2012- a year in running

Distance per week

I love a bit of excel geekery when it comes to running stats, so here are some breadsweatandbeers running facts for the year:

Total miles: 1353.68
Total number of runs: 162
Average run distance in miles: 8.36
Average weekly distance: 26
Average number of runs per week: 3.11
Longest run: 40 (Ultrarace Peaks)
Shoretest run: 2
Fastest pace during a race: 06:16 (Roundshaw Parkrun)
Slowest pace during a race:10:25 (Croydon Ultramarathon)

Highlights of the year certainly includes crossing the finishline after 40 miles of the Ultrarace Peaks.  The Greensands marathon was also a great race as were the other Trionium races I did; the Leith Hill half marathon and the Midsummer Munro.  Finishing within the top 10 at the Denbies 10 miler in May was great.

The other highlight of the year was not a race but a training run I did from Carshalton to Box hill along the North Downs way.  I definitely want to get out on some long point to point trail runs next year just for the fun of long runs of the trails and get more used to navigating whilst running.  I've got my eye on a challenge of running from my house to the coast.

The other great thing, running wise, this year was finally joining a running club (Sutton Runners).  Running with faster runners has definitely improved my pace and the social side is good too.  Its also meant I've been able to run in some xc races which I'm hoping to do more of next year.

Low point of the year could be cramping up during the threeforts marathon and going from second place at mile 6 to 22nd at the end.  This said all was forgiven on reaching the finish line and I am considering returning in 2012 to see if I can race the course at a more even pace! Getting lost round South East London during the Croydon Ultra was pretty depressing and almost put me off running long distances all together!

I haven't got too much planned as yet for next year.  Hopefully I'll be running some xc with the club in January and February.  I've signed up for the Box Hill fell race in Jan which I'm also really looking forward to.  Otherwise in terms of races the focus will definitely still be off road, I'd like to do some more trail marathons, maybe 3 forts again but I've also got my eye on the South Downs marathon and Beachy Head marathon.  I'd also like to do a proper fell race in the lake district, maybe the Fairfield horseshoe.

I am however kicking of the year with some flat road running at the Wydonham 10k, who knows how I'll cope without any mud and hills!

Angkor beer

2 weeks of no running but an absolutely amazing time in Cambodia with many an Angkor beer (good drinking and cheap larger), Anchor beer (a bit more flavourful but pretty similar to Angkor) and Klang (6% and dangerously drinkable) have left me feeling relaxed but not very fit.  The three runs this week have been hard work, but enjoyable.  I've made up a cross country route up and down little hills and across the grass in green park that's been good for a muddy lunch time blast.  Turned my ankle today running through a puddle but it doesn't seem too bad.

Race wise I've got a New Years Day 10k in Wyndham in a couple of weeks time.  I'm not too fussed about PBs or anything like; its just for fun and maybe to beat my mate Tim who we're staying with out for New Years in Norwich.

For January I've entered the Box Hill Fell race which I'm really looking forward to, so I think there's going to need to be some last minute hill training in the first few weeks of 2012.

Parkruns, days off and an unexpected second place

With no big races left for the year I've been taking it kinda easy on the running but still making it out 2 or 3 times a week and turning up for a few parkruns.  2 weeks ago I did Roundshaw Downs in 19:34 placing 5th and returned this morning running a few seconds slower but finishing in a surprising second.  Whilst its only a weekly race and where you place is particularly dependent who turns up that day, it was a cool experience to be second by a long margin for most of the race and even at one point entertaining the idea I might win (although I knew deep down it was unlikely!).

Rest week

This week I ran 4 miles in total, ate two differnt types of cheese cake and drank a beer almost everyday.

Might do a bit more running next week...

Greensands Marathon

I was feeling relatively relaxed ahead of this race, I knew with all the ultra training over the summer that I should have the distance in my legs and the hill training of the previous weeks felt like good preparation.  Most of all I just wanted to run it as hard as I could but enjoy the course as well.

After a brief rendition of Jerusalem we were off.  Up the first hill I ran with the leading pack, more to avoid being stuck in the bottle neck down the first hill than any pretensions that I was going to be in the top 10.  As the long slog up to the top of Leith Hill began I happily let them stride off out of view- running mainly on my own but passing and being passed by the odd runner.  Made it to the tower at Leith Hill in 53 min which was a bit quicker than planned but felt good.  The course then plunges down a long hill followed by a long incline and then a series of short and sharp ascents and descents over difficult ground to get to the turn around point.  The views from the ridge were fantastic, and there was the odd moment where you could take you eyes off the trail to enjoy them!

I hit the turn around point in about 14th place, picked up a bottle of Lucazade and set off back to the start.  As an out and back course and a friendly race it was great to cheer on and be cheered on by my fellow runners, however once they were pass I ran completely on my own back to the top of Leith Hill.  The course marking was pretty good, but it was a bit unnerving as I knew if I took a wrong turn I'd have to find my way back on my own.  I got back to the tower in at about 2:48 and whilst I felt pretty good my legs were starting to get pretty drained.  As I started the long descent back to Dorking the past 20 miles were ever present and as much I wanted to bomb down the hills my body had other ideas. This said at mile 22 I was still on my own. 

After the penultimate water station, at which I took on water and plenty of Haribo I got to a fork in the path where there were no markings; I was pretty sure it was the left  hand path but being on my own I wanted to be sure.  I wasted 30 seconds to a minute but was glad to have confirmed the course with some passing walkers.  This, however meant I was no longer alone on the course and over the next 3 miles I was passed by 4 runners who were in better shape to make the most of the downhill sections.  At mile 25 we hit the inevitable killer hill to get you over the Nower and to the finish.  Me and another guy were neck and neck as we dragged our sorry selves up the steps.  As we hit the flat section before the final descent we started to increase the pace.  I decided I wasn't going to let another person pass me and as we hit the corner for the finishing straight I just threw every remaining bit of energy into what was probably the most enjoyable sprint finish to any race I've done.  I was literally screaming at my self to run faster!  I finished 7 seconds in front which either means I got some serious pace up or the other runner couldn't be bothered to contest it!  Either way, as I collapsed on the ground and received my medal it felt great.

Final time 03:48:26 18th.

The Greensands Marathon is a great race.  True its tough but its all do-able and who wants to run a flat marathon anyway?  The views from the Greensand Ridge are immense, the conditions underfoot are certainly enough to keep you occupied (or fall over if not) and the overall atmosphere of the race is fantastic.

The finish line in sight!

Surrey Cross Country div 3- Lightwater

Ran my first cross country match since school yesterday and it was great fun.  5 miles or so around Lightwater park with some brilliant hills (both ups and downs) and some really fast runners to contend with.  The pace was fast from the gun and really bunched up across the first mile or so, the field spread after that a bit but there was still a lot of overtaking and being passed as well across the whole race.  I felt relative sluggish on the first lap but warmed up a bit on the second and manged to pass several of the folks who overtook me on lap 1.  It was good fun just to go all out, up and down the hills and not have to worry about running another 20 or so miles- although in a fortnight's time at Greensands I'll have to remember to pace myself a bit!  Results aren't up yet but my time was a respectable 33 minutes or so, although with the quality of runners there I was quite far back in the field. 

I really don't know why people bother to race on the road!

Preparing for Greensands...

Best of the Carshalton area hills over 20 miles

With the Greensands Marathon in mind I've been working as many hills as possible into my runs.  Whilst the Carshalton area is far from mountainous there's a few good hills around.  On Thursday I took advantage of all the roads which go up onto Banstead road for an 8 mile run with 800ft of height gain and loss, and today I did a bit of a 'best of local hills' for my long run.  Banstead road, Oaks Park, Chipstead road, Banstead Woods and the hills down into Coulsdon all got run;  20 miles with a relentless selection of hills and over 2,000 ft of height gain across the route. Good training, however the only problem is Greeensands has 5,200 ft ( a vertical mile!) to contend with so there needs to be a bit more hill training needed before the day!

Nonsuch Park Run

Went along to the inaugural running of the Nonsuch Park Run this morning.  There was a good turn up of 160+ runners, many of whom took advantage of the flat course to post some fast sub-18 minute times (it was won in 16:23).  I completed the course in a slightly more sedate 19:35 but considering it was the day after a 15 mile (1,500 ft height gain) run through the hills around Coulsdon I was surprised to sub 20.  It's a good course, which makes full use of the park with a mix of grass, trail and tarmac and as the nearest to home I may have to go along again at some point- maybe try and get my time nearer to 19 minutes. 

There's now 5 Park Runs in the area- at some point (maybe next year) I want to have a go at running them all and in between in one day...

Banstead Woods Park Run

Everyone says that Banstead Woods is one of the best Park Runs out there, so I thought I'd check out.  They're right as well it's a good one, there's a few hills, some mud and a great atmosphere with 100+ runners congregating in the woods of a Saturday morning.  With the Greensands Marathon in mind I ran an undulating 5 or so miles there and back to add an extra 10 miles on to the mornings run, but still managed an 'OK' time of 20:29 and 13th place for the park run- despite my warm up being almost twice as long as the race!

Next week they're running an inaugural park run at Nonsuch Park, so as long as I have time to go for along run at another point in the week I might go and check it out.

1,000 miles

Just a short update to say this week I passed the mile stone of 1,000 miles for the year so far and entered the Greensands Marathon.

Post peaks recovery

Recovery from the Peaks last week been good so far.  Had Monday off work to recover but felt fine, was properly tired on Tuesday, ran 2 miles on Wednesday, 4.5 on Friday and 7.5 today.  Just taking it easy.  Still finding myself thinking about that wrong turn last week and how different the race would have been, but heh it's all running (I think the great Killian Journet who won UTMB yesterday says of wrong turns- more miles equals more fun).

Still not sure what my next race'll be.  I'm seriously considering Greensands marathon, but there's also the Surrey Badger half, which'll put less pressure on training for the distance.  I've also got this idea about running all the park runs in the area (and inbetween) in one go, but that will take a bit more research and preparation...

Ultrarace Peaks

So that's it.  DONE!  UltraRace Peaks, 40 miles, 6 hours 54 minutes, 24th place.

The race set off from Cromford with everyone bunched up along the canal, but as soon as the first hill hit the field was spread out quite far.  I walked up the first hill with a guy who gave me a good tip ("if you can't see the top, walk it!") and we stuck together for the next 26 miles.  The route along the High Peak trail was fantastic, really scenic and whilst there were a few ups, there were enough downs to make the pace back up.

After hitting the first check point (1:25) the route cuts across some fields and then down to the Tissington Trail, which is flat and long.  It was easy to keep up the pace along this section and soon enough check point two came along in just under 3 hours.  I was feeling pretty good, downed a can of Coke, tried a 9 bar (not nice, I think I'll stick to brunch bars in the future!) and set off again.

At the end of the Tissington trail the route goes round the houses (literally) through Ashbourne but soon enough we were back on the trails, at one point running through a field of corn where the path had been cut out, bit like a maze (a maize?).  We hit the marathon distance at just under 4 hours and I was still feeling good and settled into a pace of around 9 min miles, passing a few folk who were walking.

I was amazed to hit checkpoint 3 at 4:30 and apparently in 6th, catching up with some runners who had taken a wrong turn at Shirley.  From checkpoint 3 it was a long slog along the appropriately name 'long lane' which was surprisingly lumpy.  At around mile 34 disaster struck...

There was a road that went off to the right, and on a sign post on the other side of the road there was one of the UltraRace direction arrow stickers.  Due to my middling eyesight I was about to cross the road to see which way it pointed, but the guy behind me shouted out 'right turn here mate'.  I should have checked that arrow, because it must have been pointing straight on.  A mile or so after the wrong turn I was starting to worry as I hadn't seen any markers.  We got to a farm and worked out where we were.  The road we took backtracked away from Derby!  Disaster!  I had printed out a map of this section of the route and worked out how we could complete the square and get back on to route.  This little diversion added on about 2 miles and I reckon with the map reading about half an hour of my time.  Unlike when I was lost at the Croydon Ultra however I wasn't pissed off about it.  I'd worked out where I was and how to get back on to the route and was still on for my aim of sub 7 hours.  I think with Ultras sticking to the route is all part of event.

Back on route we met up with some other runners and I realised how much time I'd lost.  It was getting warm but the route markings were good and I eat (took?) my emergency gel and soon enough we were running through a council estate (quote of the day, a women leaning out of her window shouted "well done runners, you can do this f**king thing!), pass the ring road and then a sprint(ish) finish.  Then I collapsed!  It was a great feeling to finish, and after a bit of a sit and another can of coke I managed to walk to the car.

Whilst the detour was annoying, it was my own fault.  The race organisation was really good, Ultrarace are a smooth operation and I'll definitely do one of their events again.  The route was really good, with the exception of the road section, and the atmosphere was great- the right mix of friendly and competitive.

I was also really please with my running, pacing the first 30 miles in pretty much equal 10 mile splits, and didn't hit 'the wall' (more of a slow gradual reduction in pace!).

So that's that.  My first proper ultra completed.  What's next?  Not too sure.  May do Greensands Marathon in October and make it 3 Trionium races for the year.  I think that's the main plan- use my ultramarathon training and fitness to take on the Surrey hills.  The other option is to drop the distance and see how quick I can do a half?  Who knows.  For now I'm mainly resting and eating!  What ever, I don't think this will be my last Ultra...

Face Plant!

Went for my last run before the race today. Just 6 miles round Hyde Park on my lunch hour. It was all going well, feeling fine. I was 300 metres from the end of the run- just a small hop over the barrier (about half a foot high) between the path and the pavement in St James’ Park...

Caught my foot on it and face planted into the pavement. Luckily I used my chin to catch my fall! Even better I was wearing a white running shirt which meant I was pretty soon looking like an extra from Dawn of the Dead with blood spread across my shirt [as an aside only one person asked me if I was OK]. Most of the injuries were grazes but my chin had quite a lump taken out of it so I ended up in A&E for a clean-up and a stitch to hold it together.

You know what I was thinking most of the way through all this. Phew, no twisted ankle, don't think I've pulled a muscle, should be able to run- and my first question to the doctor once they'd finished patching me up; can I run on Sunday?

All being well, the peaks dream is still alive! Now then, where did I put my pride?

1 week till UltraRace Peaks

A relatively relaxed week, did some speed work on Tuesday (4x1 mile reps) and a relaxed 10k round Hyde Park on Thursday.  On Sunday, as I was up in Cheltenham visiting some friends, I managed to go for a really good hilly 10 mile run up on to Cleeve Hill which had about 1,400ft of height gain and loss.  The descent back in town was awesome, absolutely flying along through the brambles and stinging nettles!  It was the kind of run that reminds me why I like hitting the trails so much.

This week will be even more relaxed as I taper/don't run ahead of Sundays race. I think I might just get out for a 6 mile run on Wednesday and then that's it before Sunday; UltraRace Peaks 40 miles of fun from Cromford to Derby!  Not sure what kind of time I'll be aiming for, but my broad tactic is to run the first 20 miles at around 8:30 pace, walking any steep hills and then see how I feel for the second half.  Just got to hope I don't get lost or the wheels fall off too bad after mile 30...

Back to back drinking (and some running)

Whilst the last two weekends have sun back to back long training runs, this week was somewhat less focused on running, and more on beer.

Tuesday saw speed training with the club (14x200m) and Thursday a brisk 6.5miles round Hyde Park, but Friday was all about the Beer Festival...

Highlights this year included a very strongly flavoured Stout/Porter from the Spectrum brewery in Norfolk called 'Old Stoatwarbler' (6.0%), a surprisingly good ginger flavored beer- subtle rather than over the top -from Portsmouth (Bowmans's South Sea Spice (3.9%)).  My favourite was probably Dancing Duck's 'Gold' (4.7%) a hoppy IPA- influenced by the ultra hoppy IPAs of the States but still with the more British real ale taste.  Also had a half of Surrey Hill's Shere Drop, which was as always fantastic.

The next day saw more drinking meeting up with mates from Uni (mainly Tribute) and no running.

I did managed to get out today for a undulating 14 mile run and felt surprisingly strong and ran the whole thing pretty fast.  Feel absolutely rubbish now though!

2 weeks to go till my first proper ultra...

More training and more back to back runs

Took Monday and Tuesday off as I was pretty tired after the back to back runs last weekend, did a nice 6.5m loop round Hyde Park on Wednesday, Thursday was the clubs 5k summer race series (19:27, thought I'd got a pb for the course by a few seconds, but turns out I was slower by a few seconds) which I ran out and back from making it 9 or so miles for the evening.  With UltraRace Peaks now 3 weeks away this weekend was the last real opportunity for some proper distance training so did a hilly 21 miles on Saturday followed by a flat 12 miles today in the sun.  Felt OK on both and took them pretty easy around 8 minute miles, but was pleased that I paced them pretty evenly and felt like I could have run and run at that pace.

This months total distance is 187 miles, definitely the most training I have ever done- lets hope it pays off in a few weeks time.

In the world outside of running it is the Great British Beer Festival this week and I shall be there on Friday; can't wait!

Carshalton to box hill and back to back runs

Tuesday saw hill training and Thursday a run through the mud and rain but the training focus for this week was too longish runs back to back over the weekend.

Saturday was a brilliant run from Carshalton to Coulsdon and Farthing Downs and then on to the North Downs way taking in Reigate Hill and Box Hill.  It was at least 21 miles (hard to map it out on the trails) and about 3,500 ft of climbing- the worst of it in the last 5 miles or so.  It was a great run; perfect weather, great views, hard hills and I only went off route once- what more could you want?  A double cheese burger from Rykers at the end before getting the train home that's what!  Never has a burger tasted so good!!

Today was somewhat less scenic with two 7.5 loops round Sutton and Croydon but I was surprised that my legs didn't feel too heavy after spending over 3 hours on the trails on Saturday and the 15 miles flew by.

Plan to do another similar set of runs next week and that will be the bulk of the ultra training out of the way...

Recovery...

Last week as a week of recovery, 4 miles on Tuesday wasn't too bad, 4 mile on Wednesday almost made me sick and 7 miles on a sunny day through central London to Batersea and back reminded me why I love running.  Went out for a muddy 14 round Banstead woods and Oaks park that reminded me more why hitting the trails is more fun than the road.

Next weekend I need to do some back to back long runs to prepare for the peaks 40, now about a month away.  Thinking of going off the usual routes and running from Carshalton to Box Hill via the North Downs Way on Saturday (over 20 miles) and staying closer to home on Sunday (maybe three 5 mile loops).

Croydon Ultra 30+4 miles

So yesterday was my first ultra and the experience was mixed. 

The first 15 miles were brilliant, well marked and mapped out country side running south of Croydon- my kind of running.  I ran in a group with a guy I had met before at the Midsummer Munro, a guy from Marlow and a runner all the way from Washington DC (he hadn't come over specifically for the race!).  We chatted and kept the pace reasonable although relatively brisk.  Good times!  At the half way point I popped to the loo at the club house and was back on my way at just over 2 hours.

The second half was less brilliant.  The idea was you got onto a cycle path and took this all the way to Catford, but it wasn't that simple.  The route description was significantly less detailed for this section and there were no route markings apart from the cycle path signs.  It all went wrong when a group of about 4 of us couldn't work out which cycle path we were heading for.  We chose the wrong one and ended up on a route going round the houses which added another 3 or so miles on to the route.  We did manage to get back on route in the end after meeting up with a few more confused runners and a phone call to the organisors.  Things went relatively well after this point until the turn around/water station.  The problem- we couldn't find it!  We found it in the end, although wasted a lot of time and another mile or so in the process.  Speaking to other runners many gave up looking and turned around and managed to get some water from local pubs/residents and headed back.


At least, having found the turn around point I knew my navigation worries were over.  Unfortunately at this point the wheels fell off and felt pretty rubbish and could only manage a walk, run, shuffle combo.  Me and the guy from Marlow ran/walked together until we got caught by some other runners.  I just couldn't keep up with them but was determined not to let them out of sight.  After a couple of miles of run/walk/shuffle I was feeling better, if a little sick, and managed to pick up the pace to catch them up and in the end passed them.

So, what are the conclusions from this.  Getting lost was rubbish and very demoralising; I was not alone in this, but in the grand scheme of things it's not the end of the world.  Check out the magic forest's race report for a very similar experience.  What else?  I know, ahead of the 40 miler in August, that I can cover 34 miles; so with some further training to consolidate I should be able to cover 40 "no problems".  Despite feeling very grumpy when we were lost the atmosphere with the other runners and race organisers was great and I had fun (in general!!) across the race- especially in the first half. 

This was the first year of the Croydon Ultra, and there is certainly room for improvement.  I think it could be a really good race if they could sort out the route description and marking for the second half.  I think the route was maybe a little ambitious for the number of organisers/marshals available.  One option could be to make it two laps of the first 15, which whilst would make it a little repetitive and have more hills, would give them a lot more room to run a smoother race. I also thought it was a bit strange having both faster and slower runners setting off at the 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock starts.  By restricting the early start to just the slower runners would had more people running the route at the same time and in theory less chance of people getting lost.  Either way without people like Ian stepping up and organising races there wouldn't be any races- so well done on him for setting it up and I hope the event goes from strength to strength and becomes part of the South London running calender because there were many great aspects of the race and its organisation.

So the final result- a disappointing time of 5:54 but I came in at 7th, so I was pretty pleased with that, a second top 10 for the year!

30 miles tomorrow

A week of some serious tapering, mainly involving drinking beer and eating tapas in Spain.  Went for a quick 5 mile run on Thursday after we got back and a 2 mile jog this morning.  My main concerns for the Croydon Ultra tomorrow is getting lost, but all being well I'd be really pleased with sub 4 hours, happy with sub 4:30, content with sub 5 and perturbed with anything longer than that.  The plan is to take it easy for the first half which is a bit lumpy, and then if I'm feeling good put some effort it in for the second flat half which goes out and back to Catford via a cycle path.

Either way I'm really looking foward to it and (fingers crossed) this time tomorrow I'll be close to have completed my first Ultra....

A change of distance

As it is only a week until the Croydon Ultra I decided not to do another super long training run this week, and for a change head over to Roundshaw Downs Park Run.  To make it fit in more with my ultra training I jogged out there (about 3.5 miles) and after the race ran back via an extended route of 5 miles, so including the race it was a nice 11 or so miles.  The race went pretty well, this is only my third time racing at 5k and I smashed my time for Roundshaw by 50 seconds and my PB for 5km by 10 seconds coming in 6th at 19:35.  I was in 3rd at halfway but as usual I couldn't quite keep up the pace and got passed by 2 guys I had been running in a group with and another guy who ran one hell of a negative split passing all 3 of us in the last 2km.

May go for another run tomorrow, otherwise its time for a bit of a taper ahead of Croydon where, as long as I finish, a PB is guaranteed!  I'm looking forward to the race, my main concern is getting lost and adding too many extra miles to what it already "quite far".

Croydon Ultra Recce

No race this week so my long run took in a scouting expedition of the first leg of the Croydon Ultramarathon plus an extra 10 miles or so from Carshalton.  The course is much more scenic than expected, especially in the rural roads around Warlingham and the White Bear at mile 7 looks like an amazing pub.  There's also some nice little hills along the way, with an unexpected climb just off the main road as you come back into Croydon at around mile 12.    Navigation wise I took one wrong turn that was quickly corrected and missed a turning coming into Croydon that added a bit more distance than I really wanted- especially as the mercury was rising towards 25+ degrees.  All in all good run, my longest training run (ever) at around 25 miles but very hard going in the sun.

I think the question you always ask yourself when your training for a new distance is "could I run another x miles after that?".  Well I think, even in the sun and the heat I could managed another 5 miles on Sunday to make 30.  Another 15 to make 40- well that's another question, I think I'd say maybe but there would certainly be some walking and some pain involved!

Not sure if I'll do another long training run next weekend as its only a week before Croydon, but as the UltraRace Peaks is the ultimate goal I might see if I can manage another long run to keep the distance training up.

Hardest Half

On second run the Midsummer Munro confirmed itself to me as one of the best races around. 

The weather when I left the house was horrendous but managed to stay dry for the race.  This said its mark had been left with some muddy conditions- but nothing too bad.  There was however a nice surprise at the stepping stones which were submerged in a good 3 inches or so of freezing water.

The whole thing almost ended in disaster before it even started as I managed to turn my ankle whilst nipping to the bushes before the race.  Luckily it wasn't too bad, it hurt a bit near the end but I doubt it slowed me down much.

There was a slightly smaller field than last year- I'm not sure if this was due to the Picnic (the Munro's bigger sibling- the hardest marathon!) or the weather; but everyone was in good spirits and after an enthusiastic rendition of 'God Save the Queen' we were off.  Learning from last year I paced myself a bit better, walking the steps but running all the slopes.  I ran a lot of the race without too much company, but there was a good stretch from about mile 4 to mile 8 where me and guy were swapping places a lot- he would pass me up the hills and I would then career out of control passed him on the descents!

In the end I finished 12th in 2:04:27 which was the result I was after.  Either way, I love this race and had a great time so that was just the icing on the cake to a great afternoon. 

Finally, it has to be said- "much respect" to those running the Picnic.  Having to turn around and run the whole thing again must take some resolve.

Midsummer Munro- it's going to be wet

It's been raining off and on all week, and this evening the rain has really settled in.  Looks like the Midsummer Munro tomorrow's going to be wet, muddy and "interesting".  Hopefully the stepping stones won't be submerged otherwise it's really going to be hard going.

Race director Dr. Rob has posted on runners' world: "It'll be wet tomorrow, but we'll try to put on a good race all the same.  Your forbearance and any sense of humour you can muster will be greatly appreciated!"

I think my main goal for tomorrow is not to fall over...

Next stop Box Hill

In this weeks edition of the Guardian's excellent series on running with the Kenyans (read it here) Adharand Finn talks of his adventures of completing a half marathon with 4,000ft of height- the Fluorpsar run, which reminded me its only 2 weeks or so until the Mid Summer Munro, which packs in a weighty 3,000ft of ascent and descent.  I did last year in 2:07, I think the course record is around 1:44 which shows how hard it is.  It is however the friendliest race I've ever entered.  I'm looking forward to it and hope to bring my time down to 2:05 or less.

The last few weeks training have gone well, had a nice 20 mile run on the North Downs Way and managed to fit in some hill training whilst visiting my brother in Plymouth.  As part of my run today I did 5 sets of stairs on the outside of the national theatre to help prepare (as much as you can) for the steps of box hill- but in reality I don't think anything can prepare you for those steps, the second time at mile 12.

Denbies 10- top 10!

Had a great day over in Denbies for the Events to Live 10 miler.  Last year I set off too fast and paid for it during the second half so I was determined to run my own race this year.

At the top of the first climb I was 6th and felt good, having resisted the urge to keep up with the top 5, that became 7th along the section on the North Downs Way, but with no one in view behind me I let him go.  After a fast quick dissent into Wotton I was still 7th at half way but could see a group of 3 catching me up.  I picked up the pace a bit for the second half, got caught by one of the guys but as I turned up the effort up the final hill the other two dropped out of sight.  The final mile and a bit were down hill through the vineyard on freshly laid tarmac which was probably the fastest mile or so I've ever run- just flying along.  With my eye on my watch, determined to dip below 1:10, I manged to cross line in 8th in a PB of 1:09:40. Result!  One of my aims for this year was to get a top 10 so I'm well chuffed.

The guys at Events to Live got a bit of flack for a race last year where the front runners got lost, but this race was superbly organised with great marshals and consistent route marking.

What was disappointing was my failed attempt to see the Surrey Hills brewery and buy some of their beer.  It seems their not quite set up there yet, and none of the staff know whats going on so left empty handed on the beer front.

Surrey Hills

One of the things I'm looking forward to on Sunday, apart from 10 miles of Surrey hills to stretch the legs over is that the Surrey Hills brewery has moved to Denbies- race HQ.

If you've never tasted any of their beer I can't recommend it higher enough.  Both their regulars- Ranmore Ale and Shere Drop are truly excellent bitters- every brewery does them but few as good as both of these.  Their Hammer Mild again is excellent.  They've won Camra awards for Ranmore Ale and have been the rare privallage of recieving the 'Breadsweatandbeers- beer of the GBBF' award for both Ranmore (2009) and Hammer Mild (2010).

So, finger crossed after I've crossed the finish line I'll be able to take a look at their operation and purchase a few bottles.

Oh and yes there's a joke about Ranmore ale and ran more ale, but I'm not going to make it as Surrey Hills have already on the label for the fine ale itself.

Week ending 22 May 2011

Monday 4 miles
Tuesday 10 x 3mins fast 1 min rest
Thursday 6
Friday 5.5
Sunday 10

Took it easy on the individual distance this week but ran 5 times which could even be a record.  Have the Denbies 10 next Sunday which should be good.  Ran a good fast training 10 on Sunday round Banstead, so that should stand me in good stead.  Was nice to run round there knowing that I only had to 10 miles instead of the longer training runs of recent months. 

Think my time last year at Denbies was just over 1 hour 11 so it would be good to beat that.  The course starts with a good hard climb through the vineyard, a mile or so along the north downs before a fast decent to Wotton- then back over the ridge and as hard as you can go back down the vineyard.  Last year I set off to fast so am planning on holding a little back for a good finish.

Picked up some new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11's today from the nice folk at Sweatshop in Clapham; so hopefully I've got a good shoe as the millage increases towards the ultra.

On the bread side some pretty rubbish sourdough baked this week that didn't rise and makes very chewy sandwiches, still going to press on to master the baking of this though. 

Week ending 15 May 2011

Tuesday: 10 x 3 mins fast with 1 min rests + 4 x strides

Thursday: 5k jog, 5k race (19:25), 5k jog home

Saturday: 18.5 miles (2hrs37min)

Saturdays long run was a good off road trip from Carshalton to the North Downs way taking in the Downlands circular walk and 1800+ft of height gain.  Navigation was via a hand drawn map and my new Camelbak xcr worked out pretty well. It was good to get out on to the trails and find some new places to run. Felt pretty shoddy at the end though as I hadn't eaten too much before I set out and it was 8ish when I got back- definitely time for dinner.

Decision made

After much indecision, I've decided it's time to up the distance and take my running from marathon, to ultramarathon.

The race plan:
May: Denbies 10m
June: Midsummer Munro (Britain's hardest half marathon)
July: Croydon Ultra (30 miles)
August: UltraRace Peak (40 miles)

...and in the mean time making the most of the power of bread and beer.

Time to enter some races!