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Allendale Challenge! That takes me back. I walked it with an ex back in around 1992ish. I didn't realise it was still going. Hmmmmmm 😉
That is a rapid comeback @alanf.
If anyone doing the national XC race at Parliament hill next weekend. We've got a small group going down from our club, the talk of train beers suggests we won't be troubling the pointy end...
@lunge I'll be there. First time ever running the Nationals - raced at Parliament Hill a few times, London champs and Southern champs, so looking forward to lots of rolling terrain and mud!
Unfortunately the last round of the Surrey League XC has been cancelled today due to lots of damaged trees and dangerous branches at the venue which is disappointing. We were looking to claim the title for only the 3rd time, and with a crazy lead in the points it was going to be emphatic, so a bit of an anticlimax. Went out for a 20 miler this morning instead, and for the first time since Country to Capital took fluids, which I threw up after 16 miles... Clearly need a bit more practice, don't want that to happen during the 100k race in April 😮
A textbook XC race this afternoon. Off course distance, mud with the consistency of porridge, masses of standing water and a rank headwind.
Tough run that was.
Anyone want a free Forerunner 225, doesnt quite have the battery life I need, charging connector needs electrical tape to hold it in place, never syncs via Bluetooth so I plug it into a laptop. You may have more luck with connectivity.
I say free, I mean just postage costs.
7.5 mile sunny saturday, then 7.7 mile in gales, & rain Sunday round Hexham. Ankle deep streams on the back country lanes, thank the lord for merino socks!
Up to 7km today. Don't get how you guys can run further! Was absolute toast by the end 😃
I'm currently a big fan of little and often at the moment.
A couple of weeks back, due to experiencing lots of lower leg & ankle discomfort, I mentioned my intention to try out short ten minute runs, two days on, one day off. It's been going well.
I was just too inconsistent last year, got my first 10k in February, then several over the course of the year, but when I tried to be more consistent in November/December with two to three runs per week, expecting to still be able to do 4 miles each time, it was a big struggle and felt like a big set back.
And to be honest, it's almost the best bit, it saves sooooo much time and energy for other things 😀
But I'm enjoying it now and rather than forcing myself to go for a run, I want to, my body wants to. It's been tempting to try more days on and less days off, but I've decided to go for a minimum of 15 minutes instead.
Finally back to running so finally back to this thread - after doing well and upping my mileage in early December I succumbed to a really bad cold that I couldn't shake then various other things conspired to stop me from getting out (including lack of enthusiasm). Anyway, I am back on the fitness trail with two spin classes last week and a 2 mile run at the weekend which kinda hurt (as I would expect after 12 weeks out) but still managed a hilly course at 9.15 mile pace so I'll be back out again this week and again at the weekend. Here's to some drier and warmer weather!
Welcome back to running everyone, always love running this time of year, it feels like you've earned some good runs by slogging through the winter months.
What events and goals have people got planned for this year?
Signing up for the Ormidale 10k here on Arran in April.Then maybe the Goatfell race, if it goes ahead in May, just to have done it before I'm too old 😉
Ran every day in Feb, covering 115 miles. Had first few days of March off and did a 20 miler on Sunday. Legs were battered but managed a nice 5 mile walk Sunday. Back at it tonight, see how i feel. Allendale Challenge first weekend April, after that not sure what else to enter yet.
Hi everyone, did my first fell race on Sunday - Ilkley Moor. I absolutely hated it halfway through as I just wanted to stop for a bit and catch my breath but carried on, got in just outside the top third so not too bad result. It was only 5 miles but it had tonnes of gradient and tech and was much much harder than I imagined. I was blowing out my arse
As with all these things, no matter how punishing it is its still a massive buzz and you feel great when its over. I loved the whole experience and was chatting to a teammate at the finish about how it compares to MTB races - favourably - the value for money is amazing and you still get a proper race buzz.
In the nicest possible way, the fell racing community are a bunch of nutters from all walks of life. Just great fun to be around. Everyone's really nice and a lot more ladies than MTB - which is great
I'm planning on doing as much racing as possible this year but in the 5- 15 mile range due to knee niggles. I think the next race for me is Rivvy Pike in April but there's quite a few mid week races throughout the season near me (north lancs/Barlick)
Love it!
Agree with lunge - I love running this time of year; even more so when the leaves come out on the trees and spring arrives properly. Most of my running is done in the mornings before work or family time and that's meant in the dark with a headtorch for the last few month. Been some pretty bleak and brutal ones across the Peak District moorland at 0630!
But had my first few headtorch-free runs already and so much more enjoyable. Throw in a good sunrise and a wildlife encounters and it just sets you up for the day!
I was about to type "no big goals for me this year" then remembered I want to do the Edale Skyline route and also the Abrahams Tea Round (Lakes) this spring. Both of those will be epic by my normal 10k ish standards! Sheffield half in a couple of weeks to get out of the way first though.
What events and goals have people got planned for this year?
Edinburgh marathon. Just started week 4 of my 15 week plan. So far so good. Looking to improve on my (pretty comfortable) York 2018 time of 3:18 and run <3:05
But had my first few headtorch-free runs already and so much more enjoyable. Throw in a good sunrise and a wildlife encounters and it just sets you up for the day!
I'm generally an after work runner and have had the same, it's starting to feel like I can get an hour in after work without staying on the roads or getting the headtorch out. Club runs will soon be off road as well.
I realised the other day that I think I might be a runner now. A rubbish one, but still.
I've always though of myself as a mountain biker that does a bit of running to help fitness, but I think I've been out on the bike twice this year so far, and I've run two or three times at least most weeks.
Big thing though is that I've found myself really looking forward to runs, and going out for the sheer joy of it instead of suffering round telling myself that it's good for me. Moving somewhere with nice routes out the door has definitely helped.
Not fast or far (certainly not by the standards on here - 10k in an hour kinda level) but I'm loving it.
So thanks running thread folks, you've helped me fill an MTB sized gap with something I now enjoy almost as much.
Oh - as for aims, nope! I've decided I'm not fussed about training, or goals, or getting better - I'm just gonna run for fun and see where I end up.
I realised the other day that I think I might be a runner now. A rubbish one, but still.
It's not about who is going the fastest, bit who is having the most "fun"
I'm hopeful of getting a 20+ miler done in the Ochils this weekend, trying to set myself up for the long Munro days in the spring. Hopefully tomorrow and hopefully the rain forecast isnt too bad.
Oh – as for aims, nope! I’ve decided I’m not fussed about training, or goals, or getting better – I’m just gonna run for fun and see where I end up.
Go with what works for you. I've not done an event since 2012, and have no intention of doing another one in at least the next decade. Nothing like other people to ruin a day out 😝
This year- same as most (normal) years: providing medical cover at around 15 Scottish ultras, starting with the D33 this coming weekend. Aside from all the usual races, there are a couple of new ones for me; the Orkney Backyard in June and the Highlander- Last One Standing backyard at Blair Atholl in July, the final in the home nations series. I've booked a couple of extra days off to follow that weekend, as the format means we may run on for a few days...
As for running myself, no events as such but a couple of mini epics planned, including a Cairngorms double crossing with a pal, Linn of Dee to Glenmore Lodge and back as an overnighter. Routes dependant on weather; if it's good enough, over the tops northbound and back on the Lairig an Laoigh.
I've got my first ultra of the year coming up in about 3 weeks, a 100km race from the centre of Granada up to the local ski resort. Going with some mates so should be good. Then I'm signed up to a 100 mile race in the Basque Country in July, main problem there is that there's a serious risk it'll be the same weekend as my daughter's uni graduation ceremony in London, and SWMBO has made it clear what my priorities are 🙄
Main goals this year for me are a 40 mile ultra in May and Snowdon Marathon in October. I'd like to do a fast half at some point too and am debating doing a flat marathon in September as well if I don't get into London.
Kind of splitting my year 3:
Up to May is going long and slow.
Early summer is short and fast.
Late summer/autumn is hills.
Looking forward to a big year ahead.
Go with what works for you. I’ve not done an event since 2012, and have no intention of doing another one in at least the next decade. Nothing like other people to ruin a day out 😝
Oh I plan to! I really like solo running, it's good headspace time for an hour or so.
Main aim was for a sub 25 parkrun. Attempted my first one ever on Saturday and made about 5-600m before pulling up with a torn calf muscle. Back to the drawing board...
Pretty frustrating having done a reasonable amount of training and was feeling pretty good in general, but on the day I was 50:50 about doing it (due to lack of enthusiasm rather than injury worries). I wasn't going faster than I have been before, no real reason that I can tell that it went pop, but it's pretty sore.
Main aim was 1000 miles for the year, small beer compared to some on here, ahead of target but been hit by covid so had a fortnight off. Hopefully get some easy jogs in a couple of days and build up again from there.
Managed a 1 min PB on Haweswater half last weekend (a little disappointed to only be 2nd V50 but that can always happen, there are plenty of quicker vets around...), Manchester Marathon next up at the start of April. Not sure I'm ready for it but I always feel that way three weeks out!
3 weeks out from this year's first ultra, so obviously a bit of going up a mountain was in order. It was pissing down all night, with a terrible forecast, and I have to admit I wasn't feeling particularly enthusiastic when the alarm went off. But the forecasters got it wrong, and it was a gorgeous day 🙂
I think I got your bad weather instead Mogrim, 30-40mph steady head winds for several hours with lashings of heavy rain, glad to have got out anyway, 23 miles/6250ft in the legs for another day. Think I’ll push out another long run to 25m/7000ft locally and I should be set for some good days out in the Highlands.
****** brightened up as soon as I got back to the van as well.
FWIW we've got rain forecast all week. TBH I hope they get it right this time, we need the rain. It's very parched and brown out, and the reservoirs aren't anything like as full as they should be.
Anybody else waiting for their London marathon ballot rejection email today?! 😁
Yep – yet another rejection – I think that's about 12 years in a row now. 🙁
Anybody else waiting for their London marathon ballot rejection email today?!
Mine just arrived, no surprise at all. Just need to decide if I can get hold of the place we get with the club or I need to find another option.
Mrs Lunge has banned me from entering any marathons this year (unless I got into London) so it's got to be local so she won't know what I'm up to!
Anybody else waiting for their London marathon ballot rejection email today?! 😁
16 years in a row here, might be 17. Should've spent that time training super hard and getting GFA entry!
I keep wondering if I should do London but it's a lot more hassle than Manchester for me, bigger transport and accommodation costs. Is it really worth it? I can have a GFA place if I want (but not champs start, that ship has surely sailed).
Is London worth doing?
Yes, definitely worth doing for the crowds alone.
If you can get a GFA place then do it, many people would never get the opportunity these days.
I've done it twice and would do it again given the chance.
Last year was a DNS due to pulling calf at parkrun the day before and no roll over for champs places.
Had a disaster snowboarding last week and have fractured a rib, besides the pain I’m really gutted that I can’t run!
I planned to start ramping up my training over the next few months. Ultra is end of June. Which by my calculation is about 14 weeks away. Crazy worried I’m going to be out forn6 weeks with the rib then not have enough time to train. Mileage was about 25-30 before holiday.
Anyone done the rib thing and how was the recovery to training again? Also worried that as a stonemason all the heavy lifting will slow recovery
I'm nearing the end of bulking season so I'm planning on digging out my running shoes again soon. Does anybody else both look forward to running again and not look forward to running again after a hiatus? I probably just need to commit for a couple weeks and then I'm back in the rhythm.
Does anybody else both look forward to running again and not look forward to running again after a hiatus?
I don't need a hiatus to feel like that, I feel like it most days!
Today the sun is shining and I should be able to sneak off for some trails before it gets dark. Sunny trail running is one of my favourite things in the world. But my legs are tired and I know it'll be hard work as the trails are hilly.
I've got a half on Sunday, it's a course I know and love, I'm feeling fit and should be on for a good time. But, it'll be hard work and the last few miles will be painful. Maybe I'll give my place away...
Anyone done the rib thing and how was the recovery to training again?
It's normally about 12 weeks I am afraid. I lost the best part of 2020 season to it.
How on earth do people test race packs?
Ordered a couple for an upcoming event, one from Ultimate Direction, one from Harrier.
Both feel fine when stood in my spare room and doing some on the spot jogging, but I can't fill the bottles or do any distance in them to see what it feel like loaded up.
I think I've been spoilt buying shoes from Nike when I can run in them and send them back if I don't like them (see my recent Streakfly purchase).
PB!!!
After 5 years running, it appears I've finally nailed how to be in top condition for a race.
Stafford half on Sunday, managed a 1:24, a 3 minute PB which was wholly unexpected.
The perfect prep appears to be:
Standard week of training Monday to Friday including a really hard 10 mile club run on Wednesday.
12 miles up to parkrun on Saturday, a 19 minute parkrun, and 4 more miles into Birmingham for breakfast. This took my weekly mileage to 65 miles with 1 day to go. The afternoon consisted of a 4 mile walk with Mrs Lunge and 4 pints in the evening.
So, perfect prep seems to involve no taper, tired legs and 4 pints.
Related, I feel like I'm in the perfect place for a fast spring marathon, which is a shame as I've no got one in the diary until October and have an ultra in May. May enter MK marathon on a whim and see what happens.
Not as impressive as you Lunge (well done on that), but my rehab seems to be going well - a rather slow (9.45 mile pace) four mile run on Sunday but positively I suffered no ill effects so will crack on with upping my distance and regularity and try to get a decent season in for once.
So, perfect prep seems to involve no taper, tired legs and 4 pints.
6 pints would be optimum 🙂
Rest is overrated. When you are in good shape you can pack in quite hard training and even back to back races for a period. Obviously need to back off and re-group periodically but I have ran (and won) races on consecutive days and actually felt better as the hard sessions accumulated. Then a period of rest to avoid injury/exhaustion. These were short races on 5 consecutive days during a series. Obvs not recommending for longer events.
I know STW is no substitute for medical advice but any tips? My left Achilles tendon is in quite a bit of pain, obviously aggravated by running. I stretch it constantly but any large run and it comes back. I guess a period of rest but I'm wanting to up my training for the fell racing season
I stretch it constantly
I would never stretch it. You cant stretch it anyway. Depending on where the pain is the Alfredson protocol https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-alfredson-protocol-for-achilles-tendonitis-2696560 method may be helpful. Achilles injuries can be one of a few running injuries that actually dont benefit much from rest and with careful management can improve even whilst you are training IME. You should reduce your training and avoid the things that make it worse, speed sessions/hills. Also Ice is very helpful (avoid NSAIDS) and always try to keep it moving dont sit still for too long as it stiffens and becomes more painful.
My left Achilles tendon is in quite a bit of pain, obviously aggravated by running
Heel drops and heel raises on the stairs really helped mine. Make them slow, 10 seconds up, 10 down, sets of 15 or so. If you need to use the other leg to help with the raises and do the lowers with one leg.
Over time, add some more dynamic movement into things, hopping is good, as is stepping of a small step and landing on the foot with a bad Achilles.
Stretching is questionable in it's usage.
Yes heel drops etc but it’s a bit of a lottery how much you improve and my wife can only run occasionally and for short distances (up to about 5k, 10 is a stretch). Which is sort of ok but a bit limiting.
Done my last big Sunday run, just two weeks of tapering to go. Got an annoying cough which should fade but doesn’t seem to affect running anyway. Think I’m a bit undertrained but when I last did a marathon I was also poorly prepared and still managed a respectable time just 5 mins off my best. So I’m hoping to not embarrass myself.
You cant stretch it anyway.
Yet the second sentence in the article you link to says...
The exercises stretch your Achilles tendon in ways that help it handle forces and stress better.
😉
Cheers for replies, by stretching I meant the heel raise drops like on alfredson protocol. I've just tried that and it's a lot harder and intensive than I've been doing, and includes bent leg exercises.
I'll keep that up, it's probably here to stay at my age. Mitigation is the new reality
Yet the second sentence in the article you link to says…
I think it is really saying "loading". you are weighting the leg then lowering over the step. No attempt to stretch/elongate/lengthen the tendon. You are trying to load and stress it to trigger a healing response.
Lunge's semi-regular shoe reviews return with a few purchases and a few updates. Probably no interest to anyone, but here we go anyway.
Recent purchases:
Nike Terra Kiger 7. Low cushioned trail shoe, pleasant to run on in most conditions where there's some give under foot and fits well. Terrible on wet rock and not great on any paved surface either. It's fine for winter trail work but much better options are there for when it dries up. Luckily I only paid £65 for them.
Nike Streakfly. Super hyped fast shoe for a 5/10k PB that ShoeTubers seem to love. It was hard to get hold of but is a hard no from me. The upper and the lacing were bang average, poor fit overall and just didn't feel in any way special. They ran OK, but nothing more than that, not inspiring like a Vaporfly, just felt like a fast training shoe that fitted badly. These went back to Nike.
Adidas Adios 6. Slimmed down tempo shoe. Very nice shoe that I picked up at a bargain price. Not super cushioned and perfectly good at a lower pace, but they really light up when you speed up. Also have incredible grip, perfect for winter fast runs. Really like these.
Adidas Adios 5. Picked up for £35 at the Adidas outlet in an offensive yellow colour. Unsurprisingly similar to the 6, but with a bit more cushion. and a bit more weight. Marginally better for slower runs but still happy at pace. Adidas mid-soles always seem firm to me but really work when you put some effort in.
Nike Invincible. Like cushions on your feet. These are, for me at least, a damn near perfect recovery shoe. They're super soft and cushioned and are really comfortable. The downside is that they're also really heavy and quite unstable at any kind of speed. Stick to easy paces on easy days and they'll do a right job.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4. I'd heard rumours of these being a great daily shoe for very little money, and I can see that. But, for me the upper was to high volume and not quite wide enough for me. Felt pretty good under foot though, so I reckon these'd be lovely shoes if they fit your feet.
Rediscoveries:
Nike Pegasus 38. I've always sworn by the 36 but having finally worn out my last pair, I dug out the 38's that I'd done a few runs in and not liked. It would appear I was premature. They're a bit heavier than the 36's, but perhaps needed wearing in a bit, the midsole is getting softer every run and I starting to quite like them.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3. Please Nike, fix the outsoles on your trail shoes. These are actually a very good summer trail shoe, dusty and damp trails are what it does really well, but add in much mud or anything technical and they're not so good. Having not enjoyed them all winter, I've worn then 3 times this week now the sun is out.
Adidas SL20. Loved these last year and picked up a new pair for £32 from TK Maxx of all places. They're a very basic tempo shoe, quite light, thin tongue and firm midsole, but by gosh they are good once they get moving. I've worn there for fast club runs all winter and they have been spot on. But they are another Adidas shoe that's not great going slowly.
Sheffield half for me on Sunday - don't think I've ever done a half on the road before. Proper niggling hamstring too so it's been a light week for running in the hope it'll get me round. Definitely not pushing for a fast time (even by my standards!) unless it feels much better on sunday. Bloody hilly course though so not a one for any records anyway
@Lunge - glad to hear the Adios 6's are good. They have been my go to shoe since the 2's. I'm still working through the last of my 5's so I see some 6's on the horizon. Also using some Boston 10's at the moment for longer runs but I'm yet to be convinced by them. My feet just don't seem to fully agree with them.
Oh and great effort for your half PB, I always seem to run/race better off high mileage.
@Lunge I'm struggling with the Adios 6, probably because I am too slow! Will retry as only done about 20 miles in them. I love the Floatride 3, done about 300 miles and been just a good solid shoe at a great price. Will get the 4's soon to replace the 3. £52 quid with regular discount, cannot be had.
Anyone done the rib thing and how was the recovery to training again? Also worried that as a stonemason all the heavy lifting will slow recovery
I got hit by a car while on my road bike less than a month before my "A" race last year, and also bruised my ribs. Looking back at Strava, I took the first week off, before a few shorter runs the following weeks. I probably could have done more but by that point I was tapering anyway. The night before the ultra it was still uncomfortable for sleeping, but I still made it to the start line. DNF on the ultra, but that was due to a knee problem and nothing to do with my ribs 🙄
TL;DR: take a week off, ease back into it, and you should be running again fairly soon.
I’m struggling with the Adios 6, probably because I am too slow!
@cat69uk, they're definitely better at pace, but I also think they soften a touch with some miles in them. They are bloody loud though.
Cheers @mogrim
I had around a week and a half off and have done a couple short runs this week (3/4 miles)
There is a little rib pain for the first mile then it eases. It hurts a good bit after the run though!
I’ve got a session with a running coach Tuesday 29th March so hoping that isn’t too bad. Planning a day out in the hills 😂
The ultra is a end of June so I need to start proper training really
I haven’t had my ribs looked at properly. Paramedic over the road took an educated guess at separated bottom rib. I can’t imagine I could do much damage by running?!!
Sheffield half for me yesterday. Not at my best as I've been struggling with a really sore hamstring (which actually eased off after about 5 miles). Plus I'd done no real training for it other than running on the moors in the mornings with the dogs, generally around the 5-10k mark! Not run on the roads for about 18 months.
Brutal course - 330m of climbing, virtually all of which is continuous and in the first half. I wanted under 2hrs and finished with 1:54 so that will do. Can't say it's an impressive time, but pleased to get around as I nearly pulled out earlier last week due to the hamstring.
Great running @dashed, that's a good amount of climbing so that is a very respectable time, particularly off no training. Strong.
Quite pleased with the way my running has come along recently. I've not run properly for ten years or more but have been able to find my running legs again recently without getting stupid injuries. The bike has taken a back seat for time being.
I've been doing a Sunday run of between 8-9 miles and a midweek run between about 4-6 miles, both runs all as much trail/off road as possible, and a 1hr PT session. Still riding about 30miles a week on the SS going back and forth to work. Times are starting to get better with a 52min 10k and 1hr 15min for an 8.5miler yesterday. Some of the trails have been pretty hard going in the weeks just gone by, running through quagmire bogs and one bit I was knee deep in flood water for about 10metres! The ground is starting to dry up a bit now though but still fine myself planting my feet ankle deep in mud through few sections. It does seem a lot harder than riding the bike and the pain in my legs sometimes running up hills, jeez!!
The good thing is I feel much better and I seem to be sleeping much better, straight through the night without waking up and taking ages to drop off again.
The regional road relays over the weekend. The Northern was at Birkenhead Park. My club qualified easily in 10th place overall and at 57 I was pleased to get a run in the B team. Pretty mediocre run from me as expected but I didnt disgrace myself and our B team came in 35th overall (I picked up 2 places on my leg :-)). All in all a great days racing in great weather. Some fantastic talent on display.
@lunge. Some great running there!
I’ve been off-thread for a bit so just catching up. Keep at it all.
Nothing major here but came third out of 261 at market harborough parkrun. 4 seconds off my pb with a 19:19. I shot off the start like a rocket, like you have to at Nonsuch or you get trampled. Looked around and nobody was there! Great feeling leading for a bit.
Did 21 minute pacing at Nonsuch last Saturday. Brilliant fun. Sutton runners had pacers from 19 minutes all way up to 40 mins. Great turnout.
I did the Fox Ultra 62km last September. Really wanted to do the spring edition this Saturday the 2nd April, but thought I’d be busy. Turns out I’ve got a free day and I am massively tempted to push the button despite having no long runs in my legs. Wife has offered to scoop me if a collapse and I can walk the hills. What could go wrong????
Good to see some out and racing and enjoying it.
Full on taper time here, just a few days to go and it looks like this nasty weather will blow though and give us a perfect day for Manchester Marathon on Sunday.
Better break out the alphafly for a couple of jogs. I have worn them once already, a few weeks ago for a half which went pretty well (1 minute course PB for me) so am not worried about adapting. I've also been using some old vaporfly and next% for occasional training runs and they all feel much the same to me.
Garmin maps - Is there a way of recalibrating a route midrun if you decide to miss out a section? Say it was a figure of 8 and you decided to do half - can it reset so the arrow points correctly?
Fenix 6 if it helps.
Thanks
Just entered my first 10k for 12years, Mortimer 10k on Easter Monday. Last one I did was Swinley 2010. I got injured in Sept 2011 just before the Highclere 10k and that was the last time I actually ran properly, never did get back to regular running all this time except for the odd 2-3miler. Have set myself a goal of 50min for this one as my last weeks 10k was 52min during a slightly longer run. Tbh I'll be happy with 52 or 51 though.
PSA, Vaporfly's are £140 on the Nike app if you're a member. Version 1, but the only change between that and version 2 if the upper (I prefer the upper on V1). Clearly not a cheap shoe, but a very good price nonetheless.
Ultra done - it was the Ultra Sierra Nevada, just under 100km heading out from Granada up to the local ski resort in Pradollano, from there up to the top of the 3000m Veleta mountain and back down again. It was a bit of a weird race: the first 62km were very fast (by ultra standards), and we covered them in around 9 hours; the next 35km took about the same again! As you can probably guess the terrain changed a fair bit in the second bit, and included a final 6km trudging 900m up a snowy mountain in crampons, all the while wondering whether the skiers and snowboarders would hit you or not... fortunately they were more or less had it under control, and their frequent shouts of encouragement certainly lifted our spirits as we made our way to the top. 5km of slipping and sliding got us to the finish line, and job done:
A successful race, and I'm quite pleased with my time (finished 52/250 starters, 216 finishers), but not one I think I'll do again. The first half was too easy, with a lot of fireroad and not much technical fun. The second half was better, but tbh the slog up a snowy mountain was more of a drag than a challenge, and I spent more time looking at my feet than enjoying the view. Still, it's a race that's been going for a few years here and one I've long thought about doing, and despite not being the most fun race I've ever done it was still good, and I've enjoyed the weekend.
Fair play @mogrim. That's some effort and the scenery looks epic too. One to add to the long list of races I must try
Sounds like a big day out.
Manchester mara was a bit disappointing but ended sort of ok-ish for me today, almost binned it at 30k but realised I might as well jog back to the finish anyway, and once the "racing" pressure was off I found I could keep a reasonable pace. 2:53 having gone through halfway in 1:23 (which with hindsight was a bit stupid as I was really aiming for just under 2:50).
Having not done a proper marathon since Mancs 2019, I think it was the lack of recent practice that let me down as much as anything. Also I didn't really know where I was at, performance-wise, having not done many spring races.
A big strong field with Johnny Mellor setting a new record for the event (I think) of 2:10. I was 27th V50 which is the lowest placing I've had, much lower than when I previously did 2:54 as a V45!
PSA: garmin Fenix 6x pro on Amazon for £340
@mogrim - looks amazing. Top work.
@thecaptain - top effort! Still super fast and it’s all about enjoying it IMHO.
I completed my 2nd 62km Fox Ultra on Saturday. A fantastic event starting and finishing in Godalming and looping around Guildford. Ant-clockwise this time with the bigger hills in the first third. 15 minute pb in 7:30 for what it’s worth.
Took it easy, kept the heart rate low, walked the hills, enjoyed it so much I was laughing audibly at times.
Only entered 4 days before with nonspecific training and 30-40km weeeks. Only started really hurting at 55km but that could have been psychological. Legs a bit shredded on Sunday but coming back today.
Great event and great people. A gateway ultra. I want to do a 50 miler now.
Keep at it people!
That's still a very, very good run @thecaptain, in fact 2:53 when it's gone wrong is very impressive.
@root-n-5th, sounds like an interesting event, awesome work.
Still really struggling with getting any kind of decent pace, but I did manage a nice 3 mile run in the sun on Saturday (then there was an almighty hail storm just after I got home) as part of my rehabilitation.
Legs feel sore today though 🙁
PSA - Reebok Energy Floatride Energy 4 £52.50 from their site, use promo code SPRING. Free postage too.
Ordered a pair - never had a pair of Reebok's but they seem to get good reviews.
Does anyone know Dorset particularly well? We're staying in Wimborne Minster in a couple of weeks, any tips for nice 10kish trail runs (ideally from the door, but can drive if needed) would be much appreciated.
Morning all,
Need a bit of help on how to taper for back to back events.
I've decided, somewhat on a whim, to enter a marathon on the 2nd May. I've done this for no other reason than I feel in good form off the back of some big mileage and fancy a crack at a good time.
This is all well and good, bar the fact that I have an ultra 3 weeks afterwards, which is what my training has been mostly geared towards.
I clearly need to back of a bit to be fresh for the marathon, but I also don't want to jeopardise the ultra.
Any suggestions? Particularly around the weeks between the marathon on the ultra?
Thanks all.
Could you use the marathon as your last or penultimate long run? Or take a week off after then one week normal intensity then mini taper.
That's the plan, the marathon is the last long run, albeit, it'll be (a lot) faster than ultra pace.
I guess I'm concerned I'll potentially end up with a 5 week taper (2 before the marathon, 3 after it and before the ultra) and don't want to lose to much form in that period.
25m 7500ft yesterday, cracking day out.
Lunge, I'd be tempted to wind back any ambition on the marathon tbh.