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.

HOKA HIGHLAND FLING

I shall start the tale today by thanking John and his wonder team of marshalls, timekeepers, stewards and sponsors for such a great event. For 53 miles the support was unbelievable and even the comments of "looking good" were convincing me I was even though my body was telling me otherwise.

A lovely clear morning as I left to pick up Chris and Michael and the first view of conditions ahead were a bit worrying as I tried to calculate how high the Campsies were in relation to todays run.

Not to worry though as it was glorious in the sunshine and the covering of snow would soon disappear once the sun got to work. Arrived in Milngavie in plenty of time to register and prepare to start what was to be my longest race yet. The female and Vet 50 race had started at 6am, my start was 7am for the V40 race which would be followed by the fast boys and seniors at 8am and the relay race at 9am.

Section One: Milngavie to Drymen  1hr 33min 31 secs

I started off at what I thought was a conservative pace but in hindsight it was definitely the first mistake of the day trotting along talking to Andy Johns. This is the flattest section and easy running compared to what was ahead. Arrived at Drymen checkpoint feeling fine but told to slow down by the crew.

Section Two : Drymen to Rowardennan  2hr 30min 44secs  Total 4hr 4min 15 secs

Took my camelbak onboard for this section as the rougher conditions began and now the second mistake of the day was going to contribute to the run. I had decided not to use my usual viper drink, which I have used for the last 2 years, and just filled my pouch with lucozade which now a realise was just plain stupidity. An uneventful section but stunning views as I gradually passed by 6am starters. Down into Balmaha car park and Michael was waiting with my drop bag and I downed the home made soup which I had made extra runny. At this point I could feel tiredness in the legs which was not expected at this early stage. Forced a banana and a gel down and headed off to Rowardennan.

Descending Conic Hill

Rowardennan Checkpoint

Section Three : Rowardennan to Beinglass  3hr 3min 10secs Total 7hr 7min 25secs

This section is the toughest of the race as you clamber over rocks and tree roots along the shores of the loch. Not much you can do but plod on and get it over with as quickly as possible. Not long after Inversnaid the leader of the race flew past me striding over rocks while I stumbled on. The soup and banana I had scoffed at Rowardennan and then the muller rice at Inversnaid kicked in but boy my legs were hurting.
About a mile out of Beinglas Gavin Harvie caught me and we ran in together to refuel.

Section Four : Beinglas to Tyndrum  2hr 28min 10secs  Finish time 9hr 35min 35 sec

Michael ran a bit with me after this point trying to persuade me to eat a milky way but my body was not having it by now and liquids only were being accepted. So 2 gels and a can of Red Bull were going to have to get me through to the finish. The climb through the forest was slow and then the descent down to the A82 finished me off with the legs not wanting to go downhill now.

Grabbed a bottle of water as I crossed the A82 and headed for Auchtertyre nearing the finish. Just after you cross the A82 again a stream crosses the path at which I halted and washed my face and freshened up for the last mile and plodded on. A glorious sight as you round the bend and the pipers stike up and play a tune to welcome you to the end. On under the finish balloon and muster the energy to raise my arms aloft.

So on reflection I really enjoyed the race and the two things that affected me were self inflicted. I don't think a recce of the lochside would have helped much as that section is so bad I would not speed up much there anyway. West Highland Way Race next year? Still undecided but as I write today I am considering it again, at several points on Saturday it was a definite no go.

HEAVEN + HELL HALF MARATHON

Last race before the Highland Fling at the end of the month so I decided on a tough road race as flat racing would be of no benefit. So off to Scone aerodrome to register for the Heaven + Hell Half Marathon organised by Perth road Runners. I ran this a few years back and it totally gubbed me for the London Marathon two weeks later so I knew what to expect and boy it did not let me down. I think this race was voted the toughest half marathon in the UK by Runners World readers. It is torture and that would be on a calm day, but it is always windy here as well.

Met Chris Upson from Westerlands at the start and had a wee blether and off we went bang on time. First 2-3 miles are quite gentle but into the wind and then a left turn and the climbing begins which is where the pack broke up and the runners spread out. Mostly climbing till 7 miles with the wind at our back thankfully and then a sharp descent a short flat section then the HELL bit. 7.5 miles to 10 miles is a climb up to about 800ft and it is straight in to a very strong wind. I managed to run this whole section but it was not pretty. Water station at the top and I gulped a couple of mouthfulls down then set off downhill.

On the descent a managed to catch up with Chris about 12 miles and pass him but he was not for letting go of his position and passed me about 100mtrs from the finish.
I finished in 8th place in 1hr 27min 14secs. A great workout and faster than my last time so delighted with the excercise. Back to the aerodrome for an excellent spread of food laid on by the organisers.

Garmin details : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/165940426

Results : http://www.perthroadrunners.co.uk/heaven-hell-results/

D33 ULTRA (17/3/2012)

Early rise on Saturday morning for the journey north to Aberdeen for the first ultra of the year, showered and munching porridge at 3.30am is not normal I will agree but as I could not be bothered driving up on Friday night after work there was no other option. Much to my surprise Linda decided she was going to come too which was really unexpected due to her disregard for most races ( she does support me but does not like to see the end result when I collapse at the end).

So after just short of 3 hours driving with her and the little guy snoring all the way we arrive in Aberdeen and all I want is coffee and a toilet. I thought this was a tough ask for a Saturday morning at 7.30am as I have been round the world and struggled for a latte at such an early hour, London marathon for example you have f**k all chance and thats the capital, but lo and behold the northerners have sussed it they have a 24hr Asda with a McDonalds inside the store, money spinner or what! Although I was glad I was only having 2 large lattes as the queue for McMuffins was growing.
So after the usual ritual of coffee, short pause and toilet break off we headed to Duthie Park for registration and pre race banter.

I met up with a few friends made from previous races, Auntie Ada, Bill and Terry fae Kirky and Andy J whom I had ran with over Rannoch Moor at the Devil O The Highlands and finally met up with Lorne Pearson who writes a great blog http://www.lornpearsontrains.wordpress.com/ .



Race briefing from Andrew Murray.



A fairly fast first few miles alongside Rebecca Johnston, who beat the previous female course record finishing in 3hr 59mins.

Reached halfway in 4th position in about 1hr 52mins feeling ok but it had been into the wind all the way so I knew I had taken a little more energy out than I had wanted. On the return I passed the 3rd placed runner about 20 miles and was feeling fine although it was a totally different run as it had heated up quite a bit but just before 26 miles as I slowed and fumbled around in my backpack for a gel I was passed by a runner (Craig Stewart) and could not tag onto him. As I slowed about 28 miles another runer passed me (Grant McDonald) and I resigned myself to 5th position as I was still keeping a steady pace and no one else was in sight behind me.

Back into Duthie Park and a warm welcome from a rather large support by now, what a relief to see that Run 4 It blue finishing balloon. Finished in 5th place in 3hrs 55min 1sec, 2nd V40 . 4000 calories lighter but that will be replaced quickly.

Post race snacks for restoring the lost energy were plentifull although as normal I could not face it so grabbed a couple of beers for later.

My thanks go out to George and his wonderful team who organised and executed a great race, without whom us runners would not have as much fun.

Results here : http://files.deesidewayultra.webnode.com/200000081-2df792ef16/D33%20Results%202012.doc

My Garmin details here : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/158767316












VP-GLASGOW SUNDAY RUN

VP-GLASGOW SUNDAY RUN by gerryc1968 at Garmin Connect - Details

Yesterday mornings run with the Vicky Park squad. Great wee route to recover from the long run on Saturday. Running with the young squad on a Sunday certainly gets the lungs opened up. Time to taper now for the first ultra of the year this coming Saturday at the D33 in Aberdeen.