Wednesday, 25 May 2011
1k
This week saw my mileage reach the First thousand miles of the year,last year i had recorded a total mileage of just under two thousand miles so with only five months in everything is going well. Now that the Cateran has passed and with just over 3 weeks to go the focus for everyone has now moved on to the WHW ,I can never imagine what it is going to be like until race day is upon us , it is always good to practice over the course but until the race starts my mind will have all sorts of things going through it. As this is the holiday weekend my plans are to get in some long back to back runs. i enjoy doing these as i feel that they help convince the mind that you have simulated the time on legs,the feeling of running tired and of course covering the distance +. On Friday evening the plan is to meet up at Sams house with my support crew and go through the finer details. Sam will be away on holiday the following week, then i will be working the weekend before the race so this is the ideal oportunity to discuss everything.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Back to normal
It's been a few weeks now since the fling. i managed to get some light training in from the Wednesday after the race but had to work that weekend so my first long run took place yesterday morning, i was up and out for 5:30 as i had to attend a party in the afternoon, i decided to head out towards Kirkintilloch and follow the cycle path out to the Kirkhouse at Strathblane. the forecast was for rain all day but when i set off it was cool and overcast lucky enough it stayed like that for the whole run.
I reached the halfway point i was feeling fine but by the time i went thriugh marathon distance (3:17) i could not believe how stiff my legs were . i though that after running 53 miles on the WHW a 30 miler on the flat would be fine, how wrong i was but at least i now have the first one under the belt in preparartion for the biggest event ever in my running career which is just now just over 4 weeks away. i know that JK's group have the double run this weekend but unfortunately i cannot make it as my daughter makes her first communion on Sunday and i have too much to do over the weekend, so it will just be a long run on Saturday with a couple of hours on Sunday. good luck to everyone taking part over the WHW.
Distance 30.51 Miles Time 3h 53m
I reached the halfway point i was feeling fine but by the time i went thriugh marathon distance (3:17) i could not believe how stiff my legs were . i though that after running 53 miles on the WHW a 30 miler on the flat would be fine, how wrong i was but at least i now have the first one under the belt in preparartion for the biggest event ever in my running career which is just now just over 4 weeks away. i know that JK's group have the double run this weekend but unfortunately i cannot make it as my daughter makes her first communion on Sunday and i have too much to do over the weekend, so it will just be a long run on Saturday with a couple of hours on Sunday. good luck to everyone taking part over the WHW.
Distance 30.51 Miles Time 3h 53m
Sunday, 1 May 2011
The Highland Fling
Last night i prepared my kit and drop bags for the early start today, i went to bed at 10pm but found it difficult to sleep, my head was full of the things you get when you have never raced at this distance, what pace to run, what to eat, could i complete the distance, whats the conditions like,( very warm).
I woke up at 4:30 and packed everything into the car that i was taking, I arrived at Milngave at 5:20 and walked down to the start,there was plenty of people mulling about waiting for the start, i chatted to Ross and JK briefly before putting my drop bags in to the cars.
My pre race plan was to try and run as close to 9 hours as i believed this was achievable, after Murdo had done the pre race brief we moved to the start for the off i found my self in a small group, as we got chatting i found out that Simon Ellis came from Chester and Billy Foreman from North Yorkshire quickly followed by the ever reliable George Cairns. George and Simon were up Conic before us, but as we reached check point 1 (Balmaha), both were having a quick bite, i decided to allow myself a few minutes at each checkpoint to restock my pack and have a bite to eat.
As we moved on to check point 2 , both George and Simon had moved a couple of minutes ahead but again we caught up with them as they were refuelling in Rowardennan.George had kindly offered me some sun tan lotion, we all left together as we headed towards Checkpoint 3 (inversnaid), by the time we arrived the sun was very warm, whilst refuelling, George managed to get a few chips of the plate of a guy up from London.
George left before us and i never saw him again until i arrived at the finish,Simon drifted back as me and Billy continued on, at 36 miles suddenly Jezz came past us came past us so effortlessly, a few minutes later as my foot struck the ground i took cramp in my left calf and told billy to continue on and i would try to catch up before Beinglass Farm, at 38 miles, a short time later i was back with Billy, we continued on but by this stage we were wondering how far the checkpoint was as the trail seemed to go on for ever. a couple of my friends, Sam Green and Margaret Deas turned up to watch at Beinglass Farm. we refilled our water bottles and got on our way as we were still on for a 9 hour time,both of us were starting to struggle a few miles down the trail John McLaughlin gave me a shout, this seemed to help slightly as i caught up with John Kennedy, John passed on some words of encouragement and this seemed to work and before i knew it i had caught up with JK who was chatting to a girl called Claire who was a fellow Everton fan, i think by this time we were all struggling with the heat. i decided to continue doing a run/walk for as long as i could as i could not find any rhythm to run continually.
My feet were starting to feel everything rock, with 4 miles to go i saw Sam and Margaret again by this time i had ran out of water and asked if they could get me some, with a further mile gone Ritchie Cunningham passed me looking good as he motored up the hills.
I arrived at the wigwams where Sam and Margaret filled my bottles with water, what a welcome relief, they gave me a morale boosting chat as i continued along the final stretch, again i met John McLaughlin who shouted out only 800m to go, as i came around the bend, Sam and Margaret gave a final cheer, suddenly the pipers started playing, i knew it was nearly over, i crossed the finish line in 9hrs 3 Min finishing 21st.
Well done to everyone who took part today and to Murdo,Ellen,Tim and the Marshalls for making it a splendid day.
Results
I woke up at 4:30 and packed everything into the car that i was taking, I arrived at Milngave at 5:20 and walked down to the start,there was plenty of people mulling about waiting for the start, i chatted to Ross and JK briefly before putting my drop bags in to the cars.
My pre race plan was to try and run as close to 9 hours as i believed this was achievable, after Murdo had done the pre race brief we moved to the start for the off i found my self in a small group, as we got chatting i found out that Simon Ellis came from Chester and Billy Foreman from North Yorkshire quickly followed by the ever reliable George Cairns. George and Simon were up Conic before us, but as we reached check point 1 (Balmaha), both were having a quick bite, i decided to allow myself a few minutes at each checkpoint to restock my pack and have a bite to eat.
As we moved on to check point 2 , both George and Simon had moved a couple of minutes ahead but again we caught up with them as they were refuelling in Rowardennan.George had kindly offered me some sun tan lotion, we all left together as we headed towards Checkpoint 3 (inversnaid), by the time we arrived the sun was very warm, whilst refuelling, George managed to get a few chips of the plate of a guy up from London.
George left before us and i never saw him again until i arrived at the finish,Simon drifted back as me and Billy continued on, at 36 miles suddenly Jezz came past us came past us so effortlessly, a few minutes later as my foot struck the ground i took cramp in my left calf and told billy to continue on and i would try to catch up before Beinglass Farm, at 38 miles, a short time later i was back with Billy, we continued on but by this stage we were wondering how far the checkpoint was as the trail seemed to go on for ever. a couple of my friends, Sam Green and Margaret Deas turned up to watch at Beinglass Farm. we refilled our water bottles and got on our way as we were still on for a 9 hour time,both of us were starting to struggle a few miles down the trail John McLaughlin gave me a shout, this seemed to help slightly as i caught up with John Kennedy, John passed on some words of encouragement and this seemed to work and before i knew it i had caught up with JK who was chatting to a girl called Claire who was a fellow Everton fan, i think by this time we were all struggling with the heat. i decided to continue doing a run/walk for as long as i could as i could not find any rhythm to run continually.
My feet were starting to feel everything rock, with 4 miles to go i saw Sam and Margaret again by this time i had ran out of water and asked if they could get me some, with a further mile gone Ritchie Cunningham passed me looking good as he motored up the hills.
I arrived at the wigwams where Sam and Margaret filled my bottles with water, what a welcome relief, they gave me a morale boosting chat as i continued along the final stretch, again i met John McLaughlin who shouted out only 800m to go, as i came around the bend, Sam and Margaret gave a final cheer, suddenly the pipers started playing, i knew it was nearly over, i crossed the finish line in 9hrs 3 Min finishing 21st.
Well done to everyone who took part today and to Murdo,Ellen,Tim and the Marshalls for making it a splendid day.
Results
Monday, 25 April 2011
Easter Weekend
I knew that in my plans i wanted to use the Easter weekend as my last training schedule in preparation for my first Fling, its not easy when you have never raced more than 41 miles before, the unknown teritory of running another half marathon on top is going to bring a new experience both physically and menatally, since Wednesday i have run consecutive up to the Holiday Monday, i knew that it was going to be my final back to back runs that would be the test. My plan was to run the 7 days consecutive with the emphasis on my longer weekend runs. I managed to complete them with 3 x 20 miles at a steady pace along with getting in the distance and time. all i can do now is relax the rest of the week and wait and see what i learn from Saturday, Best wishes to all who are running on Saturday.
Wednesday - Total Mileage 9.11 - Total Time 1:08:25 - Ave Moving Pace 7:27
Thursday - Total Mileage 8.04 - Total Time 1:01:59 - Ave Moving Pace 7:40
Friday - Total Mileage 9.03 - Total Time 1:08:30 - Ave Moving Pace 7:31
Saturday - Total Mileage 20.17 - Total Time 2:32:10 - Ave Moving Pace 7:29
Sunday - Total Mileage 20.03 - Total Time 2:38:47 - Ave Moving Pace 7:47
Monday - Total Mileage 20.01 - Total Time 2:30:08 - Ave Moving Pace 7:27
Total Mileage 86.39 - Total Time 11:00:02
Wednesday - Total Mileage 9.11 - Total Time 1:08:25 - Ave Moving Pace 7:27
Thursday - Total Mileage 8.04 - Total Time 1:01:59 - Ave Moving Pace 7:40
Friday - Total Mileage 9.03 - Total Time 1:08:30 - Ave Moving Pace 7:31
Saturday - Total Mileage 20.17 - Total Time 2:32:10 - Ave Moving Pace 7:29
Sunday - Total Mileage 20.03 - Total Time 2:38:47 - Ave Moving Pace 7:47
Monday - Total Mileage 20.01 - Total Time 2:30:08 - Ave Moving Pace 7:27
Total Mileage 86.39 - Total Time 11:00:02
Monday, 18 April 2011
Pre Fling Training Weekend 1
Today i completed my 1st back to back training weekend in preparation for the Fling . I decided to run from Kirkintilloch towards Glasgow on the canal, my aim was to get in a second 4 hour run in two days, the day started well as i left the house at 6:15, it was a fantastic morning with the sun out in full, as i got on to the canal it was great as it was so peaceful, i continued along at a steady pace into Glasgow until i got to Anniesland before i about turned, on the way back it was steadily getting warmer and the tow path was starting to fill up with cyclists, when i arrived back in Kirkintilloch i headed for Lenzie and followed the old railway line back to Chryston where i met the guys heading out for their usual run at 9:30, we had a quick chat before i headed home over the last 2 miles to try and catch some of the London Marathon.
Sun Totals -Total Mileage 28.28 Total Time 3:43:33 Ave Moving Pace 7:54
Sat Totals - Total Mileage 30:16 Total Time 4:04:33 Ave Moving Pace 8:02
Sun Totals -Total Mileage 28.28 Total Time 3:43:33 Ave Moving Pace 7:54
Sat Totals - Total Mileage 30:16 Total Time 4:04:33 Ave Moving Pace 8:02
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Two Weeks Today
My plan today was to get up early and get on to the canal for a 5 hour run but when i woke at 5:30 i decided to change my plans by driving to Milngavie. i parked at the usual spot in the town as you never get any hassle regarding parking.
I set off from the start point at 6:15 with a revised plan of doing 4 hours so off i went, the conditions to start with were overcast skys and it was quite cool, i arrived at the 10 mile point in 1:20 and continued through in to Drymen as i hit the car park at Garadhban, the signs were out saying that it was closed along with the trail due to the forrestry commision carrying out some tree felling however all was quite so i continued through doing a loop in the forrest at 15 miles. as i was heading back i met some runners on their way out.
I was feeling reasonably good today and came through the 20 mile mark in 2:22 as i arrived back in Drymen the sun was out in full force which felt good as i was now on the tarmac section, by the time i reached Carbeth lots of walkers and runners were out in force which made the next few miles fly by, i went through marathon distance in 3:32 which was perfect as i did not want to do anything silly with two weeks to the Fling as i continued back into Milngavie i completed the 30 miles in 4:04.
Total Time 4:04:33 Total Distance 31.16 Average Moving Pace 8:02
I set off from the start point at 6:15 with a revised plan of doing 4 hours so off i went, the conditions to start with were overcast skys and it was quite cool, i arrived at the 10 mile point in 1:20 and continued through in to Drymen as i hit the car park at Garadhban, the signs were out saying that it was closed along with the trail due to the forrestry commision carrying out some tree felling however all was quite so i continued through doing a loop in the forrest at 15 miles. as i was heading back i met some runners on their way out.
I was feeling reasonably good today and came through the 20 mile mark in 2:22 as i arrived back in Drymen the sun was out in full force which felt good as i was now on the tarmac section, by the time i reached Carbeth lots of walkers and runners were out in force which made the next few miles fly by, i went through marathon distance in 3:32 which was perfect as i did not want to do anything silly with two weeks to the Fling as i continued back into Milngavie i completed the 30 miles in 4:04.
Total Time 4:04:33 Total Distance 31.16 Average Moving Pace 8:02
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Following the GEDM
My plan today was to meet up with Marco and some of the guys to get in a 25 miler but during the week came the news that Marco had injured himself so i decided to fit in a longer run on the canal and watch the Glasgow To Edinburgh Double Marathon.
I left the house at 6:30 and new that i could get to the Falkirk Wheel and be nearly back before the runners would come through checkpoint 1,which is at Auchenstary Loch. on the way back i had a quick chat with the Marshall's who confirmed that the first runner was not far away so i decided to keep moving as i did not want my legs to seize, as i continued along the canal for a few minutes more , i could see Grant Jeans coming towards me after giving Grant a cheer i continued on into Tweechar, a further ten minutes had passed before the next runner came through followed closely by a steady stream of runners who were at this point all within 5 minutes of each other.i gave every one a cheer as they passed and even stopped to try and get some pictures, as i was approaching Kirkintilloch the last 3 runners came through, it was going to be a long day as the weather was starting to get warmer.
As i left Kirkie heading into Lenzie with 4 Miles still to go my legs were getting heavier and my juice all been used, it was a bit of a struggle to the finish as this was going to be my longest run since January, finally i arrived home in just over 5 hours with 37.20 miles in the legs so now i will sit out and enjoy what looks like the warmest day of the year, Good luck to everyone who took part today, some photos are available from my website for anyone to help themselves, just follow the tabs, sorry if the quality of some is not great.
I left the house at 6:30 and new that i could get to the Falkirk Wheel and be nearly back before the runners would come through checkpoint 1,which is at Auchenstary Loch. on the way back i had a quick chat with the Marshall's who confirmed that the first runner was not far away so i decided to keep moving as i did not want my legs to seize, as i continued along the canal for a few minutes more , i could see Grant Jeans coming towards me after giving Grant a cheer i continued on into Tweechar, a further ten minutes had passed before the next runner came through followed closely by a steady stream of runners who were at this point all within 5 minutes of each other.i gave every one a cheer as they passed and even stopped to try and get some pictures, as i was approaching Kirkintilloch the last 3 runners came through, it was going to be a long day as the weather was starting to get warmer.
As i left Kirkie heading into Lenzie with 4 Miles still to go my legs were getting heavier and my juice all been used, it was a bit of a struggle to the finish as this was going to be my longest run since January, finally i arrived home in just over 5 hours with 37.20 miles in the legs so now i will sit out and enjoy what looks like the warmest day of the year, Good luck to everyone who took part today, some photos are available from my website for anyone to help themselves, just follow the tabs, sorry if the quality of some is not great.
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