Portsmouth Coastal 2014 - Race Report

Waterside Coastal

The fourth time of running the event.  I wasn't expecting much from it, Christmas stuff and lack of motivation has got in the way of training, so was only expecting to plod round, ignoring the time,

Set off in some light drizzle, but at least it wasn't too cold, the sea front along Southsea can be bitter!

Arriving  a little later than normal and therefore had to park further away, still an early morning walk would be fine.  Got to the packed HQ - entered via the way out (no signs) and joined the long queue for race number collection.  Runners were also milling about and checking in there bags to the baggage area (which this event has never really go right) as they required you to provide your own label - it was in the pre-race instructions - but I've never done this for any other race.

Still race number in had I thought I'd get changed, a quick root about in the bag revealed the fact that my trainer were still sat in the boot of the car - crap.  Decided there was just enough time to get back to the car, change, leave the bag in the car and make it to the start line.  Rookie

So that is what I did - I did panic that the compression socks that I was using were a struggle to put on and took up valuable time, but once changed I had plenty of time to get to the Start line.

This year the start line had ben moved to avoid the boarded up Southsea Pier. The rest of the runners were also marched down to the start line from Race HQ by a piper.

Without any real announcement at 8:45 we started. Then the guy in front stopped on the line, so he could get a good shot with his GoPro - idiot.  Happy for you filming but move out of the way first, or better still if the Start line shot is so important to you, start right at the back - numpty,

Lots of runners again this year and it is borderline whether it is too full, even on the promenade there is lots of street furniture and a did see a few people who just avoid running into things.  Later when runners thinned out there course was single file for many sections with no hope of overtaking (or more accurately being overtaken)

A few speckles of rain and few sections of gusty wind but the weather was pretty good.so I was pleased to have chosen to run in long sleeved top and gillet - rather than full jacket as that makes me overheat a little.

Aid stations were regular and well stocked: water, gels, chocolate, jelly beans and my personal favourite dark chocolate Jaffa cakes.  It being nearly Christmas the aid stations also had the occasional mulled wine too.

Lots of people also dressed up for the occasion: Santa, Mrs Santa, Snowman and a Christmas Present  all made an appearance.

Last two miles were the usual slog, head down into the wind grind it out kinda running.

Goodie bag - cereal bar, peanut butter, Freddo chocolate.

As always good prep for Christmas - making room for Christmas cake and pudding

What I learnt:

When you pack your bag, leave it in the bag and don't leave it in the boot.

Basingstoke Half 2014 - Race Report

How to do this - should I just cut and paste from last year - or is that cheating?

The race was very similar though - not quite as hot as last year but still warm enough for shorts and T-shirt.

Another "ringer" Kenyan won the race in 1:06 - slower than last year.  Similar number of finishers compared to last year too.

So fourth time of running this, I had been getting quicker each year, but this year there has been a distinct lack of running training, so I knew there would be no PB.

Organisation is excellent at the start is quick and efficient - lots of  port-a-loos.  Lots of volunteers handing out race numbers and T-shirts and in the baggage area.

Eleven o'clock came and off we went.  The crowd at the start very quickly thins out and moving up (or down) the field is easy in the first mile or so.

Running through village of Cliddesden, lined with home team supporters really gave a boost and helped keep the pace up.  The course covered lots of my training ground so I know the hills really well.  The first accent up White Hill, after mile 3 was fierce - I even use this hill for hill training, but the speed we ascend that hill was still phenomenal.  The pressure eased a little as the road flattened out and then descended passed Ellisfield church.

The decent was short lived as we started to climb up a short hill out of Ellisfield Green.  There is a long down hill stretch here.  After all that down hill, comes the inevitable climb back up hill - slow and steady rise of 2.4% over 1.6 miles.  Cheered on by the lovely people of Ellisfield I ground out the climb.  Even at the top of this climb the course turns a corner and still manages to go up hill.

The big dipper was a quick decent, followed by a slow climb - it is here that I started to slow.  after cresting the top of this short climb, people started to pass me by.  My Garmin had switched itself off at mile 2, and to be honest I was quite enjoying running on feel, but at the point I felt I was slowing down, and the runners passing me confirmed it.

Farleigh Wallop was quite until the very top of the hill, where there were lots of supporters and lots of noise.  The down hill decent was speedy and I probably gained some time here but I was slowing coming into Cliddesden.

Back into Cliddesden for another burst of support, trouble is at the end of the village the support runs out and there is a slight incline to slow down on.  The mile out of Cliddesden is long and straight and with no real support, a bit of a grind.  this changes again once round the corner and heading back into Basingstoke where the supports start again.  From there  back into War Memorial park, and another climb.  A dash round the park and onto the home straight.  That was it, job done.

Goodie bag:  Tech T-shirt (bright orange - eyes bleedin' orange I think it's called), medal, banana, water, jelly beans and chocolate biscuit,

Excellent race for old pros and beginners alike and the result 1:41:06 - so slower than last year.

Endure 24 2014 - Race Report - 28/6/14

After ending up with hurty feet at last years SDW100 I was a little tentative to return to silly distances.  I'd managed 40 at the Oxford 20/40 in May but knew that the issues only appeared after 60 miles.  But how to test how far I could manage?

Endure24 seemed to provide the answer.  Running as many 5 mile loops as possible in 24 hours, with a option to bail at any point - seemed ideal.

I arrived early Saturday to set up tent, thinking I'll be early and therefore there would be loads of space - wrong, seemed to bag the last small patch of ground in the Solo runners area. The whole place resembled Glastonbury with out the music or the mud.  With about an hour to go, the music had already started, and then came the thunder and lightning and bucketfuls of rain.  So we had music and mud - perhaps it was going to be Glastonbury after all.

As well as solo entries the race is also run with team relays (of various sizes and sexes).  At the start the speedy teams went to the front, the solos at the back.  12:00 arrived and off everyone went.  The first lap was muddy, from then on it got worse.  By the end of the 4th lap, rather like the Inuit who have lots of names for snow, I had made up several mud related names:

Mudousse- for the chocolate mousse mud that was available after the check point

piddle-Mud - the light coloured puddles that were full of mud

forest-gateaux-ud - entering the newly cut path to the peats stinky mud

Breakneck mud - the special mud on the down slopes the just manages to remove any grip at all from a runner who thinks they need to run down hill.

you get the picture - it was muddy.

After for laps of this though (and feeling very fresh in the legs) I could feel the feet starting to complain.  The route undulates constantly and I think that and the mud had started to aggravate the tendons.  I was running very steady 50 minute loops - and was very pleased with the effort so far.  I took a walking break for most of the next lap, then went to the tent for a change of kit, to see if the pain would start to ease off.

The next lap didn't get much better, I had a longer break and then resumed.  Then an every longer break and walked most of the next one.  Even walking in the mud was entertaining - trying to keep out of the way of the fast runners coming through and remaining upright.

It was starting to get dark, so I though I'd do at least one lap in the dark and then call it a night.  Which I did.  I stopped, went to get some food at the catering tent, before spending an age trying to get clean before clambering into my sleeping bag for a few hours sleep - which was really easy.  #

The sun was up early - and so was I.  I did a few slow laps - hit 55 miles and called it a day.

I was disappointed with the mileage total, I was hoping to get as close to 100 as possible, but it wasn't to be.  It doesn't count as a DNF but it was really.

The event is a very social one - lots of local runs make up teams and keep going through the night - maybe if I do this one again - I should do this as part of a team - just need to rope in a few bods!

Salisbury 54321 Race Report - 20/8/14

There are two reasons I do this race : the chance to run through a Yew tree forest (normally of limited to the public) and the bread pudding.

This race comes in may sizes: 5K, 10K 21, 33, 42 and 50K, with walk and run options - so something for everyone.  Due to the mixture of course lengths there is always someone around - either doing your distance or a different one.

I took the 42K option, for no other reason than I couldn't be bothered to do 50K, lazy I know.

On the journey there, the heavens opened and dumped quite a lot of water on the course, which turned remained quite runnable and not too muddy (unlike Endure24).

I do like the way you can park at the start line and still have an easy walk to registration.  Start time clicked round and off we went, in the rain - some people in wet weather gear, some in singlets and shorts.  I'd opted for a waterproof to get me started, soaking wet shirt early on plays havoc with the upper chest area.
Climbing up Old Sarum was mainly a slow walk (along with everyone else)  shame the views over Salisbury were obscured by the rain.

I did have to remind myself at later points to look up every now and again, so that I could see the scenery, otherwise it was head fixed in front and plodding away.

By mile 10 the rain had stopped and the sun was starting to make a show of itself.

This is my 4th running of this race, it's got still has a nice vibe to it.  the course is a mixture of everything - road, trail, hill, wood, a few streams and rivers, town and country.  So there is always something to look at - assuming you remember to lift your head up.

There were water stops every few miles which was more than enough, the best one though is just before the yew forest.  Here you are able to grab some more water, a slab of bread pudding and then enter into the enchanted forest of yew trees.  Following a piece of string to ensure you don't stray off the route - perhaps the goblins would get you if you did.

From hear it was over the race course and then the only dull bit round the houses before popping out in the cathedral close.  Luckily the earlier rain had limited the number of tourists out in front of the cathedral - so the game of dodge the camera totting numpties walking backwards was quite easy.
I finished quite strongly in the end, although I did notice it was slower than last year (which was in the heat).

Maybe I'll do the 50K next year, perhaps there'll be extra bread pudding in it.

Hampshire Hilly Hundred (HHH) - Race Report 2014

Having wimped out of last years event due to lack of training and forecast bad weather, this year I thought stuff it, I'll do it anyway, despite lack of training and the forecast of bad weather,

Training on the bike has been none existent this year, which is a shame as it helps keeps things interesting and is a change from running (I don't like running so much in heat - definitely a bad weather runner and a fair weather cyclist).  Weather was great last Sunday - despite predictions of rain, it turned out to be quite sunny - got the sun burn to prove it, I was a little gusty though.

Quick registration, and set off en route just after 7:30.  My plan was to get round and not worry about the time (I only used the garmin for the half the ride, mainly to plot where I was and to check the heart rate), and to eat as much food as I could on the way round.

Spent the first third of the race tagged on to the end of a group of riders who were slow and consistent (bit like me).  The first section was mainly flat before taking a few hills which strung out the group somewhat.  As the start time was staggered, most the ride was spend being overtaken by pro-wannabes in their replica Sky jerseys, club cyclist and pretty much everyone else.  Still I was only here for the food!

First stop in Clanfield, filled my face with flapjack and jaffa cakes.  Switched the Garmin on at this point - the battery helpfully lasted for the next 50 miles.

Hadn't paid too much attention to the route before I set off, all I remembered was that the route was different to last time I did this route, skipping out lots of my favourite hills.  Still the hill out of Clanfield?  is now on my hit list.

Feedstation 2 was more of the same - yum.  Took a High5 Protein bar for later too.  The evil bit of the Northington Feedstation is that it is at the bottom of the hill, so stuffed with food and feeling a little stiff, you have to drag your sorry ass up a steep hill.

MIcheldever, Wonston, Bullington, etc. all passed by easily enough, although a few riders did seem to ignore the road signs and carry on up the road when they should have turned off - perhaps they need to burn off a few extra flapjack calories.

Feed Station 3 was another village hall filled with flapjack and jaffa cakes.  You can tell food was important on this ride.  Filled my face again, and took off for the last section.  Knowing the end was nigh, I took it fairly steady (bit like the rest of the ride)

So after finishing, I find out that my time was just outside the Silver standard (poop), if only I had pushed a little harder, or maybe spend less time in the feed stations eating food...

Still I enjoyed the food, and now have 100+ miles in the legs to show for it.  Maybe I'll try to start training early next year and go for Gold, either that or try some of the fruit cake next year...


Check out the organiser at: HHH

Once a Rookie always a Rookie

Some people never learn, despite running around the same park run loop well over a  hundred times, each Parkrun covers 2 loops, I failed to take the conditions into account.

It's summer now, I can change the grippy trail shoes I have been using for my faster lighter road shoes, or so I thought.  All was well until I hit the corner at speed, the over night rain had been just enough to create a thin layer of slippery mud on top of the otherwise compacted surface.

I felt my legs go and ended up on the floor, covered in mud - bummer.  Unhurt I jumped up and hoped nobody had noticed, that's the problem with Parkruns - lots of other runner.  They ran passed, pausing to ask if I was okay.  I was only my pride was hurt.

Headphones - Philips SHQ1000/10 Sweatproof Sports In-Ear Headphone

Running kills headphones (and to a large extent MP3 players).  I've never trusted myself to run using a nice shiny expensive MP3 player, I've killed too many running outdoors in all weathers.  Usually it's the Headphones that give up the ghost the first, so after the last pair stopped work and after the usual internet research I plumbed for these ones from Amazon: Philips SHQ1000/10 Sweatproof Sports In-Ear Headphone 

That was over a year ago and they are still going strong (and still available).

I was initially put off by the bright orange colouring but it actually makes it easier to spot them when I am rooting around in my bag.

They say:

• Ultra lightweight design sweat-proof sports in-ear headphones
• A 1.2 m long cable that is ideal for outdoor use
• Designed for active use, ultra-soft silicon caps sit comfortably in your ears
• Water resistant materials coupled with an anti-bacterial agent
• Bass thumping stereo sound provides fuel for your workout

I say:

The long cable is more that enough to route the cable from ear to MP3 player clipped to a belt (or in a waist bag/rucksack).

They are comfortable to wear,  there is a choice of silicon caps included to get the best fit (helps to have some spare if you lose one too).

They stay in place and are easy to insert.
Bass thumping? Not sure about that as I mainly listen to podcasts, but they sound fine.

The only real negative is that the silicon caps that fit over the ear bud can become dislodged when then are loose in a kit bag - it doesn't happen often though.

So when they die and go to the great headphone heaven in the sky, I would by the same pair.

Race report: LDWA Oxford 20/40 3rd May 2014

A Bank Holiday event run in warm weather, shock.  In fact the weather was warm enough for a little sun burn - I now have 2 very nice short marks across my quads.

LDWA Oxford, that would be starting in Henley-on-Thames then, arrived well within the start time, easy parking, lots of marshals pointing at things and headed for check-in.

Deispite picking up a cold mid-week I was feeling pretty good, especially my first long run in a while (since SDW100 in fact).  Start was low key (I love LDWA events for that) and off we went.  With route instructions in hand, I tried to reacquaint myself with the task of running and reading at the same time,  In fact, it didn't take long before the first few people didn't read things quick enough and headed down the wrong path.

Things soon settled down and what passed was several house of woodland runs, cutting through on easy trails (not too wet and muddy) and looking at the bluebells.  occasionally I'd pop out of a wood and have a grass covered field to run through, or a valley to descend and climb.  Out in the open Red Kites swooped overhead, one even hovered a few meters away, it was a fantastic moment, I thought is I reach for the camera the moment will be lost.  So I stopped and stared, watching as it moved with barely a feather moving - awesome.

Everyone on route was buoyed by the sunshine,  The lead walkers all said hello, the youngsters on DoE awards,  Even the crowds in Henley at the end of the day all seemed just happy to be out and about.

Loved the route, despite only being an hour away from me, is not an area I am familiar with.

I did run a long stretch with a guy (never did get his name) who I had met on both the SDW50 and the Marlborough Downs 33 - it's a small world this ultra world.

At the same time that this race was coming along the Thames path, the Centurion TP100 was being set up,  tape was already marking the route, and James and crew were already setting up the Henley checkpoint - I think they were a little bemused to be approached by 2 runners heading in the wrong direction.

Nothing much else to add, nice even pace got me round, great scenery, great weather, thanks LDWA.

Heartbreaker New Forest Marathon 2014 Race Review

Website: the Heartbreaker Marathon

Pre-race plan is always arrive early, I like to get parked up early get my stuff together well before the start time.  So I was pulling into Sandy Balls at 7:30.  Bright and early, but by the time I had hiked to registration, got changed and listened to the entertaining briefing it was time to head off the the start line.

The start line was at the bottom of hill.  Cheeky.  Without much fanfare the horn was sounded and off we went.  Slowly at first (mostly walking) I was near the back and there was no point in getting tired out so early in the run.  The route exited Sandy Balls, and hit the road for a mile or two, nice easy running, the 160 or so competitors were quickly strung out so congestion was never a problem.

Turning off the road and onto the track, I could already see the lead runners disappearing up the other side of the dip - wow they were shifting.

Once on the track the route formed a T-shape, with three loops around the top of the T.  Conditions underfoot were good, soft gravelly sand, a few puddles but everyone ran round them in a long line, playing follow-my-leader.  Down hill stretches were a little muddy, so definitely one for trail shoes.  At the end of the first loop we were joined by the half marathon runners.

The feed station was cleverly sited at the apex of the T and there was plenty of water or energy drink available.  Marshall's were kept busy shouting out water or energy.  There was no food available (this was a cheap marathon) so I took a couple of gels (and used them).  At the end of each loop  a coloured band was handed out - once you had three you could leave the top of the "T".

The rain held off, but the wind was ferrous, especially on the exposed Hampton Ridge.  Very occasionally I felt the wind pushing me along, but that never happened for long.  Most of the time I had to remove my cap to stop it blowing away.  Some runners in shorts and T-shirts looked red raw - pleased to be in long sleeves and tights!

I was passed by the eventual winner as I completed my 2^nd  turn at one end of the T – he was already on his 3^rd and was on his way home - looked like he was taking it easy too.

The thing that I always though was a little rubbish about the New Forest Marathon is that there are no trees – at least with this race, you get a variety of scenery and some forest to run through.

Finally I had my 3 bands was allowed to head back to the road. I was really  looking forward to escaping the undulation and running on some flat road.  However, the wind had the last laugh, it was full on and reminded me of the Portsmouth coastal – running along the front into a headwind – such fun!

At the end was a medal, some soup and bun to tuck into, showers were available too – I went home smell and had a bath instead.  Results were issued really quickly too – within hours of getting home, I was checking my time and position.  Quite pleased with the result, I didn't put in a huge effort and managed sub-4 hours.

So all in all a good event and great value at £22 - Thanks organisers - brilliant event!

What I learnt:
Caps are rubbish in windy conditions

The Ultra Kit List

This list is as much for me as anyone else.

So what do you take when you are off on a race - this is a full(ish) list things to be removed depending on race length and conditions...

Before the race

Body Glide - stop the chaffing!
Bin liner - if not taking a jacket, you can wear it to keep warm at the start line.
Safety Pins/Number holder - usually provided but easier if you have your own.

During the race 

Footwear - unless you really are going totally barefoot.
Socks (spare pair in bag)
Hat (sun hat if sunny/warm hat if cold)
Shades - I wear glasses normally - my running shades stay on better (it's not about the pose- honest)
Baselayer - weather dependent
Jacket - weather dependent
Buff - still one of the best bits of kit I have - so useful

MP3 player - music and podcasts
GPS device plus heart rate monitor
Plasters - only for a long Ultra (just in case)
Food: Gels/solid food
Water Bottles - full of water plus electrolyte tablets
Head torch ( plus spare batteries) - if night running
Backup Torch (spare light source) - if night running
Map - if needed (i.e. waymarks are good enough, or route in GPS)
Compass (see Map)
Phone plus spare battery (modern phones run out of juicy too quickly - using an old PAYG may be an idea)
Pack to keep it all in (Raidlight Olmo 5 at present for long runs or waist pack for shorter runs))
Plastic bags to put stuff in - keeps it dry and helps separate things.

After the race

Sudocreme - for sore bits!
Sleeping bag (if need to wait for collection/ transport at the other end)
Sleeping mat  (if need to wait at the other end)
Warm clothes / compression clothing for recovery (still not 100% convinced it helps but I'll keep trying)
Towel and wash bag (if showers are available)
Choc milk - my special treat for finishing
Car key - needed to open car door
Plastic bags - for smelly/wet kit

Plus the thing that you have forgotten to pack and is left at home.

Ashmei - Long Sleeved Jersey - a Review

£85 for a running top - are you mad?  Luckily no I am not (as self confessed tight git) - it was an ebay bargain - yes they do happen.

What they say:

 "A Classic styled long sleeve running jersey produced in superfine merino wool for maximum body temperature regulation, fast wicking and no nasty smells!"

What I say:

I am a fan of merino, I have a few merino baselayers and a merino buff and they are fantastic, even in the wet.  This running top feels good against the skin, no scratchy bits.  It's a little thicker than a normal baselayer, definitely one for cooler days.

Normally I'm a medium and this fits perfectly in every way, except when using the thumb loops - the sleeves are just a little too short.  I didn't think I'd use it to be honest but after a few cold evenings I have been sticking my thumb out like a manic hitch-hiker.  It is a good length too, covering most of my bum which means there is no chilly draft going upy my back

Summary of Features:

Thumb loops - Would work better if your arms are short enough, not like the long armed chimp that apparently I am.

Cable tidy - Interesting feature fitted to the back of the neck.  It works best if you have an arm mounted player or a player that is thin enough to fit in the back pocket.  But I have not made use of this feature.



Zipped pockets - one on top of the shoulder - which I assume is for a small key, I like most people carry a large bunch round with me, so rather than looking like Quasimodo I don't use this.
The other pockets is in the middle of the back and again is long and narrow - enough room for a key.

Non-zipped pocket - a longer pocket in the centre back - idea for a narrow MP3 player or a gel - a High5 Isogel fits perfectly anything smaller and you'll have problems fishing it out again.


The downside of using these pockets occurs because the jersey isn't skin tight.  Because of this anything in the rear pockets will bounce up and down like Zeebedee at a Sex Pistols gig.  After a few miles of this it will feel uncomfortable.  You could lesson the bounce by using a jacket (but then you can't get to the pocket.

You also cannot wear a waist bag with this jersey, as the zip and bag rub together and chaff the skin - as I found out after the Portsmouth Marathon

Two way front zip - the zip at the front can be opened at the bottom "for ventilation" - seems overkill and a single zip would be sufficient but the zip is of good quality and should last.

Reflective detailing - I think there could be more - if I was night running I'd make sure other areas also had reflective surfaces - hat, glove, shorts etc.  There isn't enough on the jersey alone.

Overall:

I bought ithe top as it was a fairly cheap (thanks ebay) merino top - this way I can run to work and not stink the office out - in this matter it performs well - the other bells and whistles - I think are over engineered and unnecessary - if you are adding pockets - I think I would prefer one on the chest, further up so it won't bounce.

Winter Tanners 2014 (30 mile route) Race Review

"The Winter Tanners is a challenge walk (or run) of circa 30 miles (or 20 miles) on Surrey footpaths and bridleways with MINIMAL support in weather conditions which may be adverse. Only strong and self-reliant walkers & runners should enter."

After last years cancellation due to snow and this years weeks of rain and flooding in the area I was pleased that the event took actually took place.  In fact the organisers already had a back up diversion in place in case flooding was still present on the course (it wasn't but it was still very muddy).

I do love LDWA events, despite being mainly walking events, they are are also open to runners.  They offer a very stripped down pure form of running.  For your entry fee (as a LDWA member it was £4, non-members pay an outrageous £6!), you get 3 check points (well stocked with biscuits, drink, raisins, bananas, etc.), and a very detailed set of route instructions to print out and follow.  You start when you are ready, with the time being written down by a marshal (no timing chips here), all very retro.

As there are no route marking on the course you do need to keep concentration on those directions, there were a few people who got a little lost, but you can so tell if you go wrong as the instructions are very detailed.

There were a few occasion I thought II may have got lost - 300 yards on an open road flies by - but 300 yards  on a narrow wooden track takes forever, and you begin to doubt if you have taken the correct path.

A pure version of running - no trail marking, you need to be responsible for you own route finding, a few times runners/walkers in front took a turning too early, missed it - or where happily following the 30 route, rather than the 20.

I even learnt a few new words - did you know that driveways could "bifurcate"? (me neither). 

The course was muddy, some of the down hill parts were particularly tricky, but it all added to the "fun", I think the worst parts are always plodding along the edge of rain sodden fields - poor grip, and feet getting wetter with every step.  It was nice to hit the fire break trail through Coldharbour and get some forward traction.

Weather was cold and frosty to start with, warmed slightly later but never too cold/ I finished and got in the car just before it started to rain, so avoided getting soaked.

This is not really a race, but as a training run it is fantastic -  the mind is always active checking the directions and where the feet are going to land to avoid the worst of the mud, 30 miles in the second week of January - excellent start to the year.

All this for £4 - wow, remember that next time you stump up the cash for London or Brighton :-)

Review of 2013

So what have I learnt/achieved/propose to do for next year

Annual Mileage has risen a lot, mainly in the first half of the year, adding in a extra weekly run or two means it soon adds up.

A few firsts this year, first sub-20 for a parkrun, a PB at the half-marathon distance and of course my first 100 miler (despite the pain of the following 4 days - I was well pleased at that).

The year went a little off the rails after the SDW100,  wanted quite right so limited running to Marathons and dropped the mid week runs.  Things really went pear shaped during the Abingdon Marathon but it did force me to question why I run.  So why do I run?  To put it's Simply because I love it.  I love the feeling of movement, the fresh air, the countryside, the solitude of just me and an occasion podcast to listen to.

With that in mind what do I aim for next year?

I think next year is the year of new races, mainly to see new places but also to forget about chasing course PBs - surely I am getting too old for that now.  So I will avoid races I have done, some of which I have already ruled out (or have been ruled out for me) due to birthdays, or clashing with other events.

I also need to get some cycling in, it helps overall fitness and breaks up the training.  I can't believe I did not manage a single Sportive in 2013 - very poor show.

So for 2014 I am trying to go to include more stripped back events (i.e. cheap) , so aiming for more LDWA events - they are a lot cheaper, and as you need to navigate yourself round the course, there is an element of thought required.  So far I have entered the Winter Tanners (cancelled last year) and the Oxford 20/40 (planning the 40), I also have a slot on the Endure 24 (which will give me a little bit of room to decide how far I can run, with the option to stop of the ankles become too hurty)

Happy New Year and all that....