Not posted for a while mainly because it's been a bit hectic here recently. Keir, home from university until September, invited his girlfriend to stay for a fortnight. She arrived from Belfast at lunchtime on Tuesday but he didn't tell us she was would be staying until two days before that ...
So Monday was spent shopping, cleaning, organising, baking, washing ... and training. Since then we've spent quite a lot of time out and about as Rachel has never been to Yorkshire ... and there a lot to see (it's a big place). On Monday they're going to London for a few days to leave us in peace again for a while.
Tuesday morning's run was unusual because amongst all the hot, dry weather we've had this month along came a thunderstorm. Which began just as I set out to run 15.1 km. To say I returned rather wet is a bit of an understatement.
My second tempo run of the year was on Thursday morning - 4 k this time. The kilometre splits were 4:05, 4:09, 4:15 and 4:24 and the target was somewhere between 4:13 and 4:16. Need to get the get the pacing more even but I know that will come in time and it's all over the place at the moment because it's been too long since I did any tempo running.
Friday was my first session of hill reps. The length was 709m and the climb 35m. Much better than expected but I only did two, a good start though. Eventually that will increase to a dozen or more.
Today is the start of an 'easy week'. I like to have every fourth week easier than usual to help with recovery and recharge the mental batteries a bit. During such a week I do about two thirds of my normal workload and have one long run instead of two (50% longer than usual though). So, tomorrow I'll be running about 25 km. I know that's not far but it's my longest training run since 12 August last year when I ran more than 48 km. Reading again the what I wrote about that makes me a bit sad (see here) that I'm not up to that yet ... to be honest I'm not sure about 25 km. I'm sure it'll be fine though.
Also in the next few days I have a blood test as part of the new National Health Service free health check program for all 40 - 74 year olds. Apparently, every five years, everyone of that age in England will be screened for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease. It will come as no surprise to learn that I'm not worried at all about this except that I don't like needles. Overall I think screening is good though. So long as I'm healthy !!!
Showing posts with label Keir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Keir. Show all posts
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Saturday, 25 May 2013
summer is here
Weather improving ... ankle improving again after a less than pain free few runs midweek ... things are looking good again.
Today's 40 minutes run, for instance, took me up the valley to the village of Burley in Wharfedale and on the way back I came across Zack Whitehead and we ran together back into Otley. Zack has been running recently after a few years out of the sport because of a knee injury. If he can get back to running the sort of times he was five years ago that will be a great boost for Otley AC. Good to see him back running - enjoying it too.
My run, for no reason at all, was a over 15s per km quicker than expected. I have noticed recently that I do seem to be running a bit further in the time allowed. I guess my speed is returning as my fitness improves.
On Tuesday next week we travel to Belfast to help Keir tie up the loose ends regarding accommodation, etc at the end of his first year at university. And he wants us to help carry all the stuff he has to bring home. It's his birthday on Wednesday so we'll do something a bit special while we're there but he has recently acquired a girlfriend which we'll meet for the first time. Apparently she's very nervous about meeting me and Fay ... that's OK though because we're quite nervous about meeting her.
Next Saturday I plan to run another race but I'm undecided between the Kirkby Malzeard 10k or the local parkrun 5k.
Today's 40 minutes run, for instance, took me up the valley to the village of Burley in Wharfedale and on the way back I came across Zack Whitehead and we ran together back into Otley. Zack has been running recently after a few years out of the sport because of a knee injury. If he can get back to running the sort of times he was five years ago that will be a great boost for Otley AC. Good to see him back running - enjoying it too.
My run, for no reason at all, was a over 15s per km quicker than expected. I have noticed recently that I do seem to be running a bit further in the time allowed. I guess my speed is returning as my fitness improves.
On Tuesday next week we travel to Belfast to help Keir tie up the loose ends regarding accommodation, etc at the end of his first year at university. And he wants us to help carry all the stuff he has to bring home. It's his birthday on Wednesday so we'll do something a bit special while we're there but he has recently acquired a girlfriend which we'll meet for the first time. Apparently she's very nervous about meeting me and Fay ... that's OK though because we're quite nervous about meeting her.
Next Saturday I plan to run another race but I'm undecided between the Kirkby Malzeard 10k or the local parkrun 5k.
Sunday, 7 April 2013
more ramblings ...
I know I haven't posted for a while but until I can start training and racing properly again I don't really have much say.
Everything is looking up though at the moment, especially in the early morning spring sunshine. Running at the break of dawn has been a real boost for me and I feel a renewed sense of wanting to get back to running for more than a few miles at a time.
Still must stick to the schedule though. That in itself is good training ... good mental discipline to stick so rigidly to a schedule for such a prolonged period.
The recent holiday period was good, especially as Keir finally managed to get here ... and then managed to get back to Northern Ireland without any problems despite the threat of more snow. We didn't hang around at the airport any longer than we needed to as Leeds Bradford Airport is a very cold place even in summer. Being situated on the top of a very large hill doesn't help.
Between training I've been helping Fay with decorating and fixing things about the house. Note that I'm only helping, Fay is much better at decorating than me so I let her get on with it. She enjoys it much more than I do too. Her recent health scare is well and truly in the past now too.
Although Fiona's is still ongoing and will be for quite some time probably.
Anyway that's enough of me rambling on for now ... more later.
Everything is looking up though at the moment, especially in the early morning spring sunshine. Running at the break of dawn has been a real boost for me and I feel a renewed sense of wanting to get back to running for more than a few miles at a time.
Still must stick to the schedule though. That in itself is good training ... good mental discipline to stick so rigidly to a schedule for such a prolonged period.
The recent holiday period was good, especially as Keir finally managed to get here ... and then managed to get back to Northern Ireland without any problems despite the threat of more snow. We didn't hang around at the airport any longer than we needed to as Leeds Bradford Airport is a very cold place even in summer. Being situated on the top of a very large hill doesn't help.
Between training I've been helping Fay with decorating and fixing things about the house. Note that I'm only helping, Fay is much better at decorating than me so I let her get on with it. She enjoys it much more than I do too. Her recent health scare is well and truly in the past now too.
Although Fiona's is still ongoing and will be for quite some time probably.
Anyway that's enough of me rambling on for now ... more later.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Latest News
I've recently seen that there is likely to be a third Commonwealth Mountain & Ultra Distance Championships. The organisers have invited countries to submit bids with a view to staging the races in 2015. The long term aim is still to have mountain races and ultra distance races at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast, Australia).
I represented England at both of the first two Commonwealth Championships (Keswick 2009 and Llandudno 2011) and they were extremely enjoyable events at which the camaraderie amongst the athletes of different countries and disciplines was second to none.
I will definitely be aiming for a place in the England team for 2015 and 2018 ...
... but reading the tender document put together by the Commonwealth Association of Mountain and Ultra Distance Running to help with prospective bids I see there is no mention at all of 24 hour races except on the final page. And that solitary mention is a bit ambiguous in that it could mean that the 24 hour race has been omitted from the document by mistake. Maybe. Hope so.
As you probably know I'm now running on two consecutive days (well, running and walking) and it seems to be going well. No problems at all although I sense that the walking bit is still necessary at the moment. Getting there though.
Keir finally arrived home on Sunday. He was due to arrive on Friday evening but his flight was cancelled until lunch time on Sunday. That flight took off OK and made it all the way to Yorkshire before circling over Leeds Bradford Airport for 30 mins or so. We did wonder about that but we were then even more shocked to learn that it was flying back to Manchester as there was too much snow to make a safe landing in Yorkshire. He finally arrived home at about 4.00pm on Sunday. Normally the journey from Ulster University to Otley would take him about 6 or 7 hours ... this one took an amazing 51 hours.
Hope the weather is better when he flies back at the end of next week.
Before I go, well done to Debbie M-C on her win at the Thames Path 100 mile race at the weekend. Apparently the weather was atrocious and the race was diverted from it's normal route. Personally, I wouldn't race 100 miles (161 km) only seven weeks before a 24 hour race but recovery rates vary enormously between runners and I'm sure she'll have a brilliant race in Steenbergen - and come away with another pb and Scottish record.
And finally ... all the best to those taking part in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k in Perth [Scotland, not Australia] in a few days time. Hope the temperatures increase slightly.
I represented England at both of the first two Commonwealth Championships (Keswick 2009 and Llandudno 2011) and they were extremely enjoyable events at which the camaraderie amongst the athletes of different countries and disciplines was second to none.
I will definitely be aiming for a place in the England team for 2015 and 2018 ...
... but reading the tender document put together by the Commonwealth Association of Mountain and Ultra Distance Running to help with prospective bids I see there is no mention at all of 24 hour races except on the final page. And that solitary mention is a bit ambiguous in that it could mean that the 24 hour race has been omitted from the document by mistake. Maybe. Hope so.
As you probably know I'm now running on two consecutive days (well, running and walking) and it seems to be going well. No problems at all although I sense that the walking bit is still necessary at the moment. Getting there though.
Keir finally arrived home on Sunday. He was due to arrive on Friday evening but his flight was cancelled until lunch time on Sunday. That flight took off OK and made it all the way to Yorkshire before circling over Leeds Bradford Airport for 30 mins or so. We did wonder about that but we were then even more shocked to learn that it was flying back to Manchester as there was too much snow to make a safe landing in Yorkshire. He finally arrived home at about 4.00pm on Sunday. Normally the journey from Ulster University to Otley would take him about 6 or 7 hours ... this one took an amazing 51 hours.
Hope the weather is better when he flies back at the end of next week.
Before I go, well done to Debbie M-C on her win at the Thames Path 100 mile race at the weekend. Apparently the weather was atrocious and the race was diverted from it's normal route. Personally, I wouldn't race 100 miles (161 km) only seven weeks before a 24 hour race but recovery rates vary enormously between runners and I'm sure she'll have a brilliant race in Steenbergen - and come away with another pb and Scottish record.
And finally ... all the best to those taking part in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k in Perth [Scotland, not Australia] in a few days time. Hope the temperatures increase slightly.
Friday, 22 March 2013
Keir and the World Championships
Woke up this morning to find lots of snow all around - I guess it must have been 10cm or so, everywhere. I know that isn't particularly deep but for this part of the world, near the end of March, it's lots.
Apparently there are only two places in the whole country with so much snow at the moment - Yorkshire and Northern Ireland and the consequences are that Leeds Bradford Airport and Belfast City Airport were both closed. They are open now ... but only just and with many flights cancelled or delayed.
Keir is coming home from university today for the Easter holiday. He is at Ulster University and is flying from Belfast City to Leeds Bradford. There are three flights today ... he's on the third but the first two have been cancelled. I think it's fair to say we're a bit worried at the moment.
Apart from that, news has recently appeared from British Athletics [new name for UK Athletics ... not sure why] about the team for the World 24 hr Championships in Steenbergen in May. On the men's team is John Pares, Pat Robbins, Matt Moroz, Robbie Britton and Steve Holyoak. If John is fit he should do very well - he's is capable of a top 5 placing at his best. Pat and Steve are both capable of over 240 km and I don't know too much about Robbie and Matt except that perhaps they prefer the trails. I really do hope everyone has an outstanding race though.
The women are represented by Lizzy Hawker, Emily Gelder, Debbie Martin-Consani, Sharon Law and Karen Hathaway. Lizzy broke the world 24 hr road record in her last race of this type (Llandudno - Sep 2010), Emily finished third in the last world championships and Debbie is the Scottish record holder. An excellent team and, again, I wish them all every success.
My recovery seems to be going well at the moment too. On Wednesday I had to forego my strength training and cycling though as I had to do some emergency DIY repairs in the bathroom. Without going into great detail I had to replace the light fitting, pull cord and part of the ceiling. Managed 20 minutes through the snow this morning with the same tomorrow and all in all everything seems OK.
Apparently there are only two places in the whole country with so much snow at the moment - Yorkshire and Northern Ireland and the consequences are that Leeds Bradford Airport and Belfast City Airport were both closed. They are open now ... but only just and with many flights cancelled or delayed.
Keir is coming home from university today for the Easter holiday. He is at Ulster University and is flying from Belfast City to Leeds Bradford. There are three flights today ... he's on the third but the first two have been cancelled. I think it's fair to say we're a bit worried at the moment.
Apart from that, news has recently appeared from British Athletics [new name for UK Athletics ... not sure why] about the team for the World 24 hr Championships in Steenbergen in May. On the men's team is John Pares, Pat Robbins, Matt Moroz, Robbie Britton and Steve Holyoak. If John is fit he should do very well - he's is capable of a top 5 placing at his best. Pat and Steve are both capable of over 240 km and I don't know too much about Robbie and Matt except that perhaps they prefer the trails. I really do hope everyone has an outstanding race though.
The women are represented by Lizzy Hawker, Emily Gelder, Debbie Martin-Consani, Sharon Law and Karen Hathaway. Lizzy broke the world 24 hr road record in her last race of this type (Llandudno - Sep 2010), Emily finished third in the last world championships and Debbie is the Scottish record holder. An excellent team and, again, I wish them all every success.
My recovery seems to be going well at the moment too. On Wednesday I had to forego my strength training and cycling though as I had to do some emergency DIY repairs in the bathroom. Without going into great detail I had to replace the light fitting, pull cord and part of the ceiling. Managed 20 minutes through the snow this morning with the same tomorrow and all in all everything seems OK.
Saturday, 5 January 2013
recent happenings
Keir has now returned to University in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. We were a bit worried about him travelling alone through Belfast when there is quite lot of trouble there at the moment.
He was due to arrive at about 9.00pm and we had asked him to text us when he arrived. At 10.30pm we still hadn't had a message and we were, by now, starting to get concerned. Half an hour later we sent him a text knowing that he almost always replies within a couple of minutes. Another thirty minutes passed and we decided to not go to bed until we had heard from him ... or at least knew what had happened.
Within ten minutes of that decision he phoned to say that he had forgotten to send a text [teenager speak for 'stop worrying'].
Running continues to progress, and slowly improve, which is pleasing. Running non-stop for half an hour is quite tiring though !!! Even at 8:30 per mile (5:17 per km). I know that will soon get better though.
In the meantime Here's something I've recently found which addresses the issue of whether or not to eat/drink during training. Over the past few years I've read lots of evidence and anecdotes which have been contradictory and seem to be inconclusive as to which is the better protocol. For me this article by Andy DuBois clarifies everything nicely.
To finish this post I found something on the BBC news yesterday about a man who had recently received a hand transplant - the first in the UK. And the hospital where the surgery was performed is only 10 miles (16 km) from here. What caught my attention was that he needed a new hand because of complications arising from gout. I'll make sure I take my medication and be a good patient.
He was due to arrive at about 9.00pm and we had asked him to text us when he arrived. At 10.30pm we still hadn't had a message and we were, by now, starting to get concerned. Half an hour later we sent him a text knowing that he almost always replies within a couple of minutes. Another thirty minutes passed and we decided to not go to bed until we had heard from him ... or at least knew what had happened.
Within ten minutes of that decision he phoned to say that he had forgotten to send a text [teenager speak for 'stop worrying'].
Running continues to progress, and slowly improve, which is pleasing. Running non-stop for half an hour is quite tiring though !!! Even at 8:30 per mile (5:17 per km). I know that will soon get better though.
In the meantime Here's something I've recently found which addresses the issue of whether or not to eat/drink during training. Over the past few years I've read lots of evidence and anecdotes which have been contradictory and seem to be inconclusive as to which is the better protocol. For me this article by Andy DuBois clarifies everything nicely.
To finish this post I found something on the BBC news yesterday about a man who had recently received a hand transplant - the first in the UK. And the hospital where the surgery was performed is only 10 miles (16 km) from here. What caught my attention was that he needed a new hand because of complications arising from gout. I'll make sure I take my medication and be a good patient.
Monday, 31 December 2012
my year in brief
Well ... the end of another year and for me it was a year of three parts.
The first part was spent recovering from a broken bone in my foot - falling down a flight of steps at home is not a good idea.
The second (and best ...) part was training for, and taking part in, two long ultra distance races. The first was the ULTRArace 100 mile event around the Cotswolds in England. Really enjoyed this race in stunning scenery and good weather. It was good to have Hugh Pearson (Otley AC clubmate) crewing for me and hopefully we'll be able to continue that relationship as his running and coaching experience is invaluable. My report can be read here.
The second - and most important - race was the World 24 hour Championships which were held in Poland at the beginning of September. The first 21 hours of that race were fantastic as I was on schedule for well over 240 km .. and feeling good too. The atmosphere was terrific and the crewing was brilliant (thanks go to Eleanor Robinson, Richard Brown, Adrian Stott, Rory Coleman, Marco Consani and Andy Smith). My brief report can be read here.
The third part of my running year began at 9:00am on Sunday 9 September. Injury struck during that 24 hour race as it did for about 10% of the runners. I've since learned that the IAU considered moving the race to a different part of the park because of the poor condition of the road surface and sharp corners. This report by US runner Jonathan Savage explains ...
Although I seem to have now recovered from that badly sprained ankle I was also struck down by gout in late November and early December which delayed my return to running somewhat. Thaings are now progressing nicely though and today's 20 minute run scored an encouraging 97.5 % although the abysmal weather made it very hard work.
That's a brief account of my running year but there has been other highlights too. Most notably Keir successfully passing his A levels and getting into the university of his choice - Ulster - to read History. That's been his plan for a few year's now and I'm pleased that it's come off for him. I'm so proud of his achievements too. He's worked hard for that and he deserves it ... I remember spending about an hour a day for three or four years helping him with speech therapy exercises.
And next year ... more races of course ... have fun and take care.
The first part was spent recovering from a broken bone in my foot - falling down a flight of steps at home is not a good idea.
The second (and best ...) part was training for, and taking part in, two long ultra distance races. The first was the ULTRArace 100 mile event around the Cotswolds in England. Really enjoyed this race in stunning scenery and good weather. It was good to have Hugh Pearson (Otley AC clubmate) crewing for me and hopefully we'll be able to continue that relationship as his running and coaching experience is invaluable. My report can be read here.
The second - and most important - race was the World 24 hour Championships which were held in Poland at the beginning of September. The first 21 hours of that race were fantastic as I was on schedule for well over 240 km .. and feeling good too. The atmosphere was terrific and the crewing was brilliant (thanks go to Eleanor Robinson, Richard Brown, Adrian Stott, Rory Coleman, Marco Consani and Andy Smith). My brief report can be read here.
The third part of my running year began at 9:00am on Sunday 9 September. Injury struck during that 24 hour race as it did for about 10% of the runners. I've since learned that the IAU considered moving the race to a different part of the park because of the poor condition of the road surface and sharp corners. This report by US runner Jonathan Savage explains ...
Although I seem to have now recovered from that badly sprained ankle I was also struck down by gout in late November and early December which delayed my return to running somewhat. Thaings are now progressing nicely though and today's 20 minute run scored an encouraging 97.5 % although the abysmal weather made it very hard work.
That's a brief account of my running year but there has been other highlights too. Most notably Keir successfully passing his A levels and getting into the university of his choice - Ulster - to read History. That's been his plan for a few year's now and I'm pleased that it's come off for him. I'm so proud of his achievements too. He's worked hard for that and he deserves it ... I remember spending about an hour a day for three or four years helping him with speech therapy exercises.
And next year ... more races of course ... have fun and take care.
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
rehab notes
I hope everyone has had a good Christmas.
I spent a very enjoyable day with Fay and Keir. Following our family tradition of alternating cooking responsibilities on 25 December it was Fay's turn this year.
While she was in the kitchen I went for a run, the last of this stage of my rehab. I had been alternating 5 minutes running with 5 minutes walking, beginning with a total of 10 minutes and building up to a total of 70 minutes. As many of you will know, I score these type of runs according to how 'injury free' I feel whilst running. 100% is perfect.
So far the training has gone: 90%, 92%, 90%, 98%, 90%, 95%, 90%, 97%, 97%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 97%, 97%
That's a small but definite improvement over the two weeks so I'm pleased with that. Especially as most of the aches I'm feeling seem to be because I had such a long enforced lay off rather than because of the injury itself. And illness.
Today's run was the first of the next stage which involves running without the walking breaks. Starting at 10 minutes and building up to an hour. Non stop.
In this morning's 10 minutes I ran 1.95 k (1.21 miles) but distance isn't in the least bit important at this stage - it's time on my feet that counts. At 96% the run was perhaps better than I expected considering I hadn't run 10 minutes non stop for more than 15 weeks.
Day off tomorrow then 10 more minutes on Friday.
I spent a very enjoyable day with Fay and Keir. Following our family tradition of alternating cooking responsibilities on 25 December it was Fay's turn this year.
While she was in the kitchen I went for a run, the last of this stage of my rehab. I had been alternating 5 minutes running with 5 minutes walking, beginning with a total of 10 minutes and building up to a total of 70 minutes. As many of you will know, I score these type of runs according to how 'injury free' I feel whilst running. 100% is perfect.
So far the training has gone: 90%, 92%, 90%, 98%, 90%, 95%, 90%, 97%, 97%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 97%, 97%
That's a small but definite improvement over the two weeks so I'm pleased with that. Especially as most of the aches I'm feeling seem to be because I had such a long enforced lay off rather than because of the injury itself. And illness.
Today's run was the first of the next stage which involves running without the walking breaks. Starting at 10 minutes and building up to an hour. Non stop.
In this morning's 10 minutes I ran 1.95 k (1.21 miles) but distance isn't in the least bit important at this stage - it's time on my feet that counts. At 96% the run was perhaps better than I expected considering I hadn't run 10 minutes non stop for more than 15 weeks.
Day off tomorrow then 10 more minutes on Friday.
Saturday, 22 December 2012
too busy recently
After work and training I seem to have had too many other things to do recently which has left no time to update this blog ... apologies for that but things should be back to normal now.
Visiting far flung relatives ... being a volunteer postman with the local scouts ... having the gas fire repaired ... meeting Keir at the airport ... a couple of Christmas parties ... and attending an awards ceremony at which Keir received a shield for best overall year 12 student from his old school.
The ankle seems to be holding up well to increasing training loads and I'm hopeful of being able to actually enter a race next month.
Still keeping up with the rehab exercises three times a day (which are not detailed in the 'training' tab above) and remembering to ice the area at least twice per day - although I suspect that is not really so important anymore.
Interesting to read about last weekend's Barcelona 24 hour race. Fantastic result from Matthew Moroz who finished third with 234.893 km and Robbie Britton in third with 231.392 km ... both have now qualified for the UK team at next year's World Championships in Steenbergen. WELL DONE TO THEM BOTH.
I suspect John Pares may have learned the hard way that he wasn't quite as fit as he thought he was, despite immense training in October and November. He was sixth with 222.638 km. I have no doubt he'll be ready for a good one next May. Also well done to (not so) new mum Vicky Hart who ran 164.125 km which is a new pb.
I'd like to end this post by saying that typing this hasn't really been easy after injuring my index finger this afternoon. Doing some DIY for my mother in law. She wasn't impressed to have my blood dripping all over her new carpet. I wasn't impressed by her worn out tools and lack of first aid knowledge.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
so far so good
Training so far has been very good. I know all the running is rehab stuff really but there's been no problems at all and that's encouraging.
It's a bit cold here at the moment though. Sub zero temperatures when I've been outside ... and inside too !!!
The gas fire here is broken at the moment and won't be repaired until Monday afternoon. Just in time for Keir coming home from university for a couple of weeks.
Brrrrrr ...
It's a bit cold here at the moment though. Sub zero temperatures when I've been outside ... and inside too !!!
The gas fire here is broken at the moment and won't be repaired until Monday afternoon. Just in time for Keir coming home from university for a couple of weeks.
Brrrrrr ...
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
a difficult one to write
OK here goes ...
this isn't going to be easy but ...
On Wednesday 23 October (seems such a long time ago now) I saw the specialists in Leeds and had lots of tests, etc and then came the results. Basically the original sprains were much worse than previously thought and included damage to ligaments, tendons and bones. Ouch.
Basically there is no way I should have gone to Northern Ireland with Keir and Fay one week after the injury. I should have been in hospital (or at home) recovering from surgery apparently.
The scans and x-rays showed that healing was taking place without surgery but it was likely to be a long process.
On Friday 2 November I ventured outside. Feeling good I alternated 5 minutes walking with 5 minutes running for about 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Much better than when I last tried that two weeks earlier - a definite and marked improvement. All is not lost I thought.
A couple of days ago I saw the medical men again and had more tests so they can assess how quickly healing is taking place (or not) and I've been told to repeat my last 'run' on Friday this week, using how my ankle felt on 2 November as a benchmark. I then have to email the doc on Saturday with full details of how it went.
I have been warned though, that I may never return to competitive running.
There's something to think about. And I have. Lots.
Takes me back to 1994 and an clinic appointment in Bradford a year or two after having half my right lung removed. The conversation went something like this:
new student doctor: "I understand you were a runner before you had cancer Mr Carver, what distances and pbs ?"
me: "lots of running for my school and road races since then. 10k pb of 34:21 with about 90 miles (145 km) per week training."
student doctor: "hmm ... I don't think you'll be running quite that much in future."
me: "don't be silly. If physically can run, I will run. I may not run 10k in 35 minutes ever again but there's no doubt at all I'll still be running."
Within three years of that conversation I was running 100 miles (161 km) per week and had new pbs for 5k, 5 miles and half marathon. I later set a new personal best at 10 miles and ran 10k in less than 35 minutes two further times.
The point is ... I will be back out there. HAVE NO DOUBT. Hopefully in 2013 but we'll have to wait and see.
Apologies for this post being a bit random and haphazard - that's how my running thoughts are at the moment. See you all at my next ultra.
this isn't going to be easy but ...
On Wednesday 23 October (seems such a long time ago now) I saw the specialists in Leeds and had lots of tests, etc and then came the results. Basically the original sprains were much worse than previously thought and included damage to ligaments, tendons and bones. Ouch.
Basically there is no way I should have gone to Northern Ireland with Keir and Fay one week after the injury. I should have been in hospital (or at home) recovering from surgery apparently.
The scans and x-rays showed that healing was taking place without surgery but it was likely to be a long process.
On Friday 2 November I ventured outside. Feeling good I alternated 5 minutes walking with 5 minutes running for about 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Much better than when I last tried that two weeks earlier - a definite and marked improvement. All is not lost I thought.
A couple of days ago I saw the medical men again and had more tests so they can assess how quickly healing is taking place (or not) and I've been told to repeat my last 'run' on Friday this week, using how my ankle felt on 2 November as a benchmark. I then have to email the doc on Saturday with full details of how it went.
I have been warned though, that I may never return to competitive running.
There's something to think about. And I have. Lots.
Takes me back to 1994 and an clinic appointment in Bradford a year or two after having half my right lung removed. The conversation went something like this:
new student doctor: "I understand you were a runner before you had cancer Mr Carver, what distances and pbs ?"
me: "lots of running for my school and road races since then. 10k pb of 34:21 with about 90 miles (145 km) per week training."
student doctor: "hmm ... I don't think you'll be running quite that much in future."
me: "don't be silly. If physically can run, I will run. I may not run 10k in 35 minutes ever again but there's no doubt at all I'll still be running."
Within three years of that conversation I was running 100 miles (161 km) per week and had new pbs for 5k, 5 miles and half marathon. I later set a new personal best at 10 miles and ran 10k in less than 35 minutes two further times.
The point is ... I will be back out there. HAVE NO DOUBT. Hopefully in 2013 but we'll have to wait and see.
Apologies for this post being a bit random and haphazard - that's how my running thoughts are at the moment. See you all at my next ultra.
Sunday, 23 September 2012
injury update
Arrived home from Northern Ireland a couple of days ago but since then we've been very busy - too busy to write something here anyway. Mainly tidying and cleaning Keir's room - wow, that was amazing, the things we found down the back of the sofa and under the chest of drawers and ...
That took two full days !!! and last night we went to a friend's retirement party and didn't get back home until mid morning today.
Also went to see a physiotherapist about my injured ankle. Mainly to get as accurate a diagnosis as possible so that rehab will be as effective as possible. So, the physio's verdict: two grade 2 sprains to my right ankle. That's unusual in itself but to further complicate matters both sprains are of an unusual type. The first was a high ankle sprain of the syndesmotic ligaments which connect the bones of the leg to the top of the foot. The second, which probably occurred after the first [whilst running on an already weakened ankle no doubt] was a medial or eversion ankle sprain.
Although I'm still taking ibuprofen the swelling has now 95% disappeared and the pain has gone but there is still minor discomfort when walking more than, say, 400m (0.25 mile) or up a long flight of stairs. I'm also now doing calf stretches three times daily and will begin lunges in three or four days followed by bodyweight jump squats in seven to ten days (hopefully).
In the meantime I'm maintaining as much fitness as possible with upper body and core work and I've started cycling short distances and will increase the time on the bike slowly of the next few weeks as the ankle allows. Not sure when I can start running yet but I imagine it will another week at least - and then only very short distances at first.
And on top of all that I returned from Northern Ireland with a cold. Not happy. Big toes still painful at times too.
That took two full days !!! and last night we went to a friend's retirement party and didn't get back home until mid morning today.
Also went to see a physiotherapist about my injured ankle. Mainly to get as accurate a diagnosis as possible so that rehab will be as effective as possible. So, the physio's verdict: two grade 2 sprains to my right ankle. That's unusual in itself but to further complicate matters both sprains are of an unusual type. The first was a high ankle sprain of the syndesmotic ligaments which connect the bones of the leg to the top of the foot. The second, which probably occurred after the first [whilst running on an already weakened ankle no doubt] was a medial or eversion ankle sprain.
Although I'm still taking ibuprofen the swelling has now 95% disappeared and the pain has gone but there is still minor discomfort when walking more than, say, 400m (0.25 mile) or up a long flight of stairs. I'm also now doing calf stretches three times daily and will begin lunges in three or four days followed by bodyweight jump squats in seven to ten days (hopefully).
In the meantime I'm maintaining as much fitness as possible with upper body and core work and I've started cycling short distances and will increase the time on the bike slowly of the next few weeks as the ankle allows. Not sure when I can start running yet but I imagine it will another week at least - and then only very short distances at first.
And on top of all that I returned from Northern Ireland with a cold. Not happy. Big toes still painful at times too.
Friday, 14 September 2012
injury ... university ... stats
Let me begin by getting one thing straight ... for a few days after a 24 hour race my head is all over the place (always has been) and I'm prone to making silly mistakes and doing a few stupid things [please don't mention DIY to Fay]. This time the big error was in the last post and, just to correct any errors, it is my RIGHT foot and ankle that is injured, not my left.
Yesterday was the first day since arriving home that I've been able to walk unaided - still painful and slow though. And painfully slow !!! I'll keep using ibuprofen for at least another week but ice and rest won't be so easy to come by after tomorrow. Three toes are still strapped up - including both big toes.
Tomorrow is the day Keir goes to university. So Fay and I are going (with Keir) to Coleraine in Northern Ireland for a few days to help with accommodation, shopping, etc. We'll be back (without him) on Wednesday and I'm not going to post anything until else then at the very earliest. I'll probably be too busy anyway.
Training for my next race begins then. Cycling, stretching and weight training ... not sure about running, we'll see how things progress whilst I'm in Northern Ireland.
Thanks to everyone for all the kind words on Facebook, this blog, by email and in person. They're much appreciated and really have helped ease the disappointment of only 231 km. Disappointed with 231 km - that sounds ridiculous but it is exactly how I felt.
At this moment in time I can't say whether they'll be a full race report. They probably will be but it'll be a few weeks late as rehab and university are taking up all my spare time at the moment.
OK let me finish with a few stats of which I'm very proud. I've now taken part in ten 24 hour races and what follows is a summary:
pb ... 238.286 km
average of best 2 performances ... 234.896 km
average of best 3 performances ... 233.711 km
average of best 4 performances ... 232.286 km
average of best 5 performances ... 230.381 km
average of best 6 performances ... 228.924 km
average of best 7 performances ... 227.752 km
average of best 8 performances ... 224.912 km
average of best 9 performances ... 222.439 km
average of all 10 performances ... 218.381 km
average of 2 most recent races ... 226.029 km
average of 3 most recent races ... 230.115 km
average of 4 most recent races ... 228.276 km
average of 5 most recent races ... 228.922 km
average of 6 most recent races ... 228.770 km
average of 7 most recent races ... 227.752 km
average of 8 most recent races ... 224.615 km
average of 9 most recent races ... 222.439 km
Yesterday was the first day since arriving home that I've been able to walk unaided - still painful and slow though. And painfully slow !!! I'll keep using ibuprofen for at least another week but ice and rest won't be so easy to come by after tomorrow. Three toes are still strapped up - including both big toes.
Tomorrow is the day Keir goes to university. So Fay and I are going (with Keir) to Coleraine in Northern Ireland for a few days to help with accommodation, shopping, etc. We'll be back (without him) on Wednesday and I'm not going to post anything until else then at the very earliest. I'll probably be too busy anyway.
Training for my next race begins then. Cycling, stretching and weight training ... not sure about running, we'll see how things progress whilst I'm in Northern Ireland.
Thanks to everyone for all the kind words on Facebook, this blog, by email and in person. They're much appreciated and really have helped ease the disappointment of only 231 km. Disappointed with 231 km - that sounds ridiculous but it is exactly how I felt.
At this moment in time I can't say whether they'll be a full race report. They probably will be but it'll be a few weeks late as rehab and university are taking up all my spare time at the moment.
OK let me finish with a few stats of which I'm very proud. I've now taken part in ten 24 hour races and what follows is a summary:
pb ... 238.286 km
average of best 2 performances ... 234.896 km
average of best 3 performances ... 233.711 km
average of best 4 performances ... 232.286 km
average of best 5 performances ... 230.381 km
average of best 6 performances ... 228.924 km
average of best 7 performances ... 227.752 km
average of best 8 performances ... 224.912 km
average of best 9 performances ... 222.439 km
average of all 10 performances ... 218.381 km
average of 2 most recent races ... 226.029 km
average of 3 most recent races ... 230.115 km
average of 4 most recent races ... 228.276 km
average of 5 most recent races ... 228.922 km
average of 6 most recent races ... 228.770 km
average of 7 most recent races ... 227.752 km
average of 8 most recent races ... 224.615 km
average of 9 most recent races ... 222.439 km
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
last post
Well, that's it for now. A short while ago I completed my last training session before leaving for Poland tomorrow. It was 7 x 200m in 42.7s each with a 200m jog recovery. Except that my time was about 40s each.
This morning was my last session of strength work - core mainly but also a bit of work on the legs. Right now I feel better prepared than for any of my previous 24 hr races. I'm also very aware that in long ultra races fitness is not necessarily a good indicator of performance ... there are so many other factors to consider such as nutrition, hydration, weather, crew, blisters, electrolytes, etc. I believe I've got them all covered but if I've missed anything I'm sure some other member of team GB will be able to help out.
Between the strength work early this morning and the running this afternoon I spent the time making sure everything had been packed ... especially kit and food. And then I did some more baking. Fay and Keir's favourite desserts for the weekend. Elderflower cheesecake and rose flavoured ice cream. Shame it'll be all gone by the time I return.
This will be my last post before the race but you will be able to follow the action at www.run24.eu and at www.iau-ultramarthon.org
Thanks to everyone for wishing me well. I'll write again next week.
This morning was my last session of strength work - core mainly but also a bit of work on the legs. Right now I feel better prepared than for any of my previous 24 hr races. I'm also very aware that in long ultra races fitness is not necessarily a good indicator of performance ... there are so many other factors to consider such as nutrition, hydration, weather, crew, blisters, electrolytes, etc. I believe I've got them all covered but if I've missed anything I'm sure some other member of team GB will be able to help out.
Between the strength work early this morning and the running this afternoon I spent the time making sure everything had been packed ... especially kit and food. And then I did some more baking. Fay and Keir's favourite desserts for the weekend. Elderflower cheesecake and rose flavoured ice cream. Shame it'll be all gone by the time I return.
This will be my last post before the race but you will be able to follow the action at www.run24.eu and at www.iau-ultramarthon.org
Thanks to everyone for wishing me well. I'll write again next week.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
tapering
As the big race gets ever nearer the training has now changed focus. The last week (and the next two) will see an ever increasing amount of speedwork. Got to be careful though whilst tapering ... so, more and more speedwork whilst also decreasing the total volume of training (and no long runs).
This means, in theory, that I should have recovered from all the hard training over the past few months. So, yesterday I travelled to Leeds to run one of the weekly parkrun 5k events. I had absolutely no idea what to expect but in the end I decided to go out at 18:20 pace (3:40 per km) and see what would happen.
My kilometre times were 3:41 ... 3:50 ... 3:50 ... 3:50 ... 3:31
I finished 10th out of 259 with a time of 18:42.
Slightly disappointed with that but training the day before may have left me slightly tired. I did 5 x 1200m in 4:35 each with 600m jog recovery between the efforts. A very busy week helping Keir organise himself for starting university on the 15th September probably left me slightly tired too ... all that's finished now though.
Anyway 18:42 represents an age graded time of 16:33 which is only a few seconds slower than my best ever age graded 5k time. Something positive there then.
Hopefully we'll see an improvement next week when I don't have any speedwork the day before ...
This means, in theory, that I should have recovered from all the hard training over the past few months. So, yesterday I travelled to Leeds to run one of the weekly parkrun 5k events. I had absolutely no idea what to expect but in the end I decided to go out at 18:20 pace (3:40 per km) and see what would happen.
My kilometre times were 3:41 ... 3:50 ... 3:50 ... 3:50 ... 3:31
I finished 10th out of 259 with a time of 18:42.
Slightly disappointed with that but training the day before may have left me slightly tired. I did 5 x 1200m in 4:35 each with 600m jog recovery between the efforts. A very busy week helping Keir organise himself for starting university on the 15th September probably left me slightly tired too ... all that's finished now though.
Anyway 18:42 represents an age graded time of 16:33 which is only a few seconds slower than my best ever age graded 5k time. Something positive there then.
Hopefully we'll see an improvement next week when I don't have any speedwork the day before ...
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
happy and proud ...
Busy few days ahead ...
Last Thursday Keir received his A level results. They were good and what his university of choice wanted but ...
That university was unwilling to formally offer him a place immediately !!! We have no idea why, and when he phoned to ask about it he was told they would phone him back on the Friday with a decision about whether to offer him a place or not.
So, after a few sleepless nights worrying about his results he had to wait another day. Not good. By 5.00pm on Friday they still hadn't phoned so he called them ... again. This time they told him he had to wait until Monday.
Waiting over the weekend wasn't much fun because we began to realise that if they couldn't offer him a place then most of the courses available through Clearing would have been taken. By late Monday afternoon he still hadn't heard so he phoned for a third time. This time the tale was: "sorry for the delay, you'll definitely have a decision one way or the other within the next seven days." He began to feel like he was being fobbed off.
What's going on here. Don't they realise that the longer it takes the less options are available at the end. Although Keir was panicking a bit on Thursday and Friday by now he was almost complacent. As if he knew that the longer they left it the more likely he was to be offered a place.
This morning, at about 11.30am, he received that dreaded call. At last. So ... he'll be reading History and Politics at Ulster University from Monday 17 September 2012.
Now there's all the other stuff to organise ...
Last Thursday Keir received his A level results. They were good and what his university of choice wanted but ...
That university was unwilling to formally offer him a place immediately !!! We have no idea why, and when he phoned to ask about it he was told they would phone him back on the Friday with a decision about whether to offer him a place or not.
So, after a few sleepless nights worrying about his results he had to wait another day. Not good. By 5.00pm on Friday they still hadn't phoned so he called them ... again. This time they told him he had to wait until Monday.
Waiting over the weekend wasn't much fun because we began to realise that if they couldn't offer him a place then most of the courses available through Clearing would have been taken. By late Monday afternoon he still hadn't heard so he phoned for a third time. This time the tale was: "sorry for the delay, you'll definitely have a decision one way or the other within the next seven days." He began to feel like he was being fobbed off.
What's going on here. Don't they realise that the longer it takes the less options are available at the end. Although Keir was panicking a bit on Thursday and Friday by now he was almost complacent. As if he knew that the longer they left it the more likely he was to be offered a place.
This morning, at about 11.30am, he received that dreaded call. At last. So ... he'll be reading History and Politics at Ulster University from Monday 17 September 2012.
Now there's all the other stuff to organise ...
Saturday, 2 June 2012
this week
It's been quite a busy few days since my last post ...
Tuesday 29 May - Keir's 18th birthday. He had already told us that he didn't want to spend too long celebrating as he wanted to not be distracted from his exams (which have already started). We still managed to ensure he had a memorable day though.
Wednesday 30 May - long run. Over thirty miles in the morning and strength work in the evening. My last long run before the ULTRArace 100.
Thursday 31 May - 5.5 mile race (8.9 km) race in Yeadon which forms part of the Harrogate League series. I ran 38:11 on the muddy (and slippery) trails and finished in 45th position (out of 262). Quite surprised by this for two reasons: (1) only one day after a very long run and only 6 seconds behind my best on that course, (2) I, along with about half a dozen other runners, lost about 30 seconds after taking a wrong turn in Esholt just before the long climb through the woods.
My club, Otley AC, seems to be doing very well indeed so 'well done everyone'.
Friday 1 June - 7.6 mile tempo run (12.2 km) in the afternoon. The target was 6:51 per mile (4:15 per km) and I thought I might struggle with that less than 24 hrs after quite a hard race. However, without pushing too hard, I managed 6:43 per mile (4:10 per km). The idea was to run quite fast but also to 'run to feel' - always being in control of any residual niggles from the race or long run. Pleased with that. More strength and core work in the evening.
Day off today but thing about those running the Grand Union Canal Race, especially Debs, Jerry, Pat R, Mike B and Richard Q.
Back to training tomorrow but I'm now in tapering mode for three weeks. I just hope the recent summer weather holds out and we don't have 12 hours of rain on 22/23 June.
Tuesday 29 May - Keir's 18th birthday. He had already told us that he didn't want to spend too long celebrating as he wanted to not be distracted from his exams (which have already started). We still managed to ensure he had a memorable day though.
Wednesday 30 May - long run. Over thirty miles in the morning and strength work in the evening. My last long run before the ULTRArace 100.
Thursday 31 May - 5.5 mile race (8.9 km) race in Yeadon which forms part of the Harrogate League series. I ran 38:11 on the muddy (and slippery) trails and finished in 45th position (out of 262). Quite surprised by this for two reasons: (1) only one day after a very long run and only 6 seconds behind my best on that course, (2) I, along with about half a dozen other runners, lost about 30 seconds after taking a wrong turn in Esholt just before the long climb through the woods.
My club, Otley AC, seems to be doing very well indeed so 'well done everyone'.
Friday 1 June - 7.6 mile tempo run (12.2 km) in the afternoon. The target was 6:51 per mile (4:15 per km) and I thought I might struggle with that less than 24 hrs after quite a hard race. However, without pushing too hard, I managed 6:43 per mile (4:10 per km). The idea was to run quite fast but also to 'run to feel' - always being in control of any residual niggles from the race or long run. Pleased with that. More strength and core work in the evening.
Day off today but thing about those running the Grand Union Canal Race, especially Debs, Jerry, Pat R, Mike B and Richard Q.
Back to training tomorrow but I'm now in tapering mode for three weeks. I just hope the recent summer weather holds out and we don't have 12 hours of rain on 22/23 June.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
from 5k to 24 hours
Apologies for not posting for a while but I've been a bit busy recently ... and Fay was ill at the start of last week which didn't help (but she seems OK now though).
Yesterday I ran in my first open race of the year. It was only a local 5k but it was good for speedwork and after running to and from the venue provided another 20 miles or so (32 km) to my weekly total of over 90 (145 km). I was very pleased to complete the three lap 5k in 9th position with a time of 19:58, especially as the 373 other runners caused a bit of blockage on the second and third laps.
Also pleased with that run because on 28 May last year I did the same race (and also ran to the start) with a time of 20:59 ... so that's an improvement of over a minute in twelve months which bodes well for the ULTRArace 100 which is less than 6 weeks away now.
I've also been experimenting with flapjack. I've been using homemade flapjack to fuel my long runs for a few months now. Recently I had a thought that perhaps I could fortify it with added electrolytes and/or extra vitamins and minerals, especially for long ultra races where electrolytes are very important.
Well, I made a batch yesterday afternoon and to the 1000g flapjack mixture I added 16g salt and also some extra B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, zinc, selenium, calcium and magnesium. I added the quantities needed for my next ultra race after taking into account all the other stuff I plan to eat and drink. I've had a small piece of the finished product to see if it is palatable ... and it's not too bad (very slightly salty) but I'll have more of an idea about whether it may be suitable after Tuesday's long run when it gets it's first road test. More details later.
I'll have to get myself a digital camera.
On Friday Fay managed to find some coffee from Thailand. I've never actually come across any Thailand coffee for sale so that was a big surprise - it's quite good too if a little mild for my taste.
And it's Keir's 18th birthday at the end of this month so that's something he's looking forward too. Today we booked his accommodation in Belfast for when he starts university there in September. Yes, I know he hasn't even taken his A levels yet but apparently they want accommodation to be booked first - and a £300 bond paid too !!!
This weekend has also seen the annual Basel 24 hr race in Switzerland in which several UK athletes were attempting to get World Championship qualifying distances before the end of May. I'm not sure of any distances or results other than John Pares finished first. Congratulations to him ... it's practically a home town race for John though :)
Yesterday I ran in my first open race of the year. It was only a local 5k but it was good for speedwork and after running to and from the venue provided another 20 miles or so (32 km) to my weekly total of over 90 (145 km). I was very pleased to complete the three lap 5k in 9th position with a time of 19:58, especially as the 373 other runners caused a bit of blockage on the second and third laps.
Also pleased with that run because on 28 May last year I did the same race (and also ran to the start) with a time of 20:59 ... so that's an improvement of over a minute in twelve months which bodes well for the ULTRArace 100 which is less than 6 weeks away now.
I've also been experimenting with flapjack. I've been using homemade flapjack to fuel my long runs for a few months now. Recently I had a thought that perhaps I could fortify it with added electrolytes and/or extra vitamins and minerals, especially for long ultra races where electrolytes are very important.
Well, I made a batch yesterday afternoon and to the 1000g flapjack mixture I added 16g salt and also some extra B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, zinc, selenium, calcium and magnesium. I added the quantities needed for my next ultra race after taking into account all the other stuff I plan to eat and drink. I've had a small piece of the finished product to see if it is palatable ... and it's not too bad (very slightly salty) but I'll have more of an idea about whether it may be suitable after Tuesday's long run when it gets it's first road test. More details later.
I'll have to get myself a digital camera.
On Friday Fay managed to find some coffee from Thailand. I've never actually come across any Thailand coffee for sale so that was a big surprise - it's quite good too if a little mild for my taste.
And it's Keir's 18th birthday at the end of this month so that's something he's looking forward too. Today we booked his accommodation in Belfast for when he starts university there in September. Yes, I know he hasn't even taken his A levels yet but apparently they want accommodation to be booked first - and a £300 bond paid too !!!
This weekend has also seen the annual Basel 24 hr race in Switzerland in which several UK athletes were attempting to get World Championship qualifying distances before the end of May. I'm not sure of any distances or results other than John Pares finished first. Congratulations to him ... it's practically a home town race for John though :)
Sunday, 6 May 2012
bits and pieces
Well, today is the first day of my next 4 week training block. As usual my last block ended with an 'easy week' in which I reduced everything by one third. My three runs last week were a 6 mile (9.6 km) tempo run, a long run of almost 44 miles (71 km) and some hill reps (10 x Farnley Lane in Otley).
Some of the strength work I had planned wasn't completed but that was due mainly to wedding anniversary celebrations (24 years) and not injury. Having said that, my left knee does seem to be aching a bit today.
I've also been home alone all weekend as Fay and Keir have been camping in Harrogate with hundreds of scouts from all over Yorkshire. I'm sure they're having lots of fun but it's been very cold at night ... too cold for me to be under canvas.
Like lots of others I've been following the trials and tribulations of the eleven runners who left John O'Groats 16 days ago heading for Land's End. It's been a fascinating journey and one which I have found immensely inspiring. I know I'll be thinking about what they achieved as I complete another long run in the rain tomorrow :(
Many congratulations to Rainer Koch on winning the event. It has been a privilege to follow his progress day after day through the rain.
Much like my training last month really.
Some of the strength work I had planned wasn't completed but that was due mainly to wedding anniversary celebrations (24 years) and not injury. Having said that, my left knee does seem to be aching a bit today.
I've also been home alone all weekend as Fay and Keir have been camping in Harrogate with hundreds of scouts from all over Yorkshire. I'm sure they're having lots of fun but it's been very cold at night ... too cold for me to be under canvas.
Like lots of others I've been following the trials and tribulations of the eleven runners who left John O'Groats 16 days ago heading for Land's End. It's been a fascinating journey and one which I have found immensely inspiring. I know I'll be thinking about what they achieved as I complete another long run in the rain tomorrow :(
Many congratulations to Rainer Koch on winning the event. It has been a privilege to follow his progress day after day through the rain.
Much like my training last month really.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
very long run completed
As most of you will know I spent much of yesterday running a hilly 43.8 miles (70.5 km) in the Yorkshire Dales with Hugh Pearson crewing for me for the first time.
It went exceptionally well and I'm very pleased at how things worked out. I think Hugh learned a lot about how this crewing thing works but he was also very happy about how it all went. He did a fair bit of running himself too :)
The new nutrition strategy worked wonders too - giving me plenty of energy for running up a few big hills such as the one south of Bewerley which took me past Yorke's Folly [OS 1:25000 map - Explorer26 - ref 157643 to 156634].
Overall the route took us from the car park just north of Timble to Fewston, Wydra then via Penny Pot Lane to Hampsthwaite where Hugh managed to squeeze a 7' 6" wide vehicle (2.29m) across a bridge which was just 6' 6" in width (1.98m). Don't know how he did that :)
From there we went via Clint, Shaw Mills and Bishop Thornton to Markington where we turned north towards Fountains Abbey. Here Hugh performed his second miracle of the day by getting his heavy motor home across a bridge with a weight restriction of 3 tonnes and then around a few sharp twists and turns in the road while avoiding two cars and a lorry coming in the opposite direction.
From there we continued north through Winksley to Laverton and shortly after this we encountered another problem - the road over the moors towards Pateley Bridge was closed to traffic because of re-surfacing works. I knew I could manage for well over an hour without the need for more food and drink but at this point I half expected Hugh's inexperience to show ... there was none of that, and with no more than a 30 second conversation we decided I should continue and he should just take the suggested detour and meet me further along our planned route.
From there it was down to Blazefield and Bewerley followed by the large hill mentioned earlier. Then south to Thruscross Reservoir and back to Otley via Blubberhouses (and a couple more large hills).
So, a very good 7 hours out on the roads in which we both learned a lot which will be good for the ULTRArace 100 which is now less than eight weeks away. Really looking forward to that.
And so to today ... woke at 4.00am this morning as Keir was going on a school trip to Auschwitz - for the day !!! He had to be at the airport for 5.00am and we're glad it's only 3 miles away (5 km). His flight home arrives at 10.30pm so today will be a long one with not much sleep :(
Already feeling a bit sleepy ...
zzzzzzz
It went exceptionally well and I'm very pleased at how things worked out. I think Hugh learned a lot about how this crewing thing works but he was also very happy about how it all went. He did a fair bit of running himself too :)
The new nutrition strategy worked wonders too - giving me plenty of energy for running up a few big hills such as the one south of Bewerley which took me past Yorke's Folly [OS 1:25000 map - Explorer26 - ref 157643 to 156634].
Overall the route took us from the car park just north of Timble to Fewston, Wydra then via Penny Pot Lane to Hampsthwaite where Hugh managed to squeeze a 7' 6" wide vehicle (2.29m) across a bridge which was just 6' 6" in width (1.98m). Don't know how he did that :)
From there we went via Clint, Shaw Mills and Bishop Thornton to Markington where we turned north towards Fountains Abbey. Here Hugh performed his second miracle of the day by getting his heavy motor home across a bridge with a weight restriction of 3 tonnes and then around a few sharp twists and turns in the road while avoiding two cars and a lorry coming in the opposite direction.
From there we continued north through Winksley to Laverton and shortly after this we encountered another problem - the road over the moors towards Pateley Bridge was closed to traffic because of re-surfacing works. I knew I could manage for well over an hour without the need for more food and drink but at this point I half expected Hugh's inexperience to show ... there was none of that, and with no more than a 30 second conversation we decided I should continue and he should just take the suggested detour and meet me further along our planned route.
From there it was down to Blazefield and Bewerley followed by the large hill mentioned earlier. Then south to Thruscross Reservoir and back to Otley via Blubberhouses (and a couple more large hills).
So, a very good 7 hours out on the roads in which we both learned a lot which will be good for the ULTRArace 100 which is now less than eight weeks away. Really looking forward to that.
And so to today ... woke at 4.00am this morning as Keir was going on a school trip to Auschwitz - for the day !!! He had to be at the airport for 5.00am and we're glad it's only 3 miles away (5 km). His flight home arrives at 10.30pm so today will be a long one with not much sleep :(
Already feeling a bit sleepy ...
zzzzzzz
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