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.
Monday 27 June 2011
Monday 20 June 2011
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.
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.
Friday 17 June 2011
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...
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...
Thursday 9 June 2011
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.
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.
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