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.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
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.
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.
Friday, 12 April 2013
"...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!!!
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!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)