Saltwell 10k - 41:15
In previous years I've spent a good part of the summer running, ran the Great North Run and then kept my training going for 3 or 4 weeks before hibernating into the warmth of the living room. However, this year we're into mid-December and I'm still going. 4 or 5 runs a week and a total weekly mileage of anywhere between 20 and 30 miles. Dare I say it, but things are going quite well so far. I've joined North Shields Poly running club and the sessions there are not only keeping me in good shape but also providing a bit of variety in my training.
I represented the club for the first time in the Saltwell 10k this morning. Its hardly the right time of year to be attempting personal best times and I've felt a few old injuries flare up this week so I approached the race in a fairly laid back manner. I have a PB of 38:24 for this distance and I knew there was no chance of running anywhere near that fast. Back in August I'd run a very hilly Hexham 10k in over 41 minutes and I was hoping to perform just a tad faster this time out.
It was a beautiful winter's day for running. The frosty nip in the air, slightly blunted by the bright sunshine. The route involved 3 and a half laps of Saltwell Park in Gateshead. Lots of twist and turns and even more hills. Although I wasn't specific about setting target-times my main goal was to run an even paced race. I'd suffered from starting too quickly in all 4 of my previous races this year and its something I desperately need to correct. The gun went, well actually the starter shouted "GO!!", and I set off into my stride ignoring those flying off ahead of me. It was an undulating route through the park and the first lap went by reasonably well as I reached the lap marker in around 12 minutes. I settled into my running and was keeping pace with a number of people, passing some others and very few were passing me. The second lap however didn't go too well. My legs suddenly felt heavy and some of the runners I'd been keeping pace with left me behind. I decided not to try and go with them but instead just kept my momentum and didn't push it too hard, recording a slower lap time by around 30 seconds
As I crossed the start line for the third time I immediately started to feel better. All of a sudden the spring was back in my step. For the first part of the lap I maintained my pace and stayed with those runners around me. After a while I sensed that I could pick up the pace and went with a runner who had made a break from our pack. The last big hill of the lap hurt but I still felt reasonably good and clocked a lap time of around 12 minutes, almost the same as the first lap. At this point I picked up the pace a little and started targeting runners ahead of me. It was really starting to hurt but I had enough in me to improve my position by perhaps 8 or 10 on this last half lap and coming home in 41:15.
My first thoughts were that the time was a bit slow. I would've been happier with something closer to 40 minutes but I think I got the pacing right for how I felt on the day. The course wasn't amenable to fast times and after the hamstring twinge I felt earlier in the week the last thing I need right now is another injury. When I got home I flicked through previous race times and discovered that this is my 3rd fastest (of 5) 10k races, and the fastest since May 2000. Today's performance wasn't a spectacular time but it was a good workout and its particularly pleasing to be running and racing at this time of year.Just 3 weeks to the start of my 15 week marathon training plan.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Winning the lottery
And there it was. Shining out at me like a beacon in the night.
'CHQ 000339 £30.00'
Cheques are a thing of the past. I rarely use them and its even more of a rarity that I check if they've been cashed or not. However, I'd signed into my online banking specifically to look for this one and the fact that it had been cashed was the signal for a joyous celebration! After all, it signified that I'd been accepted into the London Marathon for 2007!! Gaining entry through the lottery is always difficult. Some say there's no better than a 1 in 5 chance of being successful and because of this I hadn't got myself too excited in the build up to the deadline. Ironically on the very day I discovered I was in for 2007, I found myself unable to run even a single mile, let alone 26. A stomach bug had struck me down and the only running I’d done all day was to the toilet .... several times.
My running over the past couple of weeks has been sporadic. A cold left me feeling tired and sluggish and the weather has took a severe turn for the worst. One positive is that I've been going to the running club once a week and am becoming a member this Tuesday. I'm really enjoying the speed sessions we do and it’s so much easier to achieve target times when there are other runners to cruise along with. What I need to do now is get myself back in the habit of running 5 or 6 times a week. I intend following the Runners World 15 week schedule starting on the 8th January and over the next couple of months need to build up to running around 35 miles per week with a regular long run of around 8 - 10 miles. My plan is to initially follow the 3h 15m schedule and then switch to the 3h 00m plan if I think I've got it in me. This is a reversal of my aborted training plan for the Robin Hood marathon this year. I'm guarding against burnout. My plan for next year is to crack 3 hours, but for London I've set myself the task of going under (as far under as possible) 3:15.
By way of a celebration I felt healthy enough to go for a run this morning and took a long, slow 7.5+ miler in blustery conditions. On the way back I stopped by Churchill Playing fields to take in some Sunday morning football. I watched 15 minutes and the low quality fare on show was enough to reassure me that I’d done the right thing in hanging my football boots up. I needed a new challenge and thanks to the luck of the draw, that challenge for April 2007 is 3:15 at one of the world's best marathons. Bring it on London!
'CHQ 000339 £30.00'
Cheques are a thing of the past. I rarely use them and its even more of a rarity that I check if they've been cashed or not. However, I'd signed into my online banking specifically to look for this one and the fact that it had been cashed was the signal for a joyous celebration! After all, it signified that I'd been accepted into the London Marathon for 2007!! Gaining entry through the lottery is always difficult. Some say there's no better than a 1 in 5 chance of being successful and because of this I hadn't got myself too excited in the build up to the deadline. Ironically on the very day I discovered I was in for 2007, I found myself unable to run even a single mile, let alone 26. A stomach bug had struck me down and the only running I’d done all day was to the toilet .... several times.
My running over the past couple of weeks has been sporadic. A cold left me feeling tired and sluggish and the weather has took a severe turn for the worst. One positive is that I've been going to the running club once a week and am becoming a member this Tuesday. I'm really enjoying the speed sessions we do and it’s so much easier to achieve target times when there are other runners to cruise along with. What I need to do now is get myself back in the habit of running 5 or 6 times a week. I intend following the Runners World 15 week schedule starting on the 8th January and over the next couple of months need to build up to running around 35 miles per week with a regular long run of around 8 - 10 miles. My plan is to initially follow the 3h 15m schedule and then switch to the 3h 00m plan if I think I've got it in me. This is a reversal of my aborted training plan for the Robin Hood marathon this year. I'm guarding against burnout. My plan for next year is to crack 3 hours, but for London I've set myself the task of going under (as far under as possible) 3:15.
By way of a celebration I felt healthy enough to go for a run this morning and took a long, slow 7.5+ miler in blustery conditions. On the way back I stopped by Churchill Playing fields to take in some Sunday morning football. I watched 15 minutes and the low quality fare on show was enough to reassure me that I’d done the right thing in hanging my football boots up. I needed a new challenge and thanks to the luck of the draw, that challenge for April 2007 is 3:15 at one of the world's best marathons. Bring it on London!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Great North Run - 1h 35m 24s
Report to follow ...It had been a long two weeks since I injured my hamstring. The recovery had gone well and although it was never going to be perfect I felt confident it would hold up during the race. I spent all my time putting bags of ice on my leg, taking ibuprofen for the swelling and gently stretching the muscle. What I really needed was something to take my mind off the injury, and on Saturday morning that’s exactly what I got. Unfortunately, it came in the form of another injury. It was 24 hours before the race and I went out for a light jog to loosen up. After a long stretch at the track I lazily jogged home and somehow managed to fall down the steps at the end of my street. I came crashing down, falling flat on my face on spraining an ankle in the process. Immediately the pain was intense. I picked myself up and hobbled home refusing to entertain the thought of not being able to compete in the race. How was I going to manage this latest setback? Yet more ice and ibuprofen.
Sunday morning arrived and the ankle was quite swollen. A bag of ice and some ibuprofen to start the day. Mentally I stayed positive. I wasn’t about to pull out now. In the past I’d played many football matches with ankle injuries. The mass participation of the Great North Run makes preparation on the morning of the event quite a drawn out operation. I left the house at 7:40, a full three hours before the race was due to start. On arriving at the start I met with team members from the Jubilee Debt Campaign and posed for a picture or two with Jonathan Edwards. Then after dropping my baggage in the bus I made my way to the red zone start. It was still early enough that I could do a few warm-up jogs in the start area before planting myself firmly at the front of the zone. Slowly but surely the zone filled up and pretty soon there was no space to move. My hamstring started to feel a little uncomfortable and I could feel the ankle swelling by the minute. With half an hour until the start I took a double dose of ibuprofen hoping it would take my aches and pains away. I wasn’t feeling particularly confident in my injuries anymore and planned to start the race at 7 minute mile pace.
Eventually the gun sounded and it took a mere ten seconds to cross the start line. For those at the back of the field it could take up to 45 minutes. I cruised along at a seemingly comfortable pace. Surrounded by elite club athletes and other red zone starters there was no need to dodge and weave past slower runners and walkers. The first mile flew by, but I was shocked and dismayed to see that it had taken me just over 6:20 to complete. Given the circumstances I knew this pace was a mistake. I slowed to a 6:40 for mile 2 but I felt this was still too fast. By mile 3 I was already starting to feel as though this was not going to be a good day. My ankle was really aching at this point and although I hit the mile marker in 6:52 I didn’t feel good. To make matters worse the sun was shining and it was unseasonably warm for the time of year. I had to decide whether to push on and hope I could sustain the pace or slow down and lower my targets. Nothing in me suggested I could achieve a good time this year and the only sensible option was to slow down. Memories of walking up that hill between 10 and 12 miles still haunt me and I wasn’t about to let that happen again this year.
The stretch between 3 and 5 miles is a steady uphill and a real test at the best of times. I maintained a pace that felt comfortable, clocking mile 4 in 7:16 and the next in 7:36. Reading through the pre race magazine the course elevation plan shows the next 3 miles are all downhill. If only this was a reality? Sure it is one of the easier parts of the race, but there are a few unexpected inclines to take care of. I’d settled into my running by now and although not feeling great I maintained a pace of around 7:12 per mile for this section. I perhaps could have pushed on through this strectch but I knew the toughest part of the course was approaching.
A tough incline followed and my legs really felt it with mile 9 being the slowest of the race at 7:57. I was really beginning to hurt by now. All thoughts of sub 1:25 or even sub 1:30 finishing times had been erased from my mind and I focused on the task in hand. Mile 10 provides a brief respite before the final long uphill and I clocked a 7:26. Then as I started up the longest and last incline of the course my hamstring started to ache. Surely after all this it wasn’t about to die on me now? I shortened my stride but tried to maintain my leg speed. It seemed like an age before I hit mile 11. Reassuringly I was passing as many runners as were passing me. There was also a few who were stopping by the side of the road and starting to walk. Eventually the 11 mile marker reared its ugly head and I clocked it at 7:52. Continuing upwards I knew the end of the hill and the race were in sight. Buoyed by this thought mile 12 proved significantly easier than the previous one, even if it was only 15 seconds quicker.
In 2003 when I set my personal best I completed the final 1.1 mile stretch in 6:33, averaging a speed of 5:57 min per mile. That wasn’t about to happen today but I pushed myself as hard as I could to record 8:02 for the home stretch (7:14 min per mile). The crowds down this final section were great and the noise spurred me on. I tried to block out the pain and for brief periods I shut my eyes. Not sure why this helped but it seemed to help me focus on just running, rather than constantly eyeing the finish line. The 800, 400 and 200 metres to go signs seemed to drag the last mile out, but as I turned the corner into the final straight I gave it one final push and crossed the line in 1:35:24. I was exhausted and had to work hard just to keep walking down the finishing funnels. Removing the timing chip from around my ankle proved a real challenge but fortunately I didn’t cramp up or pull any more muscles.
I had mixed emotions at the end. My goal was a 1:25 half marathon and I hadn’t got anywhere near that. Anything over 1:30 was always going to be a disappointment and so it proved. However, there was some solace to be found in my performance. To be running with not one, but two injuries and in the heat was always going to be tough. Although I took no pleasure in my time, I couldn’t fault myself for effort. I’d given it everything on a day when things hadn’t gone well. Not only that but I managed my race well. In the past I would have pushed on regardless in pursuit of a fast time and paid for it dearly in the final stages. At the same time it would have been easy just to settle for finishing the race and ambled to the finish line. As it was I settled into a pace slower than usual but capable of producing a finishing time that maybe I’ll look back on with pride in years to come.
Sunday morning arrived and the ankle was quite swollen. A bag of ice and some ibuprofen to start the day. Mentally I stayed positive. I wasn’t about to pull out now. In the past I’d played many football matches with ankle injuries. The mass participation of the Great North Run makes preparation on the morning of the event quite a drawn out operation. I left the house at 7:40, a full three hours before the race was due to start. On arriving at the start I met with team members from the Jubilee Debt Campaign and posed for a picture or two with Jonathan Edwards. Then after dropping my baggage in the bus I made my way to the red zone start. It was still early enough that I could do a few warm-up jogs in the start area before planting myself firmly at the front of the zone. Slowly but surely the zone filled up and pretty soon there was no space to move. My hamstring started to feel a little uncomfortable and I could feel the ankle swelling by the minute. With half an hour until the start I took a double dose of ibuprofen hoping it would take my aches and pains away. I wasn’t feeling particularly confident in my injuries anymore and planned to start the race at 7 minute mile pace.
Eventually the gun sounded and it took a mere ten seconds to cross the start line. For those at the back of the field it could take up to 45 minutes. I cruised along at a seemingly comfortable pace. Surrounded by elite club athletes and other red zone starters there was no need to dodge and weave past slower runners and walkers. The first mile flew by, but I was shocked and dismayed to see that it had taken me just over 6:20 to complete. Given the circumstances I knew this pace was a mistake. I slowed to a 6:40 for mile 2 but I felt this was still too fast. By mile 3 I was already starting to feel as though this was not going to be a good day. My ankle was really aching at this point and although I hit the mile marker in 6:52 I didn’t feel good. To make matters worse the sun was shining and it was unseasonably warm for the time of year. I had to decide whether to push on and hope I could sustain the pace or slow down and lower my targets. Nothing in me suggested I could achieve a good time this year and the only sensible option was to slow down. Memories of walking up that hill between 10 and 12 miles still haunt me and I wasn’t about to let that happen again this year.
The stretch between 3 and 5 miles is a steady uphill and a real test at the best of times. I maintained a pace that felt comfortable, clocking mile 4 in 7:16 and the next in 7:36. Reading through the pre race magazine the course elevation plan shows the next 3 miles are all downhill. If only this was a reality? Sure it is one of the easier parts of the race, but there are a few unexpected inclines to take care of. I’d settled into my running by now and although not feeling great I maintained a pace of around 7:12 per mile for this section. I perhaps could have pushed on through this strectch but I knew the toughest part of the course was approaching.
A tough incline followed and my legs really felt it with mile 9 being the slowest of the race at 7:57. I was really beginning to hurt by now. All thoughts of sub 1:25 or even sub 1:30 finishing times had been erased from my mind and I focused on the task in hand. Mile 10 provides a brief respite before the final long uphill and I clocked a 7:26. Then as I started up the longest and last incline of the course my hamstring started to ache. Surely after all this it wasn’t about to die on me now? I shortened my stride but tried to maintain my leg speed. It seemed like an age before I hit mile 11. Reassuringly I was passing as many runners as were passing me. There was also a few who were stopping by the side of the road and starting to walk. Eventually the 11 mile marker reared its ugly head and I clocked it at 7:52. Continuing upwards I knew the end of the hill and the race were in sight. Buoyed by this thought mile 12 proved significantly easier than the previous one, even if it was only 15 seconds quicker.
In 2003 when I set my personal best I completed the final 1.1 mile stretch in 6:33, averaging a speed of 5:57 min per mile. That wasn’t about to happen today but I pushed myself as hard as I could to record 8:02 for the home stretch (7:14 min per mile). The crowds down this final section were great and the noise spurred me on. I tried to block out the pain and for brief periods I shut my eyes. Not sure why this helped but it seemed to help me focus on just running, rather than constantly eyeing the finish line. The 800, 400 and 200 metres to go signs seemed to drag the last mile out, but as I turned the corner into the final straight I gave it one final push and crossed the line in 1:35:24. I was exhausted and had to work hard just to keep walking down the finishing funnels. Removing the timing chip from around my ankle proved a real challenge but fortunately I didn’t cramp up or pull any more muscles.
I had mixed emotions at the end. My goal was a 1:25 half marathon and I hadn’t got anywhere near that. Anything over 1:30 was always going to be a disappointment and so it proved. However, there was some solace to be found in my performance. To be running with not one, but two injuries and in the heat was always going to be tough. Although I took no pleasure in my time, I couldn’t fault myself for effort. I’d given it everything on a day when things hadn’t gone well. Not only that but I managed my race well. In the past I would have pushed on regardless in pursuit of a fast time and paid for it dearly in the final stages. At the same time it would have been easy just to settle for finishing the race and ambled to the finish line. As it was I settled into a pace slower than usual but capable of producing a finishing time that maybe I’ll look back on with pride in years to come.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
24 hours from Tyne Bridge
Just one more day to the big event. My hamstring is feeling better, although it's obviously still not perfect. I've decided to run a race pace of somewhere between 6:30 and 7:00 minute miles. Its quite a broad target pace but I've got to go out and run how I feel and respond to what my body is telling me. If I go out intent on running 6:30s and my leg doesn't feel up to it then it could spell disaster. I need to run comfortably fast. I don't want to push it too much and get injured but at the same time I don't want to take it easy and finish with the feeling I could've done so much better.
Its always difficult to know exactly what you're capable of in a half or full marathon. When I set my half marathon best in 2003 I'd just about given up hope on cracking 1h 30m. My training hadn't been as good as I'd hoped and I gave myself a target mile pace of around 7:05, which is about 1h 33m. However, when I got into the race everything just fell into place. I zoomed along without really pushing it and finished in what was a then unbelievable 1:26:33. The following year my training went better and I was hopeful of improving on that time. The fact that my 4 month old son woke up 7 times during the night didn't help my performance on the day. I set out strong but never really felt comfortable and although I was on target all the way up to the 10 mile point it fell apart in the closing stages and I finished in 1:28:42.
I’ve prepared well this past week, been sensible with my injury, and eaten well. Lots of pasta and fruit and no sweets at all. I’ve also steered clear of both alcohol and caffeine for the month of September without too much trouble. Now there’s nothing left to do but pack my bag and get to the start line in plenty of time.
Its always difficult to know exactly what you're capable of in a half or full marathon. When I set my half marathon best in 2003 I'd just about given up hope on cracking 1h 30m. My training hadn't been as good as I'd hoped and I gave myself a target mile pace of around 7:05, which is about 1h 33m. However, when I got into the race everything just fell into place. I zoomed along without really pushing it and finished in what was a then unbelievable 1:26:33. The following year my training went better and I was hopeful of improving on that time. The fact that my 4 month old son woke up 7 times during the night didn't help my performance on the day. I set out strong but never really felt comfortable and although I was on target all the way up to the 10 mile point it fell apart in the closing stages and I finished in 1:28:42.
I’ve prepared well this past week, been sensible with my injury, and eaten well. Lots of pasta and fruit and no sweets at all. I’ve also steered clear of both alcohol and caffeine for the month of September without too much trouble. Now there’s nothing left to do but pack my bag and get to the start line in plenty of time.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Pace Dilemma
Barring a breakdown in the next few days I'll definitely be on the Great North Run start line on Sunday. However, I'm quite uncertain as to the pace I should run. I ran 3 miles on the track on Monday night again starting slowly and picking the pace up as I went on. After the first 2 laps I felt some discomfort in the hamstring and had to stop. A little bit of stretching and off I went again. This time it felt better and after a couple of slow laps I started to increase my speed. I ran lap 10 in 1:37, which is around my initial targeted race pace (6:30 per mile), before cooling down with a couple of slower laps. At the time I felt good and confident that I'd be in decent shape for the race. The next morning was a different story and I didn't feel all that great. There was no real pain in my leg but I just felt achey and uncomfortable. I decided to skip last night's run and take a rest. This morning I felt better again and when that 7 o' clock train zoomed into the station I had to sprint all out to catch it. It could have been a big mistake but my leg responded well and again no pain.
So now I vacillate between a 'slow, steady cautious' race pace and a 'what the hell, I'll go for a PB' pace. Hopefully after a couple more training runs I'll be able to make an informed decision. Lets just hope I get it right.
So now I vacillate between a 'slow, steady cautious' race pace and a 'what the hell, I'll go for a PB' pace. Hopefully after a couple more training runs I'll be able to make an informed decision. Lets just hope I get it right.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Injury update
After a week of ice, ibuprofen and stretching I returned to action on Sunday morning. The injury had been getting better day by day and I felt confident enough to go for a gentle jog at the track. I ran 8 laps starting out around 9 min/mile pace and picking it up slowly with the last 2 laps at around 7 min/mile pace. There was no real pain to speak of but just a slight feeling in the affected area to remind me it was there. I plan another couple of gentle runs on Monday and Tuesday this week, before stepping it up on Wednesday with a 5 miler at about 7 min/mile pace and then a 6 miler on Thursday with 2 miles at about race pace (6:30 per mile).
This week is about preparing myself both physically and mentally for the big race on Sunday. The injury has forced me to modify my plans but hopefully not lower my targets. Providing I take care of myself this week and don't suffer any recurrence of the injury I feel confident of posting a strong time in the race.
This week is about preparing myself both physically and mentally for the big race on Sunday. The injury has forced me to modify my plans but hopefully not lower my targets. Providing I take care of myself this week and don't suffer any recurrence of the injury I feel confident of posting a strong time in the race.
Monday, September 18, 2006
The Seaton Sluice Sniper
Two weeks to the big race and this happens! Just over 4 miles into a 13 miler, running back up through Seaton Sluice and out of nowhere a sharp pain shoots into the muscle just above the back of my knee. It feels like I've been shot, well maybe not that bad, but I have to stop immediately. This run is over, but more importantly participation in the Great North Run is in doubt. It takes a few moments but then I realize I'm 4 miles from home and it hurts to walk. I start the long walk hobble home contemplating missing the event that I’ve been training for over the last 6 months. My one piece of good luck arrives in the form of my friend’s dad who drives by minutes later and offers me a ride home.
When I get home I do the only thing I know and that’s to slap some ice on the affected area and take some Ibuprofen. I’m trying to stay positive and hope that a week to ten days of rest will cure the problem. It’s vital I stay positive and do everything I can to make it to the start line in good health. I’m convinced that any training I would have done in the next week would only be fine tuning and the hard work will pay off come race day … as long as this injury goes away in time. Maybe the enforced layoff will even leave me fresher than ever come race day. Here’s hoping anyway.
The previous two weeks training had gone quite well. Last Sunday I ran 11+ miles at less than 7 min / mile pace. Given that it was a late night run and I had spent all day chasing after the kids I was quite pleased with my performance. Then on Tuesday Dave and I finally went along to the local running club (North Shields Poly) and joined a session. In the long term I think it’s important to join a club if I’m going to improve further. It’s also a good idea to have others to work with when the long winter nights draw in and going running by yourself in the wind and rain is about as appetising as chewing you own ear off. Things were all just falling into place when this damn injury struck. Still, must stay positive. It WILL be better come race day.
When I get home I do the only thing I know and that’s to slap some ice on the affected area and take some Ibuprofen. I’m trying to stay positive and hope that a week to ten days of rest will cure the problem. It’s vital I stay positive and do everything I can to make it to the start line in good health. I’m convinced that any training I would have done in the next week would only be fine tuning and the hard work will pay off come race day … as long as this injury goes away in time. Maybe the enforced layoff will even leave me fresher than ever come race day. Here’s hoping anyway.
The previous two weeks training had gone quite well. Last Sunday I ran 11+ miles at less than 7 min / mile pace. Given that it was a late night run and I had spent all day chasing after the kids I was quite pleased with my performance. Then on Tuesday Dave and I finally went along to the local running club (North Shields Poly) and joined a session. In the long term I think it’s important to join a club if I’m going to improve further. It’s also a good idea to have others to work with when the long winter nights draw in and going running by yourself in the wind and rain is about as appetising as chewing you own ear off. Things were all just falling into place when this damn injury struck. Still, must stay positive. It WILL be better come race day.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Nice views, shame about the hills
Kielder 10k - 41:46
I ran the Kielder 10k today and got some pretty decent hillwork into the bargain. Before the event I'd consider using my 3 stage goal targets. However, because I'd heard the race was hilly I didn't want to set myself targets that would be blown away as soon as I saw the course. That turned out to be a good move because although I put a lot of effort into the run the constant undulations meant that I finished a good 3 minutes out side my 10k PB.
It was quite a small field and I was determined not to get carried away in the opening stages. The race started and I ran what felt like a comfortable pace. I didn't feel as if I was pushing it even though I was cruising along in 2nd place (some way behind the leader already). I checked my watch at the 1km marker and was dismayed to see 3:33. That's 35 min pace and way inside any realistic target. Too fast at the start again. I slowed down and was passed by a North Shields Poly athlete as I ran 4:02 for the next km. If I thought I'd settled into a steady pace I was wrong. The next kilometer was an absolute killer. I barely struggled inside 5 minutes and two more runners passed me on the way. As the other competitors went by me I didn't even try to hang on to them. My 10 week schedule included a 10k for today with a precautionary note of "not flat out". I perhaps used this as an excuse at times during the race when the going got particularly tough.
From there on in it was pretty lonely. On the long straight stretches I could see a couple of the lads up ahead without any real hope (or intention) of catching up to them. For the next 5k I churned out splits of between 4:00 and 4:30 depending on the topography. The early part of the race took in some nice views of the reservoir and then turned in to the forest. It was a pleasant course through the trees with the occasional stream gushing by. Unfortunately my aching leg muscles were commanding most of my attention.
The joy of seeing the 9km marker was briefly washed away by yet another uphill stretch. Happily this was followed by a long downhill towards the finish. As ever I summoned the strength for a fast finish (did I take it too easy during the middle part?) and ran a 3:38 for the last kilometre finishing 5th in 41:46. Terry and the kids were waiting at the finish for me which made it all the better. Elen bounded toward me at the end and was soon asking when she could run a race. The energy she has makes me think she's almost ready to make her debut!
There's a 10 miler in Hexham next week and although I haven't entered I'm considering making myself a late entry. It should be a good event to prime me for the GNR 3 weeks later.
I ran the Kielder 10k today and got some pretty decent hillwork into the bargain. Before the event I'd consider using my 3 stage goal targets. However, because I'd heard the race was hilly I didn't want to set myself targets that would be blown away as soon as I saw the course. That turned out to be a good move because although I put a lot of effort into the run the constant undulations meant that I finished a good 3 minutes out side my 10k PB.
It was quite a small field and I was determined not to get carried away in the opening stages. The race started and I ran what felt like a comfortable pace. I didn't feel as if I was pushing it even though I was cruising along in 2nd place (some way behind the leader already). I checked my watch at the 1km marker and was dismayed to see 3:33. That's 35 min pace and way inside any realistic target. Too fast at the start again. I slowed down and was passed by a North Shields Poly athlete as I ran 4:02 for the next km. If I thought I'd settled into a steady pace I was wrong. The next kilometer was an absolute killer. I barely struggled inside 5 minutes and two more runners passed me on the way. As the other competitors went by me I didn't even try to hang on to them. My 10 week schedule included a 10k for today with a precautionary note of "not flat out". I perhaps used this as an excuse at times during the race when the going got particularly tough.
From there on in it was pretty lonely. On the long straight stretches I could see a couple of the lads up ahead without any real hope (or intention) of catching up to them. For the next 5k I churned out splits of between 4:00 and 4:30 depending on the topography. The early part of the race took in some nice views of the reservoir and then turned in to the forest. It was a pleasant course through the trees with the occasional stream gushing by. Unfortunately my aching leg muscles were commanding most of my attention.
The joy of seeing the 9km marker was briefly washed away by yet another uphill stretch. Happily this was followed by a long downhill towards the finish. As ever I summoned the strength for a fast finish (did I take it too easy during the middle part?) and ran a 3:38 for the last kilometre finishing 5th in 41:46. Terry and the kids were waiting at the finish for me which made it all the better. Elen bounded toward me at the end and was soon asking when she could run a race. The energy she has makes me think she's almost ready to make her debut!
There's a 10 miler in Hexham next week and although I haven't entered I'm considering making myself a late entry. It should be a good event to prime me for the GNR 3 weeks later.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Halfway there
Just over halfway into the 10 week plan. Things are going reasonably well although 1h 25m still looks like a pretty stiff target.
I switched my focus from the full marathon to the half because the training left me feeling drained and my runs were becoming one paced. During the first week of the new schedule I found it difficult to inject a bit of speed into my running. However, a session on the track soon solved that. It was just a short session but 3 x 1200m at 6 minute mile pace did wonders for my whole training plan.
Its hard to tell if a 1h 25m GNR is possible at the moment, but a couple of very good fast paced runs have given cause for optimism. Last week I ran a 5k in Newcastle's Exhibition Park. Using my 3 stage goal-setting plan I set myself the targets of
1) a new PB - (18m 57s)
2) sub 6 minute miling
3) sub 18 mins
It poured down with rain but there was very little wind so conditions were good for running. The field was stacked with good club runners and I got sucked into going off to fast at the gun. I battled hard to keep going but my pace slowed during the middle part of the race. I misjudged my surge for home and went off too quickly crossing the line eventually in 18m 18s, averaging 5:53 per mile. Overall quite pleased with my effort and achieving 2 of the 3 goals I'd set. Although sub 18 mins was a difficult target I think I could have got close to it with a more evenly paced run. In some ways I found the 5k a more difficult event than the half-marathon. With the longer event you sort of settle into a pace and try to maintain it, whereas in the 5k I just tried to push it all the way round. Given that its only the second time I've run in a race of this distance perhaps I'll find it easier with a bit more experience.
I switched my focus from the full marathon to the half because the training left me feeling drained and my runs were becoming one paced. During the first week of the new schedule I found it difficult to inject a bit of speed into my running. However, a session on the track soon solved that. It was just a short session but 3 x 1200m at 6 minute mile pace did wonders for my whole training plan.
Its hard to tell if a 1h 25m GNR is possible at the moment, but a couple of very good fast paced runs have given cause for optimism. Last week I ran a 5k in Newcastle's Exhibition Park. Using my 3 stage goal-setting plan I set myself the targets of
1) a new PB - (18m 57s)
2) sub 6 minute miling
3) sub 18 mins
It poured down with rain but there was very little wind so conditions were good for running. The field was stacked with good club runners and I got sucked into going off to fast at the gun. I battled hard to keep going but my pace slowed during the middle part of the race. I misjudged my surge for home and went off too quickly crossing the line eventually in 18m 18s, averaging 5:53 per mile. Overall quite pleased with my effort and achieving 2 of the 3 goals I'd set. Although sub 18 mins was a difficult target I think I could have got close to it with a more evenly paced run. In some ways I found the 5k a more difficult event than the half-marathon. With the longer event you sort of settle into a pace and try to maintain it, whereas in the 5k I just tried to push it all the way round. Given that its only the second time I've run in a race of this distance perhaps I'll find it easier with a bit more experience.
Friday, July 14, 2006
A shift in focus
In the previous entry I gave myself two weeks to decide whether to commit to the Robin Hood marathon in September. In reality it took less than a week to decide the race is not for me, not this year anyway. After running 49 miles in a week and a 16 mile long run I was suffering from burn out. The following week every run seemed like a chore and no matter what distance I ran it was a struggle even to maintain a 7:30 min/mile pace. The schedule called for 18 and 20 mile long runs in the following weeks and I just didn't have the energy to achieve this. I could keep training and run the race but hopes of a sub 3 hour time are just impossible dreams. I feel deep down it makes sense to target a fast Great North Run in October and shift my marathon focus to an event (hopefully London) next spring.
Its important to take some lessons from the last 6 weeks on the marathon training plan. 3 hours is a stiff target and I just didn't have the training base in which to maintain training at this level. I also ran most of my runs in a very narrow range in terms of pace. The tempo sessions were too slow and the long runs too fast. I never really put my faith in the schedule pacing guide and ultimately I think my long runs were taking too much out of me. Let's face it the World Cup and frequently watching matches with 2 or 3 pints of beer can't have helped my progress either. I need to maintain a healthy balanced diet and make sure that I get enough sleep during the week. Marathon training puts quite a strain on the body and I have to make sure that I take care of myself to achieve my targets.
A very relaxing family break in Wales in mid July helped me to recuperate and then it was straight back into the running. With 10 weeks until the Great North Run it made sense to follow Runners World's 10-week sub-1:25 half-marathon schedule by Bruce Tulloh. This plan puts an emphasis on fast-paced running and I'll have to work hard to make sure I can keep up the pace. At the same time I also have to understand that easy runs should be easy, and a time to recover from the harder workouts. 1 hour 25 minutes is another stiff target to set myself, but I think its best to aim high with a series of stepped targets beneath that. I'd be very pleased to set a new personal best in the GNR (1:26:33) and failing that my next target would to beat my 2004 time of 1:28:42. Bottom of the pile would be to rack up my 3rd consecutive sub 1:30 half marathon.
Its important to take some lessons from the last 6 weeks on the marathon training plan. 3 hours is a stiff target and I just didn't have the training base in which to maintain training at this level. I also ran most of my runs in a very narrow range in terms of pace. The tempo sessions were too slow and the long runs too fast. I never really put my faith in the schedule pacing guide and ultimately I think my long runs were taking too much out of me. Let's face it the World Cup and frequently watching matches with 2 or 3 pints of beer can't have helped my progress either. I need to maintain a healthy balanced diet and make sure that I get enough sleep during the week. Marathon training puts quite a strain on the body and I have to make sure that I take care of myself to achieve my targets.
A very relaxing family break in Wales in mid July helped me to recuperate and then it was straight back into the running. With 10 weeks until the Great North Run it made sense to follow Runners World's 10-week sub-1:25 half-marathon schedule by Bruce Tulloh. This plan puts an emphasis on fast-paced running and I'll have to work hard to make sure I can keep up the pace. At the same time I also have to understand that easy runs should be easy, and a time to recover from the harder workouts. 1 hour 25 minutes is another stiff target to set myself, but I think its best to aim high with a series of stepped targets beneath that. I'd be very pleased to set a new personal best in the GNR (1:26:33) and failing that my next target would to beat my 2004 time of 1:28:42. Bottom of the pile would be to rack up my 3rd consecutive sub 1:30 half marathon.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Off the pace
I rounded off my last blog entry with "Things are looking good at this point". Unfortunately two weeks later I can't really say the same thing. Last week was supposed to be an easier week, but I took this to the extreme. After running Monday and Tuesday I was exhausted on Wednesday and skipped a run. Thursday's planned run went out the window when the wife didn't get home from work until nigh on 9pm. Its not always easy to fit in time to run when you've got two young children. It was Terry's birthday on Friday and I took her away to the Lake District for the weekend. As the schedule proposed a 10k race on Sunday and I'd already completed the Blaydon Race two weeks earlier I decided this wouldn't harm my training all that much. In any case it was quite an active weekend with a 10 mile fell walk through the low clouds on Saturday.
I wasn't too concerned. It seemed a good time for recuperation and as long as I picked up the distance the following week then I'd be right back on track. An easy run on Monday was followed by a fast run home on Tuesday (9 miles, 1:02:17). Again Wednesday night proved difficult, falling asleep on the sofa at 6:30pm convinced me to skip the run. However, I managed to make this session up the next morning with a very slow 7 miles. Saturday was the day of England's (ultimately disappointing) World Cup quarter final. Terry went into work in the morning and I planned to run when she got home and before the match started. Unfortunately I was laying turf in the back garden and by the time I'd finished the lads were almost kicking off. Another run went by the wayside.
Sunday's run was crucial. A 16 miler that would take me up to a respectable 36 miles for the week. Heading out the door at 9am the sun was already beating down. I resolved to slow down my long runs as suggested in the schedule to between 7:15 and 7:30 mile pace. I started reasonably well, constantly around the 7:15 mark. After mile 6 things started to slow and by mile 10 7:30s were a struggle. It was getting really tough, but for the next 4 miles I managed to maintain a pace between 7:30 and 7:40. The hand held feed bottle I'd bought earlier in the week came in very handy, and even though it only holds 250ml, the slurps of Lucozade Sport were like gold dust in the latter stages. The final two miles were a real killer. The weather was very hot and I was running on empty. Mile 15 was run in 8:06 and I dreaded that final mile up the hill on Marine Avenue. I dug deep into my energy reserves and picked up the pace slightly to record an 8:01. I've rarely been so happy to finish a training run, coming home in 2:01:12 - 7:34 per mile pace.
I'm reaching the point where I really have to decide if I'm going to run Nottingham this year. Part of me thinks its too early to attempt a sub 3-hour marathon. Another part of me doesn't want to give up on it yet. I could lower my target and run the marathon anyway, but the whole point of completing this race was too guarantee a good for age place in next year's London Marathon. If I don't feel up to a sub-3 marathon maybe I should just concentrate on a PB in the Great North Run in October. I'll see how things go in the next couple of weeks. With scheduled long runs of 18 and 20 miles I'll get a good idea of what kind of shape I'm really in. Decision day has to be 16th July.
I wasn't too concerned. It seemed a good time for recuperation and as long as I picked up the distance the following week then I'd be right back on track. An easy run on Monday was followed by a fast run home on Tuesday (9 miles, 1:02:17). Again Wednesday night proved difficult, falling asleep on the sofa at 6:30pm convinced me to skip the run. However, I managed to make this session up the next morning with a very slow 7 miles. Saturday was the day of England's (ultimately disappointing) World Cup quarter final. Terry went into work in the morning and I planned to run when she got home and before the match started. Unfortunately I was laying turf in the back garden and by the time I'd finished the lads were almost kicking off. Another run went by the wayside.
Sunday's run was crucial. A 16 miler that would take me up to a respectable 36 miles for the week. Heading out the door at 9am the sun was already beating down. I resolved to slow down my long runs as suggested in the schedule to between 7:15 and 7:30 mile pace. I started reasonably well, constantly around the 7:15 mark. After mile 6 things started to slow and by mile 10 7:30s were a struggle. It was getting really tough, but for the next 4 miles I managed to maintain a pace between 7:30 and 7:40. The hand held feed bottle I'd bought earlier in the week came in very handy, and even though it only holds 250ml, the slurps of Lucozade Sport were like gold dust in the latter stages. The final two miles were a real killer. The weather was very hot and I was running on empty. Mile 15 was run in 8:06 and I dreaded that final mile up the hill on Marine Avenue. I dug deep into my energy reserves and picked up the pace slightly to record an 8:01. I've rarely been so happy to finish a training run, coming home in 2:01:12 - 7:34 per mile pace.
I'm reaching the point where I really have to decide if I'm going to run Nottingham this year. Part of me thinks its too early to attempt a sub 3-hour marathon. Another part of me doesn't want to give up on it yet. I could lower my target and run the marathon anyway, but the whole point of completing this race was too guarantee a good for age place in next year's London Marathon. If I don't feel up to a sub-3 marathon maybe I should just concentrate on a PB in the Great North Run in October. I'll see how things go in the next couple of weeks. With scheduled long runs of 18 and 20 miles I'll get a good idea of what kind of shape I'm really in. Decision day has to be 16th July.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Blazing Blaydon
My training has really taken off in the last couple of weeks, including a first competitive outing of the season at the Blaydon Race. As the song goes "I went to Blaydon Races, twas on the 9th June", which also happened to be the start of the World Cup. With the sun blazing I headed to the Crow's Nest to watch the first half of Germany v Costa Rica before heading doon the Bigg Market for the race. We don't get much hot weather in these parts so I'm reluctant to complain about it, but it didn't half make the race difficult.
I had set myself two targets, the first was to beat last year's time of 36:37 and the second was my PB for the race of 35:27. I knew that a PB was going to take a pretty special performance and these hopes all but disappeared with the hot weather on the night. With the evening sun beating down on my bald head I was never going to be able to maintain the required pace of 6:10 for the entire 5.73 miles.
It's a popular event and the first mile was the usual zigzagging through the crowds of runners and occasionally mounting the pavement. I clocked the first mile at 6:30, and then as the runners thinned out I hit a 6:10 for mile 2 followed by a 5:58 along the flat, straight stretch of Scotswood Road. It was at this point I started to feel the heat. We were running directly into the sun and negative thoughts started to enter my head, including "You're thinking of running a marathon later in the year? Are you crazy?". I battled hard to maintain my pace but mile 4 slipped to a 6:30 and mile 5 an even slower 6:37.
I knew the PB was long gone but hadn't bothered to calculate whether I was on target to beat last year's time. I just dug deep and pushed as hard as I could for the last three quarters of a mile. I was helped through this by another runner going about the same pace as I was. First I passed him, and then he came back and passed me. This continued right to the end of the race and it helped me to a time of 36:08. I spoke with the lad at the finish and we bemoaned the weather conditions. He then professed that perhaps he shouldn't have run so hard given that he was entered in a marathon the following day! Better him than me.
Can't say I enjoyed the race as much as usual, it was such a struggle to maintain my pace in the conditions. However, after the race I took satisfaction in my performance and already looking forward to next year. Reflecting on the race, I really need to work on my mental toughness. Often during races I let the pace slip during the middle to latter stages, but am still able to put on a spurt in the last mile. I need to work on maintaining my pace even when the going gets tough.
I gave myself a day off the following day, but returned to training on the Sunday clocking a 1:20:44 for 11.35 miles (7:07 per mile) in my long run. This past week I’ve managed to fit in plenty of World Cup watching with my training and ran a total of 49 miles across 6 runs. I rounded the week off on Sunday with a run of 13.35 miles in 1:35:15, an average pace of 7:08 per mile. Very pleased with this performance given the weather was warm again and I’d had a few bottles of beer watching the football on Saturday night. Things are looking good at this point.
I had set myself two targets, the first was to beat last year's time of 36:37 and the second was my PB for the race of 35:27. I knew that a PB was going to take a pretty special performance and these hopes all but disappeared with the hot weather on the night. With the evening sun beating down on my bald head I was never going to be able to maintain the required pace of 6:10 for the entire 5.73 miles.
It's a popular event and the first mile was the usual zigzagging through the crowds of runners and occasionally mounting the pavement. I clocked the first mile at 6:30, and then as the runners thinned out I hit a 6:10 for mile 2 followed by a 5:58 along the flat, straight stretch of Scotswood Road. It was at this point I started to feel the heat. We were running directly into the sun and negative thoughts started to enter my head, including "You're thinking of running a marathon later in the year? Are you crazy?". I battled hard to maintain my pace but mile 4 slipped to a 6:30 and mile 5 an even slower 6:37.
I knew the PB was long gone but hadn't bothered to calculate whether I was on target to beat last year's time. I just dug deep and pushed as hard as I could for the last three quarters of a mile. I was helped through this by another runner going about the same pace as I was. First I passed him, and then he came back and passed me. This continued right to the end of the race and it helped me to a time of 36:08. I spoke with the lad at the finish and we bemoaned the weather conditions. He then professed that perhaps he shouldn't have run so hard given that he was entered in a marathon the following day! Better him than me.
Can't say I enjoyed the race as much as usual, it was such a struggle to maintain my pace in the conditions. However, after the race I took satisfaction in my performance and already looking forward to next year. Reflecting on the race, I really need to work on my mental toughness. Often during races I let the pace slip during the middle to latter stages, but am still able to put on a spurt in the last mile. I need to work on maintaining my pace even when the going gets tough.
I gave myself a day off the following day, but returned to training on the Sunday clocking a 1:20:44 for 11.35 miles (7:07 per mile) in my long run. This past week I’ve managed to fit in plenty of World Cup watching with my training and ran a total of 49 miles across 6 runs. I rounded the week off on Sunday with a run of 13.35 miles in 1:35:15, an average pace of 7:08 per mile. Very pleased with this performance given the weather was warm again and I’d had a few bottles of beer watching the football on Saturday night. Things are looking good at this point.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
The trouble with running schedules ...
... is that they often don't fit in with your life schedule. With the Robin Hood Marathon in mind, I began the runners world 15-week marathon training plan. Now an immediate problem is that it calls for a 10k race in week 4, while I already have the Blaydon Race scheduled in for week 2. Alright, so I don't have to stick to the schedule religiously and can switch things like this around. The real problem is trying to fit everything in around the wife, the kids, the social life and most importantly over the next month or so the World Cup!
Things started well last week. I ran 4 times in 5 days from Monday to Friday, mixing things up with slower paced running and tempo runs. Then came the weekend. As preparation for the Blaydon race I wanted to do some six minute miling speed work. I headed to the track only to find it swarmed with some junior running club. Unperturbed I ran on down to the sea front to a spot where I could do my mile intervals. It was 2:00pm and perhaps the hottest day of the year so far. Needless to say things were tough. The first 2 of the 4 intervals went to plan (5:59 and 6:02), the third was a little slower (6:15) and the last was painful (6:35). After that I headed home to watch England demolish Jamaica 6-0 and then on to the Monkseaton Arms FC end of season night out. I picked up the Player of the Year award, with Colin Dougal deservedly voted Player's Player of the Year and Tatey the Top Goalscorer. After this we moved on up to the Quayside in Newcastle, where beer prices are extortionate and cleavage is always on show. I had a good night out, didn't go crazy and got myself home to bed around midnight.
I awoke on Sunday with a very minor hangover but very, very tired and decided to postpone the scheduled 10 mile run until later in the day. As the day wore on the more tired I became. I had every intention of running after the kids were safely tucked up in bed, but by the time 7:30pm came around I could keep my eyes open. Skipping one session a week might not do too much harm but when its the week's scheduled long run that's a recipe for disaster. Hopefully, this will be my first and last missed long run on the road to Nottingham.
One thing I've found useful in trying to fit in scheduled runs is to vary the time of day I go out. Running home from work has proved invaluable. Last Friday I tried another option, running during my lunch hour. There aren't any showers at work, but I planned a short, easy session and hoped a quick towel down afterwards and a splash of deodorant would disguise any lasting odours. I ran about 4 miles amongst the cows on Newcastle's Town Moor. There are a number of paths and I weaved around these until I came to a dead end. Not wanting to backtrack the way I came I headed off over the grass next to the fence and bounded along through the grass. That was until my feet became submerged in a swamp. Just a few feet earlier it had been firm ground but all of a sudden I was up to my ankles in mud, and by the smell of it an ample helping of cow turd. I clambered desperately over to the safety of the path but by then it was too late, my shoes were caked in mud, ditto for my socks and the back of my legs splattered as well. I headed back to work and spent the next half hour in the bathroom trying to wash myself down in the basin, threw my socks in the bin and tied my rampant shoes in a plastic bag before hiding them in the store cupboard until it was time to go home. I think we'll put that one down to experience.
Things started well last week. I ran 4 times in 5 days from Monday to Friday, mixing things up with slower paced running and tempo runs. Then came the weekend. As preparation for the Blaydon race I wanted to do some six minute miling speed work. I headed to the track only to find it swarmed with some junior running club. Unperturbed I ran on down to the sea front to a spot where I could do my mile intervals. It was 2:00pm and perhaps the hottest day of the year so far. Needless to say things were tough. The first 2 of the 4 intervals went to plan (5:59 and 6:02), the third was a little slower (6:15) and the last was painful (6:35). After that I headed home to watch England demolish Jamaica 6-0 and then on to the Monkseaton Arms FC end of season night out. I picked up the Player of the Year award, with Colin Dougal deservedly voted Player's Player of the Year and Tatey the Top Goalscorer. After this we moved on up to the Quayside in Newcastle, where beer prices are extortionate and cleavage is always on show. I had a good night out, didn't go crazy and got myself home to bed around midnight.
I awoke on Sunday with a very minor hangover but very, very tired and decided to postpone the scheduled 10 mile run until later in the day. As the day wore on the more tired I became. I had every intention of running after the kids were safely tucked up in bed, but by the time 7:30pm came around I could keep my eyes open. Skipping one session a week might not do too much harm but when its the week's scheduled long run that's a recipe for disaster. Hopefully, this will be my first and last missed long run on the road to Nottingham.
One thing I've found useful in trying to fit in scheduled runs is to vary the time of day I go out. Running home from work has proved invaluable. Last Friday I tried another option, running during my lunch hour. There aren't any showers at work, but I planned a short, easy session and hoped a quick towel down afterwards and a splash of deodorant would disguise any lasting odours. I ran about 4 miles amongst the cows on Newcastle's Town Moor. There are a number of paths and I weaved around these until I came to a dead end. Not wanting to backtrack the way I came I headed off over the grass next to the fence and bounded along through the grass. That was until my feet became submerged in a swamp. Just a few feet earlier it had been firm ground but all of a sudden I was up to my ankles in mud, and by the smell of it an ample helping of cow turd. I clambered desperately over to the safety of the path but by then it was too late, my shoes were caked in mud, ditto for my socks and the back of my legs splattered as well. I headed back to work and spent the next half hour in the bathroom trying to wash myself down in the basin, threw my socks in the bin and tied my rampant shoes in a plastic bag before hiding them in the store cupboard until it was time to go home. I think we'll put that one down to experience.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Over and out
It started with a goal in 2-1 defeat away to Valley Gardens Middle School back in September 1983. On Sunday, 23 years on, it all came to an end with another goal as we went down 4-2 to Choppington Bomar at the Foxhunters field in Whitley Bay. In all honesty I shouldn't have played. My groin injury has all but disappeared but there are still a few worrying twinges now and again. For us the game was meaningless, but for the opposition only a win would suffice if they were to clinch the league championship. If ever I needed convincing that it was time to retire then the first half provided the goods. A frustrating 45 minutes played in a howling gale on an awful pitch with a poor referee. We'd been no worse than the opposition but somehow had gifted them a three goal lead. Things got better in the second period and Mason pulled one back with a great strike from the edge of the penalty box. The Bomar started to look nervous, but a goalkeeping howler restored their three goal advantage. As the game wore on we started to play some decent football and I was desperate to get on the scoresheet one last time. Then as we entered the last ten minutes the ball was played up to Tate, who nodded it in the air and lined up a volley. However, before he could get himself into position I swooped in taking the ball off his toe. The defence were left standing and I advanced into the box before smashing the ball past the helpless keeper. The champions elect began to look edgy again. Things could have got even more interesting a couple of minutes later but after jinking past two defenders my shot went high and wide. And that was that, Choppington lifted the league title and my football career came to an end. After rejecting a couple of efforts to make me change my mind on retirement I headed home to prepare for the start of a 15-week training plan that will hopefully culminate in a sub-3 hour marathon in Nottingham on the 10th September. Injuries not withstanding I'm optimistic of success but only time will tell. It’s going to be an interesting summer.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Mixed month of May
It’s been a bit of a strange month so far, packed with ups and downs including this blog disappearing for a few weeks. My groin injury kept me out of action for a week. I was immediately back into it the following week, running on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. This included a new 7.5 mile route up through the path by Whitley Bay Golf Club and on into Holywell Dene. A great route away from traffic although there was almost an incident when a mother cow and her calf blocked my path. I followed this up the next night running home from Benton for another 7 miles. No reaction from the injury although I seemed to have noticeably slowed my average pace. For some reason I didn't run again that week but rounded it off with a goal in our 2-0 win over the Cullercoats Piper.
Last week was poor on the running front with just one run. This was a rain soaked effort home from Benton, squelching home in around 7:30 min per mile pace. A combination of events kept me from running again not least the Champions League final and the impending arrival of my in-laws from Maine. Back in action on the Sunday we visited South Beach attempting to deny them promotion. Things didn't look good when we kicked off with only 10 men and then went a goal behind in the opening five minutes. We may have been a man short for most of the half but the lads played some decent stuff and I rather fortuitously equalised just before half time. A shot from 35 yards headed straight to the keeper who generously let it slip through his grasp and into the net. Then as half time approached I felt a sharp twinge in my groin. The injury was back. It hadn't gone completely but I immediately knew that if I tried to sprint or even jump it would go. We had eleven players by this point but still no substitute, so I had to soldier on and played the second half almost as a passenger. I jogged around half-heartedly trying to give as much as I could without injuring myself any further. It was rather a difficult experience with the natural urge being to play to my full capacity. Although we lost 4-2 I just about managed to make it through the game without further problems even though a couple of goalscoring chances were almost too difficult to resist. Now the big question is whether I should play in my last ever game this Sunday. It’s a meaningless end of season match for us and the Blaydon Race is just two weeks away. Common sense would dictate that I don't risk it, but since when have I had any common sense? Just three days after the injury and it seems to have calmed down. The urge is there to play and I must admit I'll find it hard to resist pulling the shirt on just one more time.
Last week was poor on the running front with just one run. This was a rain soaked effort home from Benton, squelching home in around 7:30 min per mile pace. A combination of events kept me from running again not least the Champions League final and the impending arrival of my in-laws from Maine. Back in action on the Sunday we visited South Beach attempting to deny them promotion. Things didn't look good when we kicked off with only 10 men and then went a goal behind in the opening five minutes. We may have been a man short for most of the half but the lads played some decent stuff and I rather fortuitously equalised just before half time. A shot from 35 yards headed straight to the keeper who generously let it slip through his grasp and into the net. Then as half time approached I felt a sharp twinge in my groin. The injury was back. It hadn't gone completely but I immediately knew that if I tried to sprint or even jump it would go. We had eleven players by this point but still no substitute, so I had to soldier on and played the second half almost as a passenger. I jogged around half-heartedly trying to give as much as I could without injuring myself any further. It was rather a difficult experience with the natural urge being to play to my full capacity. Although we lost 4-2 I just about managed to make it through the game without further problems even though a couple of goalscoring chances were almost too difficult to resist. Now the big question is whether I should play in my last ever game this Sunday. It’s a meaningless end of season match for us and the Blaydon Race is just two weeks away. Common sense would dictate that I don't risk it, but since when have I had any common sense? Just three days after the injury and it seems to have calmed down. The urge is there to play and I must admit I'll find it hard to resist pulling the shirt on just one more time.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
A 48 hours from hell
It just had to come, things were going too smoothly. I was running well, increasing mileage, maintaining my speed and introducing new routes into the schedule. On the football front we were still in the promotion hunt and in a cup semi final. Then out of nowhere an injury gatecrashes the party and things take a dive. The week had begun well. I usually give myself the day off after a match to let my muscles recover. However, I was feeling good and decided to get some extra miles in early in the week. On the way home I took the train to Palmersville and then ran up through Killingworth Village and Backworth. It worked out at just under seven miles and although the pace was slower than normal it was a decent workout. The following night I ran the whole way home and for the second week in a row averaged less than seven minute miles (62:22).
I felt great after the run but the following night we had football training and I was lethargic. I made it through the session with the minimum of effort and decided to rest on Thursday and Friday ahead of our upcoming games that would define our season. As it turns out I missed my scheduled run on Saturday as well and should have been well rested for Sunday’s promotion clash against the Earsdon Red Lion. As I warmed up I felt some tightness in my left groin muscle. Not sure what had brought this on I tried to stretch out as well as possible. Then I got up and kicked the ball with my right foot. “Ow!” a pain shot through my right ankle. The ball came back to me and I kicked it with my left foot and the same pain shot through my left ankle. Maybe my body was trying to tell me this season is the right time to hang up the boots after all.
Anyway, the game kicked off the pains subsided. We didn’t play particularly well, but then neither did the opposition. We gifted them a goal after about fifteen minutes and then they proceeded to present us with chance after chance to equalise. It took the gilt-edged chances but we eventually levelled it up five minutes before half time with a goal from Tatey. Then with half time approaching I picked the ball up in midfield and ran past two defenders. As it turned past the second one a shooting pain went through my groin. It had gone and the pain was pretty bad. The immediate problem was that I was still standing up and in possession of the ball. I looked to lay it off but no-one was available and eventually decided on a shot which turned out to be pathetically weak. I went down for a few seconds but against my better judgement got up and tried to last the two minutes until half time. Moments later we were defending a corner and the ball came to me on the edge of the six-yard box. I swung my leg to clear the ball, and my groin screamed with pain as I completely missed the ball. Fortunately the ref blew for half time and I hobbled off the pitch. The game was over for me and soon after the restart it was over for the rest of the lads as well. Two sloppy goals gave the Red Lion a 3-1 lead. Our promotion hopes were in need of an unlikely three goal comeback and it never looked likely. Craig Blackburn pulled one back from the penalty spot but that was all we could manage. The Red Lion had been poor and if we’d played well it should’ve been an easy three points.
I’ve never had a groin strain before but I can tell you it was pretty painful on Sunday afternoon. The pain subsided by Tuesday but every time I tried to bound up the stairs or jog across the road it came back reminding me I was out of action for a while. I’ve no idea how long it will take to recover but I’d like to play again this season and my first race is pencilled in for 24th May. Meanwhile, two days after the Red Lion defeat the rest of the lads were faced with keeping our season alive in the cup semi final against Choppington Bomar. Although we’d beaten the Bomar 6-3 back in September they are undoubtedly the best team in the division. And with a squad depleted by injuries we never really stood a chance. I stood and watched from the sidelines as we got tonked 5-1. The subs bench was pretty thin and even some of the lads who were playing were carrying injuries. So all in all, not a good 48 hours for any of us. Struck down with an injury that I don’t know how long will take to recover, promotion dreams out the window and then dumped out of the cup. What was that song the played when Tony Blair won the lection in 1997 … “Things can only get better”. Let’s bloody hope so. Stay positive.
I felt great after the run but the following night we had football training and I was lethargic. I made it through the session with the minimum of effort and decided to rest on Thursday and Friday ahead of our upcoming games that would define our season. As it turns out I missed my scheduled run on Saturday as well and should have been well rested for Sunday’s promotion clash against the Earsdon Red Lion. As I warmed up I felt some tightness in my left groin muscle. Not sure what had brought this on I tried to stretch out as well as possible. Then I got up and kicked the ball with my right foot. “Ow!” a pain shot through my right ankle. The ball came back to me and I kicked it with my left foot and the same pain shot through my left ankle. Maybe my body was trying to tell me this season is the right time to hang up the boots after all.
Anyway, the game kicked off the pains subsided. We didn’t play particularly well, but then neither did the opposition. We gifted them a goal after about fifteen minutes and then they proceeded to present us with chance after chance to equalise. It took the gilt-edged chances but we eventually levelled it up five minutes before half time with a goal from Tatey. Then with half time approaching I picked the ball up in midfield and ran past two defenders. As it turned past the second one a shooting pain went through my groin. It had gone and the pain was pretty bad. The immediate problem was that I was still standing up and in possession of the ball. I looked to lay it off but no-one was available and eventually decided on a shot which turned out to be pathetically weak. I went down for a few seconds but against my better judgement got up and tried to last the two minutes until half time. Moments later we were defending a corner and the ball came to me on the edge of the six-yard box. I swung my leg to clear the ball, and my groin screamed with pain as I completely missed the ball. Fortunately the ref blew for half time and I hobbled off the pitch. The game was over for me and soon after the restart it was over for the rest of the lads as well. Two sloppy goals gave the Red Lion a 3-1 lead. Our promotion hopes were in need of an unlikely three goal comeback and it never looked likely. Craig Blackburn pulled one back from the penalty spot but that was all we could manage. The Red Lion had been poor and if we’d played well it should’ve been an easy three points.
I’ve never had a groin strain before but I can tell you it was pretty painful on Sunday afternoon. The pain subsided by Tuesday but every time I tried to bound up the stairs or jog across the road it came back reminding me I was out of action for a while. I’ve no idea how long it will take to recover but I’d like to play again this season and my first race is pencilled in for 24th May. Meanwhile, two days after the Red Lion defeat the rest of the lads were faced with keeping our season alive in the cup semi final against Choppington Bomar. Although we’d beaten the Bomar 6-3 back in September they are undoubtedly the best team in the division. And with a squad depleted by injuries we never really stood a chance. I stood and watched from the sidelines as we got tonked 5-1. The subs bench was pretty thin and even some of the lads who were playing were carrying injuries. So all in all, not a good 48 hours for any of us. Struck down with an injury that I don’t know how long will take to recover, promotion dreams out the window and then dumped out of the cup. What was that song the played when Tony Blair won the lection in 1997 … “Things can only get better”. Let’s bloody hope so. Stay positive.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
At crossed purposes
The last 3 weeks have seen our football season revive from the winter slumber again. Its been difficult to keep to my schedule as the muscles ache for a day or two after each match. We're still in with a shout of promotion and possibly even a cup. Anyway the past 3 weeks have gone like this.
Week 1 - Ran home for the second Tuesday in a row. Altered the route slightly so now its 9 miles exactly and ran much better. Averaged sub 7 minute miles and felt good all the way home. Whilst running down a street in High Heaton a 9 year old girl started to race me, sprinting to keep up she looked up at me with a broad smile on her face before running out of breath and going in for her dinner. Its nice to know that all kids down aspire to hanging around bus stops hurling abuse at people. Managed to run 4 times in total before playing football for the first time in 8 weeks on the Sunday. A bit rusty but we beat the Cullercoats Piper 2-1 courtesy of a brace from Mason and moved into the quarter final of the Cup.
Week 2 - Woke up on Monday with every bone in my body aching. The match had really taken it out of me. By Tuesday evening I was still in a bad way but headed out for a 5 miler. Took it easy and was just hoping that it would help releive the muscle soreness but I was still a bit stiff on Wednesday. The only other run was an 8 miler on Friday which was a pretty decent if unspectacular run. Away to top of the league South Beach on the Sunday we battled hard for a 1-1 draw.
Week 3 - Legs felt much better after the match and on Tuesday I went out for a 10.25 run. Didn't push the pace and settled into a very comfortable 7:20 to 7:30 per mile pace. Went to practice at The Parks on Wednesday with a few of the lads and my only other run was a trip to the lighthouse on Saturday. Not a very productive week on the running front but rounded off with a 2-1 quarter final victory against the Rockcliffe. Choppington Bomar in the semi final. We've still got 6 or 7 games to play and the season is scheduled to go to the 28th May but hopefully games can be brought forward. Until the season is over I'm just going to have to fit runs in when I can and then step up the running after that.
Week 1 - Ran home for the second Tuesday in a row. Altered the route slightly so now its 9 miles exactly and ran much better. Averaged sub 7 minute miles and felt good all the way home. Whilst running down a street in High Heaton a 9 year old girl started to race me, sprinting to keep up she looked up at me with a broad smile on her face before running out of breath and going in for her dinner. Its nice to know that all kids down aspire to hanging around bus stops hurling abuse at people. Managed to run 4 times in total before playing football for the first time in 8 weeks on the Sunday. A bit rusty but we beat the Cullercoats Piper 2-1 courtesy of a brace from Mason and moved into the quarter final of the Cup.
Week 2 - Woke up on Monday with every bone in my body aching. The match had really taken it out of me. By Tuesday evening I was still in a bad way but headed out for a 5 miler. Took it easy and was just hoping that it would help releive the muscle soreness but I was still a bit stiff on Wednesday. The only other run was an 8 miler on Friday which was a pretty decent if unspectacular run. Away to top of the league South Beach on the Sunday we battled hard for a 1-1 draw.
Week 3 - Legs felt much better after the match and on Tuesday I went out for a 10.25 run. Didn't push the pace and settled into a very comfortable 7:20 to 7:30 per mile pace. Went to practice at The Parks on Wednesday with a few of the lads and my only other run was a trip to the lighthouse on Saturday. Not a very productive week on the running front but rounded off with a 2-1 quarter final victory against the Rockcliffe. Choppington Bomar in the semi final. We've still got 6 or 7 games to play and the season is scheduled to go to the 28th May but hopefully games can be brought forward. Until the season is over I'm just going to have to fit runs in when I can and then step up the running after that.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
A blip in form.
Thu 31 Mar Delaval Arms 43:42
It seems like I've hit a bit of a pothole in my training plan. This week got off to a decent start with the 9 mile run home from work but just one more run, and a disappointing one at that during the rest of the week. My training has certainly taken a bit of a dive over the past two weeks and I'm really going to have to dig in and work hard to get myself back on track.
Thursday's run was exceptional in an unwanted kind of way. Not for the first time whilst running at night, I was abused and harrased by a bunch of teenagers sitting in the bus stop outside the Whitley Bay Leisure Pool. This time two of them chased after me whilst shouting and screaming. I'd had enough and turned and swore very loudly at them which sent them sprinting in the opposite direction. It was just a bunch of stupid girls and I should have just ignored them but this kind of thing is happening too often and I'd had enough this time. It really spoilt my run, sometimes when you're not running well at least you feel the benefit mentally of getting away from everything and can relax with your own thoughts. This incident ruined everything, I felt anger at being harrassed and guilt at the way I reacted. It just beats me that in a decent area with good state schools we still have to put up with kids like this. What kind of parent allows their 13 year old kids to wander the sea front in the dark these days? Do they not watch the news or read the newspapers and realise what kind of weirdos can be lurking out there?
Anyway, rant over. Next week's plan must be to stick to my plan, run 4 times during the week and get myself back on track.
It seems like I've hit a bit of a pothole in my training plan. This week got off to a decent start with the 9 mile run home from work but just one more run, and a disappointing one at that during the rest of the week. My training has certainly taken a bit of a dive over the past two weeks and I'm really going to have to dig in and work hard to get myself back on track.
Thursday's run was exceptional in an unwanted kind of way. Not for the first time whilst running at night, I was abused and harrased by a bunch of teenagers sitting in the bus stop outside the Whitley Bay Leisure Pool. This time two of them chased after me whilst shouting and screaming. I'd had enough and turned and swore very loudly at them which sent them sprinting in the opposite direction. It was just a bunch of stupid girls and I should have just ignored them but this kind of thing is happening too often and I'd had enough this time. It really spoilt my run, sometimes when you're not running well at least you feel the benefit mentally of getting away from everything and can relax with your own thoughts. This incident ruined everything, I felt anger at being harrassed and guilt at the way I reacted. It just beats me that in a decent area with good state schools we still have to put up with kids like this. What kind of parent allows their 13 year old kids to wander the sea front in the dark these days? Do they not watch the news or read the newspapers and realise what kind of weirdos can be lurking out there?
Anyway, rant over. Next week's plan must be to stick to my plan, run 4 times during the week and get myself back on track.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Homeward bound.
Tue 29 Mar Newcastle University to Home 9.1m 1:08:17
I hate taking buses. They’re dirty, smelly and take forever to get anywhere. As I mentioned in the previous post the one-day Metro strike left me with two options on Tuesday night - a) get the bus home or b) run home. To avoid the misery of the number 308 bus, I chose to lace up my running shoes and complete the 9 miles on foot. I was a bit surprised by the amount of planning required. Remembering to pack my running gear in the morning for a start, which wasn’t easy considering most of it was in the dirty laundry. Then as I prepared to run it struck me that the contents of my coat pockets all needed to be locked away in my desk drawers overnight. Money, mobile phone, iPod (forgot to bring the handy clip to attach it to my shorts), the list just seemed to grow and grow. I even had to remove the unnecessary keys from my key ring for the night because they would have been to heavy to carry all the way home.
Anyway, I finally got myself ready and headed out into the unknown. I’ve been travelling from Monkseaton to Newcastle for more years than I care to remember but covering the distance on foot was a whole new experience. My biggest worry was the volume of traffic and how many roads I would have to cross. Initially this was quite a problem, it was difficult to get into any rhythm as I continually had to stop and wait at traffic lights for a safe time to cross the busy roads. However, once out of the city things became a little easier. The wonder of online street maps even enlightened me to a route through the quiet roads of Murton and onto a trail through the farmer’s field. This made the latter stages of the run much more pleasant, which was handy because by that stage I was definitely starting to suffer. The fact that this was my first run for a week probably didn’t help, but I also started to feel a pain on the inside of my knee. Slightly worrying but there are no after effects this morning so I’m hopeful it won’t hinder my training.
Overall, the whole run went quite well. Running through the city and alongside busy roads isn’t ideal but it allowed me to get my long run out of the way for the week. What’s more it meant I could spend the evening relaxing and settled down to watch Arsenal beat Juventus in the Champions League. This is something I’m definitely going to try and build into my weekly schedule and perhaps even try to fit in some lunchtime sessions. Hopefully my colleagues won’t mind sharing an office with a somewhat sweaty runner one afternoon a week.
I hate taking buses. They’re dirty, smelly and take forever to get anywhere. As I mentioned in the previous post the one-day Metro strike left me with two options on Tuesday night - a) get the bus home or b) run home. To avoid the misery of the number 308 bus, I chose to lace up my running shoes and complete the 9 miles on foot. I was a bit surprised by the amount of planning required. Remembering to pack my running gear in the morning for a start, which wasn’t easy considering most of it was in the dirty laundry. Then as I prepared to run it struck me that the contents of my coat pockets all needed to be locked away in my desk drawers overnight. Money, mobile phone, iPod (forgot to bring the handy clip to attach it to my shorts), the list just seemed to grow and grow. I even had to remove the unnecessary keys from my key ring for the night because they would have been to heavy to carry all the way home.
Anyway, I finally got myself ready and headed out into the unknown. I’ve been travelling from Monkseaton to Newcastle for more years than I care to remember but covering the distance on foot was a whole new experience. My biggest worry was the volume of traffic and how many roads I would have to cross. Initially this was quite a problem, it was difficult to get into any rhythm as I continually had to stop and wait at traffic lights for a safe time to cross the busy roads. However, once out of the city things became a little easier. The wonder of online street maps even enlightened me to a route through the quiet roads of Murton and onto a trail through the farmer’s field. This made the latter stages of the run much more pleasant, which was handy because by that stage I was definitely starting to suffer. The fact that this was my first run for a week probably didn’t help, but I also started to feel a pain on the inside of my knee. Slightly worrying but there are no after effects this morning so I’m hopeful it won’t hinder my training.
Overall, the whole run went quite well. Running through the city and alongside busy roads isn’t ideal but it allowed me to get my long run out of the way for the week. What’s more it meant I could spend the evening relaxing and settled down to watch Arsenal beat Juventus in the Champions League. This is something I’m definitely going to try and build into my weekly schedule and perhaps even try to fit in some lunchtime sessions. Hopefully my colleagues won’t mind sharing an office with a somewhat sweaty runner one afternoon a week.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Knocked for six!
Tue 21st Mar Delaval Arms 6.0m 46:17
That's 6 days without a run now. The kids both have a cold which I've picked up and its left me feeling lethargic and caused my asthma to worsen. I went out last Tuesday for possible one of the least enjoyable runs of the year. I felt awful and even had to stop to take my asthma inhaler after a couple of miles. Normally, being an asthmatic has very little effect on my daily life but when I get a cold it can play havoc with my respiratory system.
The cold is still lingering but because there's a Metro strike today I'm planning on running home this evening. The distance is about 9 miles and hopefully the traffic won't cause too much disruption. During the summer I'd like to fit in some runs either after work or during my lunch hour so this is a good time to trial the evening run home. I'm a bit concerned about the volume of traffic but hopefully things will work out OK.
That's 6 days without a run now. The kids both have a cold which I've picked up and its left me feeling lethargic and caused my asthma to worsen. I went out last Tuesday for possible one of the least enjoyable runs of the year. I felt awful and even had to stop to take my asthma inhaler after a couple of miles. Normally, being an asthmatic has very little effect on my daily life but when I get a cold it can play havoc with my respiratory system.
The cold is still lingering but because there's a Metro strike today I'm planning on running home this evening. The distance is about 9 miles and hopefully the traffic won't cause too much disruption. During the summer I'd like to fit in some runs either after work or during my lunch hour so this is a good time to trial the evening run home. I'm a bit concerned about the volume of traffic but hopefully things will work out OK.
Monday, March 20, 2006
I'm back ... and still running
Its been three weeks without a blog entry. Fortunately that doesn't mean its been three weeks without a run. Its been tough weather wise recently with ice, snow and a bitterly cold wind to contend with. However, I've managed to stick to my plan and things are progressing nicely.
In week one of the lost period I ran 3 times for a total of 17 miles. This included an 8-miler that I completed in 58:29. A solid but unspectacular time over what was my longest run of the year so far.
The following week followed pretty much the same theme. Planned 4, ran 3 with a long run of 8 miles. Total mileage was 20 miles. The one big difference was the quality of the long run. This time I completed it in 55:51 for a sub 7 min/mile average.
Conscious of not over-training I dropped my long run down to 6.7 miles this week and ran a total of 20 miles over 4 sessions. Tuesday night was a real easy run to the light house that took the best part of 39 minutes. I put in a 6.7 miler on Thursday with a relatively slow time of 50:51. Just felt tired throughout in some awful weather, not forgetting the effects of an afternoon at soft play with the kids! I introduced a track session on Saturday and ran 2 x I mile sessions. Hoped to run them in around 6 min/mile pace but was pleasantly surprised to achieve a 5:50 and a 5:55. Sunday morning I opted out of football training (match was cancelled again) and went for a 6 miler up to the Delaval Arms. I'd had a curry and a few drinks the night before so I wasn't expecting anything great from myself. Hit the first mile in 6:55 but then slowed by about 10 seconds a mile for the next two. Then as I turned for home I seemed to get a second wind and steamed home in 20:20 for an overall time of 41:42. Sometimes I amaze even myself!!
In week one of the lost period I ran 3 times for a total of 17 miles. This included an 8-miler that I completed in 58:29. A solid but unspectacular time over what was my longest run of the year so far.
The following week followed pretty much the same theme. Planned 4, ran 3 with a long run of 8 miles. Total mileage was 20 miles. The one big difference was the quality of the long run. This time I completed it in 55:51 for a sub 7 min/mile average.
Conscious of not over-training I dropped my long run down to 6.7 miles this week and ran a total of 20 miles over 4 sessions. Tuesday night was a real easy run to the light house that took the best part of 39 minutes. I put in a 6.7 miler on Thursday with a relatively slow time of 50:51. Just felt tired throughout in some awful weather, not forgetting the effects of an afternoon at soft play with the kids! I introduced a track session on Saturday and ran 2 x I mile sessions. Hoped to run them in around 6 min/mile pace but was pleasantly surprised to achieve a 5:50 and a 5:55. Sunday morning I opted out of football training (match was cancelled again) and went for a 6 miler up to the Delaval Arms. I'd had a curry and a few drinks the night before so I wasn't expecting anything great from myself. Hit the first mile in 6:55 but then slowed by about 10 seconds a mile for the next two. Then as I turned for home I seemed to get a second wind and steamed home in 20:20 for an overall time of 41:42. Sometimes I amaze even myself!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Drunk too much. Much too cold.
Sat 25th Feb St Mary's Lighthouse 4.9m 34:54
Sun 26th Feb Tynemouth Priory 6.7m 46:33
At the beginning of the year I had two New Year resolutions. One was too stick to a running plan and the other was too cut down on the amount of alcohol I drink. While my running has gone particularly well so far I've not really stuck to the other side of the deal. My weekly alcohol intake seems to be rising in line with my weekly mileage. In fact last week it was at an alarming rate. I had half a dozen pints on Wednesday whilst watching the match with the lads. Then on Thursday Terry had endured a difficult day at work so we split a bottle of wine, then Cava and a couple of cans on Friday and the same again on Saturday. It all added up to one pretty tired runner. Now if it was all down to my training it wouldn't be so bad, but most of the fatigue was due to poor quality of sleep you get after drinking. So from now on it’s a concerted effort to bring my drinking under control - although having said that I've a night out planned with the lads this Friday.
No football again this weekend, which was just as well because I needed Sunday to catch up on my running. Felt pretty rotten on Saturday morning and the icy blast blowing off the North Sea didn't help. The first part of the run out to the lighthouse was something of a nightmare but I gamely struggled on and running home with the wind at my back came as something of a relief. An average pace of 7:07 per mile wasn't bad given the condition of both me and the weather! The weather got even worse on Sunday with wind and hail mixed in. I opted for an afternoon run and really had to fight the wind on the way back from Tynemouth. I'd planned only a 6 miler but I felt good enough to run the extra 0.7 miles and go along to the Priory. The wind at my back in the first half was a joy tempered by thoughts of what I would face on the way back. I resisted the temptation of cutting inland to take a more sheltered route home, gritted my teeth and tried to spur myself on with mental images of running for a medal in the Olympic marathon. It worked to a certain extent. Although I'd managed a 6:47 per mile average on the way out, I was quite pleased with 7:07 per mile into the wind on the way home. This was my equal longest run of the year so far and almost 3 minutes faster than the same route 2 weeks ago.
Sun 26th Feb Tynemouth Priory 6.7m 46:33
At the beginning of the year I had two New Year resolutions. One was too stick to a running plan and the other was too cut down on the amount of alcohol I drink. While my running has gone particularly well so far I've not really stuck to the other side of the deal. My weekly alcohol intake seems to be rising in line with my weekly mileage. In fact last week it was at an alarming rate. I had half a dozen pints on Wednesday whilst watching the match with the lads. Then on Thursday Terry had endured a difficult day at work so we split a bottle of wine, then Cava and a couple of cans on Friday and the same again on Saturday. It all added up to one pretty tired runner. Now if it was all down to my training it wouldn't be so bad, but most of the fatigue was due to poor quality of sleep you get after drinking. So from now on it’s a concerted effort to bring my drinking under control - although having said that I've a night out planned with the lads this Friday.
No football again this weekend, which was just as well because I needed Sunday to catch up on my running. Felt pretty rotten on Saturday morning and the icy blast blowing off the North Sea didn't help. The first part of the run out to the lighthouse was something of a nightmare but I gamely struggled on and running home with the wind at my back came as something of a relief. An average pace of 7:07 per mile wasn't bad given the condition of both me and the weather! The weather got even worse on Sunday with wind and hail mixed in. I opted for an afternoon run and really had to fight the wind on the way back from Tynemouth. I'd planned only a 6 miler but I felt good enough to run the extra 0.7 miles and go along to the Priory. The wind at my back in the first half was a joy tempered by thoughts of what I would face on the way back. I resisted the temptation of cutting inland to take a more sheltered route home, gritted my teeth and tried to spur myself on with mental images of running for a medal in the Olympic marathon. It worked to a certain extent. Although I'd managed a 6:47 per mile average on the way out, I was quite pleased with 7:07 per mile into the wind on the way home. This was my equal longest run of the year so far and almost 3 minutes faster than the same route 2 weeks ago.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The joys of the North East coast
In the summer the worst thing about running along the sea front between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth is the number of charvas hanging out in bus stops or driving by in their daft little cars with the windows rolled down. In the winter the worst thing has to be the wind. To be honest since the turn of the year the weather hasn't been that bad. Or perhaps while my running plan has consisted of 3 runs a week I've been able to dodge the worst of the weather. I'm stepping up to 4 runs this week and endured an unpredictable blustery wind on both Monday and Tuesday. I wanted to get ahead of the game so I went out for an unscheduled run on Monday night. I simply had no idea of how fast or slow I was running for the entire 3.7 miles. Sometimes it felt good and sometimes it felt bad. In the end I averaged 7:21 per mile but just felt relieved that it wasn't any worse. The following night I ran the 6 miles to Seaton Sluice and had a much better time of it. Never quite sure where the wind was coming from I averaged about 7:11 per mile on the way out and then on the way back with the wind (mostly) at my back I was pushed to an average of around 7:01. I'm doing reasonably well at sticking to my plans during the dark nights and inclement weather but I really can't wait until spring finally springs into action - who knows when that will be though, June maybe?
Monday, February 20, 2006
The last mile for my little friend
Wed 15th Feb St Mary's Lighthouse 4.9m 35:08
Fri 17th Feb Brierdene Crescent & Monkseaton Drive 4.8m 37:36 approx
Sat 18th Feb Sluice, lighthouse, churchill 6.3m 1:01:00
Kind of a dull week on the running front but just about managed to stay on track. The wind caught me out on Wednesday. Started too fast unaware of the nice breeze pushing me along from behind. As soon as I turned to head for home my legs felt heavy and the wind smacked me in the face. Tried to keep it going for a while but by the last mile I'd slowed considerably and just ambled home.
Friday was a morning make-up run. Started out for the lighthouse but it seemed ridiculous (and not too mention dangerous) to run out there on a cold, dark morning. Turned off the sea front and ran up Brierdene Crescent. Seems like a nice street to live on but I think probably way out of our budget at the moment. The pace was slow, I really need practice at this early morning running lark.
The kids were at my dad's for the weekend, so Terry and I were able to run together for the first time in ages on Saturday morning. It was a bright but cold day and should've been perfect for a nice run. Unfortunately the events of the previous evening hung over our heads. We had finally taken the decision to have our gorgeous little Jack Russell put to sleep. Penny had been a great dog and we have loads of heart warming memories of her but she'd just reached the point where life was meaningless to her. She was suffering from dementia and weeing all over the house. For the last few months she didn't want to go out for walks and spent all her time under the duvet. I'll never forget the day she walked 7 miles around Ullswater and then gulped down an ice cream cone, or when she went off the rails and started chasing sheep in Wastwater, not too mention the countless Sunday mornings chasing the waves in Tynemouth. It was nice to get out on a relaxing run together but we both found it difficult to keep the sad thoughts out of our minds. I loved that little dog. Goodbye Penny.
Fri 17th Feb Brierdene Crescent & Monkseaton Drive 4.8m 37:36 approx
Sat 18th Feb Sluice, lighthouse, churchill 6.3m 1:01:00
Kind of a dull week on the running front but just about managed to stay on track. The wind caught me out on Wednesday. Started too fast unaware of the nice breeze pushing me along from behind. As soon as I turned to head for home my legs felt heavy and the wind smacked me in the face. Tried to keep it going for a while but by the last mile I'd slowed considerably and just ambled home.
Friday was a morning make-up run. Started out for the lighthouse but it seemed ridiculous (and not too mention dangerous) to run out there on a cold, dark morning. Turned off the sea front and ran up Brierdene Crescent. Seems like a nice street to live on but I think probably way out of our budget at the moment. The pace was slow, I really need practice at this early morning running lark.
The kids were at my dad's for the weekend, so Terry and I were able to run together for the first time in ages on Saturday morning. It was a bright but cold day and should've been perfect for a nice run. Unfortunately the events of the previous evening hung over our heads. We had finally taken the decision to have our gorgeous little Jack Russell put to sleep. Penny had been a great dog and we have loads of heart warming memories of her but she'd just reached the point where life was meaningless to her. She was suffering from dementia and weeing all over the house. For the last few months she didn't want to go out for walks and spent all her time under the duvet. I'll never forget the day she walked 7 miles around Ullswater and then gulped down an ice cream cone, or when she went off the rails and started chasing sheep in Wastwater, not too mention the countless Sunday mornings chasing the waves in Tynemouth. It was nice to get out on a relaxing run together but we both found it difficult to keep the sad thoughts out of our minds. I loved that little dog. Goodbye Penny.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
New shoes, another cold
Sat 11th Feb St Mary's Lighthouse 4.9m 34:55
Sun 12th Feb Tynemouth Priory 6.7m 49:28
After crashing through the 300 mile barrier on Tuesday night I went shoe shopping on Wednesday. Wanted either a pair of Asics Gel DS1100 or Adidas Supernova Cushion. After resisting the temptation to buy from a charver sports store I went to Start Fitness. The Supernova just didn't feel right and they didn't have the DS1100 in my size. The lad suggested I try the Asics Gel Cumulus as they have the same amount of cushioning but without the support. Tried them on, felt great, bought them. Slightly worried that I might actually need that extra bit of support. So far they feel pretty good, nice and light, although I have felt a tingling sensation in my toes towards the end of runs. No injuries yet, lets hope it stays that way.
Anyway, it took me 3 days to strap them on and go for a run. The whole family has been hit by a cold and it just left me feeling rotten. When I eventually ran on Saturday I started quickly (6:45 first mile) and maintained a decent pace until the halfway point. Then I turned for home and the bracing wind smacked me in the face and the illness started to take effect as well. Slowed down significantly and eased myself home. No point killing myself with a long run planned for the following day.
No match this Sunday but the cold and the hangover (really must cut down on the beer, its increased steadily since the turn of the year) made me switch the morning run to an evening session. When I finally went out I knew there was going to be no repeat of the previous week's sub 7:00 minute miles. I opted for a steady but comfortable pace of just over 7:20s and managed to keep it going throughout the run. Steady, but unspectacular, although I think the fact that I listened to my body and adjusted the run accordingly is good sign. Maturing as a runner perhaps?
Sun 12th Feb Tynemouth Priory 6.7m 49:28
After crashing through the 300 mile barrier on Tuesday night I went shoe shopping on Wednesday. Wanted either a pair of Asics Gel DS1100 or Adidas Supernova Cushion. After resisting the temptation to buy from a charver sports store I went to Start Fitness. The Supernova just didn't feel right and they didn't have the DS1100 in my size. The lad suggested I try the Asics Gel Cumulus as they have the same amount of cushioning but without the support. Tried them on, felt great, bought them. Slightly worried that I might actually need that extra bit of support. So far they feel pretty good, nice and light, although I have felt a tingling sensation in my toes towards the end of runs. No injuries yet, lets hope it stays that way.
Anyway, it took me 3 days to strap them on and go for a run. The whole family has been hit by a cold and it just left me feeling rotten. When I eventually ran on Saturday I started quickly (6:45 first mile) and maintained a decent pace until the halfway point. Then I turned for home and the bracing wind smacked me in the face and the illness started to take effect as well. Slowed down significantly and eased myself home. No point killing myself with a long run planned for the following day.
No match this Sunday but the cold and the hangover (really must cut down on the beer, its increased steadily since the turn of the year) made me switch the morning run to an evening session. When I finally went out I knew there was going to be no repeat of the previous week's sub 7:00 minute miles. I opted for a steady but comfortable pace of just over 7:20s and managed to keep it going throughout the run. Steady, but unspectacular, although I think the fact that I listened to my body and adjusted the run accordingly is good sign. Maturing as a runner perhaps?
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Tue 7th Feb Cullercoats Seawalk 3.7m 28:07
One of those nights where I feel like I'm just running for the sake of it. Not a very nice night - damp but not rainy, cold and windy. My legs ached after the weekend and I felt fatigued. Elen is not feeling well and she was up during the night. For some reason Terry brought her into our bed last night and its just not easy to get any decent sleep when a 3 year year old girl keeps kicking you in the back. Anyway enough of the complaints, it was dark, it was cold, I felt tired, but I got myself out there and ran. This run was probably the epitome of 'junk' miles but it beats sitting home doing nothing. And what's more it takes me over 300 miles with my Adidas Response, so I can justify buying a new pair of running shoes tomorrow. There's nothing better than a shiny pair of trainers.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Bedlington Grapes 3 Monkseaton Arms 5
First round of the JD Marnock Cup and as usual we dropped our standards to match those of the opposition. All credit to the Grapes who are bottom of the league yet never gave up. We gifted them a goal early in the first half and when we finally levelled through Graham Murray, we then gave away another cheap goal within seconds. Just before half time Ashy split the defence with a great pass for me to run onto and pass it into the net with my left foot. First goal scored with these silly new silver boots.
It stayed level until half-time but we came out fighting after the break and quickly made it 4-2. Murray scored again before Mason harried the goalkeeper into an error and I stole in to steal the glory side footing it into the empty net from about 15 yards. We then relaxed a bit and the Grapes pulled one back from a set piece before Graham completed his hat-trick knocking home the rebound after Mason's effort was parried.
It stayed level until half-time but we came out fighting after the break and quickly made it 4-2. Murray scored again before Mason harried the goalkeeper into an error and I stole in to steal the glory side footing it into the empty net from about 15 yards. We then relaxed a bit and the Grapes pulled one back from a set piece before Graham completed his hat-trick knocking home the rebound after Mason's effort was parried.
Too much work, too much stress
Tue 31 Jan St Mary's Lighthouse 4.9m 35:27
Sat 4 Feb Delaval Arms 6m 41:31
A tough week at work as semester 2 begins for the students. On top of that it was bloody freezing at the beginning of the week. I went out on Tuesday in almost all of my running clothes (2 pairs of pants, 3 shirts) and ran a pretty decent run out to the lighthouse. Too cold to check the watch until the end and to be honest I was a bit disappointed with my finishing time. It felt like I was going so much faster but I'd had a hard day and it had obviously taken its toll.
The week at work got steadily harder and the planned Thursday night run became a caasualty. Disappointing because I hadn't skipped a planned run for over two weeks. However, the Saturday morning run more than made up for it. I extended my long run to 6 miles and despite battling a stitch for the last 2 managed to run a steady pace of around 6:55 per mile. It was tough coming back but I worked hard to maintain the pace and it paid off. To be running consistently in early February is a rarity for me and to be running a decent pace is more than pleasing. It bodes well for the year ahead and I'm already looking forward to my first goal of a 10k PB in May at the Clive Cookson NSP race.
From now on though its less work, less stress and more running. Probably a good idea to cut back on the alcohol which has risen in the past couple of weeks.
Sat 4 Feb Delaval Arms 6m 41:31
A tough week at work as semester 2 begins for the students. On top of that it was bloody freezing at the beginning of the week. I went out on Tuesday in almost all of my running clothes (2 pairs of pants, 3 shirts) and ran a pretty decent run out to the lighthouse. Too cold to check the watch until the end and to be honest I was a bit disappointed with my finishing time. It felt like I was going so much faster but I'd had a hard day and it had obviously taken its toll.
The week at work got steadily harder and the planned Thursday night run became a caasualty. Disappointing because I hadn't skipped a planned run for over two weeks. However, the Saturday morning run more than made up for it. I extended my long run to 6 miles and despite battling a stitch for the last 2 managed to run a steady pace of around 6:55 per mile. It was tough coming back but I worked hard to maintain the pace and it paid off. To be running consistently in early February is a rarity for me and to be running a decent pace is more than pleasing. It bodes well for the year ahead and I'm already looking forward to my first goal of a 10k PB in May at the Clive Cookson NSP race.
From now on though its less work, less stress and more running. Probably a good idea to cut back on the alcohol which has risen in the past couple of weeks.
Monday, January 30, 2006
It makes no sense!
Sun 29th Jan - St Mary's Lighthouse 4.9m 34:11
A horrible weekend on a personal level left me emotionally drained, short on quality sleep and having drunk more beer than usual. Yet somehow on Sunday morning I got up and produced my best run in ages. I just got out there and ran, not thinking too much about my pace and looked at my watch in shock after the first mile. I was not expecting to churn out a 6:50 but once I had I felt duty bound to maintain a decent pace. Hit the halfway point in 16:59 and set myself a finishing target of 34:00 without killing myself. Inevitably I slowed a little coming home and finished just outside it but averaging 6:59 mins per mile in early January is something I'm quite pleased with. Whatever happens this year I'm determined that running will be my constant. Something that's always there and that will continually improve. Spent time today looking at my race time PBs - 10k, Blaydon, GNR, Marathon - and they all look seriously beatable. My downfall has always been an ability to stick rigidly to a training plan. This is the year that changes.
A horrible weekend on a personal level left me emotionally drained, short on quality sleep and having drunk more beer than usual. Yet somehow on Sunday morning I got up and produced my best run in ages. I just got out there and ran, not thinking too much about my pace and looked at my watch in shock after the first mile. I was not expecting to churn out a 6:50 but once I had I felt duty bound to maintain a decent pace. Hit the halfway point in 16:59 and set myself a finishing target of 34:00 without killing myself. Inevitably I slowed a little coming home and finished just outside it but averaging 6:59 mins per mile in early January is something I'm quite pleased with. Whatever happens this year I'm determined that running will be my constant. Something that's always there and that will continually improve. Spent time today looking at my race time PBs - 10k, Blaydon, GNR, Marathon - and they all look seriously beatable. My downfall has always been an ability to stick rigidly to a training plan. This is the year that changes.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Slowly but surely
Well I'm sticking to my plan and making slow but steady progress. It was freezing cold this week but I managed to get out and run twice during the week. Both times just 3.7 miles to Cullercoats and both in around 27:00. At the moment its not about times or even distances just really trying to maintain a steady base for when the Spring arrives. Spend most of the time when I'm running daydreaming about other aspects of my life. Not really good for my running but good for the mind I think. Thursday night helped me think through future plans for self employment in a web design business. I'm not going to make any money working for other people so I might try and put my skills to use for myself one day. Anyway back to the running, I'm on around 285 miles with my Adidas Response shoes and as a little incentive I've promised myself a new pair of trainers when I reach 300. Hopefully sooner rather than later. 5 or 6 miles tomorrow should help me on my way.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Whitley Bay Deep 4 Monkseaton Arms 1
Finally after 4 months of trying this game defied the weather and was staged, albeit after switching the venue to our home field. The lads put in a decent performance against the best team in the Premier Division. A sloppy goal for Deep in the first 2 minutes didn't bode well for us but we pulled ourselves together and produced a battling display. It was 2-0 at half time but we'd created some decent half chances. We had our best period of the game just after half time and Tatey slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 2-1. It stayed this way until the last quarter of an hour. We disappointingly conceded a fourth from the penalty spot in the last minute which gave the scoreline a slightly misleading look. Personally, it was a very enjoyable game to play in. Very good workout physically and I could have capped a decent performance with a goal. At 3-1 I connected sweetly with a volley that came shuddering back off the post and in the dying moments blazed over after a slick turn in the box.
Sat 21st Jan - St Mary's Lighthouse 4.9m 35:46
A pleasing Saturday afternoon run. Longest run of the year so far and managed to keep a steady pace all the way (7:18 mins per mile). Felt pretty good throughout the run although had to work a little bit harder in the lat mile to maintain the pace.
Friday, January 20, 2006
GNR success inspires morning run!!
Thu 19th Jan - Sainsbury's loop 3m 23:35
Found out yesterday thatI'd been accepted to this year's Great North Run through The Times ballot. Glad to be back in after my 7 year run came to a halt last year. As much as I despise the organisers for their poor organisation and outrageous money grabbing schemes, its an event I feel I've just got to run every year. I'd planned a 5 miler last night but an afternoon with the kids left me in need of an early night. So once again I went to bed with my running gear laid out ready for an early morning run. Quite amazingly when the alarm went off at 5:05am I didn't roll over and go back to bed. I heard the wind howling outside the window and struck a deal with myself that if I got up I would only do a short 3 mile run. 10 minutes later I was dressed and ready to step out the door.
The run itself was nothing to shout about. The long stretch up Monkseaton Drive was into a stiff wind and I just felt tired and sluggish the whole way round. My muscles ached and the time was slow, slow, slow but given my history of morning runnning (staying in bed) I think just getting out of the door was quite an achievement. As much as I hate to run so early I really feel like this is a key element to my training. The only time I've ever ran consistently in the mornings was during the summer of 2003 and this resulted in a personal best 1h 26m GNR.
Found out yesterday thatI'd been accepted to this year's Great North Run through The Times ballot. Glad to be back in after my 7 year run came to a halt last year. As much as I despise the organisers for their poor organisation and outrageous money grabbing schemes, its an event I feel I've just got to run every year. I'd planned a 5 miler last night but an afternoon with the kids left me in need of an early night. So once again I went to bed with my running gear laid out ready for an early morning run. Quite amazingly when the alarm went off at 5:05am I didn't roll over and go back to bed. I heard the wind howling outside the window and struck a deal with myself that if I got up I would only do a short 3 mile run. 10 minutes later I was dressed and ready to step out the door.
The run itself was nothing to shout about. The long stretch up Monkseaton Drive was into a stiff wind and I just felt tired and sluggish the whole way round. My muscles ached and the time was slow, slow, slow but given my history of morning runnning (staying in bed) I think just getting out of the door was quite an achievement. As much as I hate to run so early I really feel like this is a key element to my training. The only time I've ever ran consistently in the mornings was during the summer of 2003 and this resulted in a personal best 1h 26m GNR.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Wed 18th Jan - Cullercoats Seawalk 3.7m 27:47
The phantom hip injury resurfaced on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. The pain seemed to have subsided by Wednesday evening so I took a couple of ibuprofen and headed out the door. Not a bad night for January and I was soon wishing I hadn't worn the hat and gloves. Felt really stressed out. Not only is it coming up to the busiest 2 weeks of the year at work (and Jim Wood seems intent on overcomplicating the whole registration process yet again) but I'm aslo worried about the dog's health and how hard it would be to have her put to sleep. The run didn't exactly clear my head but it felt good to get out and run.
It turned out to be one of those nights when you feel you're running well but the time on the stopwatch tells a different story. Averaged about 7:30 min per mile and total time was almost a minute down on Saturday. Then again Saturday was a mid morning run, compared to tonight's effort after a long and tiring day at work. The hip gave me some minor discomfort but not that bad overall. I don't know what's causing the injury but stretching regularly seems to help. I am so inflexible it is untrue.
It turned out to be one of those nights when you feel you're running well but the time on the stopwatch tells a different story. Averaged about 7:30 min per mile and total time was almost a minute down on Saturday. Then again Saturday was a mid morning run, compared to tonight's effort after a long and tiring day at work. The hip gave me some minor discomfort but not that bad overall. I don't know what's causing the injury but stretching regularly seems to help. I am so inflexible it is untrue.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Ashington New Mortimer 2 Monkseaton Arms 2
A long overdue return to action. Our first game in over a month was a battling 2-2 draw against a tough Ashington team. Tate gave us a lead with a header early in the first half, but we allowed them to get back into the game too easily. They equalised soon after and then forced in a second just before half time. We were much the better team in the second half and the opposition was dead on their feet with still half an hour left. I scored the equaliser with about 10 minutes remaining, arriving late in the box I controlled the ball with my chest and then nodded it over the keeper’s outstretched arm to give us a well deserved point. Personally my performance was OK. My fitness level is maybe a little better than I expected and although I got a couple of kicks no real injuries to speak of.
Terry is in London with work for the next 2 days so I won’t be able to run again until Wednesday. Planning on 3 runs this week for a combined total of about 12 miles.
Terry is in London with work for the next 2 days so I won’t be able to run again until Wednesday. Planning on 3 runs this week for a combined total of about 12 miles.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Saturday Morning
When I finally made it out the door this morning the hip was feeling much better. Took a couple of Ibuprofen before I went out but hopefully I'm over the injury now. Ran the 3.7 miles along to Cullercoats in a time of 26:54, an improvement on a couple of weeks ago. First two miles went fine but a stitch hampered my progress on the way home. A 3 hour marathon seems a long way away at the moment but if I can keep running at least 3 times a week during January and February then maybe come the Spring I'll have a decent base from which to start some more serious training.
Friday, January 13, 2006
So far, so bad
Anyway, how's it going so far I hear you cry. Well not so good to tell the truth. The family and I arrived back home after Christmas in America on the 3rd January. It was straight back to work the next day and back to the daily grind. I forced myself out the door for a quick 3.7 miles along the sea front to Cullercoats. Felt much better for having made the effort and despite the time of 29:00 I really believed that this was going to be the year I could stick to a training plan. Then the weekend came and I didn't make it out of the door on Saturday. Sunday's match was cancelled so I planned to make up the missed session then. Again I didn't go. Then on Monday night I went for a 3 miler, finishing in 23:11, but with a niggling pain in my hip. Woke up on Tuesday and the niggling pain had become a serious pain my ass. So its now Friday and I haven't ran since. In January when its cold, dark and miserable the last thing you need is another excuse to miss that run. But here's to tomorrow a new day and a new change in attitude. If the hip is still sore I'm going to take some Ibuprofen and grin and bear it.
The year ahead
After a fruitless lunch hour looking for a decent diary or notebook to use as my running log for the year I decided it was time to get wth the times and create a blog instead. Anyway I have big plans for 2006. This year will mark the end of my life as a footballer and Alun Carter the serious runner will emerge. About or dozen or so matches left with the Monkseaton Arms FC and that's it I'm hanging the boots up in May. I've ran for several years now including 2 London Marathons (1999, 2000 - PB 3h 27m) and 9 Great North Runs (PB 1h 26m) but football has been the mainstay of my athletic life. Now its time to move on. I'll never be the footballer I was 11 years ago in college (Boston University) ..... Christ 10 years, never quite realised it was that long ago.
Anyhow, my chief goal for this year is to run an autumn marathon and ultimately crack the 3h 00m barrier that would guarantee a place in next year's London Marathon. Not sure where to run the marathon, but Cardiff in October looks good (although its only 2 weeks after the Great North Run) or possibly Loch Ness or Moray in September. The 3-hour barrier is a tough one to crack but failing that I'd be happy with anything under 3h 15m. I've already submitted an entry for this year's Great North Run and am still waiting to hear if I'm in or not. I suppose cracking 1h 25m for this would be a challenging goal. Other races I'd like to do include my old favourites the Clive Cookson 10k in Monkseaton, the Blaydon Race in June and possibly the Northumberland Coastal Run in July. The Keswick Half Marathon in early May is another possibility but I'll wait and see how things pan out.
Anyhow, my chief goal for this year is to run an autumn marathon and ultimately crack the 3h 00m barrier that would guarantee a place in next year's London Marathon. Not sure where to run the marathon, but Cardiff in October looks good (although its only 2 weeks after the Great North Run) or possibly Loch Ness or Moray in September. The 3-hour barrier is a tough one to crack but failing that I'd be happy with anything under 3h 15m. I've already submitted an entry for this year's Great North Run and am still waiting to hear if I'm in or not. I suppose cracking 1h 25m for this would be a challenging goal. Other races I'd like to do include my old favourites the Clive Cookson 10k in Monkseaton, the Blaydon Race in June and possibly the Northumberland Coastal Run in July. The Keswick Half Marathon in early May is another possibility but I'll wait and see how things pan out.
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