Ilkley incline!

Little 5 kay killer hill work. 170 metres of ascent and descent, straight up from guitar teacher's house to the Cow and Calf rocks and back down. Stunning views.

BUPA Great North Run 2013

Sunday saw my sixth Great North Run but, more importantly, Emma's first and very first half marathon.

Emma decided to take on the challenge and got a place in the ballot, unfortunately I didn't so applied for a charity place with Mind. Emma wrote several training plans and did go out and do some running but really didn't do much in the way of time on her feet or mileage. There were a few parkruns and more recently a very good run at Alice's Run but I have to admit to being a bit nervous of Emma's chances of running 13.1 miles when the most she'd done was 6.1.......

Still, race day arrived and there didn't seem to be any real nerves and no sense of backing out of the challenge - there was also over £400 in sponsorship for Save the Children riding on Emma's performance! The forecast for Sunday was rain, rain, then more rain. We did get a bit wet, but it really wasn't too bad and the strong, blustery wind was mainly on our tails pushing us towards South Shields from Newcastle Gateshead.

My role was to act as pack horse! Carrying waterproof coats, cereal bars, water and inhaler. All very easy in my Ultimate Direction backpack. 

The start was an easy one mile walk from the hotel, a quick loo stop at the Children's hospital dodged the massive queues and we walked to our 'pen' with about 20 minutes to go until the start. It was very grey and overcast and the spectators in their dark waterproof coats were in stark contrast to the buzzing, brightly coloured runners.

Then, at 10:40 on the dot, the gun went and.....nothing happened! Well, not well back in the pack. It took a few minutes before we started moving and in all about 10 minutes to cross the line. However, that did mean that it wasn't too crowded and we were able to get running without too many obstacles.

After that, it was a fairly smooth run to the line. The red arrows were spectacular flying over the Tyne Bridge just as we were crossing. Emma took her first walk break at about 6 miles, one inhaler stop, a couple of loo stops but impressively just kept on at a steady pace towards South Shields. Infact, the 5, 10 and 15 kay splits were fairly even and it was only in the last 5 kays that Emma's pace slowed.

The final mile, dead straight along the coast road was a real slog, it just goes on and on, but Emma found a little bit of energy to pick up the pace in the last hundred metres and crossed the line in 2 hours 9 minutes and 16 seconds. Simply awesome!!

On the way we bumped in to Sue Verspyk from Ilkley Harriers, Sue was my next door neighbour when I was growing up in Coventry! And at the charity village we met Al Chapman, Leeds parkrunner who had run an amazing 1:20!!

We met up with Pamela at the Save the Children marquee then started the long journey home, the mile walk into South Shields to the car (accompanied by a Red Arrows display), then the slow drive out of South Shields and then the very wet, rainy drive home.

A great day out, still smiling!

10k training run with Emma

Set out to run 10 miles but Emma was a bit tired so we cut it short and ran exactly 10k instead. A fair bit of run/walking, but even at that pace we should still be able to post an OK half marathon time. Great North Run next Sunday.

parkrun and the Leeds Golden mile

Two races yesterday after my week off from running.

Started with Leeds parkrun at 9am. As I was running again in the afternoon I couldn't decide on a plan (and its always nice to have some sort of target for a run), so in the end decided to run with Pamela. Target was 27 minutes and we finished just outside that in 27:17. Not bad.

I haven't done the Leeds Golden mile before, or in fact run a mile on the track, so was looking forward to the race, but was very unsure how to play it, other than trying to run even splits.

My 'heat' was at 5:10, so I turned up about 4:30 to register and check things out.

Quite a few park runners taking part, including James who was in my heat and Roy who went in the heat before. Roy was clearly in the wrong heat as he lead from the whistle and romped home in clear first place to claim his bottle of wine! Tough running a fast race from the front though.

James was also to win our heat, taking the lead on lap three and holding on to his lead to the finish line. The first two laps were very evenly paced and I was with the main group, strung out in a line at the end of lap one but started to slip off the back a bit on lap two. The lead group was still within touching distance though buts I was conscious of making sure I had enough in my legs to finish! 

If anything, I probably slipped back too much on lap two, but increased the work rate on lap three which actually felt quite good and, on the bell (though not sure I actually heard it!), I decided to put my foot down and run the last lap as hard as I could. Again, 400 metres of flat out running was new territory and I wasn't sure if I could keep motoring the full distance, but as I started to pass people in the back straight it helped to keep up the motivation and I eventually moved up into fourth place but had left it too late to catch second and third.

But, very happy with my time of 5 minutes and 20 seconds, which is a new mile PB by 10 seconds. James' winning time was 5:17. Three seconds might not sound a lot, but on the track, at speed, the distance is significant, a very healthy winning margin.

All in all then, a very enjoyable day out, which also included brunch at Betty's at Harlow Carr and a brief stroll around the gardens in between the two races. What could be better?!

Beetroot and horseradish soup

Made from fresh beetroot and red onions from the garden. Fantastic colour and tasted absolutely delicious! Even if I do say so myself.

Today, I didn't go for a run.....

Sunday 1st September 2013 - Alice's Run

Full turn out of the Otley Trotters AC at Alice's Run this morning, a 'gentle' 10k trail race in Mytholmroyd. OK, it's actually a bit of a killer.

Despite still feeling tired and out of form (I so need a rest day), I knocked some 40 seconds off my previous run, coming in at 45:37 for 26th place.

Next across the line Emma, who despite very light training recently, ran 60:10 for 120th place and 34th female.

Hot on Emma's heels Pamela completed in 62:14, 130th overall and 42nd female.

We then tucked in to the crisps and chocolate Freddo's, all part of the Alice's Run tradition.

Also nice to see Frances and Asa. Both Asa and Ini took part in the children's fun run, Asa proudly wearing his medal and and, it has to be said, quite a bit of chocolate!

Day 365 - the 365 challenge, completed!

Sluggish parkrun this morning, so as I coasted along knowing it wasn't going to be quick, I decided to run 20:13, which I did, almost timing it to perfection, just hesitating to walk the last couple of strides to the line.

So, that's 365 days of running everyday, finishing with 3 miles in 20:13 and a total mileage of 2,013 miles. 

The year in numbers:

72 races - which includes the six days of the Wild Coast Ultra, my one multi-stage race of the year

4 ultra races including a new PB in the West Highland Way Race

9 marathons - in five weeks in April/May I ran my 4th fastest London Marathon and quickest since 2007, knocked 30 minutes off my Northumberland Coastal Challenge time and then ran my fastest Edinburgh Marathon 

2 half marathons - my time at the South Yorkshire Half Marathon was my 5th fastest ever and quickest since 2006

2 10k races - in April, one week after London, I ran my second fastest 10k ever at Bradford, my quickest since 2001!

49 5k races - 43 parkruns in the last 12 months at seven different venues, including my 100th parkrun and my 100th parkrun at Leeds

6 'other' races including a new mile PB by 2 secs

All in all, a good year of running. After a while running everyday became routine, and judging by some of my performances, has enhanced my running rather than hindered it. So much for my evangelical fervour about rest days in the past. I guess, it's whatever suits you best.

And next? Well, Alice's Run tomorrow, a 10k trail race and then on Monday, I might just have a rest day.....

Finally though, a big thank you to Martin Like from Likeys.com for instigating this challenge. It's been fun!

Day 364 - Otely six

Yes, that is right. Three hundred and sixty four days. Not two hundred as I seem to have been writing the last few days......oops!

So. Just one more day to go. Odd day today. Up early for our return flight from Amsterdam, so mostly travelling, reading, sitting about and snoozing. Felt very tired on my run and oddly bloated, so it was a bit of an ordeal. Still, did the six miles on the plan leaving just three for tomorrow's parkrun to end the 365 challenge on 2,013 miles.

For now though, six more miles and the tally stands at 2,010.

Day 363 - another Dutch two

Lovely big cycle ride around Amsterdam and then out north by ferry to the Polder, an area of low lying farmland only a few kilometres from the heart of the city but like a different world. It's not only low lying, it's below sea level, so at times we were cycling on paths with water courses running at eye level alongside us. Quite odd.

Lovely day out though.

Back to the big city for today's run and more canal side excursions. Finished running back towards the Heineken museum and, as the pavements were getting a bit busy decided to run in the cycle lane at the same speed as the cyclists. Quite quick! So a nice bit of speed work to finish.

Two more miles, another day ticked off, 2,004 miles now run, only two more days to go.

Day 362 - early morning two miler

Is early morning running a good or a bad thing? I'm still undecided. I hate the idea of getting up before I have to and it feels like a real struggle, but once I'm running and taking in new sights, and definitely once I've finished and still have the whole day ahead, it feels like a good thing.

Right out of the apartment today and left over the bridge and passed the Heineken Brewery (and museum) took me into streets filled with cafe bars, shops, bakeries, street markets, a real buzzing place. Ran as far as the next canal, left to the next bridge and back. Two more miles exactly.

Tally now stands at 2,002. Only three more days left.

Day 361 - only four to go..today, out over the Amstel river.

Just two, as that is the prescribed distance for each day of our holiday - don't want running to spoil any of the sightseeing fun!

So, turn left out of the apartment today, then run for one mile, about turn, run back. Found myself going out over the Amstel River and into a much more modern Amsterdam. Wide streets, big apartment blocks, much more reminiscent of France. Nice run though. Another two miles which means today brings up the 2,000 mile mark!

Day 360 - running through the museum (Monday 26 August)

In Amsterdam for a few days of sight seeing, museums, art galleries and culture. Kicked off day one with a guided cycle tour of he city. Three hours of gentle cycling and learning about the history of Amsterdam. Very interesting, and as it was only Pamela and myself we had our own personal guide.

Back to our apartment about 6pm and had almost forgot I needed to run! So, on with our kit, out the door and we set off following the canal side paths. Only half a mile or so away we arrived at the Rijksmuseum so headed 'through' the museum, a route we'd cycled earlier, and then did a loop around Museums Platz passing the Van Gogh and the Modern Art museums, also the American Embassy, before retracing our steps back to the flat. Two miles exactly, and all absolutely flat!

Two more miles, 1,998 now run.

Day 359 - RunSunday

Six miles on the schedule today which meant the 1.5 miles uphill run to the start of the three miles RunSunday race would be spot on.

Another humid day for running meant I was already 'drippin' by the time I got to the start line. James and Joel from Leeds parkrun were both there today, so I knew winning was probably off the cards! As it turned out I think it was a Valley Striders clean sweep, Joel winning, James third just pipping me to the post. I so nearly caught him......

So, fourth place and a time of about 20 minutes dead which is half a minute faster than my only other time on the 'new' course.

Six more miles, 1,996 now run. Will hit the two thousand mark on Tuesday.........

Day 358 - Otley Trotters AC at Leeds parkrun (Saturday 24 August)

All three members of the Otley Trotters Athletic Club descended on Hyde Park in Leeds for a very humid and muddy under foot Leeds parkrun.

First home in 19:19, me. 12th place overall and a nice negative split run after a cautious four minute opening kilometre ensuring I didn't take a tumble on any of the muddy corners.

Next home, Pamela in 27:32 for 154th place and Emma bringing up the rear with her customary lightening sprint to the line in 28:16 and 167th place.

Three more miles on the 365 challenge, seven days to go, 1,990 miles now run.

Day 357 - SIX

Not something England's cricketers look like achieving at the turgid test down at the Oval. Still, if we can't trash the Aussies, lets frustrate them. 3:0, 3:0 etc.....

Meanwhile, back in Otley.....it's close, humid, sticky, warm, drizzling with rain......not ideal for a six mile up hill, down hill, flat as a pancake run.

Six more miles, 1,987 now run.

Day 356 - another five. Still warm....

Very warm and humid even going out at 8 pm this evening. Usual Otley five, the uphill route, with some fairly good, steady paced bits.

Five more miles, 1,981 miles now run. Or, as I keep reading these as dates, the latest tally was O-level year! Only nine days to go now, in to single figures......

Day 355 - warm seven (Wednesday 21 August)

Lunchtime run and it was a lot warmer than I expected, though my pace was also quickish, well inside 8 minute miling and without really trying. Bit weird.

Nice run though, usual seven mile loop up the Leeds Road to the Dyneley Arms, down the hill to Pool and back home along the Pool Road.

Seven more miles, 1,976 miles now run, ten days to go......

Day 354 - late four (Tuesday 20 August)

Complicated Tranter day.

Me, out early to cycle to Menston for the train to Leeds and then London. Three mile ride from Kings Cross to Petty France passed so many landmarks its like cycling round a Monopoly board! Back home for 8pm (just, late running train meant I only just made my connection at Leeds).

Pamela next out, off to Manchester by car then plane to Europe. Back later tomorrow. Much later.

Emma, walk in to town, bus to Harrogate, 11.30 to 6 shift at work. However, that would mean missing the last direct bus to Otley, so her plan was to get the bus to Pool and then run home. Unfortunately the cost of a single fare to Pool from Harrogate is more than a return from Otley, and she didn't have enough money. Oops! So, text to Dad (just arriving in Leeds) as Emma walked towards Otley....

Longer story short, quick cycle home, jump in the car, drive to Beckwithshaw to pick Emma up.

Hence, a late, late run. But, surprisingly I felt pretty fresh despite the long day and reeled off a quick four miles.

Four miles takes the tally on to 1,969.

Day 353 - hard going five

Just the usual Otley five but today it was really hard going. Heavy legs, no mojo, going nowhere fast.

Finished though. So five more miles added to the tally. 1,965 miles now run. 1965, the year I was born.....

Day 352 - bright and breezy fourteen miles

Long run today, though only just longer than a half marathon. Lovely running conditions, bright sunshine, breezy and with stunningly clear views.

Route - Menston, Guiseley, Yeadon, East Carlton, Bramhope and back home down the Leeds Road.

First half felt very good and consistently inside 8 minute miling, bit tired towards the end but a high mileage week following last Sunday's tough trail marathon.

14 miles added to the tally which now stands at 1,960.

Day 351 - another Leeds parkrun. Quite quick...

18:36. Today, a good, proper race and could probably have gone faster if I'd put in more effort on the second lap. Still, beat Roy and James but couldn't hold on to Al who smashed his PB today. About a 20 second improvement I think!

Pamela ran another steady 'about 27 minutes' run.

Three more miles, 1,946 now run, just 67 miles to run in the next 14 days to hit 2,013......

Day 350 - go Mo!

Awesome 5,000 metre race, what a star. So, my five mile Otley loop wasn't quite that fast, but faster than it should have been ahead of tomorrow's parkrun and I blame Mo.

Five more miles. Tally now stands at 1,943.

Day349 - three

Usual Otley three mile loop with Pamela with the new 'turn left down the hill at the end of Birdcage Walk so it is actually three miles and you don't have to run up East Chevin Road' bit at the end.

Three more miles, 1,938 now run.

Day 348 - tinie two

Shake, shake, shake, shake tambourine. Jump, jump, jump, jump trampoline.

OK, so not that Tinie, just a little two mile run.

Two plus 1,933 = 1,935 miles run. 17 days to go.

Day 347 - random four

Set out just to do two miles today but then decided I'd run down to the river and across to the playing fields where there is a 400 metre track marked out on the grass. Probably inspired by the World Championships from Moscow, I just fancied a couple of laps!

So, gutted to turn up to see that the football season has already kicked off (and the cricket season no where near finished!!) and the lovely running track obliterated and replaced with football pitches and even worse, footballers.

A very disconsolate trudge home.

So, just four more miles, 1,933 now run.

Day 346 - recovery five

Usual Otley five mile run, the downhill version. Felt pretty good. Legs a bit sore at the end, but for a post marathon run, NB NB.

FIVE MORE MILES EQUALS 1,929. 

Oops, caps lock on.......

Day 345 - Hardmoors Saltburn trail marathon

Tough! And quite beautiful in places. 26.2 miles starting from Saltburn leisure centre then out through woods and valleys out on to the North York Moors. Stunning views, and always with the sharp contrast of the industrial Teesside in the background, including an impressive wind farm in the bay.

Weather was hot, sunny, rainy, a bit cloudy and cool out on the moor adding to the challenge, not least the undulating nature of the course and everything from Tarmac to heather moorland trails to deep, soft sand dunes! 

Finished in about 4 hours 39 minutes, which I wasn't too cuffed about, but given that I finished in 11th place, maybe it wasn't so bad.

Marathon number 34 and another 26 miles added to the 365 challenge which now stands at 1,924. Twenty days to go......

Day 344 - parkrun

Leeds parkrun again this morning, 25th parkrun of the year. Standing on the line this morning were the old guard, me, Roy, James and Al, three of us in our black 100 shirts thinking we could run as a road block!

As we set off the usual split happened, Roy disappearing down the hill, James edging ahead of me and Al just behind. Felt a bit tired this morning (legs rather than arms this week), so didn't feel like pushing it and settled in to a comfortable pace. Ahead, I always had James and Roy in sight and close enough to think I could close that gap. 

It was a bit busy today, so a few near misses on the final lap and an unfortunate clash of elbows with a slower runner coming off the muddy bank, but by the last lap James was closing in on Roy and both were coming back to me. I caught Roy just before the final hill and James at the top of the hill. That meant buckling down to run flat out to the finish which I did without being caught and crossed the line in 18:40, which was a much faster time than I was expecting. It was only 21st place though, so a much quicker field than usual.

Pamela also ran today, breaking the 27 minute barrier, so is on track for a good Alice's Run on the 1st September.

Three more miles to the tally, 1,898 miles run. Tomorrow, the Hardmoors marathon from Saltburn by the Sea.

Day 343 - pure three (Friday 9 August)

Another Friday evening run in Brook's Pure Flow running shoes that felt fast. Looking at the average pace it was certainly quicker than the usual plod. Lets hope that doesn't mean another tired parkrun in the morning.

Three more miles, 1,895 miles now run.

Day 342 - sensationally swift six

OK, that's a bit of a lie! But, six miles out up Leeds Road, down Old Pool Bank and back felt good and at 7:40 miling was fairly swift. Nice run.

Tally now stands at 1,892 miles.

Day 341 - fairly, fast, fresh five!

The old chestnut, why are some runs hard and some easy, even over the same old distance? Who knows. But today was one of those good ones! Nice evening again after a dull start to the day and with a bit of meandering around the streets off the usual Otley five mile route it was avery enjoyable run.

Five more miles, 1,886 now run.

Day 340 - just three

Nice evening for a run. Dull and almost cool during the day but lovely evening sunshine has warmed things up and with a light breeze it was perfect for cool running!

Just Otley three today, adding to the tally which now stands at 1,881.

Day 339 - 26 days to go! Just a marathon then?!

Five more miles today. Still warm despite all the rain today (thanks, meant we retained the Ashes!) and it rained on my run. Quite pleasant though.

Five more miles, 1,878 miles run, 2,013 still on the cards......

Day 338 - RunSunday and Sunday's long run

Off to the cinema this afternoon to see World's End so decided to get today's long run out of the way early and take in the free 5 kay Run Sunday.

So, 1.5 miles up our one in eight hill to the top of the Chevin near the trig point. Run Sunday is free and organised by volunteers, only today race director Paul was off launching the 15 km Saltaire Shaker, but luckily had found some volunteers to make sure the run still went ahead. I arrived about ten minutes before the  start (race is at 10.30) to find I was the only runner apart from one volunteer who was going to be the tail runner. I had passed a group of 'Ansty Hill' runners not far from the start but they never turned up. Infact, only one more runner appeared, so it was just the three of us, out numbered by the volunteers two to one!

So, we all towed the line and then we were off for two laps in the forest. It turned out we were all running very different speeds, so it was more of a time trial rather than a race (or obstacle course if you factor in the horses, dogs and their owners!! Still, it is a shared place....).

Anyway, my solo run was completed in 20:33 for first place, 2nd and 3rd were nicely spaced at 27 and 33 minutes. A slightly surreal race, but fun!

After a couple of Cadbury's chocolate fingers (there are always biscuits at Run Sunday) I headed off to Bramhope, down Creskeld Lane and then back to Otley via Pool to complete about 13 miles for the day.

13 miles takes the tally to 1,873.

Oh, and World's End is a good laugh!

Day 337 - another Leeds parkrun

Family outing this morning with all three members of The Otley Trotters AC out for the early morning Saturday run. I ran 19:07, slower than the last few outings but weirdly my arms felt tired from the off. Must have slept funny! Still, clocked 12th place and 2nd vet 45.

Pamela completed her 43rd parkrun so is on track to get her 50 T-shirt in time for our trip to South Africa. Her time, just outside 27 minutes.

Emma also made the trip but started to get a headache just after half way so took the opportunity of me passing just after the 3 kay mark to grab the car keys and get some water. 3 kays training completed though.

So, 3 more miles to the tall whip is now at 1,860.

Day 336 - Pure two

A little bit cooler, nice breeze and fresh legs made for a speedy two miles testing out forefoot running in my Brook's PureFlows. Nice.

Tally now stands at 1,857.

Day 335 - hot, hot, hot! (Thursday 1 August)

Very hot and humid by the evening, temperatures hitting 32 degrees in the centre of Leeds. Starting off the air was stifling, but once I found a comfortable pace and rhythm the run was OK. In the end, another Otley five ticked off.

Five more miles and the tally now stands at 1,855.

Day 334 - wet, wet, wet....

Six miles in the pouring rain, but still warm. Very random six miler this evening, meandering around town before heading out past Ellar Ghyll to Menston, a few tracks and trails and then home.

Drippin'!!

Six more miles moves the tally on to 1,850 miles. One more month to go!

Day 333 - Otley five (Tuesday 30 July)

Why is it, that some times, a short run feels much harder and indeed turns out to be much slower than a long run? I don't know either, but that is what happened today. A five mile slog in sharp contrast to yesterday's ten mile breeze.

Still, all miles count and after 333 days the tally now stands at 1,844.

Day 332 - ten

First time into double figures for a couple of weeks I think. Huge storms just before I went out for my run, so lots of sand, mud and stones all over the roads and pavements, but not too many puddles. Rained a bit while I was out but generally it was quite bright and just that bit fresher than it has been recently.

Good to get ten miles under the belt and a nice healthy addition to the tally which now stands at 1,839.

Day 331 - five more miles, 34 days to go.....

Unusual Otley five today. Ran with Pamela through town and out to West Busk Lane but when Pamela turned at the three mile loop point I carried on, which meant I was on the four mile loop but thinking I'd do five.

So, went down hill at the end of Birdcage Walk then carried on passed the end of Silver Mill Hill and up Leeds Road to make up the miles needed. Soon got caught by an old timer on his bike going at a good lick so decided to add in some speed work and ran with him for about half a mile. He complained he must be getting old if I was able to run with him!!

Five more miles, 1,829 now run. Will we break the 2,000 mile mark?

Day 330 - back to Otley for three (Saturday 27 July)

Not much to report, just an uneventful three mile stroll around Otley. Back to my Brooks Ghost Fives just in cast the transition to the more minimalist Pure Flows has been a bit too quick.

Three more miles and the tally rises to 1,824.

Day 329 - family run (Friday 26 July)

Late night today as we were off to the Anniversary Games in the Olympic Stadium. So, out early again for an 8 am run down to Bushy Park with Pamela and Emma (not many weeks until the Great North Run, so Emma needs to get some miles in!).

Should have been a routine, steady run but as we left the house I had strange pains in my right leg. Couldn't work out what the problem was. It felt like the pain was in my hip but I was struggling to get a full leg extension, my knee also could have been the cause of the obstruction.

Anyway, hobbled our way to the park and then, suddenly, my whole leg seemed to give way but on recovery all pain was gone. Once in the park I was then running as freely as ever. So not sure what happened, but possibly a trapped nerve?

Two more miles added to the tally taking the cumulative total to 1,821 miles.

We then set off for a day in town to see the Lowry exhibition at Tate Britain and then watched Usain Bolt destroy the field in the 100 metres. Cool!

Day 328 - two more London miles, across theThames at Teddington Lock

Earlyish two this morning. Ran out past the old ITV Teddington studious, over Teddington Lock and then west along the Thames path until we'd run one mile (Pamela joined my today).

About turn and retrace our steps. It felt quite cool in the breeze when we set off, the massive rain storm in the night seemingly clearing the air, but it didn't take long to realise it is still really humid!

After breakfast and cooling off we headed in to London to visit the Shard and the Richard Rogers exhibition at the Royal Academy (interspersed with lunch!).

Nice day out. Two more miles run. 1,819 since September last year.

Day 327 - Bushy Park freedom run

In London for a few days culminating with the Anniversary Games on Friday. Today though, staying with friends inTeddington so went out for my run by going to Bushy Park, just a mile from their house in Teddington, and then running the parkrun course.

Nice running somewhere new, though I have done this run once before. It's also dead flat, you get to see lots of deer, run to the sound of parakeets, all very exotic! There are other runners about, but unlike Otley, they don't tend to acknowledge each other.......

It was also very warm, not hot exactly, but very humid and everywhere is so dry. Bushy Park with it's deer looked more like African savannah with Springbok!

Nice run though and five more miles to the tally which now stands at 1,817.

Day 326 - back to Otley five and running in Ghosts

Did all my running over the weekend and yesterday in my Brooks Pure Flow shoes. So putting the Ghost Five's back on for today's five mile run they felt massive, like some big, comfy pair of slippers (which is an unfortunate analogy as I hate slippers....).

Still, they remain excellent to run in. Very, very humid today (you may have noticed the thunderstorms - maybe they'll name the Royal baby Thor!), so hard going, but got round in the usual sort of time.

Main thing, five more miles, one more day ticked off. Tally now stands at 1,812 miles.

Day 325 - two miles and only 40 days to go! (Monday 19 July)

Only two miles but I think I was running too fast as it was hard and I even walked a few times. Still, sometimes it's juts a case of getting the run done.

Two more miles means 1,807 miles now run in the 365 challenge.

Day 324 - Sunday 18 July the National Lottery Anniversary Run

,Just before the 2012 Olympics started last year some very lucky people got to run a five mile race that finished in the Olympic Stadium, the very first to use the venue! Those of us that we're unlucky enough to miss out got invited to enter another ballot this year for the Anniversary Run, a celebration of the fantastic 2012 games 12 months on. It seemed like the sort of invite that you can't turn down, so I entered and got my place!

Then, as the date of the race approached I realised how much travel and cost was going into a five mile race! Still, I found some bargain accommodation right next to Excel and the Royal Albert Dock through Skoosh.com and drove down to London late Saturday afternoon after doing my 100th Leeds parkrun in the morning.

It was then the usual pre-race ritual, check out travel for the morning (DLR trains every ten minutes, only 13 minutes away from Stratford station for the Olympic Park), picnic tea, layout my kit and early to bed.

After days of sunshine and heat it was slightly disappointing to wake to a misty, almost damp morning, but it wasn't cold and it felt like perfect running weather. The journey to Stratford was quiet and uneventful, a few Anniversary runners on the train, and then the crowds started to appear as we approached the Olympic Park through Westfield shopping centre, a sort of Grand Canyon of brands!

I was quickly through security and free to wander around the stadium - it was very exciting. A montage of Olympic successes was being played out on the big screen and it felt like 2012 all over again (helped by a back drop of Wimbledon success, Ashes glory and the impending Tour de France victory!).  An hour spent wandering around and taking photos soon passed and then it was final preparations for the run.

There were 12,500 runners entered into the race and looking at the results nearly all turned up on the day. The start was staggered in waves based on predicted times so I got off in the first wave, with Sir Chris Hoy sounding the claxon and the 'elite' trio of Paula Radcliffe, Victoria Pendleton and Melanie Chisholm (aka Sporty Spice and triathlete!) towing the start line.

To be honest, the course was far too narrow for the number of runners, but once I'd put aside any thoughts of a speedy run, just enjoyed the cut and thrust of dodging between runners, sprints between bottlenecks and the unique experience of running around iconic buildings such as the Velodrome and Anish Kapoor's Orbit.

It took almost to half way to be able to run freely, at which point I passed Queen Victoria (looking very comfortable, and looking like a runner!), and it was getting hot (well, more humid really). The next two miles felt more like a normal race, but still with some interesting twists and turns, but then came the best bit.

As we ran back towards the stadium we veered off right, down a long ramp (marked out with lanes like a running track) and in to the service tunnel that circumnavigates the stadium at track level. It was like being some kind of film set, with Chariots of Fire blaring from the speakers overlaid with Steve Cram's excited commentary from 2012! I'm not sure how far we ran in the tunnel but suddenly we turned right again and out in to the light and noise of stadium. The crowds weren't massive by 2012 standards, but were certainly having a good go and responded noisily to any waving from the runners.

The track felt huge, and lanes really wide and the surface just sped you along. Then, into the final 100 metres I was winding up for the obligatory sprint finished when I saw Paula Radcliffe running back up the track, high-fiving the runners, what a cool moment. High-five done, then mad dash for the line and then, it was all over. Out down a quiet tunnel, up the stairs and back out into the park.

Only five miles, but what a day out! Never having run a five mill race before I of course set a PB! My chip time was 32:10. I finished in 261st place (not bad out of nearly 12,000 runners!) and came 16th in my age category. Interestingly, there were also just 16 female runners who finished ahead of me. And that didn't include Paula Radcliffe who I beat by 17 seconds. How cool is that?!

And, on top of all that, the 365 challenge tally rises to 1,805.

Da 323 - one hundredth Leeds parkrun

Leeds parkrun number 100 today and with a time of 18:30 also my fourth quickest time in the last two years. Frustratingly I should have gone quicker and also picked up 7th instead of 9th place but I just lacked the motivation on the final hill. Luckily though Roy Huggins (long time Leeds parkrun rival) pulled up to my shoulder at the top of the hill giving me the spurt I needed for the inevitable sprint to the line.

It was a bit cooler today but still warm and each lap got hotter and harder, but there were probably five seconds more in my legs if I'd wanted it.....

Still, three more miles to the 365 tally and another milestone reached as we hit the 1,800 mile mark! 42 days to go, another 200 miles to run? 

Day 322 - two (Friday 19 July)

Long day out at RSPB Bempton Cliffs today, lots of trains, lots of seaside day trippers, lots of tattoos.....

Still baking hot, so just a Friday night two miler with Pamela.

Two more miles and the tally edges up to 1,797.

Day 321 - hotter still

Yes, hotter today and very, very still. But, after viewing Emma's artwork at the Red Kite Alliance Sixth Form Art show at Harewood House I went out for an Otley fine mile run. It was hot!

Five more miles though so the tally rises to 1,795.

Day 320 - another gentle three (Wednesday 17 July)

Too hot for the scheduled seven miles so just ran an easy three miler with Pamela.

Three miles to the tally which now stands at 1,790.

Only 45 days to go.....!

Day 319 - Three

Nice breeze and slightly cooler temperatures when I went out for my run at about 8.30 pm this evening. Arriving home from work it was still a stifling 27.5 degrees, I guess the 'nights are closing in'......

Three more miles and 1,787 miles now run on the 365 challenge.

Day 318 - meandering five (Monday 15 July)

Wandering, meandering run around Otley, taking in Wharfemeadows Park to check out the site for a possible Otley Olympic Park.

HOT!

Five more miles takes the tally to 1,784

Day 317 - RunSunday

Almost didn't do this run as I was enjoying a rare lie in, but as it starts only a mile and a half uphill from our house and doesn't start until 10.30 am it didn't really feel like I had an excuse.

So, quick breakfast and a 1.5 mile uphill run (just a wee 12.5% gradient) I was already dripping before the run started. It was quite warm.

So, thought I'd take it steady, which I did and soon settled into fifth place, some way off he next runner. But, RunSunday has a nice wee hill to climb and that's where I closed in on fourth place, over took soon after the top of the hill, then focussed on the third runner who, admittedly came back to me and by the bottom of the hill in the second and penultimate lap I was ahead.

Result, 3rd place in 20:02 and first Vet 45.

With the run there and back another six miles to the tally which now stands at 1,779.

Day 316 - warm parkrun

Very warm parkrun this morning, already over 20 degrees by the start. Otherwise perfect conditions, though 18:48 felt much faster but held my place well and enjoyed the obligatory sprint finish.10th place overall.

Three more miles and the 365 challenge tally moves on to 1,773.

Day 315 - drippin'! (Friday 12 July)

Very hot. Very hayfevery. Five miles.

1,770 miles now run and only 50 more days to go......

Day 314 - warm two (Thursday 18 July)

Not much to report. Another warm day (which I guess is news!) and another two miles.

Tally now stands at 1,765.

Day 313 - Hyde Park Summer Mile

Second time running this race and was hoping to go faster this year. Slightly different course, flatter, but with a couple of very tight turns.

Set off feeling good but legs started to feel sore early on and breathing wasn't great (hayfever season). Still, hung on and with the usual sprint finish, and passing about five runners on the second lap, I crossed the line in 5:30 for a new PB by 2 seconds!!!

Exhausted.......

Still, with a one mile warm up run that's two more miles to the tally which now stands at 1,763.

Day 312 - mad dogs and Englishmen...

Well, one Englishman and one Scottish woman went out in the midday sun! Working at home today with back to back school meetings later so time to get the run out of the way early.

Just two miles but it was like running in an oven.

Total mileage now stands at 1,761.

Day 311 (Monday 8 July)

Another hot run. Five this time though at several points I was tempted to cut it short - and this was gone 9pm!

So, a bit of a slog, sore muscles, tired and hot - so the Royal Parks Ultra 'blood, sweat and tears' T-shirt was spot on.......

Five more miles, 1,759 now run since last September.

Day 310 (Sunday 7 July) - post tennis three

Bit hot for running (let alone watching tennis, and at the same time keeping up with Le Tour!), but went out for three with Pamela to make a nice round 45 miles for the week. Legs a bit sore after yesterday's marathon, thighs mostly, so perhaps not fully recovered from the West Highland Way run.

Anyway, three miles and the running tally climbs to 1,754.

Day 309 - Hamsterley Forest Marathon

I decided to enter this marathon only a few weeks ago after realising Pamela and Emma were going to be in London for the weekend to see Mumford & Sons playing at the Olympic Park.

The Hamsterley Marathon is organised by the North East Marathon Club whose philosophy is to get back to basics with small, no frills events (I did their Newcastle Town Moor Marathon last year).

Because its a small event in terms of scale, though not distance!, in my head it was "just a marathon".....BIG mistake! The course is run on forest trails with a two mile Tarmac run-in followed by three loops, which include one, long hill. Spectacular views of the moors from the top, but in today's heat quite testing. Oddly, the hill felt much longer on the first ascent than the next two (though by loop three I was seriously flagging!).

I my mind I was thinking a 3:30 marathon would be good, but soon revised that to think 4 hours would be a miracle. Interestingly, I ran the first half in 1:55, the second only 5 mins slower. I think that was down to the second loop which just felt so much easier than the first.

I ran with 1.5 litres of Nuun electrolyte in my UltrAspire backpack but that ran out after 2 hrs 49 minutes and two miles from the top drinks station. Given that was two uphill miles I did panic a bit but made it OK and asked nicely if I could top up my Hydrapak (lots of runners seemed to be relying on the drinks stations, not carrying anything, which meant only six opportunities to rehydrate.........).

It was then a battle to keep going to the end and knowing I was dehydrated as my fingers were starting to tingle and then starting to go numb just as they did when I properly hit the wall in the Robin Hood Marathon a few years ago (Google it, hitting the wall is serious stuff, it's not just getting a bit tired.......).

Anyway, I survived, lost a few pounds (I'm lighter just now than I've ever been!) came in 13th, 2nd Vet 45 and added another marathon to the tally.

Not a bad Day 309 on the 365 challenge and, with 26 more miles in the bag the tally now stands at 1,751. 

Oh, I did I mention that this was a marathon just two weeks after the West Highland Way Race? Something I would never have contemplated, thought possible or indeed sensible a few years ago. OK, it maybe still isn't sensible, but powers of recovery are perhaps stronger than much running literature would have us runners believe....

Day 308 - HOT!

Five miles this evening but after a perfectly sunny, breezy day it was 'quite hot'. As in warm, unlike 'the West Highland Way I's 'quite hard''.

Five more miles equals 1,725 miles run so far on the 365 challenge.

Day 307 - the late show

Spent the day working in Brighton so didn't get home until after 10.30 pm so a very late run. Just two, which I think is OK in the circumstances. Quite nice out, still some light in the sky and a bit humid.

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,720.

Day 306 (Wednesday 3 July) - early!

Off to London with Emma for the Kings College open day. So out for a two mile run at 6.30 am. Good day, plus sight seeing and shopping!

Ended the day in Brighton where I'll be working all day Thursday.

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,718..

Day 305 - summer rain

Proper summer downpour this evening. That very light yet incredibly wet rain. Quite refreshing though and nice in daylight. All the greenery was just glowing.

Back to running the Otley five mile route. Legs feeling good and even did cycling to work today.

Five miles in the bag, 1,716 bagged since September 2012.

Day 304 - pure joy

Back in my Brooks Pureflow running shoes. Still sticking to two miles, inpart to make sure I recover, but also because I've got a marathon on Saturday!

Still, running in the Pure's really seemed to put a spiring back in my step. Legs a bit tired but the soreness is definitely on the way out.

Two more miles and the tally now stands at 1,711.

Day 303 - five

Quite a nice Otley five. Mostly run, but still some walking. Legs still tired. Thigh muscles still sore BUT, getting there.

 Five more miles means the tally now stands at 1,709.

Day 302 - Harrogate parkrun

First time at Harrogate parkrun this morning inn. Had to drop Emma off at work for a 9 am start rather than her usual 11.30, so perfect timing to fit in Harrogate parkrun.

Nice three lap course on the Stray, mix of grass and Tarmac paths. Set off slowly, in part because I didn't know how well my legs would stand up, but also because the path was very narrow (though plenty of people ran on the grassy slopes either side). Anyway, found I was running OK, not exactly smooth, but tired rather than sore muscles so slowly worked my way up the field and ended with a sprint finish. Time, exactly 20 minutes. Place, 22nd! So, good to be back running.

That's also three more miles to add to the tally which now stands at 1,704 miles.

Day 301 - still limping along

Much better run today. Bright and breezy after the earlier rain and almost had a spring in my step. Still did some walking, thigh muscles tiring and screaming (Apple's spellchecker had that as scheming.....), but feeling good about tomorrow's parkrun and next weekend's Hamsterley Marathon feels less of a stupid impulse entry!!

Two more miles and a new barrier broken with 1,701 miles now run since 1 September 2012.

Day 300!!

Well, 300 up, only 65 more days to go.

Still doing twos this week. Again a bit more running today, but on top of a lot of walking during the day my thighs are still very sore!

Still, it feels like progress and two more miles takes the tally ever nearer to 1,700 standing at 1,699!

Day 299 - getting there

Out early for two miles with Pamela. Still walking bits but running more. Big test will be Parkrun on Saturday, especially as Sheila and Dave are visiting on Friday night....!

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,697.

Day 298 - this is painful....

This week is the first time that I've thought that carrying on with the 365 challenge isn't really worth it. Previously there have been logistical challenges, but never before has running been painful.

However, I do believe that my good race results recently have been a result of running everyday and that includes the PB at the weekend.

So, I will persist. Two more miles today, a bit more running and the tally staggers on to 1,695.

Day 297 - two in new Brooks Ghost Five

Less of a shuffle, but the bits that I 'ran', weren't pretty! The pain, mostly in my upper thighs, was helped slightly by a brand new pair of bouncy Brooks Ghost Fives.

So, two more miles, the 1,700 mark edges nearer as the tally limps up to 1,693.

Day 296 - Otley shuffle

I knew running the day after the West Highland Way race was always going to be hard, but I never imagined not being able to actually run!!

Extremely sore thighs unable to take the downward force of a running stride meant I was reduced to a shuffle/walk. Still, the minimum 20 minutes were accomplished with about a mile added to the tally which now stands at 1,691.

Day 295 - 95 miles along the West Highland Way

Will update more tomorrow, but a great eighth West Highland Way race culminating in my fifth finish and best ever time in 21 hours and 41 minutes. Also came in 27th place which was very satisfying given it was record field with 181 starters and 149 finishers.

Massive thanks to Pamela and Dad for acting as support crew, experiencing midges, sleep deprivation, ultra runner rudeness and the Scottish weather (torrential rain, sun, rainbows, bitter winds....).

95 miles jumps the tally forward to 1,690 miles.

More to follow......

Day 294 - another two

Last two miler before the West Highland Way race which kicks off in 15.5 hours time!!!

Usual Otley two, but unusually clashing with primary school rush hour - mayhem of bikes, scooters, small children and smoking mums......as in 'avian a fag'.

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,595.

Day 293 - two in a light drizzle

Just two again. Drizzling, which according to the weather forecast is just an appetiser ahead of a weekend of rain in the Highlands.

Oh well!

Two more miles and the tally now stands at 1,593.

Day 292 - evening Monsieur Reynard

Only two miles again this evening, running up the Leeds Road and back. Occasionally on my runs I encounter some wildlife. Tonight, a fox. Now, you might think that would be fairly common given that we virtually live in the countryside, but I think that's only the second fox I've seen in Otley in ten years. In London, they were ten a penny.

Two more miles and the tally now stands at 1,591.

Day 291 - just two (Tuesday 18 June)

Tapering for the West Highland Way race which starts at 1am Saturday morning........so just two tonight. Ran in my Pureflows which really do seem to be quick, running most of it on my toes! Also think I managed to work out the alarm on my Suunto so I get a nutrition alert every 20 minutes for Saturday's race. Will need to test it again later.

So, two more miles and the total mileage now stands at 1,589.

Day 290 - five, just......(Monday 17 June)

Usual Otley five that was as uneventful as ever until someone decided to try and run me over!! I was on the pavement and they decided it was OK to just drive straight at me to get to their drive way and garage. I politely remonstrated with them but apparently it was my fault for not stopping and if I ever get run over it will be entirely my fault. Bizarre!

Anyways, another five miles in the bag and the 365 tally now stands at 1,587.

Day 289 - Father's Day seven (Sunday 16 June)

Lovely day out and picnic at the Yorkshire Sculpture park including Emma's amazing dark chocolate chip cookies with fresh raspberry cream. Yum! Also a fantastic exhibition by Yinka Shinabare. Think Grayson Perry of textiles. Well worth a visit.

Did the daily run on our return home. The seven mile Burley Menston run with Pamela.

A most enjoyable day.

Seven more miles takes the tally up to 1,582.

I think it's fixed!

Last few posts have failed to load, will be back tomorrow to update.....

Another test

Test

Problem posting from my ipad, so this is just a test......

One year running streak

Check out Ketan's blog and his account of running everyday for a year: http://www.ketans.com/

Day 288 - no parkrun!

Overnight in Berwick and early depart to take Emma to work in Harrogate, so no parkrun. Instead a day of West Highland Way preparation including the obligatory haircut, some shopping (spare headtorch batteries) and starting to lay the kit out in the bedroom......that and entering another marathon, Hamsterley Forest on 6 July!

No parkrun but still three miles run, only around Otley, in the early evening sun and post carnival quiet - though there were a surprisingly large number of drunk people about.....

Three more miles takes the tally to 1,575.

Day 287 - FOUR!

Fun day out in Edinburgh checking out the University as Emma decides where she would like to study from next year. Edinburgh made a good impression, lovely city, good courses, amazing sports facilities and its Scottish!

Four mile run out from the caravan after we got back taking in Berwick's two bridges. OK, there are three but one is for trains.

Four more miles and the tally moves up to 1,572.

Day 286 - to the lighthouse

Bike, train, run! Lovely four mile cycle ride from the conference to York station this afternoon, all off road. Then a hideously busy train from York to Berwick, at least I did have a seat. Quick freewheel from Berwick station to the caravan (apart from that teeny tiny hill from Spittal.....), and a short rest listening to the cricket before going out for my run.

I was going to run to Halidon Hill, but as it was such a bright, clear evening I decided to stay by the sea, so ran out to the end of Spittal promenade and back, then across Berwick Bridge, out to the lighthouse then a meander around town before heading home via the newer road bridge and the hill that was the old great north road.

Eight miles in all and a very enjoyable, relaxing, time to switch off run.

Eight more miles takes the tally up,to 1,568 miles.

Day 285 - early two (Wednesday 12 June)

Off to York for a workshop and then the two day fundraising conference, so decided to run early (not much room on my bike for overnight stay and running kit!).

Early runs are early, but nice and quiet. Felt like West Highland Way time...

Two more miles equals 1,560 miles now run.

Day 284 - just two

Well, that's what it said in the schedule, so that's what I ran. One mile up the hill up Leeds Road, stop, pause, run back down.

Quite muggy evening, but quite a pleasant run.

Two more miles = 1,538 miles run on the 365 challenge.

Day283 - high fives!

Well, not exactly high, more plodding! A five mile meander around Otley, no order, just turn here, turn there. Nice sunset evening though and another five miles ticked off.

Total now stands at 1,536 miles run.

Day 282 - barbecue time?

Sun came out, rain stayed away people barbecued! Six mile run, early evening, smells of meatcooking on  barbecues, alcohol, diesel, nothing of springtime.

Nice run though, out to Pool, up Old Pool Bank and the nice descent down Leeds Rod.

Averaged 7:59 pace.

Six more miles and the tally now stands at 1,531 miles.

Day 281 - two runs, six miles

parkrun Leeds again this morning. Perfect running conditions again and just starting to feel hot in the full sun.

Ran in my new Brooks Pureflow running shoes for the first time and blasted 18:20 for my quickest time in two years! Still 20 seconds off my PB at Leeds, 18 minutes dead, but that's only 8 seconds off my third fastest time. Pureflow = Pure Speed? Who knows.

And, Pamela did run a PB, breaking the 26 minute mark with 25:59!! Good morning's running.

Early evening I then ran to Menston station to pick up the car. Left overnight after rather complicated travel arrangements to get to the Eddie Izzard gig. Three more miles.

So, six today, 1,525 miles now run since 1 September 2012.

Day 280 - only 85 days to go! (Friday 7 June)

An early two this morning as we went to see Eddie Izzard at the Manchester Arena in the evening, home past midnight. Very funny!! #ForceMajeure

Two more miles (this time in Ghosts) takes the tally to 1,519.

Day 279 - two (Thursday 6 June)

Just two this evening, again testing out the new Brooks Pureflow shoes. Didn't feel as a fast as on day one, but then I was feeling exhausted after another long but enjoyable working day. Also put in 6 miles on the Brompton with my rides to and from stations.

So, two more miles takes the tally on to 1,517 miles now run.

Day 278 - seven!

New Compressport calf guards arrived today, old ones laddered and in the bin! New ones are 'Ultra Race & Recovery', impregnated with essential oils. Fancy!

Anyway, nice run out up the Leeds Road, down Pool Bank and back to Otley. Averaged 7:48 minute miling, probably still buzzing from securing a massive £600,000 plus grant today. Woohoo!!

Seven more miles takes the tally to 1,515.

Day 277 - off road with bluebells and J.Brownlee

New Speed Metal X-Socks arrived today (thanks for the speedy delivery Likeys. Ordered Sunday evening, arrived today) so I was inspired to do my five miles off road. Also decided to wear my Wild Coast Ultra T, so cool!

Took the short way to the forest - half a mile up our 12.5% gradient hill, then into the Chevin Forest Park. It was gorgeous! Dappled low sunlight illuminated the forest floor. There was a tapestry of bluebells carpeting every glade and crystal like flowers of wild garlic illuminating the darker corners of the wood. Just stunning, the scents were also intoxicating.

At the edge of the woods I also stopped to take in the view. Really clear and sharp today, Beamsley Beacon off to the West towards the Dales, Almscliff Crag to the East and between 40 and 60 miles away the edges of the North York Moors stood bold and proud in the late spring sunshine. Awesome!!

I then set off uphill back towards the forest and spotted another runner heading my way. Red Adidas top, slim, lightweight, school kid? No, only one Mr Jonathan Brownlee, World Triathlon Champion!! We nodded and exchanged a friendly 'evening' before heading our separate ways. He was probably thinking:"Awesome, that guy has run the Wild Coast Ultra. Respect". I was thinking: "OMG that's a Brownlee, an amazing, real life athlete and World Champion. He's so tiny!".

Probably explains why I never became a World Champion triathlete. Just too big.

So, one awesome evenings run.

Five more miles to the tally as well, which now stands at 1,508 miles.

Day 276 - two miles of Pure

First run out in my new Brooks Pureflow and I felt like I wanted to run like the wind. The shoes, or just the expectation that these lightweight, nod towards minimalist shoes 'should' make me faster? Time will tell.

Comfortable though and definitely felt an increase in forefoot running. Just two miles for now, will alternate with the slowly deteriorating Ghost 5's. They have done 449 miles and are in need of a change. More shoes to buy.......

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,503.

Day 275 - Brooks Pureflow

Bus into Leeds to buy a new pair of running shoes, some near minimalist Brooks Pureflow. Very nice and extremely lightweight. Looking forward to testing them out this week.

Run back from Leeds was 11 miles in all. Nice steady pace, averaging 7:49 minute miles. Good workout.

 And, 11 more miles takes the 365 challenge total to 1,501 miles run. Just three months to go!

Day 274 - June

New month, same old parkrun, but this time a season's best in 18:28 and 12th place.

Pretty perfect running conditions today and my legs felt good this morning despite struggling through my runs in the week. So, it's all good!

Three more miles to the tally as well taking the running total to 1,490. The 1,500 mile mark is within touching distance.......

Day 273 - just two (Friday 31 May)

Nothing exciting, just two miles around Otley's streets. A different two miles just meandering through town in bright, breezy sunshine.

Two takes the tally on to 1,487.

Day 272 - five more.....

Bit tired again today but decided to stick to the schedule and went out and ran the usual Otley five. Nothing major to report, just five more miles run, and 1,485 miles since September.

Day 271 - tired two

Yet another long working day, this time down to our head office, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds. An address I remember from Blue Peter days!

Uneventful run. Rainy to start with, but nice, misty, rainy sunset.

 Two more miles and the tally now reads 1,480.

Day 270 - yum, Bombay potatoes

Just two miles this evening, which is just as well as feeling a bit tired (post fast marathon) and was on painting duties as soon as we got home - Emma's bedroom makeover latest.

Nice easy run though, cool but not cold and very quiet on the streets. And then, a treat. Half of Emma's tea was sitting, still warm on the plate. Some very tasty, quite spicy Bombay potatoes. Perfect post run food!

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,478.

Day 269 - five mile recovery

A day of decorating (Emma's room) and a bit of gardening. Not feeling too stiff or tired but five mile run to Menston Station and back to collect Wednesday's train tickets, was a little slow!

Still, five more miles and the tally now stands at 1,476.

Day 268 - Edinburgh Marathon (Sunday 26 May)

Awesome day out in Edinburgh running a 3:11 marathon which was completely unexpected!!

Having had a stupidly busy two weeks working without a day off I was feeling far too tired to contemplate anything other than a 3:30 marathon at best, figuring 8 minute miling would make for a nice Sunday run out.

After parkrun on Saturday morning and a spot of gardening I managed a few minutes rest (though not actual sleep) before the drive to Berwick upon Tweed where I would stay overnight in Ivan's caravan before the hours drive up to Edinburgh for the race on Sunday morning.

Beautiful sunny evening in Berwick and, after eating and preparing my kit, I was off to bed at 8 pm!!

A very early start on Sunday, but in glorious sunshine again, I set off for Musselburgh where the race finishes, at 6:20 am. The plan, park at Wallyford park and ride and get the bus to Edinburgh city centre for the start, the same plan as my previous Edinburgh runs.

However I arrived to be told that the park and ride was closed and being used for race shuttle buses (but not ones to get you to the start......) so had to quickly find alternative parking and race to the bus stop. Problem number two. The bus stop sign was covered up and a sign said the stop was out of action, but only until the Friday before. However, a few other runners had wandered off so we waited at a stop as indicated by the 'bus stop closed' notice. But then, the bus we were hoping to catch turned off the main run just before our stop and headed off in a completely different direction. I legged it towards the bus and must have been seen by the driver but despite the fact there was a us stop only 20 metres ahead he refused to stop......

So, plan B, get the 8:10 bus which I'd thought might be pushing it with road closures in the centre and thousands of runners and spectators about. However, the bus was not too delayed and we got to the start with about an hour to go. So, it was just a case of queuing for loos and chilling out below the grandeur of the Royal Terrace.

As for the race, it went like a dream. Using my Suunto Ambit GPS watch I decide to run on pace rather than mile times, but also had no real time in mind other than 3 hours 30 minutes.

After the gun I settled into a nice easy pace, enjoyed the scenery (the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood Place, Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags) and was soon clocking a steady 6:55 pace, only just outside sub-3 hour pace but as I wasn't aiming for that, the pressure was off and it was just fun.

At six miles I took a quick loo stop and resumed running 7:09 which remained constant for about the next 12 miles, in fact at one point I thought my watch must have stopped working as every time I glanced at it it still read 7:09 pace!

I went through half way in just over 1:34 and by mile 16 was working out that if I continued around 7:09 I could possibly beat my London time of 3:08.

I still felt good, was slowly passing people and the 3:08 time was still on. In fact that was the case until mile 24 when my legs started to feel the effects of the effort and I started to slow. Over mile 24 and 25 I probably lost about two minutes, but picked up my pace for the last mile and finished in 3:11. My fastest Edinburgh Marathon and a very satisfactory run!

26 more miles on the 365 challenge, 1,471 miles now run.

Day 267 - sunshine!

Spring has arrived!! Lovely morning for parkrunning today and a nice steady, didn't want to push it, run saw me home in 19:02 for 16th place. Pamela also ran a season's best today.

A bit of gardening then off to Berwick where I'm staying overnight before tomorrow's Edinburgh Marathon.

Three more miles today, 1,445 now run.

Day 266 - make mine a ninety nine

Nothing spectacular about today's run, just the Otley five but today marks the start of the countdown to August 31 and the fact today we are into double figures.

Five more miles, 1,442 now run.

Day 265 - one hundred days to go!

Down to double figures tomorrow. But for today, just a three. Low mileage at the moment ahead of the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday, that should improve the daily average.

Three more miles and after 265 days of consecutive running I've now run1,437 miles.

Day 264 - FOUR!

A quick four in the sun before a trip to Ikea, which was actually OK as it was very quiet and deserted.

Not much else to say but, four more miles to the tally and 1,434 miles now run.

Day 263 - three plus one = four plus a red kite

Three mile run around Ilkley with Pamela while Emma was at her guitar lesson. Very dark skies and cool after a day of sunshine, we even had a few spots of rain.

Pamela and Emma then went off to Weight Watchers (one getting weighed, one watching...) so I ran home adding another mile to the day's tally. Oh, and was followed by a soaring red kite. Nice.

So, four more in all, 1,430 miles now run.

Day 262 - back to the Otley five

Back home to the usual Otley five miler. Ran quite late, 9 pm, but it was still light, warm and almost humid. Run felt good too and I had a real spring in my step, running very much on my front foot. Does it make you run faster? It certainly felt like it!

Five more miles and edging towards the 100 days to go milestone. Tally now standing at 1,426.

Day 261 - third early morning in a row.....(Sunday 19 May)

Decided to get today's run out of the way rather having to run by the time I got home. Ran all the way in to Kendal this time and did a loop that took in (to my surprise) a ski slope! It was pretty wee and looked more like a snowboard park.

Three miles in all taking the tally up to 1,421.

Day 260 - another early two

6 am run today, but after a night of heavy rain it was dry in the sky and not too cold. Set off from the hotel and just took a right turn, no idea where I was going but signs said Town Centre so that seemed like a plan. Then I spotted Castle Road and having seen the castle from the coach earlier decided to explore.

It was a bit of a climb for such an early run, but nice views and gave a view of the route back to the hotel.

Just over two miles taking the tally to 1,418.

Day 259 - early two

Long weekend ahead working in the Lake District and with a packed agenda the only real time I had for running was first thing. So out at 6.30 am for the obligatory two. Quite mild this morning and later on in the South Lakes a sunny day. Nothing but rain forecast for tomorrow.

Two more miles ticked off taking the tally to 1,416.

Day 258 - Eight

Long working weekend ahead so nice to get out for a longer run, runs that should clear the head but are sometimes consumed by work challenges......

Still, a good run tonight, just over a mile running with Pamela who was only only out for two miles before peeling off and heading out to Pool Bank for a few more miles, one big hill and great views of sunny skies and sunsets.

Eight miles in all, taking the tally to 1,414.

Day 257 - gentle four

After a day of rain showers and cold winds and a bright and almost, but not quite, warmer evening. Run out with Pamela around the the streets of Otley. Four miles in all, taking the ongoing tally to 1,406.

Day 256 - another two....

With full report tomorrow.....

But, actually, not that much to say! Another busy day, full on at work and then a full Governing Body meeting at school in the evening. However, I did manage to draw that to a close half an hour early, so my run was late but it was still light at 9 pm but its still cold!!

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,402.

Day 255 - two more miles and only 110 days to go!

Busy day plus school meeting this evening equals two miles. Felt pretty tired too so just as well.

So, a cold two miles takes the tally up to 1,400!

Day 254 - runsunday, won Sunday!

Well, not a bad week of racing. Three races, two first place finishes and a season's best. Boom!

Today's race was the free, timed, five kay race in the Chevin Forest Park on the hill above our house. I've thought about doing it a few times but never got around to it. It's a 10:30 start, so quite civilised, so I decided I'd do it today and make it part of my ten mile Sunday run.

So, stage one, run up the hill to the start. That's just a small matter of 486 ft of 20% gradient and about 1.8 miles as I did a bit of a loop to get there.

Quite a small event, about 12 to 15 runners today. I'm guessing all local, at least one Ilkley Harrier and an Otley AC runner Matt Pod who I know. No elbowing to the start line, indeed a reluctance for anyone to toe the line! So it was a gentle start, flat, then downhill before a steady climb then a very steep but short uphill and another uphill drag back to where we started, then repeat!

I trailed behind two younger runners to the foot of the steep hill then slowly pulled away. I ran the whole of the second lap out in front and was never really challenged and didn't have to push too hard. I finished in 19:50, quicker then I was expecting but feeling good.

I then hung in until everyone had finished. It's low key, it's free, it's run by volunteers so there is an expectation that you join in cheering the runners home. There were even homemade biscuits!

However, it was getting chilly in the forest with a cool westerly wind and the sun obscured by more low cloud. So I was grateful to set off on leg three of my ten mile run, heading off towards Bramhope for what would be 5.5 miles of meandering downhill running, dropping 656 ft from the top of the hill back into Otley.

All in all then, a grand day out. And, ten more miles takes the tally to 1,398.

Day 253 - finally a quick parkrun! (Saturday 11 May)

Nice dry conditions underfoot, bright and not too cold, little wind and for some reason unexpected energy in my legs resulted in an 18:34 parkrun. 10th place on the day and a season's best. Very happy with that. Sadly the 18:19 result texted to me by parkrun is clearly a mistake, but very happy with 18:34 and already thinking about how I can improve on that.

Three more miles on the 365 challenge, 1,388 miles now run.

Day 252 - early morning two

Off out to see Star Trek at the Bradford IMAX this evening so we (Pamela joined me) were out at 6.30 for a steady two mile run.

Weather was quite cool and blustery but bright and with blossom swirling about very spring like.

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,385.

PS got home to find this mug had been sent out by Likeys, one to every runner who has passed the 100 mark on the 365 challenge. Thanks!

Day 251 - late night posting, tired, tired run....

Yes, feeling very tired which I guess is hardly surprising as I ran a marathon on Monday! And, work continues to be very, very busy.......

So, five more miles, 1,383 miles now run.

Day 250 - FOUR!

Yes, four miles today. And, according to my Suunto Abmit, it was exactly four miles. Not any pre planned route but a real exploration of Otley's streets, cul de sacs and dead ends. Fun!

So, four more miles. 1,369 miles now run since the 1st September 2012.

Day 249 - another two, slow miles!

Well, it's only fair! After a fairly hard 26.2 miles yesterday and then a busy, busy day at work, it's nice to only do two.

And, it's was fun! Did a bit more meandering around Otley but still came back running just two and a bit miles.

Two more makes 1,378 on the 365 challenge.

Day 248 - Northumberland Coastal Challenge

Second year of taking part in this 26.2 miles coastal trail run and surprised myself by going 30 minutes quicker! That might have something to do with the fact it came after consecutive weekends of the London Marathon and then the Three Peaks Fell Race last year!!

Still, good weather today, low grey cloud, a bit of rain but warm enough for T-shirt running and, with the sun coming out after Craster (the run goes from Budle Bay to Alnmouth) even got a bit of suntan without it ever getting too hot. Probably helped by the south westerly wind that was a constant throughout the day but was no where near as strong as last year's full on headwind.

So, 26.2 miles in just over four hours running 9:15 minute miling. Very happy with that.

Today was also marathon number 30 and my 61st race to count towards the 100 Marathon Club. Next marathon, Edinburgh at the end of this month.

Today's run also gives the 365 tally a nice boost taking it to 1,376 miles.

Day 247 - another two ticked off

Just two miles today squeezed in between a day out with friends and their two little boys in Harrogate - Valley Gardens play park and nice lunch at Farah's (the famous toffee people) - and heading north for tomorrow's Northumberland Coastal Challenge. So, only two today but hopefully 26.2 tomorrow!

Two takes the tally to 1,350 miles.

Day 246 - parkrun number 111

Family outing to Leeds parkrun this morning and a request from Emma to run as time keeper targeting sub 26 minutes. Result, 25:57! So hoping that the official time is one second quicker which would give Emma her second fastest parkrun time. PB remains at 25:15. That's looks entirely within Emma's range, as indeed is a sub-25 at some point over the summer.

Pamela had a trouble free run coming in just behind last week's time in 27 minutes.

Fairly fresh morning with a bit of a breeze, but good conditions underfoot and a big turnout today.

Another run done of the 365 challenge and 1,348 miles covered so far.

Day 245 - trains, planes and automobiles

And lapwings and black tailed godwits and unidentified warblers! A day in the Dearne Valley for work today, seeing the amazing work that has taken place at Adwick wash lands and how in just 12 moths the landscape has been transferred from arable fields to vibrant wetlands hooching with birds, most notably lapwings!

It was also another day of bike and train travel and dodging the very poor Otley rush hour driving.

Only time for two miles this evening as we are off to listen to Pamela's choir singing at the Courthouse.

Two miles takes the tally to 1,345 and only another 120 days to go!

Day 244 - six miles (Thursday 2 May)

Six miles out to Pool, up Old Pool Bank and back home along the Leeds Road.

Very tired legs today, very slow going up the hill (though admittedly it is rather a steep one), but nice to be out running and, finally, running in a T-shirt!

Six miles also gives a bit of a boost to the tally which now stands at 1,343.

Day 243 - two more miles.....

Another long day at the office followed by a cancelled train and an eleven mile cycle home from Leeds on the Brompton.

So, decided to skip seven miles of fartlek and just do two. Two was in fact 2.5 but the legs were definitely tired today.

Just two more then and the tally edges up slowly to 1,337.

Day 242 - minimum two miles

Just two today before heading out for a school meeting. Nice evening and beautiful sunset. Warm enough to run without my running jacket, which hasn't happened much so far this year, and did a little bit of meandering again just to keep things interesting.

So, another month completed, only four to go, and the running tally stands at 1,335 miles.

Day 241 - late, late show

Late night working on budgets for an important meeting on Wednesday so didn't get out for my run until after 9 pm. Still, did the usual Otley five ( GPS 4:59!). Still light in the sky, still that cold wind blowing from the west, but nice and quiet out.

Five more miles and 1,333 now run.

Live below the line challenge

My daughter Emma will be attempting, over the next five days, to live on just £1 per day to highlight global poverty and to help raise funds for Save the Children who tackle hunger, poverty and inequality both overseas and in the UK.

Find out about Emma's challenge and how you can sponsor her here:
https://www.justgiving.com/Emma-12/

Day 240 - Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k

This race had to be postponed because of the big snow fall we had a month back and was only really in my schedule because 1. I set it up when I worked for Epilepsy Action! and 2. It was ideally timed as pre London speed work. So I was a bit unsure how to approach today's race, not least as I'd felt a bit stiff towards the end of yesterday's parkrun which I put down to post London recovery not being complete.

In the end I decided on a 38:30 target and paced 3:51 kilometre speed. And, the race went well. I felt pretty good, got settled into nice rhythm, over took other runners towards the end and didn't get passed and ran across the line to record 38:26.

I was very pleased with that as it meant I'd beaten my target for the day, but even happier when I got home to find out that it was actually a PB for the Bradford course and my second fastest 10k of all time. Not bad for a race I had no real plan for and only a week after running an OK time at the London Marathon.

So, a very satisfying result and six more miles added to the 365 tally which means I've now run 1,328 miles since 1st September 2012.

Day 239 - Leeds parkrun (Saturday 27 April)

Quite a bright if chilly morning for parkrun, but very dry underfoot. Wasn't planning on going off too hard but got running with Al Chapman who'd run 3:07 dead at London last week so went through the first couple of kay's a bit too quick!

Legs then started to ache a bit so fell back to finish in 19:26 for 29th place (though still second vet 45!). So not quick, but a satisfying run.

Pamela and Emma also ran today, Pamela clocking her fastest time of the season and Emma coasting to 28:38, she can certainly challenge ever 25 minute PB if she gets back to running regularly.

Three more miles then and the tally now stands at 1,322.

Day 238 - a bit chilly!

Five miles this evening just running the streets of Otley and exploring places I've never been before, quite good fun!

Five more miles moves the total up to 1,319.

Day 237 - late night running

Long, long day today, starting at 6:20 this morning with a 2.5 mile cycle to the local station to catch the train into leeds and then off to London.

Lovely sunny day in the capital, just like Sunday, and a very pleasant ride across town from Kings Cross to Petty France where our office is. Long meeting then back on the bike.

Had a bit of time to spare so took a small detour to find a bike shop I'd once used when I got a puncture cycling home from Great Portland Street to Charlton, it's somewhere near Great Ormond Street Hospital.

I went there today as my three speed hub gear wasn't engaging second gear. Anyway, I found it and they fixed it and they didn't charge, but I also learnt how to line up the tensioning chain to set the gear's right. London's so cool, the bike mechanic was German with multiple piercings and braided hair and, of course, rides a Brompton, just what you want to get your bike fixed!

Once back to Menston station it was a quick cycle home, change, out for a run, then collapses. 9:15 pm!

Two more miles run, 1,314 in total.

Day 236 - four miles of trail running

Emma went running off road the other day in the forest and said what fun it was. So I thought, yes you are right, so I headed off into the forest tonight. No route planned, just took to the trails and ran just over four miles. Fun indeed. Shame there is so much climbing!

Four more miles to the tally takes it to 1,312.

Day 235 - the running bit

Another two mile recovery run - the legs are still hurting! New route today, just set off and went on a meander around the streets of Otley, exactly the sort of 'free running' I anticipated by getting a GPS watch so I can keep track of distance, but make up my route as I go.

Two more miles to the tally which now stands at 1,308

Day 235 - my 2013 London Marathon

One of my many generous sponsors said they were looking forward to hearing how the marathon went, so here is my story.......

Thank you so much for your sponsorship, it was a real buzz to open my emails post race and see more sponsorship money had been pledged (I was still at the finish, the joy of smartphones!). I've now raised over £706, so very close to my target and I have a plan to get there.

So, the big story. Well, the story of this year's London Marathon started this time last week when a post appeared on Facebook sharing news feeds from Boston. At first I thought it was old news, after all it was a Monday and marathons always take place on Sundays. Little do I know. I guess I also didn't want to believe it could be true. I've always thought the marathon was an obvious target for a terrorist bombing, but you never think its going to become a reality.

So having started to get excited about London, and just a bit nervous, I then felt a bit flat. I also become addicted to the news coming out of Boston and on Friday followed the unfolding story almost minute by minute. It felt like a bit of a conclusion had been reached by the time Saturday came, but this still felt like a different event.

And it was different in other ways. This year, no support crew. With Emma working I was off to London on my own. Also, no accommodation near the start. A long story, but neither of our friends houses in Greenwich were an option this year, so I found a Travelodge next to the Dartford Tunnel on the train line into London - and only booked it about 3 weeks ago! First hurdle though, getting to Excel in Docklands to pick up my race number. I was never going to be late, but after doing parkrun on Saturday morning I only left Otley at 11 am and registration closed at 5 pm. I arrived just before 3.........Good pacing! Then off to Dartford, checked in, then out to find the station. It was literally a one minute walk away, perfect.

The rest of Saturday was spent preparing my kit for the race, eating my picnic tea and watching Dr Who! An early night, but a fitful sleep - too many dreams about being late.......a recurring theme of last week.

Sunday morning arrived bright and clear. Not too early a start and breakfast of orange juice, three Weetabix with milk and sugar and two cups of tea were soon consumed and I even had time to lie down for ten minutes, in full race kit, before heading off to be the train. Now, the last time I got a train to the start of the London Marathon I travelled from Charring Cross on a train that was completely packed with runners, like sardines in a tin. Yesterday though, it was almost deserted, so it was a very quiet, relaxing journey to the start, almost more relaxing than my usual little walk up the hill. I got to the start about an hour before the off, so plenty of time for handing in make bag, queuing for the loo, queuing again and finishing off the last of my electrolyte drink.

Then, into the first pen on the Green start, watching the celebs giving their last minute interviews (Michel Roux, Iwan Thomas and lots I have no idea who they were!). We then observed a 30 second silence in memory of those killed in Boston (and thinking of those injured both physically and mentally and whose lives will have been changed forever) followed by applause that felt right. Then we were off!

The run itself didn't exactly go to plan. With so many celebrities going off ahead of us the route was quite congested and my first mile was far too slow, as was the second as we merged with the runners from the Blue start. I'd been hoping to run with the Runner's World pacers but there was no sign of a sub 3 pacer at the Green start. I eventually spotted the one from Blue, but he was some way ahead. I caught up around about 4 miles, but only after running two far too quick miles, not really ideal pacing. But, I then settled into a steady rhythm and enjoyed the next 8 miles to Tower Bridge.

The crowds on Tower Brigde are always amazing, but with far more people out on the course already than I'd ever seen, many rows deep in places and encroaching on the route a la le Tour de France in others, the Tower Bridge crowd was equally loud! And it's just so uplifting and emotional and feels like the finish line. I saw my former colleagues from Epilepsy Action, composed myself for the official photographers but as I left the Bridge I felt very tight in my chest and suddenly very uncomfortable. Having had numerous episodes of chest pain (cause still undiagnosed) I was a little concerned, there were similarities, but I didn't really want to contemplate that. Anyway, my mind was obviously whirring, trying to figure it out and as I happily let the pacer drift further and further head of me I completely missed the next three mile markers (not that easy to do, they are huge!). But I'd settled into my own rhythm, I was still travelling at a good pace but knowing that three hours was probably out of my grasp now at 16 miles, unless I really pushed myself, but I wasn't really up for that.

So, it was a case or continuing to plough on. Towing the thin blue line that marks the optimal race route, taking in the crowds and the overwhelming support - London was out in force with people from every and all communities as evidenced by the range of faces and colours and styles of dress. That combined with runners from all over the globe - South Africa, the US, Italy, Cyprus to name but a few. It really was a global race and I just couldn't help thinking if we can be this joyous as a race and so supportive of each other and so apparently oblivious to our differences, why do events like Boston ever happened in the first place? The human race is quite a bewildering creature.

At this stage in the race, maybe 18 or 19 miles runners start to falter, people start walking, sitting at the side of the road, trying to stretch out cramps but all the time being urged on to the finish by the crowds.

For me, it was maths time. Calculating how much further to go, what pace I needed to finish in three hours (not going to happen!) so what pace to finish inside 3:15 and guarantee my place for another two years (3:15 being my Good for Age cut off time). And that was well within my grasp, but I'd have to keep pushing to the end.

Luckily for me, about mile 22 or 23 an Ilkley Harrier named Sally Malir (very good runner, out runs me on the fells, but I often hold my own on the road, most recently at the South Yorkshire Half Marathon). Sally looked like she was really motoring so I shouted out hello and urged her on. However, she didn't get away from me as fast as I thought, so I upped my speed and we pulled each other along for the next few miles. This was to be the quickest I'd run since about mile 18! We were flying passed other runners (infact I passed over 230 runners in the last 7 km and was only passed myself by 23!).

Through mile 25 bang on three hours and I involuntarily punched the air knowing that I could cruise to the line and still run inside 3:15. But that isn't what I wanted to do so I stepped up my pace, started to drop Sally (sorry!) and smiled all the way to the Mall. On turning the corner in front of Buckingham Palace I aeroplaned down the finish straight, using the whole road to wheel away in delight at being able to take part in just the biggest and best London Marathon, one inspired by the events in Boston to more than ever celebrate all that is good about the running community, about London and it's people and about the human race. Truly inspiring.

My final time. Well, I just dipped inside 3:09 to record 3 hours 8 minutes and 58 seconds, my fourth fastest of my nine London Marathon finishes.

Across the line I waited to see Sally finish and congratulate her on a great run, then collected my bag, sat down and checked my phone and was delighted by a string of emails announcing that I'd been sponsored, thank you!!

Pamela and Emma had already texted my time having tracked me online and seen me cross the finish line live on TV. I just managed to avoid the tears as I chatted on the phone, then got changed and walked slowly to the station for my long journey home.

As I walked to the platform at Charring Cross station I heard a voice from the crowds heading off the train to see their runners finish the race exclaim; "That runner has got their medal already!", accompanied by a line of open mouthed faces starring at me......Very satisfying.

So, all in all a grand day out and I remain adamant that it is an event that everyone should try and experience at least once in their lives, and hopefully next year I'll get to share it with and run with Emma, Pamela, or both. Watch this space!