November Review

Hiya,

Not too bad a month 65 miles, adding to the yearly total of 949 miles.  The snow is on the way too!!  I am enjoying the jog scotland which is guaranteeing a wednesday run with some company.  I have a 5k today which I haven't run this racedistance for 6 years- so no PBs in mind.

Did a PW at Strathaven 10k which was hardly unexpected due to my difference in training with the ultra.  43mins so not too bad- gives me a target for next year.

Getting into a better routine with the runs and the new job!  So all good.

Loooking forward to running with the christmas hat on today 22.50 target.

cheers

allan

October Review

A better month for mileage; 68 miles, not great due to the change of job.

Overall, 886 miles for the year, so 1000 miles looks very avhievable.  This week was not great mileage only managing out tomora Sunday.  However, should manage 4 runs next week- so back on track.

A PW at Strathaven 10k last week 43.04, which was hardly unexpected dut to training limitations and transition from ultra training.  However, claer plans being formulated for next year;

• March 10k 
• May Monklands1/2 Marathon Marathon
• June Strathearn Marathon
• July Clyde Stride
• Nov Strathaven 10k

Cheers

allan

September Review

Well a much quieter month mileage wise- 26 miles!!  A bit of a struggle due to various factors namely a 'nearly broken' toe which lost me two weeks and starting a new job with no showering facilities.

I have now managed to get back on track with a sort of routine, which has meant I managed three runs this week which hopefully will keep me on track form my plus 1000 miles year.

cheers
allan

August Review

A much quieter month mileage wise 57.89.  I was enjoying the fact I didn't have to run which is quite a good feeling after all the ultra training.  Although I have now signed up for the strathaven 10k and the Tinto hill race in November.

So there is now an added incentive to include speed sessions and hill work- just the motivation I needed.

I did a training run up Tinto two weeks ago and it was so hard.  38 minutes up and 18 minutes down and very very sore legs for the next 4 days!

I am now including cycling sessions into my training to improve my hill work.

Clyde Stride- My First Ultra!!!!!!!- Nearly

Hiya,

Just back from the Clyde Stride.  I didn't quite manage the full race dropping out at the 3rd checkpoint -30 miles.  The cramps in my calfs were preventing me even walking to finish it- the were crippling!  This is something I have never had before and one I don't want to have again.

On reflection there were a few things I could have done differently;

• More longer runs trying to get my long run up to 5 hours
• A slower 1st leg I did the 1st 10 miles in 8-8.30min mile- despite planning on 9 min mile pace
• Made arrangement for water replenishment at the 1st checkpoint

I still enjoyed the race and know I could do it.  My original plan was to do this for my 40th so in effect I have done a recce of the parts of the race I was unfamiliar with.

It was also good to catch up with the Strathearn Harriers it was a pleasant surprise to see them, many of which I haven't seen for years the two phils and the two Lizs.

If I felt I could have finished I think I would be more disappointed , although given the cramps there was no way I could- so good experience and there is always next year.

cheers

allan

June Review

Well another month away and now 2 weeks before the big race.  I have done 123 miles this month with the last two weeks having pretty low mileage for a few reasons.  The first being I am now pretty fed up with the long runs and the need to run, rather than the desire.  The second being I have been quite busy at work, also the running is impacting on time with Liam, especially the long runs.

I have came to the conclusion that I can run 20 miles quite comfortably in about 4 hours witout much pain.  The next 10 miles will be tough and the next 10 will be even tougher.   However the last 20 miles in in 'my own territory' I am used to the route and I can walk/jog the end.

I am looking forwar to it or should I say the end of it:!!

cheers

allan

May Review

What a month the mileage has certainly increased did 176 miles this month.  Now doing wo long runs at the weekend.  Did 22 miles on Sunday.  The recovery now in my legs is so much quicker after the runs.  It is only about 6 weeks to go.  I was thinking if I split the race down to 12 half hour blocks, it should be fine.

Then a long rest, feeling quite pressured 'having' to do the runs and not ust running to enjoy.

Going to do two runs tomorrow a 4 miler in the afternoon and a 10 miler at night.

cheers

allan

Quieter Week

A quieter week due to an unfortunate accident with a computer cable and my eyeball!!

Coupled with a stomach bug, managed a very slow 7 miles today.  Will be bac on track this week.

cheers

allan

A Good Week With A Long Run

A really good week now back from holiday.  Managed about 3.5 on Wednesday and Thursday.  On Friday I did a fast strathclyde park I was worried that I could do a fast session and my pace has slowed right down with all the ultra slower runs.  My friend gave me an incentive to do it under 26 mins.  Having not run it for years and not as ast as that for even longer the pressure was on.

Started off well, good pace and good times at my famiiar landmarks, on track for 26 minutes- I pushed hard all the way and at the home straight I upped the pace for a fast burst slightly earlier than I would normally.  As a result the running near sick experience happened about 20 strides before the finish.  As I checked the watch 25.59!!!  couldn't believe it  I did it.  This has gave me some confidence for the Pollok 10 in a few weeks.

Today I did 22 miles in 3hours 20 minute, felt good just a bit tired the gradual increase in mileage is working.   Although the 1 hour nap on the couch afterwards was really needed.

cheers

allan

Holiday Training

Now in sunny magaluf!  It is absolutely roasting.  Our hotel is at the top of a very steep hill, which only a runnert would describe as an ideal location!!

Having walked up and down every day it is a very steep challenge.  I ran a 4 mile loop on Thursday which was good although I did get lost which meant I had to double back- if I had taken water I would have taken the gamble.

Today I tackled the stairs which were very tough which are from the valley up to the steepest point- amazing especially when you lose the feeling in your legs and walking and running are impossible- ideal for a hill session!!

cheers
allan

March Review

A better month mileage wise.  Managed 110 miles this month and I have got the Sunday run up to 2.5 hours and I am planning 3 hours on Sunday.  Now running with my Mizuno Wave Harrier 14 which I managed to negotiate £25 and free delivery off - the joy of internet price wars!

Right arch still a bit tender but I am sure some hamstring stretching before will help (if  i remember to do it)  Now doing a longer mid week run started last night 9 miles followed by 3 today.  It was the first time for a long time where my legs felt heavy and tired during the run, therefore that is me now in new territory in my training plan i.e. outwith my comfort zone.

The biggest challenge is getting up early enough on a Sunday to squeeze a long run in and not lose the full day whilst sacrificing sleep.

Time for a rest for a few days.

cheers

allan

Feb Review

Things going well this month.  After ditching the cheap sauchonys and went back to my Mizunos- injury free.  Although now on the look out for a new pair which is always a long drawn out affair.

Training has went well this month managing 4 runs a week (mostly).  Ran to Glasgow (Tollcross) from Law, 17miles, 2hours 30 mins at 9 min mile pace which will be ultra pace and I felt good throughout.  So as long as I do not run two days in a row my feet aren't sore- maybe I should speed up the new trainers!

After the long run I brought my sunday run last week down to an hour and half I am planning on upping to 2 hours on sunday.

Cheers

allan

January Review

Did 76 miles in the month which is a good start.  Now have my long runs up to 1hr 50mins, adding 10 minutes per week.  Managing to get 4 runs a week in.  The mileage will start to increase now with a longer mid week run.

Had slight niggle in my right foot so had to rest for a few days- will have to renew my Mizunos soon.

All in all plan on track.

allan

First Good Week Of Training

A much better week.  After a 90 minute run on sunday without too much pain.  enough to say we are here but it is nothing to worry about.   This followed with an easy 4 mile on Monday and a rest on Tuesday.  On Wed ran did 7 miles with rucsack full of magazines part of the way.  Then did 5 miles today and aiming for 100 minutes on sunday.

After going back to Mizunos haven't looked back.

Hopefully stay on track for the ultra!!

1st Injury of 2011

Hiya,

Just picked up my first injury of 2011, which I think has been caused by running in the snow/ice and running in a pair of cheap Saucony Grid Gemini Support Running Shoes, instead of my Mizunos!!

Did 9 miles on sunday and was sore from start to finish, in my inner heels.  I have booked a physio appointment.  But I am hoping for a pain free run in my Mizunos before then so I do not have to go :)  Not mention save £27.50!!

allan