Chilly one up to the airport, 6.5miles

It was freezing today, no snow but absolutely freezing in the north easterly wind. That made the run up to the airport into the wind and I was wishing I'd worn a hat and gloves.

As it was so cold I kept it slightly brisker than I intended. I'd planned to keep it very slow and steady but decided I wasn't hanging about any more than I had too. The pace averaged at 9min/mile but there was a steady decrease as the route turned uphill.

My energy levels were good and I'm feeling nearly 100%.

Weight wise the scales are now at 84kg.

Back from the Brink

I'm back. Wasn't quite confined to bed but that man-flu is an energy sapper.
I'd not been a 100% for a few weeks and finally I succumbed to the lurgy. So after an enforced few days off today I took those first tentative steps to see how I felt.

Not sure what happened to lunchtime today but eventually took a break at 2.30pm and did a wee loop down town to see how I felt. That went well so this evening I took another tentative trip round the the Avenues. The chest and energy levels felt ok so looks like I can get back to it.

Bristol Harbour Loop with Chris, 4miles

It's a beautiful day in the South West and great conditions for a run round Bristol Harbour.

I was joined by my colleague Chris Chadwick for the first time and took it at a steady constant pace. After a gruelling day in the office a run and some fresh air was the best tonic.

After a quick stretch it's a curry with the team at Tikka Flame. Mr Blobby better remember he's back on the scales tomorrow.

Two Run Tuesday, short and easy 6.2miles

Today I managed a couple of short runs. The first back from the bus stop and second a lunchtime jog around the fields and Nicky Line.  It's been pelting it down over the last few days so everything is drenched and the fields were like bogs. Marvellous.

The legs are still tired from Sunday so even these short slow runs were a little more uncomfortable than I'd like.

I've no intention to push myself this week but I do want to keep the legs turning over so I hope it will be more of the same over the next few days.

I'm working up my programme to reach the marathon in peak condition. The next few weeks will be steady and the build up of miles and intensity will happen from December.

I thought I'd add my weight to the blog and see what happens over the next 4 months. At the moment I'm 13.5 stones, or 85kg and I'd expect to be nearer 80kg in April. Lets see how Mr Blobby gets on.

Towards the London Marathon, Grand Union Canal Half Marathon

I'm delighted to have a place in next April's London Marathon. Things have worked out in an amazing way for me to link up with PHAB Kids, a charity which I've had knowledge and experience of for most of my life. 
Phab's aim is to promote and encourage people of all abilities to come together on equal terms, to achieve complete inclusion within the wider community.
My Lewis based family and friends will remember my dear cousin Helen Macleod who, along with her parents, benefited from the support and opportunities PHAB provided.

Helen was one of the anchors in my life as I grew up.  Our holidays in Stornoway always included a daily visit from Helen and her folks which would lead to a trip down town, or out to the Castle grounds or a road trip to Ness. Wonderful times where the old estate car would have at least 4 kids stuffed in the boot.

I'll post more about Helen in the coming weeks as I dig out old photos and more stories.


So the first steps towards London were kicked off today. 13.1miles on the Grand Union Canal Half Marathon. I was delighted to be able to participate and come in under 1:40 after what has been an eventful week or so. Susan has slipped a disc and pretty much immobile all week. Trips to 2 hospitals on Saturday got us a clear diagnosis and a few options for resolution that will play out over the next week or so.

So this morning my good friend David Moritz got me to the start. It was a 7am departure for a 10am start. Then I plodded, ached and groaned my way from Uxbridge to Watford. I have never been so unprepared in all my life! At times I just fancied stopping for a sleep but somehow dug in to do what I think is my third fastest half marathon. Grand Union Canal Half Marathon.

So that's it the pace is set and the training programme gets underway. I'll be logging the miles and clogging the blog with all the ups and downs. 

Good hard week

I was feeling pretty motivated after my Half Marathon performance. The legs didn't feel too sore and I was confident the pace was returning.

Monday I was in Bristol and did the 3 mile loop round the harbour followed by a decent stretch.

Tuesday was a travel day so I rested up. Wednesday I decided to do a 5 mile loop but do the middle 2 at tempo pace. I targeted the hilly section of the Herts10k route and pushed it as hard as I could.

Thursday was another travel day so another day off. Friday I put in a great reps session on the way back from the airport. 3 x 800-600-300 is tough along the undulating path from Luton.  I pushed the effort as hard as I could and was as close to being sick as I've ever been on the final 300.

Saturday I took it easy with 5miles around the park and golf course.

Sunday was supposed to be an easy long run but I was with the A-team and ended up on a quick 10 miles. It was great though and I was glad to hang on for half of it and then "chat" with Viddy on the way back.

Overall a good week and the pursuit of pace continues.

St Albans Half Marathon, 2013

The last 6 weeks or so have been focused on improving my running speed which has disappeared over the last couple of years as I've focused on triathlon and lately the London Marathon.

This was my first half marathon for a while and I was a bit disorganised to say the least. I travelled with my friend Dominic and rolled up 20 minutes before race start, still needing to change, drop bag and warm up.

The warm up didn't happen and I jumped into the nearest pen seconds before the start. I found myself way back and struggled to pass through the crowds over the first 1-2 miles.

I thought that was fine as I was desperate not to go off too fast.

I set my pace at just under 8min/miles through to mile 7 and maintained a good effort up the hills.

Since I last ran a road race there's been a revolution in the number of barefoot runners. Most of them had started well but were slowing up between 9 and 10 miles. The one I spoke to complained about sore feet.

I took a SIS gel on at mile 10, enjoyed the caffeine hit and pushed on. The course is undulating and a lot of folk were paying the price of a fast start and I just targeted the next shirt to pull in.

The last 3 miles were positive and I was able to accelerate over the last half mile to complete in 1:43.

Overall I am delighted with the performance and that I was able to hold the average under 8mins. This was a PB for St Albans, my previous best was 1:49 in 2009.
However, on reflection I held back a little too much and this is probably a result of the mindset I've had for the endurance events I've completed over the last couple of years. Going forward I need to put that out of my mind and race nearer the edge - or unleash myself as I have been told before!

I'm carrying on with the pursuit of pace and after an easy 3 miles and a stretch I'll be back to reps on Wednesday. St Albans Half Garmin