50 by 50 - Race 3, they think it's all over....it is now

So here I am, the final race of my set goal in achieving 50 competitive miles before I'm 50. The Down Tow Up Flow, Marlow to Windsor Half Marathon (July 26th 2015). I'm no stranger to this race as having run it a couple of years ago but this time I would be running with my wife Rachael.

This race was more of a social run, if anything a test for Rachael to see if she could complete the distance and for me passing the 11 mile marker which would clock up my 50 miles. No race time expectations, just a run to enjoy the scenery and the company.

The day did not get off to a good start as we were welcomed by rain which is no fun when you have to wait 45 minutes until the start with no real shelter other than what the trees had to offer. As soon as we were running, the rain was not an issue and as luck would have it the weather improved, well as far as to say it stopped raining. I felt a sense of pleasure as I passed through villages and towns that played a part in my history, Bourne End, Cookham, Maidenhead, Bray and on to Windsor. At the 11 mile marker it was good to have the company but a real effort was needed by Rach to see her through to the finish.

http://runkeeper.com/user/onlyrunner/activity/620902838

Let's not talk race times, let's talk quality time in the company of the woman I love and enjoying the fact that we can actually go out together and take part in an event without worrying about the kids.

It's done, 50 miles completed in readiness for my birthday and how do I feel....glad that I've done it but not a sensation of great achievement. So what to do about that....enter another half marathon, the Blenheim Palace Half Marathon in October.

I'll let you know how that one goes!

50 by 50 - Race 2, the big challenge

Having completed the first phase of my goal, this next event was to be the big one, The Colworth Marathon Challenge (19th June 2015 to 21st June 2015).

I'm no stranger to this event and although not marathon fit my thought process was that if I break up the distance using this race format; 5 mile race 19th June, 8.1 mile trail race 20th June and Half Marathon 21st June a total of 26.2 miles and you guessed it a marathon, maybe I could survive to tell the tale. Again my training had been fairly poor this taking away from any thought about impressive finish times, so sheer stamina to see me through the weekend was the focus. My training plan consisted of using 3 weekends to run back to back distances, increasing the distance each weekend in an attempt to run the final training weekend, 8 miles on the Saturday and 10 miles on the Sunday. The intention behind this was to see how quickly I could recover in readiness for the next weekend training which did improve week on week and left me with a week of no running before the event. The reality of this training plan was 2 weekends, weekend 1; 5 miles & 8 miles, weekend 2; 5 miles & 10 miles. The longer runs saw me managing my 9.5 minute mile pace and the shorter runs achieving a 9.0 minute mile pace. On my final training run  I was lucky enough to be collared by an old running colleague Mike Smith whom I had run the Colworth event with on a couple of occasions. He had also entered the event and this was his last training run so it was at that point we agreed we would be running buddies to see ourselves through the weekend.

Day 1 - Colworth 5
I made it to the race start having left work and travelled direct to the event, I met up with Mike and we made our way to the start line. It was only 5 miles but I needed to pace myself so that I could stay strong for the weekend, a point I made on  more than one occasion so that I didn't find myself racing away or trying to keep up with Mike who had his own target. 2 miles into the race my chatting definitely faded as I concentrated more on my running at a pace which Mike had dictated and was if I'm totally honest a bit quicker than I had anticipated. Into the final mile and it was here that I had to let Mike go off and do his own thing, no last minute sprint for the line a steady finish in 44:06 minutes.

http://runkeeper.com/user/onlyrunner/activity/595819708

Day 2 - 8.1 mile Trail
The weather had been reasonably kind, only light rain which meant that the trail conditions should be good, namely not muddy. Always one to be slightly cautious, I chose to run in my off road shoes just in case some areas of the run had succumb to the rain and left the slippery, muddy stuff. This run although starting off with Mike soon developed into a lone run as I let Mike run off into the distance and I stuck to my guns running my own pace. The route had been changed from my previous races which I thought was a good thing all be it where you run downhill to the turnaround point and then back uphill to where a marshal directs you off on the final leg of the race. It's this run back to the marshal that seemed to go on forever and it took all my will power not to stop and walk. Having completed this uphill slog, the remainder of the race was bearable and I finished in 1 hour 16:52 minutes achieving my target pace of 9.5 minute miles. I had joked about no family support at the Colworth 5 and secretly although I had said it didn't matter it was great to see Rach there taking pictures close to the end of the race and then again at the finish.

looks more like a power walk session than running, I've looked better

 

http://runkeeper.com/user/onlyrunner/activity/596039305

 

Day 3 - Half Marathon

and so the final day, I had managed to get up on Sunday morning and have myself prepared to run the final leg of the challenge. Did I feel tired, a little...did my legs ache, a little...could I give this race a miss, ABSOLUTELY!

 

It was not to be, this half marathon was about to be defeated via sheer grit and determination. Again Mike had his own plans for the race of which I'd already said he's on his own, the sub 4 hour for the overall event was not on my mind. I'd survived 2 days and now all I had to do was survive the final day. Distance was not an issue, having the strength and stamina to run the distance after having completed 13.1 miles already was another matter.

 

The race started, bye bye Mike I said as he ran off and I settled into my steady pace with the idea that as this was a 2 lap race if I was feeling strong by the second lap I'd pick up the pace. The running conditions were good, a slight drizzle help to keep you cool in the warm temperature. Lap 1 completed and I could see Mike who had slowed down and I eventually managed to catch him. He was feeling the results of his quick early pace and although I ran with him for a short while he encouraged me to run on as I appeared to be of a stronger state. I'm not normally keen on races that consist of more than one lap to complete the distance but in this case I found it mentally stimulating as you knew where you were with regards to the finish and also what to expect which allowed you mentally set milestones. This did the trick for me, I felt capable of finishing strong although my pace slipped but still averaged out at an acceptable result.

 

2nd lap, closing down on fellow runner

 

The final run in was a welcoming sight knowing that I'd done it and a full family turn out to see me finish was a major bonus. I crossed the line in 2 hours 6:58 minutes which I feel is a respectable time based on my MK Half Marathon result based on the fact that I'd completed 13.1 miles on the previous 2 days. Mike finished not too far behind me, I'd managed to get the better of him on one of the races.

 

we've done it...see you next year...maybe :-/

 

So my overall time for the Colworth Marathon Challenge was 4 hours 7:56 minutes which surprisingly is better than my first attempt at this event in 2007 which was 4 hours 21:41 minutes and also the lack of training for this event as opposed to my build up in 2007. That being the case, I can't be unhappy with the result.

 

http://runkeeper.com/user/onlyrunner/activity/596699370

 

2 events down and 39.3 miles completed, roll on the final event to see me through the 50 competitive mile goal.

50 by 50 - Race 1, let my target commence

So with the goal set I proceeded to progress my target with the selected races being my competitive mile opportunities. The running mojo was still yet to be found, the desire to run at my best didn't inspire me, it was more to prove to myself that I was still capable of achieving the distances and as such pace was not the focus, just stamina.

The first race was the Milton Keynes Half Marathon (4th May 2015) an event that forms part of the larger Marathon event a race which was supposed to be my original goal but not a realistic objective based on my training commitment. The race conditions were fairly good be it a tad warm but for 13.1 miles I felt this would be bearable. On the lead up to the race my longest run had been 10 miles so I was pretty confident that the additional 3.1 miles were achievable especially as I was looking at running a manageable pace of 9.5 minute miles. The event spirit was high even to the point where I started to think that perhaps I could track the 9.0 minute mile pacer and this is how I started. The pacer was in my sight, how hard could this be? perhaps a bit harder than I thought, my pace dropped as did my sight of the pacer :-( but hey no worries, 9.5 minute miles was my target. The route was well supported thanks to the weather and the decision by the race group organisers to utilise more of the roads surrounding the main shopping area. As per my longest training run the 10 mile marker was reached with confidence and now the mind set was only 3.1 miles left, a lap of Olney, how achievable is that. Very achievable as it happens although the final mile found me digging deep and the run in at the MK Stadium saw my pace quicken if only for the crowd ;-)

Race 1 completed, 13.1 miles clocked in 2 hours 2:20 minutes which having not really trained was a satisfactory result in my eyes.

Find my mojo......

Hello 2015, time to find my running mojo that has deserted me. A target of three runs per week, first completed today, a lap of Olney (about 3 miles) and not timed...done!

Wave goodbye to 2013 and say hello to 2014

So the year 2013 has come and gone and so here starts a new year with new challenges. A quick recap of 2013 found me running the MK Marathon but failing to achieve my sub 4 hour target. On a plus side I managed to complete 50 Park Runs and now of the pleasure of owning a 50 run shirt. Three half marathons under my belt, the first being the Colworth half, part of the Colworth series and boy was it easier just tackling the one race. The second being the Up Tow Down Flow, Marlow to Windsor half which although not achieving a new PB was definitely an attractive route along the tow path of the Thames. My final half marathon to end the year being the Bedford half which although again not achieving a new PB did see me run a pleasing 1hr 49 minutes.

I've started the new year a little heavier and a little rounder in shape thanks to the Christmas and New Year festivities. My target is yet again the Milton Keynes Marathon to achieve that sub 4 hour race time. My focus will purely be on achieving this goal and as part of the build up losing those unwanted pounds and turning the round figure of a man into a lean running machine. I'm already in a good position having kept up the running so have a head start on putting in the base miles so it's all about pace and strength.

I will focus on producing a training plan referencing my new found knowledge having treated myself to the book "The Art of Running Faster" by Julian Goater and Don Melvin. Motivation has been lacking of recent so I have registered with Jantastic 2014 http://www.jantastic.me/ to give me some inspiration over the next three months. I have registered a team; Gordon's Gophers so feel free to join me.

Hello 2014, let's see what the year brings!

What's on my mind and races in the pipe line!

My target marathon race is over and to eleviate the void that has been left from undertaking all the training I have chosen some select races to keep up the mileage with the possibility of running another marathon this year.

My first race is the Colworth Half Marathon on 23rd June, choosing not to do the full three day challenge like last year. The next race, another half marathon, the Down Tow Up Flow which takes you from Marlow to Windsor following the Thames path on 28th July;

http://www.purplepatchrunning.com/races/down-tow-up-flow-half-marathon

In addition to running I've started cycling again and may tackle a duathlon, the Votwo Silverstone Duathlon on 14th August;

http://www.votwo.co.uk/events-1/silverstone-duathlon-race-4-2nd-august

This could all potentially lead to running the Grafham Water Marathon on 15th September;

http://grafhamwatermarathon.tumblr.com/

Failing this I will be back for the Milton Keynes Marathon next year, keeping up the training and mileage to achieve my target of a sub 4 hour marathon.

My Milton Keynes Marathon Story

May 6th 2013 the day of the Milton Keynes Marathon and my second attempt at the event to achieve a sub 4 hour race. The weather conditions were completely on the other side of the spectrum compared to last year, hail and wind was replaced by bright sunshine and temperature destined to reach 22 degrees C.

I was feeling good, I had slept well and woken in good time to have breakfast. My kit had been prepared the night before so it was time to relax as best I could until I had to go. Based on the weather conditions I made the decision to carry with me a drinks bottle to replenish the electrolytes which would be lost in the heat. My immediate support team which consisted of my wife and kids along with my father in law and his girlfriend, had planned their strategy on where to be throughout the race. Their support along with that of my sister in law, her husband, their son, my wifes mother, her husband and the Olney Runners team would ensure that I received that marathon pick me up at a number of places.

arrival at the MK Dons Stadium

Race strategy in mind, maintain a low heart rate, keep the pace down and conserve my energy for the last 13.1 miles with the intention to target completing the final 6.2 miles in an hour or less. The race got underway slightly later than the planned time of 10:0am and the challenge was on!

The first thing I noticed that although I was running at 9 minute mile pacing my heart rate had shot up into the high 170s, touching the low 180s. This I wasn't expecting as from my training at this pace my heart rate should be reading in the range 155 to 165bpm. So this is what comes from training in winter conditions to suddenly find yourself actually racing in summer conditions, which with it being a bank holiday was not expected in the UK. I continued wary of my heart rate but not wanting to slow the pace beyond 9.5 minute miles as I thought this would leave me too much time to make up in achieving my goal. Support was excellent enroute although I was a little dissapointed that there were no bands, the MK Marathon organisers had thrown out a battle of the bands challenge but this didn't appear to be a big enough attraction. What was amazing is that there were more bands out last year in the hail and wind so why the route was not flooded with music this year I had no idea.

Enjoying the crowd support I continued running strong ensuring that I maintained hydration by sipping on the water I was carrying. I was further refreshed by a supporter that had taken to spraying down the runners with his garden hose...all the runners could not thank him enough! There was little in the way of breeze so the temperature remained high so any opportunity of running in shade was taken.

early race stage, still managing to run strong!

I pushed on through mile 16 picked up by the family support but by mile 18 tiredness started to creep in and the heat was taking its toll. I could feel my pace slowing, something that I had been able to track by keeping the 4:00 hour pacer in my sight but now that imaginary piece of elastic that joined us was being stretched. By mile 19 I experienced my first cramp with my quads tightening, this caused me to walk until the tightness had gone. From this point the miles came and went in a mix of running and walking accompanied by a second bout of cramp.

not looking as happy or feeling as strong

My sub 4 hour target drifted away, I had no energy to increase my pace and it was now just a battle to complete the race. Even in the last 3 miles I still had to mix running with walking which proved a little disheartening as it was stretching out the length of time that I would still be captured within the event. My beacon of light was the sight of the Kentucky Fried Chicken shop which I knew was located just outside the MK Dons stadium, so for the final 1.2 miles I picked up the pace as now I could sense the finish.

Entering the stadium was a great feeling and although I felt I had mustered up enough strength to look as though I was finishing full of running, I was later told by family and friends that I looked exhausted. I could hear the shouts of encouragement from the stands but had no energy to look up and survey my surroundings, I was focussed on getting past the finish line and tracking down some much needed water;

My Garmin Stats - Milton Keynes Marathon 2013

So I finished, a little dissapointed with a time of 4 hours 23:29 minutes which was slower than last year. I was however happy to have completed the distance and also grateful that unlike last year when I had to contend with getting out of wet clothes in freezing conditions I could now just enjoy the sunshine;

finishers t-shirt in hand, I smiled at the start and could smile at the finish!

Thank you to everyone that came out to support me and to all those that sent me messages of good luck. Having this level of support makes such events not only enjoyable but in this case definitely bearable. All that's left now is that unfinished business "a sub 4 hour marathon"....when's the next race?

Happy training week and welcoming in the taper period!

This was an important week for me, the last week before the start of my taper and the 20 mile run that had avoided me with the cancellation of the Oakley 20. Two weeks ago I had managed a 19 mile run which although I felt good having completed the distance was not very happy with the pace so the target now was to improve on pace to make my sub 4 hour marathon a reality.

The build up to the Saturday run saw me complete two training runs, an easy 4.5 miles and a 5 mile run at fast pace (8 minute miles). I'd studied the Garmin stats from my 19 mile run and compared them against the pace requirements to run a marathon at 8:45 minute miles and also to finish in 3 hours 59 minutes which would require a 9 minute mile pace.

Saturday morning welcomed me with bright skys which was something that I thought would never happen again based on the how the weather has been. An early start with a target to complete 20 miles within 3 hours was ahead of me. I set off at 6:30am in what I considered perfect running conditions and with a mindset to focus on the moment, the scenery, my running style and how I felt;

20 Mile Training Run - Olney, Newton Blosommville Loop followed by Olney to Filgrave Out and Back

All I can say is that I finished very happy with myself having completed the 20 miles in 2hrs 57:23 on a route that was not flat and had me keeping up pace on the inclines and also not stopping at the 20 marker but running on a further half mile at pace (although not timed) to prove I could break the 20 mile wall barrier.

Taper is now the order of the day in which I will incorporate some hill work as I believe this will help no end and also living in the hope that the same glorious weather will avail itself on race day  .

Easter Break Marathon Training

The week has been good, a change in the weather resulting in bright sunny days be it still a tad chilly and windy. An easier training schedule with regards to distance and pace with time off work adding to a manageable and pleasureable week.

Taking advantage of the chance to get away, a few days in the Peak District with the family meant that my training runs were to be done during the latter part of the week. A couple of good walks whilst away would  help build my quad strength and raise my spirits with the change of scenery.

A climb of Mam Tor was the first task, not overly strenuous so a good starting walk;

The lingering snow added to the attraction and fun;



The second walk, Kinder Scout was more testing, a walk tackled I'm ashamed to say with greater ease by my wife and kids even though I'm the one that has been marathon training so my fitness should have shone;

My favourite part was the civilised descent down Jacobs Ladder, so kind of them to have added a stair case which could only have bettered if it was an escalator;

Back home from the Peak District break saw me undertake a practical cross country run of 4 miles having delivered my car for a service in the neighbouring village of Lavendon and then having to get back home to Olney. This was then followed up on the Saturday by racing the Milton Keynes Park Run, the 5k run at fast pace which although not resulting in a new PB delivered a satisfying 23 minutes.

A trip to my parents in London for the remainder of the weekend allowed me to undertake my steady Sunday 7.5 mile run around the streets of West London, my stomping ground of old;

Training Run in West London

Although not the normal scenic charm of the country villages, it was a nice change to run in the built up streets of London.

All in all a satisfying week, my final long run of 20 miles planned for this week and then taper for the big day itself, 6th May 2013!

Longest training run to date

Easter Sunday my longest run to date, a planned route that would take in local villages with a drink stop at mile 10 via home;

19 Mile Training Run

First having to contend with the loss of an hours sleep with the commencement of british summer time, it was a pleasure to wake up to a bright sunny day. Although still cold, the sight of the sun which has been rare and the thought that I'd have to run with sun glasses put me in good spirit. This run was to test my natural instinct for my marathon pace, although Garmin on wrist I was not going to focus on the time but track distance.

At mile 5 which was where I found myself running into Newton Blossomvillle I had a great sensation of feeling good and my mind was flooded with positive thoughts. I had made the decision to run without my MP3 player in an attempt to find myself in the moment and it appeared to have worked. I had concentrated on my surroundings, my running style, how I felt and that moment was achieved. Gel strategy in place, my first taken at the hour marker with the second to form part of my pit stop break at mile 10 along with hydration.

Entering the second half of the run, a route that I had done on a number of occasssions found me pushing on with a sense of not long now till the end. This I thought was good, a strong mental attitude even though I faced another 9 miles. All was good until I entered the part of the route that took me cross country, not a long stretch but a stretch that seemed to drain the energy from my legs. Completing this section left me with 2.5 miles to go so I took my final gel to gain a finishing boost. My quads felt the strain of the final miles which had me thinking "I must do some hill rep work!" nothing new as I'd been saying this to myself since the start of training but have not been inspired to do this type of session.

I finally finished in 2hrs 57:46 minutes, my assessment being that it had been a positive run, the weather great, the distance great but the pace lacking. My average pace had been 30 seconds off my target pace of 8:45 minute miles to achieve a sub 4 hour marathon. There's some work to be done in readiness for my final 20 mile run in 2 weeks before the welcomed taper.

Is there really a God?

Quite a deep and thought provoking  POST heading but what am I to believe having prayed for decent weather but to end up with the following;

What happended to spring, are we really still in winter, is it Christmas tomorrow....it's a world of confusion.

Not wanting to be totally put off I managed a local 12.5 mile run as any running is better than none with the marathon looming. The cold weather is still upon me but somehow I will find the opportunity to get my first 20 mile run in!

Rain, rain go away...come again another day!

Oh how the weather can put such a dampener on your motivation, well certainly in my case. Having suffered a cold a couple of weeks ago (man flu on the rampage) which resulted in a poor training week, this week had me setting myself up for an 18 mile long run courtesy of the MK Marathon organised training events.

A gentle build up of mileage during the early part of the week with a good rest from Thursday and an alchohol free Saturday night even though I was out for dinner at friends made for good preparation. All that could stand in my way now was the weather and unfortunately the forecast was not good.

I woke up in good time, got ready and had my pre race breakfast of porridge and a cup of coffee, the coffee being my caffeine boost. I was due to set off at 8:30am for Milton Keynes where the training run was to start. The time now 7:00am and the weather outside was not looking good, it had started to snow. Positive thoughts unfortunately were not the measure of the day and I found myself giving up on the run even though all I needed to do was get in the car and drive. The battle in my mind continued, go, don't go, go, don't go and then just before 8:00am the snow turned to a light drizzle. This was it, my window of opportunity, I could go out and run locally putting in the distance before the weather turned again.

Off I went, the first 3 miles run in a modest drizzle and then the rain started to fall harder which by mile 7 again turned to snow. My plan of action to run via my house which would register 10 miles and then guage whether I should continue. A good plan as at 10 miles the snow which had now turned to rain stopped and I ran for a further 6 miles satisfied with the pace and finishing with a feeling that I had more running in me.

I'm glad to say that as my run ended it did not take long for the weather to change again with more snow followed by heavy rain. The positive being (and I'm sorry for all the runners that went out on the MK Marathon organised training run) if I'd joined them I would have been caught out in the lousy weather still running to finish the 18 miles.

The Oakley 20 is on my calendar, a race to be run this coming Sunday and used to trial my planned marathon pace. God if you can hear me "please let the weather be kind to me!".

A slow marathon training week

So following my MK marathon organised training run the weeks activities have not exactly been in accordance with my training plan. An early mid week easy run to stretch out the legs and then off to the Peak District with the family for a couple of days.

I've never really ventured out into the Peak District, I'm more inclined to head to the Lake District but as it was only a 2 day break I didn't want to spend a great deal of time in the car travelling. What I found upon arrival was that this is a very attractive part of the country. 

Although cold with the threat of snow, the weather was kind in the sense that it did not rain which was a big plus. What I learnt was that although I regard myself as fairly fit, there is a distinct lack of strength in my quads. As I watched my wife and kids rush off scaling the heights of Thorpe Cloud, I tentatively made my way up welcoming the rest breaks something that was partly driven by my wife and kids having to wait for me to catch up. Even the trip down took it's toll, I would certainly not make a fell runner, the thought of letting yourself go to freely run down hills would see me in A&E without a doubt. A mental note was made that day that hill sessions must be added to my marathon training plan.

Back home Friday night had me mentally preparing for my 50th Park Run at Milton Keynes with a target of achieving a new PB for the course. Saturday morning brought on a cold start to the day, the threat of snow having apparently followed me home from the Peak District. The run itself was good, I did not achieve a new PB but managed a sub 23 minute run if only just! I finished feeling fine which then had me thinking "had I really pushed myself as hard as I could?" Not sure what I was expecting, collapsing over the finish or being sick are hardly things that would be attractive. A well deserved coffee and a tick in the box for my 2013 goals was the order of the day;

My 50th Park Run at Milton Keynes, Willen Lake

On to today, another cold morning 6 mile easy run to help stretch out the legs and a good stretching session to follow. My quads are still feeling the tightness from the Peak District climb but I'm sure I'll survive.

Another week down, the MK marathon draws closer.

Marathon Training Progress Update

Sadly since joining Olney Runners to focus my training I have yet to get out on one of their scheduled training days. It will happen but not today as the track session has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions and to be honest having run 14 miles yesterday a track session is probably not the best choice.

So big session for the week was the organised MK marathon 14 mile training run along the marathon route at race pace, the pace so graciously controlled by the pace runners.

MK Marathon organised Training Run

It was a cold, wet day with the forecast stating it was only going to get worse which to be honest did not boost my motivation to go out and run. But having paid my entry fee and as the rain was quite light, I ventured out to the meeting point at Oak Grove School where I was welcomed by a large number of fellow runners. My chosen pace was 8:30 minute miles which upon heading out started off a bit quicker than expected but settled down after about 3 miles to what it should be. 5 miles into the run embarrassment struck, somehow I managed to fall on a flat peice of redway path. Don't ask me how I'm still trying to work that one out myself, my stride just came to an abrupt halt and over I went. No serious harm done, no ripped leggings, a scuffed knee and broken water bottle was the end result. Those running with me were very helpful, they stopped and checked I was OK, got me to stretch out the knee before carrying on and also suggested I slow the pace and join the 9:00 minute mile group that were following as there was still a further 9 miles to go. As it happens I did slow the pace, 8:45 minute miles felt alot more comfortable and was still in the correct range to hit my sub 4 hour marathon target. I continued my run in the company of another couple, one who had a charity place in the London marathon, the other a place in the MK marathon and just like me had run this event the year before. I found running the marathon route uplifting because I was able to compare the better route conditions to how it was at the race last year. The complete run clocked up close to 14.5 miles due to a slight mishap with direction signs but I finished as instructed, feeling comfortable with more running in my legs.

Moving on into this week, I'm looking at completing my 50th Park Run at Willen Lake (Milton Keynes) with perhaps achieving a new PB for the course. I've also found a good running book to entertain me "Keep on Running" the highs and lows of a marathon addict by Phil Hewitt. It makes for amusing reading, I can relate alot of my experiences and feelings to what he writes so this should see me through to race day.

Till the next post...keep running!

A bit of cross training, always a good thing...or is it?

I'm not one to argue that adding some cross training to your marathon plan is a good thing especially if you're looking to relieve the impact on your calves and strengthen your quads. Cycling is the trick and I'm not short of bikes, so a trip out on my time trial bike in sunny but cold conditions seemed like a good plan.

Dressed to maintain maximum comfort in the cold was achieved, but what can you do to deal with the windy conditions?

Olney, Clifton Reynes, Newton Blossomville, Olney Loop by gpassee at Garmin Connect - Details

Oh my god, what an experience! I haven't been out on my bike since September so a distance of 10 miles seemed to be a good starting riding at an average pace of 15mph. Good plan but I have never been so scared, I started the ride and thought I was going to be blown off my bike, a fear that was escalated more when traffic passed me. In the wind no one hears you scream which was a relief cause I spent most of the ride doing just that. Between 2 and 6 miles the route was less open so more of a pleasure but the final 2 miles home....HELP!

I'll not rule cycling out but next time be a bit more wary of the conditions and not let the sunshine fool me into thinking what a pleasent day for a ride.

Training week, not exactly to plan!

So this week my training plan had me down for three runs all at an easy pace with distances of 5 miles, 3 miles and 7.5 miles. First run was on the Wednesday, this had me waving goodbye to the month of January with a 5.5 mile run at race pace. What is it with me? 2 days rest and the first thing on my mind is to go out and run what feels natural at the time. Thank god I don't have a coach, they would not be too happy with my discipline so to make amends and add structure to my training I've gone ahead and joined Olney Runners. Track sessions on Mondays, group training runs on Wednesday and the opportunity to throw in some circuit training on Friday. A good decision I believe, they can whip me into marathon shape and keep me focussed on the task in hand!

Having looked at my training plan and desperate for a race I've signed up for the Oakley 20 which fits in well with regards to distance and date. Registering as an affiliate runner had me saving £2 on the entry fee, the added benefit of being an Olney Runners and putting my membership to good use!

Saturday and I was there for the Milton Keynes Park Run at Willen Lake, an easy 3 mile run, infact the instruction was to jog. I resisted the temptation to race but didn't exactly achieve a jog. My 49th Park Run was run at a fairly quick but comfortable pace and now I look forward to my 50th run with the pleasure of earning my Park Run shirt, a run that I'm hoping will see me achieve a new PB at Willen Lake. It's not in my training plan but it's good to diversify, it keeps it all so much more interesting.

Milton Keynes Park Run - Willen Lake

Last run of the week, I exceeded the 7.5 mile distance running 8.75 miles but on this occassion maintaining the steady, easy pace, which I'm sure was helped by the fact that I was listening to music. Playlist created the night before and running to such great songs as;

Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
Bob Seger - Hollywood Nights
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World
The Jam - A Town Called Malice
U2 - Beautiful Day

the list goes on, I could have kept running until the playlist ended. My MP3 player will certainly be there on more outings, the long runs are crying out for motivational music.

Going forward the training plan focusses on endurance, the distances will grow and I have my first MK Marathon organised training run on 10th February which will cover 14 miles. I'm looking forward to it as there were many good comments from the training run held on 20th January and that was in the snowy conditions.

Sunday long run...love the snow but now gone, love my running even more!

So the thing with snow no matter how attractive when fresh it turns to ice and the result in this case was a cancelled Milton Keynes Park Run so no running since Monday.

Weather forecast was looking good for Sunday, milder temperatures and with the rain due to fall Saturday night would mean that I should wake up on Sunday to good road running conditions....and guess what, it was! It was a typical Sunday morning mind over matter battle, I'm up, do I really want to go out, how about another coffee, maybe read a book or watch TV but with an inspirational read of my ex marathon training buddy 10k race in Singapore I made up my mind to get out there and do my bit.

My trip out was to see me complete a 10 mile run, the first 5 miles at pace which would make up for the lost speed training that week and then an easy 5 miles to follow.

Olney, Newton Blossomville, Clifton Reynes Loop by gpassee at Garmin Connect - Details

I completed the fast pace for the first five miles and then carried on at a pace that did not drop below my expected marathon race pace. Not quite to plan but I did feel good, the energy gel taken at mile 6 certainly gave me the kick I needed to keep going. What I did learn from my effort was that a bit more focus on leg strength would not go a miss (hill sessions here I come) and losing a little weight would make life easier in achieving my goal!

Thanks to the weather, you have to get your runs in when you can!

Another snowy venture out, a must as the rest of the week may find me struggling to find time due to work commitments or weather conditions. So what can I say, the appeal of running in the snow is so attractive and that's something shared by many of my fellow runners. All I had to do was take a look at the Facebook comments from satisfied runners having just got back and ready to share their delight. This was enough for me to decide that I've got to get out there and add my story.

Route decided having already been reccyed by my wife (she was one of those satisfied runners I referred to!) I set off to run an out and back course across the fields to Lavendon Mill;

Marathon Training Run_Snowy Day Olney, Lavendon Mill by gpassee at Garmin Connect - Details

How true to say that the scenery was attractive, most uplifting;

a view back to Olney

picture postcard....I think yes!

Allowing for the fact that the conditions dictated an easy run, the pace was good where the snow was compact but not ice, however get to the virgin snow, untouched by humans and beckoning you to make a path...this was a different matter.

Oh how hard was this on my legs, the pace almost dropping to a walk. The difficulty was foot placement as below the surface of the snow you did not know what to find...was it deep, was it level, was it WET! The route I had taken is known for wet conditions, not life threatening but knee high puddles can be common place. I trod carefully deciding that I would make it to the mill and not turn back as I wanted to run atleast 5 miles. I made it without serious incident and took in the picturesque scenery, all I had to do was retrace my steps on the homeward journey.

So run completed, 5.5 miles at an easy pace....my current state, satisfied!

I did it...out in the snow for my marathon training run!

So I commited to getting out today after wimping out yesterday because of the conditions and it was great. The all important layers were applied which made for a comfortable run with the addition of a hat, gloves and buff just to be on the safe side. It was a local route leaving home and taking in a mix of fields and roads to complete the 10 mile distance;

Marathon Training Run_Snowy Day in Olney by gpassee at Garmin Connect - Details

The conditions underfoot ensured that I maintained an easy pace, something that I have struggled with as I always having a tendency to undertake my runs at race pace. This was good as I have read how important these easy runs are in preparation for the big day. I concentrated on maintaining a good running style, not dragging my feet as the snow put a greater demand on my legs. My route a mix of road and field running, the fields playing their part in delivering some attractive scenery.

where I've come from

where I'm heading

Lesson learnt today, running in the cold clears your nasal passages and as such to rid yourself of the constant sniffing a short sharp blow of the nose should project the nasal mucus out of harms way. My lesson, more practice required as I did not succeed in clearing my bottom lip and it's not an attractive sight trying to clean yourself up with the softer part of your glove!

Dedicated to the Milton Keynes Marathon

OK that's it, all options outside of running for charity to get a place in the London Marathon exhausted. No success from my ballot entry or having entered two competitions, a place with Adidas via Park Run and the Park Run draw having completed all the required December 2012 runs. I'm done chasing this event, the Milton Keynes Marathon has my devoted attention and as such my marathon blog starts here. Follow my story as I train to conquer my elusive goal of a sub 4 hour marathon. I'll look to keep my stories as amusing and informative as I can, giving you an insight into my life and mind...now that's a worrying thought!

Tomorrow has me venturing out into the snow having missed a planned training run today, I decided that as it was so cold my priority should be to stock up on essential provisions to see me through the night. Several packs of biscuits hit the spot, variety being the spice of life but unfortunately also the added inches to the waistline. Marathon training diet that's another story, luckily having watched the One Show I took on board the presenting doctors advice that in cold weather eating fatty foods is a good thing!