Conditions have not allowed any fast running so after a couple of days off and a week of long hard runs it was time for a sustained tempo effort.
I decided the 8 mile loop round Childwickbury taking in Beeson End Lane was the route. First mile would be a warm-up and then up to z4/5 on the heart rate for the middle 6.
Off I went in a freezing gale. Wearing shorts as it would be soft not too. It was dry but the wind was behind, which would be a tricky element on the way home.
I reached the end of mile 1 in 8.28 and then set off to raise the heart rate. The next few miles were 6.50, 7.06, 6.45 and 7.21. The last one was muddy and it was impossible to keep up the pace. Mile 6 was the hill and with the heart rate elevated it was hard work and into the wind, 8.37 in the end.
The finishing miles were 7.37 and 7.23, that included Crabtree Lane and Milton Road.
8 miles completed in 60.09. Not bad as my best previous time was 72mins.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Monday, 28 December 2009
Last one in Scotland, 14 miles
So we head back to England tomorrow and so this would be my last run in the hills for a while.
The weather has got seriously cold, minus 9 overnight and a bit below zero during the day. The roads were icy so I had to tread carefully. Decided on a climb to Loch Turret and then a loop of Monzie-Gilmaton and the a climb to the top of the Knock.
Highlight of the run was the spectacular views at Loch Turret. Ice on the loch but sun on the hills was awesome. Lowlight was the temperature in the valley, must have been minus 5. Absolute nightmare, especially as I was in shorts.
Overall it was 14miles at 10min mile pace. 2279ft climbed.
My Scottish runs have taken me over 63miles in 6 days. That's the most I've ever done and in these conditions that's quite an achievement.
The weather has got seriously cold, minus 9 overnight and a bit below zero during the day. The roads were icy so I had to tread carefully. Decided on a climb to Loch Turret and then a loop of Monzie-Gilmaton and the a climb to the top of the Knock.
Highlight of the run was the spectacular views at Loch Turret. Ice on the loch but sun on the hills was awesome. Lowlight was the temperature in the valley, must have been minus 5. Absolute nightmare, especially as I was in shorts.
Overall it was 14miles at 10min mile pace. 2279ft climbed.
My Scottish runs have taken me over 63miles in 6 days. That's the most I've ever done and in these conditions that's quite an achievement.
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Deeper snow, The Knock and 10.4 miles
The kids were out at club again and so I took to the hills. I’d run round the Knock a few times but decided to take the path to the top today. There had been 4-5 inches of snow overnight so the paths were tough going. At the summit, which was only 2 miles in, I had great views of the Highlands and towards Gleneagles. Snow is abundant. From the summit I descended to Culcrieff and then did the Monzie-Gilmaston loop. That was followed by a loop of the Knock and home.
10.4 miles in 1hr 44mins and another 2127ft to add to the climbing total.
10.4 miles in 1hr 44mins and another 2127ft to add to the climbing total.
Christmas Eve, Easy 4 miles
I’m pretty sore after yesterday and wonder if I’m doing the right thing as I take an easy run. Turns out to have been the best thing and the legs and body generally feel looser.
It was a straight loop of the Knock and a trot down to Culcrieff and back. 4.0 miles on the dot in a gentle 42 mins.
It was a straight loop of the Knock and a trot down to Culcrieff and back. 4.0 miles on the dot in a gentle 42 mins.
Boxing Day, Loch Turret, 13.1 miles
The kids were back in club for the afternoon so I had 3 hours to kill. I was adamant that I wasn’t going to repeat the epic heights of Wednesday. So I decided on a single Gilmaston-Monzie-Culcrieff loop with a run up to Loch Turret to spice it up. I wasn’t sure how far that was but reckoned it would be about 10 miles all together.
With some of the kit still in the wash I was in shorts for this run. When the snow started I wondered how wise this little trip was.
The intial loop round Gilmaston was in the reverse direction from Wednesday and it highlighted just how steep some of the hills were, no wonder I was knackered. My mind was wandering big style. Starring roles were given to the Mackay clan in Trinidad and Florida. We spoke yesterday and it sounded like they were all having a great time. I reminisced of Christmas’ past in Port of Spain, where the wine, rum and Carib flow. A Christmas Eve run with the POS Hash House Harriers seems a long time ago.
The turn off to Loch Turret came after 43mins, and 4.8miles. I expected a steady climb for a mile or 2. What I got was a 1000ft climb over 3.2 miles. It was amazing to be in the snow clad hills. I saw a herd of Highland Cattle who gave me a hard stare but decided not to give chase. I then saw a bird of prey, something big but I’m not good at telling the difference. Still it was brilliant to watch.
I reached the summit at mile 8. Stopped, took a gel, dropped a text back to the family to let them know where I was and then a quick video of the amazing scene. There was no wind and a perfect reflection on the waters of the loch.
The run back to the bottom was fast, the quickest mile being a 6.29. From the bottom of Culcrieff it was a climb back up to the Hydro but at only 360ft I’m not sure why I’m mentioning it.
The run was a neat 13.11 miles, completed in 1hr 59min and a total ascent of 2040 ft. This week I’ve completed over 50 miles which is my biggest ever total. Given it was done in 5 days, I’m pretty pleased.
With some of the kit still in the wash I was in shorts for this run. When the snow started I wondered how wise this little trip was.
The intial loop round Gilmaston was in the reverse direction from Wednesday and it highlighted just how steep some of the hills were, no wonder I was knackered. My mind was wandering big style. Starring roles were given to the Mackay clan in Trinidad and Florida. We spoke yesterday and it sounded like they were all having a great time. I reminisced of Christmas’ past in Port of Spain, where the wine, rum and Carib flow. A Christmas Eve run with the POS Hash House Harriers seems a long time ago.
The turn off to Loch Turret came after 43mins, and 4.8miles. I expected a steady climb for a mile or 2. What I got was a 1000ft climb over 3.2 miles. It was amazing to be in the snow clad hills. I saw a herd of Highland Cattle who gave me a hard stare but decided not to give chase. I then saw a bird of prey, something big but I’m not good at telling the difference. Still it was brilliant to watch.
I reached the summit at mile 8. Stopped, took a gel, dropped a text back to the family to let them know where I was and then a quick video of the amazing scene. There was no wind and a perfect reflection on the waters of the loch.
The run back to the bottom was fast, the quickest mile being a 6.29. From the bottom of Culcrieff it was a climb back up to the Hydro but at only 360ft I’m not sure why I’m mentioning it.
The run was a neat 13.11 miles, completed in 1hr 59min and a total ascent of 2040 ft. This week I’ve completed over 50 miles which is my biggest ever total. Given it was done in 5 days, I’m pretty pleased.
Christmas Day High Five, 5.6miles
With too many cooks in the house I took my leave for a swift loop of the Knock via Gilmaston. Santa had been very generous and I sported a few new bits of kit.
The roads were quiet and the snow crisp underfoot, a spectacular day for a gentle recovery. Wednesday’s run has taken its toll. I still feel pretty weary but better after a gentle few miles.
5.6 miles in 49 mins was just about acceptable. Any longer and I’d have been eating on my own.
The roads were quiet and the snow crisp underfoot, a spectacular day for a gentle recovery. Wednesday’s run has taken its toll. I still feel pretty weary but better after a gentle few miles.
5.6 miles in 49 mins was just about acceptable. Any longer and I’d have been eating on my own.
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
2 hours 48mins, 16.5miles in the snow
After 2 days with no running I took a 3 hour gap in the schedule to get out in the snow in Crieff.
The route was round the Knock, down to Comrie, then to Monzie, Gilmaston and back to the Knock. Twice round that lot and you have 16.5 tough miles. Total ascent was 2850ft.
The weather is as bad as its been for years and no one is driving, so the roads were empty apart from a couple of farmers and a gritter. Dog walkers were out and so was a guy on cross country skis.
Legs are feeling the effort tonight. Easy day tomorrow and then hopefully a decent run while the turkey cooks on Friday.
The route was round the Knock, down to Comrie, then to Monzie, Gilmaston and back to the Knock. Twice round that lot and you have 16.5 tough miles. Total ascent was 2850ft.
The weather is as bad as its been for years and no one is driving, so the roads were empty apart from a couple of farmers and a gritter. Dog walkers were out and so was a guy on cross country skis.
Legs are feeling the effort tonight. Easy day tomorrow and then hopefully a decent run while the turkey cooks on Friday.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Super Sunday, 11.3miles
The snow and below freezing temperatures weren't enough to put the lads off the Sunday run. Dave, Anthony, Paul and me deciding on a run towards Wheathampstead at 7am.
Woo, it was -3c. Luckily no wind but still enough to put hairs on the chest.
We headed over to Wheathampstead along the Lea Valley and across the fields. It was still dark but brightening as we went. The pace was slow but it was impossible to go any faster without slipping.
We made it to the start of the Wheato 10k and did a loop around part of the course before stopping for a photo and then heading back.
As we made our way across we noticed the ice on Dave's hair. Any moisture was freezing instantly, as it does below zero.
We made it back and after leaving Paul and Ant, Dave and I stepped up the pace and put in an 8min last mile. It was a good effort and the first time in ages that I've finished a run with Dave - normally he's got fed up going so slow. Ironman.
Overall, 11.3 miles, average pace 9.18 and a low Z3 heart rate.
Friday, 18 December 2009
Tempo Effort in the Snow, 8.1miles
So my trip to Warwick was snowed off and I had to return the hire car. My plan was a lunchtime trip to St Albans and a run home back along the road. Should've been ok.
Then I got the mail from Paul, "who fancies a run?" Simon quickly said no, Dave thought about it but in the end it was just me and Paul. With the words "off-road" ringing in my ears the plan was to meet at 1230. I ended up totally messing that up and in the end we met at 2.15. Sorry Paul.
We dropped the car and then the route was Sandridge-Heartwood-Harpenden. We set off downhill, no major issues although it was a bit slippy. We noted that for us forefoot strikers it was safer. On the other hand it was just as well that heel striker, Niall, was away on holiday.
From Sandridge it was onto the bridleway and up the hill. The snow was knee deep in parts so it was slow progress but still very hard work. We pressed on and resorted to the Niall skipping technique, which I confess did mean we moved quickly. I think thats when I knew I had hypothermia.
From Heartwood we headed for the infamous Mud Lane. No mud, just deep snow today. It was a nice downhill so we ramped up the pace and delivered a sub 8min mile.
It was uphill from there, to the Wheathampstead Road and then across more fields to pick up the Lea Valley walk. That was 49 mins in and that's when the "proper snow" started. It was a case of snow goggles required as the thick stuff fell.
We made it to Station Road, Paul headed home and I made my way uphill. I threw in a Dalkeith loop just to get the mileage over 8.
Got home and realised my legs were numb, my fingers were blue and my nose had icicles attached. Should be ok for tomorrow.
Then I got the mail from Paul, "who fancies a run?" Simon quickly said no, Dave thought about it but in the end it was just me and Paul. With the words "off-road" ringing in my ears the plan was to meet at 1230. I ended up totally messing that up and in the end we met at 2.15. Sorry Paul.
We dropped the car and then the route was Sandridge-Heartwood-Harpenden. We set off downhill, no major issues although it was a bit slippy. We noted that for us forefoot strikers it was safer. On the other hand it was just as well that heel striker, Niall, was away on holiday.
From Sandridge it was onto the bridleway and up the hill. The snow was knee deep in parts so it was slow progress but still very hard work. We pressed on and resorted to the Niall skipping technique, which I confess did mean we moved quickly. I think thats when I knew I had hypothermia.
From Heartwood we headed for the infamous Mud Lane. No mud, just deep snow today. It was a nice downhill so we ramped up the pace and delivered a sub 8min mile.
It was uphill from there, to the Wheathampstead Road and then across more fields to pick up the Lea Valley walk. That was 49 mins in and that's when the "proper snow" started. It was a case of snow goggles required as the thick stuff fell.
We made it to Station Road, Paul headed home and I made my way uphill. I threw in a Dalkeith loop just to get the mileage over 8.
Got home and realised my legs were numb, my fingers were blue and my nose had icicles attached. Should be ok for tomorrow.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Snow & Freezing Wind, 4.2miles
The weather is deteriorating by the minute. Freezing wind and snow.
I had to collect a hire car from St Albans. In a moment of madness thought I'd gear up and run over.
Started off in blustery snow which cleared after a few minutes. Then it was just a chilling gale blowing through my gear. The snow came back and then darkness descended as the snow set in.
Made it along to St Albans in 36 mins. I was glad I'd worn 2 pairs of gloves and my thermals. A couple of people shouted at me. I think they said "psycho". I couldn't agree more.
I had to collect a hire car from St Albans. In a moment of madness thought I'd gear up and run over.
Started off in blustery snow which cleared after a few minutes. Then it was just a chilling gale blowing through my gear. The snow came back and then darkness descended as the snow set in.
Made it along to St Albans in 36 mins. I was glad I'd worn 2 pairs of gloves and my thermals. A couple of people shouted at me. I think they said "psycho". I couldn't agree more.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Two Runs, 6.3 miles
Started the day with 2.7 miles in Leeds. I was staying at the glamorous Oulton Hall and took off for a run round the associated golf course. It was dark but I managed to get roung the fairways in one piece.
I was back home by evening and decided to get an interval session done. So it was fartlek time. Basically a session which included sprints between lamposts and then a lot of gasping. I was quite pleased with my pace, reaching sub 4min miles for all of 30 yards. It was a 3.6 mile loop.
So that's a first, 2 runs in a day. I can see this becoming a regular feature in achieving 1000 miles.
I was back home by evening and decided to get an interval session done. So it was fartlek time. Basically a session which included sprints between lamposts and then a lot of gasping. I was quite pleased with my pace, reaching sub 4min miles for all of 30 yards. It was a 3.6 mile loop.
So that's a first, 2 runs in a day. I can see this becoming a regular feature in achieving 1000 miles.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
We are Leeds. 6.8 miles
A visit to Heart Research UK was the highlight of my day. With work taking me to Leeds, Melanie the PR Guru was kind enough to agree to me calling into the office to meet everyone. Both Melanie and Rachel gave up there time to talk me through the work and hear why I was running for the cause. To have met the team behind the charity was great and will help when the miles get tougher to churn out and remind me why I'm seeking sponsorship.
This morning I dropped the car in St Albans for a health check and decided to run home. I took the Batchwood-Childwickbury-Beeson End route. 6.8 miles in just under an hour at 8.45 pace means a perfect easy start to the week. The legs feel ok, no aches or pains and hopefully I can do a few miles over 50 this week.
I'm in a nice hotel in Leeds. Very luxurious and in the middle of a golf course. But I'd rather be at home than watching Dundee Utd v Rangers.
This morning I dropped the car in St Albans for a health check and decided to run home. I took the Batchwood-Childwickbury-Beeson End route. 6.8 miles in just under an hour at 8.45 pace means a perfect easy start to the week. The legs feel ok, no aches or pains and hopefully I can do a few miles over 50 this week.
I'm in a nice hotel in Leeds. Very luxurious and in the middle of a golf course. But I'd rather be at home than watching Dundee Utd v Rangers.
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Early Sunday Morning, 14.0 miles
Niall's injured, Dave & Simon were doing the Bedford half, which left me and the 2 Scousers. Anthony & Paul hadn't met but it turned out they were from the same area of Liverpool and might even be long lost brothers.
I did a slow 3 miles before the meet at 0715, well it was supposed to be slow. I miscalculated and ended up sprinting the last 800m to make sure I made it. I got a deserved slagging for that and might have been a minute late. Just as well Niall wasn't around or they'd have gone. Funnily I'd bumped into Paul doing the same sneaky trick at 0645.
I'd suggested a 10 miler to Anthony, as he'd done a 15 and a 13 the previous 2 weeks so was due an easy one. However, with Paul setting the pace it would be quicker.
We headed to Meadway and then along the paths to Pipers Lane and Ayers End Lane. From there it was Childwickbury and Beeson End Lane, then up Crabtree and home via a Dalkeith Road loop. The pace was 8-ish for most of it. Beeson End saw it slip back but we picked it up. Crabtree was close to 8's again and then an easy 9 to get home.
Overall it was 14.0 miles, average pace was 8.29. HR averaged 153 (Z2). Not too shabby. Feel pretty good after 24.6 miles in 2 days. No niggles or tightness. My belt has had to tighten another notch though or else my jeans will fall off.
I did a slow 3 miles before the meet at 0715, well it was supposed to be slow. I miscalculated and ended up sprinting the last 800m to make sure I made it. I got a deserved slagging for that and might have been a minute late. Just as well Niall wasn't around or they'd have gone. Funnily I'd bumped into Paul doing the same sneaky trick at 0645.
I'd suggested a 10 miler to Anthony, as he'd done a 15 and a 13 the previous 2 weeks so was due an easy one. However, with Paul setting the pace it would be quicker.
We headed to Meadway and then along the paths to Pipers Lane and Ayers End Lane. From there it was Childwickbury and Beeson End Lane, then up Crabtree and home via a Dalkeith Road loop. The pace was 8-ish for most of it. Beeson End saw it slip back but we picked it up. Crabtree was close to 8's again and then an easy 9 to get home.
Overall it was 14.0 miles, average pace was 8.29. HR averaged 153 (Z2). Not too shabby. Feel pretty good after 24.6 miles in 2 days. No niggles or tightness. My belt has had to tighten another notch though or else my jeans will fall off.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Another Time Another Place, 10.6miles
A new route and a later start! Woop woop!
Olivia had a party from 11am-1pm in Markyate, so the plan was I'd take her over, do a decent run before picking her up. Checked MapMyRun and found a good selection of runs. Decided to try and follow a 10mile route over to the Kensworth Quarry and back to Markyate.
Set off on a footpath through the fields from Markyate to Kensworth. Given the amount of rain we've had I expected it to be boggy but not a jot. The paths were in a good state and well drained.
From Kensworth it was a loop around Church End. More footpaths and bridleways. I got lost during this section and didn't find the quarry. Instead I ended up back at the top end of Kensworth heading out towards the industrial area. I could see the Quarry but kept on the road and ended up at the Dunstable Downs Visitor Centre. From there it was along the busy-ish road to Whipsnade. I was on one of my regular cycle routes by now and was 3 miles from Markyate. So headed along that road back to Markyate Village Hall.
Olivia's party was just finishing and with all the alpha mum's arriving in there 4x4's it was important to finish strong and with good form. Not sure they cared.
Overall, 10.6miles @ 8.47 pace. Nice and easy, and a good warm up for tomorrow morning. If all goes to plan it will be a crack of dawn 15miles.
Olivia had a party from 11am-1pm in Markyate, so the plan was I'd take her over, do a decent run before picking her up. Checked MapMyRun and found a good selection of runs. Decided to try and follow a 10mile route over to the Kensworth Quarry and back to Markyate.
Set off on a footpath through the fields from Markyate to Kensworth. Given the amount of rain we've had I expected it to be boggy but not a jot. The paths were in a good state and well drained.
From Kensworth it was a loop around Church End. More footpaths and bridleways. I got lost during this section and didn't find the quarry. Instead I ended up back at the top end of Kensworth heading out towards the industrial area. I could see the Quarry but kept on the road and ended up at the Dunstable Downs Visitor Centre. From there it was along the busy-ish road to Whipsnade. I was on one of my regular cycle routes by now and was 3 miles from Markyate. So headed along that road back to Markyate Village Hall.
Olivia's party was just finishing and with all the alpha mum's arriving in there 4x4's it was important to finish strong and with good form. Not sure they cared.
Overall, 10.6miles @ 8.47 pace. Nice and easy, and a good warm up for tomorrow morning. If all goes to plan it will be a crack of dawn 15miles.
Friday, 11 December 2009
The future's Orange, 5.5 miles
It's got so foggy that some new kit has been required. So here it is, orange Polaris jacket to ensure I do my bit to avoid getting run over in the fog and dark.
Today was tempo time. The target was 5 miles at sub 7 pace. I felt ok on the warm up and headed up to the Nickey Line. 5 miles would take me through to the woods and back through the park, up to West Common and then down to Southdown.
The run was tough. There's been so much rain that the paths and fields are very slippy and its hard running. I felt reasonably ok all the way to West Common. That was the 4 mile mark, the last section was downhill and I upped the pace, finishing the last 0.4miles sub 6.
Overall it was 5.5miles and happy with a 7.03 average in the conditions. That's 200 miles in just under 5 weeks. 19 weeks to go, so with an easy few weeks before the race I need to up the schedule.
It's been a tough week. The weather is uninspiring, work has meant a fair amount of travel and so it's been hard to keep going. The weekend will be telling. I hope to cover over 25miles in the next 2 days.
On the upside I seem to be approaching the 3-pack stage. I've not exactly been carrying a lot of extra weight but what was there is disappearing fast. I'll let you know when I get closer to the 6.
Today was tempo time. The target was 5 miles at sub 7 pace. I felt ok on the warm up and headed up to the Nickey Line. 5 miles would take me through to the woods and back through the park, up to West Common and then down to Southdown.
The run was tough. There's been so much rain that the paths and fields are very slippy and its hard running. I felt reasonably ok all the way to West Common. That was the 4 mile mark, the last section was downhill and I upped the pace, finishing the last 0.4miles sub 6.
Overall it was 5.5miles and happy with a 7.03 average in the conditions. That's 200 miles in just under 5 weeks. 19 weeks to go, so with an easy few weeks before the race I need to up the schedule.
It's been a tough week. The weather is uninspiring, work has meant a fair amount of travel and so it's been hard to keep going. The weekend will be telling. I hope to cover over 25miles in the next 2 days.
On the upside I seem to be approaching the 3-pack stage. I've not exactly been carrying a lot of extra weight but what was there is disappearing fast. I'll let you know when I get closer to the 6.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Not so easy, 4.4 miles
Struggled to get up after a peaceful night's sleep at the Nottingham Belfry. Had planned on a 8 miler but with lethargy ruling I wasted half the time I had. So I went out at just after 7am and struggled around suburbia feeling tired and hungry.
My colleague Mike had taken his bike with him and went flying passed as I ran back to the hotel. Great effort and impressive bit of planning to take all the gear.
Back at the hotel it was time for an enjoyable bit of carb loading without the washing up to do.
4.4miles covered but they weren't much fun. Tomorrow is tempo day and I need to get another good night's sleep or it's going to be very tough.
My colleague Mike had taken his bike with him and went flying passed as I ran back to the hotel. Great effort and impressive bit of planning to take all the gear.
Back at the hotel it was time for an enjoyable bit of carb loading without the washing up to do.
4.4miles covered but they weren't much fun. Tomorrow is tempo day and I need to get another good night's sleep or it's going to be very tough.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Nottingham at night, 4.1miles
I started out early heading to Bristol and after a long meeting took a train to Nottingham via Birmingham and Derby. The easy option would've been to have a bit of dinner and an early night. But... I need to keep the mileage up and so I decided on an easy 4miles.
Nottingham is pretty hilly so it was a run of 2 halves. First half downhill, second back up the hill and home. The run was through a residential area which had more external Christmas lights than anywhere this side of the Atlantic.
After the run, 4.1 miles in just over 33mins, it was room service and now an early night. Tomorrow morning I'll probably wake at my usual time and head out for a few more miles before the day's meetings.
Nottingham is pretty hilly so it was a run of 2 halves. First half downhill, second back up the hill and home. The run was through a residential area which had more external Christmas lights than anywhere this side of the Atlantic.
After the run, 4.1 miles in just over 33mins, it was room service and now an early night. Tomorrow morning I'll probably wake at my usual time and head out for a few more miles before the day's meetings.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Good Darts, Jocky at the Oche. 10.1 miles.
So the best description of Sunday's rain was "Imagine being hosed continuously for 15mins, thats what it was like on the windows of our house." Yeah, imagine being caught running in it. I'm still reeling from the water logged drenching I got.
Anyway, it was a rest day yesterday and so today was an easy 10miles to get back into the week.
I headed for the Cooters End Lane Loop, added the Nickey Line, Roundwood Lane, Falconers Field and down to Redbourn Golf Course. From there it was back to Rothamsted Park and home.
Today brought up the 180 mile mark. Good Darts! I dedicated the mileage to a Scottish ledgend, the one and only Jocky Wislon. Jocky was a hero in the late 70's and early 80's.
Anyway, it was a rest day yesterday and so today was an easy 10miles to get back into the week.
I headed for the Cooters End Lane Loop, added the Nickey Line, Roundwood Lane, Falconers Field and down to Redbourn Golf Course. From there it was back to Rothamsted Park and home.
Today brought up the 180 mile mark. Good Darts! I dedicated the mileage to a Scottish ledgend, the one and only Jocky Wislon. Jocky was a hero in the late 70's and early 80's.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Rain and wind, 14miles
It was howling a gale and pouring when I set off at 0640. I was meeting Anthony at 0650 and seriously thought about calling it off. The plan was a 13 mile loop together and then I was going to throw in an extra 5 miles to ratch up my longest ever run. I'd carb'd up last night and had 4 gels in the belt for some nutrition during the run. Ah the best laid plans.
The 13 miles were up to Peters Green, then to Kimpton via Barley Bean Farm. From there it was too Wheathampstead and then home. Two massive hills and a couple of small ones were included.
As we set off it was pitch black and within minutes the trainers were soaked as there was no way round some of the puddles. We headed up to Peters Green and into the wind which was howling. The rain was easing to just drizzle and slowly the daylight arrived. We chatted our way up, me banging on about my training and Anthony entertaining me with stories about Teddy Sheringham and Daniella Lloyd. His were way better.
We reached Kimpton feeling ok. Still strong but now feeling the water seep through the showerproof jacket. 6 miles to go.
A big hill up to Gustard Wood stopped the stories and had us focused on keeping a steady pace. After that it was down to Wheathampstead. Along the road to Harpenden our pace was 7.45, I thought Niall and the lads would've loved that. As we reached the Lea Valley Walk the pace had hit Anthony and we slowed to 9's. Just as I said my goodbyes to him the heavens opened. It wasn't heavy rain, this was torrential. It soaked everything instantly. I was frozen and made the decision to head for home rather than do the extra miles.
When I got in I was shocked at just how wet everything was. My trainers were water logged as were the cap, jacket and gloves. That was as bad as it's been.
So in the end 14.05 miles in 2.01, average pace 8.41 which is my new chatting pace. Disappointed that I had to call it a day as I was well up for the 18.
The 13 miles were up to Peters Green, then to Kimpton via Barley Bean Farm. From there it was too Wheathampstead and then home. Two massive hills and a couple of small ones were included.
As we set off it was pitch black and within minutes the trainers were soaked as there was no way round some of the puddles. We headed up to Peters Green and into the wind which was howling. The rain was easing to just drizzle and slowly the daylight arrived. We chatted our way up, me banging on about my training and Anthony entertaining me with stories about Teddy Sheringham and Daniella Lloyd. His were way better.
We reached Kimpton feeling ok. Still strong but now feeling the water seep through the showerproof jacket. 6 miles to go.
A big hill up to Gustard Wood stopped the stories and had us focused on keeping a steady pace. After that it was down to Wheathampstead. Along the road to Harpenden our pace was 7.45, I thought Niall and the lads would've loved that. As we reached the Lea Valley Walk the pace had hit Anthony and we slowed to 9's. Just as I said my goodbyes to him the heavens opened. It wasn't heavy rain, this was torrential. It soaked everything instantly. I was frozen and made the decision to head for home rather than do the extra miles.
When I got in I was shocked at just how wet everything was. My trainers were water logged as were the cap, jacket and gloves. That was as bad as it's been.
So in the end 14.05 miles in 2.01, average pace 8.41 which is my new chatting pace. Disappointed that I had to call it a day as I was well up for the 18.
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Easy 4.7 miles
It's raining again and for a variety of reasons I never made it out in the morning. Instead it was an early evening 40min blast around the streets.
I'd normally take it very easy but given the weather, cold and limited time I stepped it up a little and the average pace was 7.49 and 4.7miles covered.
Tomorrow morning the plan is to go longer than ever before, not sure how far but 18 miles may be beckoning.
I'd normally take it very easy but given the weather, cold and limited time I stepped it up a little and the average pace was 7.49 and 4.7miles covered.
Tomorrow morning the plan is to go longer than ever before, not sure how far but 18 miles may be beckoning.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Early morning Tempo. 7.7 miles
An early start this morning for the tempo run. The plan was 6 miles, alternating 3 on and 3 off. I decided the Wheathampstead loop was perfect.
I warmed up by doing a loop via the High Street, Sun Lane and Stewart Road. Passed Niall's house and was surprised to hear a cry of "Alright Kenny!" Quick chat and then I was off.
First mile was good, reasonably flat and not too muddy. Averaged 6.32 pace. The 2nd mile on started in the fields, so it was next to impossible to get any speed. Eventually made it to the High Street and the speed increased. Average for the 2nd mile was 6.56. Third mile on was back on flattish and firm ground and I averaged 6.49.
The session was good, I felt the effort was good and the pace sustainable. Overall I covered 7.7 miles.
I warmed up by doing a loop via the High Street, Sun Lane and Stewart Road. Passed Niall's house and was surprised to hear a cry of "Alright Kenny!" Quick chat and then I was off.
First mile was good, reasonably flat and not too muddy. Averaged 6.32 pace. The 2nd mile on started in the fields, so it was next to impossible to get any speed. Eventually made it to the High Street and the speed increased. Average for the 2nd mile was 6.56. Third mile on was back on flattish and firm ground and I averaged 6.49.
The session was good, I felt the effort was good and the pace sustainable. Overall I covered 7.7 miles.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Reps in the dark, 5.6miles
It was really hard to force myself out tonight, its so cold and the rain has been really heavy all day. But I can't be wimping out on the 2nd day of December.
So it was out for a session of 800m reps. I decided to use Manland Avenue and Dalkeith Road for them and splashed my way over to force a warm up.
I started on Dalkeith and blasted the first at 3.45min/km pace. The 2nd was only slightly slower and the 3rd a little slower than the 2nd. However, the remaining reps were tough and I slowed towards the end of each.
Overall the average was 3.58min pace and as the rain was pouring down I headed straight home with no warm down. 5.6 miles covered.
So it was out for a session of 800m reps. I decided to use Manland Avenue and Dalkeith Road for them and splashed my way over to force a warm up.
I started on Dalkeith and blasted the first at 3.45min/km pace. The 2nd was only slightly slower and the 3rd a little slower than the 2nd. However, the remaining reps were tough and I slowed towards the end of each.
Overall the average was 3.58min pace and as the rain was pouring down I headed straight home with no warm down. 5.6 miles covered.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Its a Freezing 4.5 miles
Three hours in the car and 8 hours in the office wasn't leaving me majorly motivated but with George out of the jungle there wasn't anything to entertain on the box.
So I decided to don the night kit and head out for a slow loop of Southdown. It was very cold, but for a change it was dry. Very uneventful trot. 8.57 pace for 4.5 miles.
Got home to find Justin had survived and the family all asleep. Tomorrow is reps.
So I decided to don the night kit and head out for a slow loop of Southdown. It was very cold, but for a change it was dry. Very uneventful trot. 8.57 pace for 4.5 miles.
Got home to find Justin had survived and the family all asleep. Tomorrow is reps.
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