Long Run by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Beautiful weather today for a grueling but familiar run.
Felt very hard from 15 on which is a little worrying at this stage. I've just not been getting the long runs in and its beginning to show I think?
I had a gel as planned and a few jelly babies but nowt to really write home about. The heat meant that i could easily have drunk more but not worried about that.
Still a little concerned about stamina and trying NOT to damn well walk for goodness sake!
Legs not feeling too wrecked, but numbers show a poor run really.
Onwards...
Sunday 11 March 2012
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Lo..though I run through the..etc etc
Valley by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Strange kind of morning temperature wise! Not quite warm not really cold.
But one look at the 'bed hair', and it clearly said HAT!
Decided I wanted to make this an easy run but with a bit to think about. So ran up Pennyhill for the first time in an age. Went well really!
The run through the Valley was pleasant, the downhill way! Sun was coming up over the Swan Pool as I went past. Very pretty.
Good decent run, felt good on the run, bit queasy before the start though.Looking for a decent long run at the w/e now.
Strange kind of morning temperature wise! Not quite warm not really cold.
But one look at the 'bed hair', and it clearly said HAT!
Decided I wanted to make this an easy run but with a bit to think about. So ran up Pennyhill for the first time in an age. Went well really!
The run through the Valley was pleasant, the downhill way! Sun was coming up over the Swan Pool as I went past. Very pretty.
Good decent run, felt good on the run, bit queasy before the start though.Looking for a decent long run at the w/e now.
Monday 5 March 2012
Stood on the step...
Broadway ext Tempo by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
I stood on the step this morning...back in hat and gloves to help face the OoC temperature...Tempo plan set up on MrGarmin...heavy fog all around and my heart just fell.
I had the words of a text from yesterday ringing round my head - 'It's meant to be fun.'
This wasn't.
Not today.
So I thought 'Be damned!' Switched Tempo plan off started stopwatch set off and pulled 7:00av.
Attitude readjustment, better run, happier soul.
Amen.
Thanks to friends.
I stood on the step this morning...back in hat and gloves to help face the OoC temperature...Tempo plan set up on MrGarmin...heavy fog all around and my heart just fell.
I had the words of a text from yesterday ringing round my head - 'It's meant to be fun.'
This wasn't.
Not today.
So I thought 'Be damned!' Switched Tempo plan off started stopwatch set off and pulled 7:00av.
Attitude readjustment, better run, happier soul.
Amen.
Thanks to friends.
Saturday 3 March 2012
A little Running Adventure
Stage One... at Garmin Connect - Details
So stage one of the running adventure then...Run to Cannon Hill to take part in the Park Run for the third time.
Ran in feeling good and used my little scribble map to find the easiest way through. Mostly the route of the Birmingham Half Marathon to be fair.
Weather kept overcast and a little muzzy but generally okay. Good run in but arrived FAR too early. But cleverly had packed jacket so didn't get too cold...
Stage Two...at Garmin Connect - Details
The Race
Was a little worried about running this after the 8 mile run in AND the run the previous evening.
I had a little pre-race run around to warm up a little after arriving so early and felt dreadful! Great!
Decided I would aim to run my own race and try for a sub 21 minute time if I could.
Was nice to see @L_J_B_1 at the start for a chat and encouragement! (Even better to see that she had SUCH a good strong race! Well done!)
Started feeling okay and felt strong around the runners with me. Decided to try and run it 'negatively' ie faster on the second lap. This did, for once, work! So on the final straight I did speed up and take a few people down on the way in.
Saw @Shazmo1 cheering me in so took another out with a bit of pace especially for her! Thanks!
Finished 39/260 (?) in 20:29 job done!
Stage Three...at Garmin Connect - Details
The return run home.
Now after the race I KNEW this was gonna hurt!
Boy did it!
I called upon all that Ultra training to help run/walk it and eat and drink as much as I could too.
It was still hard.
Got home quicker than I thought but at a VERY steady pace..but..I got home.
Now sore and tired but a nice little adventure to start the w/e off!
So stage one of the running adventure then...Run to Cannon Hill to take part in the Park Run for the third time.
Ran in feeling good and used my little scribble map to find the easiest way through. Mostly the route of the Birmingham Half Marathon to be fair.
Weather kept overcast and a little muzzy but generally okay. Good run in but arrived FAR too early. But cleverly had packed jacket so didn't get too cold...
Stage Two...at Garmin Connect - Details
The Race
Was a little worried about running this after the 8 mile run in AND the run the previous evening.
I had a little pre-race run around to warm up a little after arriving so early and felt dreadful! Great!
Decided I would aim to run my own race and try for a sub 21 minute time if I could.
Was nice to see @L_J_B_1 at the start for a chat and encouragement! (Even better to see that she had SUCH a good strong race! Well done!)
Started feeling okay and felt strong around the runners with me. Decided to try and run it 'negatively' ie faster on the second lap. This did, for once, work! So on the final straight I did speed up and take a few people down on the way in.
Saw @Shazmo1 cheering me in so took another out with a bit of pace especially for her! Thanks!
Finished 39/260 (?) in 20:29 job done!
Stage Three...at Garmin Connect - Details
The return run home.
Now after the race I KNEW this was gonna hurt!
Boy did it!
I called upon all that Ultra training to help run/walk it and eat and drink as much as I could too.
It was still hard.
Got home quicker than I thought but at a VERY steady pace..but..I got home.
Now sore and tired but a nice little adventure to start the w/e off!
Friday 2 March 2012
Back to school...
Langley School Run by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
First run together in an age what with one thing and another.
Decided to do the harder route up into Bearwood up Pargeter Road. Was a good challenge as the uphill is quite heavy this way round.
Average pace was upped tonight and the run felt good...apart from a worrying twinge that took me breath away coming down the Wolvo.
May need to keep an eye on stuff.
Maybe even some....'rest'....what ever that is?!
First run together in an age what with one thing and another.
Decided to do the harder route up into Bearwood up Pargeter Road. Was a good challenge as the uphill is quite heavy this way round.
Average pace was upped tonight and the run felt good...apart from a worrying twinge that took me breath away coming down the Wolvo.
May need to keep an eye on stuff.
Maybe even some....'rest'....what ever that is?!
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Up on the left...down on the right!
Newton Rd by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
So another short run, but decided to try and up the pace a little to make something of it.
It still felt quite easy tbh, so that's fine.
Very mild again this morning and for only the second time this year I could feel me start to sweat a little in the warm!
Maybe time for another layer to go?
Mebbe not quite yet!
So another short run, but decided to try and up the pace a little to make something of it.
It still felt quite easy tbh, so that's fine.
Very mild again this morning and for only the second time this year I could feel me start to sweat a little in the warm!
Maybe time for another layer to go?
Mebbe not quite yet!
Monday 27 February 2012
Uneventful Valley...
Valley by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Today was an easy run.
But the start was anything but.
Took a while to settle down into an easy pace. Felt a little like work once or twice so tried slowing down a bit.
Had the radio on and took the headtorch going through the dark bits! Nice route through Sandwell Valley, but pretty uneventful apart from seeing nice black vest running woman; she said 'Hi!'
Definitely tell I ran hard yesterday.
Today was an easy run.
But the start was anything but.
Took a while to settle down into an easy pace. Felt a little like work once or twice so tried slowing down a bit.
Had the radio on and took the headtorch going through the dark bits! Nice route through Sandwell Valley, but pretty uneventful apart from seeing nice black vest running woman; she said 'Hi!'
Definitely tell I ran hard yesterday.
Sunday 26 February 2012
Fly away...
Broadway ext by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Having missed a long run yesterday for sake of beers on Saturday (great on Saturday, terrible on Sunday - my head!) and going out with family on a very pleasant walk, I was determined to hit this hard as the only run with efforts this week.
This week is a lighter recovery week. So as many miles but at a much easier rate.
I thought that it might work out a better av than it did but no worries, still quick I think.
Still getting the body used to running quickly as well.Felt fairly consistent all the way round...4 miles under 7 min/av so that's encouraging.
All in all set to do a job and did it!
Nice!
Having missed a long run yesterday for sake of beers on Saturday (great on Saturday, terrible on Sunday - my head!) and going out with family on a very pleasant walk, I was determined to hit this hard as the only run with efforts this week.
This week is a lighter recovery week. So as many miles but at a much easier rate.
I thought that it might work out a better av than it did but no worries, still quick I think.
Still getting the body used to running quickly as well.Felt fairly consistent all the way round...4 miles under 7 min/av so that's encouraging.
All in all set to do a job and did it!
Nice!
Saturday 25 February 2012
Welcome strangers...!
Sutton Park by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
So full attendance from #TNSG and guest!
One Mr Sidowski! Great to have him along as well.
Thought it was a little cooler this morning but it was only at the start really, soon warmed up.
Needed the head torch still for the first few miles then Dawn broke earlier than last time we were all out.
Ground was muddy but not too bad and only frosted over on the really open, grassland, sections.
Enjoyed the sprint up the hill, but didn't enjoy the water fountain being frozen! Bugger.
Dogs and runners in a great mood and good banter all the way round. Was really nice to swap from person to person on the run. Talk a little with one, move to another. Real good atmosphere going on.
Uplifting all round I reckon?!
So full attendance from #TNSG and guest!
One Mr Sidowski! Great to have him along as well.
Thought it was a little cooler this morning but it was only at the start really, soon warmed up.
Needed the head torch still for the first few miles then Dawn broke earlier than last time we were all out.
Ground was muddy but not too bad and only frosted over on the really open, grassland, sections.
Enjoyed the sprint up the hill, but didn't enjoy the water fountain being frozen! Bugger.
Dogs and runners in a great mood and good banter all the way round. Was really nice to swap from person to person on the run. Talk a little with one, move to another. Real good atmosphere going on.
Uplifting all round I reckon?!
Wednesday 22 February 2012
HEATWAVE!!!
Broadway cut by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Bleedin 'ell but it was HOT!
Long sleeve t shirt..no hat, no gloves and I was too warm in that! HEATWAVE!
Anyroad, the run...this was 3x1m/.5 rec in 7.8 course.
Started to up the mile repeats and it was ok...so...to be fair next week needs an extra interval..or do I lower the pace bracket and run the same but try for a faster time interval?
Unsure...
(After considering the stats I was waaaaay to slow on the mile intervals. I only actually hit one out of the three. So same course same route same reps and look for improvement I think)
Bleedin 'ell but it was HOT!
Long sleeve t shirt..no hat, no gloves and I was too warm in that! HEATWAVE!
Anyroad, the run...this was 3x1m/.5 rec in 7.8 course.
Started to up the mile repeats and it was ok...so...to be fair next week needs an extra interval..or do I lower the pace bracket and run the same but try for a faster time interval?
Unsure...
(After considering the stats I was waaaaay to slow on the mile intervals. I only actually hit one out of the three. So same course same route same reps and look for improvement I think)
Monday 20 February 2012
Still haven't found what I'm looking for...
Broadway ext + Tempo by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Still trying to get this route up to 10 miles!
Really thought I had it today?!
It is Mild with a capital 'M!' really warm today, 2 layers and hat but no gloves.
The tempo part seemed to go okay today, was a little slower than last week on a different route but still within tolerances! A lot of the tempo route was uphill today so sub 7's is still alright I reckon.
Getting better at maintaining the speed I think.
One day I will actually get this to the magic 10 miles!
Still trying to get this route up to 10 miles!
Really thought I had it today?!
It is Mild with a capital 'M!' really warm today, 2 layers and hat but no gloves.
The tempo part seemed to go okay today, was a little slower than last week on a different route but still within tolerances! A lot of the tempo route was uphill today so sub 7's is still alright I reckon.
Getting better at maintaining the speed I think.
One day I will actually get this to the magic 10 miles!
Sunday 19 February 2012
Slog...slog and slog...
Broadway ext, Broadway by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Right, awoke to snow today. Got out and found it iced over and a bit dang-erous to be honest.
So decided that I didn't want to be miles away from home in those conditions really, and I would be if I did the one single loop. So did the two laps. One long and one short.
And it all felt like hell today!
I blame bloody swimming yesterday!
I'm not sure the 5k Parkrun flat out really was the best idea. Today just felt like solid slog all the way round.
I was REALLY tempted to pack it in after the first 10 mile lap but pushed on thinking at least there were miles in the legs if nowt else; and that's exactly what i got really - miles in the legs and nowt else.
Pace was miles away from what I need and what I should have been at. Practically 40 seconds a mile.
But need some decent recovery today as am feeling completely wrecked now!
Onwards...
Right, awoke to snow today. Got out and found it iced over and a bit dang-erous to be honest.
So decided that I didn't want to be miles away from home in those conditions really, and I would be if I did the one single loop. So did the two laps. One long and one short.
And it all felt like hell today!
I blame bloody swimming yesterday!
I'm not sure the 5k Parkrun flat out really was the best idea. Today just felt like solid slog all the way round.
I was REALLY tempted to pack it in after the first 10 mile lap but pushed on thinking at least there were miles in the legs if nowt else; and that's exactly what i got really - miles in the legs and nowt else.
Pace was miles away from what I need and what I should have been at. Practically 40 seconds a mile.
But need some decent recovery today as am feeling completely wrecked now!
Onwards...
ParkRun Cannonhill...
ParkRun Cannonhill by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Decided to do this as #TNSG runs have been few and far between lately.
Also nice to meet up with LJB and Sharon.
PLUS (!) I'd missed out on spdwrk training this week. So lots of birds, same stone.
Not a PB run but got goal time under 20min and that felt like a good run out.
Bit cool in t shirt and vest but still good.
Decided to do this as #TNSG runs have been few and far between lately.
Also nice to meet up with LJB and Sharon.
PLUS (!) I'd missed out on spdwrk training this week. So lots of birds, same stone.
Not a PB run but got goal time under 20min and that felt like a good run out.
Bit cool in t shirt and vest but still good.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
++Back out and at it!..++
Sarah Dartmouth+Newton by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Great to be out running with the Boss again.
She did really well considering she's not run for an age. One sensible walk and she started back at the allotted point, really good.
I went on and ran the Newton Road. Felt good and quick on the downhill.
A rethink on the order of the week for training though I reckon. Easier 8/9 tomoz and then speedwork Friday/Saturday? Depends on when we're walking again.
Plus amazements I have offered to take family swimming tomoz night!
We'll see!
Great to be out running with the Boss again.
She did really well considering she's not run for an age. One sensible walk and she started back at the allotted point, really good.
I went on and ran the Newton Road. Felt good and quick on the downhill.
A rethink on the order of the week for training though I reckon. Easier 8/9 tomoz and then speedwork Friday/Saturday? Depends on when we're walking again.
Plus amazements I have offered to take family swimming tomoz night!
We'll see!
Tuesday 14 February 2012
++Tempo routes...a mystery!++
Broadway + by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Forgot the Bescot loop to make this up to a 10.16! Theres summat about this route that bodes badly! I'm forever getting it wrong and messing it up! Ne'er mind!
This was a Tempo run set up on MrGarmin.
Felt bloody hard I can tell you!
But really pushed aiming for that average-and got it!
The ball park was 6:45-6:59...average of 6:51 is an encouraging start I reckon!
Pleased with the work load and the not giving up thing!
Forgot the Bescot loop to make this up to a 10.16! Theres summat about this route that bodes badly! I'm forever getting it wrong and messing it up! Ne'er mind!
This was a Tempo run set up on MrGarmin.
Felt bloody hard I can tell you!
But really pushed aiming for that average-and got it!
The ball park was 6:45-6:59...average of 6:51 is an encouraging start I reckon!
Pleased with the work load and the not giving up thing!
++The first of many...stepping out.++
Kingstanding, Thornhill, Barr Beacon by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Went out trying to kill this run today.
Knew that I had to keep the legs moving and just turning over at a higher rate than felt comfortable for a long run.
Was aiming for relentless 7:30's if not sub.
Most times it was going well. Still issues with Stamina. Couple of walks to enable jelly baby scoffing and proper drinking but hopefully we'll get rid of those.
I feel that its going to be a case of mind over matter for this type of training. Getting rid of the LSlowR idea is difficult. But targets to aim for, and todays a good start.
Encouraged.
Went out trying to kill this run today.
Knew that I had to keep the legs moving and just turning over at a higher rate than felt comfortable for a long run.
Was aiming for relentless 7:30's if not sub.
Most times it was going well. Still issues with Stamina. Couple of walks to enable jelly baby scoffing and proper drinking but hopefully we'll get rid of those.
I feel that its going to be a case of mind over matter for this type of training. Getting rid of the LSlowR idea is difficult. But targets to aim for, and todays a good start.
Encouraged.
++Grumbling tums...an tings..++
Newton, round, Dartmouth by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
Really had issues getting out the door this morning. stomach really not happy at all.
At one point was going to say sod it and go back to bed for the first time ever!
However I made it out and decided to try and do the 2x1 mile efforts within a shorter route..er..downhill as well.
Well at least I was out!
Really had issues getting out the door this morning. stomach really not happy at all.
At one point was going to say sod it and go back to bed for the first time ever!
However I made it out and decided to try and do the 2x1 mile efforts within a shorter route..er..downhill as well.
Well at least I was out!
++Men in tights..++
Charlemont Farm by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
That, apparently, was a recovery run!?It felt like hard work.
It was forecast -4 so the tights were out. They are truly hateful things! Legs feel wrecked after running in them. No feeling from them whilst running, not enjoyable at all.
Bit of a let down.
Tomorrow is speedwork and I'm wearing shorts whatever the weather!
That, apparently, was a recovery run!?It felt like hard work.
It was forecast -4 so the tights were out. They are truly hateful things! Legs feel wrecked after running in them. No feeling from them whilst running, not enjoyable at all.
Bit of a let down.
Tomorrow is speedwork and I'm wearing shorts whatever the weather!
++Tempo a tempo...we all fall down..++
Broadway ext by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details
So this is a quiet start to marathon training.
A hard ran tempo run that wasn't really very tempo! It was just run hard most/ all of the way.
Its a good av for this route but does need to get faster. Maybe a steadier start next time?!
Should also have been a ten miler but i forgot at the end to take the extra loop!DOH!
Very cold this morning.Felt far colder than the indicated 0oC.
If it stays much more like this the tights are coming out!
So this is a quiet start to marathon training.
A hard ran tempo run that wasn't really very tempo! It was just run hard most/ all of the way.
Its a good av for this route but does need to get faster. Maybe a steadier start next time?!
Should also have been a ten miler but i forgot at the end to take the extra loop!DOH!
Very cold this morning.Felt far colder than the indicated 0oC.
If it stays much more like this the tights are coming out!
++Good for Whaat? Welcome...++
So a new blog and a new goal.
As eluded to by the title I am SICK of being rejected by The London Marathon 'people.'
I have no great social circle to help raise even the minimum sponsorship amounts required by the higher profile charities.
So I have one avenue left to me - A 'GFA' time.
A 'Good For Age' time.
Now according to the Virgin London Marathon a GFA for me at 42 years old is a 'sub 3:15' time. Which is 9 minutes under my marathon PB.
However I'm not happy with the 3:14.59 approach!
So I'm training hard, aiming to smash my PB apart as far under 3:15 as I can physically cross the line in.
In the next few weeks I am working to MY plan...
Tempo run of around 10 miles with Tempo pace being 30 seconds under Goal Marathon pace
Speedwork sessions focusing on mile repeats of varying repeats and increasing speed to around 1 minute under Goal Marathon pace
Long Run that will NOT be a LSR...there is no 'Slow' now, just work. Long runs of 16 - 22 miles at increasing pace looking for the average to be around that Goal pace by around week 5.
Recovery runs. These are going to be important in whatever form they take. These are going to help remind me why i enjoy running. Earphones in, company of friends, routes wherever, distance wherever. There to recover and enjoy.
The Season 'A' Race is The Stratford Marathon on April 29th, 2012. I'm not planning for any other attempts just now as I'm trying to remain focused on the one event.
(I will return to Boddington to run the marathon there however. But just because it kicked my ass last year with my only EVER DNF! B@$t*rd! I need CLOSURE! Not obsessive at all...much!)
This Blog is as much for me to keep track of training as much as endeavoring to provide some entertaining reading to a few.
So do drop by and gimme some feedback/ advice/ abuse if you must...it's all good!
As eluded to by the title I am SICK of being rejected by The London Marathon 'people.'
I have no great social circle to help raise even the minimum sponsorship amounts required by the higher profile charities.
So I have one avenue left to me - A 'GFA' time.
A 'Good For Age' time.
Now according to the Virgin London Marathon a GFA for me at 42 years old is a 'sub 3:15' time. Which is 9 minutes under my marathon PB.
However I'm not happy with the 3:14.59 approach!
So I'm training hard, aiming to smash my PB apart as far under 3:15 as I can physically cross the line in.
In the next few weeks I am working to MY plan...
Tempo run of around 10 miles with Tempo pace being 30 seconds under Goal Marathon pace
Speedwork sessions focusing on mile repeats of varying repeats and increasing speed to around 1 minute under Goal Marathon pace
Long Run that will NOT be a LSR...there is no 'Slow' now, just work. Long runs of 16 - 22 miles at increasing pace looking for the average to be around that Goal pace by around week 5.
Recovery runs. These are going to be important in whatever form they take. These are going to help remind me why i enjoy running. Earphones in, company of friends, routes wherever, distance wherever. There to recover and enjoy.
The Season 'A' Race is The Stratford Marathon on April 29th, 2012. I'm not planning for any other attempts just now as I'm trying to remain focused on the one event.
(I will return to Boddington to run the marathon there however. But just because it kicked my ass last year with my only EVER DNF! B@$t*rd! I need CLOSURE! Not obsessive at all...much!)
This Blog is as much for me to keep track of training as much as endeavoring to provide some entertaining reading to a few.
So do drop by and gimme some feedback/ advice/ abuse if you must...it's all good!
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