Tuesday 7 February 2017

Injury and a title!

It seems like ages since I last wrote a message and a lot has happened.

I had a bit of a disaster on a long run 3 weeks ago. I was supposed to cover 20 miles but my body gave up after 16. Stupidly I then did another tough training session a few days later and I injured my hamstring.

2 weeks of complete rest has however done me the world of good. I'm back running again and at the weekend I completed race 5/6 of the Wiltshire Off Road League. I had a great race and have now accumulated enough points to win the senior mens category. My running club have also finished 1st too.

So onwards with a smile on my face!

Sunday 8 January 2017

Marathon training is hard.

Wow. Running is tough. I'm running almost 40miles a week now. Not only is it tiring but a right juggling act to find the time to do it. Still the plan is to build to 50 miles a week asap and then stick to it until March. I'm also having to make some tough decisions about other events I'm running. Today was the South West Cross Country Championships. An event I'd normally want to be in good condition for. I found it tough going today after a 17mile training run yesterday. Not ideal preparation for racing against the beat athletes in the South West. I was pleased to finish just outside the top 100.

I've a break in racing now until February so I can hammer out the miles race free. Next week my midweek run increases to 8miles and my long run to 18. The following week 10 and 20. The numbers are daunting!

Still I'm pleased with this weekends efforts. Happy runner :)

Friday 30 December 2016

Hash Run and lovely 10mile run

I've had another great week of running. On Wednesday I organised a Hash run around Lacock. This raised £50 for the pot with the promise of more online donations.

A hash Run involves a hare (lead runners) leaving a trail of flour marks for the rest of the runners to follow. The hare sets false trails to slow the pack down. It's great fun especially when the mist came down and it got dark!

Today I ran 10miles around the quiet lanes of Box, Colerne and Corsham. The Hills were tough but I felt strong running the flatter sections at my goal pace of 7 minute miles including the last mile.

The marathon training really gets started next week with my weekly mileage building towards 50 miles.

Saturday 24 December 2016

Lots of Training

I'm really training hard at the moment. Lots of hard, muddy, long runs to build strength and a solid Base for the serious training to come.

Today I ran a 16 mile loop from Box to Castle Combe. Next week I'm taking part in a hash which is great fun and a glimpse at cross country running in the past.

Right time for a recovery mince pie and hot chocolate!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Sunday 11 December 2016

County XC CHAMPIONSHIP

Wow. 4th best team in Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire and crowned Wiltshire County Champions. A great afternoon with the Chippenham Harriers.

I'm running well at the moment and the recent races in my legs can only be a good thing.

Monday 5 December 2016

Bromham Pudding Run

Yesterday I completed the 10km race distance in 39 minutes and 47 secs. I was delighted to finish under the 40 minute mark. The last few kms were really tough but I managed to hold on to accomplish my race goal.

This weekend I am racing in the county xc championship. We have a really strong team and I'm also hoping to put in another strong performance.

Things are on track for London. The long training runs will be starting soon which I'm looking forward to.

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Wickstead Wander

Last weekend I completed the Wicksteed Wander at Highworth near Swindon. This is an off road race incorporating horse jumps complete with water splashes. Ive ran this race 4 times now so I was delighted to finish with a course personal best. I came 15th overall and have moved into 2nd place in the Wiltshire Off Road League.

This weekend Im running the Bromham Pudding Run. This is a quick 10km Road race so will be a good measure of my progress.