Tooting Bec 24 hr race - London. It appears the mistake lay with the organisers ... William Sichel will indeed be there and running.
Just found this interesting article. What do you think about it in the context of ultra distance running ?
No running today - just cycling, strength stuff and stretching.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Friday, 19 September 2008
London entries
Twenty three miles yesterday. The first 20 were at 7:50 per mile and then the last three were at 7:17 per mile ... and it was easy. The whole lot took well under three hours.
Tempo run this afternoon - seven miles in 47 minutes. Not too difficult but the headwind in the last mile and a half didn't help.
In the post this morning came the start list, and other stuff, for the Tooting Bec 24 hr race in London. At first glance a couple of things are noticeable:
1) there are at least three other Englishmen in the field who are capable of running 225k, ie the qualifying distance for next year's Commonwealth Championships. The three are Ken Fancett, Jim Rogers and Chris Finill. I've just re read the selection criteria and it does specify that up to six men will be included.
2) William Sichel isn't listed even though his website is still showing that he's taking part. Obviously there's a mistake somewhere.
3) Sharon Gayter is on the list although she writes on her website that she only starting running again in mid August following a stress fracture.
Tempo run this afternoon - seven miles in 47 minutes. Not too difficult but the headwind in the last mile and a half didn't help.
In the post this morning came the start list, and other stuff, for the Tooting Bec 24 hr race in London. At first glance a couple of things are noticeable:
1) there are at least three other Englishmen in the field who are capable of running 225k, ie the qualifying distance for next year's Commonwealth Championships. The three are Ken Fancett, Jim Rogers and Chris Finill. I've just re read the selection criteria and it does specify that up to six men will be included.
2) William Sichel isn't listed even though his website is still showing that he's taking part. Obviously there's a mistake somewhere.
3) Sharon Gayter is on the list although she writes on her website that she only starting running again in mid August following a stress fracture.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Yesterday's Tiredness
Yesterday morning I felt unusually tired so, on looking at my training schedule and diary, I discovered that my previous six days training had been:
Wed: 22 miles and 35 mins of strength exercises
Thu: 22+ miles [quite a bit quicker]
Fri: 11+ miles steady and 50 mins cycling
Sat: 50 mins cycling and 35 mins of strength exercises
Sun: Wetherby 10k
Mon: 23 miles
That's over 85 miles of running ... no wonder I felt a bit tired.
So, instead of my planned quickish 23 miler, I only did 10 miles but included strength exercises and some cycling.
Today is complete rest and tomorrow will be the long run.
Time to start looking for some decent decaffeinated coffee ... has anyone out there got any ideas ? While tapering for the Hull race earlier this year I used mainly Starbucks Decaf House Blend which is now my favourite, but there must be something better. I might try Whittards of Chelsea.
I have heard that decaf Sumatra is really good ... but I've not seen any for sale though.
PS. many thanks to Paul Clifford [and family] for the lift to and from Wetherby on Sunday. He was justifiably pleased with his 40:55 from very little training.
PPS. I've rearranged the stuff down the left hand side and at the bottom - and added a few things too - please take a look.
Wed: 22 miles and 35 mins of strength exercises
Thu: 22+ miles [quite a bit quicker]
Fri: 11+ miles steady and 50 mins cycling
Sat: 50 mins cycling and 35 mins of strength exercises
Sun: Wetherby 10k
Mon: 23 miles
That's over 85 miles of running ... no wonder I felt a bit tired.
So, instead of my planned quickish 23 miler, I only did 10 miles but included strength exercises and some cycling.
Today is complete rest and tomorrow will be the long run.
Time to start looking for some decent decaffeinated coffee ... has anyone out there got any ideas ? While tapering for the Hull race earlier this year I used mainly Starbucks Decaf House Blend which is now my favourite, but there must be something better. I might try Whittards of Chelsea.
I have heard that decaf Sumatra is really good ... but I've not seen any for sale though.
PS. many thanks to Paul Clifford [and family] for the lift to and from Wetherby on Sunday. He was justifiably pleased with his 40:55 from very little training.
PPS. I've rearranged the stuff down the left hand side and at the bottom - and added a few things too - please take a look.
Monday, 15 September 2008
Results
Yesterday I took part in the Wetherby 10k. I finished in 35th position with a time of 38:38 which I'm very pleased with this as it represents an age graded performance of 35:16.
This age graded time is my best age graded 10k time since the Harrogate 10k on 26 July 1998 where I ran 34:52 (34:14 age graded). Obviously my training is going well at the moment - especially as I'm keeping up the two long runs per week and ran a total of 75 miles for the week ending Sunday 14 September.
This morning I went for a 23 mile run which took in a stretch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal between Dowley Gap and Apperley Bridge. I then ran up the BIG hill to Rawdon before continuing home via Guiseley and Menston.
I ran up the big hill to Rawdon because for my next race - Horsforth 10k - I plan to run the 6.5 miles to the start before the race and then run the 6.5 miles home again which will involve this hill.
On the canal towpath I came across Ian Fisher out running (winner of many local races over the last 10 years or so - won the Leeds half marathon 8 days ago). Stopped for a brief chat ... which I was pleased about as I was beginning to flag a bit at that point.
Also yesterday was the Perth 24 hr race which, contrary to what I wrote earlier, did not count Sam Black among the list of competitors. He did tell me himself that he was taking part though.
The winner was Stephen Mason who completed a brilliant 239.396 km (148.755 miles) which is the best British performance for at least four years. William Sichel ran 201.671 km (125.312 miles) for fourth place [2nd man] in the race which saw the first woman break the Scottish record. Well done to them all - especially as it been wet for a good proportion of the race.
Stephen's distance has meant an update to the rankings page.
Also updated this page.
This age graded time is my best age graded 10k time since the Harrogate 10k on 26 July 1998 where I ran 34:52 (34:14 age graded). Obviously my training is going well at the moment - especially as I'm keeping up the two long runs per week and ran a total of 75 miles for the week ending Sunday 14 September.
This morning I went for a 23 mile run which took in a stretch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal between Dowley Gap and Apperley Bridge. I then ran up the BIG hill to Rawdon before continuing home via Guiseley and Menston.
I ran up the big hill to Rawdon because for my next race - Horsforth 10k - I plan to run the 6.5 miles to the start before the race and then run the 6.5 miles home again which will involve this hill.
On the canal towpath I came across Ian Fisher out running (winner of many local races over the last 10 years or so - won the Leeds half marathon 8 days ago). Stopped for a brief chat ... which I was pleased about as I was beginning to flag a bit at that point.
Also yesterday was the Perth 24 hr race which, contrary to what I wrote earlier, did not count Sam Black among the list of competitors. He did tell me himself that he was taking part though.
The winner was Stephen Mason who completed a brilliant 239.396 km (148.755 miles) which is the best British performance for at least four years. William Sichel ran 201.671 km (125.312 miles) for fourth place [2nd man] in the race which saw the first woman break the Scottish record. Well done to them all - especially as it been wet for a good proportion of the race.
Stephen's distance has meant an update to the rankings page.
Also updated this page.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
10k race tomorrow
Yesterday I ran 11+ miles but unfortunately, after about 10 miles, I stepped on the kerb quite badly and twisted my ankle. Managed to get home OK but then I immediately began ice therapy and ibuprofen.
Seems much better today but I'm going to take each day as it comes.
Looking forward to tomorrow's 10k race in Wetherby. The last time I seriously raced 10k was at the Abbey Dash in November 2004 when I managed 38:15.
If my ankle feels up to it tomorrow afternoon I'll aim for under 40 minutes. Last year I ran the 17 miles to Wetherby ... recorded 40:50 in the race ... then ran home again. I'm definitely fitter this year, and not running 17 miles beforehand - 40 mins should be achievable then.
Seems much better today but I'm going to take each day as it comes.
Looking forward to tomorrow's 10k race in Wetherby. The last time I seriously raced 10k was at the Abbey Dash in November 2004 when I managed 38:15.
If my ankle feels up to it tomorrow afternoon I'll aim for under 40 minutes. Last year I ran the 17 miles to Wetherby ... recorded 40:50 in the race ... then ran home again. I'm definitely fitter this year, and not running 17 miles beforehand - 40 mins should be achievable then.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Training and planning
Yesterday's 22 miler incorporated Burley, Menston, Guiseley, Horsforth, Kirkstall, Headingley, Bramhope and back to Otley. Overall the pace was about 8:20 per mile.
In the evening I spent 35 mins doing strength exercises.
This afternoon's 22 miler was on the Otley 10 route and was well under 8 min miling. The last four miles were 30 mins 10 seconds.
Not sure where I'll run tomorrow - I'll decide while I'm on the bike in the morning.
Now I'm beginning to seriously plan my nutrition for London and, as always, I'm looking to improve things slightly. Research is ongoing into electrolyte replacement amongst other things.
All the best to William Sichel and Sam Black who are taking part in the Perth 24 hr race this weekend. This sounds like it will be a really good event and I hope it'll continue in future years. I know the organisers are hoping the course will prove suitable for the IAU World 24 hr Challenge sometime soon.
I'm off to Wetherby for a 10k race.
In the evening I spent 35 mins doing strength exercises.
This afternoon's 22 miler was on the Otley 10 route and was well under 8 min miling. The last four miles were 30 mins 10 seconds.
Not sure where I'll run tomorrow - I'll decide while I'm on the bike in the morning.
Now I'm beginning to seriously plan my nutrition for London and, as always, I'm looking to improve things slightly. Research is ongoing into electrolyte replacement amongst other things.
All the best to William Sichel and Sam Black who are taking part in the Perth 24 hr race this weekend. This sounds like it will be a really good event and I hope it'll continue in future years. I know the organisers are hoping the course will prove suitable for the IAU World 24 hr Challenge sometime soon.
I'm off to Wetherby for a 10k race.
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
friends & family results
I was going to write a post last night but forgot - so here it is ...
Keir ran well in the 1 mile fun run. He finished in approx 25th place with 7 mins 06. Not bad considering he does absolutely no training at all. Oh yes ... while I remember ... at his school sports day last July he came first in the high jump (again, no training at all) with 1.35m.
At the accompanying half marathon in Leeds on Sunday morning, Ian Fisher won easily proving that he is over his major injury concerns earlier in the year. His time was just over 69 mins.
Meanwhile Simon Anderson had a poor run and came home in just over 1h 30. He's running the Amsterdam marathon the same weekend as my next 24 hr race. I'll be thinking of him ... his race will last about 3 hours. Hope he remembers that my race will last eight times as long.
Ah yes ... Phil Robertson completed A Coventry Way in 8h 08 at the weekend in apparently difficult circumstances. Read more here.
At the moment I'm planning my week of 'crash training' which will begin on Monday 22 September and will conclude with the Horsforth 10k on Sunday 28 September. Daily updates will be posted as they were in June this year. Need to take on board extra vitamins B and C before and during crash training so I've spent some time recently planning my diet for the two weeks beginning 15 September.
Today is a training free day - I have an average of one per week - where all I do is rehab stuff. At the moment I'm running a bath and using some toiletries from Lush which I find very good for relaxing and muscular aches, etc. (wiccy magic muscle [massage bar], ma bar [bubble bar], elixir [bath ballistic]) ... brilliant stuff.
22 miles tomorrow, 22 miles on Thursday and 11 on Friday to look forward to !!!
Keir ran well in the 1 mile fun run. He finished in approx 25th place with 7 mins 06. Not bad considering he does absolutely no training at all. Oh yes ... while I remember ... at his school sports day last July he came first in the high jump (again, no training at all) with 1.35m.
At the accompanying half marathon in Leeds on Sunday morning, Ian Fisher won easily proving that he is over his major injury concerns earlier in the year. His time was just over 69 mins.
Meanwhile Simon Anderson had a poor run and came home in just over 1h 30. He's running the Amsterdam marathon the same weekend as my next 24 hr race. I'll be thinking of him ... his race will last about 3 hours. Hope he remembers that my race will last eight times as long.
Ah yes ... Phil Robertson completed A Coventry Way in 8h 08 at the weekend in apparently difficult circumstances. Read more here.
At the moment I'm planning my week of 'crash training' which will begin on Monday 22 September and will conclude with the Horsforth 10k on Sunday 28 September. Daily updates will be posted as they were in June this year. Need to take on board extra vitamins B and C before and during crash training so I've spent some time recently planning my diet for the two weeks beginning 15 September.
Today is a training free day - I have an average of one per week - where all I do is rehab stuff. At the moment I'm running a bath and using some toiletries from Lush which I find very good for relaxing and muscular aches, etc. (wiccy magic muscle [massage bar], ma bar [bubble bar], elixir [bath ballistic]) ... brilliant stuff.
22 miles tomorrow, 22 miles on Thursday and 11 on Friday to look forward to !!!
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Shorter runs recently
After my very long run I had a day off and then, on Friday I ran 6 miles fartlek - basically 7 mins hard and 5:15 easy, repeated, on a hilly route.
This morning was 5 miles tempo (6:30 per mile) on a flatish route but through a very large puddle (sorry ... flood) about 2 miles from home.
Tomorrow Keir is taking part in the 1 mile fun run held in conjunction with the Leeds half marathon. He's raising money for Bradford Royal Infirmary - the hospital which has treated his father (me ...) on numerous occasions over the years: testicular cancer, lung cancer, broken bones, and a rare and serious illness as a child - a recurrent papilloma on my larynx.
Also updated this page.
This morning was 5 miles tempo (6:30 per mile) on a flatish route but through a very large puddle (sorry ... flood) about 2 miles from home.
Tomorrow Keir is taking part in the 1 mile fun run held in conjunction with the Leeds half marathon. He's raising money for Bradford Royal Infirmary - the hospital which has treated his father (me ...) on numerous occasions over the years: testicular cancer, lung cancer, broken bones, and a rare and serious illness as a child - a recurrent papilloma on my larynx.
Also updated this page.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Very Long Run
This morning I caught an early train to York and once there called at Starbucks for a large breakfast and coffee ... caffeine is good for these very long runs !!
I then ran back to Otley along the Ebor Way. The route basically is south along the bank of the River Ouse to Copmanthorpe, then east along the line of a Roman Road to Tadcaster.
From there it's along the River Wharfe to Wetherby and Harewood where the path heads uphill to Harewood House. Then the route is along a ridge which was apparently used by Iron Age merchants on their journeys between Ireland and Germany.
At Bramhope I took the direct route into Otley which meant I probably covered about 34 - 35 miles in total in a running time of approx. 4h 47
All in all this was an enjoyable run, quicker and easier than expected.
I also made my own isotonic drinks for the journey. This is the first time I've done this and it was surprisingly easy. I've put the recipe on this page.
I then ran back to Otley along the Ebor Way. The route basically is south along the bank of the River Ouse to Copmanthorpe, then east along the line of a Roman Road to Tadcaster.
From there it's along the River Wharfe to Wetherby and Harewood where the path heads uphill to Harewood House. Then the route is along a ridge which was apparently used by Iron Age merchants on their journeys between Ireland and Germany.
At Bramhope I took the direct route into Otley which meant I probably covered about 34 - 35 miles in total in a running time of approx. 4h 47
All in all this was an enjoyable run, quicker and easier than expected.
I also made my own isotonic drinks for the journey. This is the first time I've done this and it was surprisingly easy. I've put the recipe on this page.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Not much happening
After yesterday free of training - all I did was rehab stuff - today I'm back with the cycling and strength training before tomorrow's long run.
The plan is to cover 31 - 32 miles and this will be my longest run before my next ultra race next month.
All the best to Phil Robertson and Paul Tranter for their 40 miler around Coventry at the weekend. I know their training hasn't gone well recently but I'm sure they'll enjoy themselves in the midlands.
The plan is to cover 31 - 32 miles and this will be my longest run before my next ultra race next month.
All the best to Phil Robertson and Paul Tranter for their 40 miler around Coventry at the weekend. I know their training hasn't gone well recently but I'm sure they'll enjoy themselves in the midlands.
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