Lunch on the run

We went back up over Dundry again, Martin and I, that is. It didn't feel like we were going that much quicker but we were forty seconds up after the climb and then shaved another forty off from there to the end. It's true we didn't ease up as much on the run in but we certainly didn't run all out so I'm pleased there was improvement. I've been lazy this week and deserve a slap really.

On other matters, was it National change lane like a right nobber day today? The traffic across to the M5 was, quite simply, arse. People changing into my lane, other changing out, more in, others out, in, out, in, out - I think we can see where this is going - no, nobody started shaking it all about - because that would have really pissed me off. Still, once I was onto the five things improved and people started driving less like nobbers - there were still a few out there mind.

Tomorrow we are headed up north for a race and the FRA dinner. I'm off to choose my outfit... (like f#&k...)

A bit lazy

I was a bit lazy tonight. It was raining hard and I felt tired. I know I've not run since Sunday but I did manage a bike session. I shall be taking my kit to work where hopefully I can get out for a lunch time run - still haven't located that missing pair of trainers. I'm beginning to think they aren't coming back...

Two thousand feet

With Lord Hereford's Knob long discarded we went out for a run from home instead. The weather had improved and although windy it didn't rain. In all we covered twelve and a half miles across May Hill and beyond to Kilcot and back. I was surprised to discover the run included about 2,100 feet of ascent. No surprise I feel absolutely knackered now though. Yesterday's race, although shortish, took it out of me but I'm glad I got out there today.

The route went a bit wrong - I shan't blame the navigator though ;) It made for an interesting run. Boggy in places but at least it was somewhere I haven't before - not sure I want to go there again, mind, but I definitely haven't been there before.

With five runs under my belt this week, I shall sleep well tonight, Horatio.

Sugar and spice

and a few things nice - like a lung busting, leg aching race up to Sugar Loaf mountain and back - awesome dude - where the hell did that come from. Next I'll be 'have a nice day'ing. I'm stopping that right now.

Conditions were as close to perfect as you could get. A slight breeze. Cool temperatures. Medium to soft going and 105 fellow competitors all surging across the landscape to Sugar Loaf mountain, covering 5.5 miles and 1,400 feet of ascent (I think).

I was in determined mood - determined to beat last years time. I set off towards the front but not right up there and took it steady on the first climb up the road. Once onto the fell I pulled back a few places but continued to run steadily. The Sugar Loaf (Winter version - that's the one today, as opposed to the one in the spring) is a race of two halves - a first half and then funnily, a second one. I managed to run most of the way to the top except the last sharply steep bit.

It took me a couple of minutes to find my downhill legs after the summit and I lost some ground on the lad ahead. Eventually I got going and picked up a few more places on the fast run to the far point of the course. From there it was a steady grind back up a ways before hanging on for the last couple of kilometres which are flat and then downward.

I finished in a time of 46:50, which is 36 seconds faster than last year so it was mission accomplished.

Helen wasn't able to retain her title as she was running in the Cross Country Relays up in Mansfield. Tomorrow we are off for a long run up Lord Hereford's Knob - now if ever there was an ooh 'er mrs waiting to be typed, this is it - ooh 'er mrs

Doing lunch

Well, the lunch time run was a success. A success in the sense that I actually got out for a run - and I headed out with work colleague and new arch nemesis, Martin.

We headed out on the Dundry loop - and I found it hard going. It's been a while - and it showed, as I puffed and panted my way around the route. I enjoyed getting back out there though. Hopefully we'll manage to get out once or twice a week - it definitely helps running with someone - it makes the likelihood of me actually going for a run about ten times more likely. It might only be five miles but every little helps and you can at least run a good, strong effort on the main hill...

Tiptoe through the track

My legs were a bit knackered tonight. We ran just five 400's - well technically Sean ran six - on account of the fact that he ran six. I should mention he was out on 500's as well but you don't need to know that so I'll keep that secret.

Anyway, I wasn't quick but there we are. Have to admit I'm flagging to find the time this week. I need to energise. On the upside I've a midday run planned for tomorrow with Martin from the office and possibly Graham. Am desperate to get back into the habit.

Not update

And the time is in - a whole 32 seconds quicker than last month, 19:27. Still not fast enough. School report, 'must do better'.

Not

I was up for it tonight. I tried my best. I really did. It was not enough.

My first mistake occurred in the first kilometre - too quick, way too quick. Actually that was the mistake. Too quick, way to quick.

My tactic was to go out quick and not pootle at the rear - oh er - but I was too ambitious and paid the ultimate price - OK, not the ultimate price, but it was an expense. As the miles clocked by I got slower and slower. Finally, as the finish podium rose into view, through the moorland mist, I made my final sprint towards the line but it was all in vain - I overtake 3 people but that was no bonus.

I was slow - but I sensed, better than last month. I say 'sense' because I had a watch failure in that I double tapped the timer so I didn't actually time the race at all. I am on the edge of my seat as to the time - hang on, no I'm not. I pretty much know it's going to be quicker than last time but not as quick as I wanted.

Back to the drawing board...

Suffocating

Yes, I nearly passed out as I pedalled away on the exercise bike - Brown Dog was passing gas - and it wasn't pleasant. I have a feeling it was probably against the Geneva Conventions - it certainly infringed on my basic human right to breath fresh, clean air - and to think there was all that trouble with the smoking in public places, that wouldn't hold a candle to Mrs B's flatulence - hang on, come to think of, I don't think anyone should be holding any sort of naked flame near Mrs B on tonight's form...

Anyway, now that I have recuperated, I can admit to having failed to get out for a run, managing an hour on the bike instead - not a substitute but something at least. Now I just need to taper back now before Tuesday's Bridge where I hope to go a bit quicker than of late. I'm not going to stick my neck out and make a prediction - call me namby pamby if you must - suffice to say I won't be pootling along at the rear when the gun fires.

A medium

It was over to the Black Mountains this morning with Rob G, Helen and Brown Dog. The weather was pants. The view from the tops were lovely - a sort of misty white in all directions. Rob was way too fast for me but he gamely kept coming back to make sure I was still there.

The run itself was good. I feel a bit knackered now - and very very wet. I was soaked through to the skin by the finish - even my pants are... too much information. At 2,700 feet of ascent and about ten and a half miles it was a good distance for me. I'm going to be really gunning for it at the Bridge Inn so need to spare myself before then. I'm going to - if I can be arsed, which I hope I will - get out for am easy run tomorrow. I only hope the weather is improved. The drizzle is so miserable.

I better explain

The lack of training at the track yesterday was down to the fact that my calves were still really really painful. It's the first time in ages that I've been out of action for three days after a race. The pegs are still sore today - but fortunately they are now easing. I only managed an hour on the bike yesterday, which is by no means an acceptable replacement for my intended session on the track - kilometre reps - but what can I say? If you'd been in my legs - I mean shoes - you would have done the same.

Anyway, I'm looking for a race for the weekend and then it's target race, Bridge Inn on Tuesday.

Still recovering

It was a hard race yesterday. My legs are totally sore and aching. I can hardly believe how slowly I've been shuffling around. Today is most definitely a day of rest. Yesterday's Exmoor Stagger was a very enjoyable race - and worth today's pain. One for the calendar me thinks.

I'm really coming back

I had a great race down at Minehead in the Exmoor Stagger. 15 Miles is just outside my current comfort zone and if I'm honest, unlike last weeks race, I struggled in the last mile or so - and it was downhill! But then I was desperately trying to claim back one of the places I gave away on the final climb so I was really pushing with every last bit of energy. Anyway, I did get the place back and then kept pushing to the end to keep ahead. I didn't ease off.

Where I was buzzing after the end of last weeks race I was struggling to stay upright after this one. I was totally shattered but with a time of 2:20 I'm well pleased. As I wrote in a previous post, I set myself a target of 2:25 but would've been happy with 2:30 so...

I really feel it's all starting to go in the right direction. I'm still not clocking up enough miles in training but these tough races I keep doing seem to be doing the trick and I really do enjoy racing. The thrill of the chase. Trying to overtake the person ahead. Keeping ahead of the person behind. Brilliant. I can't get enough - stop it...

Oh, and I think I was 21st, so just outside the top twenty but as near as dammit as makes no difference.

Gone to the dogs

Just me and the pooches today. Helen was off to the National Road Relays - where she ran her course PB - or as that nobber on the telly screams, 'life time best' - life time best? LTB? I don't recall 'LTB' ever coming up on the results screen? Am I missing something? It comes up 'PB', that's P as in personal and B as in Best - get it sorted - I digress. Then she's up to the Lake District for tomorrow's Fell Relays - good luck Calder Valley.

I went round Flaxley Woods at a very leisurely pace with said hounds. Ern, as is his want, did his normal disappearing trick - Houndini- I mean, Houdini, would have been proud. Eventually he reappeared and we all went home for tea.

I think I'm ready for the tomorrow's Exmoor Stagger. It's going to be an early start but it looks like a good race so it'll be worth it...