Just a short post today because, as you probably know, I haven't been running for almost three weeks now. At the start of this week the right ankle was still periodically aching but with each passing day that became less and less. Today has been the best day since the injury.
At the start of this week I began strength and core work, being careful not to do anything to further damage my ankle or hinder the recovery. It now seems very likely that I can begin cycling on Sunday ... that's never been my favourite form of exercise but I guess at the moment it's necessary. More fun than swimming though.
At the moment it's unlikely that I'll be able to run for at least another seven to ten days.
That hasn't stopped me planning next year's racing and training though. Many of you will know that I had planned to enter the Barcelona 24 hr race when I arrived home from Poland. Well ... for the second consecutive year that has had to be abandoned. Maybe next year ... or maybe it just isn't meant to be.
So, next year. The World Championships will be held in Steenbergen (Netherlands) in May and UK Team Management have already informally suggested that those who ran in Poland should also run in the Netherlands. I may have trouble proving my fitness though ... we'll see.
And then, in August 2013, I plan to be in Abingdon, Oxfordshire at the British Ultra Fest. I know that Pam Storey has long wanted to stage a six day and 48 hr race in England and it seems that she's finally succeeded by getting together with Alan Young and Abichal Sherrington. Should be good fun.
And then, maybe, if all goes well, I'll be off to Barcelona, at last ...
Now that I've got some time out from running I can properly review what I've done over the past year or so and ask myself some serious questions. Did my training work ? Could I have done anything better ? What are my weaknesses ? etc, etc
Answers please to me at the usual address ...
Showing posts with label Alan Young. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alan Young. Show all posts
Friday, 28 September 2012
Friday, 26 November 2010
Tony Mangan and the weather
Congratulations to Tony Mangan on completing the first 1000 km on his World Jog. It took 31 days and included a flight across the Atlantic from Ireland to Newfoundland. Obviously he has a long way to go in his quest to run around the world in 1000 days. His blog does make a fascinating read though.
I know it's been cold where Tony is at the moment and it's very cold where I am too ... unseasonably so in fact. More details here. Running has been perfectly OK except for the extreme cold which has seen me wearing three pairs of gloves, a hat and two tops (along with the usual other stuff ...).
The forecast for where I live is:
Of course the runners in Monaco are having better weather during the No Finish Line 8 day race which started last weekend. Pam Storey is taking part and looking to complete 400 km. After 148 hours she's managed almost 276 km so unfortunately it's unlikely she'll manage her target. She's raised a fair amount for charity though and I'm sure Alan Young will be looking after her.
I know it's been cold where Tony is at the moment and it's very cold where I am too ... unseasonably so in fact. More details here. Running has been perfectly OK except for the extreme cold which has seen me wearing three pairs of gloves, a hat and two tops (along with the usual other stuff ...).
The forecast for where I live is:
Of course the runners in Monaco are having better weather during the No Finish Line 8 day race which started last weekend. Pam Storey is taking part and looking to complete 400 km. After 148 hours she's managed almost 276 km so unfortunately it's unlikely she'll manage her target. She's raised a fair amount for charity though and I'm sure Alan Young will be looking after her.
Monday, 28 June 2010
news ... news ... news ...
Just three short news items today:
(1) The Planet Ultramarathon website has an interesting post about solo running and the logistics of keeping records of those feats. After my Run to London last year my main thought would be that some people do those kind of things just for fun. They may be interested in the record aspect of it but do not want to get tied down with all the red tape and/or paperwork and/or other requirements that may be needed to absolutely prove they did what they claim to have done.
It is a good idea to have a body recognising these achievements though.
(2) The German website (DUV) has been uploading lots of ultra race results lately. Some of them going back to the 1970's. This website is proving to be a great repository of results and provides a brilliant statistical service for the last six years over a wide range of distances and times. Well done to Jurgen, Bertram and Andreas.
Good to see Alan Young at number thirteen in the British 24 hour rankings for 2010.
(3) William Sichel has uploaded loads of podcasts, many of which were filmed with the Athens 1000 mile race in mind. They contain an amazing amount of information and show just how meticulous ultra runners have to be with their preparation and racing. Amazing stuff which is well worth a look.
(1) The Planet Ultramarathon website has an interesting post about solo running and the logistics of keeping records of those feats. After my Run to London last year my main thought would be that some people do those kind of things just for fun. They may be interested in the record aspect of it but do not want to get tied down with all the red tape and/or paperwork and/or other requirements that may be needed to absolutely prove they did what they claim to have done.
It is a good idea to have a body recognising these achievements though.
(2) The German website (DUV) has been uploading lots of ultra race results lately. Some of them going back to the 1970's. This website is proving to be a great repository of results and provides a brilliant statistical service for the last six years over a wide range of distances and times. Well done to Jurgen, Bertram and Andreas.
Good to see Alan Young at number thirteen in the British 24 hour rankings for 2010.
(3) William Sichel has uploaded loads of podcasts, many of which were filmed with the Athens 1000 mile race in mind. They contain an amazing amount of information and show just how meticulous ultra runners have to be with their preparation and racing. Amazing stuff which is well worth a look.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Chris is happy ...
Last night I received a phone call from Norman Wilson (chairman of selectors, UK Athletics) to confirm that I have been selected to represent my country in this year's World 24 hr Championships.
It seems that all the hard work over the past couple of years has finally paid off. And I feel good.
Full details of the event can be found on the race website. Looking around that website it appears that there are plans for live web coverage - should be good.
I have to say a big 'thank you' to Adam Smith at Fitnessfootwear.com and Steve Raven at ASSIST Creative Resources Ltd and Alan Young at Dion Networks for helping and sponsoring me.
If you would like to help/sponsor me too please email chris.carver@btopenworld.com
It seems that all the hard work over the past couple of years has finally paid off. And I feel good.
Full details of the event can be found on the race website. Looking around that website it appears that there are plans for live web coverage - should be good.
I have to say a big 'thank you' to Adam Smith at Fitnessfootwear.com and Steve Raven at ASSIST Creative Resources Ltd and Alan Young at Dion Networks for helping and sponsoring me.
If you would like to help/sponsor me too please email chris.carver@btopenworld.com
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Annual Review - 2009
As usual for the last post of the year I intend to look back over the previous twelve months and briefly revisit some of the many highlights of 2009. I hope you enjoyed reading about them at the time and that this post refreshes your memory as well as it refreshes mine.
JANUARY
Announced my intention to raise money for Orchid by undertaking a (very) long run from Otley to London. Spent three weeks looking at maps and planning a suitable route before beginning specific preparation by using a headtorch for the very first time. I also spent lots of time writing letters and emails to suitable businesses in the hope of arranging sponsorship. I currently have two sponsors so all that time was worth the effort but overall things could be better on the sponsorship front. Perhaps the economic climate is against me at the moment. Very cold weather this month made training difficult at times.
FEBRUARY
The Run To London route was measured at 218 miles. The cold weather continued and in the middle of this month I caught a cold - my first since 2006. At the end of this month the website for the Commonwealth Ultra & Mountain Running Championships was launched and The Wharfedale & Airedale Observer published a lengthy article about the Run To London.
MARCH
Began assembling a dedicated crew for the Run To London. Ran most of the route checking for road works, diversions, etc. Sponsorship reached £1000 - all going towards research into the prevention and cure of men's cancers (penile, prostate and testicular) and at the end of this month Up And Running donated lots of kit, and some shoes, for me to use whilst on the long road south.
APRIL
At the start of the month I took part in the North of England 12 stage relay for my club - Otley AC. Had a very enjoyable day in Stockport where we qualified for the National 12 stage relay for the first time in the club's history. In the middle of the month Keir took part in a 5k race in Leeds as part of his Duke of Edinburgh (bronze) award - very proud of him.
MAY
Three women and one man represented Britain at the World 24 hr Challenge in Italy where Anne-Cecile Fontaine ran 243.644 km to fall short of the world record by an agonising 13 metres. Also this month Nadeem Khan wrote a profile of me for the IAU website detailing the Run To London. At the start of the month I had three very successful crew meetings in Leeds where I met many of the dedicated bunch of helpers for the first time ... I was very impressed by their dedication and willingness to give up their weekend to help me raise as much money as possible. And then I resigned (after almost ten years) as secretary of Otley AC and as race director of the Otley 10 ... the workload was becoming more and more unmanageable and the resulting pressures had meant that something had to give. Also attended an England Athletics ultra squad weekend where I met a few of my heroes for the first time. Interviews with Radio Leeds and Yorkshire TV Calendar followed towards the end of the month. Oh .. and then there was the Run To London.
Donations are still welcome at Bmycharity.
JUNE
Began training seriously for the Commonwealth Championships later in the year. There was also the Otley 10 where I helped at the finish for a change. This was followed a few days later by a large get-together of myself and many of those who helped raise well over £2000 for Orchid a few weeks earlier. Later in the month Assist Creative Resources decided to sponsor me by supplying Shotz electrolyte tablets, Shotz gels and Shotz energy bars - all very welcome for the race(s) in Keswick (and beyond). At the end of the month I ran a 5k race around a reservoir near Rochdale and was rewarded with an age-graded pb. Considering I ran 218 miles only four weeks earlier this was a big surprise ... as was the presentation by Andy O'Sullivan before the race.
JULY
Greg Mulholland MP tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons about the Run To London followed a few days later by phone confirmation that I had been selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Championships. In the middle of the month I had a bad race in Hull - I guess my body needs more than seven weeks recovery after 218 miles in 45 hours. At the end of the month I took part in the Washburn Valley Relay for my club.
AUGUST
The England kit (part of it) arrived in the middle of the month and I road tested all of it at least twice. Cannot be too careful about seams, good fit, chafing, etc in long ultras. Felt a bit strange though running around Wharfedale in England kit. At the end of the month I spent a week crash training ... ran over 160 miles and spent over 32 hours running, cycling, stretching, strength training, etc. A very tiring month.
SEPTEMBER
At last ... the Commonwealth Championships ... I spent five nights in Keswick and my race was on days two and three. Overall it was a very good few days and I was very pleased with my position and my team silver medal. Less pleased with my overall distance though - I should have run at least 4k more. I know I can do that.
OCTOBER
At the start of the month a family member died and at the end of the month I spent a few days in hospital having a throat operation. Also in this month came the sad death of the brother-in-law of Helen Barber - one of my helpers on the Run To London. He had been suffering with penile cancer for a while but was hoping to run part of the way with me. Sadly he took a turn for the worse and his health then sadly deteriorated quickly.
NOVEMBER
Greg Mulholland MP tabled another Early Day Motion, this time trying to get the British media to give more coverage to ultra distance running. Spent this month slowly getting back to fitness after my illness and surgery.
DECEMBER
Finally got around to analysing all the lap times from Keswick. Set personal bests at 50k, 100k, 150k, 200k, 50 miles, 100 miles, 6 hrs, 12 hrs and 24 hrs. At the prestigious BBC Sports Personality Of The Year I was disappointed that the Commonwealth Championships were not deemed worthy of even a brief mention. Very bad weather this month caused the cancellation of the Otley AC Christmas handicap for the first time ever.
Overall 2009 was an amazing year with two big highlights. I'd like to thank everyone who contributed in any way whatsoever but particularly my sponsors ASSIST Creative Resources Ltd., FitnessFootwear.com and Alan Young for all his help and advice (for 2009 and beyond).
As for the future ... well May 2010 has the World 24hr Challenge in Brive-la-Gaillarde and in September there's the Perth 24 hr race (probably). The only downside is that UK Athletics won't select the team until February - so it's a case of keep training for now and hoping for that UK vest. Possibly fit in a couple of other races too but these are my 'target races' for the next twelve months.
If not this year then I'm confident of putting in a very good performance in Perth which will strengthen even further my case for selection for the 2011 championships.
Happy New Year and/or Hogmanay to you all ... and thanks for reading.
JANUARY
Announced my intention to raise money for Orchid by undertaking a (very) long run from Otley to London. Spent three weeks looking at maps and planning a suitable route before beginning specific preparation by using a headtorch for the very first time. I also spent lots of time writing letters and emails to suitable businesses in the hope of arranging sponsorship. I currently have two sponsors so all that time was worth the effort but overall things could be better on the sponsorship front. Perhaps the economic climate is against me at the moment. Very cold weather this month made training difficult at times.
FEBRUARY
The Run To London route was measured at 218 miles. The cold weather continued and in the middle of this month I caught a cold - my first since 2006. At the end of this month the website for the Commonwealth Ultra & Mountain Running Championships was launched and The Wharfedale & Airedale Observer published a lengthy article about the Run To London.
MARCH
Began assembling a dedicated crew for the Run To London. Ran most of the route checking for road works, diversions, etc. Sponsorship reached £1000 - all going towards research into the prevention and cure of men's cancers (penile, prostate and testicular) and at the end of this month Up And Running donated lots of kit, and some shoes, for me to use whilst on the long road south.
APRIL
At the start of the month I took part in the North of England 12 stage relay for my club - Otley AC. Had a very enjoyable day in Stockport where we qualified for the National 12 stage relay for the first time in the club's history. In the middle of the month Keir took part in a 5k race in Leeds as part of his Duke of Edinburgh (bronze) award - very proud of him.
MAY
Three women and one man represented Britain at the World 24 hr Challenge in Italy where Anne-Cecile Fontaine ran 243.644 km to fall short of the world record by an agonising 13 metres. Also this month Nadeem Khan wrote a profile of me for the IAU website detailing the Run To London. At the start of the month I had three very successful crew meetings in Leeds where I met many of the dedicated bunch of helpers for the first time ... I was very impressed by their dedication and willingness to give up their weekend to help me raise as much money as possible. And then I resigned (after almost ten years) as secretary of Otley AC and as race director of the Otley 10 ... the workload was becoming more and more unmanageable and the resulting pressures had meant that something had to give. Also attended an England Athletics ultra squad weekend where I met a few of my heroes for the first time. Interviews with Radio Leeds and Yorkshire TV Calendar followed towards the end of the month. Oh .. and then there was the Run To London.
Donations are still welcome at Bmycharity.
JUNE
Began training seriously for the Commonwealth Championships later in the year. There was also the Otley 10 where I helped at the finish for a change. This was followed a few days later by a large get-together of myself and many of those who helped raise well over £2000 for Orchid a few weeks earlier. Later in the month Assist Creative Resources decided to sponsor me by supplying Shotz electrolyte tablets, Shotz gels and Shotz energy bars - all very welcome for the race(s) in Keswick (and beyond). At the end of the month I ran a 5k race around a reservoir near Rochdale and was rewarded with an age-graded pb. Considering I ran 218 miles only four weeks earlier this was a big surprise ... as was the presentation by Andy O'Sullivan before the race.
JULY
Greg Mulholland MP tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons about the Run To London followed a few days later by phone confirmation that I had been selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Championships. In the middle of the month I had a bad race in Hull - I guess my body needs more than seven weeks recovery after 218 miles in 45 hours. At the end of the month I took part in the Washburn Valley Relay for my club.
AUGUST
The England kit (part of it) arrived in the middle of the month and I road tested all of it at least twice. Cannot be too careful about seams, good fit, chafing, etc in long ultras. Felt a bit strange though running around Wharfedale in England kit. At the end of the month I spent a week crash training ... ran over 160 miles and spent over 32 hours running, cycling, stretching, strength training, etc. A very tiring month.
SEPTEMBER
At last ... the Commonwealth Championships ... I spent five nights in Keswick and my race was on days two and three. Overall it was a very good few days and I was very pleased with my position and my team silver medal. Less pleased with my overall distance though - I should have run at least 4k more. I know I can do that.
OCTOBER
At the start of the month a family member died and at the end of the month I spent a few days in hospital having a throat operation. Also in this month came the sad death of the brother-in-law of Helen Barber - one of my helpers on the Run To London. He had been suffering with penile cancer for a while but was hoping to run part of the way with me. Sadly he took a turn for the worse and his health then sadly deteriorated quickly.
NOVEMBER
Greg Mulholland MP tabled another Early Day Motion, this time trying to get the British media to give more coverage to ultra distance running. Spent this month slowly getting back to fitness after my illness and surgery.
DECEMBER
Finally got around to analysing all the lap times from Keswick. Set personal bests at 50k, 100k, 150k, 200k, 50 miles, 100 miles, 6 hrs, 12 hrs and 24 hrs. At the prestigious BBC Sports Personality Of The Year I was disappointed that the Commonwealth Championships were not deemed worthy of even a brief mention. Very bad weather this month caused the cancellation of the Otley AC Christmas handicap for the first time ever.
Overall 2009 was an amazing year with two big highlights. I'd like to thank everyone who contributed in any way whatsoever but particularly my sponsors ASSIST Creative Resources Ltd., FitnessFootwear.com and Alan Young for all his help and advice (for 2009 and beyond).
As for the future ... well May 2010 has the World 24hr Challenge in Brive-la-Gaillarde and in September there's the Perth 24 hr race (probably). The only downside is that UK Athletics won't select the team until February - so it's a case of keep training for now and hoping for that UK vest. Possibly fit in a couple of other races too but these are my 'target races' for the next twelve months.
If not this year then I'm confident of putting in a very good performance in Perth which will strengthen even further my case for selection for the 2011 championships.
Happy New Year and/or Hogmanay to you all ... and thanks for reading.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
hope you're still waiting
Well ... "we're waiting" I hear you all shout. I know you mean my race report from the Commonwealth Championships.
It'll only be another two or three days - and here's why (without going into too many details):
- a death in the family held things up big time last week
- I've developed a horrible cold this week
- I've also been planning my training for the next eight months or so with lots of help from Alan Young
- other pages on this site needed updating too, more details soon
- had an AGM to plan for Otley Parish Church Scouts (I was the secretary, now chairman and newsletter editor)
- had to attend the AGM of Otley AC (I was the secretary and race director of the Otley 10, now vice president only)
As you can see I've hardly been idle.
Anyway, the wait is almost over. Just hang in there another few days.
It'll only be another two or three days - and here's why (without going into too many details):
- a death in the family held things up big time last week
- I've developed a horrible cold this week
- I've also been planning my training for the next eight months or so with lots of help from Alan Young
- other pages on this site needed updating too, more details soon
- had an AGM to plan for Otley Parish Church Scouts (I was the secretary, now chairman and newsletter editor)
- had to attend the AGM of Otley AC (I was the secretary and race director of the Otley 10, now vice president only)
As you can see I've hardly been idle.
Anyway, the wait is almost over. Just hang in there another few days.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
random thoughts from Keswick
I'm just starting to get a report together about the race but in the meantime here are a few random thoughts, in no particular order:
The camaraderie was absolutely fantastic, not just amongst English 24 hr runners, but amongst runners in all races from all participating countries.
Thanks to Wendy Lynas for making sure I didn't collapse/faint/pass out at the end of the race.
The staff at the youth hostel were amazing, particularly those in the restaurant who kept us fed and watered ... and laughed at the size of my appetite the evening before the race.
Learnt a lot from Chris Finill, at about 16 hours it became obvious that he was struggling and was having a bad time. He still continued though and kept plugging away right to the end for the sake of the team.
An amazing new pb from Sharon Gayter - 226k
And from John Pares - 244k
A Commonwealth Record for Martin Fryer - 255k
The temperature dropped to about 7 degrees C overnight and the sight of Arun Kumar Bhardwaj (from India) in multiple layers of hats, gloves, tops, etc was a sight to behold. At this time of year the night time temperature in India is about 24 degrees C.
Andy Eccles was a magnificent cheerleader.
Alan Young must have some stunning and amazing photos from all four days of competition and from the medal presentations too.
It was a pleasure to meet people whose careers I've followed in magazines for years, eg Bashir Hussain, Carolyn Hunter-Rowe.
Meeting an old friend in Keswick on Sunday afternoon. I hadn't seen Sharon since 1986 and to see her again was great.
Lots of local people stayed awake all night to watch and cheer the runners.
The smell from the portaloos at the end of the race ...
The weather was fantastic during the race and good for the other races too. Hardly any rain for four days in the Lake District - miraculous.
The Canadian mountain runner who, on Monday morning at 8.30am, realised he needed to be at Heathrow airport for a 12.05pm flight home. He had no transport arranged and no money either.
The speed of the 100km runners - sprinters !!!
The thought of Pat Robbins and Andy Eccles carrying Don Ritchie back to his hotel from the pub at 1.00am on Monday morning [this is true - it actually happened].
My fifth position in my first championship race - with a pb too (231k). Also my team silver medal.
Wow ... all those memories. Enough to last a lifetime - or until next time.
The camaraderie was absolutely fantastic, not just amongst English 24 hr runners, but amongst runners in all races from all participating countries.
Thanks to Wendy Lynas for making sure I didn't collapse/faint/pass out at the end of the race.
The staff at the youth hostel were amazing, particularly those in the restaurant who kept us fed and watered ... and laughed at the size of my appetite the evening before the race.
Learnt a lot from Chris Finill, at about 16 hours it became obvious that he was struggling and was having a bad time. He still continued though and kept plugging away right to the end for the sake of the team.
An amazing new pb from Sharon Gayter - 226k
And from John Pares - 244k
A Commonwealth Record for Martin Fryer - 255k
The temperature dropped to about 7 degrees C overnight and the sight of Arun Kumar Bhardwaj (from India) in multiple layers of hats, gloves, tops, etc was a sight to behold. At this time of year the night time temperature in India is about 24 degrees C.
Andy Eccles was a magnificent cheerleader.
Alan Young must have some stunning and amazing photos from all four days of competition and from the medal presentations too.
It was a pleasure to meet people whose careers I've followed in magazines for years, eg Bashir Hussain, Carolyn Hunter-Rowe.
Meeting an old friend in Keswick on Sunday afternoon. I hadn't seen Sharon since 1986 and to see her again was great.
Lots of local people stayed awake all night to watch and cheer the runners.
The smell from the portaloos at the end of the race ...
The weather was fantastic during the race and good for the other races too. Hardly any rain for four days in the Lake District - miraculous.
The Canadian mountain runner who, on Monday morning at 8.30am, realised he needed to be at Heathrow airport for a 12.05pm flight home. He had no transport arranged and no money either.
The speed of the 100km runners - sprinters !!!
The thought of Pat Robbins and Andy Eccles carrying Don Ritchie back to his hotel from the pub at 1.00am on Monday morning [this is true - it actually happened].
My fifth position in my first championship race - with a pb too (231k). Also my team silver medal.
Wow ... all those memories. Enough to last a lifetime - or until next time.
Monday, 13 July 2009
a bad day at the office ...
Well, here's what happened ...
Arrived the night before with a tent and two crew members (Fay and Keir). Everything was fine ... runners and the organiser, doctor and other officials were chatting away and eagerly anticipating the weekend's race.
Just before going to sleep I stubbed my toe and a toenail came off. I know it had been loose since the Run To London but I didn't realise it had been so bad. An omen perhaps.
Woke up in the night with cramp in my left calf ... things were not going well at all.
Before an ultra distance race I usually snack on high carbohydrate foods right up until the race starts. This time I decided to just have a large breakfast about two to three hours before the race. The idea behind this change is that food eaten within one hour of a race stimulates the release of insulin, which increases the amount of carbohydrate used during the race.
About an hour before the race I ambled down to see the woman from the Northern Institute of Massage to see if she could help with the cramp problem I had about six hours earlier. After about ten minutes on her table I felt much better ...
The race began and I felt strong, it went like this:
FIRST HOUR
plan - to run at 7:47 per mile (1:56 per lap)
actual - ran at 7:47 per mile (1:56 per lap)
SECOND HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 7:51 per mile (1:57 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 7:41 per mile (1:55 per lap)
THIRD HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 7:59 per mile (1:59 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 7:59 per mile (1:59 per lap)
FOURTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 8:03 per mile (2:00 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 8:03 (2:00 per lap)
FIFTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 8:07 per mile (2:01 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 8:07 per mile (2:01 per lap)
SIXTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 8:15 per mile (2:03 per lap)
actual - walked for 8:45 then ran for 8:55 per mile (2:13 per lap)
SEVENTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run for 8:19 per mile (2:04 per lap)
actual - walked for 10:00 and later for 5:00. Ran at 9:03 per mile (2:15 per lap)
During the seventh hour, when I was beginning to try and understand why I was struggling, it suddenly occurred to me that the 218 mile Run To London was only seven weeks ago and it was obvious that I hadn't recovered enough to be able to run a quick 100 miles.
What came to mind next was a section from Tim Noakes' book Lore Of Running (fourth edition, page 662):
"Continuous running during marathon and ultramarathon races produces a specific form of fatigue due to eccentric-induced muscle damage with associated changes in neuromuscular function."
"Once this fatigue develops, it is irreversible, causing the runner to slow precipitously, or even be reduced to walking. Complete recovery may take weeks to months."
I then decided it would be wise to stop as I didn't want anything getting in the way of a good build up to the Commonwealth Championships which are only nine and a half weeks away.
Another thing I was trying for the first time was a different length of walking break. I usually walk for ten minutes every hour but this time I thought I'd try seven and a half minutes in a slightly shorter race. It worked well for the first five hours but then I needed more time walking ... I had been running faster than usual though. This needs to be tried again when I'm fresh.
Some of the new food and drink choices weren't due until a few hours after I stopped running so I still don't know whether or not they would have had any benefit. The Shot Bloks electrolyte chews were very good: a useful way of taking on board sodium, etc and easier to chew and swallow than expected.
The REGO Rapid (protein drink) tasted much better without the addition of a Shotz electrolyte tablet.
After I retired I spent much of the remaining 17 hours enjoying the race and talking to people such as Alan Young, Adrian Stott, Eleanor Robinson, Mike Blamires, etc. I'm always willing to listen and learn from what others have to say about training, racing, nutrition, etc.
CONCLUSIONS
- Seven weeks recovery after 218 miles is not enough for me.
- Alan and Adrian very kindly pointed out that two bad races [by my own standards] from nine ultras is quite a good ratio.
- passed the marathon distance in 3h 38:39 and 60k in 5h 16:17 (the latter a pb by over 20 minutes).
Many thanks to Dave Annandale for organising a fantastic event and thanks also to all the lap counters too (especially Emma Annandale who was mine [sorry for not collapsing at the end though !!!]).
Arrived the night before with a tent and two crew members (Fay and Keir). Everything was fine ... runners and the organiser, doctor and other officials were chatting away and eagerly anticipating the weekend's race.
Just before going to sleep I stubbed my toe and a toenail came off. I know it had been loose since the Run To London but I didn't realise it had been so bad. An omen perhaps.
Woke up in the night with cramp in my left calf ... things were not going well at all.
Before an ultra distance race I usually snack on high carbohydrate foods right up until the race starts. This time I decided to just have a large breakfast about two to three hours before the race. The idea behind this change is that food eaten within one hour of a race stimulates the release of insulin, which increases the amount of carbohydrate used during the race.
About an hour before the race I ambled down to see the woman from the Northern Institute of Massage to see if she could help with the cramp problem I had about six hours earlier. After about ten minutes on her table I felt much better ...
The race began and I felt strong, it went like this:
FIRST HOUR
plan - to run at 7:47 per mile (1:56 per lap)
actual - ran at 7:47 per mile (1:56 per lap)
SECOND HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 7:51 per mile (1:57 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 7:41 per mile (1:55 per lap)
THIRD HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 7:59 per mile (1:59 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 7:59 per mile (1:59 per lap)
FOURTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 8:03 per mile (2:00 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 8:03 (2:00 per lap)
FIFTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 8:07 per mile (2:01 per lap)
actual - walked for 7:30 then ran at 8:07 per mile (2:01 per lap)
SIXTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run at 8:15 per mile (2:03 per lap)
actual - walked for 8:45 then ran for 8:55 per mile (2:13 per lap)
SEVENTH HOUR
plan - to walk for 7:30 then run for 8:19 per mile (2:04 per lap)
actual - walked for 10:00 and later for 5:00. Ran at 9:03 per mile (2:15 per lap)
During the seventh hour, when I was beginning to try and understand why I was struggling, it suddenly occurred to me that the 218 mile Run To London was only seven weeks ago and it was obvious that I hadn't recovered enough to be able to run a quick 100 miles.
What came to mind next was a section from Tim Noakes' book Lore Of Running (fourth edition, page 662):
"Continuous running during marathon and ultramarathon races produces a specific form of fatigue due to eccentric-induced muscle damage with associated changes in neuromuscular function."
"Once this fatigue develops, it is irreversible, causing the runner to slow precipitously, or even be reduced to walking. Complete recovery may take weeks to months."
I then decided it would be wise to stop as I didn't want anything getting in the way of a good build up to the Commonwealth Championships which are only nine and a half weeks away.
Another thing I was trying for the first time was a different length of walking break. I usually walk for ten minutes every hour but this time I thought I'd try seven and a half minutes in a slightly shorter race. It worked well for the first five hours but then I needed more time walking ... I had been running faster than usual though. This needs to be tried again when I'm fresh.
Some of the new food and drink choices weren't due until a few hours after I stopped running so I still don't know whether or not they would have had any benefit. The Shot Bloks electrolyte chews were very good: a useful way of taking on board sodium, etc and easier to chew and swallow than expected.
The REGO Rapid (protein drink) tasted much better without the addition of a Shotz electrolyte tablet.
After I retired I spent much of the remaining 17 hours enjoying the race and talking to people such as Alan Young, Adrian Stott, Eleanor Robinson, Mike Blamires, etc. I'm always willing to listen and learn from what others have to say about training, racing, nutrition, etc.
CONCLUSIONS
- Seven weeks recovery after 218 miles is not enough for me.
- Alan and Adrian very kindly pointed out that two bad races [by my own standards] from nine ultras is quite a good ratio.
- passed the marathon distance in 3h 38:39 and 60k in 5h 16:17 (the latter a pb by over 20 minutes).
Many thanks to Dave Annandale for organising a fantastic event and thanks also to all the lap counters too (especially Emma Annandale who was mine [sorry for not collapsing at the end though !!!]).
Friday, 19 June 2009
various things
Harrogate League race 3 last night. Richmond & Zetland Harriers organised the 5.4 mile race with a big hill in the middle - it seemed like about a mile at 1:8 (12%). Lots of people were walking up the second half of this hill which always seemed to promise to end just around the next bend. Lots of broken promises in Swaledale last night but I was pleased that I managed to run to the top. The weather was rubbish too ... wet and very windy. Scenery was OK, as was the generally downhill finish.
I guess you could say it wasn't my favourite course and I'm not sure whether to be pleased with my time or not ... 37:58
Ran 6+ miles first thing this morning. It was still very windy and my legs were a bit tired but I was pleasantly surprised at how quick it was without trying.
All the best to Richie Cunningham who's running the West Highland Way Race tomorrow - hope the weather's kind ... and for Alan Young too (he'll be there taking loads of photos).
I guess you could say it wasn't my favourite course and I'm not sure whether to be pleased with my time or not ... 37:58
Ran 6+ miles first thing this morning. It was still very windy and my legs were a bit tired but I was pleasantly surprised at how quick it was without trying.
All the best to Richie Cunningham who's running the West Highland Way Race tomorrow - hope the weather's kind ... and for Alan Young too (he'll be there taking loads of photos).
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Commonwealth Championships
This afternoon I was just catching up with ultra news and when I came to look at the website set up for September's Commonwealth Championships I came across a map of the course.
It is a flat route in Fitz Park which will be about 1 km in length. Hopefully it will be fully tarmac (not quite there yet apparently) and Alan Young will hopefully measure it with his Jones Counter in April or May.
Should be really good. I just wish England Athletics would actually name a few team members, their advertised selection criteria indicates that the "first selection date will be on 1st January 2009, or shortly afterwards."
It is a flat route in Fitz Park which will be about 1 km in length. Hopefully it will be fully tarmac (not quite there yet apparently) and Alan Young will hopefully measure it with his Jones Counter in April or May.
Should be really good. I just wish England Athletics would actually name a few team members, their advertised selection criteria indicates that the "first selection date will be on 1st January 2009, or shortly afterwards."
Friday, 13 February 2009
Croft 6 Day Race
Sad to report that on the third day Sharon Gayter has had to pull out of the Croft 6 day race in Darlington. Apparently she had a stress injury to her shin ... it isn't too serious but three days is just too far to go when not 100%.
I'm sure we all hope she recovers quickly.
Forgot to mention a few days ago [thanks to Alan Young for reminding me about 90 minutes ago]. There is now a website for the Commonwealth Ultra Distance & Mountain Running Championships. Have a look and see what you think.
Also updated this page.
I'm sure we all hope she recovers quickly.
Forgot to mention a few days ago [thanks to Alan Young for reminding me about 90 minutes ago]. There is now a website for the Commonwealth Ultra Distance & Mountain Running Championships. Have a look and see what you think.
Also updated this page.
Monday, 27 October 2008
Plans
Full results have now been received and it appears I've got a new pb for every distance from 50k upwards. All the relevant pages on this site will be updated shortly - after I get up to date with secretarial stuff for Otley AC.
Just beginning to make tentative plans for next year's racing. This will include the Commonwealth Championships in September and hopefully a European race in spring. May also go for a shorter ultra in summer and possibly one towards the end of the year.
Obviously though my focus has to be on doing well in Keswick in September.
One other piece of good news is that Alan Young has agreed to help as "mentor, helper, or just someone you can ask". He also offered to crew occasionally too but he's very busy crewing for other top ultra runners around the world.
This man is the best I've come across at what he does and I feel privileged to have his help and advice. An ex ultra runner himself (winning the Tooting 24 hr race in 1993 with 225 km) he now specialises in helping others. An OBE for services to ultra runners is long overdue.
Just beginning to make tentative plans for next year's racing. This will include the Commonwealth Championships in September and hopefully a European race in spring. May also go for a shorter ultra in summer and possibly one towards the end of the year.
Obviously though my focus has to be on doing well in Keswick in September.
One other piece of good news is that Alan Young has agreed to help as "mentor, helper, or just someone you can ask". He also offered to crew occasionally too but he's very busy crewing for other top ultra runners around the world.
This man is the best I've come across at what he does and I feel privileged to have his help and advice. An ex ultra runner himself (winning the Tooting 24 hr race in 1993 with 225 km) he now specialises in helping others. An OBE for services to ultra runners is long overdue.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Crash Training (4)
Today's training so far:
7:00am - wobble board
8:10am - eccentric ankle stretching
8:45am - ran almost 20 miles
2:50pm - strength/conditioning exercises
5:10pm - stretching, ankle massage and wobble board
Later I plan to go for a run with Otley AC - 8.5 miles.
This morning's run felt good except that it took about 8 minutes longer than expected ... the pace didn't feel slow though !!!
Still feeling OK, not overly tired. At bedtime tonight I'll have another one of those recovery drinks from Science in Sport.
Received a good email this lunchtime - three photos of me at the Hull 24hr race [two of them are very good too] - from Alan Young (sponsor and handler for William Sichel). I'm not sure where he got them but I don't recall seeing any photographer at the race ... Fay has just told me that there was a photographer there.
I was obviously too busy to notice !!!
7:00am - wobble board
8:10am - eccentric ankle stretching
8:45am - ran almost 20 miles
2:50pm - strength/conditioning exercises
5:10pm - stretching, ankle massage and wobble board
Later I plan to go for a run with Otley AC - 8.5 miles.
This morning's run felt good except that it took about 8 minutes longer than expected ... the pace didn't feel slow though !!!
Still feeling OK, not overly tired. At bedtime tonight I'll have another one of those recovery drinks from Science in Sport.
Received a good email this lunchtime - three photos of me at the Hull 24hr race [two of them are very good too] - from Alan Young (sponsor and handler for William Sichel). I'm not sure where he got them but I don't recall seeing any photographer at the race ... Fay has just told me that there was a photographer there.
I was obviously too busy to notice !!!
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