The Race of my Life: Parts 1 and 2

The date is Friday 30th September and it is coming up to 9pm. It has been a lovely day as my four year old daughter had graduated from Pre-School and we had had a celebratory meal in Frankie and Benny’s (other average pretend Italian chain food establishments are available). I’m nursing a sore foot that had developed after the Fleetwood Half Marathon the previous Sunday. My fear is that the session of physio and acupuncture I had received on the Wednesday wasn’t going to get me in shape enough for the Blackpool Hilton 10k in the morning. I was taking Ibuprofen ‘Trainspotting’ style in the hope that any swelling to the strained tendon would ease and I would line up, fit as a fiddle, and ready to address my 10k PB of 45:11 on a flat course.

Cue- painful right foot 45 minutes before the start! It was decision time, line up and run or pull out. I went with the ‘line up’ option with the intention of ‘seeing how it feels’. I got talking to two guys from Liverpool Running Club who had commented on the lack of Black and White vests at such a local event. We then moved on to PBs, current mood/training/commitment to running and our targets and goals for the impending trot. The two fine gents told me how they would be aiming for a sub-42 but would be happy with a sub-44 due to recent niggles/hospital visits/nights out and I thought to myself ‘I am going to use you!’

I set off with their pace in mind and fair enough, I was able to stay with them for the first mile. I had set the Garmin to auto lap at each km; these two guys were talking in miles so I tried to avoid the maths and run comfortably, bearing in mind I was hiding my pain pretty well! The conditions were good. There was some wind but it wasn’t blowing for or against you with any venom- it was just blowing. Like I said, I managed to stay with them for them for the first mile...but then I started to ease away from them. I felt organised, I felt in line, I felt controlled and metronomic. I felt like something good was in the pipeline as long as I stayed calm and didn’t do one of the two things I am consistently guilty of- 1) the mid race lull or 2) the final stretch flop. There was only 10 seconds between my fastest and slowest km split, a sign of my development perhaps, that I am now able to pick a suitable pace and run it? Who knows? But, it was working today as the miles slipped away and the vests fell behind me.

I crossed the line in 43:50, a PB by 1:21! I realised then that things were beginning to change for me. I could almost feel the competitive streak changing it’s parameters inside my head. I was under 45 minutes for 10k…I was getting closer to 40 minutes…just imagine if you were half a stone lighter…imagine what would happen if you worked on your core…who is your next scalp…was this a one off…get off your heels and on your toes…just think without that sore foot…and so on. I had run the race of my life, and you know what it felt great! Kudos once again to the Fylde Coast Running gang for putting on another small but well organised race that utilises what they have right on their doorstep.

The date is Saturday 14th September and it’s late afternoon/early evening. The mighty blues are walloping Chelsea all over the hallowed turf at Goodison Park, yet I am in a pub in Newcastle eating pasta with some running buddies thinking and talking about the Great North Run in the morning. The biggest field yet with 56,000 entrants headed up by three of the biggest names in distance running- Bekele, Farah and Gebrselassie with new kid on the block Cantwell starting in Orange block C!! The foot was feeling ok, I had rested well through the week with a gentle tuner on the Friday morning and I was thinking what if I could improve on my PB of 1:41:38 at this amazing event. The Sunday started well with a good breakfast, an efficient toilet visit (or two) and an organised taxi to the starting area. It’s at his point that you begin to realise the scale of the operation. A start line which is over 1km long, 56,000 colour coded runners that will be moving at varying speeds from one place, through another and finishing in a third about 13.1 miles away. It’s hard to imagine logistically but they have it down!! Maybe the best organised event I have ever been involved in!

The gun metal sky and the blue-ish hue to the air indicated rain at some point but it was keeping its cards close to its chest. ‘How much’ and ‘when’ replaced any possibility of ‘if’. The great bowel debate was opened again but on this occasion it was too close to the start time to wait in line and see so I decided it was nerves and filed in to my pen. I had a running buddy for the race and we had decided on trying 7:45 minute/miles and seeing how we went on , both unsure about the course profile and how busy it was going to be out on the road.

The gun went off and seven minutes later we crossed the start line, game on. The support was phenomenal from the off and what came as a surprise to me was just how consistent the support was. I didn’t pass 100m of road that didn’t have spectators on it in the whole race. Well done and thank you to the people of Newcastle, Gateshead and South Shields for putting on a terrific show!

Mile 1- 7:31/mile

“Might be a bit quick, we should pull it back a little” I suggested but we were feeling grand.

Mile 2- 7:40/mile

“That’s better, still drop it a bit if you want you know” I suggested, feeling strong and fluid.

Mile 3- 7:34/mile

“Creeping up again here, what do you think?” I asked as I passed Mr Maker off the tele.

Mile 4- 7.43/mile

“Right…bang on!! Keep it like this” I ordered.

Mile 5- 7:57/mile

“We can afford to push a bit” I chimed, feeling nervous about the first four miles.

This is when the promised rain arrived. And it was in buckets!! I was dreading the rain would somehow make it harder but thinking back, it came at the perfect time. I was just starting to feel the heat a bit and the rain had a great cooling and soothing effect on me, so well done again to the organisers.

Mile 6- 7:34/mile

“I’m feeling good are you?” I prodded approaching halfway.

Mile 7- 7:33/mile

“Something isn’t right here” I feared as the miles began counting down.

Mile 8- 7:37/mile

“Six miles to go” I exclaimed before my astonishing lack of mathematical ability was corrected.

Mile 9- 7:52/mile

“We are definitely going uphill” I spewed through pumping arms and increased cadence.

Mile 10- 7:46/mile

I didn’t speak at the make or break point of every half marathon I have ever run.

Mile 11- 7:50/mile

“What have you got left?” I asked hoping the reply would be“plenty let’s kill it!”

Mile 12- 7:42/mile

“Is a sub-100 on the cards? Not with this cramp warning in the right quad!” my chimp told me.

Mile 13- 7:13/mile

“Just soak this up…it doesn’t get better than this Andy La!!” I said to myself as Dave was sprinting to catch up.

The Point 1 bit- about a minute!!

“You little dancer!” I beamed as my thoughts turned to beer drinking and food.

An official chip time of 1:40:52 and a new PB by 46 seconds!! On an undulating course, in a large and congested field…I was one happy chappy! It was the race of my life…part 2.

Since these two races I have had a mixed bag of results once again. I have managed a new PB over 5k at the Princes Parkrun. This now sits teasingly at 21:29 which makes me think that a sub-21 is a possibility. I struggled around Preston 10k the day after that, not knowing that Preston was so hilly!!! That was another well organised event with a nice route through town, park, over bridges and under tunnels. I learnt why the Congleton Half Marathon is called the ‘Sting in the Tale Half’. Somebody has built a massive, PB stealing hill right after the 12 mile marker so I came home four seconds outside PB. I threw myself around the Wirral 10k on Sunday even though Merseyrail and my guts tried their very best to disrupt my preparation for it by one of them cancelling the train and the other needing ‘a sit down’ 6 minutes before the start!! Again, I bounced home just four seconds outside of my PB. This disappointment was intensified due to the fact that it was a relatively flat course and that I had plenty left in the tank when I crossed the finish line in 43:54.

So, I have to squeeze in my October 5k somewhere and then November is the PLS Lamplight 5k, Leeds Abbey Dash 10k and the Conwy Half Marathon. The final three of the 36x36 races are going to be beauties!!! The Clonakilty Half Marathon in Cork is booked along with a double race weekend in between Christmas and New Year with the ol’ faithful Princes Parkrun (get down to it and don’t forget your barcode) and I finish off with the Ribble Valley 10k!

For these last races I will be putting into action, some of the things I have learnt recently. They are:

1)

If it hurts, rub it a bit.

2)

If it still hurts, go and see somebody to rub it better than you.

3)

Do a mini taper before race day.

4)

Warm up before the race.

If this works and I stay focussed on my diet, I step up my core work a little then I hope to join the following clubs by the end of the year:

1)

The sub-21 5k Club

2)

The sub-43 10k Club

3)

The sub-100 HM Club

Next year, when the dust settles on the 36x36 challenge, and I have been able to answer all the question I have asked myself or been asked, I will have one running aim! It will be to join a very elite club, a club so strict that even the position of its existing members isn’t secure. It’s a club that advertises itself as ‘open to anyone’ and has a very reasonable subscription and excellent benefits. If the truth be known, it has few members, and even they are easily disgruntled. You join the club with joy and you make a promise to be a life-long member only to find yourself in front of the ‘committee’ almost immediately! The club I am referring to is ‘The Happy with my Marathon Time Club’ and I would like to be a member before the end of May 2014 please.

"...what's going on with your blogs?"

WOW! It’s been two whole months since I last put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) and I can’t figure out why that is. I have been running, I have been enjoying running and I have even had plenty of spare time to put things down. I’ve had thoughts and I have learnt things but for some unknown reason…I have kept them to myself.

I would like to retrace my steps, like Memento I’m going to start at the end and work my way back to where I left off. It’s Wednesday night and I am sat at my desk (Ed- dining room table) rolling my foot on a bottle of frozen water, nursing my self-diagnosed case of the Edith’s!! Plantar Fasciitis or PF is quite the pain for people who have to use their feet a lot. It kicked off about six hours after I finished the Fleetwood Half Marathon on Sunday and has come and gone in painful waves since then. The race itself marked a slight return to form over the 13.1 mile distance after horrific efforts at Southport and Freckleton. I managed 1:44:08 with a struggle over the final 5k and I was left wondering why there was a full minute between my best and worst mile splits. The course was pancake flat and certainly has PB potential but there was a stiff breeze and temperatures in the 20’s to put a dent in any sub 1:40 hopes I harboured. At least with a hill there is some respite when you go down the other side, when running with the wind, it just felt hot!! A side note, another good event put on by Fylde Coast Running, well done guys and thank you.

August’s 5k was another stab at the Prince’s Parkrun. I wasn’t fully fit, reason to come later, so I thought I would aim for a 22:20 and I ran it without my watch. I was pretty impressed with my result of 22:19 as it showed that I am learning to run to plan better than I have been able to before. I might try and aim for a 14:08 next time and see how it goes!!

At the end of my last post I raised the question of running on holiday. I spent two brilliant weeks with the family in Menorca and I did take my shoes. And…I only went and smashed 30km out there. Cool your jets, I did six 5k’s at an average pace of 7:40min/mile but it was very hot and I was on holiday. To be honest, it was probably 25km longer than I truly believed I would muster so I was more than pleased with myself. On the last day of the holiday I managed to put my back out in pretty spectacular fashion. Was it cliff diving you ask? No, I did that without hurting myself. Was it whilst doing one of the many activities you did that involved running or pedalling? Nah…I was fine doing all that. But when it came to putting the iPad back into its case…that’s what did it!! Result…a week of NSAIDs and acupuncture!! Hence the reason why I wasn’t fully fit for that Parkrun.
I also managed to eke out two new PBs, one for 5k at the Mystery- 21:31 and one for 5 mile at Sefton Park- 35:32. Add these to a decent outing at the very undulating and soggy Rochdale 10k- 45:23 and all that was left was to notch a decent Half Marathon, thank you Fleetwood. If you know me you may be wondering where the review of Southport Half Marathon is. Yeah…it’s not coming.

I don’t do a lot of miles and when I do, I don’t do them particularly fast but my efforts this year are beginning to take their toll on my 35 and 2/3 year old body. I have suffered two semi-serious injuries quite close together which have kept me off the road. I really want to complete this challenge but I also want to enjoy it. I never envisaged walking a race, just to complete it. This is where I am on this coming Saturday. It’s the 31st August and therefore my last sniff at a 10k for August but if this foot isn’t right and I have to decide whether to push my luck or admit defeat, I’m not sure which will win. I have learnt so much over the last few months and one of the lessons I have learnt is just how important rest is. Results come from rest, read any training plan. The only sessions that don’t change, never alter or defer are the rest days. Also, I learnt how important it is to warm up effectively, especially for the shorter distances. Who knew?

Is that the time? Rant o’clock!! Already!!! Ok, my daughter starts school next week, reception class in an ‘outstanding’ school. I know the school is outstanding because a few years ago, a team of ninjas snuck up on it, watched it from a distance for a day or two and then wrote about it on this here internet. Seriously, we are over the moon that she will be attending the school as it does have an excellent reputation and it does bring the best out of the pupils but something really got stuck in my throat during a meeting we had with the reception class teachers. The meeting was towards the end of term and the teacher mentioned that they were getting ready for the school sports day. ‘Excellent!’ I thought, a bit of healthy competition for the kids to look forward to. Maybe our little girl will get the opportunity to develop love for a sport and the school can help nurture any talent she may have. No, we don’t do competition. It is all about inclusion and making sure that every child can contribute to a team goal. That’s nice but go back one bit…NO competition…at all? How does that work? Surely, there will be just as much ‘coaching’ competitiveness OUT of some kids than there would be the need for encouragement and support for the less competitive ones. This got me thinking, and asking. Do you have a football team? No. Do you have cross country? No. Do you have swimming club? Yes, year 5 and 6 go once a week in the Spring and Summer term. Why not be competitive and inclusive? Is this approach feeding in to a bleak future for British sport? Am I over-reacting to something very normal? Having a strong will and discipline and knowing or feeling that you can do more/do better/did great/are great are all transferrable traits and are all honed in the sporting arena. I’m not extreme, I’m not THAT dad but I do believe that the kid who goes to the Harriers twice a week is going to be faster than the kid who doesn’t. The kids will already know and understand this. What are they so worried about? And you know what else? What happens when they step up to secondary school and some schools did have a sporting agenda and some didn’t? How big is that gap going to be and at an age were self-awareness and fitting in is so important? As you can see, I haven’t thought this through properly yet as all the questions I have are still unanswered. I’ll learn as I go I suppose and when my little girl doesn’t make it to Istanbul/Tokyo/Madrid 2020 I’ll know why. I’m kidding…I’m not THAT dad. One thing I do know is a disgrace! They don’t have a Dad’s race at their sports day!!! All this training for nothing!!!

Top Man will be pleased!

For Christmas 2006, my dad bought me a T-shirt from Top Man. My girlfriend actually bought it on his behalf.

Tonight, Saturday 29th June 2013, I wore it.

Result!

"...but you helped save a life..."

I sit here with 6 months, 18 races and 1 half of The 36 Classics Challenge 2013 behind me and I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure. It’s been a logistical challenge and also a physical challenge, but it has been rewarding on many more levels. I am currently under the 13st mark for the first time since 2006. On January 1^st 2013 my PB list looked like this:

·         5k- 22:26, Mystery 5k 2012

·         5 mile- 37:30, Sefton Park 2012

·         10k- 48:47, Mersey Tunnel 2012

·         10 mile- 01:16:53, Blackpool to Fleetwood 2012

·         HM- 01:48:45, Windmill Half 2012

·         Marathon- 04:47:51, Edinburgh 2011

I was training and running and racing and doing a superbly average job at having a go. I was still loving the running and all that goes with it but I kind of thought that there may be something more to give. I wasn’t sure...but maybe.

It wasn’t my main goal, to set new PB’s or go faster but I was hoping it would happen naturally. My main goal was to set a challenge and complete it. So far so good! Anyway, back to my times…on June 20^th 2013, my PB list looks like this:

·         5k- 21:48, Mystery 5k 2013 (Unofficial due to delay in posting results)

·         5 mile- 35:49, Walton Hall Park 2013

·         10k- 45:11, Mersey Tunnel 2013

·         10 mile- 01:16:53, Blackpool to Fleetwood 2012

·         HM- 01:41:38, Shakespeare Half 2013

·         Marathon- 04:47:51, Edinburgh 2011

So, let’s see how my goals are looking. Do I have PLS G2 times at the classic distances? Yes, apart from the Marathon (watch this space). Do I have some nice new PB’s? Yes please. Do you feel fit and healthy? Yes, and lighter and less chubby. Do you enjoy running? Yes, more than ever. Oh, one more thing…this series of blogs I am writing has had over 900 views in 15 countries. That might not be a lot, I really don’t have a clue, but it blows my mind when I think about it! Thank you all so much for reading.

Part two requires a warning shot. This contains language and themes of a disgusting nature. Those who are easily offended or have just eaten may not want to read on. It’s just a little story about my pleasant Sunday, up in the North-West of England, in a lovely little village named Freckleton. Freckleton Half Marathon is the oldest in the UK and is the second oldest in the world. The only longer running Half Marathon on the planet is in Luxembourg and isn’t in my race diary for 2013. It’s another rural/village run similar to the likes of Shakespeare in Stratford upon Avon and Village Bakery near Wrexham. It’s a ‘bumpy’ flat course with absolutely no hills of note but very few flat sections, you are either going up a bit, or down a bit. The main difference is the fact that it is in June and has a 2pm start. I would love to know the answer to why it is run at the hottest time of day but I don’t.

My story starts at 1pm, 50 yards short of the car park entrance on Bush Lane, just off Clitheroes Lane. If anybody can spot the joke in that then we share a similar sense of humour as it quite literally made me LOL!! It was warm, the car thermometer read a splendid 19C and the traffic was moving fairly slowly. I had prepared well enough for the day, a nice breakfast of PB&J on brown and a light lunch of Chicken and Basil pasta (and half an egg sandwich that my daughter fallen asleep into). I had also taken on board about 750ml of coconut water as I had read about it’s hydrating properties. I was feeling pretty good, I had agreed a race strategy with my chimp and I was going to try and tick over at 7:42 min/miles, taking on water at every station due to the heat. I was getting close to the car park and I was getting close to ‘the zone’!! At this point I would like to pose a question to you. It’s an age old debate, a hoary old chestnut and one that I know the answer to. The question is this- what one thing takes you back to your childhood the most? Is it a toy? Is it a sweet? Is it a song or a smell? Which one of the senses is tickled when you get that wonderful, nostalgic feeling? Shall I tell you what the answer is? There is nothing that makes you feel more like a child than the tiny moment immediately after you do a follow through. When you trust a fart enough to have one without the notion it might have a sinister message behind it, that is when you truly remember what it was like to need your parents!! And that is not all, it carries another peculiar emotion with it, just like Pandora’s Box is supposed to have done, it brings embarrassment. I am a shameless character! I am ruthless and no holds barred. I can take it as I can give it. I have been with my partner for almost 10 years and I helped make my daughter so I shouldn’t feel embarrassed in front of them. They have seen and heard me at my worst, my lowest ebb. Yet, at that split moment when I had to utter the words to Nicola “I’ve just s41t myself”, I felt a veil of shame lower itself over me.

Shortly, afterwards the shame was replaced by fear. I have to run 13 miles very soon. What do I do? One piece of advice really didn’t help, “what would Paula do?” Unfortunately, my first little surprise had invited along a couple of friends so the pre-race confidence soon disappeared and left me on the edge of pulling out. I took on some water and had a little warm up and decided to give it a go but take it easy. I didn’t want to fall foul of dehydration on such a warm day.

The race was going well enough for the first 9 miles. I had managed to average 7:39’s but shortly after the 9 mile marker my batteries went. I was feeling dry and crampy and knew that the last four miles would be a run/walk affair. Now I have a genuine gripe and if I was a militant kind of guy I would make a very strong safety point. I don’t know much about race organisation but I do believe that a Half Marathon in June should have bottled water stations and not small plastic cups. There is just not enough opportunity to take on what you need and maintain your race pace. I raised this at the end of the race to part of the event team and he challenged back saying it was the responsibility of the participant to ensure they have enough fluids. I half agreed at the time but when I went back over it I realised that I disagreed with the gentleman’s point. The race advertised four water stops, equally spaced out through the race. It didn’t mention how it would be served. OK, rant over…but it does segue nicely into the final chapter of my story. At around the 10 mile mark I noticed a fellow runner about 200 yards ahead clearly showing some signs of distress. The guy then took a pretty heavy fall on to the tarmac beneath him. I got to him as other people had started to congregate around him and help in any way they could. The poor guy was out for the count by the way, a serious case of dehydration if I ever saw one. He wasn’t alone as just a few hundred yards up the road there was another stricken athlete. I stayed with the guy until the St. John’s man came and I found out later, from a local couple who had assisted, that when the runner had come around he told the paramedic that he had taken six paracetamol earlier on for a sore leg. Now I do agree that things like that are 100% the responsibility of the participant.

So, six months, 18 races, 1 half to go in the challenge and I am raring to go for it. I have some great races lined up. One that stands out is The Great North Run in September. To be part of the UK’s largest running event is going to be such an unbelievable experience. It’s set to be about four times the size of the largest event I have been involved in to date and I can’t wait to just see what it looks like!

July holds a couple of beauties for me with the Southport Half Marathon and a 10k in hilly Rochdale. One of the biggest questions for July is ‘Will I run on my holidays?’ I’ll take my shoes and see how it goes. Peace.

"...just wait until next time..."

It's seems like a really long time ago since I last wrote anything about The 36 Classics Challenge. Over two months have passed in fact and what a mixed bag of results!! However, there is one result that stands out for me lately and that is how much I am enjoying my running. Not just racing either, the buzz I'm getting from putting my Nikes on for training is so satisfying that it is never a chore. Which, to be fair, it has been at various points through my time running.


My Phoebe stretching out



The mixed bag of results, and post-race emotions, began back in April with a Parkrun on a fine morning. I took my four year old daughter along for it as she had been begging me to take her to race after marshalling it together a few times. We soaked up the atmosphere at the start line and we did our stretches and I have never felt so excited about a race. Phoebe was getting plenty of attention as she is so small and she seemed to be able to brighten the mood of everyone around her. We ran, we walked, we stopped, we played, we drank and we called it quits at halfway!! She was absolutely overjoyed at the finish line as people were clapping her and shouting her name. She beat her Dad across the line and although we didn't complete the distance, I have never been so proud. Even though she is still talking about it, and still running everywhere she goes, she hasn't asked to do another race since so I hope the race hasn't broken her.


I was really tough on myself at points through April and May and it's not until I took time to reflect and think about what the challenge is about, why I run and what should I realistically expect that I give myself a break. Let me explain if I can. In four of the six races in April and May I have finished and felt some level of deflation. No...wait...during these races I have felt deflated and running a race whilst battling your mind is not a great strategy. The first one of these outings was the Cheshire 10k in


Numero Uno

 Crewe, a small affair but well organised and friendly. As the event was a combined start of a 2.5k, a 5k and the 10k there was a really good family vibe. For whatever reason I was given number 1 for my vest and it didn't go unnoticed by the race announcer, no pressure!! The run itself was four laps of a park which was twisty, tricky and a little bit 'undulating' towards the end of each lap, near the boating lake. It was also quite a windy day and I'll be honest, I struggled. It felt like I couldn't get going, I felt slow and sloppy. I pushed on and ran a race that I thought wouldn't please me. It was 46:23 in the end and there was a bit of disappointment as I was aiming for sub-46 mins. But, later on when I had dissected events and realised it was my second fastest time at 10k ever and I came 17th overall! 17th...me…overall!! BOOM!
In to May, and the second race that got to me troubled was The Liverpool Spring 10k in Sefton Park. I hadn't intended to do this as I had a half marathon each weekend either side and contemplated a week off racing. I'm glad I did it in the end but not at first. This is an event with a great future. Well organised, great atmosphere, challenging course. The race attracted a national field but managed to harness a really 'local' feel which was interesting and pretty cool. Anyway, it was a glorious day. In fact it wasn't far short of a scorcher, easy 300C in direct sunlight!! And, I felt it. I'm still lugging a bit of timber and when the heat kicks in it can be a real drainer. I didn't go out too quickly which was my only game plan but I still felt some lag in the middle third. I also delivered one of the worst home straight kicks in the history of Homo Erectus. I went too early, slowed considerably, tried again and got a stomach cramp, and crossed the line in 45:56, an infuriating 3 seconds outside a PB. I seriously nearly vomited on my iPad when I looked at the official results. My novice approach to race tactics was possibly to blame for missing a PB, never mind, move on!!
The Mystery 5k was the third of the four chokers. This is 5k racing at its most basic. Three laps of the big field and finish where you started. It's flat and fast, and because it is hosted by Liverpool Harriers (and is only £2) the field is always talented. There was an inordinate amount of PLS there and for some reason, which I still can't understand, I went out with faster black and white vests and clung to them for a bit. My 1k splits were 4:10, 4:30, 4:40, 4:50 and 4:15. Not the way to run a 5k race, even I know that! I finished in 22:26 and as I was aiming for a sub-22, I was disappointed once again. I had a right cob on with myself for my second fastest 5k, which was 2 seconds faster than the same event last attempt.
The last of the heartbreakers was Leeds Half Marathon on May 12^th, and it was a proper 'big city' race.


0727 'Elite Athlete'

 Well organised, great route, well supported with a good central start and finish. The medal, tee and goody bag were impressive too. I had been struggling since the Mystery on previous Tuesday with some pain in my left knee and I had let it get in to my head. At about 3 mile I had to walk. I had to walk at two points later in the race. I was starting to think that a sub-2 hour would be out of the question, never mind a sub-1:41. I got a bit of second wind at around mile 8 and managed a bit of a push for the end by playing hunt the vest. I finished in 1:47:24, my fourth fastest time at the distance. I still haven't got off my own back yet about this one but I might if I nail Freckleton in June.

On the flip side, I did have two excellent running experiences during this period that left me feeling on top of the world. The first was a return to my favourite place…Princes Parkrun. I had a Half Marathon booked in for the following day so I decided to use it as a ‘leg warmer’ a ‘tuner’ if you like. Never really been one for training strategies and such like but I gave it a shake. I went out at a very enjoyable pace and maintained it. Kept it steady up the hills and used the downhill sections as a little bit of recovery time. I finished in 23:24. Not quick at all but the fact that I knew I was taking it in my stride and I finished in a time that I used to have to kill myself to get was a genuine lift. And, I think it worked. The next day at The Shakespeare Half Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon, I had THE race of my life. I’m going to say it…this is the best race I have taken part in and I would do it again. In fact it starts alongside the full marathon and I would even consider doing that!! It was scenic and pleasant and although there were only three hills of note, they were good hills. It had a great start and finish and the Mayor gave me my medal. He must have known that I’d smashed my PB by a mile. In fact, when I finished the race I had to check my watch to make sure it wasn’t a short course because I felt like I had plenty left! I bagged myself a Group 2 Half Marathon time of 1:41:38 as well.
 

Not sure what I'm up to here


To wrap up, I would like to tell you something that is worrying me. It started a while ago but the strength of this beast is growing. I know it’s my chimp in disguise but I think he’s been in the gym because he is much stronger on this one. I can’t seem to run alone. I can put one foot in front of the other but I don’t want to. I went out for a gentle 5k at 6.40 yesterday morning and I knew it was to see how my niggling calf was but the only part I actually enjoyed was when a man in a hi-viz vest left his house for work and had to run a few hundred yards to catch his bus/lift. I smashed him all over the place to be fair and it felt great!! But, is that what I have become? Is that who I am now? It can’t end well.

A Tale of Two Cities

I am a runner. And, I have been a runner more over the past week than I have ever been before. I've managed one 5 mile run this week, it was ok. Didn't break a record, didn't break a bone...a rather uninteresting week of running in my shoes. But like I said, this week I have never felt more part of running, and running a part of me. The act of violence towards an illegitimate target during one of the longest standing and celebrated institutions in our sport shook me to the core. I don't know why the Boston Marathon was chosen as a target of terrorism. I don't know the motives behind the people responsible, in fact, I don't know much about the people responsible. I have purposely chosen not to read, watch, or listen to too much reportage about the event or the suspects.  I don't need to process the media's diatribe about the people responsible in order to feel grief and sorrow. I wasn't there and will never fully appreciate the horror of what happened, but to me it feels like someone, with no good intentions, entered my clubhouse and ripped the soul from some of our members. I haven't been able to bring myself to read about the innocent victims. For this I am feeling uneasy with myself. I know why it is, I am protecting myself. I am a father and might as well be a husband, and I have grown increasingly affected by news of family tragedy. For the families who lost loved ones at Boston, for the lives that changed forever at Boston, for those who view the world differently due to the events at Boston, my thoughts are with you. They can't win, they won't win.
Six days later, the eyes of the world focussed on London. The running world had united in a show of solidarity that no other sport is capable of achieving. It was athlete's 'Arms Around the World' in a spectacle that glistened with respect, courage and maybe even defiance. There were no oceans, mountains or borders on Sunday in London. We were running for Boston, if that is possible? I say we and I wasn't even running, but WE were! And the people that lined the streets were cheering and clapping for Boston? They didn't stay at home 'just in case'...they brought their friends and families along by all accounts. The Marathon is often a very personal thing, a battle that is faced alone. The true goals of a marathon are often only known to the runner, set by them, for them. A time, an amount for charity, a promise made, a health challenge or a dare. This list goes on but this week there was something that connected every single athlete/runner/jogger/plodder/walker/cartoon character and it was symbolised by a simple ribbon, worn with pride on the chest. Do you know what, good on you all! Every single one of you. You did it...you made your difference and you showed the world! I am a runner, thank you for having me.

"...he's only done a 7 miler tonight."

I'm sat here on the eve of 'part 2' of my challenge to run a 5k, a 10k and a half marathon in each calendar month and I've been reflecting on the nine races I have completed so far this year. At the same time, I have been pulling my hair out searching for suitable races in the tougher months of the year, which for me are July and August as I am lucky enough to be able to take a two week holiday with my family.
Even booking my holiday had a hidden agenda, but don't tell the missus. It straddles two months to ensure I had enough available weekends in July and August to be able to fit the races in. Then came the online search for races abroad...very thin on the ground at that time of year. I did find a couple, but if I even attempted to convince 'the other half' that North Sweden or West Iceland would be the ideal summer holiday destination then my walking days, never mind my running days, would certainly be cut short!! I'm sure both of these regions are wonderful and charming in their own right but two weeks by the pool or a Spanish beach is the order of the day for us, and that is that.

Today was the first day of this year that made me feel the winter was behind us. The weather was pleasant and the Cherry Blossom has burst into life overnight almost. The biggest clue that spring has sprung is all the talk of the taper! That wonderful time of the year were your bottle goes as you realise how close the big day is and you doubt that you have done enough training!! The niggle becomes 'definetly a hernia', and as I have seen this week...you wear your running shoes to work!!! As I said last time out, marathoners are awesome...but you are a barmy lot!! And on that note, I have been granted training permission from the aforementioned 'other half' to enter a spring 2014 marathon so bring on the focussed barminess of the marathon training plan, can't wait!!*
(*The author reserves the right to adjust any claims that he may make that suggests he is looking forward to training for a marathon)

So, the winter phase of races is done and dusted. The tuning phase, the post-Christmas push. It was a real mixed bag of races that lead to a real mixed bag of emotions. January was a struggle for me as I had really switched off in December. It went a little bit like this:

1. Princes Parkrun, 5th Jan- 23:19
I'm not just saying this, but I love this event!! A tough little run made great by the friendliness of the organisers and volunteers. Every runner/jogger/plodder/walker should do this (or their local one) as the beauty of it is this...one week a guy can show up in his footy shirt and pumps and romp home in first place with a nifty little 17 minute effort. Next week...a Harrier with wings can come along and rip the record books up. You just don't know what you're gonna get!! Just don't forget your barcode...fair play!

2. Inskip Half Marathon, 20th Jan- 1:47:56 PB
The saviour!! I would recommend this race to everyone. Pleasant, flat and well organised with lunch and a goody bag better than most. Happy Happy Happy on the way home from this one.

3. Chernobyl 10k, 27th Jan- 51:41
Too hard for me this one on the day. Almost multi-terrain due to the weather (mega exaggeration!) with roads, toe paths, ankle deep puddles and woodland paths. I struggled on this last year but gave it another go, Andy 0-2 Chernobyl (aet). My mate nailed it with a PB by over 17 minutes though so it wasn't a bad drive home.

4. Princes Parkrun 9th Feb- 23:10
A slight improvement over the month but this was all about the Parkrun. It was the 100th event and had a turnout of 168!! Testament to the event and it's excellent organisation. I went home feeling nervous as I had a 10k race the next morning!!

5. Mad Dog 10k, 10th Feb- 48:19 PB
This event has a good future. It is well organised, even though there were some logistical challenges. There was a delay to the start but it was hardly noticeable due to the large indoor areas made available to all runners. I managed to scramble a PB but came away feeling a little bit deflated as I had fallen into the trap I set myself every time I go at this distance. Dropping into a nice, comfortable training pace in the middle third and then realising I feel quite good!! Go hard or go home was really starting to make sense. My club mates had a great day out with lots of smashing PBs and good comeback runs so the journey home was ok, should have done better.

6. Village Bakery Half Marathon, 17th Feb- 1:45:30 PB
Nearly the race of my life...if it wasn't for them pesky last 3 miles!! Quite similar to Inskip really. A beautiful morning and a scenic, countryside run near Wrexham. It wasn't flat, but it wasn't hilly but what incline there was, especially near the end of the race, seemed to really pull at your thighs. A PB by 2:26 which gave me some confidence to push for a sub-8min/mile half at Liverpool. Enjoyed my tea that day, think I had a pint to celebrate too.

7. Merseyvend 5k, 2nd Mar- 22:09 PB
A free event organised by the Knowsley Harriers that takes in Halewood Park before hitting a stretch of the Loop Line for a fast and flat out and back. It was an impressive field and I was nearer the rear than the front but I managed a PB. This drive home was short, I don't live too far away you see.

8. Liverpool Half Marathon, 17th Mar- 1:45:02 PB
I don't know exactly why I keep coming back to this race. I went 15 minutes quicker than last year on the new and improved course with the best start and finish area you'll get in Britain.

9. Salford 10k, 29th Mar- 45:53 PB
If it's natural beauty and eye popping scenery you are after in your race selection then this race is for someone else. It's hand is forced in many ways as the Salford area is what it is and what you get is a 'road race', just like you asked for. A two lapper which is mostly flat with long straights and a fast, downhill finish. This is the closest I have come to 'my best race' as I achieved everything I set out to. I went out quicker than I normally do and held it for longer than I normally can. I didn't enter the middle third lull, and I managed a decent finishing push on the home straight. My time also got me a group 2 time for my club, something I was aiming to do this year but never expected to do it in March. Proper good drive home, easter egg thrown in and I definetly enjoyed a nice beer with my tea.

So, tomorrow I run. The pull of the Princes Parkrun has me again, only this time it is going to be very different. You see, the running bug has spread in our house and my young daughter has become 'infected'!! We have marshalled the event a few times together and we did it a couple of weeks ago. Afterwards, my daughter was asking if she could join in next time as there were a few young ones taking part. Ever since then, if we walk anywhere...she is running. She has dug out her pink tracksuit and her Adidas running shoes and has had them on whenever she can. She has a barcode and a safety pin, she has a water bottle and tomorrow she might even have her very own 5k PB. We might not make it all the way around but no matter how far we go, we will surely enjoy it. I hope I'm not a pushy dad, I'll find out tomorrow won't I??

Something else that I have been pondering lately is the distance people run before they give themselves any credit. The 'only' distance. This is different for everyone and this certainly changes for people as they become better runners,get further into a program or their fitness improves. When asked, "how far have you ran?", how do you reply? When I first started running I didn't have an 'only' distance, everything was amazing!! The first time I ran 4 miles I was staggered that I had been able to do it. In fact, the first time I ran 5 miles I got injured and had to rest for a few weeks with Achilles Tendonosis. Now, at this current time, my 'only' distance is 8 miles or so. It has been higher than that but as I am not pushing past 13.1 miles this year, I don't seem to be training much more than 8 miles in a session. The funny thing is, when you hear your partner talking to somebody on the phone and they say things like "he's only got a 5k and a 10k this weekend" or "he's only done a 7 miler tonight" and you think, wow...I'm brilliant!! I'm overweight/underheight...whatever, I'm 35, I have dodgy knees and a bad back. I work full time and have a family with a home. If I run 100m I deserve some credit, only I have decided to set the credit cut-off limit at 8 miles. So, what is your 'only' distance? Is it a tool that can be used to get you somewhere? How do ultra runners do it? "I'm just going for a little run love, I'm only doing 33 miles...I won't be long. x"

Thanks for your time, whoever you are...now...go for a run!!!