Time: 7.15pm
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9miles
Time Run: 1hr 12mins 00secs
Session: 1min (1min recovery), 2min (1min), 3min (90sec), 4min (2min), 5min (2min), 5min (2min), 4min (2min), 3min (90sec), 2min (1min), 1min (1min)
Another cracking session tonight. There were a good crowd of us out on the cycle track. The weather was a lot milder than it looked and we were all quite hot by the end! Even though Donald was complaining of a sore back and leg he still led the way on all the sessions. I tried to hang on to him for as long as I could. On the longer runs 4 & 5 min he slowly but gradually pulled away from me but at a constant rate so were both runing at an even pace.
Here are my splits for anyone interested!
1min - 0.17mile (6.01 pace)
2min - 0.34 (5.57)
3min - 0.50 (6.04)
4min - 0.65 (6.11)
5min - 0.79 (6.19)
5min - 0.84 (5.58)
4min - 0.68 (5.54)
3min - 0.52 (5.44)
2min - 0.35 (5.44)
1min - 0.19 (5.16)
So I was pleased with that as the second lot of runs were faster than the first set. The route we do is slightly up hill on the way out and down hill on the way back so that helps a bit!
I'm starting my 2 days with West Dunbartonshire tomorrow so I'm looking forward to that. Not quite sure if I'll be able to get a run tomorrow as Laura and Josh are coming for tea to chat about their wedding plans!
Time left to whw race on Saturday 20 June 2009 starting at 1am
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Powerpoint
I've had a couple of comments about the powerpoint. It is pretty big and some are having a problem downloading it.
I've put it on a web page which hopefully will be easier to view (even though Mrs Pacepusher had no problems with the powerpoint!)
I've put it on a web page which hopefully will be easier to view (even though Mrs Pacepusher had no problems with the powerpoint!)
Easy Road Run
Time: 1.35pm
I hadn't planned to have a run today but my toe supports arrived on Friday and I wanted to try it out before our longer club run on Monday. So I ran an easy 4 miles run.
Route: Dykebar
Distance: 4miles
Time Run: 30mins 16secs (av 7.31)
I hadn't planned to have a run today but my toe supports arrived on Friday and I wanted to try it out before our longer club run on Monday. So I ran an easy 4 miles run. The support felt good and seemed to make a difference. I still have some pain under my toe but it's more being aware of it than actually painful. So it's not 100% yet but it's not stopping me running which is the key thing. So I'll continue to use it until I have my rescan at the hospital in a few weeks time.
Thanks for those who left some comments on lessons learnt from running the whw race. Tim also put a post on the whw race forum which received a few comments as well.
The talk seemed to go well on Friday. If you would like to see the powerpoint slides then you can download them and have a look. I suggest you save it on your computer and then open from there.
The four lessons that I shared with the leaders of the church were ...
1. The importance of teamwork
2. The importance of encouragement
3. The importance of focusing on the goal
4. The importance of total commitment
Today I heard that I passed my Football Referee's course so that's good news.
This afternoon we are off to watch Glasgow Rocks play Newcastle Eagles at Kelvin Hall. Last Sunday I was a bit torn on who to support as we lived in Leicester for 5 years before coming to Scotland and used to go and watch the Basketball there but today I have no such dilemnas. Come on the Rocks!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Road Run - Dykebar route
Time: 12.10pm
Route: Dykebar
Distance: 6.5miles
Time Run: 48mins 22secs (av 7.26)
Mile splits: 7,56, 7.40, 7.19, 7.17, 7.01, 7.24, 3.46
I set off feeling my legs a bit from yesterday and ran the first mile comfortably but then once I was into the run felt better and it was encouraging to run each mile quicker. I wore my watch but didn't look at it during the run and was quite surprised to see the mile splits.
The only thing of note was that I tripped over a dog! As I was running along the cycle path a couple with their two dogs where walking the other way. This big brown dog 'Buster' decided at the last minute to run right in front of me. I had nowhere to go except fall over him. No damage done and the owners were apologetic. I could hear Buster getting a good telling off as I ran away! Now that would have been a good video clip!
I picked up my copy of Dean Karnazes book '50/50' from our local library today and I'm looking forward to reading it. I will post some comments as I read it.
Route: Dykebar
Distance: 6.5miles
Time Run: 48mins 22secs (av 7.26)
Mile splits: 7,56, 7.40, 7.19, 7.17, 7.01, 7.24, 3.46
I set off feeling my legs a bit from yesterday and ran the first mile comfortably but then once I was into the run felt better and it was encouraging to run each mile quicker. I wore my watch but didn't look at it during the run and was quite surprised to see the mile splits.
The only thing of note was that I tripped over a dog! As I was running along the cycle path a couple with their two dogs where walking the other way. This big brown dog 'Buster' decided at the last minute to run right in front of me. I had nowhere to go except fall over him. No damage done and the owners were apologetic. I could hear Buster getting a good telling off as I ran away! Now that would have been a good video clip!
I picked up my copy of Dean Karnazes book '50/50' from our local library today and I'm looking forward to reading it. I will post some comments as I read it.
I'm looking forward to my presentation tonight to the elders at Maxwell Mairns Parish Church. I'll let you know how I get on and post my powerpoint presentation. I'm going to conclude with four lessons I've learnt from running the whw race which could apply to team situations whether church or work. What do you think they might be? I might even award a prize for the best guess?????
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Off road run on Muirshiel Country park
Time: 10.20am
Route: Muirshiel Country Park
Distance: 15miles
Time Run: 2hr 27mins 16secs (av 9.49mins per mile)
Even though the weather was horrible I set off on my bike and drove over to Muirshiels Country Park. I'd arranged to leave my bike and gear at the centre with the Warden Len. He seemed a bit surprised to see me due to the weather but a bit of rain doesn't put me off! He was really helpful and set me off with a gentle warning to be careful!
I'd run here once before with Donald, Stevie and Davie just before the whw race in 2007. I decided to run up to the mine and back to start with. It's
about 2.4 miles to the mine with a gentle climb the whole way. I was feeling good and once I was wet the rain didn't bother me.
I then set off down the hill back to the main track. Once I was down I turned left and ran out along the main route from the centre. After a few minutes I came to a massive puddle across the path. I tried to keep my feet dry by going round the side but the puddles got bigger and deeper and in the end I just ran or walked through them. My shoes are now very clean!
I wanted to run about 15miles so once I arrived at the gate with the path going right and left I went right for another 1mile and a bit until I reached the farm. Then I ran back to the gate and then on for another mile before turning back and running back to the gate. Then I retraced my steps back to the centre. If that doesn't make sense click on the link at the top of the post and you can follow the route!
Or click here to follow the route
It works well on the hybrid option.
The last 30mins or so I felt I was struggling a bit and needed to resort to my whw mantra 'slow and steady' to keep running, but run I did and I was pleased to keep a steady pace going until the end.
When I got to the centre it was great to be able to have a hot shower and get changed before jumping back on the bike for the short (15miles) trip home.
I spent some of the run thinking about my presentation for
tomorrow night. Once I've done it I'll post it on my blog so you can have a look if you're interested!
I'll definitely be doing this route again. It makes a change from always going up on the Braes. Now I have my bike I feel I can go a bit further a field for a run.
When I got home my copy of Fellrunner magazine was waiting for me. Tomo mentioned how good it is and he's not wrong!
So thanks for putting me on to that. I'm looking forward to reading it. I joined the Fell Runners Association and I'm planning to have a go at a few hill races next year.
Route: Muirshiel Country Park
Distance: 15miles
Time Run: 2hr 27mins 16secs (av 9.49mins per mile)
Even though the weather was horrible I set off on my bike and drove over to Muirshiels Country Park. I'd arranged to leave my bike and gear at the centre with the Warden Len. He seemed a bit surprised to see me due to the weather but a bit of rain doesn't put me off! He was really helpful and set me off with a gentle warning to be careful!I'd run here once before with Donald, Stevie and Davie just before the whw race in 2007. I decided to run up to the mine and back to start with. It's
about 2.4 miles to the mine with a gentle climb the whole way. I was feeling good and once I was wet the rain didn't bother me.I then set off down the hill back to the main track. Once I was down I turned left and ran out along the main route from the centre. After a few minutes I came to a massive puddle across the path. I tried to keep my feet dry by going round the side but the puddles got bigger and deeper and in the end I just ran or walked through them. My shoes are now very clean!
I wanted to run about 15miles so once I arrived at the gate with the path going right and left I went right for another 1mile and a bit until I reached the farm. Then I ran back to the gate and then on for another mile before turning back and running back to the gate. Then I retraced my steps back to the centre. If that doesn't make sense click on the link at the top of the post and you can follow the route!
Or click here to follow the route
It works well on the hybrid option.
The last 30mins or so I felt I was struggling a bit and needed to resort to my whw mantra 'slow and steady' to keep running, but run I did and I was pleased to keep a steady pace going until the end.
When I got to the centre it was great to be able to have a hot shower and get changed before jumping back on the bike for the short (15miles) trip home.
I spent some of the run thinking about my presentation for
tomorrow night. Once I've done it I'll post it on my blog so you can have a look if you're interested!I'll definitely be doing this route again. It makes a change from always going up on the Braes. Now I have my bike I feel I can go a bit further a field for a run.
When I got home my copy of Fellrunner magazine was waiting for me. Tomo mentioned how good it is and he's not wrong!
So thanks for putting me on to that. I'm looking forward to reading it. I joined the Fell Runners Association and I'm planning to have a go at a few hill races next year.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Seminar at Run4It
Last night Katrina & I drove over to the Edinburgh's Run4It shop to listen to Matt Williamson talk about his 8 day TransAlpine Race. It was really interesting and we were glad we went. We sat next to Murdo & Jo and chatted to Lucy who was also there.
The race is a multi day event covering 300 kilometres and more than 15,000 metres in ascent and is ran in pairs. As I watched Matt's slides and presentation I was thinking would I like to do this race? I'm not sure about the multi-day aspect. I think I really enjoy the point to point races over one day. So if I could choose to do an overseas race I think I would rather go for the Mont Blanc race (UTMB). I think I'd also rather run solo than be in a pair. Matt's partner was struggling quite a bit and that would be tough if I was holding my partner back or they were holding me back!
The race is a multi day event covering 300 kilometres and more than 15,000 metres in ascent and is ran in pairs. As I watched Matt's slides and presentation I was thinking would I like to do this race? I'm not sure about the multi-day aspect. I think I really enjoy the point to point races over one day. So if I could choose to do an overseas race I think I would rather go for the Mont Blanc race (UTMB). I think I'd also rather run solo than be in a pair. Matt's partner was struggling quite a bit and that would be tough if I was holding my partner back or they were holding me back! It was good to chat to Lucy. She asked me about my plans for next year and once I'd told her she suggested something else .... details to come!!!
Talking of Lucy I've just discovered she has joined the world of blogging! I look forward to reading more of how she is getting on.
On the way home I was saying to Katrina I would live to do a presentation about my races! Then today I had a phone call asking me to do just that! I'd been asked to speak at a church in Glasgow a few weeks ago by Anne who ran the Devil o' the Highlands race this year. I mistakenly thought it was to the youth group but in fact it is to the elders of the church at a meal. I am to be the 'inspirational speaker'. So I'm going to talk about my experiences of running the whw race and what I have learnt. I'm really looking forward to it.
I have heard that I'm starting my 2 days a week with West Dunbartonshire next week so that should be good. Tomorrow I'm going to have a longer off road run at Muirshiel Park. I rang the warden and asked can I leave my bike gear at the shop and get a shower afterwards. I'll take my camera!
Finally I have my written exam tonight for the refereeing course I've been doing. I did okay in the mock a couple of weeks ago so I'm hoping I'll get the necessary 80%
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fartlek session on the Cycle Track
Time: 10.35am
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9miles
Time Run: 1hr 6mins 59secs (7.27 pace)
Session: 3mins (90secs recovery) x5, 2mins (1min) x5, 1min (1min) x5
As I couldn't do the session last night I decided to do today instead. These sessions are always harder on your own but at least with my garmin I can see whether I kept it going through the session. My foot was feeling fine. There were times when I couldn't feel it at all. I had some padding under my foot which maybe helped.
Distances ran for each run ...
5 x 3mins: 0.46, 0.47, 0.47, 0.45, 0.49
5 x 2mins: 0.32, 0.31, 0.31, 0.30, 0.31
5 x 1min: 0.16, 0.15, 0.16, 0.15, 0.14
So I was pleased with that as I kept it going through the session.
Jo, my physio training daughter, was very pleased with herself yesterday as she came across a physio site which sells these (click on the picture to find out more!) ......
So I have bought some and will let you know what they are like.
Tonight Katrina and I are having a night out at Edinburgh to attend the Run4It seminar to listen to Matt Williamson (Manager at Bothwell Street store) on his talk on his Extreme Experience. Matt has recently completed the 8 day GORE-TEX® Trans Alpine Race in Europe. I will report back tomorrow!
For some reason my Basketball video didn't work yesterday so I'm trying again ..
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9miles
Time Run: 1hr 6mins 59secs (7.27 pace)
Session: 3mins (90secs recovery) x5, 2mins (1min) x5, 1min (1min) x5
As I couldn't do the session last night I decided to do today instead. These sessions are always harder on your own but at least with my garmin I can see whether I kept it going through the session. My foot was feeling fine. There were times when I couldn't feel it at all. I had some padding under my foot which maybe helped.
Distances ran for each run ...
5 x 3mins: 0.46, 0.47, 0.47, 0.45, 0.49
5 x 2mins: 0.32, 0.31, 0.31, 0.30, 0.31
5 x 1min: 0.16, 0.15, 0.16, 0.15, 0.14
So I was pleased with that as I kept it going through the session.
Jo, my physio training daughter, was very pleased with herself yesterday as she came across a physio site which sells these (click on the picture to find out more!) ......
So I have bought some and will let you know what they are like.
Tonight Katrina and I are having a night out at Edinburgh to attend the Run4It seminar to listen to Matt Williamson (Manager at Bothwell Street store) on his talk on his Extreme Experience. Matt has recently completed the 8 day GORE-TEX® Trans Alpine Race in Europe. I will report back tomorrow!
For some reason my Basketball video didn't work yesterday so I'm trying again ..
Monday, November 10, 2008
Brodie Park Run
Time: 1.35pm
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 43mins 19secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 8.49, 8.33, 8.21, 8.14 (average 8.29)
Tonight I have a meeting In Glasgow so I can't join the gang for our Monday night Fartlek session so I decided to get out this afternoon for a run on Brodie Park.
I was pleased with the run especially as each lap got slightly faster than the last. I can still feel my foot. I would describe it as a dull ache but isn't getting any worse.
A very mixed weekend for friends running various races. Sadly Jez had to drop out at 47k in the World Cup 100k race in Italy. Lucy ran well finishing 12th Lady in 8hrs 06mins. Ian suffered with a sore back after 5k in the Nice to Cannes marathon and did well to finish in 3hrs 36mins. Phil was going well until 20miles and then struggled over the last 6miles. I know that feeling! He finished in 3hrs 21mins.
Last night Katrina & I went to watch the Scottish Rocks Basketball team against the Leicester Riders. Katrina had some complimentary tickets from Pro-life gym. They were court side underneath the basket! We really enjoyed the game. Leicester were ahead at the half way point, the Rocks fought back and were 8points ahead at one point with about 12mins to go but Leicester finished the strongest and ended up winning fairly comfortably in the end. Video to come.
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 43mins 19secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 8.49, 8.33, 8.21, 8.14 (average 8.29)
Tonight I have a meeting In Glasgow so I can't join the gang for our Monday night Fartlek session so I decided to get out this afternoon for a run on Brodie Park.
I was pleased with the run especially as each lap got slightly faster than the last. I can still feel my foot. I would describe it as a dull ache but isn't getting any worse.
A very mixed weekend for friends running various races. Sadly Jez had to drop out at 47k in the World Cup 100k race in Italy. Lucy ran well finishing 12th Lady in 8hrs 06mins. Ian suffered with a sore back after 5k in the Nice to Cannes marathon and did well to finish in 3hrs 36mins. Phil was going well until 20miles and then struggled over the last 6miles. I know that feeling! He finished in 3hrs 21mins.
Last night Katrina & I went to watch the Scottish Rocks Basketball team against the Leicester Riders. Katrina had some complimentary tickets from Pro-life gym. They were court side underneath the basket! We really enjoyed the game. Leicester were ahead at the half way point, the Rocks fought back and were 8points ahead at one point with about 12mins to go but Leicester finished the strongest and ended up winning fairly comfortably in the end. Video to come.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Run on the Cycle Track
Time: 12.25pm
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 6miles
Time Run: 44mins 51secs (7.27 pace)
Today I decided to have an easy run on the cycle track. I have been trying to stay off road as much as possible but my trail shoes are still wet from yesterday and to be honest I don't mind running on Brodie Park once a week but twice a week gets a bit much!
After I posted this Chris left a message asking 'how was the foot?' It felt okay. I can still feel a little discomfort but it is minimal.
This weekend Jez Bragg and Lucy Colquhoun (Men's and Women's whw record holders) are representing Britain in IAU 100k World Cup in Tarquinia, Italy. I'm looking forward to following their progress. Jez is aiming for a sub 7hr time which works out at 4.12 per kilometre or 6.45 per mile! Thats the equivilent of running two 2hr 56min marathons back to back and then another 16k!!
All the best too, to Ian who is running the Nice to Cannes Marathon on Sunday. Just before I set off on the my run the latest edition of MyRace magazine arrived. There is a great interview with Lucy Colquhoun but the highlight was an article by Ian on his recent 24hr race in Perth. You may be aware that after every edition of MyRace Ian bemoans the fact that he is not in it so well done Ian on finally making it.
The other good thing that arrived in the post was my Disclosure Scotland for West Dunbartonshire so I will be able to start my 2 days as soon as possible.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Off Road Run on the Braes
Time: 12.05pm
Route: Gleniffer Braes
Distance: 15miles
Time Run: 2hr 28mins 29secs (av 9.49mins per mile)
Splits: 1 large lap - 7.58miles in 1hr 12mins 15secs (9.32 pace)
1 smaller lap - 4.30miles in 45mins 35secs (10.37 pace)
It was good to get up on the Braes again today. I'm still waiting for my Disclosure Scotland check to come back before I can start my 2 days with West Dunbartonshire. Hopefully I'll be able to start next week or the week after. Yesterday I had a phone call from Renfrewshire Council offering me 2 days supply teaching but then when they looked more closely they realised I've not taught for over 10years and so have suggested I do a 2 week refresher course at Jordanhill. I'm not quite sure if I'll do it as once I start the 2 days I'm hoping that will lead into a full time post. While I was running I had a phone call from SwimTime offering some more swimming lessons and then when I returned home they rang again and asked could I cover an hour tonight at a pool in Cumbernauld at 5pm. So once I've posted this I'll be on my bike and off to Cumbernauld.
Anyway back to the run - nothing too much to report. I ran steady and felt good. During the first lap I was thinking about various things and the time flew by but the second lap felt a bit harder work and I was quite glad to get home in the end. I took one tumble as well which didn't do my foot any favours.
Here is a picture of the route and if you click on the picture and click on the green arrow you can follow the route I took - interactive fun!!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Run on Brodie Park
Time: 1.50pm
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 44mins 09secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 8.51, 8.27, 8.27, 8.19 (average 8.31)
I woke up this morning feeling quite stiff from the club run last night but by lunch time I was feeling good and set off for my run on Brodie Park with optimism. I hadn't planned to run hard but on the first circuit of four I thought I'd try and push the hills and see how I felt. I was really encouraged as each lap got faster. This time last week I ran this route and the average for each lap was 9mins 15secs. Today the average was 8mins 31secs so that is encouraging! I feel some of my fitness is coming back after my 6 weeks off with a sore foot.
I came across a really interesting article the other day on Danny's blog about tips on running a marathon.
For all of you runners who will be running in marathons in the coming months, here’s an article sent to me by Dr. Mark Cucuzzella with some very helpful tips to guide you to a great performance in your next marathon. He’s a family practice doctor and faculty member of West Virginia University. He also happens to have the distinction of having run a sub-2:35 marathon every year for the past 20 years. He recently ran the Marine Corps Marathon (2:34) at age 42 and beat the time he ran it 20 years ago when he was 22! For this reason I consider him an ideal person to listen to if you want to do well in your marathon.
Read the article
It makes a lot of sense to me. What do you think?
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 44mins 09secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 8.51, 8.27, 8.27, 8.19 (average 8.31)
I woke up this morning feeling quite stiff from the club run last night but by lunch time I was feeling good and set off for my run on Brodie Park with optimism. I hadn't planned to run hard but on the first circuit of four I thought I'd try and push the hills and see how I felt. I was really encouraged as each lap got faster. This time last week I ran this route and the average for each lap was 9mins 15secs. Today the average was 8mins 31secs so that is encouraging! I feel some of my fitness is coming back after my 6 weeks off with a sore foot.
I came across a really interesting article the other day on Danny's blog about tips on running a marathon.
For all of you runners who will be running in marathons in the coming months, here’s an article sent to me by Dr. Mark Cucuzzella with some very helpful tips to guide you to a great performance in your next marathon. He’s a family practice doctor and faculty member of West Virginia University. He also happens to have the distinction of having run a sub-2:35 marathon every year for the past 20 years. He recently ran the Marine Corps Marathon (2:34) at age 42 and beat the time he ran it 20 years ago when he was 22! For this reason I consider him an ideal person to listen to if you want to do well in your marathon.
Read the article
It makes a lot of sense to me. What do you think?
Monday, November 03, 2008
Club Run - Fartlek
Time: 7.15pm
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9miles
Time Run: 1hr 12mins 00secs
Session: [5min (2min), 3min (90secs), 1min (1min)] x 3 plus 3mins
I really enjoyed the session tonight. We had a good number in our group including Neal, John McL, Donald, Derek, Gordon and about 10 more. I love these sorts of evenings - cold and crisp. It was a bit slippy under foot at one or two points on the cycle track so we had to be careful but no-one fell over so that was good!
Donald was leading the way tonight and I was trying to hang on to him, not very successfully I must add but it did make me try harder. Derek would go past about half way through each effort and I'd try and hang on to him as he went past - again not particularly successful but I did raise my pace! Gordon was pushing hard behind me so that kept me honest!
Here are my distances and pace for each effort ...
5mins: 0.80miles (6.13 pace), 0.78 (6.25), 0.82 (6.08)
3mins: 0.49 (6.08), 0.50 (6.00), 0.49 (6.04), 0.50 (6.00)
1min: 0.17 (5.58), 0.17 (5.58), 0.18 (5.41)
So a good session. That is my third week back after my foot injury and I was feeling stronger tonight. My foot is still not quite right but it's not giving me too much trouble. As the last two weeks I'm going to spend the rest of the week running off road.
Hayley Haining had a good run in the New Marathon yesterday. She finished 12th in 2hrs 35mins 11secs which is about 5mins outside her pb but it is a tough course. It was good to see Paula Radcliffe winning again.
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9miles
Time Run: 1hr 12mins 00secs
Session: [5min (2min), 3min (90secs), 1min (1min)] x 3 plus 3mins
I really enjoyed the session tonight. We had a good number in our group including Neal, John McL, Donald, Derek, Gordon and about 10 more. I love these sorts of evenings - cold and crisp. It was a bit slippy under foot at one or two points on the cycle track so we had to be careful but no-one fell over so that was good!
Donald was leading the way tonight and I was trying to hang on to him, not very successfully I must add but it did make me try harder. Derek would go past about half way through each effort and I'd try and hang on to him as he went past - again not particularly successful but I did raise my pace! Gordon was pushing hard behind me so that kept me honest!
Here are my distances and pace for each effort ...
5mins: 0.80miles (6.13 pace), 0.78 (6.25), 0.82 (6.08)
3mins: 0.49 (6.08), 0.50 (6.00), 0.49 (6.04), 0.50 (6.00)
1min: 0.17 (5.58), 0.17 (5.58), 0.18 (5.41)
So a good session. That is my third week back after my foot injury and I was feeling stronger tonight. My foot is still not quite right but it's not giving me too much trouble. As the last two weeks I'm going to spend the rest of the week running off road.
Hayley Haining had a good run in the New Marathon yesterday. She finished 12th in 2hrs 35mins 11secs which is about 5mins outside her pb but it is a tough course. It was good to see Paula Radcliffe winning again.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Hayley Haining at New York and golf video
For those who might be interested here is a video of our golf game on Wednesday on the East Course at Dalmahoy. It lasts 22mins and was made for the benefit for those who played but if you're interested please have a look! Any comments on my swing or putting technique will be appreciated!
Tomorrow Hayley Haining from our club Kilbarchan is running the New York Marathon. I hope she has a great run and achieves another pb. Debs very kindly sent me a link to a really good article about her in the Herald. Well worth a read.
Due to my foot injury September (59miles) and October (83.5miles) were poor months but I'm still on target to reach 2,000 miles for the year. So far this year I have ran 1867 miles so that leaves 133 miles to run in 2months - just over 20miles a week. That should be no problem as long as my foot continues to behave itself!
I'm really looking forward to our first training run on the whw on Sunday 30 November. So far we have 24 people signed up to run. If everyone turns up that will be the biggest training run I've been on. If you are wanting to join us leave a message on the whw forum. There is a good mixture of those who have ran with us before and new folks wanting to join in which is great. There is so much support and encouragement on these runs.
When I was talking with Alan on Thursday he mentioned that he knows Jim Robertson and David Hall from Jog Scotland so we ended up chatting about the whw race for a while. I mentioned then the support there is amongst runners and how it is one of things I really enjoy about being involved in this race. For me it's not just the race itself which is so special, it's all the build up and banter that goes with it. I can't imagine not being involved year by year!
Tomorrow Hayley Haining from our club Kilbarchan is running the New York Marathon. I hope she has a great run and achieves another pb. Debs very kindly sent me a link to a really good article about her in the Herald. Well worth a read.
Due to my foot injury September (59miles) and October (83.5miles) were poor months but I'm still on target to reach 2,000 miles for the year. So far this year I have ran 1867 miles so that leaves 133 miles to run in 2months - just over 20miles a week. That should be no problem as long as my foot continues to behave itself!
I'm really looking forward to our first training run on the whw on Sunday 30 November. So far we have 24 people signed up to run. If everyone turns up that will be the biggest training run I've been on. If you are wanting to join us leave a message on the whw forum. There is a good mixture of those who have ran with us before and new folks wanting to join in which is great. There is so much support and encouragement on these runs.
When I was talking with Alan on Thursday he mentioned that he knows Jim Robertson and David Hall from Jog Scotland so we ended up chatting about the whw race for a while. I mentioned then the support there is amongst runners and how it is one of things I really enjoy about being involved in this race. For me it's not just the race itself which is so special, it's all the build up and banter that goes with it. I can't imagine not being involved year by year!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Run on Brodie Park
Time: 12.25pm
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 47mins 14secs
I woke this morning undecided whether to run today or tomorrow but by lunch time I left good so decided to get out and enjoy the sunshine! A nice easy run. I didn't push too hard.
On Wednesday I had a day out playing golf. Iain, one of my regular golfing friends, was 50 so we had a day out to celebrate. Iain organised a game on the Dalmahoy East Course. We had a great day and you won't be surprised to read that I took a video of the game. It's uploading as I type so I'll post that when it's ready.
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 47mins 14secs
I woke this morning undecided whether to run today or tomorrow but by lunch time I left good so decided to get out and enjoy the sunshine! A nice easy run. I didn't push too hard.
On Wednesday I had a day out playing golf. Iain, one of my regular golfing friends, was 50 so we had a day out to celebrate. Iain organised a game on the Dalmahoy East Course. We had a great day and you won't be surprised to read that I took a video of the game. It's uploading as I type so I'll post that when it's ready.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Run on the whw
Time: 1.20pm
Route: Drymen to Balmaha and back
Distance: 14miles
Time Run: 2hrs 38mins 25secs
Drymen to Balmaha - 1hr 15mins 43secs
Balmaha to Drymen - 1 hr 19mins 40secs
Today I had a meeting at Balloch Castle with Alan Crawford, Sport Development Manager, and then Andrew McKay, Active Schools Manager. It was good to find out more about the 2 days I'll be doing once my Disclosure comes through. There is also some possibility of teaching swimming with West Dunbartonshire but I'll have to wait until some is sick or moves on!
As I was over at Balloch I decided to take my running gear and get on the whw route. I left my car at Drymen and set off at 1.20pm. I had a great run to Balmaha, stopped for 3mins and ran back. I was surprised how dry the track was. Obviously there were some muddy, soggy bits but generally it was pretty dry.
Here are some pictures of the run ....
Setting out from Drymen
Conic Hill in the distance
Signpost to show the way!
The bridge before the climb up Conic Hill
Enjoying the run!
View towards Loch Lomond
Sun shining over Conic Hill
Quick 3min stop at Balmaha
Passed a Highland Cow on the way back
Back at Drymen after a really enjoyable run in the sun
Route: Drymen to Balmaha and back
Distance: 14miles
Time Run: 2hrs 38mins 25secs
Drymen to Balmaha - 1hr 15mins 43secs
Balmaha to Drymen - 1 hr 19mins 40secs
Today I had a meeting at Balloch Castle with Alan Crawford, Sport Development Manager, and then Andrew McKay, Active Schools Manager. It was good to find out more about the 2 days I'll be doing once my Disclosure comes through. There is also some possibility of teaching swimming with West Dunbartonshire but I'll have to wait until some is sick or moves on!
As I was over at Balloch I decided to take my running gear and get on the whw route. I left my car at Drymen and set off at 1.20pm. I had a great run to Balmaha, stopped for 3mins and ran back. I was surprised how dry the track was. Obviously there were some muddy, soggy bits but generally it was pretty dry.
Here are some pictures of the run ....
Setting out from Drymen
Conic Hill in the distance
Getting closer
Signpost to show the way!
The bridge before the climb up Conic Hill
Enjoying the run!
View towards Loch Lomond
Sun shining over Conic Hill
Quick 3min stop at Balmaha
Passed a Highland Cow on the way back
Back at Drymen after a really enjoyable run in the sun
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Run on Brodie Park
Time: 2.55pm
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 46mins 29secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 9.06, 9.20, 9.18, 9.15
Brodie Park was a lot dryer than Saturday but still a bit muddy in places. My legs were feeling the effects of last nights club session and I could feel my foot a bit when I set off. But on the softer ground of the park my foot felt okay and my legs recovered. I didn't push too hard and spent the run thinking about what races I'd like to do next year. More details to come!
John McL rang this morning and we had a good chat about his marathon yesterday. He said that he never really felt a sub 3hr was on and was happy to run a pb. He has promised to write a report for the Kilbarchan web site so I'll post a link when it's done. Note to John - you'll have to do it now!!
I have a meeting in Balloch on Thursday morning to chat with someone from West Dunbartonshire about the possibility of doing some swimming teaching so I'm planning to take my running gear and go for a run afterwards. I quite fancy doing Drymen to Balmaha and back. Ian ran Balmaha to Rowardennan and back on Friday and then Davie sent me a text to say he'd ran Tyndrum to Kingshouse on Saturday so I feel I'm missing out!!
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 46mins 29secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 9.06, 9.20, 9.18, 9.15
Brodie Park was a lot dryer than Saturday but still a bit muddy in places. My legs were feeling the effects of last nights club session and I could feel my foot a bit when I set off. But on the softer ground of the park my foot felt okay and my legs recovered. I didn't push too hard and spent the run thinking about what races I'd like to do next year. More details to come!
John McL rang this morning and we had a good chat about his marathon yesterday. He said that he never really felt a sub 3hr was on and was happy to run a pb. He has promised to write a report for the Kilbarchan web site so I'll post a link when it's done. Note to John - you'll have to do it now!!
I have a meeting in Balloch on Thursday morning to chat with someone from West Dunbartonshire about the possibility of doing some swimming teaching so I'm planning to take my running gear and go for a run afterwards. I quite fancy doing Drymen to Balmaha and back. Ian ran Balmaha to Rowardennan and back on Friday and then Davie sent me a text to say he'd ran Tyndrum to Kingshouse on Saturday so I feel I'm missing out!!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Club Run - Fartlek
Time: 7.15pm
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9.5miles
Time Run: 1hr 10mins 00secs
Session: 80secs (40sec recovery) x 22
Very interesting session tonight! I can't remember ever doing anything like this one. When we set off I was thinking 80secs - no problem. I found the hardest part was the short recovery. The first 7-8 were all right but from then on I didn't feel as though I'd recovered and we were off again. There was a good group of us running about the same pace so there was no where to hide! Derek was leading the way and Stevie, Gordon, John, Chris and myself were all hanging on as best we could. It was a good session and my foot felt fine all the way through. I can feel it a bit now sitting at home but nothing too bad.
Today was the Dublin Marathon starting at 9am and I was thinking about John and Thomas the whole morning. I'd asked them to text me when they finished and at 12.15pm I received a text from Thomas saying he'd finished in 3hrs 05mins 37secs and John had finished in 3hr 03mins 41secs. They both had pb's but missed out on the sub 3hr they were aiming for. Thomas has written up his report. Sounds like he had a tough race and gave it all he had. John said he'd give me a call when he gets home tonight. So well done to both of them. I'm sure that sub 3hr will come soon!
I was following with great interest over the weekend what was happening with the OMM in the Lakes. A friend and whw family member Brian was running. I'm looking forward to reading his report of the race. I'm sure he has some good stories to tell. Ian wrote an interesting post about the media's dealing with the whole situation. Well worth reading!
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9.5miles
Time Run: 1hr 10mins 00secs
Session: 80secs (40sec recovery) x 22
Very interesting session tonight! I can't remember ever doing anything like this one. When we set off I was thinking 80secs - no problem. I found the hardest part was the short recovery. The first 7-8 were all right but from then on I didn't feel as though I'd recovered and we were off again. There was a good group of us running about the same pace so there was no where to hide! Derek was leading the way and Stevie, Gordon, John, Chris and myself were all hanging on as best we could. It was a good session and my foot felt fine all the way through. I can feel it a bit now sitting at home but nothing too bad.
Today was the Dublin Marathon starting at 9am and I was thinking about John and Thomas the whole morning. I'd asked them to text me when they finished and at 12.15pm I received a text from Thomas saying he'd finished in 3hrs 05mins 37secs and John had finished in 3hr 03mins 41secs. They both had pb's but missed out on the sub 3hr they were aiming for. Thomas has written up his report. Sounds like he had a tough race and gave it all he had. John said he'd give me a call when he gets home tonight. So well done to both of them. I'm sure that sub 3hr will come soon!
I was following with great interest over the weekend what was happening with the OMM in the Lakes. A friend and whw family member Brian was running. I'm looking forward to reading his report of the race. I'm sure he has some good stories to tell. Ian wrote an interesting post about the media's dealing with the whole situation. Well worth reading!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Run on Brodie Park
Time: 3.30pm
Before - dry and warm
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: approx 48mins
Today I was planning to run in the National Cross Country Relay Championships at Cumbernauld but last night I had a phone call from SwimTime asking whether I could cover some swimming lessons as one of their teachers was unwell. I thought it was wiser to take the 4hours teaching and made my apologies to the club.
I really enjoyed the lessons. I had two group lessons with 3 then 5 children then 5 sessions of individual lessons. I felt pretty cold by the end of the 4 hours as I was in the water for the majority of time. Plus I got soaked to and from the Leisure centre on my bike!
I was thinking of going for a run but wasn't too sure about getting soaked yet again! When I got home at 2.30pm I checked on the Everton score - a very good 1-1 draw with Man Utd then looked to see if there were any updates on the whw blogs! Neal had left a post including this sentence ...
The only people I haven’t seen out running are ‘Runners’, and that’s because we can all sit smugly at home in the warmth of our houses safe in the knowledge that one day off will not kill us, make us unfit, or fat.
Stangely it inspired me to get out and run! I left my watch at home and ran my 4 laps round Brodie Park. It was very, very wet but I enjoyed it. Here is a before and after photo ...
Before - dry and warm
After - wet and cold
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Time: 12.05pm
Route: Gleniffer Braes
Distance: 10miles
Time Run: 1hr 37mins 34secs (av 9.44mins per mile)
Now that felt better!! My foot is still not 100%, I'd say 95% but there were times on this run when I couldn't feel it at all so that was great.
All morning the rain and wind was battering the window and I did consider not going out but only for a few seconds! If a bit of wind and rain puts you off what chance have you got when things get really tough in an ultra race?!? So I got out my rain jacket, tracksters, gloves, whw buff and headed out into the rain. And you know what ... within 15mins the rain stopped and it was dry for the rest of the run. The wind was as strong all the way though and the ground was sooooo wet and muddy but it was great to be outside running.
I took it easy and ran comfortably for the whole 10miles. I'm not trying to push too hard at the moment but just want to get back into the swing of running 4-5 times a week. I'm in no real hurry.
Our first whw training run is now scheduled for Sunday 30 November so if you want to join us go to the post on the whw forum and leave a comment. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the whw route. I've not run on the way since the race in June so it will be great to join with friends and enjoy a section together. So far we have 15 signed up and hopefully there will be more.
On Monday it is the Dublin Marathon. Originially I had planned to run this race but when I made the decision to move jobs I felt it would be better to wait and see. As things turned out it was a good decision. I have two friends running in the race that I know of. John McL from Kilbarchan is in great shape and looking to run under 3hrs for the first time. His last two marathons have been getting closer and given decent weather he is capable of doing it. I spoke to John on the phone this morning and he is ready and looking forward to the race.
My other friend is Thomas who I have only met briefly when we ran the Loch Ness Marathon together last year. Well I say together - we saw each a number of times in the first 15miles but from there Thomas pushed on and he finished almost 3mins ahead of me. Since then though we have kept in touch through our blogs and emails. For this marathon Thomas has been following the Brain Training for Runners programme. Thomas, too, is in great shape and aiming for sub 3hrs. I really hope that John and Thomas meet up as I reckon they could really help each other achieve that sub 3hr goal.
So all the best to both of you. I'll be thinking of you on Monday and look forward to hearing by how many minutes or seconds you beat that 3hr target by!
Route: Gleniffer Braes
Distance: 10miles
Time Run: 1hr 37mins 34secs (av 9.44mins per mile)
Now that felt better!! My foot is still not 100%, I'd say 95% but there were times on this run when I couldn't feel it at all so that was great.
All morning the rain and wind was battering the window and I did consider not going out but only for a few seconds! If a bit of wind and rain puts you off what chance have you got when things get really tough in an ultra race?!? So I got out my rain jacket, tracksters, gloves, whw buff and headed out into the rain. And you know what ... within 15mins the rain stopped and it was dry for the rest of the run. The wind was as strong all the way though and the ground was sooooo wet and muddy but it was great to be outside running.
I took it easy and ran comfortably for the whole 10miles. I'm not trying to push too hard at the moment but just want to get back into the swing of running 4-5 times a week. I'm in no real hurry.
Our first whw training run is now scheduled for Sunday 30 November so if you want to join us go to the post on the whw forum and leave a comment. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the whw route. I've not run on the way since the race in June so it will be great to join with friends and enjoy a section together. So far we have 15 signed up and hopefully there will be more.
On Monday it is the Dublin Marathon. Originially I had planned to run this race but when I made the decision to move jobs I felt it would be better to wait and see. As things turned out it was a good decision. I have two friends running in the race that I know of. John McL from Kilbarchan is in great shape and looking to run under 3hrs for the first time. His last two marathons have been getting closer and given decent weather he is capable of doing it. I spoke to John on the phone this morning and he is ready and looking forward to the race.
My other friend is Thomas who I have only met briefly when we ran the Loch Ness Marathon together last year. Well I say together - we saw each a number of times in the first 15miles but from there Thomas pushed on and he finished almost 3mins ahead of me. Since then though we have kept in touch through our blogs and emails. For this marathon Thomas has been following the Brain Training for Runners programme. Thomas, too, is in great shape and aiming for sub 3hrs. I really hope that John and Thomas meet up as I reckon they could really help each other achieve that sub 3hr goal.
So all the best to both of you. I'll be thinking of you on Monday and look forward to hearing by how many minutes or seconds you beat that 3hr target by!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Run on Brodie Park
Time: 12.15pm
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 46mins 06secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 9.09, 9.03, 8.59, 8.57
Brodie Park was very wet and muddy today but that was good for my foot as it was soft. I can still feel my foot but it doesn't seem to get any worse after I've run so that's good. I ran nice and steady and increased the pace slightly for each run.
Job wise - I'm waiting for my Disclosure Scotland to come through before I can start my 2 days with West Dunbartonshire. SwimTime have given me some swimming teaching lessons which will start in the next week or so. Unfortunately some of them are on a Saturday so I won't be able to do our first whw training run on Sat 29 November. I've been in touch with Neal and he is happy to coordinate on the day. I'll set it up on the forum so if you are interested look out for that. I'm note quite sure how it will work out for December and into the New Year. I may have to do my long runs on a Sunday so either I'll have to do them on my own or see if anyone else wants to run on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. We'll see.
Congratulations to those who ran over the weekend. William Sichel finished 7th running 200.5km. Richie Cunningham also ran 200km (127 miles) in the Tooting 24hr race. I've not seen any official results yet.
Ian (1.31.32), Phil (1.27.50), Davie (1.45), Vicky and Paul all had good runs in the Aviemore Half Marathon.
If you fancy a good read of someone doing their first Marathon go to Morgan Gets Thin and read her story of finishing the Kansas City Marathon. I've never met Morgan but was encouraged by her story and her support team. I really enjoy reading how people feel and what keeps them going in races.
Route: Brodie Park
Distance: 5.5miles
Time Run: 46mins 06secs
Lap splits (1.10mile): 9.09, 9.03, 8.59, 8.57
Brodie Park was very wet and muddy today but that was good for my foot as it was soft. I can still feel my foot but it doesn't seem to get any worse after I've run so that's good. I ran nice and steady and increased the pace slightly for each run.
Job wise - I'm waiting for my Disclosure Scotland to come through before I can start my 2 days with West Dunbartonshire. SwimTime have given me some swimming teaching lessons which will start in the next week or so. Unfortunately some of them are on a Saturday so I won't be able to do our first whw training run on Sat 29 November. I've been in touch with Neal and he is happy to coordinate on the day. I'll set it up on the forum so if you are interested look out for that. I'm note quite sure how it will work out for December and into the New Year. I may have to do my long runs on a Sunday so either I'll have to do them on my own or see if anyone else wants to run on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. We'll see.
Congratulations to those who ran over the weekend. William Sichel finished 7th running 200.5km. Richie Cunningham also ran 200km (127 miles) in the Tooting 24hr race. I've not seen any official results yet.
Ian (1.31.32), Phil (1.27.50), Davie (1.45), Vicky and Paul all had good runs in the Aviemore Half Marathon.
If you fancy a good read of someone doing their first Marathon go to Morgan Gets Thin and read her story of finishing the Kansas City Marathon. I've never met Morgan but was encouraged by her story and her support team. I really enjoy reading how people feel and what keeps them going in races.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Club Run - Fartlek
Time: 7.15pm
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9miles
Time Run: 1hr 10mins 00secs
Session: 3mins (90sec recovery), 2mins (1min) x 6
It was really good to get back to the club tonight for the first time in a number of weeks. My foot was feeling okay. It's still not 100% but it is so much better. I took it steady for the first 4 sets and ran with Donald and Stevie at the back of the group. Donald had run a tough orienteering race on Sunday and Stevie had a sore leg after tripping on a wire yesterday. So we kept each other company at the back. For the last 2 sets Donald and myself pushed it harder and led from the front. I've been looking forward to running in the dark as I can wear my whw flourescent yellow top! I almost blinded Donald when he ran behind me!
My plan this week is to have an easy run tomorrow on Brodie Park, then a longer run on the Braes on Thursday and then I'm planning to run in the National Cross Country Relays at Cumbernauld on Saturday.
Route: Cycle Track
Distance: 9miles
Time Run: 1hr 10mins 00secs
Session: 3mins (90sec recovery), 2mins (1min) x 6
It was really good to get back to the club tonight for the first time in a number of weeks. My foot was feeling okay. It's still not 100% but it is so much better. I took it steady for the first 4 sets and ran with Donald and Stevie at the back of the group. Donald had run a tough orienteering race on Sunday and Stevie had a sore leg after tripping on a wire yesterday. So we kept each other company at the back. For the last 2 sets Donald and myself pushed it harder and led from the front. I've been looking forward to running in the dark as I can wear my whw flourescent yellow top! I almost blinded Donald when he ran behind me!
My plan this week is to have an easy run tomorrow on Brodie Park, then a longer run on the Braes on Thursday and then I'm planning to run in the National Cross Country Relays at Cumbernauld on Saturday.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Renfrewshire Cross Country Relay
I decided to run the Cross Country Relay today. My foot felt okay and as the ground was very wet and boggy I thought it would be alright and it was. I helped marshal for the first few races and then warmed up by running around the course. It looked and felt very wet.Kilbarchan had four teams and I was running third leg after Donald Kennedy and Andrew Clugston. Our team didn't have a fourth runner. I set off nice and steady and felt I held my pace all the way round. I started off about 20secs behind one runner and I was slowly catching him all the way round but didn't quite get him. I was caught by one runner and Leanne from Kilbarchan almost caught me as well. I ran the leg in 14min 08secs. I was quite happy with that. Donald ran his leg in 12mins 51secs and Davie 13mins 50secs so that seems about right. Stevie ran his leg in 13mins 47secs.
I did have one awkward moment when I fell! There was quite a sharp right hand turn and I slipped and ended up on the floor. No damage done but my leg and hands were very muddy! The photo was taken after my fall hence the muddy knees!!
It was really good to be running again and I'm hoping that I can build on that this week. I have an appointment for a rescan on my foot. It is on Thurs 4 December. So it will be interesting to see what they say.
Tomorrow Ian, Phil and Davie are running the Avemore Half Marathon. I hope they have a good race and I look forward to hearing how they get on.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Last run on the treadmill - hopefully
I ran another 6miles on the treadmill this morning. My foot felt okay though still not 100%. But I reckon good enough to get back outside. I took along my earphone today and enjoyed listening to Sky Sports news and hearing about Sachin Tendulkar becoming the highest test run batsman ever. Well done Sachin.
Tomorrow is the Renfrewshire Cross Country Relays at Linwood. Our club Kilbarchan help to organise it so I've volunteered to help and marshal. The thing is I fancy running so I'll see how my foot feels in the morning and whether I can find a replacement on the marshalling front for that one race.
Tomorrow is also the Tooting 24hr race. William Sichel is running again and so is Richie Cunningham. So I wanted to wish them both (and everyone else) a great race. 24hrs round a 400m track.
Tomorrow is the Renfrewshire Cross Country Relays at Linwood. Our club Kilbarchan help to organise it so I've volunteered to help and marshal. The thing is I fancy running so I'll see how my foot feels in the morning and whether I can find a replacement on the marshalling front for that one race.
Tomorrow is also the Tooting 24hr race. William Sichel is running again and so is Richie Cunningham. So I wanted to wish them both (and everyone else) a great race. 24hrs round a 400m track.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Running on the treadmill
We are continuing to enjoy our 7 day pass at Pro-life gym. I decided to try running on the treadmill over the past two days. Yesterday I ran 3miles and today 6miles. I bought some 'Pressure Point foam padding' to put behind my toe and I think it made a difference. I certainly ran with very little pain. Not totally pain free but this morning when I was running I forgot about it so that's a big improvement.
I heard back from Richard, physio, and he has booked me in for a repeat scan but it won't be until December but it will be worth the wait. I'm going to use the rest of October and November to keep things ticking over running mainly on the grass and see how it goes. It some ways this might end up a blessing in disguise as it's making me take a good break and when I start my training for the whw in earnest at the end of December I'll be ready!!
Running on the treadmill though has made me realise how much I dislike it!! I would much rather be out on the road or even better off-road running in the open. I think the thing I most dislike is that the machine sets the pace. I know I can alter the pace but when you're running it happens naturally. If I'm feeling good I can up the pace, if a hill comes I can adjust etc whereas on the treadmill it feels so artificial. Plus I love to just run and think but there is so much going on in the gym with the TV, other people, the dials in front of you that it just doesn't feel the same! So you can safely conclude that I will not be joining the gym when the 7 day trial finishes. Katrina, though, loves it and will be taking up a membership. The steam room and sauna are very welcome after the workout!
David Waterman mentioned in his blog yesterday that he would be watching 'Last Man Standing' as one of his watch at the London Fire Brigade, was on it. I've not seen this programme before but basically they take 6 specialist athletes around the world to take part in remote tribes' sports. Last night they went to Southern Ethiopia to take part in the Suri Stick Fighting. Dave's friend Wolfe was excellent. It's on-line if you missed it. I'll be watching each week to see how they get on. There are some long distance running challenges which I'm particularly looking forward to watching.
I heard back from Richard, physio, and he has booked me in for a repeat scan but it won't be until December but it will be worth the wait. I'm going to use the rest of October and November to keep things ticking over running mainly on the grass and see how it goes. It some ways this might end up a blessing in disguise as it's making me take a good break and when I start my training for the whw in earnest at the end of December I'll be ready!!
Running on the treadmill though has made me realise how much I dislike it!! I would much rather be out on the road or even better off-road running in the open. I think the thing I most dislike is that the machine sets the pace. I know I can alter the pace but when you're running it happens naturally. If I'm feeling good I can up the pace, if a hill comes I can adjust etc whereas on the treadmill it feels so artificial. Plus I love to just run and think but there is so much going on in the gym with the TV, other people, the dials in front of you that it just doesn't feel the same! So you can safely conclude that I will not be joining the gym when the 7 day trial finishes. Katrina, though, loves it and will be taking up a membership. The steam room and sauna are very welcome after the workout!
David Waterman mentioned in his blog yesterday that he would be watching 'Last Man Standing' as one of his watch at the London Fire Brigade, was on it. I've not seen this programme before but basically they take 6 specialist athletes around the world to take part in remote tribes' sports. Last night they went to Southern Ethiopia to take part in the Suri Stick Fighting. Dave's friend Wolfe was excellent. It's on-line if you missed it. I'll be watching each week to see how they get on. There are some long distance running challenges which I'm particularly looking forward to watching.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Cross Training - Spin Class
This week is Katrina's half term so we thought we'd take advantage of a free 7 day trial we were offered at Pro-life, a gym in Paisley. We went on the cross trainer for a while. I had a 10min run on the treadmill and my foot felt okay - not 100% but not too bad. Then after a little go on the weights we headed for the spin class.
I've never done one of these classes before but suspected that I was in for a very good workout and I wasn't disappointed. The girl leading the class looked a little concerned when we said we'd not done one of these before. She kept saying that she wasn't expecting too much from us and that if we sat down rather than stood that would be fine. After a few of these comments my competitive drive kicked in and there was no way I would be sitting down! There were 6 females in the group and me.
I really enjoyed it. The class lasted 45 mins and after about 20mins I had covered my bike in sweat and the floor around me was starting to look like a mini lake. The instructor was superb and kept the pressure up right through the session. One of the hardest sets was when we had to just lift off the seat and cycle hard for 30secs. This was repeated 10 times and I must admit I was hanging in there for the last couple BUT I didn't sit down!
After the class we did 10mins of stomach cruches which made me realise how little stomach exercises I do. We have the pass for the week so I will go and do another session or two on the spin class. In some ways I'd be quite interested in joining a gym but I know that when my foot is okay I'd much rather be running and wouldn't get my money's worth.
Congratulations to Neal and Caroline who ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday. I had their bib numbers so enjoyed following their progress on line. I had encouraged Neal to set off steady but he's not called pacepusher for nothing and couldn't resist going for it. Neal went through half way in 1hr 32mins 12secs and finished in 3hrs 17mins 48secs which works out at 1hr 45min 36secs. Neal sent a text after the race and said it was heat as much as anything else. Caroline seemed happy with her 4hr 54mins 10secs and mentioned to that it was a tough race in the heat. So well done to both of them.
Congratulations to Hugh and John and any other whw family who ran the Pentline Skyline Race on Saturday. This looks a great race and another one I would like to have a go at!
Kilbarchan athletes had a good day at the West District Cross Country Relays at Irvine on Saturday. Go to our web site for details and pictures.
I've never done one of these classes before but suspected that I was in for a very good workout and I wasn't disappointed. The girl leading the class looked a little concerned when we said we'd not done one of these before. She kept saying that she wasn't expecting too much from us and that if we sat down rather than stood that would be fine. After a few of these comments my competitive drive kicked in and there was no way I would be sitting down! There were 6 females in the group and me.
I really enjoyed it. The class lasted 45 mins and after about 20mins I had covered my bike in sweat and the floor around me was starting to look like a mini lake. The instructor was superb and kept the pressure up right through the session. One of the hardest sets was when we had to just lift off the seat and cycle hard for 30secs. This was repeated 10 times and I must admit I was hanging in there for the last couple BUT I didn't sit down!
After the class we did 10mins of stomach cruches which made me realise how little stomach exercises I do. We have the pass for the week so I will go and do another session or two on the spin class. In some ways I'd be quite interested in joining a gym but I know that when my foot is okay I'd much rather be running and wouldn't get my money's worth.
Congratulations to Neal and Caroline who ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday. I had their bib numbers so enjoyed following their progress on line. I had encouraged Neal to set off steady but he's not called pacepusher for nothing and couldn't resist going for it. Neal went through half way in 1hr 32mins 12secs and finished in 3hrs 17mins 48secs which works out at 1hr 45min 36secs. Neal sent a text after the race and said it was heat as much as anything else. Caroline seemed happy with her 4hr 54mins 10secs and mentioned to that it was a tough race in the heat. So well done to both of them.
Congratulations to Hugh and John and any other whw family who ran the Pentline Skyline Race on Saturday. This looks a great race and another one I would like to have a go at!
Kilbarchan athletes had a good day at the West District Cross Country Relays at Irvine on Saturday. Go to our web site for details and pictures.
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