MUD, WIND AND RAIN

After about eight weeks of consistent mileage running it was time to get a couple of races in and get the lungs opened up so I had planned a double header for the weekend. Dunbartonshire x-country on Saturday and then Scottish Veteran Harriers Club Relay on Sunday. Saturday morning at work I got soaked and there was not much of a let up as I headed for Dalmuir Golf Club for the race. One little problem I had was I had thrown away my x-country spike shoes vowing months ago not to run another so was going to have to race with my trail shoes. This would have been fine on any other course but as the golf course had decided they were not letting anyone run over their lovely grass the race had to be rejigged to a zig zag around the council park. The first 10mtrs signalled problems as my legs started moving but not much forward progress was gained, a problem I just had to endure for another 4.7miles. If there had not been trees to go round I would have been totally snookered as I grabbed on and swung myself around to head in the opposite direction. Still it was a great workout and a lesson on footwear selection.

For a laugh you can view my Strava stats here : http://www.strava.com/activities/108831786
8841

Results :  http://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=100529&event=ZXC&venue=Clydebank&date=25-Jan-14

Sunday morning and the relentless wind and rain continued and I was not looking forward to the lap at Strathclyde Park which is a windy course on a calm day. I arrived in plenty of time and ran a lap to gauge how bad it was going to be and the verdict was AWFUL. Miraculously just before I set off on leg two there was a break in the weather and it certainly calmed down meaning only the first leg runners got a raw deal. I ran 22.36 for the 3.8miles and was quite pleased considering the conditions.

Strava details here :  http://www.strava.com/activities/109068841

Results here :   http://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=93689&event=3.8ML&venue=Motherwell&date=26-Jan-14

I have had confirmation I am now on the Runners World Pacing Team for the London Marathon in April so if anyone is going to be on the Blue Start looking for a 3.30 finish keep a look out for me and give me a shout. If anyone wants a training run at 8 minute miles on the road let me know as I will need to give it a try out a few times to adjust as I do not want to let anyone down, the pressure is on.

SVHC ROAD RELAYS 27/01/2013

Two months into the training now for the West Highland Way Race and I have had eight weeks of 50-60 miles per week, so it was time for a wee burst of speed to open the lungs up. I cut the Saturday run to 12 easy miles and the plan was to run from home down to Strathclyde Park do my lap and then run home but as it was howling wind and rain I just drove down and had a couple of warm up laps in preparation for the sprint.

I was on leg 2 and with about 70 teams entered it was a bit busy waiting on the handover for my lap from Ralph. I was off and running with one clear target ahead which unfortunately for my younger brother Chris was him, he had headed off just over a minute ahead of me and he knew what was coming but how long he could stretch it out being the question. 2 miles was the point and I refrained from skelping his arse as he is a wee bit touchy but I am sure all the comments were of support!!! 

I ran my 3.64 mile leg in 22min 16 secs although official time is 22 min 11 secs. I ran at almost the same average mile pace all the way and felt great all the way not even noticing the inclines on the third mile so the training must be reaping rewards. Team position was 11th overall one place behind our V50 team who were second in the over 50 competition. Overall the event was won by Ronhill cambuslang with some rather fast individual times.

Garmin details here : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/266451361

Another excellent Scottish Veteran Harriers Club event. Thanks to the timekeepers and marshalls for all the support.

Results here : http://scottishmastersathletics.webnode.com/results/a2013/ 

So another week ticked off on the grand plan and now time to up the distance on the weekend back to back runs. This coming weekend is 15 miles steady flattish on Saturday afternoon to be followed up early Sunday morning with 30 miles on the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Conic Hill and back, with a trial of the pork pie nutrition strategy.

RACING TAPER

So with about 2 weeks to go till the longest race of my running career (well thats the plan, although no promises) the taper has begun and I thought I would stick in a couple of short races to get my lungs opened up again and gasp for breath for a wee while.

Thursday 16th August : Broadwood 5k

How hard could this be? It is only 5k after all, a mere 3.1 miles. Well when the wippets blast off straight away and you try and hang on in there for as long as possible it hurts. My chest did not know what was happening and my arms felt like they would fall off. I started to get into the rythm of the race about 4k and just pushed along to the finish line as best I could but there just was no oomph and could not catch any of the runners ahead although I was catching them and not being caught from behind. Finished in 14th position in 18min 35 secs , slower than the previous two years but after two 40 mile ultras in the last few weeks not too bad a time.  Garmin : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/211619000

Friday 17th August : Rest

Saturday 18th August : Long slow run

Morning shift at work and the run home, nice wee stroll from Anniesland to Glenboig along the Forth + Clyde Canal and the Strathkelvin Way railway line. Nice flat and easy pace with Sundays 10k in mind.
Garmin : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/211947028

Sunday 19th August : Scottish Veteran Harriers Club 10k

Lots of familiar faces at Pollock Park for the 2 loops of the vets 10k around Pollock Park. I try to do as many of the vets races as possible during the year as they have a competition for all the age groups throughout the year with the series sponsored by Run and Become although as I have not done enough races this series to worry about placing in this years series I could just run along not thinking about who I had to catch or avoid. This is not an easy route with the same climbs coming twice but I still managed my fastest 10k of the year with 36min 55secs on a hot day. Really enjoyed the workout ensuring not to push too hard on the first lap and keep the pace even. Delighted with my time as it was actually faster than the previous two years with fresher legs. Garmin : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/212418626

The link to the vets website is here for those interested in becoming a member : http://scottishmastersathletics.webnode.com//

So the moral is don't try a 5k race after a hard shift at work, easier racing on fresh legs. My 5k splits during the 10k were actually faster than the 5k race so go work that one out.

Now its rest a fuel for the Glenmore 24, a trip into the unknown but one I am looking forward to.