catching David. And I remember that first uphill seeing Bernie our coach encouraging me to catch David which I managed just at the flat bit just as we were turning to go back down. To be honest I fully expected David to fly back past me on the downhill, but he never and that was the last I saw of him. I immediatley focused my attention on the next person in front then the next. I was absolutley flying up the hills and keeping a good pace down them. I remember the last long uphill well as I managed to overtake a guy from Carnegie. Every other time I overtook someone, that was it I wouldn't see them again. This guy though wasn't going anywhere! After the top of the hill, i could feel him breathing down my neck and we were running stride for stride for about a kilometre. That was until we reached the last short, sharp, steep uphill followed by the gradual incline. I really put the foot down and I never looked back until the finish. It must have worked because I ended up beating by 4 seconds. After i overtook him i saw another group of people ahead but they were out of reach and they were at least 20 seconds ahead of me. At the finish I waited for the guy from Carnegie just as sign of sportsmanship to shake his hand and thanked him because he really pushed me and it was a good battle. He shaked my hand and merely replied with his age as if because I'm 26 I'm meant to beat him. If only it worked like that but the reality is it really doesn't. I can understand that older runners, running the same time as me, do have a better age graded ranking than me. But I really hope if I'm still running at that age and a youngster beats me, I congratulate him on a good race and on a strong finish. Not letting age come into it and accepting we are in the same race.
So I headed off to find my Giffnock teammates and also waited on David coming in. We all congratulated each other, had a laugh then went on our warm down.
To be honest before this year I never really treated races as races against other people more against myself and doing the best I can do. But as one of the coaches pointed out as we were watching the women finishing. 'It doesn't matter where you are in the field there is nothing like a good battle to finish'. It's so true and I think in turn will push me to even better times.
I am really pleased with how today went, in terms of my pacing, my time of 56.56 and just running round a great course. It was also great to have the support dotted around the course from some of the senior women, Bernie, Alan, Steven and Jacqui. It always gave me a boost.
Lochaber Marathon Training week 8
Tempo, tempo - ---- tempo!
After my epic week in week 7, I decided on the Monday to have enforced rest. The funny thing is when I went to sleep on Monday night I felt fine and was wondering to myself why I didn't go out! A true sign of an addict ;-)
Anyway on Tuesday being fully rested I decided to go for the longest tempo I did in last years loch ness training. It was 10.85 miles and the first half I did (just over 6 miles) in 8.08 pace. Then the remaining miles which only includes one long steep uphill i cranked it up and did 7.45 miles. Like last Tuesdays run, this was such a confidence booster and I felt like I could have gone on for another few miles.
Wednesday was an easy 10k. The Thursday was meant to be 3 times 2 miles but because of a lot of folk doing the National cross country at the weekend, it was decided to do a steady/tempo run instead. So after the mile warm up. I had it in my mind to take it steady which I did for the first half mile! The first 2 miles were all up hill and Jo and David went ahead. After half mile myself and another guy Colin, naturally upped it but we were still talking all the way up the Ayr road. We caught up with Jo and David right at the top of the road. So then we went on a big loop, as expected Jo and David speeded up on the downhill and i caught and passed them on the uphill. The next long down hill, Jo and Paul caught up with me and we ran together until the next long long uphill. This is where I really upped it and when I got to the top I felt suprisingly fine. So coming back down the Ayr Road I was expecting Jo, David or Paul to catch up but they never did and when I got to the bottom of the Ayr Road, Jo was only 5 seconds behind me. So its clear from this my downhill running is improving which can only be a good thing. So for the actual tempo bit I managed 6 1/2 miles in just under 50 minutes.
Friday was my rest day. Saturday was National Cross Country day, serperate report to follow. Then Sunday was another well earned rest!
After my epic week in week 7, I decided on the Monday to have enforced rest. The funny thing is when I went to sleep on Monday night I felt fine and was wondering to myself why I didn't go out! A true sign of an addict ;-)
Anyway on Tuesday being fully rested I decided to go for the longest tempo I did in last years loch ness training. It was 10.85 miles and the first half I did (just over 6 miles) in 8.08 pace. Then the remaining miles which only includes one long steep uphill i cranked it up and did 7.45 miles. Like last Tuesdays run, this was such a confidence booster and I felt like I could have gone on for another few miles.
Wednesday was an easy 10k. The Thursday was meant to be 3 times 2 miles but because of a lot of folk doing the National cross country at the weekend, it was decided to do a steady/tempo run instead. So after the mile warm up. I had it in my mind to take it steady which I did for the first half mile! The first 2 miles were all up hill and Jo and David went ahead. After half mile myself and another guy Colin, naturally upped it but we were still talking all the way up the Ayr road. We caught up with Jo and David right at the top of the road. So then we went on a big loop, as expected Jo and David speeded up on the downhill and i caught and passed them on the uphill. The next long down hill, Jo and Paul caught up with me and we ran together until the next long long uphill. This is where I really upped it and when I got to the top I felt suprisingly fine. So coming back down the Ayr Road I was expecting Jo, David or Paul to catch up but they never did and when I got to the bottom of the Ayr Road, Jo was only 5 seconds behind me. So its clear from this my downhill running is improving which can only be a good thing. So for the actual tempo bit I managed 6 1/2 miles in just under 50 minutes.
Friday was my rest day. Saturday was National Cross Country day, serperate report to follow. Then Sunday was another well earned rest!
Sunday 14 February 2010
Lochaber Marathon Training week 7
There are many superlatives I could use to describe this week, it was simply ridicoulously good. To say I surprised myself would be a huge understatement.
On the Monday which is usually circuits or a rest day. I was feeling surprisinly good after my 17 miler on the Sunday. So I decided to do a 10k and take it easy. Which I did until the last 2 miles where I was feeling fine so upped the pace and ended up doing it in just over 54 minutes.
Tuesday was easily the toughest Tuesday session I have ever done. I decided to do a hilly tempo run with the Falkirk Cross country in mind as its meant to be pretty tough. I was back at the Merries where the most I had done before was 2 times 2.9 loops with 6 hills per loop. This time I decided to start off with a Merries loop plus an extension to include 3 more hills plus an extra Merry because I was running back to the one I would usually use to loop back round. So the first loop was 5.5 miles with 10 hills which I did in 46 minutes about 8.30 pace. Then I did the usual Merry loop of 6 hills in my fastest time ever 23.23, which is 8.08 pace. I was really pleased with the session and ended up doing 10.5 miles including warm up/down.
On Wednesday my legs were a bit stiff, so I just did an easy 10k coming in just under the hour mark. Then Thursday. If there is one session which is not designed for me its the fartlek, as I just don't do that much real speadwork. But tonight I suprised myself. After the mile and half warm up where I was chatting to a guy just saying how I'd hope to just hang on to the group tonight. The session was 30sec on/30sec off 4 times, then a minute on/minute off 4 times, then 1 minute and half on 1.30 off, then back to a minute times 4, then 30 seconds time 4. We do a big loop for this which is about 5 miles, last time I did this session I think we did about 4. After the 30s the timer guy was struggling a bit so we needed a new person to do the time. Which ended up being me! I can see why people don't want to do the time as it ruins your stride when your trying to go all out, having to keep checking your watch. But I seemed to cope ok, as for most of the session somehow I was at the front of the group. Until we got to the last few 30s and everyone turned up the gas a lot! I did 5.28 mile pace for the last one and still there was many people in front of me! But for most of the session we were between 6 minute and 6.20 pace. And we only had a short walk to where we started this time! Must have done about 3/4 mile more which is pretty impressive. As soon as I got home though I was feeling sick and dizzy and true sign that I really pushed myself!
Friday, thank goodness was my day off. Saturday I just did and easy 3 mile in the morning. I say easy but really I found it tough because my legs were still sore from Friday! In the afternoon I ventured off to Edinburgh to watch the Carnethy 5 hill race which I want to do at some point along with the Pentland Skyline. I decided to park at Castlelaw as anything around Penicuik would be mobbed as Carnethy 5 is the biggest hill race in Scotland in terms of numbers and its also seen as one of the most prestigious behind Ben Nevis, attracting the top hill runners in the country. I made my way down to the bottom of Turnhouse hill and climbed up it. From there I descended a bit and took position on top of Carnethy Hill. Unknown to me at the time with all the ups and downs, I actually ended up climbing 2,900 feet which is just short of a munro!
Views from Carnethy hill taken from my phone:
I didn't actually realise it at the time, but I had just done what looks like the toughest and longest ascent in the Pentlands skyline race. It was great chatting to random folk and to watch the start, the runners climbing up Scald Law, out of view the 3 other peaks and then seeing them running up and around the summit of Carnethy hill. Although its 9km, it has ascent of 750m making the going very tough. No suprises of who won; Rob Jebb came in, in 48 minutes and now has back to back victories and is his 5th Carnethy victory overall. He does seem to be the Michael Schumacher of the hill running world right now. Although an Englishman came first, the Scots filled 2nd, 3rd and 4th. With great Scottish talents,Andy Symonds and Prasad Prasad coming in 2nd and 3rd. While Deesides teenage running sensation Robbie Simpson coming in fourth. Claire Gordon of HBT won the women's race.
So all in all a great day and although it appears to have some really steep descents which is not really my cup of tea. With a bit of practice, I defenitley want to give it go at some point.
Then for Sunday, I was kind of thinking I may have over done it on the Saturday but I woke up on Sunday and only felt a bit stiff so it was out we go and see how far I get. I did the same as last week and headed towards town then took a different route back round to Pollock Park. Went through Pollock Park and back out towards Bellahouston Park. I forgot the Rangers Hibs game was on so it was busy but I managed to weave my way through the crowds. This time I went past Bella Park and went to Paisley Road West and went right done that till I got to Crookston. Then went up through Crookston to Silverburn to Pollockshaws. 12.6 miles in the bag I stopped at the petrol garage for a drink. This time I bought Lucozade as thats what they give out at Lochaber. I didn't really notice the difference to be honest, and didn't feel any extra boost. But at the same time I could stomach it and had no adverse effects so I'll try it a few more times then I will be happy to take it on board during the race. I then went up through Thornlibank, round the outside of Roukenglen Park then Eastwood toll, Clarkston Toll home. I stopped about 1/4 mile short of home as I had done my 19 miles and decided that was enough! Plus it gave me a longer warm down walk.
In my marathon training last time my highest weekly mileage was 50. This week I did 52! and its February and I still have the whole of March to really hammer it!
For the May and June races, nothing is set in stone yet. For May I would like to do the Kintyre Way relay but depends on the club and whether there doing it and numbers. I wouldn't want to do more than one leg. If not its a bank holiday weekend and the Keswick half is on which would be nice. For June, I have half a thought on July's biggie Clyde Stride. So Yeltholm hill race looks appealing and its early June so thats my June race for now. I am also thinking about my September race. I've done the Great Scottish run 3 times and not too bothered about doing it again so if the club need people for the Comrie hill relay i would do that instead.
Next week as previously mentioned its my race for February - The National Cross country champs at Falkirk which I m looking forward to. So it will be an easier week, which I definetley need after this week!
On the Monday which is usually circuits or a rest day. I was feeling surprisinly good after my 17 miler on the Sunday. So I decided to do a 10k and take it easy. Which I did until the last 2 miles where I was feeling fine so upped the pace and ended up doing it in just over 54 minutes.
Tuesday was easily the toughest Tuesday session I have ever done. I decided to do a hilly tempo run with the Falkirk Cross country in mind as its meant to be pretty tough. I was back at the Merries where the most I had done before was 2 times 2.9 loops with 6 hills per loop. This time I decided to start off with a Merries loop plus an extension to include 3 more hills plus an extra Merry because I was running back to the one I would usually use to loop back round. So the first loop was 5.5 miles with 10 hills which I did in 46 minutes about 8.30 pace. Then I did the usual Merry loop of 6 hills in my fastest time ever 23.23, which is 8.08 pace. I was really pleased with the session and ended up doing 10.5 miles including warm up/down.
On Wednesday my legs were a bit stiff, so I just did an easy 10k coming in just under the hour mark. Then Thursday. If there is one session which is not designed for me its the fartlek, as I just don't do that much real speadwork. But tonight I suprised myself. After the mile and half warm up where I was chatting to a guy just saying how I'd hope to just hang on to the group tonight. The session was 30sec on/30sec off 4 times, then a minute on/minute off 4 times, then 1 minute and half on 1.30 off, then back to a minute times 4, then 30 seconds time 4. We do a big loop for this which is about 5 miles, last time I did this session I think we did about 4. After the 30s the timer guy was struggling a bit so we needed a new person to do the time. Which ended up being me! I can see why people don't want to do the time as it ruins your stride when your trying to go all out, having to keep checking your watch. But I seemed to cope ok, as for most of the session somehow I was at the front of the group. Until we got to the last few 30s and everyone turned up the gas a lot! I did 5.28 mile pace for the last one and still there was many people in front of me! But for most of the session we were between 6 minute and 6.20 pace. And we only had a short walk to where we started this time! Must have done about 3/4 mile more which is pretty impressive. As soon as I got home though I was feeling sick and dizzy and true sign that I really pushed myself!
Friday, thank goodness was my day off. Saturday I just did and easy 3 mile in the morning. I say easy but really I found it tough because my legs were still sore from Friday! In the afternoon I ventured off to Edinburgh to watch the Carnethy 5 hill race which I want to do at some point along with the Pentland Skyline. I decided to park at Castlelaw as anything around Penicuik would be mobbed as Carnethy 5 is the biggest hill race in Scotland in terms of numbers and its also seen as one of the most prestigious behind Ben Nevis, attracting the top hill runners in the country. I made my way down to the bottom of Turnhouse hill and climbed up it. From there I descended a bit and took position on top of Carnethy Hill. Unknown to me at the time with all the ups and downs, I actually ended up climbing 2,900 feet which is just short of a munro!
Views from Carnethy hill taken from my phone:
I didn't actually realise it at the time, but I had just done what looks like the toughest and longest ascent in the Pentlands skyline race. It was great chatting to random folk and to watch the start, the runners climbing up Scald Law, out of view the 3 other peaks and then seeing them running up and around the summit of Carnethy hill. Although its 9km, it has ascent of 750m making the going very tough. No suprises of who won; Rob Jebb came in, in 48 minutes and now has back to back victories and is his 5th Carnethy victory overall. He does seem to be the Michael Schumacher of the hill running world right now. Although an Englishman came first, the Scots filled 2nd, 3rd and 4th. With great Scottish talents,Andy Symonds and Prasad Prasad coming in 2nd and 3rd. While Deesides teenage running sensation Robbie Simpson coming in fourth. Claire Gordon of HBT won the women's race.
So all in all a great day and although it appears to have some really steep descents which is not really my cup of tea. With a bit of practice, I defenitley want to give it go at some point.
Then for Sunday, I was kind of thinking I may have over done it on the Saturday but I woke up on Sunday and only felt a bit stiff so it was out we go and see how far I get. I did the same as last week and headed towards town then took a different route back round to Pollock Park. Went through Pollock Park and back out towards Bellahouston Park. I forgot the Rangers Hibs game was on so it was busy but I managed to weave my way through the crowds. This time I went past Bella Park and went to Paisley Road West and went right done that till I got to Crookston. Then went up through Crookston to Silverburn to Pollockshaws. 12.6 miles in the bag I stopped at the petrol garage for a drink. This time I bought Lucozade as thats what they give out at Lochaber. I didn't really notice the difference to be honest, and didn't feel any extra boost. But at the same time I could stomach it and had no adverse effects so I'll try it a few more times then I will be happy to take it on board during the race. I then went up through Thornlibank, round the outside of Roukenglen Park then Eastwood toll, Clarkston Toll home. I stopped about 1/4 mile short of home as I had done my 19 miles and decided that was enough! Plus it gave me a longer warm down walk.
In my marathon training last time my highest weekly mileage was 50. This week I did 52! and its February and I still have the whole of March to really hammer it!
For the May and June races, nothing is set in stone yet. For May I would like to do the Kintyre Way relay but depends on the club and whether there doing it and numbers. I wouldn't want to do more than one leg. If not its a bank holiday weekend and the Keswick half is on which would be nice. For June, I have half a thought on July's biggie Clyde Stride. So Yeltholm hill race looks appealing and its early June so thats my June race for now. I am also thinking about my September race. I've done the Great Scottish run 3 times and not too bothered about doing it again so if the club need people for the Comrie hill relay i would do that instead.
Next week as previously mentioned its my race for February - The National Cross country champs at Falkirk which I m looking forward to. So it will be an easier week, which I definetley need after this week!
Monday 8 February 2010
Lochaber Marathon Training week 6
Well after last weeks awesome week I was wondering how to top it and have to say I came pretty close! On Monday night I was feeling it a bit from Sunday's long run so I just opted for half a circuits session, so did six circuits instead of twelve. On Tuesday night I try to avoid what I'm doing on the Thursday with the club if possible. It is more difficult at the moment because the I don't have a copy of the future Thursday training schedule but I have requested it so hopefully will have it soon. Since I didn't make last weeks session I found out what they did so I could do it on Tuesday. The session was 5 times mile reps which I did up beside Clarkston. I took the first few easy just to ensure I finished the session, so I did them between 8.00 and 8.20 for the mile. The next couple I managed to get around the 7.40 mark and the last one I did in 7.12 which was pleasing. I normally do this session faster with the club but this route is slightly more hilly and its harder to push yourself as much when there no other people about.
On Wednesday I had planned to do an 8 miler but decided to just do an easy 10k as it was really cold as there had been a thin layer of snow. It was nice though running through the fresh powder and being the first to trample over the snow. Hopefully I'll get an 8 miler in this week. On Thursday night I was just pleased to make it to the club to be honest. It has been 3 weeks since I've been, due to holidays and trains being late. So it was good to catch up with folk and also speak to a few I have not spoken to before. The session was one of the toughest sessions they do. Firstly it was 5 times just less than 1/2 mile reps was first. I was running strong in these and generally I was running between 3 mins and 3 min 10 seconds per rep. So I was pretty consistent. Next up was 5 times long hills. I love the hill we do here and I'm pretty good at pacing it. Then next up was 5 times 1/4 mile reps. Due to time though and people needing to go, we only did two. I was half tempted to stay on and finish the session as it would only have taken another six minutes. But I go to the club half to get a good session and half to meet more running folk. So decided to be sociable and run back with the guys. Still got a really good session in anyway!
On Friday I had my day off. Saturday morning, I got up too late to run to the Park run, so I just drove and parked outside the park and ran the 1/2 mile in. This week I was Numbers assistant, which meant I handed the Numbers person Sophie a stack of numbers at the finish every time someone crossed the line. After last weeks record number of people turning up of 267, it was yet another record week with 269 people this week! Not only that but my brother and his fiancé were also running this week with Nic finishing just ahead of Ken. The winner of this weeks park run was Jethro Lennox in 15.31! This was his 3rd park run and before this week he had never won a park run but has come second twice. But if you look at hill racing websites and loads more races he has won, it really is amazing what he has achieved and finally he has got the Glasgow Park run to add to his list of accomplishments. Due to not running till the afternoon I decided just to do an easy 3 miler which was a nice run but uneventful.
On Sunday as normal I woke up late so didn't start my run till 1pm. I went into it with the same approach as last time, just see how far I can get. As always though I had a target mileage and it was 17 miles. I started the run heading into town then back then out towards Pollock Park. I had initially planned to do the same route as last week with a bit extra. But while I was out I thought, I've never actually ran through Bellahouston Park apart from during the Great Scottish Run, so I decided just to keep going once I went through Pollock Park and ended up doing a big massive loop back past Silverburn. I try not to look to much at my watch for mileage but once I completed my loop I needed to work out the next loop and how far I still needed to go to do 17. I was delighted to see that I had done 10 1/2 miles and still felt strong. I got to Eastwood toll and knew it was only 3 miles from their to home. I had 4 1/2 miles still to go, so I made a loop of what I thought was 1 1/2 miles up to beside Roukenglen and somehow it was exactly 1 1/2 miles. So just had the 3 miles left of which 2 1/2 miles were downhill or flat. So I made it! 17.3 miles, and at this stage in my marathon training it is such a confidence booster. I'm planning 19 now for next week and that will set me up nicely for the 20 and 20 mile plus runs in March.
I also found out this week that I won't be able to do the Goatfell hill race as its on the same day as my friend's wedding. So I need to go back to the drawing board for May. The obvious replacement would be Ben Lomond. But a) it's a week earlier and would rather have at least 2 weekends training on hills before I did a race. B) I would rather get some experience with easier hills first. I might be doing the Kintyre relay with the club but that is a big maybe in early May. Other than that I'm pretty open as to what my May race is, come road or hills. I know there is the Scottish half marathon in late May so that is an option if it doesn't sell out. Failing that there is always the Park run! However the thing is since I'm not doing Ben Lomond or Goatfell in May and there are no real other options for medium hill races. It means that the Glen Rosa horseshoe which I planned to do as my June race I think I won't do, as it’s a big step up from Tinto hill race being a long hill race and Tintos a short one. I'm not as concerned about June though as there is tonnes of other races I could do eg on the hills there is the Glas Tulaichean uphill race, Yeltholm or even the Kilpatrick midweek hill race. These are all in the same week so could only really give one justice but they are all options. Also there is the Dunfermline half, East kilbride half and 10k along with plenty more events.
So a 42 mile week in the bag and here is to another good week; fingers crossed!
On Wednesday I had planned to do an 8 miler but decided to just do an easy 10k as it was really cold as there had been a thin layer of snow. It was nice though running through the fresh powder and being the first to trample over the snow. Hopefully I'll get an 8 miler in this week. On Thursday night I was just pleased to make it to the club to be honest. It has been 3 weeks since I've been, due to holidays and trains being late. So it was good to catch up with folk and also speak to a few I have not spoken to before. The session was one of the toughest sessions they do. Firstly it was 5 times just less than 1/2 mile reps was first. I was running strong in these and generally I was running between 3 mins and 3 min 10 seconds per rep. So I was pretty consistent. Next up was 5 times long hills. I love the hill we do here and I'm pretty good at pacing it. Then next up was 5 times 1/4 mile reps. Due to time though and people needing to go, we only did two. I was half tempted to stay on and finish the session as it would only have taken another six minutes. But I go to the club half to get a good session and half to meet more running folk. So decided to be sociable and run back with the guys. Still got a really good session in anyway!
On Friday I had my day off. Saturday morning, I got up too late to run to the Park run, so I just drove and parked outside the park and ran the 1/2 mile in. This week I was Numbers assistant, which meant I handed the Numbers person Sophie a stack of numbers at the finish every time someone crossed the line. After last weeks record number of people turning up of 267, it was yet another record week with 269 people this week! Not only that but my brother and his fiancé were also running this week with Nic finishing just ahead of Ken. The winner of this weeks park run was Jethro Lennox in 15.31! This was his 3rd park run and before this week he had never won a park run but has come second twice. But if you look at hill racing websites and loads more races he has won, it really is amazing what he has achieved and finally he has got the Glasgow Park run to add to his list of accomplishments. Due to not running till the afternoon I decided just to do an easy 3 miler which was a nice run but uneventful.
On Sunday as normal I woke up late so didn't start my run till 1pm. I went into it with the same approach as last time, just see how far I can get. As always though I had a target mileage and it was 17 miles. I started the run heading into town then back then out towards Pollock Park. I had initially planned to do the same route as last week with a bit extra. But while I was out I thought, I've never actually ran through Bellahouston Park apart from during the Great Scottish Run, so I decided just to keep going once I went through Pollock Park and ended up doing a big massive loop back past Silverburn. I try not to look to much at my watch for mileage but once I completed my loop I needed to work out the next loop and how far I still needed to go to do 17. I was delighted to see that I had done 10 1/2 miles and still felt strong. I got to Eastwood toll and knew it was only 3 miles from their to home. I had 4 1/2 miles still to go, so I made a loop of what I thought was 1 1/2 miles up to beside Roukenglen and somehow it was exactly 1 1/2 miles. So just had the 3 miles left of which 2 1/2 miles were downhill or flat. So I made it! 17.3 miles, and at this stage in my marathon training it is such a confidence booster. I'm planning 19 now for next week and that will set me up nicely for the 20 and 20 mile plus runs in March.
I also found out this week that I won't be able to do the Goatfell hill race as its on the same day as my friend's wedding. So I need to go back to the drawing board for May. The obvious replacement would be Ben Lomond. But a) it's a week earlier and would rather have at least 2 weekends training on hills before I did a race. B) I would rather get some experience with easier hills first. I might be doing the Kintyre relay with the club but that is a big maybe in early May. Other than that I'm pretty open as to what my May race is, come road or hills. I know there is the Scottish half marathon in late May so that is an option if it doesn't sell out. Failing that there is always the Park run! However the thing is since I'm not doing Ben Lomond or Goatfell in May and there are no real other options for medium hill races. It means that the Glen Rosa horseshoe which I planned to do as my June race I think I won't do, as it’s a big step up from Tinto hill race being a long hill race and Tintos a short one. I'm not as concerned about June though as there is tonnes of other races I could do eg on the hills there is the Glas Tulaichean uphill race, Yeltholm or even the Kilpatrick midweek hill race. These are all in the same week so could only really give one justice but they are all options. Also there is the Dunfermline half, East kilbride half and 10k along with plenty more events.
So a 42 mile week in the bag and here is to another good week; fingers crossed!
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