running home by Alaistair

The Marathon I’ve entered the ballot for is Kielder; it’s a new Marathon being run in Oct at the Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland. Looks a stunning setting but sadly there are only 1000 places so my chances are slim – we live in hope.

The plan this week was to take things easy ready for today…well that was kinda the plan. Monday had another hour session with the physio, went well and left with yet more areas to work on in the gym, do struggle to keep up with everything we agree that I will work on.

First run of the week was Tuesday; an early group run at work. A runner I’d not run with before pushed the effort from the off and my good intentions went out-the-window.

Tue 23 Feb,  5.32 miles,  39:43

Splits: 7:59, 7:35, 7:18, 7:21, 7:14, 7:09

Was hard work but kept with the pace ok.

Wednesday and a trip to the men in white coats coupled with the vampire bank. That also went well, it seems my illness continues to be held in remission. The vampires equally seemed happy with the bloods and hopefully will leave me alone for a little while longer.

Ran late in the day after a lunch that laid heavy making it a real effort. Tried to keep it steady but did manage to pick up the pace over the last three miles.

Wed 24 Feb,  Holgate,  6.23 miles,  50:32

Splits: 8:34, 8:21, 8:07, 8:08, 7:53, 7:51, 7:12

Thursday didn’t run but had a good core session in the gym. Ended the day with the sad news that a colleague had died whilst at work, we think it was his heart but are not sure, didn’t really know the fella but so sad to hear the news of a family man dying; it’s a stark reminder to live the moment and treasure life.

Friday saw another early group run at work, the group was thankfully much slower so absolutely no harm done.

Fri 26 Feb,  4.33 miles,  40:20,  9:32 min/miles

Have a confession to make and wonder whether it’s having an impact on my recent running form? I gave up all alcohol for Lent…today is Day 12 and counting…lol…do miss the odd glass of wine or three with Sunday lunch!

So today after a very early start headed out East of York to the quiet Market Town of Pocklington. Was so cold, struggled to get warm and keep warm before the start. Elected to run in shorts, no gloves, thin long sleeve top & club vest, in hindsight the choice was right. Kept my warm up brief, lower back was sore so didn’t push it. The start was packed, positioned myself close to the front and at the off settled quick.

Tried to run by feel and mostly ignore my Garmin, only checked my progress at 1 mile (7:21), 6 (44:32) & 8 (59:??). Was hard work running into a biting breeze for the first few miles, had forgotten just how not flat the route was; not particularly hilly but definitely not flat.

First pull came running towards 4 mile; at 6 mile realised had a good chance to PB, just had to keep the work rate going, felt was running well within myself so looking good. Two bigger climbs came running towards both 8 & 9 miles, the latter was a struggle with energy levels dropping quick. Last mile figured would be so very close; kept my head down and pushed the effort back into the town centre, lifted the pace to the line but had little left to give.

Sun 28 Feb,  Snake Lane 10,  1:14:06,  Posn 226/666

Splits: 7:21, 7:30, 7:16, 7:48, 7:12, 6:59, 7:16, 7:39, 7:33, 7:18

I’d missed the PB for 10 miles by 13 seconds, not that bothered to be honest. This was my first race of the year, just real pleased to have run well with no major aches during; bit sore now but will seriously take it easy for a few days…