Think I'm back into the 9 to 5 routine now, although the mid afternoon 3pm dip hit me hard today and I really could have done with a wee power nap before my arranged run at 5pm with 'The Secret Runner' - Cobby. Briefly thought about cancelling the run but had a long hard think to myself and realised I'm alway harrassing people to run/boxercise/circuit class with me, so can't very well let people down who ask me to train with them, that would be pretty selfish. Following on from that, I have decided to do any type of training that anyone asks me to do that doesn't interfere with my scheduled runs. Except 5's and MMA, too much risk of injury as my 'give 100% attitude' could backfire at those (plus Gary Flynn is far too good at the MMA now).
Route tonight was - work, along Stannergate, along Strathern Rd, Claypotts then onto Balumbie - 5.3 miles in 57 mins bang on.
Now, interestingly, even though we picked up the pace the last half mile, we both had to agree that outwith the hillier sections, we were both coasting it. We were chatting no problem, no stiffness in legs and only minor aches and pains. We had both hydrated well before the run and even though it was a nice warm evening, we both felt pretty good and not uncomfortable at all.
The question is: should we have tried to run faster or should we have done a longer distance?
This is where my lack of experience is showing.
Now I did have a fish supper after the run for my tea and I know that doesn't sound like marathon training food but I was craving one. It's hard to explain but it felt like my body needed it. I had it and now 2 hours after the run, shower, fish supper and my daily dose of Judge Judy, I feel refreshed, relaxed and have no cravings. My point is, well........actually I don't know what my point is. Maybe I'm trying to justify to myself that I'm allowed to binge on fish suppers (and cans of pepsi + twixs) now that my training has increased.
Mmm. Food for thought.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Turning point
Up at dawns crack today to head through to deepest darkest Clackmananshire for a 9 miler with ultra-marathon runner/ endurance athlete and all round inspiration Garry MacKay http://www.breakingstrain.co.uk/ and Big Pete O - ex sprinter and semi pro rugby player and incidentaly a new dad!
Scrambled eggs on toast then headed through. Decided to get as much fluids as possible to avoid dehydration, as this seems to be a recurring theme. Unfortunately, by drinking so much, I had to pull over 3 times in a 1 hour drive to pee. Had been looking forward to seeing the boys and getting out but this was tinged with a bit of apprehension as naturally I didn't want to look out of my depth and a fat, unfit idiot. Slight concerns.
Started off through the woods, which I really enjoy. Then down along a coastal path that probably had amazing views of the Firth of Forth but it was quite foggy. Kept a steady pace and was able to catch up, get and bit of banter and most importantly, I learned LOADS about hydration, electrolytes, carbohydrate boosts and a number of tricks and tid bits that serious athletes use and need to think about and plan for long runs.
Me and Pete I thought were doing really well. Garry was pace setting brilliantly, not too fast and not too slow. Running with Garry I think could be the same as a pub player playing football with a top pro or a karaoke singer on stage singing with Adele or equivalent - once you get over the inferiority complex it turns out to be a real joy. Helpful, encouraging and inspiring. Although he did make us do a horrendous steep climb at the start of mile 8. Sadistic. But again afterwards, a real sense of achievement. Legs buckled for the first time running down a hill quite fast on home straight and I made a mental note not to do that again. They felt weak and wobbly like they were going to give way any moment.
Bacon rolls courtesy of Mrs Mac and fantastic banter from wee Christopher, rounded off a fine morning. I feel that today was a real turning point in my training. I feel stronger, more confidant and slightly more knowledgable. No small part to Garry and Pete. Although running is an individual pusuit, I have finally worked out why I like running with other people - my background is football, a team sport. I definately perform better in a team and now I know so many people who are doing the Dundee half marathon and Loch Ness marathon, I feel part of a team now and I love that.
Pete is doing the marathon too and I must admit, the night out in Inverness after the marathon is nearly as strong a motivation as raising the money for charity!
9 miles over various terrain - 1hr 49 mins.
Disaster struck on journey home though - realised after 8 odd miles I'd left my trainers at Garrys! Turned and headed back, only to see them pass me on road about half a mile from his!!!!! As usual, no credit on phone to phone him. Trainers stranded. I miss them.
Scrambled eggs on toast then headed through. Decided to get as much fluids as possible to avoid dehydration, as this seems to be a recurring theme. Unfortunately, by drinking so much, I had to pull over 3 times in a 1 hour drive to pee. Had been looking forward to seeing the boys and getting out but this was tinged with a bit of apprehension as naturally I didn't want to look out of my depth and a fat, unfit idiot. Slight concerns.
Started off through the woods, which I really enjoy. Then down along a coastal path that probably had amazing views of the Firth of Forth but it was quite foggy. Kept a steady pace and was able to catch up, get and bit of banter and most importantly, I learned LOADS about hydration, electrolytes, carbohydrate boosts and a number of tricks and tid bits that serious athletes use and need to think about and plan for long runs.
Me and Pete I thought were doing really well. Garry was pace setting brilliantly, not too fast and not too slow. Running with Garry I think could be the same as a pub player playing football with a top pro or a karaoke singer on stage singing with Adele or equivalent - once you get over the inferiority complex it turns out to be a real joy. Helpful, encouraging and inspiring. Although he did make us do a horrendous steep climb at the start of mile 8. Sadistic. But again afterwards, a real sense of achievement. Legs buckled for the first time running down a hill quite fast on home straight and I made a mental note not to do that again. They felt weak and wobbly like they were going to give way any moment.
Bacon rolls courtesy of Mrs Mac and fantastic banter from wee Christopher, rounded off a fine morning. I feel that today was a real turning point in my training. I feel stronger, more confidant and slightly more knowledgable. No small part to Garry and Pete. Although running is an individual pusuit, I have finally worked out why I like running with other people - my background is football, a team sport. I definately perform better in a team and now I know so many people who are doing the Dundee half marathon and Loch Ness marathon, I feel part of a team now and I love that.
Pete is doing the marathon too and I must admit, the night out in Inverness after the marathon is nearly as strong a motivation as raising the money for charity!
9 miles over various terrain - 1hr 49 mins.
Disaster struck on journey home though - realised after 8 odd miles I'd left my trainers at Garrys! Turned and headed back, only to see them pass me on road about half a mile from his!!!!! As usual, no credit on phone to phone him. Trainers stranded. I miss them.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Dark horses
Started a running group at work and had our first run tonight. There were 5 of us. Me Big Chris, Chris, Rosie and Cheryl. Decided to do a 3 miler to start off. Girls decided to speed walk first mile and half and run back. I said I'd do that too as have a 8 miler planned tomorrow.
BC and Chris took off running. Rosie and me tried to keep up with Cheryl. She is ridiculously fast at speed walking. If I was to guess, I'd say about 4.5 - 5 mph pace. My wee short legs couldn't keep up, so I started to trot along beside her. Rosie had dropped back but the boys were just ahead, not far and they were running.
Turned and started to run back with BC and Chris. Very good pace from all 4 of us. Rosie was awol by this point. Felt pretty strong heading back, thought I'd pulled away from the pack but when I finished after my sprint finish, the rest were right behind me!
All finished in 33 min for just over 3 miles. Boys happy with our time but lets think about this for a minute....BC and Chris kept up a steady running pace, I jogged then ran but Cheryl speed WALKED 2 thirds of the way. And when we ran together, she was fastest out of all 4 of us. Uncovered yet another dark horse.
Still no sign of Rosie.
BC and Chris took off running. Rosie and me tried to keep up with Cheryl. She is ridiculously fast at speed walking. If I was to guess, I'd say about 4.5 - 5 mph pace. My wee short legs couldn't keep up, so I started to trot along beside her. Rosie had dropped back but the boys were just ahead, not far and they were running.
Turned and started to run back with BC and Chris. Very good pace from all 4 of us. Rosie was awol by this point. Felt pretty strong heading back, thought I'd pulled away from the pack but when I finished after my sprint finish, the rest were right behind me!
All finished in 33 min for just over 3 miles. Boys happy with our time but lets think about this for a minute....BC and Chris kept up a steady running pace, I jogged then ran but Cheryl speed WALKED 2 thirds of the way. And when we ran together, she was fastest out of all 4 of us. Uncovered yet another dark horse.
Still no sign of Rosie.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Last 3 runs
15/04/11 - Met Big Chris, Brother Bartholomew and Kev from boxercise for a hill run. Started at mine, headed down to Magdalen Yard Green, then up Windsor St. Didn't feel that great, breathing hard and had a headache (very unusual for me). Hit West Park Rd and was already totally gubbed. Made it about 1 third way up, lowest point I've had to start walking on that hill. BB and Kev powered up it. Me and BC walked up. Then disaster! BB and Kev went RIGHT at the top! Should have went LEFT! Amateurs.
Me and BC plodded on, went half way up Balgay Hill and walked most of it then trotted back to start point. 48 mins. Unfortunately BB's car keys were in BC's car, so he had to wait till we got back. As he went RIGHT at the top of WPR, he was back to the start in 24 mins. He'll know better next time.
19/04/11 - Was not looking forward to this first run back after the London Blowout Weekend. Did not disappoint.
Met Cobby and BB at Balumbie, headed up to Sainsburys, then along Balunie Drive and into the promised land - Douglas. Legs felt stiff, sore and very heavy. Worked out for first 3 miles we were doing 10 minute miles. Pretty happy with that actually. Started to slow down after 3 miles and BB took off like a rabbit around a dog racing track. No chance of keeping up with him. Worse still - Cobby started opening up a lead!!! Cobby!!!!
Headed around past incinerator and back up to Balumbie. 4.3 miles, bang on 45 mins. Not bad. Got Cobby in my sights now though. Need to keep an eye on him. Turns out he's been doing secret runs on his own.
20/04/11 - Met Jefferson to do same hill run as described above top. Made is up Windsor St but realised pretty quickly I hadn't hydrated enough. Glad to see my legs kept going though.
Made it 2 thirds up WPR this time, so an improvement on Friday. I swear Jeff was hardly even breathing hard at the top. I couldn't belive it. He's miles fitter than I thought. Think I've talked him into doing the marathon too, so he should be a good long-term running partner for me.
Made it to the top of Balgay with a few stops and managed a 3 quarter pace race on the grass at the bottom. Very hard 43 min run but feel definite improvement. Soaked with sweat, dizzy and totally shattered. Jeff hadn't broke sweat.
Me and BC plodded on, went half way up Balgay Hill and walked most of it then trotted back to start point. 48 mins. Unfortunately BB's car keys were in BC's car, so he had to wait till we got back. As he went RIGHT at the top of WPR, he was back to the start in 24 mins. He'll know better next time.
19/04/11 - Was not looking forward to this first run back after the London Blowout Weekend. Did not disappoint.
Met Cobby and BB at Balumbie, headed up to Sainsburys, then along Balunie Drive and into the promised land - Douglas. Legs felt stiff, sore and very heavy. Worked out for first 3 miles we were doing 10 minute miles. Pretty happy with that actually. Started to slow down after 3 miles and BB took off like a rabbit around a dog racing track. No chance of keeping up with him. Worse still - Cobby started opening up a lead!!! Cobby!!!!
Headed around past incinerator and back up to Balumbie. 4.3 miles, bang on 45 mins. Not bad. Got Cobby in my sights now though. Need to keep an eye on him. Turns out he's been doing secret runs on his own.
20/04/11 - Met Jefferson to do same hill run as described above top. Made is up Windsor St but realised pretty quickly I hadn't hydrated enough. Glad to see my legs kept going though.
Made it 2 thirds up WPR this time, so an improvement on Friday. I swear Jeff was hardly even breathing hard at the top. I couldn't belive it. He's miles fitter than I thought. Think I've talked him into doing the marathon too, so he should be a good long-term running partner for me.
Made it to the top of Balgay with a few stops and managed a 3 quarter pace race on the grass at the bottom. Very hard 43 min run but feel definite improvement. Soaked with sweat, dizzy and totally shattered. Jeff hadn't broke sweat.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Pizza and biscuits
Met Pose, Jefferson and Brother Bartholomew at Camperdown Park after work for a bit of cross country trail running. Fancied a change from pounding the streets and I think I enjoy trail running better.
Set off up through Campy towards Clatto Woods. Felt the pace at the start was a lot faster than normal. I put this down to BB and Jeff being in great shape just now and I was trying to keep up. Me and Pose were out of breath for first mile or so then got into a good pace too. Needless to say BB and Jeff built up a fairly substantial gap very quickly and took off.
Headed through the woods and I really loved running through the woods. Not to sound too poncy but it feels a lot more natural and enjoyable. Even though we were both breathing hard, we managed to get into a deep, interesting conversation. Passed the time well and after a circuit of the reservoir, we were heading back in no time.
Quite liking the banter you get from people you pass as discussed in previous blogs and a women out walking her dogs advised us that we 'would be able to run faster if you didn't gas so much'. Good advice probably but not so enjoyable a run.
Got back into Campy and really picked up the pace, it helped that it was downhill and on grass but it really felt fast. Finished bang on 50 mins, roughly 5 miles. BB and Jeff finished 2 mins later, turns out they ran about a mile and a half - 2 miles more than us too. Very good time and pace from them.
All in all - a hard, relatively faster pace than normal, enjoyable run. These boys committed to doing the Dundee half marathon now too, taking the total to 8. Good stuff.
Nick, Colin and Scrobe came up to mine tonight and we had pizza, coke and loads of biscuits. Really need to focus on my diet from now on.
Set off up through Campy towards Clatto Woods. Felt the pace at the start was a lot faster than normal. I put this down to BB and Jeff being in great shape just now and I was trying to keep up. Me and Pose were out of breath for first mile or so then got into a good pace too. Needless to say BB and Jeff built up a fairly substantial gap very quickly and took off.
Headed through the woods and I really loved running through the woods. Not to sound too poncy but it feels a lot more natural and enjoyable. Even though we were both breathing hard, we managed to get into a deep, interesting conversation. Passed the time well and after a circuit of the reservoir, we were heading back in no time.
Quite liking the banter you get from people you pass as discussed in previous blogs and a women out walking her dogs advised us that we 'would be able to run faster if you didn't gas so much'. Good advice probably but not so enjoyable a run.
Got back into Campy and really picked up the pace, it helped that it was downhill and on grass but it really felt fast. Finished bang on 50 mins, roughly 5 miles. BB and Jeff finished 2 mins later, turns out they ran about a mile and a half - 2 miles more than us too. Very good time and pace from them.
All in all - a hard, relatively faster pace than normal, enjoyable run. These boys committed to doing the Dundee half marathon now too, taking the total to 8. Good stuff.
Nick, Colin and Scrobe came up to mine tonight and we had pizza, coke and loads of biscuits. Really need to focus on my diet from now on.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Hot day + leggings = BAD IDEA
Didn't fancy a long run today and actually nearly never went, still feeling a bit tender from Friday. Glad I did though.
Picked up Big Ronnie and met Jeff and Cobby 10am at Stannegate. Thought a 5 mile run would be do able. Set off in glorious sunshine, at a good pace along by the banks of the Silvery Tay. Got to the castle quite quickly and were just going to do to end of esplanade then back to start - 6 miles. Jeff suggested going on 1 more mile to Monifieth caravan park, felt good, so said yes. Probably shouldn't have. Miles 4-6 were torture. Think maybe went too fast at start. Felt sick for the first time too.
Turned and headed back. Loads of people about by now as the weather was amazing. This in itself makes you try and run faster, especially when you get encouragement from people out for a stroll, or good looking women who shout at you they 'could walk faster' than your current pace also has a strong motivational affect on you.
Had a wave of sickness again at mile 7. Not sure why, thought I would have to stop and heave. Never had to though. Last mile was at a snails pace. Finished 8 miles in 1h 28min. 11 min miles. Avg heart rate - 154, max - 225. didn't stop once.
Lessons learn't: don't wear legging when its scorching (severe chaffage), try eating 2 hours before run to stop sick feeling, force myself to get more fluids in me and in future, try to pick up the pace when running past pretty older women.
Picked up Big Ronnie and met Jeff and Cobby 10am at Stannegate. Thought a 5 mile run would be do able. Set off in glorious sunshine, at a good pace along by the banks of the Silvery Tay. Got to the castle quite quickly and were just going to do to end of esplanade then back to start - 6 miles. Jeff suggested going on 1 more mile to Monifieth caravan park, felt good, so said yes. Probably shouldn't have. Miles 4-6 were torture. Think maybe went too fast at start. Felt sick for the first time too.
Turned and headed back. Loads of people about by now as the weather was amazing. This in itself makes you try and run faster, especially when you get encouragement from people out for a stroll, or good looking women who shout at you they 'could walk faster' than your current pace also has a strong motivational affect on you.
Had a wave of sickness again at mile 7. Not sure why, thought I would have to stop and heave. Never had to though. Last mile was at a snails pace. Finished 8 miles in 1h 28min. 11 min miles. Avg heart rate - 154, max - 225. didn't stop once.
Lessons learn't: don't wear legging when its scorching (severe chaffage), try eating 2 hours before run to stop sick feeling, force myself to get more fluids in me and in future, try to pick up the pace when running past pretty older women.
Running up steep hills
Met BC and other Chris straight after work. BC has ditched his new running shoes that had ripped his feet to shreds and reverted back to his old flat trainees. Had in my head a hill run session would help the training. Started at mine and headed downhill to Magdalen Yard Green. Then headed up the first hill - Windsor St. We all managed to get to the top without stopping. Pace seemed ok. Scorching evening, sweat was lashing off me. Should have brought my running water bottle. Felt a bit parched before I left for run, so again, I learned a lesson.
Headed along Perth Rd. Dowser had said that West Park Rd was a good hill run, so headed up that. The first half of the hill is steep but we were warmed up and confidant by now, so we thought 'no problem'. Hit the second part of the hill and then - 'problem'. The road goes from steep to near-vertical. You can see it coming but it doesn't look that bad until you hit it. Legs went soft, glanced at my heart rate monitor - 229 bpm, Chris started walking but strangley he was keeping up with me (note to self: maybe need to up my running pace). Walked the last 30 metres and even that was a hoorendous struggle. BC nearly made it to the top.
Headed along Blackness rd to Glamis rd then up through the cemetry, up Balgay Hill. all 3 of us walked a few times at different stages. That hill is definitely steeper than its looks. Near the top there is a set of steps, took a rush of blood to the head and decided to sprint up them. Took off and actually made it to the top of them at nearly full pace. Felt great.
Picked up the pace on way down and did a bit of a sprint again at the end. Glorious evening, legs going like the clappers and finished strongly after a very, very hard workout.
Went bowling with the work later that night. Played shite, got hammered and spent all my money.
Headed along Perth Rd. Dowser had said that West Park Rd was a good hill run, so headed up that. The first half of the hill is steep but we were warmed up and confidant by now, so we thought 'no problem'. Hit the second part of the hill and then - 'problem'. The road goes from steep to near-vertical. You can see it coming but it doesn't look that bad until you hit it. Legs went soft, glanced at my heart rate monitor - 229 bpm, Chris started walking but strangley he was keeping up with me (note to self: maybe need to up my running pace). Walked the last 30 metres and even that was a hoorendous struggle. BC nearly made it to the top.
Headed along Blackness rd to Glamis rd then up through the cemetry, up Balgay Hill. all 3 of us walked a few times at different stages. That hill is definitely steeper than its looks. Near the top there is a set of steps, took a rush of blood to the head and decided to sprint up them. Took off and actually made it to the top of them at nearly full pace. Felt great.
Picked up the pace on way down and did a bit of a sprint again at the end. Glorious evening, legs going like the clappers and finished strongly after a very, very hard workout.
Went bowling with the work later that night. Played shite, got hammered and spent all my money.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Jogging Pace
Did a 'speed' run yesterday. Changed shifts from 2-9pm to standard 9-5 shift on Monday, so was actually feeling knackered after work at 5. Chris from work (not Big Chris) said we definitely should. Peer pressure is a wonderful thing. The idea was to do a 3.8 mile run from work to airport and back as quickly as possible. I had thought that the miles I had been putting in recently would make this an easy run and I would get a good time that I could get excited about.
Wrong.
We took off running into the wind. Now it wasn't cold but the wind coming off the river was strong. Very strong. First mile was ridiculous. AGAIN barely above jogging pace. Struggling to breathe or talk, Kept going until airport and turned to come back. LOADS easier and picked up the pace but still felt sluggish and weak. A mile and a bit from home, Chris took off and built up a big gap. Tried to keep up but had to keep plodding. Then.......I noticed the gap was getting smaller - classic rookie mistake from Chris, foot on the gas to early. Picked up my pace, caught up and overtook him on the line!
Could be the way forward-mini races. We never even said we would race, didn't need to, male ego kicked in. Will try it agin on our hill run tomorrow with BC and Chris.
Wrong.
We took off running into the wind. Now it wasn't cold but the wind coming off the river was strong. Very strong. First mile was ridiculous. AGAIN barely above jogging pace. Struggling to breathe or talk, Kept going until airport and turned to come back. LOADS easier and picked up the pace but still felt sluggish and weak. A mile and a bit from home, Chris took off and built up a big gap. Tried to keep up but had to keep plodding. Then.......I noticed the gap was getting smaller - classic rookie mistake from Chris, foot on the gas to early. Picked up my pace, caught up and overtook him on the line!
Could be the way forward-mini races. We never even said we would race, didn't need to, male ego kicked in. Will try it agin on our hill run tomorrow with BC and Chris.
Monday, 4 April 2011
7
Bit of a gap in the old blogs, was at a wedding last weekend and didn't do much training the following week. At first I was a bit angry for myself for not training but I had a great weekend and caught up with some old friends and made a few new one, so all in all, can't complain. Actually went out for a run mid week but had to stop after 2 miles as my calfs had seized up completely. Big Chris went on and did the 5 miles though.
Started to watch my diet closely on Wednesday and have eaten really healthily since then. sticking to grilled chicken, fish etc and vegtables. Not too enspiring but I genuinely feel better for it. Not so bloated.
Met BC, Big Ronnie and Jeff at weekend for a run. Started preparations for the run night before, went to bed early, didn't eat rubbish, lots of water. Got up 3 hours before run and made sausages and scrambled egg, lots of diluting juice. Met at 10am and completed a 7 mile run. Jeff did it in 64 mins, no idea about Big Ron, he went AWOL and BC had to stop and walk as his new running trainers were hurting his feet. I did it in 80 mins dead. Awful time but glad I completed the longest run yet. As I had been drinking loads, I had to stop for a pee twice, not sure how to manage that one. Again really struggled in middle part of the run. Nearly gave up a few times.
Went out for pints at night to celabrate big run. Only another 19 miles to add to the 7 to go.
Started to watch my diet closely on Wednesday and have eaten really healthily since then. sticking to grilled chicken, fish etc and vegtables. Not too enspiring but I genuinely feel better for it. Not so bloated.
Met BC, Big Ronnie and Jeff at weekend for a run. Started preparations for the run night before, went to bed early, didn't eat rubbish, lots of water. Got up 3 hours before run and made sausages and scrambled egg, lots of diluting juice. Met at 10am and completed a 7 mile run. Jeff did it in 64 mins, no idea about Big Ron, he went AWOL and BC had to stop and walk as his new running trainers were hurting his feet. I did it in 80 mins dead. Awful time but glad I completed the longest run yet. As I had been drinking loads, I had to stop for a pee twice, not sure how to manage that one. Again really struggled in middle part of the run. Nearly gave up a few times.
Went out for pints at night to celabrate big run. Only another 19 miles to add to the 7 to go.
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