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!!!
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
"...I can barely recognise you."
The dust has finally settled now on what was a really great event, the Liverpool Half Marathon 2013. The thing that made it is such a great event wasn't the organisation- although pretty good- it wasn't the course or the support- which was ok- it wasn't the medal and t-shirt at the end- which was good. What made it great for me was all the reactions of my club mates to their own experience of the day. Some smashed PBs by ridiculous amounts, some got through it carrying injuries or niggles and some were happy to put the demons of 'last year' behind them. There was also a large number of first timers. And, by first timers I mean first attempt at the distance and also first time racers!!! Every single one of the people I spoke to, or read about did something that made them feel good about themselves on Sunday and that is what I believe to be the magic of running. No doubt the next time some of us pull on our running shoes we will be so disappointed with what we do that we will want to sling that medal and wear the t-shirt to gloss the door frames and skirting boards!! I was thinking of writing a mile by mile account of my race but the miles have merged and my tunnel vision has rendered my memory of the race, outside of 10 feet in front and 2 feet either side of me, a complete blur. I know who was cheering and pushing me on, I just can't remember where you were!! The synopsis goes like this: Aimed for 8 minute miles, got 8:01's. A new PB at the distance of 1:45:02, my third PB of the year at 13.1 miles. All thanks to fellow Strider, Rob, for doing a truly mind-boggling pace-setting job!!! Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for pushing yourself to the limit, so I could push myself to mine.
Talking of limits, isn't it funny how we ask our bodies to do things that they aren't supposed to do, or things they have never done before? I have been thinking about this a lot over the last three weeks or so and I am struggling to comprehend why I get frustrated or disappointed with myself when things don't work out. The Spring marathons are a matter of weeks away. Manchester, London, Paris to name but a few, are getting really close now and I know a lot of people who are training for one of these. I remember reading somewhere that the human body is only designed to hold enough fuel to make it move about 20 miles. So, if this is true, then every time somebody completes 26.2 miles, they have been able to persuade their body to do something it shouldn't. And then, not only do you want it to go further than ever before (possibly), you want it to do it in a time limit!! The investment in the training is a feat in itself. 12-16 weeks, maybe more, of complex plans, structured routines and personal sacrifices that can often impact your 'whole world' just so you can do it in 'sub-whatever'. Seasoned marathoners, improvers, or debutants- you all have my respect and support if needed. Most of all you have my best wishes...go and get 'em!!!
Earlier this month I asked my body to do something it had never done before and thankfully it responded with a resounding 'go on then...I'll give it a try'. At the start of this challenge I outlined two goals; 1) Complete a 5k, a 10k and a Half Marathon in each calendar month, and 2) Get a PLS Group 2 time at all three distances. The first part takes a bit of planning but is do-able. The second would take effort, training, discipline and a bit of luck. The times needed to achieve this part of the goal are 22:09 for 5k, 46:00 for 10k and 1:42:33 for the Half. To achieve this goal for the 5k distance I would have to make my body move faster than it has ever done before over a distance greater than 100 yards!! It would have to do 1000 metres in 4 minutes 25 seconds...5 times....back to back. It doesn't sound like an amazing feat does it? But remember, I have never done it before. I have actually never even asked my body how it would feel if I asked. Until 10am on Saturday 2nd March in Halewood that is. Crossing the line in 22:09 felt awesome, yes I was tired, yes I nearly fell over a bit but if I had...I would have looked up at the laughing faces with a broad grin on my dial!! Somebody described a 5k race as "take a deep breath and hold it, run, and vomit at the end". I like that. As I mentioned before, there is often disappointment and that disappointment is usually harsh and unfair on yourself. My disappointment came when I realised that the goal times I had set myself for the year had to be beaten, not equalled, to qualify for the illustrious PLS Group 2!!! Where did that 1 second go? How could I have ran that race differently? Why did I have that bag of crisps two Wednesdays ago? I've got nine more goes at it!!
I'm almost a quarter of the way through the challenge now and I am loving it! On Good Friday I am taking part in the Salford 10k, in which I am number 69!!! (Insert rude joke here) That will be 9 down, 27 to go. So far, I have hit 5 PBs, lost an inch off my waist and got a new haircut. Recognise!!!
Talking of limits, isn't it funny how we ask our bodies to do things that they aren't supposed to do, or things they have never done before? I have been thinking about this a lot over the last three weeks or so and I am struggling to comprehend why I get frustrated or disappointed with myself when things don't work out. The Spring marathons are a matter of weeks away. Manchester, London, Paris to name but a few, are getting really close now and I know a lot of people who are training for one of these. I remember reading somewhere that the human body is only designed to hold enough fuel to make it move about 20 miles. So, if this is true, then every time somebody completes 26.2 miles, they have been able to persuade their body to do something it shouldn't. And then, not only do you want it to go further than ever before (possibly), you want it to do it in a time limit!! The investment in the training is a feat in itself. 12-16 weeks, maybe more, of complex plans, structured routines and personal sacrifices that can often impact your 'whole world' just so you can do it in 'sub-whatever'. Seasoned marathoners, improvers, or debutants- you all have my respect and support if needed. Most of all you have my best wishes...go and get 'em!!!
Earlier this month I asked my body to do something it had never done before and thankfully it responded with a resounding 'go on then...I'll give it a try'. At the start of this challenge I outlined two goals; 1) Complete a 5k, a 10k and a Half Marathon in each calendar month, and 2) Get a PLS Group 2 time at all three distances. The first part takes a bit of planning but is do-able. The second would take effort, training, discipline and a bit of luck. The times needed to achieve this part of the goal are 22:09 for 5k, 46:00 for 10k and 1:42:33 for the Half. To achieve this goal for the 5k distance I would have to make my body move faster than it has ever done before over a distance greater than 100 yards!! It would have to do 1000 metres in 4 minutes 25 seconds...5 times....back to back. It doesn't sound like an amazing feat does it? But remember, I have never done it before. I have actually never even asked my body how it would feel if I asked. Until 10am on Saturday 2nd March in Halewood that is. Crossing the line in 22:09 felt awesome, yes I was tired, yes I nearly fell over a bit but if I had...I would have looked up at the laughing faces with a broad grin on my dial!! Somebody described a 5k race as "take a deep breath and hold it, run, and vomit at the end". I like that. As I mentioned before, there is often disappointment and that disappointment is usually harsh and unfair on yourself. My disappointment came when I realised that the goal times I had set myself for the year had to be beaten, not equalled, to qualify for the illustrious PLS Group 2!!! Where did that 1 second go? How could I have ran that race differently? Why did I have that bag of crisps two Wednesdays ago? I've got nine more goes at it!!
I'm almost a quarter of the way through the challenge now and I am loving it! On Good Friday I am taking part in the Salford 10k, in which I am number 69!!! (Insert rude joke here) That will be 9 down, 27 to go. So far, I have hit 5 PBs, lost an inch off my waist and got a new haircut. Recognise!!!
Monday, 18 February 2013
"...and they let you enter?"
I was asked this question by a fellow runner at The Inskip Half Marathon last month and it has stuck with me ever since. I'm pretty sure it was a question that had congratulatory tones involved but I have played it back in my mind over and over and I have been able to transform the element of surprise into an element of shock and disgust at my lack of respect for racing etiquette.
Allow me to back track a little...it was the morning of the scheduled Essar Four Villages Half Marathon that fell foul of the white stuff and I was in desperate need of a half marathon to run. (There is a sentence I never thought I would say, write or think!!) I kitted up and set off for Inskip, not far from Preston, in the hope that I could somehow blag my way in to a full, 'no entry on the day' race. I was the third car in the car park and the tea urn on the butty van had barely boiled when I asked, with extreme politeness, if it would be possible to enter. My wish was granted after a quick call to the organiser and I had a number, the challenge was going to stay alive for at least another day.
Ok, before I have a go at writing a 'race review' (which I can't see going too well), I would like to explain my cold sweats about the simple question I was asked that morning. "...and they let you enter?" A few years ago I took up golf as a hobby. A few of my friends and work colleagues played and they got me into it. I fell for it pretty heavily for a bit and played quite a lot. I tended to play with good golfers, or at least golfers who had played for a long time and one of the first things I learnt about the game was the etiquette. These 'rules' are often unspoken or unwritten but universally understood and applicable. Many of them add nothing to the game and are used to seperate golfers from people who swing sticks at balls. In fact, it was the etiquette that had kept me away for years and one of the reasons I don't play much anymore. It was this question that made me think I may have crossed an etiquette line. I have crossed these lines in other races but I have learned from the experiences. Like running with folk who kept me company/spurred me on in tough races and then pulling away towards the end...tut tut tut...lesson learned. Had I done it again? Does a race that states 'no entries on the day' really expect no 'extras' to chance their arm? Is it frowned upon? Have I brought my club into disrepute? Is there a secret book, full of secrets that is drip fed to the uninitiated through painful lessons, being pulled to one side for a chat or finding yourself looking at the backs of people stood in a knowing huddle?
Or, was my running cohort, just really pleased for me? Probably.
Inskip Half went much better though. A country road and track race, quite flat and certainly pretty enough. The miles ticked by comfortably, I wouldn't say fast, but they came and some surprised me with their seemingly early arrival. I got through the 13.1miles and didn't feel too bad at all. I'd also managed to strip almost a minute off my PB from The Windmill Half 2012.
Allow me to back track a little...it was the morning of the scheduled Essar Four Villages Half Marathon that fell foul of the white stuff and I was in desperate need of a half marathon to run. (There is a sentence I never thought I would say, write or think!!) I kitted up and set off for Inskip, not far from Preston, in the hope that I could somehow blag my way in to a full, 'no entry on the day' race. I was the third car in the car park and the tea urn on the butty van had barely boiled when I asked, with extreme politeness, if it would be possible to enter. My wish was granted after a quick call to the organiser and I had a number, the challenge was going to stay alive for at least another day.
Ok, before I have a go at writing a 'race review' (which I can't see going too well), I would like to explain my cold sweats about the simple question I was asked that morning. "...and they let you enter?" A few years ago I took up golf as a hobby. A few of my friends and work colleagues played and they got me into it. I fell for it pretty heavily for a bit and played quite a lot. I tended to play with good golfers, or at least golfers who had played for a long time and one of the first things I learnt about the game was the etiquette. These 'rules' are often unspoken or unwritten but universally understood and applicable. Many of them add nothing to the game and are used to seperate golfers from people who swing sticks at balls. In fact, it was the etiquette that had kept me away for years and one of the reasons I don't play much anymore. It was this question that made me think I may have crossed an etiquette line. I have crossed these lines in other races but I have learned from the experiences. Like running with folk who kept me company/spurred me on in tough races and then pulling away towards the end...tut tut tut...lesson learned. Had I done it again? Does a race that states 'no entries on the day' really expect no 'extras' to chance their arm? Is it frowned upon? Have I brought my club into disrepute? Is there a secret book, full of secrets that is drip fed to the uninitiated through painful lessons, being pulled to one side for a chat or finding yourself looking at the backs of people stood in a knowing huddle?
Or, was my running cohort, just really pleased for me? Probably.
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| Before The Chernobyl 10k |
Enough about the inner workings of a rampant self-botherer, how has The 36 Classics Challenge faired through January and February? Oh by the way, I now know that other people have read these blogs so I now imagine what is going through your minds!!! January saw two fairly unimpressive outings over 5k and 10k. A pedestrian Prince's Parkrun and an unjoyful plod around Chernobyl 10k near Preston. An almost multi-terrain affair which includes roads, toe paths, ankle-deep puddles and about 8 soul destroying climbs of no more than 30 metres in length similar to that little swine in Prince's Park. Only, with wet feet and twice the spite!
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| And after!! |
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| Inskip Half Marathon |
February consisted of the 100th Parkrun, which leads me on to a massive thank you and an even massiver congratulations to the event's organisers and hardcore group of volunteer marshalls who make it THE place to be at 9am on a Saturday morning in Liverpool!!! Another typical 5k effort ensued with the 3km to 4km lull on full show for all to see as they pass me with grace and ease. If your a seasoned athlete, and your 5k PB is at this Parkrun, then fair play to you. That's an effort! If you are a novice and your only 5k race is at this Parkrun...get on another one (not instead of it though), you might just s41t at what you are capable of!! Next came the Mad Dog 10k and a new PB!! I really emjoyed the simplicity of this out and back, and would certainly consider it for next year. It was well organised, plenty of facilities which really helped as the 30 minute delay was the only let down. Great tee, great medal and a ma-hoosive goodie bag. The best thing about this race though...the amount of Striders that romped home to PBs, SBs or times they were pleased with. Well done guys!
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| Mad Dog 10k Pre-Race |
And finally, almost the race of my life!!! Yesterday was the Village Bakery Half Marathon, near Wrexham. A very popular run, advertised as flat and fast and discussed in running circles as an excellent PB opportunity. It rang an Inskip bell as it loops around the surrounding countryside and had a similar elevation map. But, do you know what?? I'm going to say the last 5k was 'bumpier' than the flat they promised and it ripped me to shreds!!! The aforementioned race of my life slipped away and left me with the comfort blanket of a new PB and a Bara Brith fruit loaf which I will be having for breakfast in the morning, toasted and lightly buttered.
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| Me and my fruit loaf |
Saturday, 19 January 2013
"32 years you say?"
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been feeling the stresses of my job a little bit more than usual. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not 'Falling Down' stressed but you know how it can be- its on your mind when the head hits the pillow and two hours later you're still not sure how you're going to help THAT person fix THAT problem for THAT customer! But you know what, it's ok because I have a great little family who love me and, fair play, my other half knows exactly how to deal with my sulks. I also have running. And running allows me the time to switch off and think about nothing. Well, not nothing...I think about the same things, I just care less. I do maths in my head and I convince the devil on my shoulder that he's got no chance tonight!!!!
So, my point is that for me, and probably most runners, running is a break from the stresses of paying the bills. Whether it be a sneaky 25 minute jog outside or a treadmill session on my own. Or with the PLS in a race or a session, they all do the trick nicely thank you very much.
Have I made a big mistake? Have I added a stress factor to my solace?
In 32 years, the 4 Villages has grown to be a favourite Half Marathon of athletes, runners and joggers from all over the place and as far as I know, has always been held in the month of January. I've heard lots of good things about it but have never got round to taking part in it. It, has also never been cancelled. "I'll get on that...should fit nicely in with the plan. And it obviously won't get called off for any reason!!" Is that right?
Now don't get me wrong, I can see exactly why it has been called off and I feel sorry for the organisers who had to make the tough decision to call the event off. But I'm a selfish kind of guy...do they not know what I am trying to do here!!! I mean please...this is Guinness level stuff I'm attempting here. I'm thinking OBE, SPOTY 2013 nomination at the least!!!
My point is this- running became stressful today and will be stressful tomorrow. The stress might continue until the end of the month, I'm not sure.
I was being picked up in the morning by one of my running buddies and I was going to be chauffeur driven (in a Ford Transit) to the parking area in Helsby where a coach would take us to the start. We would wax lyrical about smashing PBs and discuss our favourite pre-race meal. Heck, we may even go as far as talking about enjoying a nice pint of ale post race. I would then run the race I have been preparing for and then look forward to seeing the results posted on the forum, with maybe even the letters PB after my name and time!!! No worries!!!
In the morning I will be heading up to Preston to see if I can somehow wrestle my way into the already full Inskip Half Marathon. It's a 10.30am start so I'll be on the road at about 7.30am to get to the front of the imaginary queue I have invented that is signposted 'Queue here for uncollected numbers or dropouts'. I will probably eat breakfast on the M6 and I will no doubt forget something essential. The 'chimp' will be all over me, giving me jib, calling me names and telling me to turn around and go home.
If I get in, great. If I don't, who knows? All I know is this...THAT bloke with THAT problem for THAT customer will not be keeping me awake tonight. The stresses of being a 'runner' will do just fine!!!
Monday, 14 January 2013
"...in each month? Are you sure?"
When you wake up one day, and the first thought that comes into your head is "I know...I'll do a 5k, a 10k and a Half Marathon race every month next year!" and you believe it to be the idea of a normal person...you know that you have the bug. I ran my first ever mile (as an adult, I did XC when I was 11 at school) on April 1st 2010 and it took about 11 minutes and I have been jogging/running/taking part ever since. This year, I decided that the only way to fight my reversing metabolism would be to run it into submission. And, as I am turning 36 in December, I thought doing 36 races in my 36th year of being alive had a nice ring to it. The 36x36 Challenge was born, although technically I will not have completed all 36 races by my 36th birthday, I will have done by the end of December. If you hold it far away, on an angle and squint a bit it makes sense!!!
It's now mid-January and I am one race down. The excellent and ever-popular Princes Parkrun on Saturday 5th January. A crisp and even morning, we gathered in the park and discussed if we were going to smash it or take it easy and fit it into a training plan. As I had let my psychological 'chimp' operate my soul through the whole of December as usual, my goal was more marathon-like than sprint as I just wanted to 'get round'. I wore my club vest just in case I pulled a sub-16 out the bag but I did have to put a T-Shirt on underneath it. Not because of the cold but because there was a little too much 'December Side Boob' on display through the arm hole of the vest. Come June I will try and pass them off as pecs...but there is just no hiding them this soon after Chrimbo!!
I plodded a respectable but unimpressive 23:19 out and stamped it with a 'Room for Improvement'.
So blogging eh? Not something I've tried before and I don't know if I should be writing for me to read or if I should write it with the notion that somebody else might actually read it!! I'll just tap away on this keyboard once a month or so and see what happens!!
Looking forward to January's Half Marathon, which is The Four Villages in Helsby on Sunday 20th and the following Sunday is The Chernobyl 10k in Preston. I do hope the weather holds off a bit because if either of these get cancelled...it was the worst attempt at something like this ever!!!
It's now mid-January and I am one race down. The excellent and ever-popular Princes Parkrun on Saturday 5th January. A crisp and even morning, we gathered in the park and discussed if we were going to smash it or take it easy and fit it into a training plan. As I had let my psychological 'chimp' operate my soul through the whole of December as usual, my goal was more marathon-like than sprint as I just wanted to 'get round'. I wore my club vest just in case I pulled a sub-16 out the bag but I did have to put a T-Shirt on underneath it. Not because of the cold but because there was a little too much 'December Side Boob' on display through the arm hole of the vest. Come June I will try and pass them off as pecs...but there is just no hiding them this soon after Chrimbo!!
I plodded a respectable but unimpressive 23:19 out and stamped it with a 'Room for Improvement'.
So blogging eh? Not something I've tried before and I don't know if I should be writing for me to read or if I should write it with the notion that somebody else might actually read it!! I'll just tap away on this keyboard once a month or so and see what happens!!
Looking forward to January's Half Marathon, which is The Four Villages in Helsby on Sunday 20th and the following Sunday is The Chernobyl 10k in Preston. I do hope the weather holds off a bit because if either of these get cancelled...it was the worst attempt at something like this ever!!!
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