Still here and still running.

It's nearly a year since my last post so I really think I should get back and update the blog.

I have still kept running and racing but after a good patch about two years ago things have being difficult running wise. Well over the hour for 10 miles and up to 37 minutes for 10k at the Abbey Dash. I still keep going because I feel the benefits of running are worth the effort for me and I don't wan't to get to the point of no return - where you feel there would be too much to do to achieve the fitness level you want. It also means that I don't have to refuse that extra slice of cake! It is a routine that I don't want to break but there are always loads of reasons to stay back in the warm house.

Often described as the most difficult of sports at competitive level. I think most serious runners would agree that running fitness can be very undulating to say the least. The saying that hard work always pays off sometimes doesn't hold true with this sport. Too much hard work in the form of training and your running fitness can break down and you are back to where you started - or worse.

I have so far completed 3 of the 4 cross countrys this season. This should come through as improved fitness for some 10k road races later on and I already feel stronger from these. Also I have bagged a few 10 milers, with the Guy Fawkes at Ripley and the Harewood 10 miles, done in approximately 1hr and 5 minutes.

So that is all for now. If I don't get back to the blog happy running and all the best for Christmas and the New Year.

 

Ready to join the comeback trail.

Since my last post in September a lot has happened but nothing very useful to running. Or should I say running fast times?

After about 12 months of vetting and short courses etc we finally got the approval to be foster parents. In the summer we got a new addition to join the family. A baby boy aged 3 months.

We then got the crazy idea to convert the loft of the house to make two extra larger bedrooms and a bathroom. This involved a total removal of one side of the roof to add a double dormer, addition stair case to the extra floor, and due to building regulations, changing all the existing 21 doors for fire doors. It seemed like a good idea at the time and so we went through the process of obtaining quotes for the work. We finally settled on one company who came highly recommended by a friend. They started the work in early November and they finished their part of the job on the 19th December. They were excellent tradesmen and I was over the moon with the job. We are now decorating and carpeting the new rooms so the kids can move in.

After virtually 2 years of research into the most economically way of heating the whole place we decided to come off gas and opt for a wood boiler. This needed to be at least 40 kilo watts, with 2000 liters of water to use as stored heat. These would be contained in 2 x 1000 liter buffer tanks. After calculating the heat loss for the house we estimated only needing to feed the boiler every 24 hours and the house would run off the stored heat within the tanks in the mean time. The boiler and tanks would be situated in the garage. A space would need to be set aside in the garden to use as log storage. So far this is working out really well and it is the first time I am looking forward to the gas bill!

Oh sorry, back to the running. I did the Denby Dale 6 miles in December in 37 something and the Brass Monkey in a very slow 1-29 something. Very windy conditions on that day. I am entered for the Dewsbury 10k next Sunday. I will be happy with something near 37 mins.

End of summer, another birthday, and a new running campaign

Sorry that it has been a long time since my last post. Over the summer we welcomed another baby boy into the family - making 3 altogether(2 boys and one girl). Although this is a fairly short term fostering arrangement the commitment is identical to your own children and therefore time was limited to go out running.

For me another birthday is coming and next Thursday I will be 47. This will put me virtually mid point between V45 and V50 - race wise it is a difficult place to be. I've noticed lately that a lot of races don't have a V45 category and so just have V40 and V50 etc. This can be somewhat awkward when you have to compete with a 'young' just turned 40 year old.

Over the summer I have continued to train at a lower intensity, doing the occasional short road or trail race. Also cycling and walking to maintain some sort of reasonable fitness base. The last week I have stepped up the mileage to about 40 miles a week, with a long run of about 17 on Sunday.

It has helped reading the blogs from other runners and the problems they have. I don't mean that in a nasty sort of way. It's just sort of soothing to know that this is a difficult sport for everybody and therefore this stops me wasting time moaning or grumbling.

My next race maybe mid September for a 10k.

Regards

Leeds Half and another 5k

Last Sunday(8th May) it was the Leeds Half Marathon, which i'd hastily entered, not quite realising it was sandwiched in the middle of a series of 5k events. I did the same silly thing last year and somehow forgot just how silly it was.

It was humid conditions last week which suited me well for the race. My plan was to set of steady and try to have something left for the last 4 mile section along Kirkstall Road. The course is hilly for the first 7 miles. Last year I 'overcooked' the first half and then really struggled along the final section. I planned to use this as a tempo session and a 'train through race' therefore no tapering for this one. I 'locked on' to Duncan Clarke after a few miles and managed to then overtake and gain some ground.

The Leeds Half has now turned into a large event with approximately 3500 runners taking part. The absence of 'serious' club runners helped my cause with a 25th placing and second vet45 - missing out on first v45 by 13 seconds. Setting off with the frame of mind not to race was probably the right thing to do and made fully sure I didn't suffer too much and saved at least something for the Wednesday night.

Last Wednesday nights race was the second of 3 x 5k races at Esholt. This one was not the Yorkshire Vets 5k Champs so there were some different runners to before. Calm and humid conditions were perfect. I set off steady and hoped to gain ground on Rob Gray at the 2.5k mid point. Just losing out by a few seconds at the end but dipping just under 17 minutes at 16-59, with one second between me and Rob for second v45 over the two races.

Race for fitness.

A week on the Isle of White seemed like a good idea - with a planned mix of family pursuits and training. I'd set off with the intention of an active rest and recovery break - sometimes called the family holiday! The Rothwell 10k was entered on the Bank Holiday Monday and something had to be done to stop the fitness decline. I have to admit to catching the lazy bug and only ended doing a few short morning runs. This meant that the Rothwell 10k produced a below par performance (36-41) and nowhere near the V45 prizes.

The next race was the first of a series of 3 x 5k races run on following Wednesdays from the village of Esholt, with the first one on the 4th May. Surprisingly, I felt better at the start of this race than the Rothwell one and very nearly managed a sub 17 minutes. This was helped by a hard fought tussle for the finish with Wetherby runner Rob Grey. The time was 17 minutes and this will hopefully provide a guide to any improvements of fitness after the next 2 races.

On Sunday it's the Leeds Half Marathon and I will using this to build fitness and to gain race stamina for a mid summer key race - possibly Eccup 10 mile.

Wakefield 10k

Not the ideal prep for this race; it was a preplanned meal on Saturday night at Red Hot Buffet in Leeds with a group of friends. This place has probably got the largest selection of performance inhibitors gathered in one place, but it would be silly to spoil things, avoid all the puddings and munch on salad all night. It's also been a hard week of training, the Thirsk 10 mile last Sunday and a hard speed work session Thursday night. The only good thing was the race was local and less than five miles from my house to the race start. I had my number so I didn't have to get up too early.

It's an 'out and back' course but certainly not flat. The race start is elevated and there is a short distance of downhill until it meets the main road. Some runners can get carried away with this downhill bit and then suffer later in the race. I was happy to set off steady and increase the pace later if I could. Kevin O set off fairly quick and I tried to dig in and 'claw him back'. One of my main rivals at V45 class, Duncan Clarke, was a good way in front of me in the first two miles. I did wonder if I had set off too slow. I then noticed I was gaining ground on him and overtook in the next mile. Tricky Ricky Balshaw looked to be going good and was with a group of other runners. They were just a bit too far to zero in on and I was just hoping that they would fall of the pace on the back 5K - they never did. First Lady, Helen Singleton, was shoulder to shoulder at 6k and provided a useful pace maker as my legs were hurting. Near to the finish two other runners caught up and tried to pass. I found the switch for race hell mode and gave it everything for the line. I later found out that one of the runners was Donald Kennedy from Longwood who is a V45 and I beat by one second to claim first male V45 and a time of 35-26.

Other Spen runners had a good day; Kevin O did 34-42, Gerard Skippings 37-46 and Ian Ogden(Kevs brother) 40-42.

Thirsk 10 - Maybe a lesson in pace judgement?

It was a drive up to Thirsk Sunday for the rescheduled 10 mile road race. Perfect weather conditions also provided a useful wife and kids picnic opportunity. We set off in good time and arrived in Thirsk about an hour before. A quick jog to the well organised entry desk and I was all 'numbered up' in no time.

Thirsk race course provides a perfect venue for the race - with ample car parking, toilet facilities, refreshments and off road areas for warming up. Perhaps the only thing missing would be shower facilities, which I find are most useful when you are spending time after the race shopping and sight see-ing etc.

A quarter mile jog to the start was a useful pre-race warmer. In the line up were a mix of runners, some preparing for Spring marathons, some recovering from injury and others who are just very friendly and seem to be at every race that I do. I noticed Andrew Pearson from Longwood Harriers in the line up along with Spen team mate Kevin Ogden, local runner Gary Dunn, Sarah Jarvis(Bingley), Marc Teasy(Bingley)Marc Hall(Otley), Martin Firth(Queensbury), John Broom(Barnsley), Tim Midgely(Bingley), Mike Burrett(Leeds) and Will Kerr(St Bedes).

The race started steady and even Andrew Pearson didn't bolt off. This allowed for a fair size group to form. Those that I recognized in the group were, Kevin Ogden, Gary Dunn and Marc Hall. After approximately one mile Andrew Pearson opened a gap with Mike Burrett giving chase. I was aware of Gary's injury and wasn't sure whether this was an 'ankle tester' or a serious race for him. Either way I was happy with the pace at that point. Team mate Kevin was slightly in front and we were gaining ground on him. Marc Hall was slightly in front of him and not gaining on us. The group were holding together at 5-25 mileing and I was quite surprised then how easy it felt. I think it was at about the five mile point that the group split up and I was running alongside Kevin after that. The early fast pace was now beginning to tell and after getting to the five mile point in 27-51 the legs were hurting. We then caught up and passed Tim Midgely from Bingley who tore off his number, probably after realising it was an off day and runners were passing him in droves. I think the race turn round point was about 7 miles and that's where Kevin gained the advantage and I didn't have the legs to respond. Closer to the finish Will Kerr charged passed me and I got to the finish in 57-27 - identical time to 2008. A bright T shirt, small trophy and £25 cash. Then a picnic nosh up, a walk round Thirsk town center and a drive up to Ripon. All in all a good day out.

Mile splits; 1= 5-24, 2 = 5-31, 3 = 5-34, 4 = 5-40, 5 = 5-41, 6 = 5-47, 7 = 5-50, 8 = 5-53, 9 = 5-57, 10 = 5-57.

Well done to the wheelchair athletes too.

Nort on for a PB this time.

Cool and perfect running conditions this Sunday saw a good turnout for the annual Norton 9 Mile Road Race. I like doing this one because although it's all on the road it's mainly country roads and very scenic. The only drawback is that it's only 9 mile(as apposed to 10 mile) and not usually recognized on the ranking pages. It reminds me of parts of the Ackworth Half Marathon course or the Askern 10 Mile - both good courses. I wasn't sure what time I was going to get this year. I thought I was probably slightly less fitter than last year - due to the interruptions to the winter training. I have been doing some reasonable long runs at tempo pace(8-10 miles at marathon pace) and I think this as helped my endurance , although still slightly down on the fitness scale compared to last year.

In the line up at the front was Andrew Pearson(Longwood), Pumlani Bangani(Salford), Darren Newbould(Hallamshire) Carl Ryde(Doncaster) . As expected Andrew set off quick and Carl Ryde tried to follow but soon had to ease back. That's the last I saw of those two and it was solo running for me in parts, until I was joined later by Paul Collingwood(Askern) at about 3 miles. A young chap joined us after he fell off the pace from the group in front(about 8 miles). The pace felt good for me and I thought that I would be able to maintain this pace all the way hoping that some of the others runners from the group in front would fade. I was expecting Pumlani to charge past at some stage in the race going by his other results here. This didn't happen and near to the nine mile point I surged forwards and a gap developed between me and Paul Collingwood. My tactic was to try to develop a gap to avoid a very painful sprint finish. This worked out and Paul eventually broke down and drifted backwards. I finished the race in 9th, with a respectable time of 52-18, first V45 - with an average pace of about 5-48 per mile. About a minute down on last year but I enjoyed the run and was well pleased with it.

Short fitness and training update.

I can't quite believe another month has passed since my last blog update.

On the fitness front I've not yet got into serious training. Using races as really hard tempo runs has helped maintain a reasonable level of fitness.

Dipping just under 36 minutes at the Dewsbury 10k was acceptable to me given the interruptions to training(snow and ice).

The Liversedge Half Marathon last Sunday proved tough and I needed a few days a slow running to fully recover. A time of 1-21-41 was enough to win first V45 prize there, and considering it's only just over a minute slower than my time at the Brass Monkey is a confidence boost.

I intend to try do another half marathon in March . I do consider the half marathon perfect for over distance 10k and 10 mile training, although I think you need to be actually training for a marathon to run them well and competitively. By that I mean training over distance with some long stuff(17-22 milers). There is also some flat local 10ks coming up Rothwell and Wakefield which I should be thinking about entering. So there no hint of retirement just yet!

Brass Monkey Half Marathon.

It was ideal conditions for the race today and I was prepared to give it a go. Cancelled races and bad training weather created self doubts early on - even before race day. This was only to be a hard pushed tempo session but still as close to max as I could go without blowing up; often called threshold pace. Everybody was in the same boat with the bad training weather so I really couldn't use that as an excuse today. Runners were telling me that they were clocking 60 miles a week on treadmills and others out running on the snowy pavements in trail shoes. No bad weather, just bad excuses.

The early race pace felt good and I seemed to be averaging about 5-45 minutes per mile and still within site of a group, which included team mate Kevin O. This was very close to recent 10k pace and with hindsight was too fast too early on. I stayed with this group for approximately 3 miles. After 5 miles runners were passing me in droves and then it was a case of hanging on to the end. After 8 miles the legs were starting to hurt, my pace then slowed and more runners were overtaking, Some I recognised including Marc T who stormed on for a Vet 40 prize and PB. Will k coasted past me late on too. Fellow blogger Simon A stormed passed just on the line to pip me at the end - well done to him.

I finished in 1-20-28, well down on last year but a useful session and something to build on for the coming season.

Pennine 10k: Slow start to 2011

Seven weeks since my last race - which was the Abbey Dash. I knew I'd lost some fitness even though I was regularly going to the gym and using the treadmill. Four cancelled races wouldn't help things. I needed to do a race to get 'race fit'.

The Pennine 10k seemed ideal, fairly local and an early starter. I entered on-line so it was just a case of turning up and collecting the number. I was a bit worried because last night there was a touch of frost at home. No signs of a cancellation this time, although I joked to some of the other runners that it was cancelled and the look on their faces was quite something.

It seemed like there was not as many runners this time. I just wondered if runners were deciding not to take the risk and abstain from entering because of the unpredictable weather. No entries on the day meant that it was a fairly low turnout for this race. Among the few runners that I recognised were: Shaun Dimilow(Barnsley)Andy May(Abbey Runners), Andy Whitworth(Meltham), David Thomson(Barnsley), Keith Williams(Rotherham), Martin Firth(Queensbury)

With no serious training for quite a few weeks it was a case of easing into the race and seeing how the legs and lungs held up. Shaun set of at a steady pace with a chap from Halifax giving chase. I was happy to follow and run alongside Andy W until I found out just what pace my legs could take. I seemed to cope well with the up hills and gained the advantage over Andy W. Andy M and David Thomson ran ahead and made a small group. I quickly realised I didn't want to join them this time and decided to run my own race. It was a solo effort for me from then on with Andy W falling some way behind, although I got the feeling that he may make a late charge and catch me. I think my time was 37-28 ish, some way short of last years PB of 33-49 but it's a hilly course with a touch of headwind today.

Recovering from rest.

Adapting to rest seems hard for me. The festive period of long lie ins, large breakfasts and lack of endurance work doesn't suit me and is noticeable as I hit the pavements once again. On the way home from work on my regular 7 mile run I was having to slow down to jogging pace in places due to aching legs. The obsessive runner doesn't take to rest and the thought of other rival runners out there training is torture.

Looking forward into 2011 I will continue the successful regime of late 2010; which I would describe as 'batch training' and 'batch racing'. This consists of a full season of hard training(about 13 weeks of 60-70 miles/ week with 1 long run, 1 speed session per week), then reducing the training and doing about four to six races of 10k, 10 miles or half marathon, with a weeks rest between 10k's and two weeks between 10 miles and half marathon. I prefer to train for a season(or part to part) ie spring, summer, autumn and winter. I feel this idea will compartmentalise the training and make it appear to have a definite start and end, where a peak should be reached at the end of the season. The same idea would be to have a key race to aim for and therefore a date to aim for a peak. I personally find this difficult when doing so many races in a short time. It can reduce other options available and also be a massive disappointment if it doesn't pay off and you have no plan B. Last year I misjudged where the peak would be and managed to hold a reasonable fitness level in the 5 races of Horsforth 10k(34-40), Brid Half(1-17-17), Guy Fawkes 10 mile(59-54) Barnsley 10k(34-40) and Leeds Abbey Dash 10k(33-49). The only disappointment was the Brid Half, where I needed a rest and it it didn't feel like it(I felt good on the day), but it was still useful training for the other races.

Three Degrees

Not talking about the classic 70's pop band. I was surprised to read that the temperature reading this morning was 3 degrees. The birds were tweeting and it felt almost spring like. I was just starting to get used to a lie in and the full English breakfast on my return from the gym. It felt good to get out onto safe clear pavements once again. The legs felt heavy though and there was no way that it was going to be a fast pace; seven minute/mile max. I had done a hard gym session yesterday with some single leg squats and then on to the treadmill after finding out that the Ribble Valley was cancelled. I know it was one of those things and the conditions were not good but a small hand written sign at the race start saying that the race cancelled was a little bit short notice. It was an 130 mile round trip from Wakefield so not a journey I wanted to make for no reason.

All this gym work and I've worked out that there seems to be a world of difference between treadmill running and road running. I did get to the point of enjoying the treadmill once I set myself challenges on it. Viewing it as a running rival and virtual partner rather than a machine. I will include it as part of my training with maybe one session per week next year.

It's close to the end of the year now and I will be reviewing 2010 and thinking about what can be done in 2011 to improve things running wise. I know things went downhill in December when the bad weather hit. A 33-49 10k at Leeds towards the end of November was a high point. This month I have been running to work and back in the snow but unable to put in any tempo work due to the danger of slipping and track work was off due to the ice on the track. Fitness can easily be built back up but bad injuries can take longer to heal - were my thoughts. Keeping a fitness base there means not having to start right from scratch again, although it feels you have lost loads of fitness on your first run out.

So if I don't get another posting out before the end of the year. Happy New Year to everybody and happy running in 2011.

Seasons Greetings

Just got a moment to wish a very merry Christmas to all bloggers, followers, readers and others and also to a successful 2011 for everybody. Not got much time cos the kids are tucked up in bed and Santa is on his way.

Sorry about no recent updates but i've not really done much race wise. Three races cancelled now and I'm eagerly checking the Preston Harriers website to see if the Ribble Valley road race is still on. They have give it out for about 2 degrees on Monday which should hopefully make sure the course is ice free.

I have been running to work and back and treadmill running this past two weeks, managing to clock a decent sub 37 minutes on the treadmill(longest ever run on treadmill, I think) this morning, so it's more a case of holding on to what's there rather than trying to improve - until the icy pavements clear that is.

Doing a lot of strength work at the gym to help my niggly knee, which has improved it somewhat.

Bye for now.

Thirsk 10

I was up for it today and set off like a rocket. I glanced at my Garmin, which showed 3-30 per mile. I knew if I kept up the pace I would be on for a sub 40 minute 10 mile. My nearest rival was at least a mile back, Andy Pearson I think, or was it Mo Farah. I kept thinking the lead car is not going fast enough and I need to ask if they can increase the pace a bit. On the turn round point I saw another group of runners, local star Gary Dunn was among them with Darren Bilton, both snarling at me as I passed them. Just then as I approached the finish I heard a noise - it was the alarm clock going off for me to get up. It was all just a dream, shame it was cancelled.

Leeds Abbey Dash 10k: Consistency in training pays off.

After suffering a cold in the run up to Sundays race, doubts about even running in it began to surface. This was a chance to 'peek at the potatoes' and test the training regime. I have completed a full 20 weeks of training, with a typical week consisting of: 1 x track session, 3 moderately paced 10-12 milers(average pace 7-20) , one long run of about 16 miles and 2 days gym work(conditioning etc.) and cycling.

This is one of the flattest local 10ks that I know. I didn't really want to miss the chance of locking horns with the rivals and finding out where I was in competition terms. This would be one of the last chances of a ranking result this year.

The centre of Leeds at 8-30am was cold and fresh. I decided to avoid the congestion and park off Water Lane and walk over the canal bridge to the start line(about 1 mile). Loads of runners and spectators were gathered at the start and I was looking round to see if I could recognise anyone; a few Rothwell and Pudsey Pacers were mulling about.

I got to the front and caught site of Johnny Mellor(last years winner), Ian Hudspith, John Convery, Gary Dunn, and Will kerr. I got the feeling that I would have to bolt like a race horse to avoid getting trampled in the rush.

The race started and the runners soon thinned out. I found my own space and the Garmin showed 4-52 per mile - good so far I thought. I felt really strong and tried to make ground on a group of runners in front. Another small group of runners tried to pass me, which included John Convery from Wakefield H. I stayed with him for a bit until he steadily broke away. I was comfortable up to the turn round point and caught sight of the front runners going the other way. There's a feeling that when you hit the turn around you can then 'fly' down to the finish. It doesn't quite happen like that and running down a slight incline felt like hard work for me. I reached the 5 mile point in 26-56, which would have been a recent PB for 5 miles. I knew then that there was a possibility of breaking 34 minutes. I was aware of the incline to the finish, so all reserves were needed in the final half mile. I got a view of the clock which showed 33-20ish, so I put in a last sprint over the line to clock 33-49. A hard fought sub 34.

Barnsley 10k: The need for a finishing kick.

After e-mailing the race organiser late last night(Saturday) regarding the Barnsley 10k I managed to secure a number, although there appeared to be loads left on the day when I got there. I had decided to do this race as late as last night with the other option the cross country at Spen. Conditions seemed perfect so I set off to Royston in good time.

This was a well organised event with chip timing, portaloos, canteen and ample parking. The new chip device which fastened to your leg, rather than your running shoe, with a simple strong paper strip seemed like another well thought out innovation. This caused no problems for me whatsoever during the race, it held tight and was easily removed at the end. Also the organisation of the chip devices into miniature drawers which were numbered, allowing for on the day entries to also have their own chip seemed a winner too. Four pounds extra on the day seemed justified this time.

There was a familiar crowd at the front with John Convery(now Wakefield), Shaun Dimilow(Barnsley), Andy Whitworth(Meltham), Kev Lilley(Sheffield) and a few others. I set off steady with the plan of trying to catch up with the main rivals later. I then overtook K. Lilley and A Whitworth before attempting to catch up with J Convery. Mark Hall(Otley) joined me along with Darren Newbould(Hallamshire) and I stayed with them and felt comfortable with the pace, even up to the 4 mile point. After that is when things started to get tough and the course turned hilly. There was only a short gap(about 20 seconds) between me and J.C, but the hills expended all my reserves and I was labouring at the finish, passed by Mark Hall and David Thomson(Barnsley) near to the finish. With a position of 10th and time of 34-40 another good performance apart from lacking the killer kick at the end which cost me 2 positions.

I notice that the link from chip time to power of 10 rankings seemed to have speeded up somewhat. I checked tonight and it's updated already - Technology rules.

Guy Fawkes Tough 10 mile

Having done this race quite a few times the weather has varied in the past from dry, cold and sunny or raining, to mild and wet, calm or windy. This time it was calm, fairly mild and damp - Probably ideal running conditions.

Having had the privilege of browsing the entry list the night before there appeared to be no runners who would be likely to dominate the race fully. There were a few runners who I wasn't sure about. I didn't have the time to 'Power of 10 them' to check them out. Plus entries on the day were still open at that point.

This race has a tricky start which goes downhill through the back of Ripley castle. I wasn't about to get carried away at this point and I set off steady. This was well within myself, although it is rather daunting when loads of runners are in front of you. I always tell myself that any race over 5 miles is along way and there is plenty of time to catch them up. The first 1.5 miles is off road and a rather stoney farm trails through sparse woodland. This didn't suit the racing trainers and I was happy when the race hit the tarmac roads. I could then get into a steady rhythm and concentrate on my tactic of 'clawing' runners back. A runner from Harrogate made an early break at the front and Ian Crampton(Durham) made a steady attempt to catch him. At that point I was in forth place and comfortably holding on. Later a runner from Ripon(Micheal Appleton) and Matt Hayes from East Hull Harriers joined up to make a group of 3. We were then joined by a young unattached runner(Jackie Simpson). We all then took turns to push the pace along. Matt Hayes from East Hull fell off the pace slightly and me and the other runners were all closely together until we hit the trail part to the finish. Once again this affected my rhythm and it seemed to give the other runners the advantage. I pushed close to the limit at this point and glancing over my shoulder was then aware of Will Kerr(St Bedes) making a late charge. One last push to the finish gave me 5th place overall - 59-54, quite pleased.

Fastest Finger First.

Who would have thought that the most basic of human function(running) would be affected by the technology revolution. I'm not talking about Garmin or the million mile sock. Those(and me) that rushed to their computers before 9-am on Saturday morning to enter next years Brass Monkey experienced it first hand. A few clicks of a mouse and your in. Time was short and not even the greatest procrastinator can put it off. Simple on-line entry forms and secure payment makes for easy entry. The draw back of this is the race has limits and some people will be disappointed. The organisers have no choice but to limit entries due to safety issues and the sheer speed of information technology is out of their hands once the word is out. Some people have suggested a ballot system is used similar to the London Marathon. I have to say I disagree with them; deemed to be equally fair or unfair, depending on whether you win or lose. Also too time consuming for the organisers for a relatively small race. Choosing people on their running merits would also be a difficult task. Who do you choose - the sub 65 mins runner - or the runner raising money for charity. Both worthy entrants you would say, but a very difficult call to make.

Brid Half: Not a leisurely day at the seaside.

Near perfect conditions produced a large turnout for this annual event; a cool but welcoming on- shore breeze with clear blue skies. Judging by the amount of cash on the table quite a lot of people opted to enter on the day. This is one event where anyone who doesn't pre -enter misses out on the prizes.

Gathered at the front were: Andy Pearson(Longwood), Mark Hall(Otley), Tim Midgely(Bingley), Stuart McDonald(Bingley), Stuart Carmicheal(City of Hull), Paul Marchant(Leeds City).

As predicted, Andy Pearson was in front followed by Paul Marchant. Andy soon increased the pace on approaching the first roundabout. I set off fairly fast and it took to about the 2 mile point for the Bingley pair to catch me. I then stayed with them a bit until Tim M opened a gap and increased the pace. This was too fast for me and I stayed with Stuart M for a bit until he decided to try close the gap to Tim M. It was then solitary running, until I was caught by Mark H at about the 10k point - which I reached in 34-40. I passed the 10 mile point in 58-15 and then struggled with the remaining 3 miles. I was overtaken again on the final 500 meters. Legs were seriously mashed at this point and I was happy for the race to finish.

I recorded a time of 1-17-16, which was a little down on what I was hoping for, but collecting a Yorks Vet 45 trophy and £25 cheque helped mask the disappointment.

Mile splits were: 5-37, 5-38, 5-29, 5-39, 5-57, 6-04, 5-59, 6-19, 5-38, 5-48, 6-13, 5-56, 6-00