Today I did a shorter but much hillier route. About a mile each way, either side of 3½ miles of sprinting up hills (or trying to) and jogging down to recover. It was hard work after yesterday's longish run and as I've not done much hill work of late.
I always find it difficult to run slowly - the pace keeps creeping up without me noticing, or else I sprint across a road in a gap in traffic then forget to slow down again!
I'm going to take Friday and Saturday off from running so that I'm fresh for the race on Sunday. I'll be volunteering at Cannon Hill parkrun on New Year's Day, provided I can get out of bed of course! It's back to work for me next week, so I'll have to get used to running in the evening again, but at least the days have started getting longer...
Best wishes for the new year, everyone!
Thursday 30 December 2010
Wednesday 29 December 2010
Looking Forward
A nine-miler today, based on Monday's route, but in reverse. I added a mile or so at the beginning and made a change to avoid 'that fence', adding a bit more.
The snow (and, thankfully, the slush) have all but gone now, but the melt water made most of the off-road sections rather boggy. There was a lot of moisture in the air as well, so it was a little depressing really. Even the dog walkers seemed grumpier, but maybe that's down to the post-Christmas slump!
To perk my spirits up, I've put my entry in for NTRIX and also for the Jane Tomlinson York 10km at the end of July. The 10km is a little expensive, but it's for a very good cause, it's in my birth-place, the day before Yorkshire Day(!) and it would be a shame to spoil my 100% record, as I've already run it in 2009 and 2010.
I came close to a Personal Best in 2009 without really trying, but was rather slow in 2010 as I was carrying an injury (well, that's my excuse, anyway!). A PB seems unlikely this year, too, given the number of runners they're aiming to pack into York's narrow streets, so it'll probably be a 'run for fun'. It's really nice to run in my old home town, especially as York is just so lovely (biased? - me?). I'll get to see my mum and sister and hopefully one or two old friends while I'm there.
I had a series of emails from the club today asking if I would like to race in the Warwickshire XC championships at Cofton Park next weekend, the Midland XC championships at Newbold Comyn at the end of January and the National XC championships at Alton Towers in February. Truth is, I'd love to do all three, as well as the remaining Birmingham League cross-country races, but as I've mentioned before, I haven't paid my subs, and don't feel I should take advantage unless I'm prepared to stump up. Come to that, by fielding a 'guest runner' (I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a ringer), the club could be deemed to have broken the rules and might face exclusion. That would be one way to make sure I left under a cloud!
The snow (and, thankfully, the slush) have all but gone now, but the melt water made most of the off-road sections rather boggy. There was a lot of moisture in the air as well, so it was a little depressing really. Even the dog walkers seemed grumpier, but maybe that's down to the post-Christmas slump!
To perk my spirits up, I've put my entry in for NTRIX and also for the Jane Tomlinson York 10km at the end of July. The 10km is a little expensive, but it's for a very good cause, it's in my birth-place, the day before Yorkshire Day(!) and it would be a shame to spoil my 100% record, as I've already run it in 2009 and 2010.
I came close to a Personal Best in 2009 without really trying, but was rather slow in 2010 as I was carrying an injury (well, that's my excuse, anyway!). A PB seems unlikely this year, too, given the number of runners they're aiming to pack into York's narrow streets, so it'll probably be a 'run for fun'. It's really nice to run in my old home town, especially as York is just so lovely (biased? - me?). I'll get to see my mum and sister and hopefully one or two old friends while I'm there.
I had a series of emails from the club today asking if I would like to race in the Warwickshire XC championships at Cofton Park next weekend, the Midland XC championships at Newbold Comyn at the end of January and the National XC championships at Alton Towers in February. Truth is, I'd love to do all three, as well as the remaining Birmingham League cross-country races, but as I've mentioned before, I haven't paid my subs, and don't feel I should take advantage unless I'm prepared to stump up. Come to that, by fielding a 'guest runner' (I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a ringer), the club could be deemed to have broken the rules and might face exclusion. That would be one way to make sure I left under a cloud!
Monday 27 December 2010
7½... Oops, Make That 8.2 Miles
I had a pleasant run this morning.
I set off at a fairly brisk pace to get warmed up and get the road section (and the slush) out of the way. Just past the mile point I was onto the river path and quite warm enough, in fact already wishing I'd followed my own rule about winter running apparel (whatever you think of wearing on top, wear one item less). I dropped the pace, exchanged smiles and greetings with all the dog-walkers and enjoyed the snow-scape.
Unfortunately, just after 5 miles I discovered that where I had expected there to be access from a public road to a public park beside it (well, you would, wouldn't you?), there was in fact a fence, with a narrow gate, padlocked shut. It seems 'Meadow View' does exactly what it says on the tin - you can see it but you can't get in. Ah well, this is what happens sometimes when trying a new route, and as I wasn't looking for a fast time I was able to shrug it off, thinking that at least it would be an extra half-mile or so of training under my feet! I was soon back on course and apart from a momentary lapse (turned right instead of left!) the rest of the run was uneventful.
I'm looking forward to a race this weekend, whether it be the Godiva Fiver or another parkrun. Maybe a Spring Marathon isn't out of the question...
I set off at a fairly brisk pace to get warmed up and get the road section (and the slush) out of the way. Just past the mile point I was onto the river path and quite warm enough, in fact already wishing I'd followed my own rule about winter running apparel (whatever you think of wearing on top, wear one item less). I dropped the pace, exchanged smiles and greetings with all the dog-walkers and enjoyed the snow-scape.
Unfortunately, just after 5 miles I discovered that where I had expected there to be access from a public road to a public park beside it (well, you would, wouldn't you?), there was in fact a fence, with a narrow gate, padlocked shut. It seems 'Meadow View' does exactly what it says on the tin - you can see it but you can't get in. Ah well, this is what happens sometimes when trying a new route, and as I wasn't looking for a fast time I was able to shrug it off, thinking that at least it would be an extra half-mile or so of training under my feet! I was soon back on course and apart from a momentary lapse (turned right instead of left!) the rest of the run was uneventful.
I'm looking forward to a race this weekend, whether it be the Godiva Fiver or another parkrun. Maybe a Spring Marathon isn't out of the question...
Saturday 25 December 2010
Here I stand, at the dawn of a new year, with something of a dilemma...
My club subs are overdue. Twelve months ago I came close to leaving my club as I felt I couldn't justify the high fees they charge in comparison to other local clubs. In the end I caved in and stumped up, but as 2011 heaves into view I again find myself checking out the competition.
I'd miss my club mates, of course, and I do feel a bit of a traitor even considering going elsewhere, but then I remind myself that they've had my money for a couple of years now, and had I gone down the road to my then second choice I'd now be £116 better off. It even occurred to me that I could join UKNetRunners or FRA just for the affiliation, which could cost me less than I'd save on race entry fees!
This year there's even a new local club to throw into the mix, and their membership is cheaper than the online clubs! Even better, they meet at a pub...
While I wrestle with that, I also have to start making decisions about what races I want to do over the coming twelve months.
“In the parks of towns and cities, and on village greens up and down the country, countless thousands of people every week give up their time to participate in sport and exercise of all sorts, or simply encourage others to do so”.
HRH The Queen, in her Christmas Day broadcast
I'm a huge fan of the parkrun concept, and have been involved with Cannon Hill parkrun from its start.
Finding myself at home for both Christmas and New Year, I decided to dust off the Santa suit and run down to Cannon Hill Park for the Christmas day parkrun. I got a few funny looks, but lots of smiles and waves, honking of horns and calls of ‘Merry Christmas!’ so I arrived with a smile on my face (under the false beard). I also arrived rather late, just as they were about to start, so I quickly decided to marshal instead. Marshalling is always fun at parkrun, but especially so when so many are dressed up in Santa hats or full outfits!
Into 2011, I quite fancy Coventry Godiva's New Year 5, at Warwick University on the second, so I may volunteer for the NYD parkrun too, rather than running two races in two days.
So, that's week one...
For the rest of the month, there's the Centurion GP 5-miler on the ninth and Not the Roman IX on 16th (I guess I won't be running in the Birmingham League Cross Country on 15th, unless I decide to join a club), and that leaves me the weekend of 22nd to visit my mum and sister in York (and maybe take in Leeds parkrun and City v Forest Green!)
After a couple of very slow, and in the case of Rutland Water painful, marathons this year, I'm not sure whether to go for three, two, one or none this season. To run a spring marathon I need to step my training up now. Awkward with the weather conditions, and I don't do dreadmills.
I guess I'll procrastinate a little longer, and have at least part of that decision made for me (why put off until tomorrow what you can put off indefinitely?)
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