Recent training has been going well and I've now started including more speedwork as it's only 10 weeks before the Commonwealth Championships. The organising committee have set up a new website at http://www.cmudc2011.org/en/ Well worth a look.
A couple of long runs last Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning showed that I've recovered from the 100 miler. The Monday run especially as that was my first long fartlek since 31 May.
Yesterday evening I took part, again, in the Otley AC organised Washburn Valley Relay for the club's B team. Sadly I'm not quick enough any more for the A team although someone mentioned that for a club to have an international runner in their B team ...
I ran the first leg (of three) and covered the 3.02 undulating miles in about 20:30. Pleased with that as it improves my course best by about 50 seconds. An excellent event at which there appeared to be a record number of teams taking part - the large car park was overflowing. Official results are not available yet but check the club's website in a few days and I'm sure they'll be there. Thanks to Nick Hodgkinson, John Dade, Andrew Robertshaw and Julian Mawson for their work in organising this relay in, what regular readers will know, is my favourite local running location.
This morning, bright and early [well it was when I left home !!!] I ventured out for a session of hill reps up and down Newall Carr Bank on the northern outskirts of Otley. After about 20 minutes it began raining and progressively got worse over then next hour or so. I just smiled to myself as I remembered the ULTRArace.100 in the Cotswolds when it rained continually for 12 hours or so.
After that deluge I'm sure I'll never be put off by rain ever again.
Showing posts with label Washburn Valley Relay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washburn Valley Relay. Show all posts
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Washburn Valley Relay
Friday night was the annual Washburn Valley Relay and I ran for Otley Mixed A on the four mile stage 2. This has always been one of my favourite events as it takes place in one of my all time favourite running places - and it's just seven miles north of where I live too.
My stage comprised one complete circuit of Fewston Reservoir and I've raced along those paths seven times previously. Those previous times were:
19 June 1999 ... Otley AC handicap ... 24:03
25 May 2000 ... Otley AC handicap ... 24:57
6 June 2000 ... Washburn Valley Relay ... 24:17
6 June 2002 ... Otley AC handicap ... 27:12
24 July 2003 ... Otley AC handicap ... 27:23
14 June 2004 ... Otley AC handicap ... 28:17
17 April 2007 ... Otley AC handicap ... 26:23
16 July 2010 ... Washburn Valley Relay ... 25:47
My time this year was most surprising as it was my quickest in over ten years. I was not expecting that at all - the path around the reservoir is undulating, twisting and very narrow in places - how I managed to pass thirteen people I'll never know.
My team, which also comprised Sharron Smith and Renee Saxton finished 16th overall (out of 50) and second mixed team behind Pudsey Pacers.
Also, for the first time this year, there was a relay for junior runners on a 1.1 mile circuit. Overall a brilliant event at which I met up again with Helen Barber and Tony Hazell who played such a large part in last year's epic Run To London.
Thanks to everyone for organising and helping stage such an enjoyable event: Nick Hodgkinson, Julian Mawson, Chris Stacey, Andrew Robertshaw, Hugh Pearson, John Armitstead, Beate Schmidt-Rohlfing and I'm sure there are a few more whose names escape me ... apologies to them but well done.
My stage comprised one complete circuit of Fewston Reservoir and I've raced along those paths seven times previously. Those previous times were:
19 June 1999 ... Otley AC handicap ... 24:03
25 May 2000 ... Otley AC handicap ... 24:57
6 June 2000 ... Washburn Valley Relay ... 24:17
6 June 2002 ... Otley AC handicap ... 27:12
24 July 2003 ... Otley AC handicap ... 27:23
14 June 2004 ... Otley AC handicap ... 28:17
17 April 2007 ... Otley AC handicap ... 26:23
16 July 2010 ... Washburn Valley Relay ... 25:47
My time this year was most surprising as it was my quickest in over ten years. I was not expecting that at all - the path around the reservoir is undulating, twisting and very narrow in places - how I managed to pass thirteen people I'll never know.
My team, which also comprised Sharron Smith and Renee Saxton finished 16th overall (out of 50) and second mixed team behind Pudsey Pacers.
Also, for the first time this year, there was a relay for junior runners on a 1.1 mile circuit. Overall a brilliant event at which I met up again with Helen Barber and Tony Hazell who played such a large part in last year's epic Run To London.
Thanks to everyone for organising and helping stage such an enjoyable event: Nick Hodgkinson, Julian Mawson, Chris Stacey, Andrew Robertshaw, Hugh Pearson, John Armitstead, Beate Schmidt-Rohlfing and I'm sure there are a few more whose names escape me ... apologies to them but well done.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Washburn Valley Relay
Despite the rain - heavy at times - and the extremely muddy conditions a very good time was had by all everyone in this years Washburn Valley Relay which took place a couple of days ago. If my memory is correct it often seems to rain at this popular summer evening relay.
Anyway I ran the first stage for my team ... probably the muddiest stage ... and was pleased to record 21:38 for the 3.25 miles. Especially as trail running isn't exactly my favourite racing surface. The track through the woods to the north of Fewston Reservoir was really bad in places.
My trail shoes helped a lot though ... Innov 8 Terroc 330 ... the grip on mud and wet trails is brilliant, not much grip on wet stones, rocks, etc but that didn't matter in this race.
Otley AC won the event and my team finished 39th out of 54.
Thanks to all the organisers, timekeepers, etc for putting on a good event in bad weather.
This afternoon I completed a tempo run of six miles. The plan was to run at about 10k pace but the wind wasn't going to make it easy. My target was 6:37.4 to 6:42.0 per mile and my splits were: 6:18 ... 6:24 ... 6:53 ... 6:35 ... 6:42 ... 6:50. Very pleased with this especially after it comes only a week after a quick 46 miler [see Monday 13 July 2009] and less than 48 hours after the Washburn Valley Relay.
Anyway I ran the first stage for my team ... probably the muddiest stage ... and was pleased to record 21:38 for the 3.25 miles. Especially as trail running isn't exactly my favourite racing surface. The track through the woods to the north of Fewston Reservoir was really bad in places.
My trail shoes helped a lot though ... Innov 8 Terroc 330 ... the grip on mud and wet trails is brilliant, not much grip on wet stones, rocks, etc but that didn't matter in this race.
Otley AC won the event and my team finished 39th out of 54.
Thanks to all the organisers, timekeepers, etc for putting on a good event in bad weather.
This afternoon I completed a tempo run of six miles. The plan was to run at about 10k pace but the wind wasn't going to make it easy. My target was 6:37.4 to 6:42.0 per mile and my splits were: 6:18 ... 6:24 ... 6:53 ... 6:35 ... 6:42 ... 6:50. Very pleased with this especially after it comes only a week after a quick 46 miler [see Monday 13 July 2009] and less than 48 hours after the Washburn Valley Relay.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
long runs
Yesterday morning I had a good long hilly run around Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs. Although the paths around the reservoirs are not really hilly - they're not flat though - and the road to/from my house also includes some serious climbing.
I knew the weather was going to be hot so I decided to run in the coolest part of the day - morning. When I left home at 8.30am the thermometer showed 19 degrees C (68 degrees F) in the shade. On the exposed hill top roads of the first and last five miles it was quite a bit hotter. The trails were excellent and had lots of trees providing nice shade. A really enjoyable run in one of my favourite local places.
When I arrived back home at 11.50am (after 21+ miles of running) the temperature had risen to 24 degrees C (75 degrees F).
This is the area where Otley AC stage their annual Washburn Valley Relay.
Today I decided on a different route of exactly the same distance (21+ miles). This time I ran up the valley to Chelker Reservoir and back. Not as hilly but with a bad climb at the far side of Addingham. Included in this run was 10 x 5 minutes at 10k pace - hard work but enjoyable. I left home at 8.30am again when the temperature was 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). When I got back home at 11.25am the temperature had risen to 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) but it was far sunnier than yesterday.
Only nine days to go before my next race - Hull 24 hr track race (but, as you know, I'm only running 100 miles).
I knew the weather was going to be hot so I decided to run in the coolest part of the day - morning. When I left home at 8.30am the thermometer showed 19 degrees C (68 degrees F) in the shade. On the exposed hill top roads of the first and last five miles it was quite a bit hotter. The trails were excellent and had lots of trees providing nice shade. A really enjoyable run in one of my favourite local places.
When I arrived back home at 11.50am (after 21+ miles of running) the temperature had risen to 24 degrees C (75 degrees F).
This is the area where Otley AC stage their annual Washburn Valley Relay.
Today I decided on a different route of exactly the same distance (21+ miles). This time I ran up the valley to Chelker Reservoir and back. Not as hilly but with a bad climb at the far side of Addingham. Included in this run was 10 x 5 minutes at 10k pace - hard work but enjoyable. I left home at 8.30am again when the temperature was 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). When I got back home at 11.25am the temperature had risen to 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) but it was far sunnier than yesterday.
Only nine days to go before my next race - Hull 24 hr track race (but, as you know, I'm only running 100 miles).
Friday, 18 July 2008
Tonight's Relay
Went to the physio yesterday for a check up ... just to make sure I was OK to resume training next week. The only problem he could find was of a proprioceptive nature in my right ankle.
This morning I acquired a wobble board from the local scout troop and will use it for five minutes twice a day.
This morning I had a 45 minute session on the bike (at a reduced intensity) with no ill effects and this afternoon I did a strength training session, again at a reduced intensity. Feel good about my recovery which seems much quicker than in the past. I attribute this to the compression tights I wore during the race.
The race report is coming along nicely but tonight is the second of two races I organise - The Washburn Relay - for local clubs around the Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs a few miles north of where I live. A good social event in a wonderfully scenic part of Yorkshire. So far we have 50 teams of three.
Obviously things will be on hold for a couple of days now while the relay takes precedence - correlating results is quite a time consuming task.
This morning I acquired a wobble board from the local scout troop and will use it for five minutes twice a day.
This morning I had a 45 minute session on the bike (at a reduced intensity) with no ill effects and this afternoon I did a strength training session, again at a reduced intensity. Feel good about my recovery which seems much quicker than in the past. I attribute this to the compression tights I wore during the race.
The race report is coming along nicely but tonight is the second of two races I organise - The Washburn Relay - for local clubs around the Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs a few miles north of where I live. A good social event in a wonderfully scenic part of Yorkshire. So far we have 50 teams of three.
Obviously things will be on hold for a couple of days now while the relay takes precedence - correlating results is quite a time consuming task.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
More thoughts
Recovering well. Compression tights definitely work for post race muscle soreness ... but not for my Exercise Associated Collapse [I've got the bump on my head to prove it !!!].
Looking at all the amazing stats kept by my crew. Let's see what we have here:
1) position and distance travelled at the end of each hour
2) a note of what I ate and drank - EXACTLY how much and when
3) how far I walked during my breaks (to nearest tenth of a lap) and how long it took
4) exact times of all toilet stops (and their duration)
5) time and duration of vaseline stops and changes of clothing
6) notes regarding how my digestive system reacted to the various foodstuffs I asked it to deal with whilst running
This stuff is amazing and there are no words to describe how essential a good crew is - without a doubt they deserve the prizes just as much as me. During the race all I do is run and report how I'm feeling, everything else is the crew's job.
Right now I'm starting to piece together a race report which will appear on this blog when complete. I'm also starting to plan my next campaign (already - yes I know - not too long though before London in mid October). I feel 225k will be a realistic target for that one.
Next week will be very important though - training resumes and I'll soon discover any lingering injuries.
Thanks to all who've offered their congratulations, from Otley AC members to members of other clubs to non runners including the Otley Police Officer whose name I have mysteriously forgotten (sorry about that but you know who you are).
Finally, spare a thought for Samuel Black. He took part in Hull at the weekend and just before he left home for the race his club (Abbey Runners) persuaded him to run in the Washburn Relay on Friday 18 July. A 24hr race on Saturday and a 3.5 mile race six days later !!!
And you lot thought I was mad.
Looking at all the amazing stats kept by my crew. Let's see what we have here:
1) position and distance travelled at the end of each hour
2) a note of what I ate and drank - EXACTLY how much and when
3) how far I walked during my breaks (to nearest tenth of a lap) and how long it took
4) exact times of all toilet stops (and their duration)
5) time and duration of vaseline stops and changes of clothing
6) notes regarding how my digestive system reacted to the various foodstuffs I asked it to deal with whilst running
This stuff is amazing and there are no words to describe how essential a good crew is - without a doubt they deserve the prizes just as much as me. During the race all I do is run and report how I'm feeling, everything else is the crew's job.
Right now I'm starting to piece together a race report which will appear on this blog when complete. I'm also starting to plan my next campaign (already - yes I know - not too long though before London in mid October). I feel 225k will be a realistic target for that one.
Next week will be very important though - training resumes and I'll soon discover any lingering injuries.
Thanks to all who've offered their congratulations, from Otley AC members to members of other clubs to non runners including the Otley Police Officer whose name I have mysteriously forgotten (sorry about that but you know who you are).
Finally, spare a thought for Samuel Black. He took part in Hull at the weekend and just before he left home for the race his club (Abbey Runners) persuaded him to run in the Washburn Relay on Friday 18 July. A 24hr race on Saturday and a 3.5 mile race six days later !!!
And you lot thought I was mad.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Almost There ...
First of all an apology (again ... )
On June 25 I included a link to Phil Robertson's blog that was incorrect. The actual address is http://www.runthehills.blogspot.com/. [I guess I must've been thinking of Iron Maiden !!!].
With only a few days left I've started applying a thick coating of vaseline to my feet at least twice a day. It feels strange when walking but it definitely helps reduce blister formation during these long races. [Another tip from William Sichel although everyone is different and you must adjust it to your own needs/requirements].
For the last few days it's taken me longer than usual to get to sleep at night. I guess this is a consequence of being less active recently because of tapering.
Had my last run of any worth today - 7 miles fartlek. The final run will be a 4 miler tomorrow evening showing runners around the route of the Washburn Relay which I've organised for 18 July.
The weather forecast isn't exactly brilliant for the weekend - heavy showers. Nothing I can do about that though except hope it's wrong.
On June 25 I included a link to Phil Robertson's blog that was incorrect. The actual address is http://www.runthehills.blogspot.com/. [I guess I must've been thinking of Iron Maiden !!!].
With only a few days left I've started applying a thick coating of vaseline to my feet at least twice a day. It feels strange when walking but it definitely helps reduce blister formation during these long races. [Another tip from William Sichel although everyone is different and you must adjust it to your own needs/requirements].
For the last few days it's taken me longer than usual to get to sleep at night. I guess this is a consequence of being less active recently because of tapering.
Had my last run of any worth today - 7 miles fartlek. The final run will be a 4 miler tomorrow evening showing runners around the route of the Washburn Relay which I've organised for 18 July.
The weather forecast isn't exactly brilliant for the weekend - heavy showers. Nothing I can do about that though except hope it's wrong.
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