It was something else out there today. Early on, the sky was clear and frost was on the ground. I was out with the Head Torch dodging potholes, puddles and trees!
Later in the morning the snow, sleet and rain were driving in my face as I made my way round passed Monzie and the Hosh. It was absolutely brutal and when I had to run through an ankle deep stretch of water which had flooded the road I thought it couldn't get worse than this.
Looks like it might get worse as the storm which has hit the south is heading North. Take care out there.
Monday 23 December 2013
Sunday 22 December 2013
and it's the holidays! 182miles complete #16weekstogo
It was always going to be difficult getting some running in this week. In the end I got a few in. Nothing too spectacular and no major efforts but I was glad to keep the legs turning over.
We arrived in Scotland yesterday and the weather is a bit different. A mixture of sleet, snow and wind is adding to the challenge of getting a good few miles in.
Today I managed a couple of runs. First an 8 miler up to Loch Turret and back. The snow was a bit unexpected and certainly made me speed up a bit.
Later I took a turn round the Knock and although I started in the dry, by the end I was back in the sleet and snow. Still, there's something exhilarating about being out in those conditions.
The target for the week is to hit 70miles. I'm not sure I'll get away with it but … 12 done.
We arrived in Scotland yesterday and the weather is a bit different. A mixture of sleet, snow and wind is adding to the challenge of getting a good few miles in.
Today I managed a couple of runs. First an 8 miler up to Loch Turret and back. The snow was a bit unexpected and certainly made me speed up a bit.
Later I took a turn round the Knock and although I started in the dry, by the end I was back in the sleet and snow. Still, there's something exhilarating about being out in those conditions.
The target for the week is to hit 70miles. I'm not sure I'll get away with it but … 12 done.
Sunday 15 December 2013
Good week and 154 of 1000miles complete #17weekstogo
I'm feeling the healthy fatigue of a good wholesome week mixed with some good running and 3 nights out on the bounce.
The party season is well and truly on. Thursday was Bristol for the team night out. I am such a lightweight and was still cream crackered after taking the early night option at 12.30. Friday was the dad's band extravaganza in Harpenden and a night of bouncing around to Teenage Kicks, ATown Called Malice and I would walk 500miles took its toll. Saturday with my ears still ringing, was the daddy of all drinks parties with a very generous host and hostess making sure all the guests were incredibly well fed and watered.
So after less than 6 hours sleep it was out for the Sunday long run. Steve, David, Phil and Darren were the posse. 3 miles in I was wondering why I'd come out? The mud was thick, slippy and even though my weight is falling off I couldn't float over the bog like the other lads. I somehow recovered and made it through the 13.5miles. I'm to make sure my next Sunday run with the lads is after a few good nights sleep. That'll have to wait as I'll be in Bonny Scotland next week.
Overall it's been another positive week. The fitness is improving, the weight loss is good with half a stone lost in a month. I've just edged over 150miles at 154miles toward the 1000miles.
The party season is well and truly on. Thursday was Bristol for the team night out. I am such a lightweight and was still cream crackered after taking the early night option at 12.30. Friday was the dad's band extravaganza in Harpenden and a night of bouncing around to Teenage Kicks, ATown Called Malice and I would walk 500miles took its toll. Saturday with my ears still ringing, was the daddy of all drinks parties with a very generous host and hostess making sure all the guests were incredibly well fed and watered.
So after less than 6 hours sleep it was out for the Sunday long run. Steve, David, Phil and Darren were the posse. 3 miles in I was wondering why I'd come out? The mud was thick, slippy and even though my weight is falling off I couldn't float over the bog like the other lads. I somehow recovered and made it through the 13.5miles. I'm to make sure my next Sunday run with the lads is after a few good nights sleep. That'll have to wait as I'll be in Bonny Scotland next week.
Overall it's been another positive week. The fitness is improving, the weight loss is good with half a stone lost in a month. I've just edged over 150miles at 154miles toward the 1000miles.
Thursday 12 December 2013
Thursday Update
Christmas is here and so last night was shopping night and tonight we've a Christmas Party to enjoy. I've got the tinsel and hats sorted, so we will be having a good time! Right!
I managed a morning recovery yesterday. The legs were a bit tired and I was feeling the pace of the previous evening.
This morning I was out and about early. The legs still felt a bit tired but I decided to push on and try a tempo run round the harbour. I didn't look at the Garmin but just went on my breathing which was comfortable until I got a bit excited in the last 400m.
It was a good run and actually, according to Strava, a personal record for the harbour loop.
I managed a morning recovery yesterday. The legs were a bit tired and I was feeling the pace of the previous evening.
This morning I was out and about early. The legs still felt a bit tired but I decided to push on and try a tempo run round the harbour. I didn't look at the Garmin but just went on my breathing which was comfortable until I got a bit excited in the last 400m.
It was a good run and actually, according to Strava, a personal record for the harbour loop.
Tuesday 10 December 2013
Two Run Tuesday
Back in Bristol and began the day with the short loop round the Harbour. The weather is really mild which means lots of runners are out and about.
The legs felt good at the end and after a good stretch it was off for some breakfast.
This evening I decided to throw in a Hill session. 10x 30s was much more measured than the session I tried a couple of weeks ago. At this point I feel fine but lets see how I feel tomorrow.
I'm persevering with a post run stretching regime. Apparently if I can gain a few centimetres of flexibility it will make a small and "free" improvement to my running speed. At this stage Joe 90 and Captain Scarlet had more flexibility so there's a fair way to go.
The legs felt good at the end and after a good stretch it was off for some breakfast.
This evening I decided to throw in a Hill session. 10x 30s was much more measured than the session I tried a couple of weeks ago. At this point I feel fine but lets see how I feel tomorrow.
I'm persevering with a post run stretching regime. Apparently if I can gain a few centimetres of flexibility it will make a small and "free" improvement to my running speed. At this stage Joe 90 and Captain Scarlet had more flexibility so there's a fair way to go.
Monday 9 December 2013
Fresh Legs
Normal service was interrupted over the weekend when the dreaded lurgy kicked in. I was at a party on Friday evening and had to leave early with my tail between my legs. I was useless on Saturday and still weary on Sunday morning. That meant I missed the cross country.
Today I felt better and had the jog up to the airport to pick up a car. The legs felt fresh and I decided to put an effort in for one section. After that I focused on leg turnover on the climbs. I wasn't pushing it and at the finish felt good. A few days off made a big difference.
Today I felt better and had the jog up to the airport to pick up a car. The legs felt fresh and I decided to put an effort in for one section. After that I focused on leg turnover on the climbs. I wasn't pushing it and at the finish felt good. A few days off made a big difference.
Saturday 7 December 2013
Saturday Update
Not a bad week overall but I've been on the way down since last night. Went out to a Christmas party and instantly started sneezing and spluttering. I've been ropey all day and not had any energy, so I'll be missing out on the cross country tomorrow.
The week went well though with a hill reps session on Thursday followed by an easy 5 yesterday. The legs are feeling the benefit of the hill sessions although at the time they are tough.
I'll take it easy for another day and just try and avoid the chocolate. The scales are touching 13stone which means 1/2 a stone lost in 3-4weeks.
The week went well though with a hill reps session on Thursday followed by an easy 5 yesterday. The legs are feeling the benefit of the hill sessions although at the time they are tough.
I'll take it easy for another day and just try and avoid the chocolate. The scales are touching 13stone which means 1/2 a stone lost in 3-4weeks.
Tuesday 3 December 2013
Two Run Tuesday, 8miles
I managed another two runs today. The early one was an unstructured fartlek round the harbour. This is the second time I've done this and really enjoyed mixing up the pace and distance of each push.
After finishing I spent 20 minutes stretching. Although the keen observer may have wondered if I was made of wood as there is zero suppleness.
In the evening I was joined by my colleague Chris for the harbour loop. He's just got a Timex watch with satnav and is delighted to be able to see his pace and heart rate levels. We took it steady all the way round but then added a short sprint to finish in Queens Square.
Another good day completed. Tomorrow is likely to be a little easier and not sure I'll be up too early.
After finishing I spent 20 minutes stretching. Although the keen observer may have wondered if I was made of wood as there is zero suppleness.
In the evening I was joined by my colleague Chris for the harbour loop. He's just got a Timex watch with satnav and is delighted to be able to see his pace and heart rate levels. We took it steady all the way round but then added a short sprint to finish in Queens Square.
Another good day completed. Tomorrow is likely to be a little easier and not sure I'll be up too early.
Monday 2 December 2013
Two Run Monday, 8miles
Two runs today, the first up to Luton Airport for a hire car pick up and then, after a 170miles, a jog round the harbour in Bristol.
The legs were weary when I started off. I was aching and stiff but once the joints warmed up it became less laboured. The climb up to the airport wasn't too bad and it felt like I'd got through the lethargy.
Back in Bristol, I took an easy jog round the harbour. The legs were fresh and I was able to keep a steady cadence and good form for the whole lap.
Overall it was a surprisingly good day. 8 miles in the can and the legs feeling fresh.
The legs were weary when I started off. I was aching and stiff but once the joints warmed up it became less laboured. The climb up to the airport wasn't too bad and it felt like I'd got through the lethargy.
Back in Bristol, I took an easy jog round the harbour. The legs were fresh and I was able to keep a steady cadence and good form for the whole lap.
Overall it was a surprisingly good day. 8 miles in the can and the legs feeling fresh.
Sunday 1 December 2013
#VLM19weeks_to_go, 37miles completed
19 weeks until race day on April 13th and I'm quite satisfied with the week. Ok there was a bit an error of judgement on Wednesday when I decided to try a hill session and got it all wrong by doing too much too soon. I didn't really get over it until this morning!
Today was good. 8 of us out on the trails of Harpenden, Redbourn and Flamstead. One or two new paths for me and a good few inclines to test my hill strength! We got lost but managed to loop back and complete a decent 12 miles. I was pleased, as I was struggling on the hills but managed to cling on and not fall too far behind. Somehow I recovered and was fine for the last 3-4 miles in fact I managed to tail Spiersy up from Redbourn Golf Course.
At this stage I shouldn't be chasing fitness, I should be building slowly, establishing the habits and routines that will set me up for the push over Christmas when, depending on good health, I should start to step up the mileage and intensity.
The coming week is going to be similar to last. Some days with 2 runs, one hill session (easier this week), a tempo and then a cross country race next Sunday. I'm looking forward to it.
Today was good. 8 of us out on the trails of Harpenden, Redbourn and Flamstead. One or two new paths for me and a good few inclines to test my hill strength! We got lost but managed to loop back and complete a decent 12 miles. I was pleased, as I was struggling on the hills but managed to cling on and not fall too far behind. Somehow I recovered and was fine for the last 3-4 miles in fact I managed to tail Spiersy up from Redbourn Golf Course.
At this stage I shouldn't be chasing fitness, I should be building slowly, establishing the habits and routines that will set me up for the push over Christmas when, depending on good health, I should start to step up the mileage and intensity.
The coming week is going to be similar to last. Some days with 2 runs, one hill session (easier this week), a tempo and then a cross country race next Sunday. I'm looking forward to it.
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