Il pleut

What is this weather all about? How is an athlete supposed to prepare for his final landing?

I am having to resort to the gym tonight. It is bleak!

Berlin Approach

I returned home to find my packet for the marathon and I now have my number and joining instructions. Eek it is now less than three weeks away. Running on the weekend was good, with a sixteen mile mainly flat route, which went well, though I think I need a conversation to get me focussed on my objective!

Vitruvian reality

According to Wikipedia ' the term Vitruvian stems from Leonardo Da Vinci's attempt to demonstrate through the study of art and mathematics that it is possible to establish perfect human proportions.'  This is a stark contrast to my athletic form which seeks to any such scientific explanation.

We marshaled at the 2008 Vitruvian National Long Distance Triathlon Championships at Rutland Water today an average of 6 hour swim, bike and run for about 900 athletes,  puts marathon running in context.  Well done to Mary who completed in a brilliant 5:45, even if she hurled abuse at the quality of my support for her!

Last long run in the morning and then tapering to Berlin!

Great expiditions

So we are back to blogging and I would like to briefly update on my run with Peter and Steph., yesterday which was great. Steph is just back from riding from Uppingham to Lands End in five days (390 miles), and we were disappointed that she had not run for a week! Peter and I did a fast 4 miles and then a more gentle 7 with Steph, all around Uppingham and Lyddington. even the rain held off!

Tomorrow morning early run at 5:30 yikes!

We Are Back!

Well August turned out to be a great month for holidays and not a bad month for running, but a dreadful month for blogging!

But, the holidays are over and am now resolved to get back on line and blog my last month before Berlin.  Only 4 weeks to go!

I would like to share my best running experience of the month which can be found here

So with a month to go!

Holday and marathon training ......

... are these mutually incompatible?

Managed to do about 8 miles today - it was harder than I imagined! Off to race tomorrow - travelling to rural Virginia with no map !!

Hope to fin Whit and Steph - but who knows ?

Father and son

Woke this morning after our arrival in the US and Oliver and I went for a run at 7 am, that is 3am UK time! We ran up to Capitol Hill from our hotel and then along Pensylvania Avenue. A memorable start to Our Running Career, and a great start to our trip to the US.

Ten k run on Sunday in sunny Virginia

Lost......

...... in Barrowden!  Yes, on my last UK run for the next couple of weeks I set out to run for 90 minutes around my neighboring villages of South Luffenham, Wakerly and Barrowden.  Beautiful morning, setting off at 6.30 am I decided to relax and enjoy.  As I ran into Barrowden my well honed sense of direction suddenly disappeared and I spent the next five minutes stumbling around the back lanes of the village.  New York it isn't, it just makes me wonder what the next two weeks has in store, running-wise?  Will I make it home?  Will I ever see Rutland again?   OMG!

Water torture

After my pleasing five mile run yesterday,   I thought I would take on the challenge of Rutland Water, in its entirety.  It was one step beyond!  So, although I had hoped to do the full 22.5 miles, in the end I only managed 15.5 with my body telling me no more!

New record

Just completed the Burton Coggles 5 mile beer run.  The best things,  an impressive turn out by Rutland Runners, a new best time for me for 5 miles and a pint of beer at the end; well after cooling down!  Burton Coggles is a small village in Lincolnshire.  The village is very small.

We all ran well and posted good times!

It is over

So, for another year the Rutland Round is over and I have the privilege of being one of two of the first to complete this year.  Our standard bearer on the runs is Peter and I am waiting for a photo to mark the fact.

Well done you Rutland Runners

Rutland Round - countdown to the last leg

Tonight ran 9.5 miles, the first 2.5 with Peter who ran like a cat on a hot tin roof, followed by a more sedate 7.

Tomorrow is the last leg of our summer series of running 65 miles of the rutland round which will end with a drink at the Grainstore pub to celebrate our achievement.

Real men don't skip

That is my conclusion from our training session last night!

Drifting away

As I sat in a restaurant this evening and the conversation drifted, I could feel myself heading in the same direction.  A legacy from a heavy week of training?

The road less traveled

Robert Frost wrote an number of works under the eponymous title of the 'Road Less Traveled'. One poem is called ' The Road Not Taken', and the piece ends; 

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

I took the 'one less traveled' by,

And that has made all the difference.

This, my fellow runners is perhaps seen to be my approach to route planning.  Does this reflect the adventurer in me?  There is a lot of truth in these words, might I suggest? 

For the record, our Sunday run from Barrowden through Wakerly Woods over Spanoe Airfield and back via the Welland Valley, was perfectly executed, even if there were a lot of nettles!

Its not just runners, who are crazy after all!

According to the BBC, a 56-year-old man from the Midwestern US state of Wisconsin has been arrested after shooting his lawn mower in his garden because it would not start. Keith Walendowski was charged by police in Milwaukee with disorderly conduct and possession of a sawn-off shotgun. He could face a fine of up to $11,000 and a maximum prison sentence of six-and-a-half years if convicted. Police officers said Mr Walendowski had told them: "It's my lawn mower and my yard, so I can shoot it if I want." Police found the shotgun, a handgun and a stungun, as well as ammunition, when they detained Mr Walendowski in the basement of his house. Witnesses told police that he appeared to have been drinking.

But the best bit of the story?

A local retailer said that Mr Walendowski might now have difficulty getting his lawn mower repaired.  "Anything not factory recommended would void the warranty," said Dick Wagner, of Wagner's Garden Mart in Milwaukee.

Foot in mouth!

According to one of my favourite running partner's and a really good friend, I have been prone to a lot of it lately. It is not a champagne moment! Mumms the word from here on in.

Masochists

Did speed session tonight, with 'planks' thrown in. My running colleagues seem to delight in such pain. Enough said.

Its crunch time!

I may have to retire my tennis career after waking up with an aching knee, following my game with my son yesterday! At least for a week or so!

Progress report and my great expectations

So end of my first four weeks and how is the training for Berlin going?

Overall well, I think, I completed just over seven miles in one hour today, which equates to about a 3:42 marathon. This after four of fourteen weeks, feels about right. Back to the long runs next week.

I have been suffering with pain in my right leg, above and below the knee, a possible legacy of new shoes, I hope. Today, no pain so, hopefully, I can put this behind me as I take the next four weeks; which will include holidays in the US. This should add a new dimension to my training. Already plotted a route around New York!

I considered my resolve of the first four weeks as I go forward, a quote I heard today seemed appropriate; 'Once you have climbed Everest, at least you know what to expect.'

Rehab

Ran the Hambledon Peninsula this morning, but skipped out on the breakfast on offer. The run was great, a warm and sunny morning with an approaching rain storm as we approached the finished. Wendy and Katherine are both coming back to running after some time off. I suggested that they should have running club shirts with 'rehab' over-printed!

Marathon training and beer

Are these mutually exclusive? 

It occurred to me this morning that the only sustenance, other than coffee, I consumed after breakfast yesterday was two glasses of beer after our run. The run was from Pickworth to Thistleton, or Thistleton from Poland, as I described it; for it is very very flat part of Rutland.

Sunny peninsula run and a joke too!

Our running club, under it's new president, has tried to broaden our welcome by offering start up sessions. They have been a great success with lots of new runners starting with the club. Tonight we ran the peninsula on a lovely summers evening and I left feeling revived, after a challenging day.

And now for a joke: Sign (translated), allegedly in a Spanish stadium; 'in the event of an emergency it is not advisable to put all our Basques in one exit.'

Andy's training session

One which would have met Max Moseley's requirements according to Peter, not sure I would quite agree but it involved a bit of pain at the end!

Simpson sky

My favorite sight when running is a 'Simpson Sky', like this one.....

Try-athlon

As I ran my long run today, I thought about two of my friends who were entering their maiden triathlon, and I wondered will I ever? Hope they don't drown!

Mighty fine bull

My farming education took a further step forward on this morning's run. As we approached the end of our 8 miles, from Braunston to Uppingham and having just negotiated a path with 2m nettles, well they we very tall, we came upon a field of cows. Nothing too unusual about that, but there was a bull in the field with them. Other than causing great consternation to some of the female runners and a companion dog; there was much admiration directed at the magnificent beast. It was a big bull!

5 am

Is very very early to go for a run, but it was dry and faintly sunny. Six miles in 47 minutes, I'm happy with that. Now to work .....

End of term report....

Just ran the Hambleton Peninsula with Steph., for the last time before she returns to the US for the summer. We reflected on the last 7 months of getting up early and running in wind and rain throughout the spring and early summer. It was appropriately windy today! What does she bring to running? She's the only person who regularly will get up at 5:30 to run in the dark, regardless of the weather. Thats what running does!

Charity alert

Running Rutland Water today, fifteen and a half miles in under two hours ten minutes, which we managed to complete before a charity cycle ride set off.  On seeing a sign stating, 'Caution, charity cyclists'; a rather disturbing interpretation of the sign was painted by Ashley who thought we might be pursued by charity collectors waving their collecting tins on their bikes!

How many pairs of running shoes does a runner need?

'If you are training for a marathon and running at least three or four times a week, you need at least two pairs of running shoes. three pairs are better....' .  This is the advise of one of the leading manufacturers of running shoes.  I wonder whether it is self serving?

Work life balance 2

Had a great run this evening from Empingham to Pickworth and a pint of Oakham Ale to follow.  Bizarre, but met one Rutland Runner as I drove home,  as he completed a fifteen mile run; 'just keeping fit', he reported.  

Had hoped to run The Eyebrook in the morning, but work has intervened, so I hope my running buddy will be understanding!

Our mutual friend

On a rest day today, but in conversation a good friend of mine uttered the phrase, in comparing me to a mutual acquaintance, '...... being more of an intellectual...'. Now that's not something I'm regularly labelled!

Crossing continents

Just back from a five mile tempo run in 26, yes 26 degrees!  Funny thing is I ran in the same temperature over two months ago.  That Atlantic Ocean is a big divide!

Summertime

Lots of driving today, so great to get home and be able to run in the warm evening sun.  It is the best thing about that brief phenomena known as the English summer!

Andy helps break in my new shoes!

After a bit of pain in my left knee I decided to wear my new running shoes, (Asics Kayano 14, for the nerd in me);  after letting them sit in my cupboard unsullied for two months.   I figure that I must have run six to seven hundred miles in my previous pair, a good return I think?  I guess that must very roughly estimate to ten pence a mile.  

We ran from Market Overton in the north of Rutland, which required a snack and flask to be packed, just in case!  Really lovely run over fields, tracks and on road.  At a key junction, Andy gamely announced that it would be nice to run through a Wood, what I failed to hear was the reference to the boggy ground.  So, my new shoes are duly christened with mud, sweat and tears!  I shall remember this moment in Berlin!

A little bit of Americana

Last weekend wherever I went there seemed to be a plethora of Rolls Royce cars, either on the road in in car parks and from every era, 1920's onward.  For this morning's run from home I ran out of my village toward Wing and lo and behold what should I see, not not more RR's, but four Cadillac's in convoy or would that be a posse?  Club triathlon this afternoon, should be fun!

Runs and hair cuts

After our somewhat damp Rutland Round run from Ketton to Empingham, we retired for a drink.  Other than the fact that I found that my fellow drinkers are more adept at emptying their glasses than me, the conversation turned to the trauma of getting your hair cut in Rutland - apparently more to it than meets the eye!

Canal running

Ran this morning along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bradford on Avon to Trwobridge in Wiltshire. A lovely morning and a kingfisher as a bonus. Running after a late night is always a bit harder, but having made the effort it always makes you feel better. One of my colleagues suggested that I would have been better running toward Bath, but that might have been a reflection on the effectiveness of my post-run shower!

Hmmm and White Van Man

So after a mediocre day,  I decided that I would commence my formal training programme with a tempo run.  As you might have gathered my favourite run is probably Eyebrook reservoir, ('The Eyebrook') on the border of Rutland and Leicestershire, in part, because it is quite flat for Rutland, I guess because part of it is not in Rutland!

Anyways, I set off with a plan to run 'The Eyebrook Plus' (which is the reservoir plus the village of Great Easton), a route of about seven and a half miles, and time myself in the process.  Great plan, stymied by the flat battery on my Garmin.  So, I think I did it in about 65  minutes?  

As I ran through Great Easton a wizened old man, driving a white van, shouted out the window at me.  I  have no idea what he said on account of his accent, but it included the phrase, ' you can take it off your back when you get home.'  I have no idea.  Strange day.......

Figure of eight

A route specially designed for those with an oriental background as we ran a figure of eight from Wing today.  It was pleasant and most noteworthy was the after run treat of raspberry muffin.  Very healthy especially for vegetarians, most delicious!

Running challenges - Part 1

An observation accredited to my fellow runner this morning as we ran around Eyebrook reservoir this morning, in light rain; 'its difficult pulling up your spandex when its damp!'  This picture is entitled 'spandex violation' ; seems apt!

Like Paula Radcliffe runs.

Just as Olympic atheletes train twice a day and rest between, so yesterday I ran morning and evening and worked in between. Eleven miles a good return for a weekday. Unlike Paula though I can feel the odd twinge this morning!

Runners everywhere...... and sheer determination

After a bit of a rest, I joined the running club for the gentle run around the peninsula at Rutland Water this evening.  Our new initiative to attract new, or returning runners, is paying dividends with at least ten 'new runners' out this evening.  Well done to everyone, especially Wendy who is struggling with asthma at the moment yet still led with fortitude. 

The need for speed

My training schedule starts next Monday and I am going to adapt my usual training schedule to introduce more speed training, which hopefully will give me a better chance of achieving my goal.  So, that means longer runs earlier in the program and then concentrating on speed and strength in the last five weeks.  It also means that I will have to do  a two hour forty minute run around DC, whilst on holiday.  In the words of one of my colleagues, "bring it on!"

Lies, damn lies and statistics

Yesterday I reported our run around Rutland Water, a body of water with an path roughly following the outer circumference, of about 15 and a half miles, though official guides suggest longer, perhaps up to 17.  However, through the use of satellite navigation, we know different!

Last week,  I also found out that the population of Rutland is about 35,000, this comes after 8 years of telling people, with confidence, that it is 80,000.  I was asked as to where the extra 40,000 or so might be?  I suggested there are a lot of holes in the county!

The golden one

Just got back from running around Rutland Water, a 15 mile plus route, on a mixture of path and track.  An early start is required, at this time of year, as it is very popular with  cyclists.  So we set off just after seven thirty this morning, aiming to run to the best of our abilities and post good times.  I managed to complete in a shade over two hours and six minutes, but Peter, splendidly attired as usual, completed in 2:03.  I am suitably impressed Peter, both with your time and the apparent bio-mechanical benefits of Spandex, as it appears, was the female police officer!

Lie in, what lie in?

So much for my lazy morning! Made the mistake of checking my phone before bed. So I was out around Eyebrook at 6:30 - but I guess its good for me? Around in 41 minutes, which is good.  The All Blacks had an awesome 40 minutes too!

Big weekend

One more week to go before training actually begins. So a gentle one after the England v All Blacks game in the morning, then a chase around Rutland Water with the 'fast boys' on Sunday morning aiming to do 2:05 - i am sure I can slow them down!

Carpe diem

My thought of the day........

'She's a really good runner!'

Admiration is cast in Steph's direction by her newest 12 year old fan!

Heavyweight runner

Even my strongest advocate would not try to suggest I am anything like a 'svelte' runner.  But tonight I really did feel like a heavyweight as I tramped around six and half miles.  The lethargy resulting, I think, from an internally generated sense of unease arising from a couple of  incidents in my day.    That heavy-legged feeling is exactly how I felt during my last marathon. 

So, whilst running is good at dealing with day-to-day stresses, clearly issues which bemuse me and leave me confused, must impede my ability to be fleet of foot.  Note to self; must deal with this otherwise the next few weeks could be a struggle.

False start

Having returned from yesterday's run and looking to start my training 'proper', I decided that I needed to plan my long runs for whilst I was away on holiday,  in the summer.  Good plan, because I then calculated my formal training plan does not start for a whole two weeks.  In the words of Mr Homer Simpson 'doh!'

A47 heaven?

Today,  I have decided on my training schedule for Berlin, which I will reveal shortly, but it required me to run for 75 minutes.  So,  I decided that I would try and reference the run by seeing how far I could do in the time.  I chose the flattest route available to me from home, along the A47 to Uppingham.  This is a route only sensible to do early on a Sunday morning, owing to the light traffic flows and the absence of trucks.  Not the prettiest run in Rutland,  but I was pleased to have completed 9 miles in the allotted time, though with plenty of room for improvement! 

Not showing metal?

This morning's club run from Langham, organised by Judith, was a seven mile largely nettle-free route across fields, around a wood and on the roads, lovely.  I continued to excersise my views on nettles and their place in the general order of things.  I have to say I seem to be losing sympathy and my audience,  so I have decided that I am going to have to desist in future, otherwise I might be on the wrong end of a 'full nettled jacket!'  Happy weekend running all.  

Showing your nettle

Great but painful run last night, over seven miles but some humungous nettles meant that it was a touch painful.  Still a rest day today with the aim of getting a long run in tomorrow.  Carbo-loading tonight.

Quick and fit?

Pretty steaming this morning with the service from one of our leading tire providers, who most definitely do not live up to their billing!  Still it is sunny, warm and I am working from my home, so there are compensations after all.  Third leg of the Rutland Round this evening,  from Uppingham to Lyddington,  should be great, especially if the nettles aren't too high! 

Blow out!

You are traveling home at say 70 or 80 mph and you begin to wonder why you car isn't smoothly, serenely eating up the highway, as the ride becomes a little jumpy.   Then, there is the flashing from your fellow drivers and you begin to slow.  A glance out of the rear view mirror at the smoke and the smell of rubber permeating the cabin, then it suddenly all makes sense, a puncture in the left rear tyre!  Shredded is the phrase that comes to mind, and we aren't talking wheat!  Still, six slow miles run tonight, after having put on the spare, and made it home safely.

Just a second!

Tonight, I decided I wanted to see if I could drive myself to run around the summer loop in less than 27 minutes for three and a half miles.  So I pitched up early and ran, and did it in 27 and one second!!  A combination of weather probably dissuaded a lot of runners from showing up this evening,  so we decided to go for a longer run, which I was asked to lead!  So we drifted up to Ridlington Ridge completing six miles up three long climbs.   What a great run!

Answers on a postcard

Today is the official start of marathon training and I decided to start with a good run!  Just over eight miles with the final four and a half in 33 minutes which is very pleasing.  I am not sure quite what approach to take with my training, either the traditional build-up to the longest run about three weeks before the 'big day', or to get the long runs accomplished early and then concentrate on speed in the latter weeks.  Your thoughts would be welcome.

The 'boys' are back in town!

This morning I did a cool thirteen and half miles on and off road, starting from home taking in Uppingham, Stockerston, Stoke Dry and Lyddington.  Great run, but a bit painful now that many of the crops are fully grown and as the nettles get bigger and bigger!  The highlight however, was to see that the family of pigs have returned to Uppingham, must have been a long winter break, perhaps they went south for the winter?  

Hallelujah sunshine, come on Tigers

After what seems a week without sun I went and did a quick three miles early before we set off to see if the Leicester Tigers can win the Premiership Title from the most unlikeliest of positions in the playoffs.  So good to run in the sun!

Down day

woke this morning feeling last nights run..... so taking a rest today 

Mud, wet and cheers

Running the second leg of the Rutland Round takes you from Braunston to Uppingham, via Belton.  It is the longest leg of eight miles and probably the hilliest, with at least six notable climbs.  What is also notable is that we ran in heavy rain,  just as we did two years ago, when we had an impromptu 'wet T-shirt' competition, mid-run, as shown.   So, 13 hardy souls turned out this evening and finished in under 90 minutes, which is a great time given the terrain and conditions.  

Highlight for me was right at the end when Kevin, who is an experienced marathon runner and tells you as it is, informed me that you could expect to take up to 20 minutes of your best marathon at Berlin, owing to the flatness of the course.  This is most heartening as I put together my marathon training plan.  Only 16 weeks to go!

Hare and hound

So the running club introduced a gentle run every Wednesday evening around the peninsula, about five miles.  Having arrived late, for the second time we had to chase down the pack and having convinced myself it was not going to happen eventually we did.  Gentle run, no chance!!

Hope she makes it!

Running this morning I provided travel advice to Steph.  Her parting phrase was, 'thanks but if you're wrong........'

Chores

... and a sleep-in put pay to my morning run.  The awful weather has done the same to my evening run.  Tomorrow I resolve to run morning and evening - lets hope this lousy weather improves quick.  Nice long weekend, so its a short week for me!

It rains..... and Indiana Jones

So, Oliver and I got up for me to run and him to support on his bike for my long run of the week. We ended up completing eleven miles, just before the full impact of the blustery winds and the heavy rains hit Rutland. I am pleased as we have lazed around for the rest of the day and have just got back from seeing Indiana Jones take Cate Blanchett!

It's a blustery day

Having had a lazy start to the holiday weekend,  with a successful shopping trip, followed by  Oliver and me doing a nice six mile run/cycle.  He adds to the experience by getting stuck at the bottom of the hill in the wrong gear as well as providing a windbreak for me.  So I was going to illustrate today's blog with his picture, but my abiding feeling after finishing in the words of Winnie the Pooh, is 'Happy Winds-Day' .  Now for peanut butter and honey sandwiches.  Happy Weekend.

Sporting injuries

The hot topic of conversation on this mornings run around Eyebrook (see previous),  was that of sporting injuries we would least like to suffer,  much of it which focused on the male groin region.  Fortunately, not a high risk area for we runners!  This guy looks like a bit of a risk taker though!

Rutland Round

Its official, Summer has arrived in Rutland, as the Rutland Runners start their summer series of running around the County boundary a total of 65 miles over 10 weeks.  So we all gathered in the Market Square in Oakham as 20 plus runners set off in the evening sunshine for Braunston.  A fantastic run and a great turnout for the first five miles tonight.

Run London

Got up and ran for 30 minutes this morning through the streets of central London - taking in Covent Garden, Whitehall, the Mall, Trafalgar Square a lovely three and half miles or so......