Time: 11.00m
Route: Rosshall
Distance Run: 8.36miles
Run Time: 1hr 03mins 20secs (7.35)
Details
This week I’d like to run about 50miles. We have a Kilbarchan Club meeting regarding our application for Club mark tonight so I won’t be able to join in with the guys for our Monday night Fartlek session.
So instead I ran a little longer at lunchtime and will do a 12miler tomorrow night which fits in well with family life. My Mum is visiting for the week and Katrina and the girls are taking her to Dublin for the day (courtesy of some cheap Ryan Air tickets). All our girls are going except Jo who is off to Uganda for 4 weeks with some friends from church. Jo went a couple of years ago and is looking forward to revisiting. I'll be taking her to the airport at 4am tomorrow morning.
On Friday I’m taking my Mum to Loch Lomond to watch the Scottish Open. I’ve been a few times and I really enjoy it.
Anyway back to today’s run. I went along the cycle route to Pollok Park, did a lap of the park and ran back along the road past Pollok Golf Course. I ran at a steady pace (7.50ish) for the first 5miles and then pushed it for the last 3 or so (averaging 7.15). I have to keep reminding myself that it’s only 2 weeks since the whw race but I feel I am recovering well and already looking forward to the next two ultra’s on the schedule.
I spent a lot of time on today’s run thinking about the Hardmoors race. I have started to work on a race schedule (providing I can find some back-up!!). It is a bit harder than planning the whw or Devil’s as I’ve never ran on the route before. I have read Julien’s account of the race from last year and noted his splits. He finished in 31hrs and so I’ve used his splits as a guide to a sub 30hr schedule and a sub 28hr schedule. Not sure if either of these are realistic but we’ll see and I do like to have something to aim for.
Finally I must apologise to Katrina. In my report from Saturday’s Park Run I assumed Katrina would be slower than last week as I didn’t run with her and obviously she wouldn’t be able to run as quick without me??!! So when the results were published on Saturday afternoon Katrina was very happy when she was told she ran 4seconds faster than last week!! So well done Katrina – you don’t need me to pace you round. Infact you go faster without me!
Results of Saturday’s Park Run
Last finally … I really enjoyed watching the Men’s final yesterday from Wimbledon. It was sad Murray didn’t make it but I decided to support Roddick as I was so impressed with his game plan against Murray and thought he had a genuine chance against Federer. What a 5th set. My Mum was taking us out for a meal at 6.30pm and I didn’t think we were going to see the end but it finished right on the dot. A great game and I really felt for Roddick at the end. He gave all he had and it wasn’t quite enough.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Saturday: Park Run & Run home
Time: 9.30am
Route: Pollok Park Run Race
Distance: 5k
Time Run: 19mins 17secs (average pace 6.20)
Total Run Distance: 10.76miles
Total Time Run: 1hr 25mins 25secs
Details of 5k Park Run
Details of Run home
Emma decided to stay in bed this morning so it was just Katrina and I doing the Park Run. Katrina was happy to run on her own so I decided to try and improve my time and position from last week! I pushed hard from the start and struggled a bit over the last km but finished 21st in 19mins 17secs. I must admit I was hoping to be under 19mins but it is only two weeks since I ran 95miles so I shouldn't be too disappointed! Katrina was a little slower than last week but ran well and held her position through the run so that was good.
I wanted to get a few more miles in so I ran the 6.63 miles home. I followed the cycle track so it was a very enjoyable run through trees and following the River White Cart Water.
I've had a response from Neal to my plea for help for the Hardmoors. He would like to help but it will depend on whether he has started with the Navy so we'll have to wait and see. But thanks for the offer Neal.
I was looking at my milage for the first 6 months of the year. I have ran 1296.37 which works out at an average of 216miles a month. Last year up to the same point I'd run 1327 at an average of 221miles so I'm slightly down on last year. I expect to make it up in September and October as last year I missed about 6-7 weeks with my sore foot.
Here is a graph of all my runs from January to June ....
While I'm at it here is my graph for hits on this blog during June. I reached a peak of 309 on the Monday after the whw race so thanks to everyone who visited!
Route: Pollok Park Run Race
Distance: 5k
Time Run: 19mins 17secs (average pace 6.20)
Total Run Distance: 10.76miles
Total Time Run: 1hr 25mins 25secs
Details of 5k Park Run
Details of Run home
Emma decided to stay in bed this morning so it was just Katrina and I doing the Park Run. Katrina was happy to run on her own so I decided to try and improve my time and position from last week! I pushed hard from the start and struggled a bit over the last km but finished 21st in 19mins 17secs. I must admit I was hoping to be under 19mins but it is only two weeks since I ran 95miles so I shouldn't be too disappointed! Katrina was a little slower than last week but ran well and held her position through the run so that was good.
I wanted to get a few more miles in so I ran the 6.63 miles home. I followed the cycle track so it was a very enjoyable run through trees and following the River White Cart Water.
I've had a response from Neal to my plea for help for the Hardmoors. He would like to help but it will depend on whether he has started with the Navy so we'll have to wait and see. But thanks for the offer Neal.
I was looking at my milage for the first 6 months of the year. I have ran 1296.37 which works out at an average of 216miles a month. Last year up to the same point I'd run 1327 at an average of 221miles so I'm slightly down on last year. I expect to make it up in September and October as last year I missed about 6-7 weeks with my sore foot.
Here is a graph of all my runs from January to June ....
While I'm at it here is my graph for hits on this blog during June. I reached a peak of 309 on the Monday after the whw race so thanks to everyone who visited!
Friday, July 03, 2009
Can anyone help? ....
As you may know if you've been following this blog I set myself the challenge of running 5 ultras this year. I'm 2 down with 3 to go but I've come across a problem and I thought I'd post it here and see if anyone can help me???
For the Hardmoors 110 I need a support team of 2 people with a car to meet me at the checkpoints and find me if I get in trouble. Initially I was thinking Katrina could do it and I'd call on one of our girls but the no-one is free and it would be very difficult and unfair to ask Katrina to do the whole race.
So I'm looking for a couple of people who would like to help me. The basic details are as follows ...
Dates: Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September 2009
We'd need to leave Paisley in the morning, drive to Helmsley, rest up in the afternoon and wait for the race starting at 5pm. We would head back to Paisley after the prizegiving on Sunday.
Checkpoints: There are a number of checkpoints along the 110mile route which the support would need to meet me at. Basically every 2-3hrs throughout the night and day. So hopefully if there were 2 drivers then you could share the driving.
I realise that it is asking a lot but I thought if I don't ask ....
If you might be interested please get in touch.
For the Hardmoors 110 I need a support team of 2 people with a car to meet me at the checkpoints and find me if I get in trouble. Initially I was thinking Katrina could do it and I'd call on one of our girls but the no-one is free and it would be very difficult and unfair to ask Katrina to do the whole race.
So I'm looking for a couple of people who would like to help me. The basic details are as follows ...
Dates: Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September 2009
We'd need to leave Paisley in the morning, drive to Helmsley, rest up in the afternoon and wait for the race starting at 5pm. We would head back to Paisley after the prizegiving on Sunday.
Checkpoints: There are a number of checkpoints along the 110mile route which the support would need to meet me at. Basically every 2-3hrs throughout the night and day. So hopefully if there were 2 drivers then you could share the driving.
I realise that it is asking a lot but I thought if I don't ask ....
If you might be interested please get in touch.
Friday: Easy Run
Time: 12.10pm
Route: Rosshall
Distance Run: 5.4miles
Run Time: 44mins 04secs (8.10)
Details
Another easy run at lunch time. I realised that the cycle track goes right past Rosshall so within a few minutes I was on the cycle track and running along the river feeling miles away from the city.
I’m looking forward to watching Murray in his semi-final in a few minutes.
I have had to buy this new running rucksack.
I was very happy with my old one but one of the only negative things about the whw race this year was that my gear was thrown out by mistake. All I can say is that it’s not a good idea to put dirty kit into a black plastic bag as it might get confused with rubbish at Glen Nevis Camp Site and be thrown away! As well as losing my rucksack I lost 2 whw buffs (07 & 08 versions) and 3 running tops including the yellow 08 whw ron hill. I was hoping I might be able to replace the whw running top but Dario said there are none left. Ah well these things happen!
So I bought myself this inov-8 15litre rucksack. The last one was 10litre and sometimes I found that it was smaller than I needed. I will need to carry more for the Hardmoors 110 race so I was keen to get it sooner rather than later so I can try it out on some of my long runs coming up. It is very light empty and I’m looking forward to using it.
I have been looking at the list of those who are planning to run all 3 races on the whw route (Fling, whw & Devils) this year. According to my reckoning there are 15 people who are doing all three and I’m 4th on the list with one race to go. Neal is 3rd 1hr 34mins ahead. I think the only chance I have of catching Neal is if his foot is still sore after Kilimanjaro and I don’t want that to happen.
I’m still finalising my training plan for my long runs between now and the Hardmoors.
Here is the plan as I see it at the moment ….
Sun 12 July – 18miles on the Braes
Sun 18 July – 12miles (on holiday in Portugal)
Sat 25 July – 23miles Kingshouse to Fort William
Sun 2 Aug – 12miles on the Braes
Sat 8 Aug – 43miles Devil o’ the Highlands Race (Tyndrum to Fort William)
Sun 16 Aug – 10-12miles on the Braes
Sun 23 Aug – 15miles on the Braes
Sun 30 Aug – 60miles Bridge of Orchy to Milngavie
Sun 6 Sept – 8miles easy run
Sun 13 Sept – 15miles on the Braes
Sun 20 Sept – 8miles on the Braes
Fri 25 – Sat 26 Sep – 110miles Hardmoors Race
So I’m going to have a 23mile training run, a 43mile race and a 60mile training run in the 12 week build up to the Hardmoors Race. Hopefully that will be enough to give me a chance of doing my best. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of this race. I’ve never run on this route before so it will be a very different experience to running on the whw where I know every twist and turn.
Route: Rosshall
Distance Run: 5.4miles
Run Time: 44mins 04secs (8.10)
Details
Another easy run at lunch time. I realised that the cycle track goes right past Rosshall so within a few minutes I was on the cycle track and running along the river feeling miles away from the city.
I’m looking forward to watching Murray in his semi-final in a few minutes.
I have had to buy this new running rucksack.
I was very happy with my old one but one of the only negative things about the whw race this year was that my gear was thrown out by mistake. All I can say is that it’s not a good idea to put dirty kit into a black plastic bag as it might get confused with rubbish at Glen Nevis Camp Site and be thrown away! As well as losing my rucksack I lost 2 whw buffs (07 & 08 versions) and 3 running tops including the yellow 08 whw ron hill. I was hoping I might be able to replace the whw running top but Dario said there are none left. Ah well these things happen!
So I bought myself this inov-8 15litre rucksack. The last one was 10litre and sometimes I found that it was smaller than I needed. I will need to carry more for the Hardmoors 110 race so I was keen to get it sooner rather than later so I can try it out on some of my long runs coming up. It is very light empty and I’m looking forward to using it.
I have been looking at the list of those who are planning to run all 3 races on the whw route (Fling, whw & Devils) this year. According to my reckoning there are 15 people who are doing all three and I’m 4th on the list with one race to go. Neal is 3rd 1hr 34mins ahead. I think the only chance I have of catching Neal is if his foot is still sore after Kilimanjaro and I don’t want that to happen.
I’m still finalising my training plan for my long runs between now and the Hardmoors.
Here is the plan as I see it at the moment ….
Sun 12 July – 18miles on the Braes
Sun 18 July – 12miles (on holiday in Portugal)
Sat 25 July – 23miles Kingshouse to Fort William
Sun 2 Aug – 12miles on the Braes
Sat 8 Aug – 43miles Devil o’ the Highlands Race (Tyndrum to Fort William)
Sun 16 Aug – 10-12miles on the Braes
Sun 23 Aug – 15miles on the Braes
Sun 30 Aug – 60miles Bridge of Orchy to Milngavie
Sun 6 Sept – 8miles easy run
Sun 13 Sept – 15miles on the Braes
Sun 20 Sept – 8miles on the Braes
Fri 25 – Sat 26 Sep – 110miles Hardmoors Race
So I’m going to have a 23mile training run, a 43mile race and a 60mile training run in the 12 week build up to the Hardmoors Race. Hopefully that will be enough to give me a chance of doing my best. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of this race. I’ve never run on this route before so it will be a very different experience to running on the whw where I know every twist and turn.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Wedneaday: Easy Run
Time: 12.10pm
Route: Rosshall
Distance Run: 6.09miles
Run Time: 46mins 50secs (7.42)
Details
This week I’m working from my Secondary School as my normal Primary School is closed for a few weeks. So it gave me a chance to run a new route. I wanted an easy 6miles so I worked it out roughly and then with the aid of my trusty Garmin gps was able to add a few bits on to make up the 6miles.
I was aiming to run an average of under 8min per mile so was quite happy with 7.42. I hardly looked at my watch and just tried to run how I feel. One of the reasons I ran at lunchtime rather than with the club tonight is that I want to watch the Murray vs Ferrero quarter final. On Monday I only saw the first game and the last 3 so it was good to be able to watch it all. Am impressive 3 sets to love victory.
I’ve started to think about my target time for the Devil o’ the Highlands Race. At the beginning of the year I set sub 7hrs as my gold medal and I’m going to stick with that. I’ve not run this as a race but I’ve done the route as a training run each March over the last 3 years. My best time is around 7hrs 30mins so I’m hoping in a race situation I’ll be able to take 30mins off that.
As mentioned I’m planning on one long run on the route before the race on Saturday 25 July which will be 2 weeks before the race. I then have 7weeks to the Hardmoors 110 and I’ve been trying to work out the best way to prepare for that regarding long runs. At the moment I’m thinking of doing a 60mile training run 4 weeks before the race which would be Sunday 30 August.
During August & September I’m speaking at a friend’s church for a number of Sundays to cover his study leave. Sunday 30 August is one of them so I was thinking I might ask Katrina to drive me to bridge of Orchy and then I could run the 60miles back to Milngavie and ask Katrina to leave the car at Milngavie for me. Katrina could then get the train home!! I was also thinking whether it would be a good idea to climb part of Ben Lomond on the way as there is a lot more climbing in the Hardmoors. It would replicate the climb up and down Roseberry Topping.
My plan for the 60 mile run is to try and run at Hardmoors race pace which I’m planning to be slower than whw. So if anyone fancies joining me for all or part of it let me know!! If I start running from Bridge of Orchy at 2pm and it takes me about 14hrs then I will have the last few hours in the dark which will be also be good preparation for the Hardmoors when you have to run for 10hrs in the dark.
Route: Rosshall
Distance Run: 6.09miles
Run Time: 46mins 50secs (7.42)
Details
This week I’m working from my Secondary School as my normal Primary School is closed for a few weeks. So it gave me a chance to run a new route. I wanted an easy 6miles so I worked it out roughly and then with the aid of my trusty Garmin gps was able to add a few bits on to make up the 6miles.
I was aiming to run an average of under 8min per mile so was quite happy with 7.42. I hardly looked at my watch and just tried to run how I feel. One of the reasons I ran at lunchtime rather than with the club tonight is that I want to watch the Murray vs Ferrero quarter final. On Monday I only saw the first game and the last 3 so it was good to be able to watch it all. Am impressive 3 sets to love victory.
I’ve started to think about my target time for the Devil o’ the Highlands Race. At the beginning of the year I set sub 7hrs as my gold medal and I’m going to stick with that. I’ve not run this as a race but I’ve done the route as a training run each March over the last 3 years. My best time is around 7hrs 30mins so I’m hoping in a race situation I’ll be able to take 30mins off that.
As mentioned I’m planning on one long run on the route before the race on Saturday 25 July which will be 2 weeks before the race. I then have 7weeks to the Hardmoors 110 and I’ve been trying to work out the best way to prepare for that regarding long runs. At the moment I’m thinking of doing a 60mile training run 4 weeks before the race which would be Sunday 30 August.
During August & September I’m speaking at a friend’s church for a number of Sundays to cover his study leave. Sunday 30 August is one of them so I was thinking I might ask Katrina to drive me to bridge of Orchy and then I could run the 60miles back to Milngavie and ask Katrina to leave the car at Milngavie for me. Katrina could then get the train home!! I was also thinking whether it would be a good idea to climb part of Ben Lomond on the way as there is a lot more climbing in the Hardmoors. It would replicate the climb up and down Roseberry Topping.
My plan for the 60 mile run is to try and run at Hardmoors race pace which I’m planning to be slower than whw. So if anyone fancies joining me for all or part of it let me know!! If I start running from Bridge of Orchy at 2pm and it takes me about 14hrs then I will have the last few hours in the dark which will be also be good preparation for the Hardmoors when you have to run for 10hrs in the dark.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday: Club Run - Fartlek
Time: 7.15pm
Route: Cycle Track
Distance Run: 9.15miles
Run Time: 1hr 18mins 11secs
Session: [3mins 15secs (45sec recovery), 45secs (2min)] x7
Details
I left home just as Andy Murray started his game and arrived home after our run and committee meeting to see the last 2 games! Well played Andy and let's hope he can build on this and get through the quarter final.
I was looking forward to the club session tonight. I've not been since the middle of May so it was good to have a bit of speed work for a change. My aim was to run at the back of the group for the first 4 sets and see how I felt on the last 3.
I kept my discipline and duly stayed near the back on the way out but pushed it harder on the way back home. My legs felt really good and I'm very happy with my recovery so far.
I have been thinking about what I should do between now and the Devil's which is 5 weeks on Saturday. I'm going to run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week and then most days next week. Then I have a 2 week holiday (10 days in Portugal) where I will do some running but not loads. When I get back there will be 2 weeks before the race.
I have put a post on the whw forum seeing if anyone wants to join me for a run from Kingshouse to Fort William on Saturday 25 July. Stevie and Chris McG seem keen so that's a good start.
I'm really looking forward to running the Devil o' the Highlands race as I've not done it before. This year feels so much better having some more races to look forward to in the second half of the year. Whether I've bitten off more than I can chew will be seen soon enough!
Route: Cycle Track
Distance Run: 9.15miles
Run Time: 1hr 18mins 11secs
Session: [3mins 15secs (45sec recovery), 45secs (2min)] x7
Details
I left home just as Andy Murray started his game and arrived home after our run and committee meeting to see the last 2 games! Well played Andy and let's hope he can build on this and get through the quarter final.
I was looking forward to the club session tonight. I've not been since the middle of May so it was good to have a bit of speed work for a change. My aim was to run at the back of the group for the first 4 sets and see how I felt on the last 3.
I kept my discipline and duly stayed near the back on the way out but pushed it harder on the way back home. My legs felt really good and I'm very happy with my recovery so far.
I have been thinking about what I should do between now and the Devil's which is 5 weeks on Saturday. I'm going to run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week and then most days next week. Then I have a 2 week holiday (10 days in Portugal) where I will do some running but not loads. When I get back there will be 2 weeks before the race.
I have put a post on the whw forum seeing if anyone wants to join me for a run from Kingshouse to Fort William on Saturday 25 July. Stevie and Chris McG seem keen so that's a good start.
I'm really looking forward to running the Devil o' the Highlands race as I've not done it before. This year feels so much better having some more races to look forward to in the second half of the year. Whether I've bitten off more than I can chew will be seen soon enough!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
whw bbq & easy run
Time: 8.40am
Route: Braco
Run Distance: 3.99miles
Time Run: 35mins 53secs (average pace - 9.00)
Details
Just back from Ian & Alison's post whw race bbq. We had a great time and really enjoyed catching up with lots of friends. We stayed over night pitching our tent in the garden. I really enjoyed swapping stories of how the race went and spending time together. The whw family is very special indeed. A special thank you to Ian and Alison for hosting the bbq.
This morning Ian, George McG and I went for an easy 4mile run around the lanes. It was good to explore a little of the area.
Congratulations to Jez Bragg on his 3rd place finish in the Western States 100. We were following his progress throughout the day at the bbq. What a superb performance.
Route: Braco
Run Distance: 3.99miles
Time Run: 35mins 53secs (average pace - 9.00)
Details
Just back from Ian & Alison's post whw race bbq. We had a great time and really enjoyed catching up with lots of friends. We stayed over night pitching our tent in the garden. I really enjoyed swapping stories of how the race went and spending time together. The whw family is very special indeed. A special thank you to Ian and Alison for hosting the bbq.
This morning Ian, George McG and I went for an easy 4mile run around the lanes. It was good to explore a little of the area.
Congratulations to Jez Bragg on his 3rd place finish in the Western States 100. We were following his progress throughout the day at the bbq. What a superb performance.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Glasgow Park Run - 5k
Time: 9.30am
Route: Pollok Park Run
Race Distance: 5k
Time Run: 26mins 19secs (average pace 8.38)
Details
A number of friends had done this race in Pollok Park but I'd not been able to go along as I've been teaching swimming on a Saturday morning. Today though my lessons didn't start until 11am so I could fit it in.
Katrina and Emma were keen to do it as well so we ran together. It was fun to be able to run together for a change. Before the start Emma said, 'I'm not waiting for you!' but in the end it was Katrina who ran superb and finished about 3mins ahead of Emma.
I enjoyed running with Katrina and thought she kept a good steady pace the whole way. We averaged 5.21 per kilometre. Katrina finished in 107th place and I was one behind. Emma finished in 146th place. Emma wants me to run with her next week!
I went straight to my swimming and now I'm gong to get a quick lunch before heading over to pick up Neal & Caroline and drive to Ian & Alison's for the post whw race bbq. I hope it stays dry this year.
Before I move on from the whw 09 race a couple more excel sheets to look over.
The first is the percentages for 4 main sections.
These are the ones that were inspired by Billy Minto for the Fling and I applied to the whw races. Basically it compares each runner's percentage time for each leg compared to the percentage distance. If you like this sort of thing have a look and if you don't - don't!
Plus the all time pb list updated
Route: Pollok Park Run
Race Distance: 5k
Time Run: 26mins 19secs (average pace 8.38)
Details
A number of friends had done this race in Pollok Park but I'd not been able to go along as I've been teaching swimming on a Saturday morning. Today though my lessons didn't start until 11am so I could fit it in.
Katrina and Emma were keen to do it as well so we ran together. It was fun to be able to run together for a change. Before the start Emma said, 'I'm not waiting for you!' but in the end it was Katrina who ran superb and finished about 3mins ahead of Emma.
I enjoyed running with Katrina and thought she kept a good steady pace the whole way. We averaged 5.21 per kilometre. Katrina finished in 107th place and I was one behind. Emma finished in 146th place. Emma wants me to run with her next week!
I went straight to my swimming and now I'm gong to get a quick lunch before heading over to pick up Neal & Caroline and drive to Ian & Alison's for the post whw race bbq. I hope it stays dry this year.
Before I move on from the whw 09 race a couple more excel sheets to look over.
The first is the percentages for 4 main sections.
These are the ones that were inspired by Billy Minto for the Fling and I applied to the whw races. Basically it compares each runner's percentage time for each leg compared to the percentage distance. If you like this sort of thing have a look and if you don't - don't!
Plus the all time pb list updated
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Some post Race thoughts
I like to look back on my race and write down a few thoughts so I can learn from my experience.
So here are a few thoughts as I reflect on Saturday's race ...
# Overall I would say that I was very pleased with my run and the time I achieved. I wrote a couple of weeks ago my for and against getting under 20hrs again and it's great to write the for's won!
# In particular I was very pleased to be able to write down a plan and achieve it. There were a number of people who didn't think I could do it again and so to be able to put out my intention and achieve it feels very satisfying.
# I have played around with the official results and listed all the runners in order at each check point and also leg positions.
Here are my positions through the race ...
Rowardennan - 21st
Auchtertyre - 18th
Bridge of Orchy - 15th
Kingshouse - 15th
Lundavra - 14th
Fort William - 13th
So basically I was working my way slowly through the field which is very encouraging. It shows that I started sensibly and was able to keep it going.
Here are my positions for each leg
Milngavie to Rowardennan - 21st
Rowardennan to Auchtertyre - 13th
Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy - 10th
Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse - 23rd
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 21st
Kinlochleven to Lundavra - 14th
Lundavra to Fort William - 10th
So my best sections in relation to the field was Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy and Lundavra to Fort William - 10th. Infact the last section was the only one that I was quicker than Neal! So if the race was another 70 miles I might have caught him!!!!
My worst sections was Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse - 23rd closely followed by Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 21st.
So there is plenty to learn from that. It is no coincidence that my worst section followed my best. Maybe I pushed it a bit too hard then struggled.
# Food wise I was happier than last year and loads happier than the Fling but I still have some way to go before I find food I can easily eat which will really help me. So I'm definitely going to need some more work on this area.
# Drink wise I struggled with the lucozade after the first few hours. In fact from half way I basically just drank water and milk. Donald is not too sure that milk is the best option so again some work on this area.
# Pacing wise I was very pleased with how things went. Using the Garmin watch as I did really helped me. I hardly ever looked at the overall time and distance. I had it on the lap time, lap distance and overal lap pace and just worked on getting to my next mark in time. I figured that if I looked after each section then the overal distance and time would look after itself.
I decided that I would trust my schedule and try and run on each time for as long as possible. There was a time at about 75 miles that I lost about 6mins but I was able to pick it up and catch up. If I had continued to lose time then I would have had to readjust and work on a new aim but thankfully I kept to my schedule right to the end.
# One of my key thoughts was to just keep on putting one foot in front of the other and the next mark would arrive eventually. It really helped me to keep going when the overall distance seemed a bit overwhelming.
# I would say that out of the three whw races I've done this was the easiest in the sense that I felt I could do it and I could trust my experience. Last year I had far more 'wobbles' but this year I knew I could get through them and my pace would pick up again.
# I feel I finished stronger than last year and my splits from Kinlochleven proved that . In 08 it took me 3hrs 17mins 55secs and this year 3hrs 11mins 05secs. So most of the 8mins I was faster this year was basically achieved in the last 14miles.
# My support team were superb again. Katrina and family through the night were their efficient best and had everything ready for me at each point. Donald & Stevie from Auchtertyre continued the high standard. Not having a support runner this year was fine but I really enjoyed seeing Stevie at the top of the Devil's staircase and Donald at the top of the hill out of Kinlochleven. It also meant they were able to have a run on their own for part of the whw route.
# My time of 19hrs 51mins 59secs puts me 50th in the all time list (down 7 places from last year despite being 8mins faster!). My race number was 50 and I'm 50 years old!! Good eh
# So how can I improve next year?????
When I said to Donald that I was really pleased that I'd been able to keep to my plan right through the race he said, 'So all you have to do to improve is have a faster plan!!' I laughed but maybe there is something to that. If I take off 1min per leg that would be 11mins faster. I'd take that!
Look at my slower sections and work out how I can keep the pace up on those sections. Interestingly both my poorer sections have a long rocky down hill section into Kingshouse and into Kinlochleven. Maybe I need to get Neal to give me some lessons on running downhill over rocky ground faster.
I'm sure I can do better with my food and drink as well.
So that 2 ultras down in my 2009 challenge and 3 to go. The Devil's is 6 weeks on Saturday and then the Hardmoors is another 7 weeks after that. On the last two years once the whw race was over that was it until the following year but now I have 3 more challenges to plan and prepare for. Happy days.
So here are a few thoughts as I reflect on Saturday's race ...
# Overall I would say that I was very pleased with my run and the time I achieved. I wrote a couple of weeks ago my for and against getting under 20hrs again and it's great to write the for's won!
# In particular I was very pleased to be able to write down a plan and achieve it. There were a number of people who didn't think I could do it again and so to be able to put out my intention and achieve it feels very satisfying.
# I have played around with the official results and listed all the runners in order at each check point and also leg positions.
Here are my positions through the race ...
Rowardennan - 21st
Auchtertyre - 18th
Bridge of Orchy - 15th
Kingshouse - 15th
Lundavra - 14th
Fort William - 13th
So basically I was working my way slowly through the field which is very encouraging. It shows that I started sensibly and was able to keep it going.
Here are my positions for each leg
Milngavie to Rowardennan - 21st
Rowardennan to Auchtertyre - 13th
Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy - 10th
Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse - 23rd
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 21st
Kinlochleven to Lundavra - 14th
Lundavra to Fort William - 10th
So my best sections in relation to the field was Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy and Lundavra to Fort William - 10th. Infact the last section was the only one that I was quicker than Neal! So if the race was another 70 miles I might have caught him!!!!
My worst sections was Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse - 23rd closely followed by Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 21st.
So there is plenty to learn from that. It is no coincidence that my worst section followed my best. Maybe I pushed it a bit too hard then struggled.
# Food wise I was happier than last year and loads happier than the Fling but I still have some way to go before I find food I can easily eat which will really help me. So I'm definitely going to need some more work on this area.
# Drink wise I struggled with the lucozade after the first few hours. In fact from half way I basically just drank water and milk. Donald is not too sure that milk is the best option so again some work on this area.
# Pacing wise I was very pleased with how things went. Using the Garmin watch as I did really helped me. I hardly ever looked at the overall time and distance. I had it on the lap time, lap distance and overal lap pace and just worked on getting to my next mark in time. I figured that if I looked after each section then the overal distance and time would look after itself.
I decided that I would trust my schedule and try and run on each time for as long as possible. There was a time at about 75 miles that I lost about 6mins but I was able to pick it up and catch up. If I had continued to lose time then I would have had to readjust and work on a new aim but thankfully I kept to my schedule right to the end.
# One of my key thoughts was to just keep on putting one foot in front of the other and the next mark would arrive eventually. It really helped me to keep going when the overall distance seemed a bit overwhelming.
# I would say that out of the three whw races I've done this was the easiest in the sense that I felt I could do it and I could trust my experience. Last year I had far more 'wobbles' but this year I knew I could get through them and my pace would pick up again.
# I feel I finished stronger than last year and my splits from Kinlochleven proved that . In 08 it took me 3hrs 17mins 55secs and this year 3hrs 11mins 05secs. So most of the 8mins I was faster this year was basically achieved in the last 14miles.
# My support team were superb again. Katrina and family through the night were their efficient best and had everything ready for me at each point. Donald & Stevie from Auchtertyre continued the high standard. Not having a support runner this year was fine but I really enjoyed seeing Stevie at the top of the Devil's staircase and Donald at the top of the hill out of Kinlochleven. It also meant they were able to have a run on their own for part of the whw route.
# My time of 19hrs 51mins 59secs puts me 50th in the all time list (down 7 places from last year despite being 8mins faster!). My race number was 50 and I'm 50 years old!! Good eh
# So how can I improve next year?????
When I said to Donald that I was really pleased that I'd been able to keep to my plan right through the race he said, 'So all you have to do to improve is have a faster plan!!' I laughed but maybe there is something to that. If I take off 1min per leg that would be 11mins faster. I'd take that!
Look at my slower sections and work out how I can keep the pace up on those sections. Interestingly both my poorer sections have a long rocky down hill section into Kingshouse and into Kinlochleven. Maybe I need to get Neal to give me some lessons on running downhill over rocky ground faster.
I'm sure I can do better with my food and drink as well.
So that 2 ultras down in my 2009 challenge and 3 to go. The Devil's is 6 weeks on Saturday and then the Hardmoors is another 7 weeks after that. On the last two years once the whw race was over that was it until the following year but now I have 3 more challenges to plan and prepare for. Happy days.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday: Recovery Run
Time: 5.00pm
Route: Paisley Loop
Run Distance: 3.31miles
Time Run: 26mins 48secs (average pace - 8.06)
Details
I recognise that in these next two weeks I will be at my most vunerable to picking up an injury. So I need to be careful that I don't push things too quickly too soon. The thing is I feel really good without any aches or pains.
So I went out and did an easy 3miles and enjoyed it. I tried not to push too hard but it was good to be able to run so soon after the whw race. Part of the reason I wanted to run today is that I've entered a race on Saturday morning. Don't worry I'm doing anything silly. It is the Park 5k Run that on every Saturday morning at Pollok Park. Katrina and Emma are keen to run so we are going to do it together.
Then I have a couple of hours of swimming teaching before heading to Ian & Alison's for the whw post race bbq.
I have nearly finished my race video. I just have the music to add in. Neal gave me a cd recently with some new songs on so I'll use some of those. Davie Hall ... I've taken some of your photos from the prize giving - hope that's okay?
You may be glad to know it's not as long as last year. I only did a couple of video clips on the run as I was so much more focused this year. All through the race I was concentrating on my pace, my food and drink, how I felt etc that I didn't have time to video! Team Kynaston took lots of photos and some videos so hopefully it will be a good record of the day.
Route: Paisley Loop
Run Distance: 3.31miles
Time Run: 26mins 48secs (average pace - 8.06)
Details
I recognise that in these next two weeks I will be at my most vunerable to picking up an injury. So I need to be careful that I don't push things too quickly too soon. The thing is I feel really good without any aches or pains.
So I went out and did an easy 3miles and enjoyed it. I tried not to push too hard but it was good to be able to run so soon after the whw race. Part of the reason I wanted to run today is that I've entered a race on Saturday morning. Don't worry I'm doing anything silly. It is the Park 5k Run that on every Saturday morning at Pollok Park. Katrina and Emma are keen to run so we are going to do it together.
Then I have a couple of hours of swimming teaching before heading to Ian & Alison's for the whw post race bbq.
I have nearly finished my race video. I just have the music to add in. Neal gave me a cd recently with some new songs on so I'll use some of those. Davie Hall ... I've taken some of your photos from the prize giving - hope that's okay?
You may be glad to know it's not as long as last year. I only did a couple of video clips on the run as I was so much more focused this year. All through the race I was concentrating on my pace, my food and drink, how I felt etc that I didn't have time to video! Team Kynaston took lots of photos and some videos so hopefully it will be a good record of the day.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
whw 09 race results
Last night I went to the Club .... but only for a swim and a sauna. Felt good and my legs I'm recovering fine. I might go for a gentle run tomorrow.
The full results are on the whw web site and so I couldn't resist adding in some columns for position at each check point and leg positions. If you like this sort of thing then have a look. It is on an excel spread sheet.
I'll have a go at doing percentages next.
Please note the postions are unofficial and if there are any mistakes PLEASE don't hassle Dario.
The full results are on the whw web site and so I couldn't resist adding in some columns for position at each check point and leg positions. If you like this sort of thing then have a look. It is on an excel spread sheet.
I'll have a go at doing percentages next.
Please note the postions are unofficial and if there are any mistakes PLEASE don't hassle Dario.
Monday, June 22, 2009
whw race 09 report
Saturday 20 June 2009
This was my third running of the whw race and I was looking forward to it as much as the first. Last year I exceeded all my expectations and ran 27secs under 20hrs. When I finished I thought I’d never better that as everything had gone so well. But over the last year I trained just as hard and felt as fit so I was interested to see whether I could repeat it.
In my ‘Guess my Time’ competition a number of my running friends predicted around 20hrs 30mins based on the fact that it was such a good run last year and it is hard to repeat it. I fully understand that reasoning and I might well have predicted a similar time if I was them. There were others, particularly Marco, who had also run with me over our training runs who felt that another sub 20hrs was possible.
So I set out determined to see if I could run as well as last year. I wasn’t going to be disappointed if I didn’t manage it but I was going to give it my best effort.
Friday 19 June - the day before the race
It had been a busy week at work and I was looking forward to having the whole of Friday to prepare and rest. I spent the morning sorting out my gear and food, watching the race dvd and my video diary and reading my report from last year. After lunch I went back to bed for 3hrs. I didn’t sleep soundly but I dozed off and felt rested when I got up at 4.30pm.
The evening dragged on a bit but after a lovely pasta meal we were ready for the off at 10.50pm. Katrina, Jo & Jono, Emma and Hollie were coming with me to support me through the night. Laura & Josh were going to meet them at Auchtertyre in the morning. Donald & Stevie, two good friends from Kilarchan AAC, would be taking over support duties at Auchtertyre.
Milngavie - 11.20pm
We arrived at Milngavie Train Station about 11.20pm and found one of few remaining parking places. I wandered over to the church hall to register, be weighed, give some blood and a urine sample and meet friends. The BBC were filming the race this year for ‘The Adventure Show’ so we given numbers to identify us but to be honest they would only last as long as my top change.
The first year I did the race I wasted a lot of nervous energy talking to people and staying on my feet. Last year and this year I made an effort to find somewhere to sit and rest for the last hour before the race. At 12.15am I was comfortably sat down waiting for the race briefing when we were told it was being held outside. Sometimes even the best plans don’t work out!!
By the time I got there Dario was just about to start so I sat down on the grass behind him and listened from there!
Milngavie to Drymen
In the 5-10mins before the race started I tried to say hi to as many friends as possible and then we were off. Next stop Fort William, 95miles away. For me one of the key things is to try and focus on each leg at a time so my first thought was to treat the 12miles to Drymen as an easy warm up. I wanted to find my own little space and run well within myself.
As we ran through the High Street a group of young people were coming out of the pub and decided it would be fun to stand in the middle of the path and wave at us. I don’t think anyone was hurt or stopped but not the wisest thing to do.
Very quickly I did find my rhythm and was quite happy running behind a whole crowd of people. One incident did amuse me. I was running behind a guy who was carrying a full rucksack plus a full bum bag. It was bouncing away on his back and hips. As I thinking why carry so much he dropped a bag of crisps and had to stop and pick them up.
I was running just behind Sharon and Ian Rae and could see Marco not too far ahead. Neal, as predicted, was away near the front.
After 25mins or so I realised I should have made one more visit to the loo before I started as I needed a pee. I waited a bit longer but decided I’d be better stopping. I tried to pee on the move and was partially successful as when I started up again Ian & Phil had caught up and Phil commented on the line of wee along the ground!!
I then ran with Aileen Scott for a while and we chatted about our goals for the race. She looked as though she had started well and I’m sure would have a strong run. At the 4mile mark I saw Chris McGlennon for the first time. Chris is a member of Kilbarchan AAC and ran the Fling this year. He had decided to bring his car and bike and cycle out to various points to cheer us on. Thanks Chris.
I met Team Kynaston about a mile or so after Beech Tree. Just a quick stop for water and some food to eat before Balmaha. After my successful 2 day training run I was determined to start eating small amounts throughout the day. So I’d already eated a few jaffa cakes and was looking forward to a Cadbury’s eleven’s bar at 2.30am!!
This year I had decided to break down each main section in a 3-4 sub sections of between 2-4miles. Now I know that some runners would hate this but it works for me. Having run on the route so often now in races and training runs I’m able to work out where I need to be. I also set my Garmin watch to show average pace for that split.
So for example I was aiming for a pace of 10.15 mins per mile for the 2.44 miles from Gartness to Drymen. I could glance at my watch and get my average pace and make sure I was within range. It was to prove really helpful throughout the race. It also meant that basically I just concentrated on the next 3-4miles and let the overall distance take care of itself.
I caught up with Ian Rae just before Drymen and we ran in together. Ian was running his 6th whw race and has lots of good stories. He was telling me in his first race he got to Braveheart Car park in 33hrs and decided to have a sit down before tackling the final mile. He and his support runner both fell asleep and almost missed the final cut off of 35hrs!
As I arrived at Drymen I glanced at my watch and saw that it had taken me 1hr 57mins 28secs. I had my splits from last year with me and saw that last year I arrived here in 1hr 57mins 15secs! This was to be something that was to be repeated throughout the day.
Team Kynaston had travelled on to Balmaha to wait for me there so I went straight through Drymen and headed towards Conic Hill.
Summary – 12.19miles in 1hr 57mins 28secs
Drymen to Balmaha
Within the next mile or so I caught up with Sharon and another female runner. Sharon & I then ran to Conic Hill together. I had anticipated that I’d be running with Sharon for a good part of the day as we seem to run at a very similar pace. In the end I didn’t see much of her until the end but that’s to come!
We chatted and ran and were soon at the bottom of Conic Hill. By now it was light and the head torches were off. It is a strange sensation running in the dark as you just focus on the yard of ground in front of you. I pushed on up the hill and caught a few people but once we were over the top and heading down into Balmaha they all went past me again.
I am always cautious going down Conic Hill. Firstly I don’t want to fall which is easy to do but also I want to save my quads for later. It is easy to push the downhill off Conic but struggle many hours down the road. Anyway that’s my excuse for being the slowest down the hill!
With each year of running this race I am becoming more confident with my pacing and willing to let others go and make sure I don’t get caught up with trying to run at someone else’s pace.
Team Kynaston were waiting for me at Balmaha. A quick 1mins 43sec stop to refuel and I was away again. They told me that Neal was 4th and running well. My reaction, ‘What an idiot! He’ll pay for that later’ Was I right? We’d see.
The car park was full and if anyone happened to just arrive at 4.30am they would be wondering what is going on!
Summary: 6.87miles in 1hr 19min 13secs (plus 1min 43sec stop)
Overall 19.06miles in 3hrs 16mins 41secs
Balmaha to Rowardennan
We had decided this year to use Sallochy as a stop rather than Rowardennan. Katrina found parking the van and turning round at Rowardennan a pain so was very happy when I suggested using Sallochy instead. As it’s 3 miles nearer I only had an 45mins or so of running before my first proper stop.
I ran the section on my own. I did see Chris a couple of times but no-one else. Last year I’d had a tough time on this section but today I just got on with it and kept going.
Team Kynaston were waiting at Sallochy. I changed top and had some food and drink. They were being attacked by the midges but had me sorted out and ready to go inside 5mins. I glanced at my legs and saw they were covered in midge bites. I wasn’t aware of them as I ran so was happy to get going as soon as possible. As we couldn’t have support at Beinglas farm I decided to carry an empty rucksack to Inversnaid where I had a drop bag with enough food for that stop and for Beinglas.
Just as I got going again I was joined by Gavin McKinlay and Billy Minto. Gavin had overtaken me with 2miles to go in the race last year and I remind of the fact every time I see him. I was hoping to get the better of him this year! I’d not met Billy before but we read each others blogs and communicated through posts.
So it was great to run the 30mins or so into Rowardennan together. Gavin didn’t think he would be as strong last year but I was fully expecting to see him again. Billy had run the Fling in 9hrs 23mins and I knew that he would be going well.
Gavin and Billy were both stopping at Rowardennan whereas I was running straight through. In the end I didn’t Gavin again until the prize giving on Sunday but Billy was a different story.
Summary: 7.84miles in 1hr 28mins 21secs (plus 4min 50sec stop at Sallochy)
Overall 26.90 miles in 4hrs 46mins 45secs
Rowardennan to Inversnaid
It felt slightly strange not stopping at Rowardennan but in some ways it was good as often it takes me a good few minutes to get going after stopping there. Again I was on my own and concentrating on the next 4.5miles to the single track. I had allocated 47mins which worked out at 10.40pace. There is a long climb out and then a steep hill down so I knew the average pace would be higher than that for the uphill and would come down on the downhill. Well that was the theory!
I was feeling good and walked where I had to and ran easy when possible. I did a short video clip at some point along this bit. Last year I did video clips along the whole route but this year I only did a couple as I was really concentrating on my pace and effort.
I reached the single track a minute early and reckoned that I was now about 7mins ahead of my 2008 pace. I had decided to work on a sub 21 schedule until Auchtertyre and then decide whether sub 20 was on or not. At this point I was confident I’d be going for sub 20.
My confidence might have been misplaced as I started to struggle a bit on the run in to Inversnaid. As is often the case when you’re finding things hard someone catches you. This time it was guy called Tommy Hepburn who was running very strongly. I let him pass and then decided to try and stay with him. We chatted and he really helped me through my sticky patch. Tommy had finished in 20hrs 56mins or so last year and seemed to be on his way to better that.
Just before the Hotel we caught up with a group of three runners so I can’t have been that slow after all! In fact I was just 5secs slower than time for this section last year. Tommy went straight on and I stopped for something to eat and put some food in my rucksack for Beinglas.
Summary: 7.27miles in 1hr 19mins 15secs (plus 2min 49sec stop)
Overall 34.17miles in 6hrs 10mins 50secs
Inversnaid to Beinglas Farm
The three guys also stopped to refuel so once again I was on my own. I settled down to run the next section as solid as possible. I had 3 sections of 2.57, 2.00 and 2.09 miles before Beinglas so I just tried to think about getting to the next one on time.
It was around this time that I received the first of a number of texts from Jay. They always had something encouraging to read and something to think about. Thanks Jay – they were really appreciated.
Over the next 45mins or so all 3 of the guys I’d seen at Inversnaid went past me. I tried to stay with them but they were just quicker over the terrain than I was. But again I wasn’t concerned as I was bang on my pace schedule and didn’t need to push any harder than I was.
It did concern me though if people were passing me so when we got on to the open field before Dune Bothy and I saw them I felt better. On the uphill climb at the top of the Loch I counted 4 runners and the 4th one looked like Thomas. I was really surprised as the last I’d heard at Sallochy Thomas was running okay with Marco. But it definitely was Thomas. As I went past Thomas he said he was finding it hard but we didn’t chat much. I caught the other guys as well and arrived at Beinglas in 1hr 27mins which must be my quickest in any whw or Fling race.
Dario had left a number of containers of water so I stopped for 3mins to replenish water and eat and drink. Thomas and the other guys went past me again while I stopped.
Summary: 6.61miles in 1hr 27mins 56secs (plus 3min 01secs stop)
Overall 40.78miles in 7hrs 41mins 35secs
Beinglas Farm to Auchtertyre
I knew Team Kynaston would be waiting at Carmyle Cottage which was just over 4miles away. I thought it would take under an hour so I set off after Thomas and the other guys. I caught up with Thomas on hill so I walked and talked. I assumed it was his calf but he said, ‘no, it’s everything. Quads, Hamstrings, everything.’ He was struggling to run and as I carried on I was really concerned for him as he still had 55miles to go. Sadly he had to stop at Kingshouse after bravely battling on for 72miles. He will be back. I would to be his coach and training planner!! He has so much talent but has not made the best decisions this year. It’s difficult because what I see from the outside is maybe not the whole picture and I know Thomas plans and prepares well.
I went through Derrydaroch and arrived at Carmyle Cottage in 50mins. It was great to see Team Kynaston. Murdo McEwan was looking after the base and it seemed a great meeting point. Murdo told me I was in 18th position which I was happy about.
Katrina said that Neal had been through before they arrived and that Sharon and Marco were about 5mins ahead. It was raining by now but it was never really cold. In fact I felt it was excellent conditions for running all day. Not so great for the support teams though.
After a short break I was off again and heading up the hill towards Auchtertyre. I ran, walked, ate and kept going. Just after the ‘nasty’ farmer farm Billy caught up with me. He looked strong and was ran a bit together. Billy makes and runs in his own shoes so it was fun to see them in action. They looked good!
After the big gate he pushed on and I concentrated on the next 3.62miles to Auchtertyre. I had decided that if I arrived at Auchtertyre around 9hrs 48mins I would use my sub 20 cards. If I was nearer 10hrs 18mins I would stick with the sub 21. I had 44mins to get there.
On the final hill before the A82 road crossing I saw a runner ahead so that gave me something else to think about rather than my pace. As I caught him I was surprised to see that it was Billy. I assumed he was away. He said that his quads were starting to hurt a bit. I know what that feels like and wondered how he would get on over the second half of the race.
We ran down the hill together and then I pushed on to the check-point. I arrived at Auchtertyre in 9hrs 47mins 42secs which was 38sec faster than last year!!! If I didn’t realise it before I knew now that this run was going to be as close as last year.
I was weighed. I’d lost 2kg. Donald & Stevie and Laura & Josh were there so they all got me fed and watered and I was off again. I changed Garmins. Thanks to Jim Ogilvie for lending yours. They only have a 12hr battery so I needed 2.
Summary: 9.55miles in 2hrs 03mins 06secs (plus 5min 34sec stop)
Overall 50.33miles in 9hrs 47mins 42secs
Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy
Billy was right with me and we ran to Tyndrum together. He commented that he felt I was running very strongly which was encouraging. I felt okay but knew it was still a long, long way to go.
I had allocated 37mins to Tyndrum and so was surprised when I got there in 30mins. Billy’s support where waiting for him and he stopped for a break whereas I carried on. So I was back on my own and walked up the hill out of Tyndrum.
I had 2 sections of 3.32miles to run and I was aiming for 11mins a mile pace. I caught Jody Young about half way along and ran solidly all the way. I was caught in a heavy shower at this point and for the only time felt quite cold in my short sleeved top. It didn’t last too long and by the time I arrived at Bridge of Orchy I’d warmed up.
Team Kynaston were waiting by the Train Station so I gave them a wave. I think the rest of the team were sleeping!
Donald and Stevie were waiting at the check point. A 4min 30sec stop – just enough time for some food and drink and off again to Kingshouse. Donald told me that Sharon had run through full of smiles and running strongly. No change there then. But that Marco was struggling and didn’t look too good.
I wondered whether I was like Marco or Sharon??
Summary: 9.27miles in 1hr 43mins 17secs (plus 4mins 30sec stop)
Overall 59.60miles in 11hrs 36mins 33secs
Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse
There is a long climb out of Bridge of Orchy and I worked hard at keeping a good pace going all the way up. After about 20mins Billy caught me up and we ran towards Inveroran together. On the way down I opened a bit of a gap and once again I was concerned for him and his quads. It’s the downhills that are the worse and he mentioned that he wasn’t looking forward to the descent into Kinlochleven and Fort Wiliam.
At Inveroran I saw Caroline, Peter and Harvey and wondered whether Neal was coming back but no, I think they waited to see me? I could see Marco not far ahead and felt I would catch up with him at some point. I stopped for a minute with Donald and Stevie and then set off for the Rannoch Moor.
Billy continued on looking a lot better on the up hills and was soon away in the distance. Billy’s two support team were a good laugh. They chalked a number of messages on the road like ‘We love you Billy.’ It was like being on the Tour de France. They also primed a group of 6 ladies out for a walk to shout ‘Go, Billy, Go’ when they saw him. He was just passing me at this point and I asked, ‘what about me?’
I was bang on time to my first mark and so set off up the hill to my next one confident of making it to Kingshouse in the 2hrs 30mins I wanted. I started to think ahead a bit and wondered whether I would make the sub 20. It was first time I’d really spent time thinking about it and decided to stop my day dreaming and concentrate on my next mark. Look after the next bit and the overall time would take care of itself.
I could see Billy and Marco in the distance but couldn’t really tell whether I was catching or not. After my second mark at 4.25miles I did catch Marco as we walked up the long hill with 4.5miles to Kingshouse. We walked up the hill together. Marco basically said that he’d run out of energy. His pacing had been spot on and he’s been running steadily but by the time he arrived at Bridge of Orchy he was struggling to run. He was hoping that he’d be able to get going again soon.
Once we hit the top of the hill I started running but Marco continued to walk. He wished me all the best for the rest of the race but I fully expected to see him again. I ran strongly down into Kingshouse and passed Debbie who was running up to see Marco.
I arrived at Kingshouse in 2hrs 30mins 59secs. Donald & Stevie had everything ready and I sat down and ate a yogurt and drank some milk. By now I was struggling to eat anything that involved chewing too much but a thick and creamy yogurt was good. As I ate I was interviewed by the BBC. I’m can’t remember what I said but I’m sure it was to do with I need to keep going to break 20hrs!
Summary: 11.98miles in 2hrs 30mins 51secs (plus 5min 35sec stop)
Overall 71.58miles in 14hrs 11mins 54secs
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
I had arranged to see Donald & Stevie at Altnafeadh so just took what I needed for the next 40mins or so. Team Kynaston were parked down the back road and gave me a wave on the way by. They also told me that Neal was now 45mins ahead. I realised then that he was not coming back and was having the run of his life!! I decided I had another few hours as Kilbarchan whw record holder!!
I would say that the next hour or so was my hardest of the whole race. I’d run hard into Kingshouse and was feeling the effects. There is also a lot of uneven ground and I never find it easy to run when it’s like that. So all in all it took me 4-5mins more than I’d planned. Now that might not seem very much but that’s over 3miles. If you add 4mins to every 3miles from there to the end it adds up!
In my planning with Donald & Stevie we knew that I wouldn’t be allowed a support runner this year as I hoped to be within 4hrs of the leader. So we had arranged that Stevie would run the Devil’s staircase and wait for me at the top with some food. Then once he’d seen me he would run on into Kinlochleven. Then Donald would do the same on the hill after Kinlochleven.
I climbed the hill as best as I could but I was conscious of 2 guys gaining on me. They caught me just after the top and ran very strongly down the hill. I, on the other hand, was struggling. I was another 6mins slower than my schedule and started to doubt whether the sub 20hrs was on. For the only time in the race I reasoned that it didn’t matter. I have a sub 20hrs to my name and a good number of people were expecting me to over 20hrs anyway.
I then had a very strong word with myself! I did want to break 20hrs again. I could do it. I’d spent the last 6months training hard for this and I wasn’t going to give up without a fight. I reasoned that I still had 40mins to run the remaining 3.43miles to Kinlochleven to arrive in a similar time to last year. So just get on and do it.
From this point I thought about a text I’d received from Ross Toole the day before the race. Ross is a very good runner at Kilbarchan. He sent a text saying how much he enjoys reading my blog, thinks I might be a bit obsessive (?) but said just remember it’s a case of putting one foot in front of the other again and again and again. So that’s what I did. I decided that if I could just keep going I’d give myself a chance.
Just before I arrived at Kinlochleven the BBC were on the small bridge ready to film. As I came onto the bridge the presenter said something like, ‘Most people take 5 days to walk the whw but these runners do it in under 1 day’ as I ran past. So I hope they use that bit in the programme!!
I was 4mins slower than last year from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven but I was still 3mins faster overall. So once again it was going down the wire. I was weighed again. I think I lost another kg or so.
Murdo was there and told me to slow down so he could win my competition (he guessed 20hrs 33mins 41secs) but that was one piece of advice I wasn’t listening to. He also told me that Scott Bradley was finished having won the race in 16hrs 11mins. An amazing run.
Summary: 9.08miles in 2hrs 17mins 09secs (plus 6min 16secs stop)
Overall 80.66miles in 16hrs 34mins 38secs
Kinlochleven to Lundavra
So I left Kinlochleven with 3hrs 20mins to break 20 hrs. At least this year I knew that I had 1hr 50mins to Lundavra and then 1hr 30mins to Fort William. I felt stronger than last year and felt I had a 80/20 chance of making it.
I climbed up the hill as hard as I could and started to prepare myself for the Lairig Mor. Donald was waiting for me with some food and drink and to take some photos. The BBC were also there and the guy said can you stop for a couple of minutes for an interview. I said, ‘I’m really sorry but this is going to be so tight to break 20hrs I can’t stop!’
He wished me all the best and I carried on. When Donald went past me I asked him to ring Hollie with my time at Kinlochleven. Hollie had been updating my blog throughout the day. I’d had a few tests saying that people were following my progress which was fun to know. In fact when I got home I checked the hit counter and discovered that over 250 people (with over 600 hits) had been on during the day. So thanks for all who came and followed the race. John McLaughlin rang on Monday to say that he was quite tense waiting for the final update from Fort William!
Last year I found it quite hard to run on some of the rocky terrain but this year I felt stronger and ran more. After 20mins or so I caught up with Billy. He was walking and limping and said his quads were really sore now and that he was going to have to walk the rest of the way, which he did and finished in 21hrs
I was bang on target at my first mark and then knew I had another 3.48miles to the sheep pen which was then 1.10 miles to Lundavra. This really helped me as this section can be quite featureless. It all looks the same and there are 3 false horizons. So I just settled into running the next mile, then the next one and then the last one and a bit.
Before I knew it I was at the sheep pen and had caught up with another runner who turned out to be Stephen Bell. I went past him and pushed into Lundavra arriving in 1hr 47mins 20secs which was 6mins faster than last year.
I didn’t stop, just gave in my number, drank some milk and was off on the final leg.
Summary: 7.50miles in 1hrs 47mins 20secs (no stop)
Overall 88.16miles in 18hrs 28mins 14secs
Lundavra to Fort William
So I now had 6mins more to play with at this stage than last year and was feeling more and more confident that I would be able to break the 20hrs. Even when Steven went past me I wasn’t worried as I was saving myself for that final hill.
I wanted to get to the top of the hill by the big stile with at least 37mins to go. I was a little slower than I’d hoped but still got there with 39mins to break 20hrs. I felt it was going to be close but I should do it. I decided I wasn’t going to stop but keep running the whole way. Last year I stopped to walk a small uphill section and found it hard to get going again. I wasn’t making that mistake again.
It also helped that I saw Steven and that he wasn’t very far ahead. So I made him my target. He walked up the small hill so that made me even more determined to run it. Last year Gavin overtook me at about the same point that I got past Steven so I know how it feels!
By now I was really flying at around 8mins a mile pace and knew that I’d be well inside 20hrs. I had none of the mental struggles of last year wondering how close I would be. This year I was enjoying the last couple of miles. Then it got even better!!
I saw a very familiar runner ahead. I took a couple of looks but it definitely Sharon. I hadn’t even considered catching her as she’d been 5-10mins ahead every since Balmaha. But there she was and I caught up with her quite quickly. I knew she was about to win the Ladies prize so losing out to me wouldn’t be so bad. Also it would give her more incentive to come back next year to beat me!!
I pushed on and arrived at the Braveheart Car Park in 22mins 24secs (2mins 36secs quicker than planned). Team Kynaston were waiting in their cars to cheer me on. I think I caught them by surprise so that was encouraging as well.
Last year I didn’t record my pace for the last mile so decided to use the car park to the leisure centre as my last leg. I had given myself 12mins at 10.43 pace to do it. I was feeling really good, relaxed in the knowledge that sub 20 was in the bag so pushed as hard as I could. My Garmin was showing 7.47 for the last mile and it felt soooo good.
I passed the 30 sign, the official whw end and then ran into the Leisure Centre. Team Kynaston were all there plus quite a few others, cheering me on. Dario was at the door to greet me as well.
So I did it! Another pb – three years in a row. Can I get another pb next year? I really don’t know but one thing I can promise – is that I’ll be trying my very best.
Summary: 6.92miles in 1hrs 23mins 45sec
Overall 95.08miles in 19hrs 51mins 59secs
Once a massive thank you to all those who supported me both on the day and in the months leading up to the race.
A special thank you to Team Kynaston (Katrina, Jo & Jono, Emma, Laura & Josh, Hollie, Stevie and Donald). You were all superb and I hope you enjoyed your day as much as me!
This was my third running of the whw race and I was looking forward to it as much as the first. Last year I exceeded all my expectations and ran 27secs under 20hrs. When I finished I thought I’d never better that as everything had gone so well. But over the last year I trained just as hard and felt as fit so I was interested to see whether I could repeat it.
In my ‘Guess my Time’ competition a number of my running friends predicted around 20hrs 30mins based on the fact that it was such a good run last year and it is hard to repeat it. I fully understand that reasoning and I might well have predicted a similar time if I was them. There were others, particularly Marco, who had also run with me over our training runs who felt that another sub 20hrs was possible.
So I set out determined to see if I could run as well as last year. I wasn’t going to be disappointed if I didn’t manage it but I was going to give it my best effort.
Friday 19 June - the day before the race
It had been a busy week at work and I was looking forward to having the whole of Friday to prepare and rest. I spent the morning sorting out my gear and food, watching the race dvd and my video diary and reading my report from last year. After lunch I went back to bed for 3hrs. I didn’t sleep soundly but I dozed off and felt rested when I got up at 4.30pm.
The evening dragged on a bit but after a lovely pasta meal we were ready for the off at 10.50pm. Katrina, Jo & Jono, Emma and Hollie were coming with me to support me through the night. Laura & Josh were going to meet them at Auchtertyre in the morning. Donald & Stevie, two good friends from Kilarchan AAC, would be taking over support duties at Auchtertyre.
Milngavie - 11.20pm
We arrived at Milngavie Train Station about 11.20pm and found one of few remaining parking places. I wandered over to the church hall to register, be weighed, give some blood and a urine sample and meet friends. The BBC were filming the race this year for ‘The Adventure Show’ so we given numbers to identify us but to be honest they would only last as long as my top change.
The first year I did the race I wasted a lot of nervous energy talking to people and staying on my feet. Last year and this year I made an effort to find somewhere to sit and rest for the last hour before the race. At 12.15am I was comfortably sat down waiting for the race briefing when we were told it was being held outside. Sometimes even the best plans don’t work out!!
By the time I got there Dario was just about to start so I sat down on the grass behind him and listened from there!
Milngavie to Drymen
In the 5-10mins before the race started I tried to say hi to as many friends as possible and then we were off. Next stop Fort William, 95miles away. For me one of the key things is to try and focus on each leg at a time so my first thought was to treat the 12miles to Drymen as an easy warm up. I wanted to find my own little space and run well within myself.
As we ran through the High Street a group of young people were coming out of the pub and decided it would be fun to stand in the middle of the path and wave at us. I don’t think anyone was hurt or stopped but not the wisest thing to do.
Very quickly I did find my rhythm and was quite happy running behind a whole crowd of people. One incident did amuse me. I was running behind a guy who was carrying a full rucksack plus a full bum bag. It was bouncing away on his back and hips. As I thinking why carry so much he dropped a bag of crisps and had to stop and pick them up.
I was running just behind Sharon and Ian Rae and could see Marco not too far ahead. Neal, as predicted, was away near the front.
After 25mins or so I realised I should have made one more visit to the loo before I started as I needed a pee. I waited a bit longer but decided I’d be better stopping. I tried to pee on the move and was partially successful as when I started up again Ian & Phil had caught up and Phil commented on the line of wee along the ground!!
I then ran with Aileen Scott for a while and we chatted about our goals for the race. She looked as though she had started well and I’m sure would have a strong run. At the 4mile mark I saw Chris McGlennon for the first time. Chris is a member of Kilbarchan AAC and ran the Fling this year. He had decided to bring his car and bike and cycle out to various points to cheer us on. Thanks Chris.
I met Team Kynaston about a mile or so after Beech Tree. Just a quick stop for water and some food to eat before Balmaha. After my successful 2 day training run I was determined to start eating small amounts throughout the day. So I’d already eated a few jaffa cakes and was looking forward to a Cadbury’s eleven’s bar at 2.30am!!
This year I had decided to break down each main section in a 3-4 sub sections of between 2-4miles. Now I know that some runners would hate this but it works for me. Having run on the route so often now in races and training runs I’m able to work out where I need to be. I also set my Garmin watch to show average pace for that split.
So for example I was aiming for a pace of 10.15 mins per mile for the 2.44 miles from Gartness to Drymen. I could glance at my watch and get my average pace and make sure I was within range. It was to prove really helpful throughout the race. It also meant that basically I just concentrated on the next 3-4miles and let the overall distance take care of itself.
I caught up with Ian Rae just before Drymen and we ran in together. Ian was running his 6th whw race and has lots of good stories. He was telling me in his first race he got to Braveheart Car park in 33hrs and decided to have a sit down before tackling the final mile. He and his support runner both fell asleep and almost missed the final cut off of 35hrs!
As I arrived at Drymen I glanced at my watch and saw that it had taken me 1hr 57mins 28secs. I had my splits from last year with me and saw that last year I arrived here in 1hr 57mins 15secs! This was to be something that was to be repeated throughout the day.
Team Kynaston had travelled on to Balmaha to wait for me there so I went straight through Drymen and headed towards Conic Hill.
Summary – 12.19miles in 1hr 57mins 28secs
Drymen to Balmaha
Within the next mile or so I caught up with Sharon and another female runner. Sharon & I then ran to Conic Hill together. I had anticipated that I’d be running with Sharon for a good part of the day as we seem to run at a very similar pace. In the end I didn’t see much of her until the end but that’s to come!
We chatted and ran and were soon at the bottom of Conic Hill. By now it was light and the head torches were off. It is a strange sensation running in the dark as you just focus on the yard of ground in front of you. I pushed on up the hill and caught a few people but once we were over the top and heading down into Balmaha they all went past me again.
I am always cautious going down Conic Hill. Firstly I don’t want to fall which is easy to do but also I want to save my quads for later. It is easy to push the downhill off Conic but struggle many hours down the road. Anyway that’s my excuse for being the slowest down the hill!
With each year of running this race I am becoming more confident with my pacing and willing to let others go and make sure I don’t get caught up with trying to run at someone else’s pace.
Team Kynaston were waiting for me at Balmaha. A quick 1mins 43sec stop to refuel and I was away again. They told me that Neal was 4th and running well. My reaction, ‘What an idiot! He’ll pay for that later’ Was I right? We’d see.
The car park was full and if anyone happened to just arrive at 4.30am they would be wondering what is going on!
Summary: 6.87miles in 1hr 19min 13secs (plus 1min 43sec stop)
Overall 19.06miles in 3hrs 16mins 41secs
Balmaha to Rowardennan
We had decided this year to use Sallochy as a stop rather than Rowardennan. Katrina found parking the van and turning round at Rowardennan a pain so was very happy when I suggested using Sallochy instead. As it’s 3 miles nearer I only had an 45mins or so of running before my first proper stop.
I ran the section on my own. I did see Chris a couple of times but no-one else. Last year I’d had a tough time on this section but today I just got on with it and kept going.
Team Kynaston were waiting at Sallochy. I changed top and had some food and drink. They were being attacked by the midges but had me sorted out and ready to go inside 5mins. I glanced at my legs and saw they were covered in midge bites. I wasn’t aware of them as I ran so was happy to get going as soon as possible. As we couldn’t have support at Beinglas farm I decided to carry an empty rucksack to Inversnaid where I had a drop bag with enough food for that stop and for Beinglas.
Just as I got going again I was joined by Gavin McKinlay and Billy Minto. Gavin had overtaken me with 2miles to go in the race last year and I remind of the fact every time I see him. I was hoping to get the better of him this year! I’d not met Billy before but we read each others blogs and communicated through posts.
So it was great to run the 30mins or so into Rowardennan together. Gavin didn’t think he would be as strong last year but I was fully expecting to see him again. Billy had run the Fling in 9hrs 23mins and I knew that he would be going well.
Gavin and Billy were both stopping at Rowardennan whereas I was running straight through. In the end I didn’t Gavin again until the prize giving on Sunday but Billy was a different story.
Summary: 7.84miles in 1hr 28mins 21secs (plus 4min 50sec stop at Sallochy)
Overall 26.90 miles in 4hrs 46mins 45secs
Rowardennan to Inversnaid
It felt slightly strange not stopping at Rowardennan but in some ways it was good as often it takes me a good few minutes to get going after stopping there. Again I was on my own and concentrating on the next 4.5miles to the single track. I had allocated 47mins which worked out at 10.40pace. There is a long climb out and then a steep hill down so I knew the average pace would be higher than that for the uphill and would come down on the downhill. Well that was the theory!
I was feeling good and walked where I had to and ran easy when possible. I did a short video clip at some point along this bit. Last year I did video clips along the whole route but this year I only did a couple as I was really concentrating on my pace and effort.
I reached the single track a minute early and reckoned that I was now about 7mins ahead of my 2008 pace. I had decided to work on a sub 21 schedule until Auchtertyre and then decide whether sub 20 was on or not. At this point I was confident I’d be going for sub 20.
My confidence might have been misplaced as I started to struggle a bit on the run in to Inversnaid. As is often the case when you’re finding things hard someone catches you. This time it was guy called Tommy Hepburn who was running very strongly. I let him pass and then decided to try and stay with him. We chatted and he really helped me through my sticky patch. Tommy had finished in 20hrs 56mins or so last year and seemed to be on his way to better that.
Just before the Hotel we caught up with a group of three runners so I can’t have been that slow after all! In fact I was just 5secs slower than time for this section last year. Tommy went straight on and I stopped for something to eat and put some food in my rucksack for Beinglas.
Summary: 7.27miles in 1hr 19mins 15secs (plus 2min 49sec stop)
Overall 34.17miles in 6hrs 10mins 50secs
Inversnaid to Beinglas Farm
The three guys also stopped to refuel so once again I was on my own. I settled down to run the next section as solid as possible. I had 3 sections of 2.57, 2.00 and 2.09 miles before Beinglas so I just tried to think about getting to the next one on time.
It was around this time that I received the first of a number of texts from Jay. They always had something encouraging to read and something to think about. Thanks Jay – they were really appreciated.
Over the next 45mins or so all 3 of the guys I’d seen at Inversnaid went past me. I tried to stay with them but they were just quicker over the terrain than I was. But again I wasn’t concerned as I was bang on my pace schedule and didn’t need to push any harder than I was.
It did concern me though if people were passing me so when we got on to the open field before Dune Bothy and I saw them I felt better. On the uphill climb at the top of the Loch I counted 4 runners and the 4th one looked like Thomas. I was really surprised as the last I’d heard at Sallochy Thomas was running okay with Marco. But it definitely was Thomas. As I went past Thomas he said he was finding it hard but we didn’t chat much. I caught the other guys as well and arrived at Beinglas in 1hr 27mins which must be my quickest in any whw or Fling race.
Dario had left a number of containers of water so I stopped for 3mins to replenish water and eat and drink. Thomas and the other guys went past me again while I stopped.
Summary: 6.61miles in 1hr 27mins 56secs (plus 3min 01secs stop)
Overall 40.78miles in 7hrs 41mins 35secs
Beinglas Farm to Auchtertyre
I knew Team Kynaston would be waiting at Carmyle Cottage which was just over 4miles away. I thought it would take under an hour so I set off after Thomas and the other guys. I caught up with Thomas on hill so I walked and talked. I assumed it was his calf but he said, ‘no, it’s everything. Quads, Hamstrings, everything.’ He was struggling to run and as I carried on I was really concerned for him as he still had 55miles to go. Sadly he had to stop at Kingshouse after bravely battling on for 72miles. He will be back. I would to be his coach and training planner!! He has so much talent but has not made the best decisions this year. It’s difficult because what I see from the outside is maybe not the whole picture and I know Thomas plans and prepares well.
I went through Derrydaroch and arrived at Carmyle Cottage in 50mins. It was great to see Team Kynaston. Murdo McEwan was looking after the base and it seemed a great meeting point. Murdo told me I was in 18th position which I was happy about.
Katrina said that Neal had been through before they arrived and that Sharon and Marco were about 5mins ahead. It was raining by now but it was never really cold. In fact I felt it was excellent conditions for running all day. Not so great for the support teams though.
After a short break I was off again and heading up the hill towards Auchtertyre. I ran, walked, ate and kept going. Just after the ‘nasty’ farmer farm Billy caught up with me. He looked strong and was ran a bit together. Billy makes and runs in his own shoes so it was fun to see them in action. They looked good!
After the big gate he pushed on and I concentrated on the next 3.62miles to Auchtertyre. I had decided that if I arrived at Auchtertyre around 9hrs 48mins I would use my sub 20 cards. If I was nearer 10hrs 18mins I would stick with the sub 21. I had 44mins to get there.
On the final hill before the A82 road crossing I saw a runner ahead so that gave me something else to think about rather than my pace. As I caught him I was surprised to see that it was Billy. I assumed he was away. He said that his quads were starting to hurt a bit. I know what that feels like and wondered how he would get on over the second half of the race.
We ran down the hill together and then I pushed on to the check-point. I arrived at Auchtertyre in 9hrs 47mins 42secs which was 38sec faster than last year!!! If I didn’t realise it before I knew now that this run was going to be as close as last year.
I was weighed. I’d lost 2kg. Donald & Stevie and Laura & Josh were there so they all got me fed and watered and I was off again. I changed Garmins. Thanks to Jim Ogilvie for lending yours. They only have a 12hr battery so I needed 2.
Summary: 9.55miles in 2hrs 03mins 06secs (plus 5min 34sec stop)
Overall 50.33miles in 9hrs 47mins 42secs
Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy
Billy was right with me and we ran to Tyndrum together. He commented that he felt I was running very strongly which was encouraging. I felt okay but knew it was still a long, long way to go.
I had allocated 37mins to Tyndrum and so was surprised when I got there in 30mins. Billy’s support where waiting for him and he stopped for a break whereas I carried on. So I was back on my own and walked up the hill out of Tyndrum.
I had 2 sections of 3.32miles to run and I was aiming for 11mins a mile pace. I caught Jody Young about half way along and ran solidly all the way. I was caught in a heavy shower at this point and for the only time felt quite cold in my short sleeved top. It didn’t last too long and by the time I arrived at Bridge of Orchy I’d warmed up.
Team Kynaston were waiting by the Train Station so I gave them a wave. I think the rest of the team were sleeping!
Donald and Stevie were waiting at the check point. A 4min 30sec stop – just enough time for some food and drink and off again to Kingshouse. Donald told me that Sharon had run through full of smiles and running strongly. No change there then. But that Marco was struggling and didn’t look too good.
I wondered whether I was like Marco or Sharon??
Summary: 9.27miles in 1hr 43mins 17secs (plus 4mins 30sec stop)
Overall 59.60miles in 11hrs 36mins 33secs
Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse
There is a long climb out of Bridge of Orchy and I worked hard at keeping a good pace going all the way up. After about 20mins Billy caught me up and we ran towards Inveroran together. On the way down I opened a bit of a gap and once again I was concerned for him and his quads. It’s the downhills that are the worse and he mentioned that he wasn’t looking forward to the descent into Kinlochleven and Fort Wiliam.
At Inveroran I saw Caroline, Peter and Harvey and wondered whether Neal was coming back but no, I think they waited to see me? I could see Marco not far ahead and felt I would catch up with him at some point. I stopped for a minute with Donald and Stevie and then set off for the Rannoch Moor.
Billy continued on looking a lot better on the up hills and was soon away in the distance. Billy’s two support team were a good laugh. They chalked a number of messages on the road like ‘We love you Billy.’ It was like being on the Tour de France. They also primed a group of 6 ladies out for a walk to shout ‘Go, Billy, Go’ when they saw him. He was just passing me at this point and I asked, ‘what about me?’
I was bang on time to my first mark and so set off up the hill to my next one confident of making it to Kingshouse in the 2hrs 30mins I wanted. I started to think ahead a bit and wondered whether I would make the sub 20. It was first time I’d really spent time thinking about it and decided to stop my day dreaming and concentrate on my next mark. Look after the next bit and the overall time would take care of itself.
I could see Billy and Marco in the distance but couldn’t really tell whether I was catching or not. After my second mark at 4.25miles I did catch Marco as we walked up the long hill with 4.5miles to Kingshouse. We walked up the hill together. Marco basically said that he’d run out of energy. His pacing had been spot on and he’s been running steadily but by the time he arrived at Bridge of Orchy he was struggling to run. He was hoping that he’d be able to get going again soon.
Once we hit the top of the hill I started running but Marco continued to walk. He wished me all the best for the rest of the race but I fully expected to see him again. I ran strongly down into Kingshouse and passed Debbie who was running up to see Marco.
I arrived at Kingshouse in 2hrs 30mins 59secs. Donald & Stevie had everything ready and I sat down and ate a yogurt and drank some milk. By now I was struggling to eat anything that involved chewing too much but a thick and creamy yogurt was good. As I ate I was interviewed by the BBC. I’m can’t remember what I said but I’m sure it was to do with I need to keep going to break 20hrs!
Summary: 11.98miles in 2hrs 30mins 51secs (plus 5min 35sec stop)
Overall 71.58miles in 14hrs 11mins 54secs
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
I had arranged to see Donald & Stevie at Altnafeadh so just took what I needed for the next 40mins or so. Team Kynaston were parked down the back road and gave me a wave on the way by. They also told me that Neal was now 45mins ahead. I realised then that he was not coming back and was having the run of his life!! I decided I had another few hours as Kilbarchan whw record holder!!
I would say that the next hour or so was my hardest of the whole race. I’d run hard into Kingshouse and was feeling the effects. There is also a lot of uneven ground and I never find it easy to run when it’s like that. So all in all it took me 4-5mins more than I’d planned. Now that might not seem very much but that’s over 3miles. If you add 4mins to every 3miles from there to the end it adds up!
In my planning with Donald & Stevie we knew that I wouldn’t be allowed a support runner this year as I hoped to be within 4hrs of the leader. So we had arranged that Stevie would run the Devil’s staircase and wait for me at the top with some food. Then once he’d seen me he would run on into Kinlochleven. Then Donald would do the same on the hill after Kinlochleven.
I climbed the hill as best as I could but I was conscious of 2 guys gaining on me. They caught me just after the top and ran very strongly down the hill. I, on the other hand, was struggling. I was another 6mins slower than my schedule and started to doubt whether the sub 20hrs was on. For the only time in the race I reasoned that it didn’t matter. I have a sub 20hrs to my name and a good number of people were expecting me to over 20hrs anyway.
I then had a very strong word with myself! I did want to break 20hrs again. I could do it. I’d spent the last 6months training hard for this and I wasn’t going to give up without a fight. I reasoned that I still had 40mins to run the remaining 3.43miles to Kinlochleven to arrive in a similar time to last year. So just get on and do it.
From this point I thought about a text I’d received from Ross Toole the day before the race. Ross is a very good runner at Kilbarchan. He sent a text saying how much he enjoys reading my blog, thinks I might be a bit obsessive (?) but said just remember it’s a case of putting one foot in front of the other again and again and again. So that’s what I did. I decided that if I could just keep going I’d give myself a chance.
Just before I arrived at Kinlochleven the BBC were on the small bridge ready to film. As I came onto the bridge the presenter said something like, ‘Most people take 5 days to walk the whw but these runners do it in under 1 day’ as I ran past. So I hope they use that bit in the programme!!
I was 4mins slower than last year from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven but I was still 3mins faster overall. So once again it was going down the wire. I was weighed again. I think I lost another kg or so.
Murdo was there and told me to slow down so he could win my competition (he guessed 20hrs 33mins 41secs) but that was one piece of advice I wasn’t listening to. He also told me that Scott Bradley was finished having won the race in 16hrs 11mins. An amazing run.
Summary: 9.08miles in 2hrs 17mins 09secs (plus 6min 16secs stop)
Overall 80.66miles in 16hrs 34mins 38secs
Kinlochleven to Lundavra
So I left Kinlochleven with 3hrs 20mins to break 20 hrs. At least this year I knew that I had 1hr 50mins to Lundavra and then 1hr 30mins to Fort William. I felt stronger than last year and felt I had a 80/20 chance of making it.
I climbed up the hill as hard as I could and started to prepare myself for the Lairig Mor. Donald was waiting for me with some food and drink and to take some photos. The BBC were also there and the guy said can you stop for a couple of minutes for an interview. I said, ‘I’m really sorry but this is going to be so tight to break 20hrs I can’t stop!’
He wished me all the best and I carried on. When Donald went past me I asked him to ring Hollie with my time at Kinlochleven. Hollie had been updating my blog throughout the day. I’d had a few tests saying that people were following my progress which was fun to know. In fact when I got home I checked the hit counter and discovered that over 250 people (with over 600 hits) had been on during the day. So thanks for all who came and followed the race. John McLaughlin rang on Monday to say that he was quite tense waiting for the final update from Fort William!
Last year I found it quite hard to run on some of the rocky terrain but this year I felt stronger and ran more. After 20mins or so I caught up with Billy. He was walking and limping and said his quads were really sore now and that he was going to have to walk the rest of the way, which he did and finished in 21hrs
I was bang on target at my first mark and then knew I had another 3.48miles to the sheep pen which was then 1.10 miles to Lundavra. This really helped me as this section can be quite featureless. It all looks the same and there are 3 false horizons. So I just settled into running the next mile, then the next one and then the last one and a bit.
Before I knew it I was at the sheep pen and had caught up with another runner who turned out to be Stephen Bell. I went past him and pushed into Lundavra arriving in 1hr 47mins 20secs which was 6mins faster than last year.
I didn’t stop, just gave in my number, drank some milk and was off on the final leg.
Summary: 7.50miles in 1hrs 47mins 20secs (no stop)
Overall 88.16miles in 18hrs 28mins 14secs
Lundavra to Fort William
So I now had 6mins more to play with at this stage than last year and was feeling more and more confident that I would be able to break the 20hrs. Even when Steven went past me I wasn’t worried as I was saving myself for that final hill.
I wanted to get to the top of the hill by the big stile with at least 37mins to go. I was a little slower than I’d hoped but still got there with 39mins to break 20hrs. I felt it was going to be close but I should do it. I decided I wasn’t going to stop but keep running the whole way. Last year I stopped to walk a small uphill section and found it hard to get going again. I wasn’t making that mistake again.
It also helped that I saw Steven and that he wasn’t very far ahead. So I made him my target. He walked up the small hill so that made me even more determined to run it. Last year Gavin overtook me at about the same point that I got past Steven so I know how it feels!
By now I was really flying at around 8mins a mile pace and knew that I’d be well inside 20hrs. I had none of the mental struggles of last year wondering how close I would be. This year I was enjoying the last couple of miles. Then it got even better!!
I saw a very familiar runner ahead. I took a couple of looks but it definitely Sharon. I hadn’t even considered catching her as she’d been 5-10mins ahead every since Balmaha. But there she was and I caught up with her quite quickly. I knew she was about to win the Ladies prize so losing out to me wouldn’t be so bad. Also it would give her more incentive to come back next year to beat me!!
I pushed on and arrived at the Braveheart Car Park in 22mins 24secs (2mins 36secs quicker than planned). Team Kynaston were waiting in their cars to cheer me on. I think I caught them by surprise so that was encouraging as well.
Last year I didn’t record my pace for the last mile so decided to use the car park to the leisure centre as my last leg. I had given myself 12mins at 10.43 pace to do it. I was feeling really good, relaxed in the knowledge that sub 20 was in the bag so pushed as hard as I could. My Garmin was showing 7.47 for the last mile and it felt soooo good.
I passed the 30 sign, the official whw end and then ran into the Leisure Centre. Team Kynaston were all there plus quite a few others, cheering me on. Dario was at the door to greet me as well.
So I did it! Another pb – three years in a row. Can I get another pb next year? I really don’t know but one thing I can promise – is that I’ll be trying my very best.
Summary: 6.92miles in 1hrs 23mins 45sec
Overall 95.08miles in 19hrs 51mins 59secs
Once a massive thank you to all those who supported me both on the day and in the months leading up to the race.
A special thank you to Team Kynaston (Katrina, Jo & Jono, Emma, Laura & Josh, Hollie, Stevie and Donald). You were all superb and I hope you enjoyed your day as much as me!
Competition, Photos and Splits
I slept well last night but woke early .... so I've sorted out my photos and they are being uploaded onto Flickr as I type.
Also here is my splits for this year compared to last year.
For anyone who likes to see even more detail here are all my mini legs in an excel sheet. Basically my splits for every 2-4miles! Please ignore if this is not your thing!
Congratulations to Billy Minto who won my 'Guess my Time' competition. Billy guessed 19hrs 52mins 30secs so was just 31secs out. Hollie was next with 1min 8secs out. The prize was a whw t-shirt but it looks like Billy already has one! Ah well you can never have enough t-shirts.
To come .... race report and video diary.
Also here is my splits for this year compared to last year.
For anyone who likes to see even more detail here are all my mini legs in an excel sheet. Basically my splits for every 2-4miles! Please ignore if this is not your thing!
Congratulations to Billy Minto who won my 'Guess my Time' competition. Billy guessed 19hrs 52mins 30secs so was just 31secs out. Hollie was next with 1min 8secs out. The prize was a whw t-shirt but it looks like Billy already has one! Ah well you can never have enough t-shirts.
To come .... race report and video diary.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Home and happy
We arrived home an hour or so ago. The washing machine is full of dirty kit and we are about to eat.
Thanks to everyone who sent texts or who had a look at this blog for updates. It was fun knowing people were following my progress!
I have taken a day off tomorrow so I plan to write up my race report while it's fresh in my mind.
In the meantime for those interested here are my figures from my garmin
Milngavie to Auchtertyre
Auchtertyre to Fort William
I finished in 13th position and 3rd Super Vet
There are lots of photos to come but here is a favourite of the finish and Team Kynaston
There were a number of absolutley superb performances in the race but I want to make special mention of Neal who ran an amazing 18hrs 42mins 00secs. I kept hearing reports he was 15mins ahead, then 25mins, then 45mins. So congratulations Neal and you deserve the Kilbarchan AAC Club Record!
Thanks to everyone who sent texts or who had a look at this blog for updates. It was fun knowing people were following my progress!
I have taken a day off tomorrow so I plan to write up my race report while it's fresh in my mind.
In the meantime for those interested here are my figures from my garmin
Milngavie to Auchtertyre
Auchtertyre to Fort William
I finished in 13th position and 3rd Super Vet
There are lots of photos to come but here is a favourite of the finish and Team Kynaston
There were a number of absolutley superb performances in the race but I want to make special mention of Neal who ran an amazing 18hrs 42mins 00secs. I kept hearing reports he was 15mins ahead, then 25mins, then 45mins. So congratulations Neal and you deserve the Kilbarchan AAC Club Record!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
FINISH of the whw race ....
I finished in 19hrs 51mins 58secs
John is chuffed to bits. Team Kynaston are very proud!!
John is chuffed to bits. Team Kynaston are very proud!!
Update 4 from the whw race ....
At Kinlochleven (80.46miles)
sub 20 schedule: 16hrs 38mins
sub 21 schedule: 17hrs 28mins
ACTUAL: 16hrs 34mins
Team Kynaston Update:
John is running well and enjoyed his moment of fame as he was interviewed before continuing with the race.
Team K are now at the camp site and setting up camp for the night.
sub 20 schedule: 16hrs 38mins
sub 21 schedule: 17hrs 28mins
ACTUAL: 16hrs 34mins
Team Kynaston Update:
John is running well and enjoyed his moment of fame as he was interviewed before continuing with the race.
Team K are now at the camp site and setting up camp for the night.
Update 3 from the whw race ....
At Bridge of Orchy (59.50miles)
sub 20 schedule: 11hrs 43mins
sub 21 schedule: 12hrs 23mins
ACTUAL: 11hrs 36mins
sub 20 schedule: 11hrs 43mins
sub 21 schedule: 12hrs 23mins
ACTUAL: 11hrs 36mins
A Team Kynaston Update...
Team K have just left the wigwams, with Donald and Stevie taking over and Laura and Josh joining us Team Kynaston is complete!
Update 2 from the whw race ....
At Carmyle Cottage (45miles)
sub 20 schedule: 8hrs 37mins
sub 21 schedule: 9hrs 02mins
ACTUAL: 8hrs 35mins
Update from Team Kynaston:
John's running well, aiming for sub 20, currently in 16th position and very happy. Team Kynaston off to see the animals at the wigwams and on our way to pick up Josh and Laura. Donald and Stevie are planning to arrive at arround 10am.
sub 20 schedule: 8hrs 37mins
sub 21 schedule: 9hrs 02mins
ACTUAL: 8hrs 35mins
Update from Team Kynaston:
John's running well, aiming for sub 20, currently in 16th position and very happy. Team Kynaston off to see the animals at the wigwams and on our way to pick up Josh and Laura. Donald and Stevie are planning to arrive at arround 10am.
Update 1 from the whw race ....
At Salchony (24miles - 3 miles before Rowardennan)
sub 20 schedule: 4hrs 17mins
sub 21 schedule: 4hrs 30mins
ACTUAL: 4hrs 15mins
Team Kynaston Update:
John's running strong, eating well while Team K suffer the wrath of the midges! Team K are now stationed at macdonalds refueling for the next part of the journey.
sub 20 schedule: 4hrs 17mins
sub 21 schedule: 4hrs 30mins
ACTUAL: 4hrs 15mins
Team Kynaston Update:
John's running strong, eating well while Team K suffer the wrath of the midges! Team K are now stationed at macdonalds refueling for the next part of the journey.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Guess My Time Competition Entries & final thoughts
.... just over 12hrs 30mins to go!
I had a busy day yesterday but not too tiring. We went to Asda about 6pm to buy supplies for the race for me and the support team. As we were wandering along who should we meet but Neal & Caroline! So we stopped for a chat and an opportunity to phyche each other out.
Last year when Neal entered the race and we trained together I knew it was going to be a close race between us. Last year I felt I had the advantage having done the race the year before and that's how it proved as I finished just over an hour ahead.
But this year is going to be very different. Neal now has the experience of having done the race and most people improve significantly on their second year. Plus the fact that Neal ran a superb Fling race (finishing 20mins ahead of me!). So on balance I would say that Neal is favourite in our private battle to be 'Kilbarchan AAC whw race record holder'.
If Neal is true to form (pacepusher by name pacepusher by nature) then he will be away and I won't see him from Milngavie. It might be that I don't see him again until Fort William or I might catch him along the way!! I know what I would prefer.
We both agreed last night though that we would rather lose the race between us and achieve a pb than win and run slower than last year. One of my 'scenarios' is a sprint finish down Fort William to the Leisure Centre!! One thing I can guarantee if that happens there will be none of this 'let's hold hands and run in together'. It will be eyes balls out and let the best man win!!!
Besides Neal there are lots of other friends who I know I will be seeing a fair bit of during the race and I'll enjoy battling with them as well.
Keith wrote a very interesting post on his new blog yesterday which I found really helpful. It made me realise just how much I love doing this race. I remember the very first time I met Ian B and we ran together I said to him that I think this will be a one-off. I'll do the race in 2007 and that will be it. I remember Ian saying that he'd be surprised if I only did one and how right he was! I just can't imagine not training for and running this race.
I love the route, the friends I've made, the challenge of the race, the preparation. In fact everything about it and I fully intend to enjoy it tomorrow. That's not to say it won't be hard, as it will be, but for me that's part of what makes it so special.
I'm also aware of those who would love to be running the race tomorrow but can't due to injury and those who are starting with injuries knowing it's going to be difficult to finish. I'm so grateful that I'm getting to the start feeling good.
I've spent the morning getting my food and gear ready ....
I had a busy day yesterday but not too tiring. We went to Asda about 6pm to buy supplies for the race for me and the support team. As we were wandering along who should we meet but Neal & Caroline! So we stopped for a chat and an opportunity to phyche each other out.
Last year when Neal entered the race and we trained together I knew it was going to be a close race between us. Last year I felt I had the advantage having done the race the year before and that's how it proved as I finished just over an hour ahead.
But this year is going to be very different. Neal now has the experience of having done the race and most people improve significantly on their second year. Plus the fact that Neal ran a superb Fling race (finishing 20mins ahead of me!). So on balance I would say that Neal is favourite in our private battle to be 'Kilbarchan AAC whw race record holder'.
If Neal is true to form (pacepusher by name pacepusher by nature) then he will be away and I won't see him from Milngavie. It might be that I don't see him again until Fort William or I might catch him along the way!! I know what I would prefer.
We both agreed last night though that we would rather lose the race between us and achieve a pb than win and run slower than last year. One of my 'scenarios' is a sprint finish down Fort William to the Leisure Centre!! One thing I can guarantee if that happens there will be none of this 'let's hold hands and run in together'. It will be eyes balls out and let the best man win!!!
Besides Neal there are lots of other friends who I know I will be seeing a fair bit of during the race and I'll enjoy battling with them as well.
Keith wrote a very interesting post on his new blog yesterday which I found really helpful. It made me realise just how much I love doing this race. I remember the very first time I met Ian B and we ran together I said to him that I think this will be a one-off. I'll do the race in 2007 and that will be it. I remember Ian saying that he'd be surprised if I only did one and how right he was! I just can't imagine not training for and running this race.
I love the route, the friends I've made, the challenge of the race, the preparation. In fact everything about it and I fully intend to enjoy it tomorrow. That's not to say it won't be hard, as it will be, but for me that's part of what makes it so special.
I'm also aware of those who would love to be running the race tomorrow but can't due to injury and those who are starting with injuries knowing it's going to be difficult to finish. I'm so grateful that I'm getting to the start feeling good.
I've spent the morning getting my food and gear ready ....
will I be able to eat all this????
Not sure if I'll need all this but worth having in case
Don't worry I'm not running barefoot. I just forgot to put my shoes on the picture
So I'm off to bed soon for a few hours sleep (well maybe a doze) and then the race will be within reach.
The vast majority of people who read this blog will be at the race tomorrow but for those who aren't involved and would like to follow my progress Hollie is going to post some updates on this blog throughout the day (if she can get a connection on my netbook).
Plus Dario has organised a few runners to have a sports tracker and you can follow their progress live. I did ask Dario if he needed a volunteer but he turned me down!!!! Only joking Dario!!
Anyway here is the link if you'd like to try it. I reckon I will be closest to Sharon Law out of those selected (can you sense my jealousy??) ....
SportsTracker for whw race
Finally .... I received 56 entries altogether for my 'guess my time' competition.
Full list of entries
Here is a breakdown of the guesses ....
sub 19hrs 30mins: 6 guesses
19hrs 30mins - 20hrs: 32 guesses
20hrs - 20hrs 30mins: 13 guesses
20hrs 30mins - 21hrs: 8 guesses
over 21hrs: 2 guesses
So the most popular 30mins is between 19hrs 30mins and 20hrs with 19hrs 50mins receiving 6 guesses. Maybe they were playing the key 50 number card!
Finally (again) .... let me wish every runner, support team, official, spectator etc a great day and I look forward to sharing this amazing race with you.
Now where's my ear plugs and eye patch?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday: Last Easy Run before whw race!!!
Time: 5.50pm
Route: Brodie Park Run
Distance: 3.69miles
Time Run: 32mins 18secs (average pace - 8.46)
Details
Well that's it .... my final run before the big race on Saturday. An easy 3 and a half miles around Brodie Park. It's been my habit to have my final run before a race or long run on the whw around Brodie Park so why change now? It's been pretty wet all day but by the time I ran at 5.45pm it was nice and sunny. It does seem strange to think that the next time I'll run will be the whw race.
It's been a good week with lots going on but the race is never far from my thoughts. If it does wander from my mind someone asks me about it and I start talking about all over again. Our friend Renita called in for tea last night and before I arrived she was warned not to ask me about the race! When she did you could hear the groans from around the table!!!!
I had another encouraging email yesterday - this time from my golfing friend Jay. Throughout the last 3 years Jay has constantly encouraged and supported me in my ultra running. One of the best ways is his texts on my training runs and races. Some of them have been very significant. For example last year just after Balmaha I was going through a tough section and getting down on myself when Jay sent a text saying to 'enjoy God's creation as you run' and it really helped lift my spirits. Anyway here is part of what he wrote,
John you have done so well in your preparation. Relax in that fact you have done all that you can do and remember to enjoy. It's just like how we play a golf hole where to bail out, what club to use, how we need to trust our swing and then be smart about getting out of the bunkers and the rough. you have a great strategy. you just need to stick to it and not worry about what other people are doing around you.
Remember Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
As you run Remember to praise God for all of your blessings and ability and testify to the fact that that is where your hope and strength comes from.again nothing you didn't already know I will be cheering for you from a far and will txt you along the way.
God Bless,
Jay
So thanks Jay and everyone else who is prepared to listen when I talk about my running!!
The guesses keep coming in. I now have exactly 50 but if anyone else wants to take part you have until noon on Friday.
I had a look at the weather forecast for Saturday and it's light rain for most of the day which is fine by me. Support teams won't be as keen but I'm sure they'll cope!
I called in to see Kad at Muscle Bound on the way home from work to pick up some of the energy drinks I tried on the 2 day run. Kad has been really helpful and given some good advice on the nutrition side of things. He looked up my blog while I was in the shop and he said he would make a guess in my competition.
Tomorrow I'm involved in the Tesco run at Bellahouston Park. It is a run organised by Active Schools for Primary School and we have over 3,500 children coming throughout the day. I hope I have an easy job that doesn't tire me out!
Route: Brodie Park Run
Distance: 3.69miles
Time Run: 32mins 18secs (average pace - 8.46)
Details
Well that's it .... my final run before the big race on Saturday. An easy 3 and a half miles around Brodie Park. It's been my habit to have my final run before a race or long run on the whw around Brodie Park so why change now? It's been pretty wet all day but by the time I ran at 5.45pm it was nice and sunny. It does seem strange to think that the next time I'll run will be the whw race.
It's been a good week with lots going on but the race is never far from my thoughts. If it does wander from my mind someone asks me about it and I start talking about all over again. Our friend Renita called in for tea last night and before I arrived she was warned not to ask me about the race! When she did you could hear the groans from around the table!!!!
I had another encouraging email yesterday - this time from my golfing friend Jay. Throughout the last 3 years Jay has constantly encouraged and supported me in my ultra running. One of the best ways is his texts on my training runs and races. Some of them have been very significant. For example last year just after Balmaha I was going through a tough section and getting down on myself when Jay sent a text saying to 'enjoy God's creation as you run' and it really helped lift my spirits. Anyway here is part of what he wrote,
John you have done so well in your preparation. Relax in that fact you have done all that you can do and remember to enjoy. It's just like how we play a golf hole where to bail out, what club to use, how we need to trust our swing and then be smart about getting out of the bunkers and the rough. you have a great strategy. you just need to stick to it and not worry about what other people are doing around you.
Remember Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
As you run Remember to praise God for all of your blessings and ability and testify to the fact that that is where your hope and strength comes from.again nothing you didn't already know I will be cheering for you from a far and will txt you along the way.
God Bless,
Jay
So thanks Jay and everyone else who is prepared to listen when I talk about my running!!
The guesses keep coming in. I now have exactly 50 but if anyone else wants to take part you have until noon on Friday.
I had a look at the weather forecast for Saturday and it's light rain for most of the day which is fine by me. Support teams won't be as keen but I'm sure they'll cope!
I called in to see Kad at Muscle Bound on the way home from work to pick up some of the energy drinks I tried on the 2 day run. Kad has been really helpful and given some good advice on the nutrition side of things. He looked up my blog while I was in the shop and he said he would make a guess in my competition.
Tomorrow I'm involved in the Tesco run at Bellahouston Park. It is a run organised by Active Schools for Primary School and we have over 3,500 children coming throughout the day. I hope I have an easy job that doesn't tire me out!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday: Easy Run
Time: 12.40pm
Route: Road run
Run Distance: 5.55miles
Time Run: 44mins 20secs (average pace - 8.00)
Details
Today I was at one of my schools and had time for a run at lunchtime. Another easy 5 and a half miles. Spent most of the time thinking about how I'm going to use Friday.
I reckon my race preparation really starts when I get up on Friday morning. I plan to use the morning to get all my gear and food ready in boxes. I'll also probably watch 'Closing distance' dvd and count how many time Ian says 'tough' (see Allybea's blog). I'll also watch my own video from last year's race and go over my race plan.
Then after lunch I'll head to bed for a few hours. I probably won't sleep soundly but I will be resting and if I can doze off for a while then it will be a bonus. It seemed to work last year so I'll stick to that. Then at about 6pm I'll have my last meal - pasta of course and then try and while away the hours before we leave at 11pm for Milngavie. It's only 30mins away so we don't need to leave too early.
I had a really encouraging email from Graeme at Hampden today. Here is part of what he wrote,
'I've been following your blog closely and only wish some of our elite runners in Scotland could adopt your excellent attitude and dedication to their running. I myself have learned a lot from what you have said and hope to apply it to my own running in time.
Apprehension is the main issue now leading up to a race, however just relax, and remember that you have done everything possible to prepare for this so you're in ideal shape. I've honestly not met many runners with your ability to prepare for a race and the ones I have known that are similar, never come away disappointed. All the best and enjoy it.'
I couldn't resist putting that on!!! I've really appreciated Graeme's input and advice since I did the fitness test at Hampden. I agree that apprehension is a key factor in these next few days so I'm hoping to stay relaxed and be as ready as I can be come Friday night.
4 sleeps to go ...
Route: Road run
Run Distance: 5.55miles
Time Run: 44mins 20secs (average pace - 8.00)
Details
Today I was at one of my schools and had time for a run at lunchtime. Another easy 5 and a half miles. Spent most of the time thinking about how I'm going to use Friday.
I reckon my race preparation really starts when I get up on Friday morning. I plan to use the morning to get all my gear and food ready in boxes. I'll also probably watch 'Closing distance' dvd and count how many time Ian says 'tough' (see Allybea's blog). I'll also watch my own video from last year's race and go over my race plan.
Then after lunch I'll head to bed for a few hours. I probably won't sleep soundly but I will be resting and if I can doze off for a while then it will be a bonus. It seemed to work last year so I'll stick to that. Then at about 6pm I'll have my last meal - pasta of course and then try and while away the hours before we leave at 11pm for Milngavie. It's only 30mins away so we don't need to leave too early.
I had a really encouraging email from Graeme at Hampden today. Here is part of what he wrote,
'I've been following your blog closely and only wish some of our elite runners in Scotland could adopt your excellent attitude and dedication to their running. I myself have learned a lot from what you have said and hope to apply it to my own running in time.
Apprehension is the main issue now leading up to a race, however just relax, and remember that you have done everything possible to prepare for this so you're in ideal shape. I've honestly not met many runners with your ability to prepare for a race and the ones I have known that are similar, never come away disappointed. All the best and enjoy it.'
I couldn't resist putting that on!!! I've really appreciated Graeme's input and advice since I did the fitness test at Hampden. I agree that apprehension is a key factor in these next few days so I'm hoping to stay relaxed and be as ready as I can be come Friday night.
4 sleeps to go ...
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