Marathon T
Another week has now passed and I have managed another few runs…
Weds: 19 miles - 2:48:10.
I had a great run last Wednesday on the long route I have used before. Wasn’t really taking any notice of the time, decided to just run as I felt comfortable (as it was going to be so far). The outward leg was comfortable at 9:16/mile pace (it is all uphill on the way out) and coming home was much better at 8:40/mile (downhill). My legs actually felt ok as I hit the finish straight, although as I cooled down I could feel my quads tightening up…The final 7 miles of the Marathon are definitely going to be the tough ones (which has to be considered for worlds most obvious statement)…
Thurs: 2.5 miles – 19:30
With no adverse affects from the previous night I went for a gentle run around the block on Thursday. Loosened up the legs and made sure everything was ok.
Fri – rest
Sat: 6.9 miles – 53:20
Really enjoyable run, I decided to go a bit off-plan and run a course I had not tried before. It involved a number of hills and a couple of detours (as I realised I hadn’t gone far enough when I got to a specific turning). But ended up about the right distance and time for me, and a route I will definitely use again (reached max speed of 14.5mph at one point – think that’s my land speed record).
Sun: an hours surfing (let’s call it cross-training).
Surfing is much easier when you are fit (a contender for second most obvious statement of the year)!
Mon: The rowing challenge
I am sad to report my abject failure on the 20 mins rowing challenge. The challenge is to row over 5000m in 20 mins on the Concept II set to level 8. I managed 5000m in 20:09, and left a beaten man.
I am also going for a run tonight – around 6 - 8 miles at a gentle pace.
And that was my week….Looks like Marathon B has managed to get a team from work of enthusiastic runners together to run the Jersey Marathon (in relay)..So, I am now trying to calculate what time I need to average to beat them – the thought of Marathon B taking the final leg and passing me within sight of the line will be a recurring nightmare until the race day…
Keep it up MoFo's...
Marathon T
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Another triumphant weekend…
Marathon T
Well, after a few weeks back on the training we all headed this weekend to the Bupa ‘Great Capital Run 2008’, a 10k race around Hyde Park.
We were determined not to repeat the mistakes of our last London trip (see http://jerseyrebels.blogspot.com/2008/04/first-race.html or http://jerseyrebels.blogspot.com/2008/04/its-offical-im-runner.html for full details).
So, on arrival in London, Marathon B headed straight to his running clinic for a check-up, while my other half and I went into town. The good intentions lasted for an hour until we found ourselves in the ‘Moet & Chandon’ bar in Selfridges, at this point and after the first glass slipped down I realised drastic measures were called for otherwise the afternoon would be lost. We quickly got ourselves to Leicester Square and into the cinema before the lure of the pub became overwhelming. After watching Wall-E (excellent) – we had a wander around Covent Garden (buying shoes and a handbag - my partner is an absolute female cliche!) then made our way to Miso to meet up with Marathon B.
As a surprise for my partner we had bought some tickets to Les Miserables (seats this time – not four hours on our feet) – so went there straight after feeding. Spent a few hours being wailed at in a dreadful show (not my thing) – interspersed with another glass of champagne and a jug of Pimms. After the show we went straight back to the hotel for an early night – and rest before the main event.
Sunday morning started clear and bright – which woke me up at 5:00 – the hotel curtains were shocking! After a healthy breakfast of muesli and juice, we got our gear together and met up with my folks in the park. We wandered with them down to the start and met up with Marathon B – after a quick photo shoot, and a round of high-fives – we split up and made our way to our individual starting pens (as we were expecting different finish times).
The run itself was ok – except I started off too quick (due to a poor pacing calculation) – passed 5km in 21:12, and finished in 43:10. The only slight annoyance was the over-estimation of many of the runners at the front with their timings. I started in the 44 – 47 min group, but by 1km was streaming past runners who had indicated they would run around 40 mins but looked completely shot (except Alesha Dixon – who looked fantastic – I was sorely tempted to follow her around just for the view, but the size of her security runners put me off!). Luckily it was a fairly wide course and allowed some room to overtake.
My partner finished in 1:15 – in her first ever road race, and after less than three weeks training – so an outstanding effort. She is now officially an endurance athlete (Marathon K), and has already started talking about the next one and ‘PB’s’!.
Overall it was a really well organised and supported run. Great surroundings and a chance to see world class athletes up close (as the course around Hyde Park loops back on itself a few times – you get to see the guys at the front – awe inspiring).
Now onto the Marathon training; I managed 10 miles last night – as a warm down – in a steady 8:14/mile pace. There’s a long way to go.
Marathon T
Well, after a few weeks back on the training we all headed this weekend to the Bupa ‘Great Capital Run 2008’, a 10k race around Hyde Park.
We were determined not to repeat the mistakes of our last London trip (see http://jerseyrebels.blogspot.com/2008/04/first-race.html or http://jerseyrebels.blogspot.com/2008/04/its-offical-im-runner.html for full details).
So, on arrival in London, Marathon B headed straight to his running clinic for a check-up, while my other half and I went into town. The good intentions lasted for an hour until we found ourselves in the ‘Moet & Chandon’ bar in Selfridges, at this point and after the first glass slipped down I realised drastic measures were called for otherwise the afternoon would be lost. We quickly got ourselves to Leicester Square and into the cinema before the lure of the pub became overwhelming. After watching Wall-E (excellent) – we had a wander around Covent Garden (buying shoes and a handbag - my partner is an absolute female cliche!) then made our way to Miso to meet up with Marathon B.
As a surprise for my partner we had bought some tickets to Les Miserables (seats this time – not four hours on our feet) – so went there straight after feeding. Spent a few hours being wailed at in a dreadful show (not my thing) – interspersed with another glass of champagne and a jug of Pimms. After the show we went straight back to the hotel for an early night – and rest before the main event.
Sunday morning started clear and bright – which woke me up at 5:00 – the hotel curtains were shocking! After a healthy breakfast of muesli and juice, we got our gear together and met up with my folks in the park. We wandered with them down to the start and met up with Marathon B – after a quick photo shoot, and a round of high-fives – we split up and made our way to our individual starting pens (as we were expecting different finish times).
The run itself was ok – except I started off too quick (due to a poor pacing calculation) – passed 5km in 21:12, and finished in 43:10. The only slight annoyance was the over-estimation of many of the runners at the front with their timings. I started in the 44 – 47 min group, but by 1km was streaming past runners who had indicated they would run around 40 mins but looked completely shot (except Alesha Dixon – who looked fantastic – I was sorely tempted to follow her around just for the view, but the size of her security runners put me off!). Luckily it was a fairly wide course and allowed some room to overtake.
Marathon T - feeling ok at 1.5km - still on a high from following Alesha Dixon's arse!.
My partner finished in 1:15 – in her first ever road race, and after less than three weeks training – so an outstanding effort. She is now officially an endurance athlete (Marathon K), and has already started talking about the next one and ‘PB’s’!.
Overall it was a really well organised and supported run. Great surroundings and a chance to see world class athletes up close (as the course around Hyde Park loops back on itself a few times – you get to see the guys at the front – awe inspiring).
Team Bupa 10k - Post-Race...Marathon's B, K & T...
Now onto the Marathon training; I managed 10 miles last night – as a warm down – in a steady 8:14/mile pace. There’s a long way to go.
Marathon T
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Getting back on track - Marathon T
Marathon T
It has been a while now since I have posted anything on the blog; the main reason for this is (I have to be honest) sheer laziness. During this absence, I’ve visited Glastonbury Festival for the eleventh time (I think – the numbers get hazy during the mid-late 90’s), drank an inordinate amount of Brothers pear and strawberry cider, grown a beard (which I am still not sure about) and have started running again in earnest.
The last few weeks in pictures….
Marathon’s T & B prepare for the worst (The only rain this year at Glasto)
Marathon B grooving to the beats (Leftfield)
The legendary pear and strawberry cider – our downfall
The troublesome beard
Onto the running; with one eye on the Marathon I have started increasing my longer runs now – while also trying to keep some speed in my legs for this weekends 10k in London. This has given me some challenges, so my training has been a bit disjointed. I have focussed on speed during the week (sessions of 30 – 40 mins including some hill training), then longer runs at the weekend. The 14.5 mile run on Sunday included a tour up the waterworks valley (miles 4 -7 of the Jersey Marathon). Which was hard work – but not as bad as I was expecting – it was all uphill but the gradient was reasonable.
The other piece of significant news is that my other half has started running and is joining us for the London 10k. She completed her first hour non-stop last weekend (5 miles). So, is raring to go for the Sunday morning race around Hyde Park.
And finally, my father (the old codger) has now officially entered the Jersey Marathon – so we are on for the 5th October but there are a lot of miles to go before then.
Marathon T
It has been a while now since I have posted anything on the blog; the main reason for this is (I have to be honest) sheer laziness. During this absence, I’ve visited Glastonbury Festival for the eleventh time (I think – the numbers get hazy during the mid-late 90’s), drank an inordinate amount of Brothers pear and strawberry cider, grown a beard (which I am still not sure about) and have started running again in earnest.
The last few weeks in pictures….
Marathon’s T & B prepare for the worst (The only rain this year at Glasto)
Marathon B grooving to the beats (Leftfield)
The legendary pear and strawberry cider – our downfall
The troublesome beard
Onto the running; with one eye on the Marathon I have started increasing my longer runs now – while also trying to keep some speed in my legs for this weekends 10k in London. This has given me some challenges, so my training has been a bit disjointed. I have focussed on speed during the week (sessions of 30 – 40 mins including some hill training), then longer runs at the weekend. The 14.5 mile run on Sunday included a tour up the waterworks valley (miles 4 -7 of the Jersey Marathon). Which was hard work – but not as bad as I was expecting – it was all uphill but the gradient was reasonable.
The other piece of significant news is that my other half has started running and is joining us for the London 10k. She completed her first hour non-stop last weekend (5 miles). So, is raring to go for the Sunday morning race around Hyde Park.
And finally, my father (the old codger) has now officially entered the Jersey Marathon – so we are on for the 5th October but there are a lot of miles to go before then.
Marathon T
Monday, July 7, 2008
Forgive me Father for I have sinned, it's been 51 days since my last blog!
Marathon S.
Well, I can't believe I've been so naughty as to have not written anything down during the last 51 days, however, I'm back and this time I'm totally serial about it (That’s not a typo if you watch South Park you'll understand how serial I am!!)
Anyway, I completed the half and set off for 2 weeks hedonistic shenanigans in Thailand where I ate and drunk the body weight of 5 Chang, sung 30 renditions of Fanja made famous by the Thai Robbie Williams called bird, well actually they call him Lobbie Lilliams and returned completely rejuvenated, healed and ready for action.
Well not quite as I was stressed having been given 30 days notice on my beauty apartment whilst away so had to start a frantic search for a new place. I won't bore you with the details, however, it only all came together on the final day. In the meantime I'd read an article in Runners World and overnight developed a new, more efficient running style meaning that 9.6 became the new 8.2Kmph.
I set my fastest ever treadmill 5 and 10k and all was looking well to commence the full marathon training on the 30th of June.
However, another hedonistic trip, this time to Glastonbury came along where more cider was consumed that water flowed into the Titanic when it struck the 'berg and more miles of chow mein noodles were eaten than would reach from the Earth to Mercury. This coupled with a heavy cold mean I've not done a sausage of exercise for about 2 weeks.
The weight has ballooned as has my face and 5 marathon training sessions have come and gone.
Anyway, that was then and this is now, I'm back.
Standby for regular updates as I train for my first ever marathon.
Marathon S on the rampage!
Well, I can't believe I've been so naughty as to have not written anything down during the last 51 days, however, I'm back and this time I'm totally serial about it (That’s not a typo if you watch South Park you'll understand how serial I am!!)
Anyway, I completed the half and set off for 2 weeks hedonistic shenanigans in Thailand where I ate and drunk the body weight of 5 Chang, sung 30 renditions of Fanja made famous by the Thai Robbie Williams called bird, well actually they call him Lobbie Lilliams and returned completely rejuvenated, healed and ready for action.
Well not quite as I was stressed having been given 30 days notice on my beauty apartment whilst away so had to start a frantic search for a new place. I won't bore you with the details, however, it only all came together on the final day. In the meantime I'd read an article in Runners World and overnight developed a new, more efficient running style meaning that 9.6 became the new 8.2Kmph.
I set my fastest ever treadmill 5 and 10k and all was looking well to commence the full marathon training on the 30th of June.
However, another hedonistic trip, this time to Glastonbury came along where more cider was consumed that water flowed into the Titanic when it struck the 'berg and more miles of chow mein noodles were eaten than would reach from the Earth to Mercury. This coupled with a heavy cold mean I've not done a sausage of exercise for about 2 weeks.
The weight has ballooned as has my face and 5 marathon training sessions have come and gone.
Anyway, that was then and this is now, I'm back.
Standby for regular updates as I train for my first ever marathon.
Marathon S on the rampage!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
4.5 G force – Marathon J
I noticed that after running down hill, when I reached the bottom and leveled out I felt G force on my legs and seat, I was sure it had something to do with weight, mass, speed, direction changes and the effect transferred forces, but I was a little unsure because it has been some time since I studied aeronautical physics. So rather than dig out the text books I thought I’d be better off doing some basic aerobatic training to work out how fast my body could take me running down hill and pulling out at the bottom.
The afternoon was spent with a bunch of spiffing guys (many with moustaches and names like “Nitro” and “Flash heart”) in intensive aerobatic training and looking at shiny aircraft, Top Gun style. Unfortunately Friday afternoon came and went so the intensive study went on into the night aided by lashings of red wine.
Finally, Saturday came round and at last I was one with the birds flying freely, well strapped into a trainer aerobatic fighter.
After looping the loop and doing a couple of stall turns it was time for a Cuban loop, my instructor pulled a 3.5G coming out of the turn, then it was my go, I hung upside a little too long, so instead of pulling out before the vertical we plummeted directly the earth, the result was 4.5G when pulling out at the bottom of the turn causing my eyes to go all sparkly. So that was the G force limits sorted then, I can run down hill as fast as I like provided I don’t pull more than 4.5G out at the bottom!
The afternoon was spent with a bunch of spiffing guys (many with moustaches and names like “Nitro” and “Flash heart”) in intensive aerobatic training and looking at shiny aircraft, Top Gun style. Unfortunately Friday afternoon came and went so the intensive study went on into the night aided by lashings of red wine.
Finally, Saturday came round and at last I was one with the birds flying freely, well strapped into a trainer aerobatic fighter.
After looping the loop and doing a couple of stall turns it was time for a Cuban loop, my instructor pulled a 3.5G coming out of the turn, then it was my go, I hung upside a little too long, so instead of pulling out before the vertical we plummeted directly the earth, the result was 4.5G when pulling out at the bottom of the turn causing my eyes to go all sparkly. So that was the G force limits sorted then, I can run down hill as fast as I like provided I don’t pull more than 4.5G out at the bottom!
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