A long run with a difference

Today four of us decided to do the 3 peaks challenge at Horton in Ribblesdale.

We had decided beforehand to run as much of the route as possible whilst avoiding running the really rocky bits and severe inclines. We arrived in good time and managed a pot of coffee and Flapjack before clocking in. There seemed to be masses of people there and I think it was something to do with Macmillan Cancer Care. We all did the run in just under seven hours, which considering we stopped for lunch and picture taking it wasn't too bad.

Reindeer Romp Trail Race

Last night me and a few other Spen runners did this short trail race(2.7 miles). It was kind of a friendly race run from the Reindeer pub(Middlestown). It was a surprise to receive large plates of chips at the end and loaves of bread so you can make your own chip butties. Much tastier than a T shirt I would say!

My race tactic of steadily easing into it and then increasing the pace later was totally wrong. These were narrow paths and woodland where there was no place to overtake. The race also started on a downhill section allowing loads of runners to start at great speed. However, I was pleased with the experience and workout.

My next race may be the Eccup 10 mile - will wait and see.

Another build up phase needed.

It feels like an age since my last race which was the Esholt 5k on the 19th May. June has been a busy month for me, what with family holidays and the like, so I haven't had much chance to put in many miles. I have put in some 2 hour bike rides just to keep up some fitness.

It's the annual Joe Percy 10k tonight night at Farnley Tyas(near Huddersfield). It's certainly too short notice to get into any sort of shape for that. This race requires teams of 10 and for our club it will be a difficult task getting 10 of us together. I will just turn up and rely on the reaction taking over. Maybe a race is what I need to make me train hard again.

Leeds Half Marathon

The race plan last Sunday was to run the first half very conservatively and then to try surge past runners on the downhill bits and along Kirkstall road. I still had memories from last years race and suffering total burnout by overdoing the first half. This meant that last year the 'run in' along Kirkstall road was a hard slog to the finish. The Leeds course is virtually uphill for 6.5 miles and then mostly flat and downhill after that.

During the line up at the start I was aware of the presence of John Convery(Bingley), Richard Pattinson(P&B) and Duncan Clarke(Abbey Runners). All these runners are in my age group, but I wasn't in any position to give chase or run side by side this year. I was sticking to my plan of running very steady and totally within myself until the halfway point. This is so hard to do when you see other runners that you know in front that you should be running with. I had no intention of listening to the devil and going with the reaction this time.

When the race started Andy Pearson(Longwood) was off like a rocket and seemed to be averaging well under 5 minute miling. In my sights I had a group of Abbey Runners containing Andy May and a few others. Andy May is in great form so I knew that if I kept him in sight I should be in for a reasonable time. Before reaching the two mile point I noticed Duncan Clarke on the pathway along the race route. This was the end of the race for him and I didn't stop to ask what was up. Up to the 5 mile point I felt comfortable, very relaxed and felt that I had loads of running left in me. When I reached the Ring Road towards the end of King Lane at the Moortown roundabout there was a downhill section in which I decide to open up the pace. I checked the Garmin and it read 5-17 per mile. I thought this was slow considering that this whole section was downhill. The group of runners that I had tried to keep sight of were gaining more lead on me and that seemed to destroy my confidence for the uphill stretch. I tried to dig deep into that uphill section and this had the effect of wasting too much energy. The race route then dropped down towards Horsforth and the Hawkesworth roundabout. At this point all form had gone and I was running at near maximum just to maintain even pace. When I reached Kirkstall Road the pace slowed to just under 6 minute miling and I was in no position to improve on that. With 4 and half miles to go from there I was just trying to make sure I didn't lose any position towards the finish. I eventually finished in 1-20-23, somewhat disappointed, but with 2 previous races in my legs(Rothwell 10k and John Carr 5k) I couldn't really expect much better.

John Carr 5K

Can anybody ever say that a 5k is enjoyable? Only when it is all over I say.

These 5k's are usually run at close to aerobic threshold pace and if your not careful some step over into anearobic running. In my view these are perfect training for the distance runner; virtually flat out pace but must still be controlled, painful but not too far and fairly easy to recover from. A few of these must make a half marathon seem like a walk in the park. I will find out on Sunday at the Leeds Half.

I was happy for the race to start as the midges were starting to bite. After Mondays run at Rothwell my legs felt tired. However, when the race started the reaction kicked in and the pain subsided. I finished with a respectable time of 16-39 and second V45. I was chasing Kevin Ogden who had a storming run to finish in 16-20. Sister Nicola from Pudsey Pacers came in at 22.22. Well done on her first 5k.

Rothwell 10k - changed course

This years Rothwell 10k was a changed course and most runners I spoke to said that it was harder than the last course. This was no surprise bearing in mind that the other course was mainly downhill.

When the race started I set off with the two leaders which included eventual race winner Andrew Pearson. This pace was way beyond me but surprisingly I felt very easy and relaxed for about 1k. I was aware of the charge from behind from Spen pal Kevin Ogden, V45 runner Duncan Clarke, Kev Lilley V45, Tim Midgeley and John Convery V45. Also with others that were in that fairly large chasing group. Most of the course is on one of my long Sunday run routes through Methley and then onto the main road back to the sports centre, so I know the course well. In my mind I had a time of 34-30, which would have been excellent given the changed course and windy conditions. However, I was still happy with my finishing time of 34-52 and third V45.

Thanks to all the organisers and others who were shouting support along the route.

Windy Wakefield spoils PB attempt!

A proper taper this time with no speed work on Thursday, easy running on Friday and a gym session on Saturday. This meant that the legs were fresh and ready for the challenge. Having done fast paced runs of around 16 miles on the previous 3 Sundays I was more than ready to race this one.

The race is now an out and back course along the A642 Horbury road, setting off at the side of Thornes Park. This is different to the previous course around the city, which had more bends and turns.

At the start point the wind didn't seem too bad but as soon as we hit the main road there was a strong headwind. The legs felt good at that time and I settled into a rhythm, having focused on some runners who are capable of sub 34 mins. Tim Midgeley(Bingley), John Broom(Holmfirth) and Andy Whitworth(Meltham) were in the group with me. I felt very comfortable with the pace. I was also happy that the front runners were not disappearing out of sight, which can only mean they are also slowing with the strong head wind. I prefer racing in a group rather than out alone, this seems to make you focus more and the race pass by quicker. On the negative side it can also make you go faster than you are capable of. I was aware of this but felt I had built the fitness to take these guys on -that's what my mind was saying anyway.

At around the 5k turn round point Tim Midgeley fell off the pace and eventually pulled out of the race altogether. It then became a battle between Andy Whitworth and myself, with Daniel Fisher(Valley Striders) and Paul Humphries(Rotherham) joining in. Again, I felt fit enough to take it to the line and it was just a matter of knowing when to go for it. At the 9k marker I decided to go, I sprinted to the line clocking 5-19 for the last mile and just missing out on a sub 35. I was slightly disappointed with the time but pleased that I had won the battle with the group that I was with. I came second V45 with Carl Thackery taking first V45 by quite a long way.