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!

Day 234 - recovery run

Two miles at a very slow and steady pace. Muscles took a bit of warming up but in the end it wasn't too bad.

Two more miles, 1,306 now run.

Day 233 - London Marathon 2013

We'll, despite feeling a bit flat about today's race after the Boston bombings, and having watched the capture of the suspects unfold live, today turned out be be a huge celebration of all that's good about humanity, and I ran an OK time!!

Fantastic weather today, pretty perfect running conditions, just the most amazing awesome crowds, bigger than ever, so certainly no one was put off by events in Boston and then I ran 3:08:58 to remain, officially, 'Good for Age'.

I'll post a longer review of today, so much to say, but that's it for now.

26.2 miles today takes the 365 tally to 1,304.

Day 232 - parkrun

Leeds parkrun again today before heading to London to pick up my race number for Sunday.

Lovely sunny day, almost perfect running conditions. Plan was to take it easy and run about 22 minute pace but settled in comfortably at 6:37 pace and, with a wee sprint finish, clocked 19:54 and 19th place.

Another three miles to the tally which now stands at 1,278.

Day 231 - steady three (Friday 19 April)

Steady three miles. Usual Otley tour. Nice sunny day, wind now dropped. Lovely sunset.

Three more miles, taking the tally to 1,275.

Day 230 - windy four!

Very windy day today, so windy that in turning one corner and hitting the head on wind I almost came to a complete stop!

Today's run was a meandering four miles from home to the garage to pick up the car which had just 'sailed' through its MOT. Well done little car.

Four more miles, 1,272.

Day 229 - five miles via Menston to collect Sunday's train tickets!

Another bit of pre marathon prep sorted!

Nice steady run to Menston station and back to collect my per booked tickets. I'm staying at Stone Crossing near Dartford his year so will be travelling by train to Maze Hill rather than taking my customary leisurely short walk to Blackheath. And, for the first time in ten London Marathons, I have no support crew as grown up Emma, who was only two and a half when I ran my first one, now works on a Saturday.

So, a new adventure, which will start with the trip to Excel to pick up my running number on Saturday once parkrun is done and dusted.

Five more miles to the tally which now stands at 1,268.

Day 228 - one mile at marathon pace

Feeling a bit flat today. The excitement that was building ahead of Sunday dampened by yesterday's atrocities at Boston. So senseless and so many sad stories.

But, it's right to carry on, the London Marathon is, after all, not just a top quality international race but a celebration of all that is good about people.

So, on with the training. One mile warm up jogging down to the Pool Road and then a one mile timed run.Target, 6:52 pace. Result, 6:51.4 pace. NB NB. Having run away from home, it was then a two mile gentle run back. 8 minute miling.

Four more miles to the tally, current total 1,263.

Day 227 - two explosions at the Boston Marathon

Just been watching news feeds of what appear to be two bomb blasts at the Boston Marathon which went off around the five hour mark, one right by the finish line. From the amount of blood on the pavements there would appear to be some horrendous injuries. At worst. Truly awful event.

Which kinda over shadows a sad, lonely blogger attempting to run every day for a year but, that's what I'm doing and training so I can enjoy running races like the London Marathon this Sunday. Just a gentle five miler today, averaging 8:17 pace with 243 feet of ascent.

Five more miles takes the tally to 1,259 and just six sleeps until the marathon!

Day 226 - and everyone is running ten miles today

Well, those of us training for London seem to be!

Clocked that Andrew Hardaker (parkrun awesome volunteer) had run ten this morning at about 7:20 minute miling. So, no real plan setting out other than to run ten but the competitor in me said, got to beat Andrew! So I did. But only just. Set off far too slow, then had about three miles of climb up the Leeds Road, then mostly flat running, but into the wind and it was tough

But managed to record an average speed of 7:14 so quite happy with that.

The weather. Warm, about 15 degrees. No need for hat, gloves or running jacket, first time this year! Forecast fro London could be up to 17, but that should be OK, and wind looking fairly light. For now.

So, ten more to the tally which now stands at 1,254.

Reap the Benefits of Running While Fighting Cancer

I was contacted by a blogger called Melanie Bowen about sharing this article about the benefits of running in helping to fight cancer. I think we all share in the belief that running is good for us, helping physical as well as mental well being, so I guess it makes sense that fitness, combined with positive thinking could help.

Anyway, I hope the find Melanie's article interesting:

Physical Benefits of Running

Apart from the benefits already mentioned, running does wonders for a person's physical condition. It improves patients' physical abilities and makes them less dependent on others for daily living. A sense of independence is crucial for people who must rely on others for many of their needs.  

Numerous studies show the importance of running for heart health, lung function, bone health and muscle strength. Regular aerobic exercise also combats the negative effects of cancer treatment such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, weight loss, muscle wasting and loss of appetite.

Mental Benefits of Running

In addition to the physical benefits, running offers numerous emotional benefits. It releases a protein called beta-endorphin peptide (BEP), a brain hormone responsible for the "runner’s high." This feel-good hormone may also reduce anxiety, depression and stress.

When cancer patients are unable to deal with the stress of cancer, their illness may progress faster. To prevent this, doctors encourage therapies that help people handle stress. Relaxation techniques may counteract disease progression, but running is a good way to relax and get fit at the same time.

Many people become angry, tense or depressed during cancer treatment. Running elevates mood and creates a better sense of wellbeing. It may also improve self-image and self-esteem, two issues that plague cancer patients. According to research, quality of life greatly improves for patients who follow a regular workout routine.

Establishing a Running Routine

Most cancer patients can begin and maintain a running routine on their own. However, the results are often better under the guidance of a doctor, physical therapist or personal trainer. Cancer patients should never begin a workout program without approval from their doctors, who know their limitations.

Trained professionals help patients find the best type of exercise for their fitness needs, whether it involves running or another activity. They help patients decide how long and often to exercise no matter if the patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, fighting breast cancer or in remission for colon cancer.

 

 

Day 225 - bright, sunny but not quite cloudless sky for Leeds parkrun

Good running conditions, fairly dry under foot, busy, but a nice, quick pre London run.

18:44 for 16th place. Average pace 6:13 minutes per mile. That puts a sub 3 London within grasp, but that will mean some really hard running from about mile 18 (and hopefully not sooner).

I'd love to go sub-3 again, but can I face the pain.........

Three more miles on the 365 challenge though taking the up to 1,244.

Day 224 - three more, this time in the rain

Well, it's definitely a little bit warmer, but with a thick blanket of cloud it was almost dark going out at 7.30 and then it absolutely poured down, I'm still soaking wet as I type this.....

Anyway, quite enjoyed my run which was a meander around the mean streets of Otley, not following any particular route, just going with the flow and occasionally checking the distance. That is, after all, one of the main reasons for splashing out on a piece of expensive GPS kit.

Today's stats read;

3.17 miles
Max pace 7:09 minute miling
197 ft of ascent
Min temp 54.1 degree F

And the running tally now stands at 1,241

Day 223 - three mile jaunt

Usual Otley three with Pamela.
Still cold.
Also wet.
190 ft of ascent.
Maximum speed 7:61 mph!

Three more miles take the tally to 1,238.

Day 222 - double Nelson and some stats

Seven miles this evening. Running up the Leeds Road to the Dyneley Arms, then finally getting to run down Pool Bank New Road before the return along Pool Road.

Warming up at 9 degrees, but that easterly is still making it chilly. Still, warmer air and rain are apparently on the way!

Today was also the seventh day of collecting data from my Suunto Ambit. In those seven days I have;

Run for 5 hours and 55 minutes
Covered 42 miles
Climbed 3,235 feet (higher than Scafell Pike and only just below Snowdon which is only 300 ft higher)

Average speed today wasn't great, only 7:52 miling and top speed 6:42 miling, it definitely felt faster than that! Probably time to start tapering and resting for London.

Anyways up, the tally keeps increasing and now stands at 1,235.

Day 221 - speed work

Speed work is hard! Plan was warm up run followed by four miles above marathon pace. Ended up doing the six mile Old Pool Bank route so used the first mile as my warm up then upped the pace along the nicely flat Pool Road. Only trouble is that north easterly wind is still blowing and I was running in to it, not ideal conditions for 'speed work'! It also made it feel pretty chilly despite the sunshine.

Anyway, that meant about two miles at pace before slowing to tackle the hill which is Old Pool Bank, a bit of as slog after plenty of ascent on each of the last two days runs. In fact there were 476 ft of ascent today, over a fairly short distance.

Top of the hill I took a moment to catch my breath then picked up speed on the long run down Leeds Road. Not sure of exact minute per mile pace but was running a steady 4:06 minute per kilometre pace, which is about 6:36 if my maths is right. Average pace overall was 7:56 and my fastest speed, though I've no idea over what distance, was 5:44 minutes per mile!

Six more miles in the bag and 1,228 now run.

Day 220 - little trail jaunt at dusk

Turned up the hill today for a run through the forest then back down Leeds Road. Left it a bit late a light was very low under the canopy of the trees but it was nice and dry under foot and there wasn't a soul about, not even any wildlife unlike yesterday's red kites and deer!

Some stats: just shy of five miles run, average speed 6.44 miles per hour, 656 feet of ascent, temperature 50.4 degrees Fahrenheit!

So, another five miles in the bag and I've now run 1,222 miles

Day 219 - mad hilly figure of eight

Long weekend of gardening, all very manual labour, so feeling pretty sore! Schedule said 15 but didn't really fancy that so ended up going out for a run with Pamela which could be 5, 6 or 7...

In the end I ran 11 and a bit, Pamela 7. The route. Out to Pool in Wharfedale along Pool Road, then up Pool Bank New Road. After a few hundred metres Pamela decided to take a walking break and suggested I run on as I was planning on a longer run. At the top of Pool Bank I turned left at the Dyneley Arms to Bramhope then down Creskeld Lane. Back to Pool in Wharfedale,
then up Pool Bank for the second time only turning left and heading back down Leeds Raod to Otley.

11.3 miles in all taking the tally to 1,217.

Day 218 - Leeds parkrun

Beautiful sunny morning for parkrun today and Hyde Park in Leeds with crocuses out in full bloom looked glorious in the sunshine.

Lots of fast shoes with fast runners in them today but many people's set off far too fast, so whilst not good to be overtaken, very pleasing to reel people in later in the race! Great final straight managing to over take Roy (haven't done that for a while) and then just pipping Al to the post in a full on sprint finish. Great fun and a not bad time in just over 19 minutes.

Three more miles run which takes the totally mileage since 1st September 2012 to 1,206.

Day 217 - two then five

A run of two halves. Two miles with Pamela and Emma (1.89 according to Suunto), then back out for Otley five.

So, seven more miles takes the tally to 1,203.

Day 216 - first Suunto ambit run

New toy arrived today, my Suunto Ambit GPS running watch! Set up was pretty quick, it's nearly all run by Movescount website, you can even create your own apps!!

Still, plenty of time to test it out before I get that far. So, first outing was the tried and tested Otley three miles with Pamela, which turns out to be about 2.89 miles, apparently. Read out also gave amount of ascent, average pace, km splits, mapping etc.

Mostly though, I wanted the watch so I can just run anywhere and know what distance at the finish, and pacing will be useful in training too.

Nice bright day, still cold in the easterly wind but feeling almost like spring.

Three more miles takes the tally to 1,196.

Day 215 - only 150 days to go!

Just two today. Back home in Otley so the custom made two. Nothing to report other than, it was cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, two to the total equals. 1,193.,.,,,,

Day 214 - tour round Berwick and its environs (Tuesday 2 April)

Set out for today's run with no real plan other than using the MapMyRun app on my phone to keep track of distance. Lovely sunny day, though still cold, so set off down the hill into Spittal and along the river side road to Tweedmouth then over the bridge into Berwick.

From there I ran out to towards the lighthouse, cut uphill onto the golf course and round to the old coastguard watch tower. Here there are great views at low tide of some fascinating rock formations, what looks like a dome structure, a source of coal/oil/gas in the past perhaps?

Next stop Berwick caravan holiday park, the 'Haven', then back into town to the station, down the high street over the new road bridge and out to East Ord. Nice village green at East Ord and interesting old houses, the village itself probably founded around the 1100's on salmon fishing on the Tweed. From East Ord it was country lanes winding there way back towards Berwick coming out by the cemetery on the old A1. Short uphill then back to Elm Bank Coastal Retreat and fabulous views down the coast to Lindifarne.

Just shy of nine miles in all. So, that edges the overall tally onwards and upwards to 1,191.

Day 213 - two miles with Emma (Easter Monday)

Well, it was at least two miles but looking at the GPS map it seems to have dropped out between the top of the hill (old A1 into Berwick) and the caravan.

Still, nice gentle loop, mostly uphill and on the homeward stretch straight into the cold easterly wind.

Two more miles takes the tally on to 1,182.

And here are some pictures from the walk Pamela and I did earlier in the day.

Day 212 - magical history tour (Easter Sunday)

Short break in Berwick on Tweed staying at Grandad Ivan's caravan.

Did an eight mile figure of eight run through Berwick over the Old Bridge and out to Conundrum, almost at the border with Scotland. Just up from Conundrum is the site of an old battle where the English defended Berwick from the Scots. The site is called Halidon Hill and from there you get fantastic views of Berwick and the river Tweed and can see way down the coast to Lindisfarne and Bamburgh.

There were also great views of the Cheviots which are completely blanketed in snow.

The other nice thing about this run that's its uphill on the way out and mostly downhill on the way back. But it was cold, especially running back into the easterly wind.

Eight more miles run and the tally now stands at 1,180.