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.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
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.
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.
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.
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