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.
Sunday 29 May 2011
Friday 27 May 2011
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.
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.
Monday 23 May 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday 18 May 2011
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.
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.
Sunday 15 May 2011
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!
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!
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