Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration. Limping is more accurate. I have a sore left knee which I am attributing to my over tight quads. Last week was quite focussed on rest with beer featuring highly. I headed out on Saturday for a brisk hour to clear my head and the knee was fine. Wandering round town on Saturday afternoon it got very sore, and I was limping around on Sunday.
I woke up this morning, knee much better and promptly ran to work. Not bright. I got a medevac home (I called Ali and asked for a lift). Is now pretty tender. I have had knee twinges before from the result of my quads getting too tight (generally when doing a lot of cycling). I suspect the hill running and squats have tightened them up considerably - I tried the traditional quad stretch. My heel gets nowhere near my arse. I need to remember to stretch all muscle groups a bit more - I had tight hamstrings and focussed on that, then calf muscles so did calf stretches. Ho hum. Lesson learned, at least until the next time.
Aside from unfocussed shopping and drinking, the main activity of the weekend was Cool Boarding. Getting quite handy now. I can now do squats, peel and eat a tangerine and erm stand at one end on the ball with the board out in front of me.
Ok not youtube-able but a start. It is a great piece of kit.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Endurance Life CTS - Gower
I ran the second of the Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series marathons on Saturday, down on the Gower peninsula. The drive down on the Friday night nearly ended in disaster when we couldn't find anywhere open to eat (note to self: stock van with noodles), but luckily a small hotel I went in to ask if they knew of anywhere still open turned out to have a bar that was still serving. Chips and frittata saved the evening.
The weather during the week was not great, and on Friday night in the campsite the wind howled round the van and the rain drummed on the roof. Saturday dawned and, against the odds, it was bright, breezy and clear.
Like previous Endurance Life events the atmosphere was laid back and friendly. There was a pre-race brief and then at 0900 we were off (there had been an earlier start for the Ultra, and slower marathoners, and a later start for the 10km and the Half). We started in Rhosilli, ran across a couple of fields and were quickly on the coast. It was pretty stunning. I felt good, and soon settled into into a comfortable rhythm. The lead group spread out over the first few miles and I was left in what I thought was probably seventh or eight (mental arithmetic of any sort is not my forte when exercising).
The scenery and varied terrain (i.e. hilly) meant the time passed quickly enough. We were soon turning inland to cross the peninsula, and at the second checkpoint which was ten miles in. I was back on the coast again, at 16 miles, surprisingly quickly. I ran with another guy for a while, discussing various races. He is on for the entire coastal series, which will be good going. A burst of stamina saw me leave him behind. I was flying at this point, some sort of sugar buzz from the sixth gel. The scenery was good and I was confident of a sub four thirty hour time. And then... I was flat on my face. I tripped and landed heavily on my hip. It hurt but I picked myself up and quickly established I was ok. I continued on but the pace had dropped off.
Shortly afterwards I got to another checkpoint. How far to go? I asked. This is 22 miles, was the reply. Hmmm. Even my exercise murkified brain realised that wasn't answering the question, and having done (excellent) Endurance Life events before I knew they liked to sneak a few miles on the end.
I passed a guy with a Garmin Forerunner at 4:17, and he said we were at 42km at that point so I paced myself just right! However it didn't seem to be anywhere close to the end. I limped on. The pace in the last few kilometres dropped significantly, in line with my sense of humour, and I was passed by one runner (the first to pass me since we had separated out at the beginning, though you get individual times so someone starting further back could still do a faster time potentially). Finally, finally we turned back onto the path leading away from the coast and up to Rhosilli. I crossed the line, after close to 29 miles, in 4:47 and 10th place.
My legs have never hurt quite so much after a run. I limped round looking for Ali (who had had a fab time doing the half marathon). Eventually I found her, and the Bongo keys and was able to sit down and drink some tea. My mood rapidly improved!
It was a great event. A stunning location and well organised. Looking forward to Portland in less than three weeks. Chesil beach sounds like it might be a challenge.
In other news, it turns out the three of us in a notional team in the Mudrunner, were the 3rd fastest, and got 15 quid in vouchers and a trophy. So a fiver each. I've peaked - it's all down hill from here.
The weather during the week was not great, and on Friday night in the campsite the wind howled round the van and the rain drummed on the roof. Saturday dawned and, against the odds, it was bright, breezy and clear.
Like previous Endurance Life events the atmosphere was laid back and friendly. There was a pre-race brief and then at 0900 we were off (there had been an earlier start for the Ultra, and slower marathoners, and a later start for the 10km and the Half). We started in Rhosilli, ran across a couple of fields and were quickly on the coast. It was pretty stunning. I felt good, and soon settled into into a comfortable rhythm. The lead group spread out over the first few miles and I was left in what I thought was probably seventh or eight (mental arithmetic of any sort is not my forte when exercising).
The scenery and varied terrain (i.e. hilly) meant the time passed quickly enough. We were soon turning inland to cross the peninsula, and at the second checkpoint which was ten miles in. I was back on the coast again, at 16 miles, surprisingly quickly. I ran with another guy for a while, discussing various races. He is on for the entire coastal series, which will be good going. A burst of stamina saw me leave him behind. I was flying at this point, some sort of sugar buzz from the sixth gel. The scenery was good and I was confident of a sub four thirty hour time. And then... I was flat on my face. I tripped and landed heavily on my hip. It hurt but I picked myself up and quickly established I was ok. I continued on but the pace had dropped off.
Shortly afterwards I got to another checkpoint. How far to go? I asked. This is 22 miles, was the reply. Hmmm. Even my exercise murkified brain realised that wasn't answering the question, and having done (excellent) Endurance Life events before I knew they liked to sneak a few miles on the end.
I passed a guy with a Garmin Forerunner at 4:17, and he said we were at 42km at that point so I paced myself just right! However it didn't seem to be anywhere close to the end. I limped on. The pace in the last few kilometres dropped significantly, in line with my sense of humour, and I was passed by one runner (the first to pass me since we had separated out at the beginning, though you get individual times so someone starting further back could still do a faster time potentially). Finally, finally we turned back onto the path leading away from the coast and up to Rhosilli. I crossed the line, after close to 29 miles, in 4:47 and 10th place.
My legs have never hurt quite so much after a run. I limped round looking for Ali (who had had a fab time doing the half marathon). Eventually I found her, and the Bongo keys and was able to sit down and drink some tea. My mood rapidly improved!
It was a great event. A stunning location and well organised. Looking forward to Portland in less than three weeks. Chesil beach sounds like it might be a challenge.
In other news, it turns out the three of us in a notional team in the Mudrunner, were the 3rd fastest, and got 15 quid in vouchers and a trophy. So a fiver each. I've peaked - it's all down hill from here.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
OMM
A misleading title, as we didn't do it. We were both unwell, and decided on the Thursday before the race (we would have been setting off on the Friday) that a night on Dartmoor was not on the cards. A shame as we were both looking forward to it (plus, Ali bought kit specially). Next year.
Am now fully recovered, but with a marathon next weekend have been taking it easy. A few runs in the week, a brisk hour on Cleeve Hill yesterday, and for the first time in a long time, a couple of hours on the road bike today (making it probably a whole, oh, 150 miles on that bike this year). It was great though. I had forgotten how light it was, and fast and how much I enjoy descending on road (so much less lumpy and rocky than on a mountain bike).
At this time of year I suddenly find it hard to motivate myself to get outside. I think its the cold and dampness. I like summer, obviously, and September and October as the seasons change are nice. And I love winter, and spring is fun as you know the warm weather is coming. But November. Cold, damp, the evenings are suddenly dark and I'm not skiing yet. The TV and the pub call strongly.
Am now fully recovered, but with a marathon next weekend have been taking it easy. A few runs in the week, a brisk hour on Cleeve Hill yesterday, and for the first time in a long time, a couple of hours on the road bike today (making it probably a whole, oh, 150 miles on that bike this year). It was great though. I had forgotten how light it was, and fast and how much I enjoy descending on road (so much less lumpy and rocky than on a mountain bike).
At this time of year I suddenly find it hard to motivate myself to get outside. I think its the cold and dampness. I like summer, obviously, and September and October as the seasons change are nice. And I love winter, and spring is fun as you know the warm weather is coming. But November. Cold, damp, the evenings are suddenly dark and I'm not skiing yet. The TV and the pub call strongly.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Rest & the ski show
Post the Mud Runner I actually felt quite sprightly last week. Having decided to do more speed work to get a bit quicker I headed out on Wednesday lunchtime for a flat, fast run. 6 miles in 40 mins, with a bit of time lost stopping to read the route map was a pleasant enough way to spend a lunchtime, with plenty of room to get a bit quicker.
The rest of the week was just running to and from work (a total of seven miles each way). Thursday night a trail run with a head torch was ditched in favour of the pub. Saturday I did one of our regular hill routes along the Cotswold Way, and then we headed back to London for the rest of the weekend. A party on a boat on Saturday night ensured Sunday would be a lazy one.
And indeed it was. We went to the Ski show. The ski show always makes it seem like the ski season is nearly here, and this year was no exception. All the new kit, and the resorts advertising on their stands (the Chamonix Pavilion was a favourite) make the fresh snow that will soon be coating the Alps almost tangible. I resisted an expensive jacket this year, but did get a Cool Board. It is fun, and a lot tougher to master than the wobble ball I had. I look forward to mastering it, though the suggested squats while balancing are a way off yet! The other highlight of the ski show was the *cough* fashion show. It was better than it sounds! A very professional, exceptionally well choreographed, dance show. It was very entertaining. They didn't get on Cool Boards though.
The rest of the week was just running to and from work (a total of seven miles each way). Thursday night a trail run with a head torch was ditched in favour of the pub. Saturday I did one of our regular hill routes along the Cotswold Way, and then we headed back to London for the rest of the weekend. A party on a boat on Saturday night ensured Sunday would be a lazy one.
And indeed it was. We went to the Ski show. The ski show always makes it seem like the ski season is nearly here, and this year was no exception. All the new kit, and the resorts advertising on their stands (the Chamonix Pavilion was a favourite) make the fresh snow that will soon be coating the Alps almost tangible. I resisted an expensive jacket this year, but did get a Cool Board. It is fun, and a lot tougher to master than the wobble ball I had. I look forward to mastering it, though the suggested squats while balancing are a way off yet! The other highlight of the ski show was the *cough* fashion show. It was better than it sounds! A very professional, exceptionally well choreographed, dance show. It was very entertaining. They didn't get on Cool Boards though.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Mudrunner
The Mud Runner was fun, if a bit.. damp. 100m in and we were in a river. It was cold, dank and frankly, very smelly. Coming out of it it took some effort to level the heart rate off - the combination of the sprint from the start to the water, followed by the shock of the cold, and the effort to stay upright in the water left me nearly breathless.
The rest of the course was hard. A mix of very hilly terrain and, as the name suggests, mud. It was biased enough towards proper running to be good, with the occasional wading and sliding a break from the hills. I could feel Saturdays run in my legs on the hills, though I noticed towards the end I was still running up hills thats lots of people were walking on. I suppose the thing about ultra running is that you might not start fast, but don't slow down much. It was actually quite a challenge to override the desire to pace myself. This year I have been carefully building distance, and focussing on making sure I start a run at a pace I know means I'll get to the end. I found myself wanting to do the same today, despite the fact that for the distance I could have cheerfully gone full (or close to) throttle. I have always quite enjoyed short, hard races. The sensation of finding a level that is only just bearable, and than holding that pace for the duration and being utterly spent when you cross the line is, in a masochistic kind of a way, a good one.
Today took me 1 hour 7 minutes, which shows it was a hard 10km. Ali reckoned I was about 40th across the line, from a 1000, though the race was started in waves (based on your estimated time). There were lots of photographers out on the course too, so I am sure there will be plenty of photographs of filthy wet people.
The day was rounded off with a trip to Cotswold Outdoor. Mmmmm new season ski gear...
The rest of the course was hard. A mix of very hilly terrain and, as the name suggests, mud. It was biased enough towards proper running to be good, with the occasional wading and sliding a break from the hills. I could feel Saturdays run in my legs on the hills, though I noticed towards the end I was still running up hills thats lots of people were walking on. I suppose the thing about ultra running is that you might not start fast, but don't slow down much. It was actually quite a challenge to override the desire to pace myself. This year I have been carefully building distance, and focussing on making sure I start a run at a pace I know means I'll get to the end. I found myself wanting to do the same today, despite the fact that for the distance I could have cheerfully gone full (or close to) throttle. I have always quite enjoyed short, hard races. The sensation of finding a level that is only just bearable, and than holding that pace for the duration and being utterly spent when you cross the line is, in a masochistic kind of a way, a good one.
Today took me 1 hour 7 minutes, which shows it was a hard 10km. Ali reckoned I was about 40th across the line, from a 1000, though the race was started in waves (based on your estimated time). There were lots of photographers out on the course too, so I am sure there will be plenty of photographs of filthy wet people.
The day was rounded off with a trip to Cotswold Outdoor. Mmmmm new season ski gear...
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Races
First long run today since the ultra. Two and a half pleasant hours in the Cotswolds. Is remarkable how much the seasons change the experience. What was green, leafy farm land now feels bleaker and the paths are quieter.
It was a good run and I tried out my new piece of kit. Another rucksack. Really you can't have too many. This fills the gap between my OMM 15l and no rucksack at all (clearly a gap that needed filling). First impressions are good.
So, races. The Mudrunner tomorrow (not too sure about this to be honest, but a colleague at work was doing it and it sounded like a good idea at the time). Then the OMM in two weeks, which should be good, and having the camper for the first night will be nice. Then I'm doing three of the Endurance Life CTS marathons (Gower, Portland and Pembrokeshire), slotted around assorted skiing trips. That should ensure a nice base of endurance over the winter, with the aim of doing a good time at the Chamonix Marathon next summer.
To prepare for all this I am currently having a beer and watching the Simpsons. Nice.
It was a good run and I tried out my new piece of kit. Another rucksack. Really you can't have too many. This fills the gap between my OMM 15l and no rucksack at all (clearly a gap that needed filling). First impressions are good.
So, races. The Mudrunner tomorrow (not too sure about this to be honest, but a colleague at work was doing it and it sounded like a good idea at the time). Then the OMM in two weeks, which should be good, and having the camper for the first night will be nice. Then I'm doing three of the Endurance Life CTS marathons (Gower, Portland and Pembrokeshire), slotted around assorted skiing trips. That should ensure a nice base of endurance over the winter, with the aim of doing a good time at the Chamonix Marathon next summer.
To prepare for all this I am currently having a beer and watching the Simpsons. Nice.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Recovery
I ran to work today. First run since the ultra. A seven mile round trip, and I felt really strong both ways. Nary a twinge from the muscles. I was quietly pleased.
Work colleagues have been impressed although I wasn't able to rest on my laurels the whole time:
Me: It was an ultra run.
Colleague: So thats what, 75 miles?
M: Erm no, 35.
C: Oh, well, that's still very impressive.
Oh hum. Something to aim for!
Work colleagues have been impressed although I wasn't able to rest on my laurels the whole time:
Me: It was an ultra run.
Colleague: So thats what, 75 miles?
M: Erm no, 35.
C: Oh, well, that's still very impressive.
Oh hum. Something to aim for!
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