Check out my new blog and progress on project ultra at http://www.therunningman-goingultra.blogspot.com/
A year in running - 2011
Actively seeking ultra's!!!
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Friday, 30 December 2011
Was it all worth it?
Like so many interests I have picked up over the years, my goals on running have changed more times that I care to recall, but the one that has remained constant was to run that distance.
26.2. Just a number right? But for novice runners this number has a hold over us in the same way as the height of Everest does for mountaineers or speed does for racing drivers.
The run itself was uneventful. Camelbak, Garmin, iPod and a handful of SiS Smart1 gels (berry and caffeine) and the whole thing went without a hitch. Under 4 hours for my first attempt was a very pleasant surprise and slightly faster tan I would have paced myself, but when it feels good, it feels good. What can I say.
People who I have told can't seem to understand the desire to run this distance and this made me reflect on whether or not it was worth the early start, the discomfort of running in the freezing cold and the aches afterwards.
I assure you that it was.
For those thinking about running a marathon soon or in the future, there is something a little bit magical about going the distance. I learnt a lot about myself as a runner during the four hours I was on the road. Like how often I need gels and how much water I get through. Where the aches come in and equally strangely, when they disappear. My knee ached at 7 miles and was feeling great again by 15. I took a gel every three miles after the first 10).
I realised that I am capable of accomplishing great things with determination and preparation. I have scoffed at the 10% rule in the past and I am sure that some can do without it. But for me, it got me to 22 miles, injury free and prepared for that last push to 26.2.
It made me realise that for me it is about going the distance alone and accomplishing something personal. Something which only a year ago I never thought I would manage. So was it worth the training, the preparation and the effort? Hell yes it was.
I always expected to run 26.2 and then collapse in a heap, exhausted. Overjoyed but drained of all energy. I was surprised and happy to find that I had loads left in me. I'm not saying I could have done it all again, but I could have run further. I ached, sure, and needed a few days recovery. But I was far from spent.
2012 is to be my year of ultras with my first ultramarathon planned for May. Whereas before it loomed on the horizon like an approaching storm ready to test me and try to break me. It now seems like a challenge to prepare for. Finishing it will be a huge challenge but I now believe I can.
Looking back at 12 months of recording my running in a blog, I've accomplished more than I would have imagined. Not just the distance and the experience or the results and the medals. But a sense of achievement and personal pride which other interests have never given me.
I was asked once why I run and I did not know the answer.
If I was asked now I'd reply "Why wouldn't I?"
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Sharpening my teeth.
About 14 years ago I ran up a hill. Well I tried to run up a hill but halfway up my body gave in, I threw up and limped home holding my stomach. I ran because I had to and I ran badly. But perserverance paid off and I learned to run, the hard way on the local Downs. When I'd lost the weight and passed a fitness test I was training for, I stopped running.
The view from up here is pretty awesome, I'm very lucky to live here. |
And so it was that once I found out what trailrunning was, I realised I was already doing it. At the time I'd bought some Adidas Kanadia TR3's and I thought they were the business.
The view has changed since then. I'm 2 stone lighter, running further and faster than ever before and this week upgraded my shoes to match my new passion for running and form.
As usual I did my home work. Minimalist was a definite for me, I wanted loads of grip, because the trails round here turn to mud and bog very quickly. Imagine crumbling chalk covered in clay mud that has been churned up by horses and grazing sheep and you're getting there.
I've always been a huge fan of the inov-8 brand. I like their image and style and they have some great ambassadors on Twitter @Inov8Guy and @terryconway.
Terry's review of the Baregrip 200 sold me on this shoe. And I found it 20% cheaper on Up&Running's website. The shoe has zero drop and a very sticky sole. It grips everything and feels surprisingly supportive for such a pared down shoe. It weighs in at just over 200grams. The toe box felt narrow after the Merrell trailgloves, but not uncomfortably so.
Out on the trail, this shoe excels. Crazy levels of grip. Exposed tree roots and loose mud were no issue. The lugs on the bottom are made of very sticky rubber, they dig in and propel you forward.
These are a good quality shoe, comfortable and supportive, but aimed at those who have already become competent in barefoot/minimalist/posed running.
I love the styling and the feel of these shoes as much as the performance it offers. I did two runs on the same, short 2.5 mile route this week at my pace threshold. A mixture of on and off trail, both days were wet and very cold. Both included steep hills and a fast hill descent.
Using the inov-8 knocked three minutes off my time. Over a short route, that is awesome; especially as it was the second day. Plus, it snowed on the inov-8 run. Right in my ear!
On day three I wore these for a 10k off trails. As a steady paced run with no intentions of blasting it I was only 4 minutes of my 10 k best. These shoes don't make you run faster, but they are ridiculously light and give you the confidence to do it if you want to.
I learnt to run on these hills and I cut my teeth on the trails here. With these shoes, it's time to sharpen them.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Something old, something new...
Friday, 2 December 2011
In the words of Roy Castle...
I ran further this week than ever before.
I ran further than I ever thought I could or would a few years ago.
To some the distance is not impressive and I envy them for it, but to me it was a huge moment.
What I love about running is that it makes you proud of yourself, it makes you appreciate what you have accomplished. Passing the16.5mile mark was a huge achievement for me but no fan fair played, no line was crossed and no ticker-tape parade ensued.
A glance t my Garmin, a wry smile to myself, a deep breath and increased spring in my step as I knew that every step forward was a step into the unknown. Big words, I know, for running around my home town, but 36 hours later and I'm still riding a high from it.
I will run marathons and I will run ultras, (there is still a little part of me that thinks I'll get quite good) but as with all things I am learning as I go. I get advice from great Twitter people and off the ultrarunningpodcast podcasts too. So far I've picked up the following pointers which have helped me no end:
After 90 minutes of exercise, the body needs supplementing. To date the best is the SIS Smart1 gel. Caffeine and Berry flavour.
Train to 70% of your max your heart rate when increasing distance, it stops you from going out too fast or too slow.
Hydrate well, my 2l CamelBak is maybe the best thing I own.
Get the support of your family. Without this, you'll never have the time you need to dedicate to running to train for it. After 18 miles, the best thing was returning to a home full of smiles and support and people impressed by my achievement.
Others can disagree, or may be built differently but for me the above are gospel.
My run was uneventful, it started at 05.30hrs, it was raining, cold and very dark. Waking up that early really makes you question just how much you want this. How hungry you are to run and train for an event. I questioned myself for all of 10 seconds. If you're gonna run a long way you need to put the miles in and respect the ones you do.
In the words of the late, Roy Castle... Dedication, that's what you need.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Respect the miles.
I knew it was a long term project
I knew it would mean running a huge amount in training
I knew it would get boring doing them
I knew all of this and still started on it.
I never really figured myself as the type of person who would commit to a long term project like this and stick to it.
Two years ago, when I ran recreationally for the first time it wasn't easy and it wasn't fun, but slowly the work started paying off and I saw and felt the improvements. Rather than running because I had to, I was running for pleasure and to improve performance.
Events came and went, I collected medals, I got the goody bags and I established a fine collection of raceday t-shirts and race numbers.
I'm not sure where I read the phrase "Respect the Miles", but the further I run, the more gravitas it has. Respect for the miles that others are running regardless of how far. Respect for the miles I put in. Respect for the miles that a person can make themselves run. All runners know how much of a toll running takes on your body. So constantly increasing them increases that exponentially.
But if anyone is out there, reading this, wondering if they can run further and faster let me tell you this. Two years ago I was overweight and unfit. The first time I ran eight miles I was so busted that I managed to get upstairs for a shower but couldn't bend my legs to come back down the stairs. After my first half-marathon, I sat on a wall, fell in a bush and seriously doubted my ability to get back out .I know some amazing runners who run a marathon per week. I know others who regularly run ultra-marathon distances. Equally impressive are those new to the sport putting in their first 5k, booking their 10's, returning from injury to run half-marathons for the first time in years.
Whatever your distance is, watever your ability, respect what you achieve. Take a step back from the effort and the sweat and look at what you have accomplished. Respect the miles and the effort that it takes to run them.
TodayI ran 16.5 miles, next week will be 18 and by New Year I'll be up to the elusive 26.4 miles. It has taken me two years to get to the point where I can run 4 times a week and increase by 10% each week, but it's been worth the wait.
This morning I ran through a sunrise. From the sharp frost with a crystal clear moon, to a vanilla sky sunrise I watched the world wake up as I put the miles in.
Thanks to running, every week I am accomplishing something new, that I have never done before. As long as I respect the miles I think I'll be fine.
Friday, 11 November 2011
For fog's sake.
<p>The autumn weather has arrived with a vengeance this week. Fog, high winds and unpredictable showers have made for some interesting trails. With visibility down to 20 metres today, I settled for a brisk run through the hills and woods. Obviously loved it, settling for 8 miles.
Next run will be my long one and I'm aiming for 15 miles this time. I'm so glad that the knee pain that I have suffered from in the past has gone. While I'm daunted by the size of the challenges I have coming, I know I have time to train and the support of family and friends.
Running has made a lot of difference to my life. It's helped with mental health and weight issues that have plagued me for years.
But recently its also given me the ability and time to start thinking about what I want out of life, more specifically my work life.
I always figured I was on the promotion road and would work hard at that. But I'm starting to appreciate the pleasures of doing a job you really want to do. Like running, you don't mind the hard work when its a passion.
A few more long runs and I think I'll have come up with a plan.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Listen to your heart....
I never fail to be impressed at the amazing level of support you can get from social networking. On twitter I have been able to get advice and support form lots of amazing people. Some are professional runners and athletes and others are keen amateurs, but as I've always found with runners, it's an inclusive sport.
From words of praise and support to lengthy technical advice, with the help of these great people, I have got the confidence and the plan to get ultra fit by next summer and Marathon ready in April.
I've had to reassess my goals along the way, all for the best. There is now no point in me leaving the marathon training for next year. My marathon in April means I could start to train in the new-year, but by July I need to be able to do 70 miles, so the marathon in MK has become a training run along the way. The best news is that I have the chance to run with my brother in MK now. He's a great guy who got me into the sport in the first place and for this and so many other things I will be eternally grateful.
So the goals have become:
a) Be running 40 miles p/w by January.
b) Finish MK Marathon in April in sub 4 hours.
c) Be running 50 miles per week by April.
d) Complete 70 mile ultramarathon in July (I'm not putting any time limit on that one).
So this week was a 27.5 mile week, including a 13.2 mile road run in my new Brooks Gelatine trainers, a 6 mile trail run in Trailgoves and an early morning 8.3 miler. These are all runs I have done before, but I have taken a new approach to them.
What has changed is the training methods I'm using. After listening to an interview with an amazing ultra runner called Lee McKinley, I have started using the HRM on my Garmin to set an upper limit for my heart rate. If during the run I reach that limit I slow my pace/effort to bring it down to my target. I have used the target of 75% of my max HRM which is 150bpm. Using an external measure of your effort (hrm) rather than "how you feel" means you never start too fast it push too hard, important as the distances increase. The trade off for losing a small amount of pace is a massive increase in stamina. To give an idea of the benefits of this method, I ran a half marathon yesterday in 1:49:37, only four minutes off my PB and with the strength in my legs to keep going a lot further if I had to.
As the distances increase I'll consider dropping this to 140 bpm, but as a method for increasing distance and stamina it's second to none.
Once again running has surprised me with how good it makes you feel and how you can improve with effort. And runners have impressed me with huge levels of support along the way.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
The decision to go ultra.
I have made some big decisions in my time. I work in a job where I make potentially life changing decisions on a regular basis and I like to think I’m good at making the right ones.
So when I considered doing an ultra-marathon next year I did my research, considered what would be required of me. Weighed this up against the sense of satisfaction that will come from completing a 70 mile race and knew it was the right decision. The biggest challenge, other than the event itself, will doubtless be the amount of training required and how time consuming that will be, especially with a young family and a career on the go as well. But I honestly feel like this is the right time for me.
Telling people of my plans has been interesting. A mixture of responses, some abusive and some complimentary, but in the main, no-one seems particularly surprised. This means that either people have got bored of by running chatter and now tune me out, or, are no longer surprised at the challenges I’ll set myself. I hope it’s the second.
My previous big target for next year was my first marathon in April 2012, but now that will be a training run to assess pace etc for the ultra-marathon in July. The 7 laps of the ten mile course are run within a 26 hour window in Summer in Lincolnshire and now that dates have been confirmed I’m just waiting for entries to open. (www.fat-feet.co.uk)
Training has already started, with the increase in distance I will be doing in training, I’m planning on dropping a run per week and replacing it with a gym session to develop other complimentary muscles. Looking through some great resources (www.ultramarathonrunning.com etc) it also seems that increased core strength is important so that features heavily in my plan.
I’ve also considered losing more weight, but I’m not going to focus too much on dropping into the 11 stone barrier. I’m guessing that with all the running I’ll be doing weight loss won’t be a problem.
I guess that we all make decisions, some are big and some are small. Some are made easily and some require intense thought. But all decisions have an impact. This one is going to see me getting up earlier, training longer and harder than ever before. And to fit that in with everything else I’m going to have to take a leaf out of Dean KARNAZES’ book and run through the night if necessary.
But running has become such a fundamental part of my life now, such a constant that looking at this sort of challenge just feels right Like I said, I’m happy that I’ve made the right decision.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Northface Blacks single track trailrun.
One year ago exactly I completed my first trailrun and was immediately hooked on being closer to nature and engaging with the countryside. Along with a free copy of Trailrunning magazine I got some nice kit and had a great day, well satisfied with my 49:06 time.
But what a difference a year makes....
Last year I attended as a Trail virgin, nervous and excited, buzzing with excitement. In 12 months, the excitement hasn't gone, but my focus and determination have increased hugely. My wife came with me today, looking to do her first run, the equally challenging 5k. The weather was immense, chilled and with a heavy dew, but bright and windy. A great day to be outside.
I can't talk about the 5, but the 10k route starts with a quick first section, bringing the first mile in under 6 and a half minutes, before plunging into the shadows and single track on undulating terrain.
After tackling Bison hill, nearly 300ft of ascent, the course opens into woodland and farmland before returning to the start on open chalkland.
I put myself near the front of the pack for the first time in a race and gave it everything to keep up, instead of starting near the back and working through the pack. It seemed to work and without the pressure of overtaking, I settled into a fast pace, averaging 7:29 min/miles over the entire course.
I ended up in 31st position out of 430 runners. A good result for me.
On reflection, I enjoyed the day, I love the trails round here and I'm happy with the result. But most of all I loved sharing the day with my family. They were all there and its the support at these events that gets you through the tough parts.
God knows how much support I'll need to complete an ultra!
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Prelude to a race...
In the past I've picked up an interest and ended up nowhere near my original goal, so the blog has kept me moving forward at a good pace (pun intended)
Getting more involved in the running community has made me realise just how far I have to go. I started running two years ago and am really happy with what I've achieved, but I can't help but feel that there is more to come.
I've been asked to join a XC team at work and have a number of races planned through the rest of the year and into the spring.
I love that I have got others running, some at work and some at home. Tomorrow my wife take part in her first race, a novice runner who started training six weeks ago.
I have a 10k trail run tomorrow, it's a tough trail set on the Downs in Dunstable. 10 k of hills, field and mud on single tracks. I did this race last year and posted a time just ove 49 minutes. Tomorrow I go hunting for a PB. The recipe for the day; trusty trailgloves and Garmin GPS. No music this time, seemed to help previously.
Being unsuccessful on getting into VLM left me disappointed but I found a "rebound-run" in the shape of the Milton Keynes Marathon. After tomorrow the training begins to put a decent time in for a marathon in April.
I've been asking myself what I want to achieve out of running and one word lurks in the shadows and won't leave me alone; ULTRA-MARATHON.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
100 marathon, one hundred weeks
One hundred marathons, In under two years.
Enough to bring professional athletes to tears.
But marathon man can do this in order,
To raise awareness of post traumatic stress disorder.
Help for heroes are receiving the funds,
From the money he raises at all of these runs.
As his following grows and the word starts to spread,
His podcasts are heard and his website is read.
Follow his progress on Twitter and Facebook.
Raceto100, Google a look.
Leave some money for a great charity,
And remember its all about #PTSD
Simon Buckden, the marathon man, Centurion, runner, the man with a plan.
Inspiring others as he does all these things,
An ordinary man, doing extraordinary things.
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Dirtrunning 8k - Ashridge
About a week ago I got my race pack from Dirtrunning, as ever it was promptly received, the instructions were clear and the race number and (disposable) timing chip were enclosed. I always think of receiving your race pack as the most exciting part of your pre-race prep. I turn into a right girl at this point and start considering which kit to wear and what shoes would do me best.
But the days passed, the weather improved and race day arrived.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Just one day to go...
Work is over for a few days, as well as the normal family stuff I now have a day to prepare for the race tomorrow. Although in all honesty, I've been preparing for this for ages.
I can safely say that this is the race I have most prepared for in the two years since I took my first (difficult and awkward) steps into the world of running. I've run further and faster than ever before and am in the best shape of my life (yet, I have by no means finished).
DirtRunning are a local company who arrange trail runs of various lengths, this one is short at only 5 miles but is set in the beautiful Ashridge Estate about five miles from where I live and train.
The hills in the distance covered in cloud are part of tomorrows race. |
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
There is no fate but what we make....
This week, while the countdown to a couple of events continues to tick along, I started think about all the things running has done for me over the last two years.
I've been introduced to a whole new world of sport which is always thought was inaccessible for people like me.
A sport which singlehandedly presses my nerd, adrenaline and weight loss buttons.
Through this blog and Twitter I've met and spoken to likeminded people who all run for their own reasons, but are joined by the fact that they all run.
I've learned the importance of surrounding myself with positive people, who support and empower my desire to run further and faster.
But most of all I've realised that for the first time in ages I have the self-confidence to know that I'm good at something and continuing to get better.
I've set new goals and have some great events planned this year, but most exciting is looking to the future with a sense of excitement in knowing that I have lots more miles to run.
So I've drawn up a bucketlist. I know some of these are easier to achieve than others, but I intend to complete them all.
*complete a marathon
*complete a marathon in sub 4 hours
*compete in an event abroad
*run in central London
*run an ultramarathon
This year I aim to tick off one of these by completing a marathon, but recognise that I have a lot of training to do before I get there. I'm still massively impressed by anyone who has the determination to go the distance and hope that I will too.
Training for the upcoming events continued this week with trails, stamina and hill sessions. Distance is back up to 9 miles and I've plenty more in me. The plan is to.increase in line with the upcoming events.
10k in October
Halfmarathon in November and
Marathon in December.
Who knows what January will bring.....
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Two weeks to go
With a late entry into the Ashridge 5 mile trailrun a few things have changed in three last couple of weeks.
I've set up my own training plan which was ambitious but I've been sticking to it and working hard. As a result I've got back into my running stride in a big way.
I'm running five times a week. I'm passionate about improving my times and feeling positive about upcoming and future challenges.
But I think the biggest change has been in my mind. I've realised that of all of the ambitions I have about running the only thing holding me back is me.
I've got talking to some truly inspirational people recently. Some inspire because they have overcome adversity, some because they are capable of amazing things. Some inspire because they are at the start of their own challenges and they have all the passion and motivation that matures into stamina.
Inspiration comes in many forms and when you find it you should keep hold with both hands. Because when the distances start to increase and the hills get steeper, you need something special to keep you going.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
New toy.
Started my new training plan today ready for the 5mile trail run in just 3 weeks. I've planned a mix of tempo runs, hillsprints, slow runs and fartlek.
And to celebrate and motivate myself I bought a new Garmin forerunner watch.
I took it out tonight for its test run and was well impressed. Incredibly accurate and clear to see performance stats. The best part is the amount of data that you can upload afterwards. Easy to read and some interesting feedback. Seeing your performance over 1 mile splits really encourages you to keep a pace. In this case I was looking to go slow and averaged 8:10 min/miles.
Wore the merrells again and felt light on my feet the whole way. After 2 years of trying out kit combinations I may have found the right mix.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
When good runs turn bad...
And when an opportunity to attend occurred this week I grabbed it with both hands.
Just recently I've been off my game. I feel like I've been taking running and my health for granted. Having lost a load of weight and really turned my lifestyle around this year, I felt old habits creeping back in and felt powerless to stop them.
Just the idea of having an event to train for has really boosted my spirits and got me focussed on healthy eating and living as well as the trainng. But this made me wonder why I need to have an event to train for to feel that I should take care of myself?
Surely the thing that makes great athletes or even great people great is the fact that they have the willpower and self discipline to maintain a chosen path regardless of outside pressures. How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle for yourself rather than your sport? Because one injury or one bad result can really spoil your self confidence.
It felt strange to realise that running had stopped being a release valve for stress. Instead the need to be good at it had become a source of stress and I look forward to runs now with an air of nervousness and reflect on them with a sense of disappointment. When did running stop being fun and become an obsession.
Maybe a long run will clear my head and help me find the answer...
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Time to up my game I think
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
My first real step into barefooting
• Microfiber and breathable air mesh upper
• Merrell Omni-Fit™ lacing system secured with welded TPU provides a precise, glove-like fit
• Fused rubber toe bumper provides ultimate durability
• Synthetic leather rear foot sling provides stability
• Flexible plate in the forefoot protects the foot from stone bruises
• Non-removable microfiber footbed treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution resists odor
MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE
• 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions
• 1mm forefoot shock absorption plate maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure
• 0mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain
• Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry
• Vibram® Trail Glove Sole/ Rubber Compound TC-1
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Back to basics (and conisdering the next step)
Monday, 1 August 2011
It's not your pace that makes you a runner....
For anyone who knows me in the real world you will know full well that I never listen to good advice.
I approached my marathon training plan with my usual level of enthusiasm and completed an above target 16.5 miles and felt amazing. I kid you not, at the end that run I was certain I was heading for some sort of bright future in running, maybe a late call up to TeamGB for 2012.
If I could increase my distance that quick and maintain pace surely I could achieve anything. For one bright and shining moment I felt invincible. A god among mortals. An athlete among amateurs.
So excited was I that I set up my playlist for the next run a week in advance and went on to a couple of 60 minute interval sessions during the week, looking forward to topping 17 miles the following Sunday.
But that Sunday never came. Tuesday and Thursday (now known as Bastard Thursday) saw to that.
Long story short I limp home from both runs with a knee that feels like its been bent forward at 90 degrees. There is no flexibility and no strength there whatsoever.
Over the following two days I pitched wildly between never running again and planning ultra marathons to prove my knee wrong. But however I tried to look at it I was still a frustrated runner who could barely walk let alone run.
It took 48 hours for me to stop seeing this as a tragedy and start seeing it as what it is.
It's just another challenge. I have faced a lot and I will face plenty more.
And if there's anything that running has taught me it's that you can accomplish anything with determination and stamina. I'm not racing to complete my first marathon any more, I'll go when I'm ready. I've cancelled Eden and realised that for now my goal is recovery and focusing on the 10k I'm running in October.
I'm working on strength and flexibility in my legs and core to compensate for gammy knee and will be back on the trails soon.
One thing I learned this week was how great the running community is. Lots of people have wished me well but Twitter has proved an invaluable source of support and information with one guy @100mara100weeks being a constant source of inspiration and support. He is an ex-soldier and is running 100 marathons in 100 weeks to raise awareness and funds for Help for Heroes. He's a legend and well worth a follow/mention. I've decided to donate my entry money from the cancelled run to him as I think he is amazing and a true inspiration having never run a marathon before!
There's a lot to be said about the benefits of running, mentally and physically. For me it's an opportunity to unplug my brain and let subconscious sort things out. Difficult decisions seem less daunting and somehow trivial once you spend some time under the sky with the world passing you by, realising what a small part of it you really are. It's a huge destresser for me and speaking to friends recently I know others feel the same.
And it doesn't matter how fast you are. It's not your pace that makes you a runner, but your ability to put one foot in front of the other, over and over again.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Every day's a school day....
As training for the Eden Project Marathon gets underway, I've notched up 35.44 miles this week, A mixture of trails and intervals, on minimalist and conventional running shoes.
The minimalist session was my longest one on five-fingers yet. An hour in these minimalist shoes, left my calf's in knots on Thursday and my 45 minute short run yesterday was exactly the cure I needed. That "short" run was a warm up to the main event which I did this morning.
MiCoach was insisting that I increase mileage to get marathon ready and so I headed out at 8am to do 2hours and 30 minutes on the road. Fortunately, the weather was good, great in fact, and in the allotted time I completed 16.5 miles.
This is great because
A) it's the furthest I have ever run, and
B) it's the longest time I've ever spent running.
A summary of stats showing the crazy increase between last week and this week.
And while I'm happy with this, running this sort of distance/time made me try new things and as I said at the start every day is a school day.
I tried carb-loading for the first time yesterday, I'm still not eating much sugar or starchy stuff so an evening of pasta and popcorn left me buzzing with energy this morning and allowed me to complete the run on little supplements (a couple of SiS gels).
I started hydrating on Friday. Regular drinking rather than when I was thirsty meant that I never felt that parched today and if truth be told, could have gone further.
Thirdly, knowing I'd get bored of music after a while I started on an audio book instead. This was a gamble as I love ,music to run to, but boy did it pay off. On a boring road session like this one, the story kept the mind entertained and let the legs get on with running. The miles literally flew by.
This week will see the donation page for Great Ormond Street set up and then I can really start publicising the run in October. Until then it's business as usual.
Me.
The road.
The biggest challenge yet....
Eden 2011
Monday, 18 July 2011
Going back to where it all began.
Running and Pasties.
The Eden Project in Cornwall is celebrating it's 10th Birthday and it's 3rd marathon. I've said I fancied a challenge and I think this is it.
I have twelve weeks to do two things...
1) increase my distance (current maximum is 13+ miles, need to run 26.2!!!
2) lose a bit more weight to make sure I have the strength, stamina and energy to complete it.
The run is trail based, mixed terrain and based on old mining land, it looks beautiful and will be my first marathon, which I'm told is a pretty big thing.
www.edenproject.com/Eden-Project-Marathon-2011.php
So training started this weekend clocking up just over 16 miles over two runs, the longer run was on the Sunday and came in at 10.6 miles.
http://www.adidas.com/com/micoach/WorkoutDetails.aspx?WID=485aeeee-fd29-4e1b-bd36-123ad951b07b
My weight has plateaud at just under 12 stone. Thats over two stone lost in six months, I reckon 11st8lb should be a good marathon weight and keep pressure off my joints.
Planning and training has commenced, on October 9th I go to Eden, where it all began.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
In the words of Tao Te Ching.....
I had my second go out in my minimalist running shoes yesterday. The Vibram Fivefingers are hardcore minimalist. 3mm runner sole, no cushion and no support.
After my first go, where I set a 5k pb I ended up with calf strain for a week so I slowed down on purpose this time.
I still felt light on my feet and more connected, they definitely promote good running posture and increase cadence. As a result, I ended up running off my forefoot more but my calfs held up this time. Overall, the run was more fun and felt less like I was crashing through the countryside, more like I was skimming along it.
In the words of Tao Te Ching, "The best runner leaves no tracks". Maybe he was on to something.
Slow and steady seems the way to increase distance on minimalist shoes so I'll look at a seven k run next time.
Meanwhile, plans for a big run later in the year continue to develop.
Ultramarathon anyone?
Sunday, 10 July 2011
One more goal....
Why?
1) My new minimalist running shoes crippled me and left me with no calf movement for a week,
2) I worked overtime on nights doing a 60 hour week and feeling pretty crap, and
3) I spent last weekend blasting round Yorksire on my Motorbike with friends (although I did manage a cheeky 8k in the moring before everyone lese got up).
Have I been resting and enjoying the break from running?
Have I hell!!!
I've realised that having met two of my three goals for this year I needed to really test myself. When I set the three goals of losing weight, beating my 10k PB and raising money for charity, I kind of figured that the third would be the easiest. And it pobably would be but for the fact that I seem to think differently now.
Rather than accept and achieve the norm I find myself constatntly testing and pushing myself. Having realised that I can accomplish anything I really want to, when I decided to do a run for charity, I figured I had to come up with something unique....
I have planned a run which will smash any goals I've set before and I'm well excited for it.
I'm looking to finalise details this week as i want to get some support first but watch this space....
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
13 miles of trails
Sunday, 5 June 2011
What an amazing day!!!
For starters taking three kids anywhere is like planning a military operation, especially when one is four months old.
Secondly, this would be my first "proper" run of the year, with other people and a big scary clock.
I concentrated on form today.
I checked my pace regularly, I kept my back straight and head up, I was light on my feet and smiling as I went.
I used the first of three laps to identify features and ascents/descents for the following laps and relaxed on the way down. On the way up the hills I took smaller steps and sped up my pace.
I constanttly concentrated on maintaining form and an amazing thing happened.....
I smashed every record and PB I have had, finishing the race in 43.03, better than my planned time and faster than I would have hoped for.
I also set a new PB for 5k, fastest mile and fastest kilometre.
Next up was Jake's 2k race. He was nervous on the start line, but set a really steady pace. After a few people went past him as they set off too fast, he slowly started to carve his way through the field.
He overtook people older than him and was one of the youngest there.
He kept a good pace all the way round and when he saw the finish line, he sprinted the last 300 metres.
He finished in about 13 minutes and made us all very very very proud.
A great day all round.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Fwd: Why run?
Why run?I've lost count of the number of people who have asked me this or the number of times I've asked it of myself. The truth is I have no idea.It all started one day when my brother asked me to go for a run, as he was training for a charity event and wanted some company.My first thoughts were, in no particular order;Why the hell is my brother running if he's not being chased?Why the sudden fascination with running when his car seems to be working?If he's doing it could I?After a few tentative runs of slowly increasing distance I discovered lots of benefits to running. I was losing weight, I was looking better and feeling well. I discovered whole parts of the local area I never knew existed and a whole community of runners across the world, more than willing to share tips and secrets. More over I found a sport which was open to all, wasn't expensive and didn't have pre-conceived ideas of what a typical runner should be.All of these benefits were apparent but none of them ever answered the question "Why Running?"Why not another sport, why not join a gym or take up football?The question rings loud in my ears with every footfall of a long run and it's met with nothing but the echo of my footsteps in response.I've struggled with weight and personal image for as long as I can remember. And it's strange because looking at photographs of my past I was never as big as I thought. I guess (or I hope) that everyone has those voices in the back of their mind telling them what they can not achieve, or how useless/stupid/fat/ugly they are. The problem is I'd listened to them so long I could only identify myself by their descriptions and despite the good stuff going on in my life, I still felt like the loser they described.In running I found a sport which allowed me to test my own self perceptions and my own limitations. I wasn't being compared to team mates or peers, it was just me and the road. And I could push myself as hard as I wanted. Over time a strange thing happened.I got better.I began pushing myself to the limit in order to find what I was capable of and the response wasn't a voice telling me that I don't look like a runner, or another telling me I'm too fat to run and chasing me down.The response was my footfall on the pavement, the rhythmic beat that showed I wasn't slowing. I was moving forward. Literally taking a step and doing something positive.It was me doing something more than most.While others sat in and vegetated I was on the road or in the gym and I was running and accomplishing something.So where am I now?I'm 20+lbs lighter than I was six months ago and feel ten years younger I'm faster than I've ever been and have taken part in some amazing events and met some great people through running. I have a more positive self image. The voices are still there but now when I run, it's not to get away from them, it's to shut them up and show them what I can do.And on the long runs, either by street light or in the sun, the beat still goes on. I keep moving one foot in front of the other and I keep running.Why run?I've no idea, but the answer is just over the horizon and if I keep running faster I might just catch it.
Monday, 23 May 2011
The route started on road for about two k before taking a turning onto a public footpath which was single track but pretty smooth. When I emerged onto a busy road, I figured I was in for a couple of miles of exhaust fumes and roadkill but along the way I saw a small gap in a hedge and another public footpath sign. The sign indicated a narrow track through some farmland and over the horizon (see image above) and pointed towards the target of my next decent run. The beacon hill in Ivinghoe. I reckon the round trip on trails will be about13 miles and very hilly.
I decided it was too far to go on this trip so found an alternative and equally rambling route to get home, finishing the last 2 k over the bottom of the Chiltern Downs.
A great run that made me realise that a lot of what I love about running is the sense of exploration and discovery.
I think I shall entitle my memoirs "The road less taken".....
On the subject of weight loss, as this blog was supposed to be about that as well), my new diet continues wto work with weight currently coming in at 12st 4lbs, the least I've been in eight years.
My diet works and has introduced me to new foods, but sucks for the very reasons it work..
* No bread
* No sugar
* No pasta
* No rice
* No alcohol.
Hard work but working, so I guess it's worth it.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
The metaphorical crossroads
I had a great 10 miler last Sunday out in the countryside which I completed in 1hr 20mins, which is faster than my half-marathon pb.
As well as a few smaller runs and a forty minute Fartlek session this morning, I can happily say that I'm in the best shape for running I have ever been. An injury I got at work has slowed me this week, but I'm well on the mend.
On top of this my new diet, inspred by a guy who competed in Marathon-des-Sable this year has seen the weight really shift off me. I'm down twenty pounds from new year and have passed my original target weight. I've lost 5% body fat as well.
While all of these things should make me happy I can't help but feel like I've plateau'd.
I have entered the VLM2012 ballot and have applied to run Thunder24 with MenRunning. I have a ten k in two weeks in Whipsnade and I have runs planned for September October and November.
I'm reading a great book at the moment called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, a truly inpsirational book about the sinmple joys, pleasures and human need to run.
But it has left me wanting to push the boundaries of my running, to go further and on different trails.
It's taken me eighteen months to get competent at running and now I find myself at a crossroads.
How good could I be if I really pushed myself? What could I accomplish if I dedicated myself to running? And where could running take me if I'm good?
While the running continues, my mission for now is to answer these questions.
Last week on a my ten-miler I reached a (literal, not metaphorical) crossroads and took the path less taken, I added distance to my journey, quickened my pace and loved every minute. I pushed myself to achieve what I knew I could if I tried and I set a better pace than usual and finished feeling like a million dollars.
I wonder, if I take the same attitude with life in general, and running in particular, what could I accomplish?