Alan Murchison's blog by Alan_Murchison

I planned to start the year as I mean to go on, so I managed to get in a great block of hardcore training whilst on holiday in Scotland. The weather was challenging to say the least and had everything from 80 mph winds where I just couldn't run faster than 7 minute miles no matter how hard I tried, right the way through to minus 5 and sheet ice with a savage tail wind. I needed a sail not running shoes! Not having to think about work, I managed to knock out a solid 90 miles a week. In fact since Christmas training, I have averaged 75 miles a week plus 100 a week on the bike. I'm finding my new Garmin 610 is quite an addictive training tool, analysing every mile. Let's hope I don't get Garmin dependency, I have heard it's a terrible affliction!! The run I have sent a link to is typical Scottish training; 2 minutes a mile difference due to hills and weather, same effort. Unbelievable.

I needed to get some solid miles in as a base, because this forms the foundation for the rest of the year. You do forget when living in the south of England just how tough the training conditions are 'up north'. Maybe I am just getting soft and old? Anyway the year's racing started early with the Hampshire Cross Country Championships. 12,000m of rather interesting and challenging terrain in the New Forest, with something for everyone, hard pack, mud, grass and hills. I drove down with Louise Damen and John Beattie who were also both racing. Realistically we all had a chance of winning our respective races, John being a 28 min 10k runner only really had fellow GB International Lee Merrien for company at the sharp end. And Lou on paper was in a class of her own. True to form, she won, but still has marathon pace legs!

John came second behind Lee and they were both flying! I went through the first mile in 5.04 and reckon John was 20 seconds plus ahead of me at that stage!! And I came second in the M40 category. In fact I ran well and finished 10th overall. I also had a good race with GB under 23 international Phil Bernsten, although in the end he had too much speed (and talent) for me over the last 1k. Winchester's men took second in the team competition and second in the Veterans! So all in all a good start to the year and I feel like I'm getting fitter every week 

I am still really enjoying cycling at the moment and am now thinking about having a serious crack at Duathlon this year. I've got a very fast, exciting and expensive new bike project coming up next week to talk about!!! And I'll be back racing again at the Hampshire League trying to get a lead in the M40 title race. Oh and I am also planning to log all my 2012 training online if anyone's interested?!? Have a great week.