Three Forts Challenge

Looking towards the Mds. I now have a year to go and if I don’t start training on my endurance soon its going to fly by. With this in mind 3 weeks after the Brighton Marathon and only 2 hours before the gun went off I decided to run the ‘Three Forts Challenge’. 27.1 brutal miles off road with climbs of 3450 feet, all on tired legs. It’s a very picturesque run taking in the South Downs right up to Devils Dyke. You can find it at www.threefortsmarathon.org.uk.

I took the run very steady, hadn’t carbed up, walked some hills, chatted to other runners and finished in 4:05. It was a very different experience from running Brighton, the sun shone and we were given slices of cake and biscuits at the rest stops. The race is more akin to the Beachy Head Marathon.

After there was a little massage and although feeling a little tired I also felt great. Day one of MdS training done. Running on tired legs … check, now to push the distance and see what these ultras are all about 

Brighton Marathon 2013

What to do, how to go out? Sub 3 or just aim for a PB, maybe 3:05. That would still be knocking 7 mins off my PB of 3:12 the year before. Go out to hard and set myself up to fail !!

On April 14^th the weather appeared perfect, a slight drizzle and fairly cool. Then came the wind from the east. Much of the start is amongst buildings and the wind wasn’t too bad, but out on the sea front it was fairly strong, strong enough to always force me to tuck in behind those ahead, the weather kept many spectators away.

I ran behind a pacer until mile 19 when he started pulling away and I couldn’t hold on. To be honest I hadn’t been feeling great throughout the whole run, I passed by the crowds but barely noticed their calls. Overtraining? Overeating? Not enough of a taper? I honestly don’t know.

I pushed hard down to the power station which led to cramp and a few walking breaks, a friendly face encouraged me on and I pushed ahead. For the last 7 miles I looked at my average pace a million times. It dropped from 6:42/m right down to 6:48/m. I thought keep it under 6:50/m and I will crack the 3 hr barrier. I was hurting pretty bad on the sea front, ignored the crowds and gritted my teeth.

Running the last 385 yards I could see the timer. My eyes were full of sweat and I couldn’t see it clearly until 10 feet away, 3:00:05. Dam. An official time of 3:00:09. I was elated and disappointed at the same time. I had passed one goal and come within 10 seconds of my next. For the next few weeks, when I told people how I did they said “well done … but you must be gutted?” All I can do is smile and sigh. #

The hard lesson learned, never reply on your GPS as it still said 6:48/m at the end !!

Worthing 20

Sunday 10th March 2013, Mothers Day again. I really hope this event doesn't clash with mothers day every year, Sam has been pretty understanding to date but I'm not sure how much more she can take !!

The Worthing 20 is a local and small event organised by my club the Worthing Harriers www.worthingharriers.com.  Its a great run which consists of 4 x 5m loops of Goring by Sea. Ok so its a bit repetitive but the marshalls are great and you get to see their friendly faces regularly.

My aim was simple, just to see how well I could do. I had a terrible run last thursday and felt dreadful afterwards so wasn't expecting a great deal. The sunday morning was very windy and of course the run started straight into it :-) I quickly picked out a group who were running a 3hr marathon pace and I decided to hold on as long as i could. Unbelievably by the end it was just me and a couple of others. I had a great race, spurred on by the support of club marshalls and I finished in 2:15:24. Throughout the race I ran with a bottle and didn't take any gels. It seemed to work pretty well but I'm not sure I want the pressure of carrying one at Brighton.

While this is a great time with an av pace of 6:46/m and something to be proud of I'm now in a dilema of what to do at Brighton. I'm so close to a sub 3hr time, could I hold that pace for another 6.2 miles? what to do, what to do????

Silverstone Half Marathon 2013

A friend ran the Silverstone Half Marathon last year and he said it was great. He hounded me and we decided that I would run it in 2013 if he did the Brighton Marathon, I think I got the best deal :-)

As the name suggests the race is held on the Silverstone race circuit, but includes the pit lanes and some back areas. The course weaves back and fourth and on a sunny day is truly a spectacle.

The race day routine was somewhat thrown off balance by a midday race start and the fact that I would be travelling by train up from Brighton. The key factor was eating and hydrating at times different from my usual routine. I opted for porridge on the train and energy drinks/snacks which seemed to pay off as I was fairly hungry by race time. My friend had to dip out due to injury so I was at an unfamiliar start line alone albeit it with support from the sideline.

The weather was fairly cold and running on a race circuit was something to behold. The ground was generally smooth and flat although there was a strong cross wind which necessitated ducking behind runners ahead and a few unexpected inclines. Being shielded from the wind helped however for much of the time this was not possible. Some might consider Silverstone to be monotonous however I found it a really nice change from road races. As the course was away from busy town centres it must have made for a planning and logistical dream. Parking was easy, there was plenty of space, everything was well marked and there were no problems associated with pedestrian crossing points.

Silverstone was an enjoyable race and although my garmin stated I ran 13.4 miles I completed the official distance start to finish in 1:25:10. I was happy with the time but have realised that a sub 3hr marathon is just a little out of my grasp. A well organised race that I would definitely recommend. 

Insanity … Its Over

‘Get Fit or Get Out’ is the logo, ‘Dig Deeper’ is the call from Shaun T. When the DVD is on and he’s shouting at you it’s impossible to say no. You do dig deeper and yes you do get fit.

Without a shadow of a doubt I have loved every minute of the Insanity programme, it’s been really hard work and I’ve had my down days but when the programme goes on you get going. After 60 days I’ve come away feeling tired but great and keen for more. I don’t look like Shaun T but my core feels great, my legs feel strong and I have really pushed some of my tempo sessions when out running.Here are my before and after pics.
 

Fitting in both the Insanity and running into a hectic life became a juggling act and I’m relieved for a little time back. I will concentrate on running until April while for the first time ever trying to work the core and leg muscles. As a runner you might expect a strong core, quads, calves and hamstrings. Well that clearly wasn’t the case and the Insanity programme with its muscle confusion made me realise just how weak some of my body parts were. I suppose constant running makes my body efficient at one thing rather than developing specifically strong muscles.

Without shadow of a doubt I feel better for the Insanity, even now the suggestion of a workout brings a smile to my face. Colleagues are now following the plan so I will drop in and out from time to time. Often when out running alone I find it a struggle and time passes slowly, in these future moments I will remember my strength, remember the programme and tell myself to ‘Dig Deeper’ :-) 

Its called Insanity contd ...

6 weeks down, 2 to go.

The title Insanity it truly apt. The first 3 weeks were pretty hard core but once the recovery week was over the meaning of Insanity was truly understood. A 57 minute relentless session started the week and it pretty much continued in the same vein.

None of the workouts have been missed but I did miss my last fitness test. I've been trying to cram too much in. Before starting the programme someone told me you cannot complete the Insanity alongside another fitness routine. Well with me being stubborn, and the marathon season fast approaching, I decided to give it a shot. The result, I'm ruined and I've decided to pretty much re start my marathon schedule in a week or two.

I can't stop the Insanity. I'm so close to the 60 days and genuinely look forward to each session. Its all I seem to talk about at work and I've even got some of the team giving it a go. Running on the other hand has become the devil over my shoulder and we need some together time in the new year. I haven't followed the Insanity eating plan at all, especially with Christmas but I have noticed significant body changes. My muscles overall feel strong, really strong and I can almost make out a 6 pack. I'll post a before and after shot on my next update :-)

Its called Insanity

In an attempt to strengthen my entire body I have started the 60 day Insanity Workout. I'm 4 weeks in and its great. Think Jane Fonda exercise DVD at home in front of the telly, then times it by a million. High intensity cardio workouts 6 days a week. Working out twice a day (Insanity & running) is difficult to fit in. While Poppy is doing her homework or Sam is reading I'm getting crazy in front of the tv or off out for a run. They have been extremely understanding so far and I've only got 4 weeks left to go. After then I will concentrate on training for Brighton Marathon 2013 and continue with less intense core workouts. I recently saw Rory Coleman (www.rorycoleman.co.uk) who inspired me to push harder and think about cross training in order to realise my potential. I hope this helps.