MY FAVOURITE MILE

Listening to one of the WHW podcasts I am sure a request went out for blogs on your favourite running mile and this reminded me of a plan for a blog I had been meaning to write but never quite got to, so here we go.

MACRITCHIE RESERVOIR - SINGAPORE

As the sign shows this route is 10.5km loop of the reservoir although there are a couple of variations for longer routes depending on the plan for the run. My preferred direction is anti clockwise in the early morning as this gives the best views on the return which is where my favourite mile occurs.

As you can see from this photo there is a boardwalk which runs around the shore of parts of the reservoir but that is for lazy days when you can't be bothered with trails and hills.

Half way round you get to the ranger station where us mortals from cooler climates can rehydrate from the drinking taps and freshen up for the return section. There is also the option to add in a wee loop and take in the treetop walk, although it does include several hundred stairs getting to and from it from the trail.

After the treetop walk the next vantage point is the Jelutong Tower which is another 100 or so stairs but straight up and down.

After the tower it is on to the boardwalk through what used to be a rather soggy section linking the trail to the golf course, where runners are made to feel most unwelcome by golfers who seem to think they are the only people who have a right of way here. As you emerge from the trees here this is the point where my FAVOURITE MILE starts.

Favourite mile begins.

This mile is just so enjoyable as you skirt the golf course and reservoir in such a tranquil setting in the warmth of an early morning, about 80 degrees and rather humid into the bargain.

Golf Course Link.

Back on to the trail after the golf course and the next section takes you to fitness corner, where you can stop for a few upper body excercises if you so desire.

Fitness Corner.

Favourite mile over but still about a mile or so to go to the zig-zag bridge and a wee stroll down to the car park and the Mushroom Cafe where recovery breakfast of a soft boiled egg, thick slice of bread with peanut butter and cornflakes on top washe down with a cup of tea finish of a most enjoyable morning run.

Garmin route here : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/145881311

  

MONKLANDS HALF MARATHON (13/5/2012)

This race is now turning into an annual event for me being the closest race to home. I am still amazed at the poor turn out as it is superbly organised by North Lanarkshire Council. Perhaps a wee bit more advertising required as I can't praise this event highly enough, stewarding is excellent and as good a goody bag as any other half. The course is 1 small loop and then 2 large loops of Drumpellier Country Park and it is definitely not a PB course as undulating is the best description for it.
Sunday morning and the wind was howling with rain on the way, just an average day now it seems. So the story of the race was generally head first into a strong wind apart from two times on the large laps for about a mile and a half each time, I think wind surfing would be really popular on that loch if it was offered. This is the first race ever in May where I have worn gloves from start to finish. I really enjoyed the race however and it was a tough workout finishing 6th in 1.23.06 . I had a bit of company on the second lap as a runner from Clydesdale and the first female from HBT tagged along behind me. I did manage to lose them on the final mile and take 20-30 second off them and they both thanked me for pulling them round and apologised for letting me take the wind. Great workout and back next year in the sunshine I hope.

Garmin Activity : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/177662363

Results : http://scottishrunningguide.com/races/2012/monklands_half_marathon__and__5k/results/monklands_half_marathon_2012_results.pdf

SVHC RACES

As a recovery week after the Fling I had two short races lined up as part of the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club race series. The first was a 4.8 miler at Drumpellier Park in Coatbridge named the Snowball race as every finisher gets a pack of 6 Lee's snowballs, great with a cup of tea after the race. My legs were still a bit tender from Saturdays exertions but I still managed round in 29min 14secs which was only 30 seconds slower than last year so no complaints.

A good turn out from fellow VP-Glasgow runners Kenny, Tom and Jaqui .

Garmin Activity here : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/174349517

On to todays race at Cartha Rugby Club/Pollock Park for the 10k and my legs were feeling almost normal again so I set off moderately as this is what is classed in a road race as undulating. When friends know you have ran an ultra a week previously they express their dignified disgust as you pass them as the expletives mad Al McLachlan of Bella used are unprintable. Still had a bit left on the second lap and pushed home in 37min 5secs, not far off my fastest on that course so recovery going to plan.

Garmin activity here : http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard?cid=22071892

So next one up is the Monklands Half next Sunday, I get a long lie as it is only a mile and a half from home so ideal for travel, lets hope the sun comes out and a bit of warmth in the air.