"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 :-)
Monday, 13 January 2014
Thursday, 2 January 2014
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....
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....
Monday, 23 December 2013
Portsmouth Waterside Coastal Marathon 2013
Waterside Coastal - surely a tautology?
This was to be my third running of the Portsmouth Waterside Coastal Marathon. It is nearly always wet and windy, especially the last 2 miles running along the front towards the Pyramid Centre.
Arriving early I parked up by the boating lake (free parking) at that point it was still dark, it was also at this point the heavens opened. Oh crap I thought, this is is going to be miserable. Eventually it settled down a little and ventured out to Race HQ.
Very busy this year, up from 900 to 1165 entries, so a little cramped finding a piece of floor to get changed. Most people were sheltering inside out of the rain, which again came in just as the race as about to start, which meant a few people missed the 9:00 start. Actually I think it started before that - there was very little fanfare.
Luckily the rain soon stopped and 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.
The first few miles run along the Southsea front and despite the numbers of runners, moved well, the rest were a mix of muddy footpaths, beach, shingle, mud, occasional bit of tarmac and sea..
For some of the sections of mud I touch to running along the top of the sea wall, feeling like a 5 year, but without the parents hand to hold - just in case I fell. I did see a few people slip over in the mud, I'm not sure if this was down to not paying attention or from not having the correct footwear - definitely something with a bit of grip required.
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 mince pie and alcoholic beverage too.
Several people also dressed up for the occasion: Santa, a pair of reindeer and a Christmas tree all made an appearance.
Being a slower runner, by the time I hit the 3 mile mark the sea had already started to come in, so I ended up wading through knee deep, freezing water. Just as well the trainers were already soaking.
Last two miles were a total slog, head down into the wind grind it out kinda running.
So at the end was nigh, slower than last year (drier last year) but was pleased to get round and finish.
Soup and mince pie at the end were delightful - handy goodie bag - cereal, Clif bar, a few pretzels, high 5 electrolyte powder - all handy stuff.
No I don't need to feel guilty about the extra large helping of Christmas pudding I intend to have
What I learnt:
You cannot beat the wind - just tough it out.
Ground in winter is wet, wear the right shoes
Body glide those bits you missed!
This was to be my third running of the Portsmouth Waterside Coastal Marathon. It is nearly always wet and windy, especially the last 2 miles running along the front towards the Pyramid Centre.
Arriving early I parked up by the boating lake (free parking) at that point it was still dark, it was also at this point the heavens opened. Oh crap I thought, this is is going to be miserable. Eventually it settled down a little and ventured out to Race HQ.
Very busy this year, up from 900 to 1165 entries, so a little cramped finding a piece of floor to get changed. Most people were sheltering inside out of the rain, which again came in just as the race as about to start, which meant a few people missed the 9:00 start. Actually I think it started before that - there was very little fanfare.
Luckily the rain soon stopped and 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.
The first few miles run along the Southsea front and despite the numbers of runners, moved well, the rest were a mix of muddy footpaths, beach, shingle, mud, occasional bit of tarmac and sea..
For some of the sections of mud I touch to running along the top of the sea wall, feeling like a 5 year, but without the parents hand to hold - just in case I fell. I did see a few people slip over in the mud, I'm not sure if this was down to not paying attention or from not having the correct footwear - definitely something with a bit of grip required.
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 mince pie and alcoholic beverage too.
Several people also dressed up for the occasion: Santa, a pair of reindeer and a Christmas tree all made an appearance.
Being a slower runner, by the time I hit the 3 mile mark the sea had already started to come in, so I ended up wading through knee deep, freezing water. Just as well the trainers were already soaking.
Last two miles were a total slog, head down into the wind grind it out kinda running.
So at the end was nigh, slower than last year (drier last year) but was pleased to get round and finish.
Soup and mince pie at the end were delightful - handy goodie bag - cereal, Clif bar, a few pretzels, high 5 electrolyte powder - all handy stuff.
No I don't need to feel guilty about the extra large helping of Christmas pudding I intend to have
What I learnt:
You cannot beat the wind - just tough it out.
Ground in winter is wet, wear the right shoes
Body glide those bits you missed!
Monday, 28 October 2013
Scenic Parkrun - Montacute House
Strayed again from my usual home Parkrun.
This time I had a Saturday morning run in the grounds of the a National Trust property in Somerset. The newly started Montacute House Parkrun. Basically it is a run around the Parkland in front of the House, running down the avenue with a view of the house was fantastic. This was also the first time I had a few supporters on route with me. Unfortunately they didn't cheer loud enough!
It's a hard course on grass with many lumps and bumps but it was worth it for the view - the sheep just thought we were a little bonkers...
This time I had a Saturday morning run in the grounds of the a National Trust property in Somerset. The newly started Montacute House Parkrun. Basically it is a run around the Parkland in front of the House, running down the avenue with a view of the house was fantastic. This was also the first time I had a few supporters on route with me. Unfortunately they didn't cheer loud enough!
It's a hard course on grass with many lumps and bumps but it was worth it for the view - the sheep just thought we were a little bonkers...
Abingdon Marathon 2013 Race Report
A little late in the write up but here we go...
Finally got the right date . For all my preparation in the end I couldn't have been less prepared.
For some reason I thought it started at 9:30 - nope it was 9:00, I was ready physically (so I thought) but not mentally.
So I was aiming for 3:30, an even 8 minute mile pace. It started well, but started a little too fast, running with another bunch who were aiming for 3:30.
Despite the early morning rain, it was rather warm, which didn't help, so the enviable happened and I slowed down drastically. At 10 miles I was in trouble and thinking that this was really hard work and that I had been a complete idioted. I needed to slow down and try and reset my race.
I don't often do road races, I generally find them a bit dull, running around housing estates and industrial estates is not much fun. And the terrain is a little monotonous, no hills to get your teeth into.
Then the race took a serious turn for the worst. I was physical accosted by some woman who took umbridge at runners using the footpath - I tried to squeeze passed her on a narrow path - wall on one side, steep grassy verge on the other, I tried to get round (there was enough room) but she deliberately stuck her elbow out in order to hit me - which she did with some force in the chest (I can still feel the bruised ribs over a week later).
Goodie bag was a bit feeble - a T-shirt and a bottle of water.
Lessons:
Check the start date and time
Don't start too fast
Finally got the right date . For all my preparation in the end I couldn't have been less prepared.
For some reason I thought it started at 9:30 - nope it was 9:00, I was ready physically (so I thought) but not mentally.
So I was aiming for 3:30, an even 8 minute mile pace. It started well, but started a little too fast, running with another bunch who were aiming for 3:30.
Despite the early morning rain, it was rather warm, which didn't help, so the enviable happened and I slowed down drastically. At 10 miles I was in trouble and thinking that this was really hard work and that I had been a complete idioted. I needed to slow down and try and reset my race.
I don't often do road races, I generally find them a bit dull, running around housing estates and industrial estates is not much fun. And the terrain is a little monotonous, no hills to get your teeth into.
Then the race took a serious turn for the worst. I was physical accosted by some woman who took umbridge at runners using the footpath - I tried to squeeze passed her on a narrow path - wall on one side, steep grassy verge on the other, I tried to get round (there was enough room) but she deliberately stuck her elbow out in order to hit me - which she did with some force in the chest (I can still feel the bruised ribs over a week later).
I stopped and approached her at which point she then told me "I should be on the F****** road", I was so cross, but what can you say to that - it spoilt my race - until near the end when two women walking in front of me apologised for getting in the way - they weren't I'd already moved round them - no problem I said, faith in humanity restored
After that I hung on to the finish - 11 seconds slower than 4 years ago. In the end please to get finished.Goodie bag was a bit feeble - a T-shirt and a bottle of water.
Lessons:
Check the start date and time
Don't start too fast
Monday, 14 October 2013
Basingstoke Half Race Report. 2013
A hot weekend in October, it must be time for the Basingstoke Half Marathon, although based on how long we actual spend in Basingstoke I’m sure it should be renamed to the Cliddesden and Ellisfield Half Marathon.
The race was won by Kenyan Nicholas Kirui in 1:05:33, with the second placed Kenyan coming in over 8 minutes later. Over 1300 runners then crossed the finish line, in various states of dress: Elvis, Spiderman, Nemo and one very grumpy chap running in full police riot gear, perhaps he was just being prepared for those over enthusiastic supporters trying to offer him jelly babies.
This is my local race race so it always seem rude not to enter (this is the third year of running), although I do like the look of Bournemouth for next year.
Organisation is excellent, I've never seen a race with so many port-a-loos, it looked like was enough for one each. So after a bit of faffing about with the microphone at the start the race started.
Last year I managed to break 1:45 in slightly overcast conditions so I was looking to try and beat it. I had set a target of 7:30 minute miles. A neighbour was also also running and he went off very fast indeed, I thought I better try and keep up. The first 2 miles were close to 7:00, and it was getting warm - I am so going to suffer later I thought.
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. I was hanging on just behind my neighbour at this point and I was starting to feel the heat. There is a long down hill stretch here - some of it in the shade. When needed I am quite good at descending quickly - so it was here I finally over took my neighbour and ploughed on as quickly as I could. That mile clocked in at 6:36
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 mu the lovely people of Elliesfield 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 - although I did manage to loose a gel from my shorts at this point - those side pockets were not such a good idea after all.
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 - I was overtaken by a guy in vibrams who was running like a gazelle.
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. 2 miles to go and it's time to grind it out. Back into Basingstoke before turning into War Memorial park, and another climb. Finish was excellent, a straight forward grass track, with the race announcer calling out names as you approach the finish line.
Goodie bag: Tech T-shirt (bright yellow), medal, banana, water, lucasade, clif bar.
Excellent race for old pros and beginners alike and the result 1:36:38 - get in there!
(it does mean of course I need to break 1:35 next year though)
The race was won by Kenyan Nicholas Kirui in 1:05:33, with the second placed Kenyan coming in over 8 minutes later. Over 1300 runners then crossed the finish line, in various states of dress: Elvis, Spiderman, Nemo and one very grumpy chap running in full police riot gear, perhaps he was just being prepared for those over enthusiastic supporters trying to offer him jelly babies.
This is my local race race so it always seem rude not to enter (this is the third year of running), although I do like the look of Bournemouth for next year.
Organisation is excellent, I've never seen a race with so many port-a-loos, it looked like was enough for one each. So after a bit of faffing about with the microphone at the start the race started.
Last year I managed to break 1:45 in slightly overcast conditions so I was looking to try and beat it. I had set a target of 7:30 minute miles. A neighbour was also also running and he went off very fast indeed, I thought I better try and keep up. The first 2 miles were close to 7:00, and it was getting warm - I am so going to suffer later I thought.
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. I was hanging on just behind my neighbour at this point and I was starting to feel the heat. There is a long down hill stretch here - some of it in the shade. When needed I am quite good at descending quickly - so it was here I finally over took my neighbour and ploughed on as quickly as I could. That mile clocked in at 6:36
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 mu the lovely people of Elliesfield 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 - although I did manage to loose a gel from my shorts at this point - those side pockets were not such a good idea after all.
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 - I was overtaken by a guy in vibrams who was running like a gazelle.
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. 2 miles to go and it's time to grind it out. Back into Basingstoke before turning into War Memorial park, and another climb. Finish was excellent, a straight forward grass track, with the race announcer calling out names as you approach the finish line.
Goodie bag: Tech T-shirt (bright yellow), medal, banana, water, lucasade, clif bar.
Excellent race for old pros and beginners alike and the result 1:36:38 - get in there!
(it does mean of course I need to break 1:35 next year though)
Abingdon Marathon 2013 Race Report - ish
The last time I ran at Abingdon was 2010, where a set a PB, I've not run a road marathon since and hence the PB still stands. My trial marathon times have been dropping recently and after last weekends half marathon PB I thought my changes would be good at setting a new PB
Races are won before you cross the start line, so I thought I'd better prepare with extra care. I checked my times from the last race, worked out the slow miles where I'd need to put in extra effort and finalised my pacing strategy.
I got my kit ready - I even filled in my race number details and pinned it to my top. I was super prepared.
Alarm went off and after a small breakfast I set up. Drive to Abingdon was fine, SatNav directed me to the car park with easy. As I pulled up into the college I did think it eerily quiet, with a distinct lack of signage.
At was at that point that I had a "bad feeling about this". I pulled out the instruction sheet that arrived with the race number, and there it was first line "20th October", so I was exactly a week early.
How that happened I have no idea, it is written on the calendar (home and word) as the 13th, it's on my phone as the 13th, I told everyone at work it was the 13th.
So what do I do? I did think of starting anyway - that way I had a chance of winning. I also though of sitting there for a few hours otherwise I'd have to admit what a idiot I'd been. Decisions, decisions - so I turned tail and headed home to face the music.
I was called a numpty for the rest of the day at home, today at work I was called worse.
So am I looking forward to the Abingdon Marathon on the 20th? Well I would be had I not also entered a cycle race on the same day - unless I got that date wrong too....
Races are won before you cross the start line, so I thought I'd better prepare with extra care. I checked my times from the last race, worked out the slow miles where I'd need to put in extra effort and finalised my pacing strategy.
I got my kit ready - I even filled in my race number details and pinned it to my top. I was super prepared.
Alarm went off and after a small breakfast I set up. Drive to Abingdon was fine, SatNav directed me to the car park with easy. As I pulled up into the college I did think it eerily quiet, with a distinct lack of signage.
At was at that point that I had a "bad feeling about this". I pulled out the instruction sheet that arrived with the race number, and there it was first line "20th October", so I was exactly a week early.
How that happened I have no idea, it is written on the calendar (home and word) as the 13th, it's on my phone as the 13th, I told everyone at work it was the 13th.
So what do I do? I did think of starting anyway - that way I had a chance of winning. I also though of sitting there for a few hours otherwise I'd have to admit what a idiot I'd been. Decisions, decisions - so I turned tail and headed home to face the music.
I was called a numpty for the rest of the day at home, today at work I was called worse.
So am I looking forward to the Abingdon Marathon on the 20th? Well I would be had I not also entered a cycle race on the same day - unless I got that date wrong too....
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