Bruise

As requested by my mawkish friend, my bruised leg.

Post op and training plan

So its been 5 days since the op and recovery is going well. I've gone from immobility to walking OK. My right thigh is one big bruise in a range a beautiful colours and I have stitches in a place that needed a particularly steady hand from the surgeon (I'm glad I didn't think too much about that before hand).

I have to walk a little everyday before my stitches are removed on the 27th and then I might go for an easy swim and cycle at Centre Parks over New Year. I will return to gentle training on the 9th if everything goes to plan but I am aware that the docs did say 4 to 6 weeks. I'm not sure why. If my stitches are out and the wound has healed, what harm can running do. Especially as they are encouraging me to walk everyday to improve circulation.

Anyway, I am having to concentrate really hard on my eating. Its so hard. There is a giant tin of Quality Street on the side, loads of cheese in the fridge and Panettone in the cupboard. I must be strong.

I'm staying focused by doing my ironman training plan. I have a book called "Be Iron Fit" by Don Fink which seems really good. There is three training programs, Competitive, Intermediate and Just Finish. I've gone for the middle one, Intermediate, as it seems reasonable for me.

The first 10 weeks (Base) averages out as 8.5 hours a week, the 2nd 10 weeks (Build) averages as 11.5 and the final 10 weeks (Peak) is 13 hours. It looks doable on paper, probably different in reality.

The power of t'internet

Hurray for the power of the Internet and common sense. A fairly meaningless victory in the grand scheme of things but the thought of Cowell being a bit miffed is very funny.

Operation

Well, that's that. All done in a day. The ugly varicose vein has been stripped out and I'm all bandaged up and full of opiates.

I have to say, Chelsea and Westminster hospital is excellent. Exactly how you want a hospital to be; well organised, clean, new, uncluttered and very friendly staff.

I now have 2 weeks in compression tights, then stitches removed followed by 2 more weeks in the tights. Then it should all be better. I did get a variety of answers to my "when can I run" question. 3 weeks was the best answer and 6 the worst. I guess I just play it by ear.

Killing in the name of

I don't normally publish non-exercise stuff on my blog but I would love this to happen and if I can get anyone else to buy a copy, it would be worth it.

LET'S GET RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE TO THE CHRISTMAS NO.1 SPOT THEN!

Are you getting fed up about the possibility of ANOTHER X-Factor Christmas No.1? ...us too...so we're going to do something about it!

We are all buying a download of 'KILLING IN THE NAME' by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE right NOW! until the end of Saturday 19th December (23:59pm).

Q: So how do we do this then?
A: Take your pick(s) of the digital providers below. It should take you to the page where you can purchase your copy of KILLING IN THE NAME. in most cases it's track#2 but check before you click!

Q: But there's other websites now offering RAGE for Xmas links?
A: Yes, but these links right here were created by the creators of the whole campaign themselves. They are not 'affiliate' links so therefore nobody gets any sort of 'commission'. You don't need to go anywhere else.

Q: When do i buy 'Killing In The Name'?
A: NOW until Saturday 19th December at 23:59pm

** DO NOT DOWNLOAD IT 10 TIMES OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT...IT'LL JUST GET ANNULLED FROM THE CHART **

Prices as of Saturday 12th December. If any change within the week i'll adapt the link. DON'T PAY LESS THAN 0.40p !! It won't count.

Direct linking approved by the Official Charts Company.

iTUNES - 99p - track #2 (click on 'view in itunes' on the right)
http://bit.ly/ratm-itunes

PLAY.COM - 70p - it's the only track on the page
http://bit.ly/ratm-play

AMAZON.CO.UK - *DONT USE*7DIGITAL - £1.19P - track #2
http://bit.ly/ratm-7digital

HMV.COM - 79p (careful - this is track #1)
http://bit.ly/ratm-hmv

TUNETRIBE - 49P - track #2 - LIVE version (yes it counts)
http://bit.ly/ratm-tunetribe

TESCO DIGITAL - 67p - track #2
http://bit.ly/ratm-tesco

WE7 - £1.07p - track #2
http://bit.ly/ratm-we7

Point of destruction

Well, it seems that I ran myself into the ground last weekend. I felt achy and tired after the run and of course my knee was hurt but I didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary after such a tough run.

However, by Wednesday, when all the usual aches and pains had gone, I was left with a very sore right knee and a very bad back. I found out how bad on Thursday night. I went to a Christmas party and forgot my wallet on the table when I left at the end of the evening. I got to the bus stop before I realised so made my way back. I was now late for the baby sitter so ran back to the restaurant. After 30 seconds of running I pulled up with stunning pain shooting through both my knee and back.

The knee pain subsided but the back didn't. I had trouble sleeping that night and I can still feel twinges in both areas. I guess it was the 2 ltrs of water in the Camelbak that did some of the damage.

So it looks like no running until after Christmas (I have a small operation on Wednesday to have a vein removed from my leg) so I'm done for the year. My 2009 stats are complete. Not happy about that but I guess I finished on a high with the marathon.

What have I done?

Congratulations
Your entry into the IRONMAN UK 2010. has now been confirmed. Your can view your confirmed entry form, by following the link below.

Well, its done. I have committed to nearly 8 months of training and then 15 hours of struggle. I can't quite believe it. I can't picture myself standing in a wet suit at the edge of a lake in Bolton.

I have to say, it was tough getting to sleep last night. The swim part still scares me. I was sitting watching my daughter at her swim club and it dawned on me that every kid at the club is a better swimmer then me.

Goals for the next two months
1. Try not to gain weight over Christmas
2. Learn to swim (I have booked swim lessons at swimfortri.com)
3. Try to establish a weekly routine with all three disciplines

New Blog

A friend of mine, Ed, has started a blog that some of you might find interesting.

http://fromfittofatandbackagain.blogspot.com/

He did the Etape this year but due to illness, has had to take some time out of training. He should be up and running again and will be training for the Marmotte in 2010. I wish him well.

However, feel free to flame him as the main picture on his site is him beating me up a hill. I can only retalliate with this picture of me cycling up a small hill in Wales with Ed walking in the background. Ha!

Marathon number 7 or Ultra number 1

What the hell was I doing. Some time back in late summer, I was feeling over confident about life and decided to enter a autumn/winter marathon. I was coming off the back of my Etape success and decided that a normal marathon wasn't challenging enough so went for a hilly, cross country event in Wales.

With my teacher training course, my running build-up had been patchy and I was shocked by how quick the race came around. On my drive to Wales on a wet and windy Friday night, I wondered what the hell I was thinking.

I arrived at my B&B at 10pm and went straight to bed. I got up a 6am, had my porridge and set off to the race. I was fairly casual about my gear compared with how I have been at previous marathons even though I had to carry lots more than usual - water, space blanket, whistle, first aid, gels and phone.

The other contestants where the usual set of skinny, tight wearing 'outdoors' people with buffs i.e not me. I always wonder why XC runners mostly wear tights but road runners mostly wear shorts. I did have my own buff for the first time as it was given away free with Cycling Plus this week which was a bit of luck.

It was cold and windy but not raining. It wasn't due to rain until the late afternoon but I still put on my raincoat as it was chilly. An announcement was made that because of flooding (it had been raining for 3 days solid), the course would take a detour and as a result, was now 28 miles. It was no longer a marathon but technically an ultra.

We set off at 9am and it was straight over a dune and on to the beach. It was wet but not too soft so progress was good. Then it was off the beach and through some fields to the first hill. It was big and everyone was walking. A couple tried to run for a bit but they weren't going any faster than the walkers.

After a short plateau at the top we came down the other side along a wooden path. It was slippy and I didn't feel very stable and it wasn't long before I fell on my back-side. I was ok, just a dirty knee and a thorn in my hand.

I reached the first checkpoint and used the dibber. The next 6 miles were fine. I had fallen into a good rhythm and was with a group of about 10 other runners. We climbed the second big hill before check point 2. I had another gel, some jelly babies and a biscuit. It was then over some really tough sand dunes before reaching the coast again at mile 11.5.

The beach was a killer. You could see for over a mile and the wind was right in your face. You could see about 30 runners all shuffling against the wind trying to get to the same point and no one looked like they were making any progress.

I eventually got to the end of the beach and felt ok, especially as I had passed quite a few people. However, feeling ok was short lived as we climbed 300 feet through a forest to get over the peninsular.

The war of attrition then began. The rain started, the wind got stronger and it was just putting one foot in front of the other for mile after mile. All I was focusing on was getting to mile 20. That felt like a real breakthrough. The terrain remained tough with lots of water, deep mud and rocks. Because my legs were getting tired, I was finding it increasingly hard to navigate over the rocks without walking which slowed me down.

We reached the last checkpoint at mile 21 but I knew we had 7 miles and a really big hill to go. It was at this point that my right knee started to hurt. Just a twinge at first but mile after miles, it got worse and worse. Up hills were ok, running on the flat was fine for about 3 or 4 minutes at a time but down hills were painful. I tried to take my 4th gel here but was nearly sick so didn't bother.

We got to the final hill and it was big. A thin stream of people were making their way to the top and into a cloud (yes, it was that big). We trudged up laughing at our pain. It went on and on. Once we got to the top, it was bleak. Visibility was bad and the rain was heavy.

After another 20 minutes of this, I finally saw the finish. It was down a very steep slope which made me want to cry. Whilst others skipped down in glee (or slid) knowing it was about to be over, I had to gingerly make it down using one leg. If I put any weight on my right leg my knee screamed at me.

I eventually made it home practically hoping over the line. I forgot to stop my watch and I can't find the result printout so I'm not totally sure of my time but it was around 5:50. It doesn't sound great but it was an extreme course. 30 minutes later, as I drove away, there were still people coming off the hill so I wasn't last. Hooray.

Food
Breakfast - Porridge, toast, coffee, High5 4:1 drink, water
Gels - SiS at 4 miles, 10 miles, 15 miles and half at 21 miles
Other - Biscuit and handful of jelly babies
Hydration - I carried and drank 1.5 litres of water, 1 bottle of Gatorade (yuk)
Hydration - 3 cups of water on route
After - For Goodness Shake and Burger King

Stats
Distance: 28 miles (45km)

Time: 5:50:00 ???
Elevation Gain: 3900 feet (1188 meters)
Weather: Nasty
Winner: 3:44:4
11st Female: 4:03:34
Me: 5:53:38
I finished 113th out of 169

Other Photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/simonlewis/sets/72157622943129638/

Predictions for Saturday...

...crap.

I can't believe I am running a marathon on Saturday. This Saturday. And not just a flat, tarmac, 26.2 miles. No, an extremely hilly, rocky, difficult and hardcore event. Just look at the picture! 42k on that.

OK, so most of my longer runs have gone alright but I just haven't run enough Monday to Friday. I've averaged about 3 runs a week and never got to over 35 miles in 7 days. I didn't manage the hill workouts I wanted to do and my eating has been appalling.

I have an excuse. Learning to be a teacher is bloody hard. I know others out there who managed to do an ironman, blog every day, teach and be a super ICT consultant are probably laughing but its taken its toll. After getting the kids to bed by nine, I then have to work so running has been very hard to fit in.

This has made me question the whole ironman thing a little but I think I just need to get more organised.

Anyway, my excuses are down in black and white. I have no goal for Saturday other than to finish. I would love not to be last but I think this is the most realistic chance I have ever had. This event does attract a lot of skinny, mad fell runner types which I just cannot compete with and I think the field will only be around 100 strong (99 strong, 1 less so).

Its also set to be cold and wet. Joy. Why am I doing this?

Picture of the Gower Peninsular courtesy of MyGeo web site.

Tri Questions - Part 1

1. Why Tri bikes in an Ironman?
Having done 6 sportives this year, all above 70 miles and the longest being 150, not once did I see a rider on a bike with tri-bars and using a pointy helmet. So why do riders in an ironman use a tri bike? I always thought that the prone tri bike position was too harsh for a long ride but obviously not.

2. What do you wear under a wet suit?
I'm not sure about clothes in general for an ironman. Do people get properly changed at each transition? I can't imagine swimming with padded cycling shorts under a wet suit and I can't riding 112 miles without them.

3. Swimming suits
Can you wear a wetsuit in pools? Are there full body swim costumes for men (I'm fairly self conscious at the moment)? Would it be practical to wear for pool swim sessions or a pain in the arse?

This is what I saw and liked the look of Aqua Sphere WT80.

4. Ironman Alternative
I didn't decide to do the ironman UK before the pre registration closed so the 8000 people registered will have "24 hours advance opportunity to enter the 2010 event's 1500 places". So, if I don't get a place, does anyone have any alternatives. I can't do the Outlaw Ironman the week later as I'm going on holiday. July 24, 25, 31 or 1st August would be perfect.

Plans are afoot

After taking the examples from the inspiring John Sutton and Rob Shipman, I am thinking of doing an ironman in 2010. I can't really swim that well but I'm pretty sure I can train myself up to get in under the 2 hrs 20 mins cut-off for the 2.4 mile swim. After that, its just a small matter of the 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run. These distances don't scare me like the swim does. I know I have no idea what its like to do one after the other but taking them in isolation, I know I can cycle and run that far.

The UK Ironman is in August which is perfect timing before I go on our family holiday. I have been thinking of doing an ironman for a couple of years but now I have gone back to work, time is more scarce. I know my NQT (newly qualified teacher) year will be extremely tough so if I don't do it in 2010, I might have to wait until 2012.

Currently, I have this planned:

2009
05 December 2009 - Endurance Life Gower Marathon

2010
14 February - St. Valentines 30k *
28 February - Meon Valley Plod
14 March - Surrey Spitfire 20 *
28 March - Bedford Harriers Oakley 20 *
18 April - Brighton Marathon
9 May - Fred Whitton *
6 June - Dragon Ride *
1 August - Ironman UK *
* Not entered yet

I have a 20 miler every other week up until the marathon as I'm very keen to break my PB. I'll need to add a long ride in every week as well with a really long one in on the weekends I'm not running 20 miles.

The swimming will have to be fitted in during the week and I need to add a couple of triathlons to get used to them. I've done duathlons but the whole wet suit thing is a mystery.

Other thoughts

CamelBak
I went to use it on Saturday and filled it up, put it on and water started squirting out of the mouth piece. I found it had a small hole and the pressure of wearing it was facing the water out. I was straight onto Wiggle and they were very good. I explained I needed it for a marathon I'm doing in 12 days so didn't have time to send it in first. They agreed to post a replacement

Tyres
All hail the Continental GP4000s tyre. I don't know how they did it but the 65 miles I rode where on some terrible roads, unseen pot holes due to all the water, loads of leaves, fallen sticks and branches and lots of general crap on the roads. Not once it I slip, skid, wobble or get a puncture. Amazing.

Taper time
In the past, two weeks before a marathon has been a serious taper fortnight. This time, as the marathon is less time pressured, I'm going to try and run hard up until Saturday and then taper for only 7 days. I wanted to see how fresh my legs feel. It may backfire a little but I am curious.

Yearly Targets
As mentioned previously, I am going to miss both my yearly running and riding targets but I have set new smaller ones to get to at least 80% of the cycling and 60% of the running. The cycling is very doable, the running will take a bit of effort but I should make it.

Salvaging a poor day

Today was supposed to be the Turbo X Salomon cross country 10. A wet, muddy run on difficult terrain; the ideal preparation for my cross country marathon. However, on Saturday night I realised the car was double booked.

My kids had a fashion show event (don't ask) in town and Cath needed to take them there and back so I would have to make my own way to Bordon in Hampshire. I looked at the trains but the usual rubbish Sunday morning service was in place with the first train getting into the closest station too late to make the start, even if I took my bike. So the only option was to cycle the 42 miles. An extreme day but worth it if I pulled it off.

Bordon is not too far away from Haslemere where I used to live so I thought I would be able to find it. I printed out maps, set the alarm for 5:40 am, got all my bike and running gear ready, fixed lights on my road bike and went to bed.

The alarm went off and I jumped out of bed and got breakfast ready fast. I knew that the sooner I could set off, the better. As the forecast had said, it was wet and windy but had stopped raining. I rode out in the empty roads towards Wimbledon, Kingston and Cobham. This was all familiar territory but it went wrong as I got to Aldershot. My map was done using A and B road numbers but all I could see were names which were no help. I knew I was going wrong but just tried to head in the right direction.

Time was slipping away and by the time I left Farnham, I was only just going to make it. It was then that I must have taken a wrong turn as I cycled and cycled looking for signs to Bordon but nothing. It was 9:55 when I saw a sign and in said 6 miles. Pointless. The race had begun and I was not going to be running it. I was gutted. It was a race I had been really looking forward too. Normal road races are ten-a-penny but these cross country runs are a lot rarer.

I had 50 miles on the speedo so I decided I would cycle home and make it a century and save something of the day. Trouble was, 5 miles later, the Almighty got angry and decided to flood Surrey. No one told me I was going to have to build an ark and my flimsy rain jacket was doing nothing. I could hardly see and it got quite scary.

I persevered for another 7 miles but decided I couldn't go on. It was beginning to shiver violently and I was worried I would get hypothermia. I got to Godalming and got a train home shivering all the way, having done around 65 miles.

I got home and sulked for a couple of hours. Outside the weather cleared so I go angry, got my running gear on and set out. My legs where tired and I was slow but I forced myself round my 11 mile loop. All was not lost. Nearly two thirds of a half ironman :-)

A week to forget

• My wife is in New York for the week (miss her and cannot get out to run)


• Woke up on Monday very unwell (really busy week at school)


• Off work Monday and Tuesday (looks bad as I'm trying to make an impression)


• My youngest hates her after school club. She was crying again on Monday and Tuesday


• Wednesday - still feeling bad and daughter ill as well. I went home from school


• Got a call from school to go and pick her up


• Thursday and still feel ropey and daughter is still unwell.


• Duaghter also saying she doesn't want to ever go back to after school club.

No more Twitter

I am done with Twitter. I never quite saw the point of it in the first place and didn't use it that much. I didn't like the constant stream of comments that flooded past and that unless you spent ages on it, you couldn't read everyone's thoughts.

I also didn't like the lack of a conversation. It was like hearing the odd word or two through the walls.

I did enjoy keeping track of some interesting people on there but most of them have blogs that I regularly read.

Anyway, on Monday I got a tweet from a friend who directed me to a web site. Usually I'm good about these things but this time I didn't think and opened it. Somehow this hacked my account and sent all my friends the same tweet. I changed my password but it still seems hacked so that is that. No more tweets for me. Account Deleted.

Wiggle adverts

I like the online sports store Wiggle but I find it very unnerving that as soon as I search for something on their site, the next time I log into Hotmail I get an advert down the right hand side for that very same item.

I know stores, search engines and email sites all talk to each other to make sure you buy, buy, buy, but seeing it happen so starkly is a little disturbing.

Last week it was CamelBaks and XC shoes, now its compression tights. I did find it particularly pointless with the first two as I have already bought them from Wiggle. It shows its not that clever.

Brighton 10K

Saturday was miserable. I woke with a stinking cold that had got worse and worse all day and outside it looked like the end of the world. I could not envisage running anywhere. I did some school work and pottered around the house watching my first TV in 8 days. At 6:30, we ventured out into the rain and all caught a train to Brighton to see my brother. He took us out for a nice Italian and we got to stay in a lovely room in his hotel.

Sunday morning was the Brighton 10k, a race I've run before but my brothers first time. It was actually my brothers first ever race and the first time he had run 10k. It was raining when I woke up but it soon cleared. My cold however, had not; I felt rough.

I had breakfast, porridge and toast, and then met up with Phil and his girlfriend Jo. We walked down to the start just past the pier, used the facilities, got some pins for our number and got to the start. The girls (my family and Jo) walked up the road to wave at us and we waited for the start.

At 10am we started but quite slowly. It was congested and we tried to make progress but it was hard. We went out 1.5 kms before turning back the way we came and through the start. We waved at the girls out and back and found the crowds thinning. We picked up the pace a little in spite of the head wind and made out way to the second turn around at 6.5 kms.

Once we'd made the turn for home, it was mentally easier and Phil's pace quickened. He was fine until 7 kms when he started to slow slightly. I pushed a little ahead to give him a carrot and he kept pace. In the last 1500 meters I could hear him breathing harder but he was not giving up and within sight of the finish he started sprinting. It took me by surprise but he didn't drop me. We weaved in and out of the runners getting faster and faster but still crossing the finish line together.

I'm so proud of my brother. It was great to run with him and a lot of fun. We had a huge Sunday lunch where I tried again to get him to do the marathon in April but he said never. Oh well, a 10k once a year will have to do.

Stats
Chip Time: 0:54:18
Overall Position: 1559th out of 2544
Male Position: 579th out of 1531
Weather: Overcast and windy. Not cold.
First Place: 00:29:03
Last Place: 1:44:11 (amazing guy with a walking problem who looked so determined when I saw him coming the other way)

Photos courtesy of Sussex Sport Photography. I have bought these pictures and I'm waiting on delivery.

CamelBak Octane XC

With my marathon fast approaching, I new I had to sort out my back pack. The EnduranceLife series requires you to carry water, a space blanket and a phone. I have a very old CamelBak that I used the on one of their half marathons but it wasn't great. It was uncomfortable and rubbed a little so I figured by the end of 26.2 miles, it would be a disaster.

So I looked around and decided on the CamelBak Octane XC from Wiggle.

It has a 2 litre capacity and three pockets, two big ones around the sides and a small one on top. I had gels in one pocket, inhaler in another and my phone and money in the top.

I gave it a good test wearing it on my 20 mile long run at the weekend. It felt heavy when full of water but once I put it on it was fine. The strap around the waist made it feel stable but the strap around my chest did feel like it was lifting and separating and giving me a nice rack so I didn't do it up. Vanity over comfort.

After I started, it was fairly uneventful. The water did slosh around and the noise was a little annoying but the movement was minimal. It was very comfortable, didn't make me too hot and didn't rub. I had to tighten the shoulder straps a few times as they felt loose but that was all.

I'm extremely happy with my purchase. £45 well spent.

Tour of London

My week had been very busy as I'm back at school on my placement. It was very hard work and I only managed to get out twice to play football on Tuesday and Friday. I worked hard when playing but it meant the weekly miles were low. I had to complete the weekend long run or it would be a terrible week.

I started in Battersea Park, doing a loop before heading up to Sloane Square, past Harvey Nichols and into Hyde Park at Wellington Arch. I did a full lap of Hyde Park before crossing at Wellington Arch again, down Constitution Hill and to Buckingham Palace.

London was looking stunning. It had poured down at football on Friday night so it was a pleasant surprise to see blue sky and a crisp morning when I woke on Saturday. London was also very full with lots of people in town for remembrance day.

After the Palace I went down The Mall, past Horse Guards Parade towards Westminster and the Embankment. There were times when the pavements were so full I had to walk for a few seconds or try to run in the road but it didn't bother me.

I was still feeling fine at this stage. I had stopped at 5 miles and 10 miles to take a gel (SiS) and my new camelbak (review later) was supplying me with water. I was loving London and I think it helped pass the time. Its very easy to overlook the place where you live but the run reminded me just how lucky I am.

I ran along the Embankment, past the Millennium Bridge and over Tower Bridge. The south of the river is the busy side so I had to pick my way through the crowds past Borough Market, Tate Modern and the London Eye. I had a packet of Clif Shots at 15 miles and tried to work out where I'd have to go to get over 20 miles in.

So it was back to the north side over Vauxhall Bridge and along the river to Chelsea Bridge and back into Battersea Park. I was tired by this stage and suffering. My left foot was hurting but everything else was ok and I knew I only had 2 miles to go. It was around the park and home to finish 20.5 miles in 3:12.

I am really pleased with the run. Not quick but that is really not an issue at the moment. Time will be irrelevant at the marathon so its just great to get the distance in my legs.

Not long enough

Post holiday + pre-work + rubbish weather = miserable Sunday.

I was supposed to do a long run. 15 minimum, 20 maximum. It was pouring down when I got up but I had to take my Dad to the station first thing so I was in no hurry to get out and run. I got back around 10:30 and had a little more breakfast as it was still foul outside. Then it was lunch and the weekly shop so more opportunities to procrastinate.

Finally it was 3pm and the last chance to get out so off I went. I kind of knew I wasn't doing 20 but thought I might make it to 15. I ran towards Wimbledon and was enjoying myself finding the miles were passing by easily. I didn't really think where I was going and passed over Wandsworth Common to Clapham Common and then down towards home. This was only 11 miles but it was dark and I was so close to home that I stopped.

I'm now annoyed that I didn't do more. My weekly mileage is good but my long runs just aren't long enough.

Running in Cyprus

Just back from Cyprus and a lovely weeks holiday with my wife. We carelessly left our kids at home with my Dad. Shame!!!

I managed to do a few runs whilst out there. One in the gym, one hill run and two 10 milers. I didn't find anywhere nice to run inspite of asking twice at the hotel. The roads were all busy with small verges and I spend a lot of the time waiting to be killed by a careless driver. But it was good to get the miles in and they allowed me to eat more at the evening all-you-can-eat buffet.

Runs
Sun 25th - 6.2 miles
10k on a treadmill in 51 minutes. Terrible run. It was a very very hot run on an old, squeaky treadmill. No air conditioning in a basement room in Cyprus is not nice.

Tue 27th - 10 miles
A good 10 mile run along a horrible main road, some of it on a verge, some on a path. Near the sea but not close enough to be a coast road.

Wed 28th - 5 miles
1.5 miles slow, 1 mile fast (7 minute mile) and then 0.5 slow. Then 2 miles of step hills reps. It was hard work but good.

Fri 30th - 10.2 miles
Same run as on Tuesday. Thursday had a terrible storm in the afternoon so given in was overcast at 11am, I decided to go out early. However, after 30 minutes, the skies cleared and it was sunny......and very warm. I was drenched and my head was burning. Still ran ok.

Wimbledon 10k Photos

Toilet queues before the race. Only 20 mins before the start. And star spotting - Annabel Croft finishes in 47:52 (I beat her).

Wimbledon 10K

Saturday was supposed to be a long run but I had some revision to do for some teaching skills tests that are coming up and by the time they were done, I didn't feel like running. So on Sunday, I was annoyed at my lack of exercise and the fact that I had a 10k race booked. 6 miles was just not long enough but I'd paid for it and I hate wasting money.

It was the Wimbledon 10k which I had run once before. Its a nice enough route up Wimbledon Hill, through the Village and over part of the Common before heading back down to the rugby club.

I got there early to pick up my number (postal strike), got ready, and did a bit of a jog before starting. I had no real expectations as I hadn't really tried to run fast for ages. The first 3kms felt terrible and I already had excuses rolling around in my head. I managed to get to the hill in under 5 minute kms and once I got to the top and half way, I started to get into it. I felt I could open up a bit and began to pass some people.

I started to think about my time and aimed for sub-50. By 8kms, I realised that I could go 1, 2 or more minutes faster and pushed. It was getting hard but I still kept it up. I realised there was an outside chance of sub-47 which I couldn't quite believe and I went for it. It was further than I thought but still got in at 47:31 which was 47:19 chip timed.

I am actually really stunned by the time. I felt like a plodded the first half of the race and could have tried much harder especially if I had warmed up more. I haven't done many 10ks (9 in total) but this is my 3rd fastest time. I think I could really give my PB a go.

Stats
Distance: 10k
Time: 47:19
Pace: 7:37 minute miles
Place: 213th out of 757
Weather: Cold but clear

Splits
1 - 4:56
2 - 4:43
3 - 4:50
4 - 4:59
5 - 4:52
6 - 4:57
7 - 4:44
8 - 4:17
9 - 4:36
10 - 4:25

Progress Report

At the start of 2009, I sent myself three goals.
1. To ride the Etape
2. 1000 miles running
3. 5000 miles cycling

The first was completed back in July. The second two, however, are not looking so good.

Running
Total so far: 398 miles
Percentage: 40% complete
Runs: 58
Average: 6.8 miles

Cycling
Total so far: 3704 miles
Percentage: 74% complete
Rides: 124
Average: 30 miles

There are 81 days left this year so if I ran 7.4 miles AND rode 16 miles each day I'd complete both goals. The cycling is doable but I have to accept the running isn't as I can't run 50 mile weeks from now until Christmas.

My aim now is to complete the cycling and get to around 70% of the running.

Big Weekend

Normally, after running a 15 mile race, I'd take the next day off. Not today. It was my wife's birthday and we were going to her sister's for lunch. My youngest daughter had a birthday party to go to first but my wife suggested she go to the party and I run to her sisters.

So the choice was to stay in bed for longer and run 13 miles or get up and go to a kids party. Even though my legs were like lead, I chose the run option.

I had to run with a rucksack as my wife didn't take my change of clothes which didn't make things easy. The weather was fine, too warm if anything. I walked up to the Common just to stretch my legs and then set off. Nothing really hurt and I didn't have any pain in the usual places but I just had no energy. I couldn't get any speed and just plodded along. I quickly realised I just had to get through it.

I thought I might get a few waves of energy and be able to pick up the pace but it never happened. Hills were the worst parts and climbing up to Crystal Palace was torture. I did have a couple of short walking breaks but eventually made it to Keston in around 2 hrs 15 mins.

So that was 28 miles in two days. I'm not sure I've ever run that far before in two days. I haven't run the day before or after any of my marathons and when I've run 20 mile training runs, I've not run more than 5 before or after. I new record I guess.

Quicksand 15

What a great race. Truly unique.

It started at 6:30 am with my alarm. Had my wife not nudged me, I would have switched it off, turned over and gone back to sleep. Thanks dear. I got up, had some toast, coffee and tried to eat my porridge but didn't finished it. I was feeling a little queasy. Nervous I guess.

The drive to Margate was easy enough. 90 minutes and I arrived before 9am. I sorted myself out and chatted to some people before walking down to the beach for 9:50. After a short briefing, we were off.

The first mile was along the beach and it was ok. Some pools of water and a little uneven but the sand was compacted and firm underfoot. This was going to be alright. It was then briefly onto the promenade before going back onto the sand. This time it was a little softer. The sand was looser and gave way underfoot, there was seaweed and stones you had to avoid. This lasted 3 more miles.

Up a sharp hill and onto the cliff top, the first water station and then back on the beach. This was a really hard section where the beach was completely covered in large flints and stones. It was very hard on the ankles.

It was then on sand until mile 7. Some of the sand was hard but there were many soft patches that really sapped your strength. It was then up a large flight of steps onto the cliff top and the turn around point.

The return journey was mostly the same and I was doing ok. I had a gel at mile 9 and kept my pace somewhere around the low 9 minute miles until mile 11 when we rounded the headland into the wind. The westerly wind was strong and it was all I could do to concentrate on each step and just keep going. I focused on the person in front and just tried not to lose ground.

It always feels like a race will never end and this was a prime example. The miles ticked by very slowly and with less that a mile to go, I could actually see the finish but it didn't seem to get any closer. I realised I was in with a shout of sub 2:20 so I had a 'sprint' finish and sneaked it.

I was really delighted with my effort. Its great to know I could run 15 a lot quicker or run 18-20 at the same speed and I've still got 8 weeks until the marathon. Happy days.

Time: 02:19:22
Distance: 15.00 miles
Pace: 9:17 minute miles
Elevation Gain: 162 m
Weather: Partly Sunny & Windy

Weekend Running

I lazed around on Saturday morning listening to Adam and Joe and put off going out for a run. The Indian summer had well and truly ended and it was blustery and miserable out. I eventually got my arse out of the door at lunchtime and started on my 10k route.

The first few miles were terrible. My legs were so stiff especially my right calf. I had to stop and stretch several times as it felt like running with splints on my legs. I persevered and by about mile four, my legs started to loosen up and I got to enjoy that last section around Clapham Common.

The only thing I can think caused such sore legs was the football on Tuesday. My muscles and joints are not used to running with sharp changes of direction and my lack of core stability can't have helped.

Sunday was the long run, a minimum of a half marathon. I was worried as it was the longest run for a long long time and after yesterday's hobble, I thought it would be a real struggle. Fortunately, the weather was a lot better with sun and not much wind so it wasn't too hard to get myself out. I planned a nice route and set off around 1pm.

I ran to Clapham Common and then to Wandsworth before heading to Wimbledon Common. I have run on Wimbledon Common a few times but never run over the entire length and I was surprised how big it actually is and how many trails there are. It was good to run on loose stones and on uneven paths to get my ankles used to off-road running with three cross country races coming up.

It was then into Richmond Park and a loop through the middle and out through East Sheen gate. It was at 8.5 miles as I left the park and I was doing ok. Nothing was hurting too much and I was so much loser than Saturday. My right knee was a little sore but nothing to worry about (I hope). It was then off to Putney, Wandsworth and Clapham Junction. I was at 11 miles in Putney and it was starting to get tough but I was thinking it was 13 miles so not far too go.

As I ran on I realised I was 3 or 4 miles from home and I was going to have to dig it. It was a tough last 20 minutes and I was pleased to stop running but absolutely delighted I had completed 15 miles. I'm well on target now.

September Review and October Targets

September was the first full month back running. It went ok with at least 3 runs each week. I had wanted to do 4 or 5 but my new teaching course got in the way a bit. The fact that I manage the runs I did was pretty good.

Total Runs: 12
Distance: 82 miles
Total Cycles: 20
Distance: 158 miles

October is going to have to be a good month if I want to do ok in the December marathon. I need to start with a 14 miler this weekend, then its the Quicksand 15, a 13, an 18 and a 20. All this plus other runs during each week. Its going to be tough.

Goals
1. Run 4 times each week
2. Complete my long runs
3. Complete the Quicksand 15
4. Do at least one 40 mile week
5. Drop 3lbs

Sick again, football and running

I spent the last few days being sick again. Not a cold this time but a stomach bug. Both my kids had been ill and the house still smelt of vomit when I got it. It was nasty. I missed a really good trip with the school on Tuesday which was a shame.

By Tuesday night I was feeling better so I play 5-a-side football for the first time in over 12 months. My mates were short of players so I volunteered. I used to play regularly but quit after rupturing my groin a few years back. I tried to come back after it was healed but it would flare up after each match. I'm not sure what made me play this time - a bit risky given I have a marathon in 10 weeks.

I was worried I would be more terrible that I usually am but I held my own and managed not to embarrass myself. Fitness is my strength so I spent most of the match chasing down the ball. If and when I won it I tried to make a simple pass to someone on my team and retreat to defence. It seemed to work some of the time.

Today I ran home from school. 5.2 miles at a medium pace. My knee was a little sore from football but my groin/aductor was fine - touch wood.

Long run done

Well, after missing my long run at the weekend due to a cold, I planned to do it on Tuesday night if I felt better.

By Monday I was feeling much better so I did my usual 5 miles while my daughter was at her swimming club which went ok. I wasn't the quickest but everything felt fine.

I was going to do the long run on Tuesday evening but Wednesday's lectures didn't start until one so I worked on Tuesday and ran in the daylight today.

The first 5 miles were terrible. My calves were so tight that I had to stop and stretch twice. Once they loosened up my feet started to hurt. I really wasn't enjoying it.

When I got to Wimbledon, I got up the hill to the village and switched my ipod from podcasts to music. I had downloaded Pearl Jams new album and I listened to that. It was superb and really got me going. I think the hill had stretched my feet out and with the music, I started to enjoy it. I ran easier, faster and looser. The miles felt better and before I knew it, I was in Wandsworth.

Then it was off to Clapham Common and home. Over 12 miles run which was good. I didn't time it as I'm not concerned with time at present, just distance. My feet and calves are fine but my right knee is sore so I need to monitor that closely.

Sick

I've had a stinking cold for three days now. I missed my runs on Friday and today but I have to go out tomorrow. I can't miss my 13 mile long run.

So unless it has gone to my chest, I'll be out running at 7am in the morning, coughing and spluttering as I go.

New races

I've entered two more races in preparation for the Gower marathon. A 15 mile run in October and a 10 mile run in November. Both are interesting and not like the usual road runs. I chose them specifically to get more cross country/trail running under my belt and because I like the more unusual races.

Quicksand 15 - 10th October
"At 15 mile multistage beach race. Can you beat the tide? A race on Sand, Pebble, Rock, Chalk, Grass, Road, and Concrete... and possibly other terrains as well."

Saab Salomon Turbo X 10 mile trail run. 22nd November.
"The maddest, muddiest run of the Saab Salomon Trail Running Series and will not disappoint with 10 miles of the gnarliest mix of mud, sweat and trail! Hidden within a natural assault course of water, sand, marsh and muck lurks the SAAB X ZONE.... A 1- 2 mile section of the craziest trail terrain to push your stamina, agility and perseverance to the limit! You'll wade through watery wildness, clamber through mud, sand and bog, charging your way through the roughest off road track you can imagine."

Should I ride in Wales?

I have the Autumn Epic planned for the first weekend in October but I'm really unsure whether to do it or not. It was my first Sportive and I was really looking forward to it until recently. I am now less than 50/50.

I have done one cycle since the Etape so I'm undercooked. I don't have the use of the car so will have to take the train to Worcester and catch a lift with Ed who is borrowing his mums car. This will mean a late return home on Sunday.

Cycling is just not on my radar at the moment. It seems I can't love running and cycling at the same time. Especially now that I am fully committed to my teacher training course which is taking a lot of my energy and time.

Another excuse is that my training for the marathon is well underway and with less than 13 weeks to go, I do need all the long weekend runs I can get. Really not sure what to do.

Tonight's recovery run went well. The 4.9 gentle miles felt good.

Mixed Weekend running

I had planned to run one of the free Park Run 5K races but after a busy week, I couldn't get moving on Saturday morning and missed the start. Instead, I did a loop around Clapham taking in the Commons (Clapham and Wandsworth) and finished up doing 6.4 miles.

On Sunday, I had my long run. It said 10 miles in the schedule so I planned out a route and set off. It was similar to Saturday's running from Common to Common and then to Battersea Park. The first few miles were hard and I just couldn't get into a rhythm. Saturday's run felt good and my legs moved easily but today was the opposite. I had lead weights in my shoes and an imaginary headwind.

It didn't get any better. I just concentrated on getting to the next turn or to the top of the next hill. I promised myself a breather in Battersea Park at mile 8 where I would stretch. This kept me going but only just. Nothing was hurting or sore, its just I couldn't get going.

I finally made it home after 10.4 miles in a slow time. Just a bad run I guess but its good to have the miles in the bank.

I've got to try and find a race or two between now and the marathon. An off road half marathon would be perfect but when?

New Training Plan

I've been looking at my training over the next 12 weeks to see what I need to do to get me over the 26 miles in Wales. I took a 16 week program and tailored it to do what I think is enough. I'm up to 10 miles now so it should be fine.

I won't have time to do the usual 5 x 20 milers I usually try and do. I think I'll manage two 20s and an 18 as my longest runs. If I do much more I run the risk of shin splints and bad knees due to excessive mileage.

I also have the problem with trying to fit all these runs in. At the moment I'm at college from 9 until 4 and then I do some reading or work afterwards. I also take Yvette to and from school and all the usual family stuff. As I really hate running in the morning (unless I have at least an hour awake), I have to do most of my runs in the evening.

During the week, I'll be doing:
Mon: Recovery run (5 miles)
Tue: Threshold run (6 miles with 4 fast)
Wed: Middle distance run (8 - 12 miles)
Thu: Short, easy run (5 miles)
Fri: Rest Day
Sat: Short and fast. Maybe a 5K race
Sun: Long Runs

Long Runs
Week 1: 10 miles
Week 2: 13 miles
Week 3: 13 miles
Week 4: Maybe Autumn Epic Cycle
Week 5: 16 miles
Week 6: 18 miles
Week 7: 15 miles
Week 8: 20 miles
Week 9: 20 miles
Week 10: Brighton 10k
Week 11: 15 miles
Week 12: 9 miles
Week 13: Marathon

Gower Trail Marathon

With the disappointment of not being able to run the South Downs Marathon in October (because I'm doing the teach training course we had to move a weekend away), I decided to search for a different run.

After running both the North Devon and South Devon half marathons in the EnduranceLife Coastal Trail Series, I have decided to do one of their marathons. I've chosen the Gower Peninsular Trail Marathon in December.

I know it will be well organised and a stunning run. I'm fairly sure I can get the miles in between now and then although I know my time won't sent the world alight. From the half marathons I know that times were up to 50% longer than an equivalent road race because of the extreme terrain and hills so I figure I'll be closer to 5 hours than my PB of sub-4. The course record for the marathon at Gower is 3:21.

Its on a Saturday so I'm sure all the family will go down on the Friday night and we can make a weekend of it. I've now got to but together a solid training plan to get in miles and some good hill work. I'm already up to 10 mile runs so I'll push that up to half marathon distance over the next few weeks and then up to 15 or 16 in October. I'll then try and got two or three 20 miles in between the end of October and the end of November.

It couldn't feel any worse

I had a cold yesterday and felt like crap. I had planned to get up at 6 and do a run but was to tired and too miserable to get up. I felt rubbish all day and then had the delight of the dentist. My 4th of 4 fillings (a mere £600) and finally, the end of dental visits for 6 months. But he saved the best until last with an incredibly painful injection and a trainee assistant that has a long way to go. When the dentist says to his assistant "please try and get the suction in the right place to minimise splashing acid in the patients mouth" you know its not going well.

When I took my daughter to her swim club at 7, I couldn't have felt much worse. So I ran. I ran through the pain in my head, my numb face dribbling drool down my face and I ran through my hacking cough. Nice.

I need to get out on the bike again. I haven't done anything for ages other than commuting and the shops. I did get my hybrid serviced at the weekend. Other than a broken bottom bracket, it hasn't been looked at mechanically for 6 years. I had to have new chain, tyres, cassette and cables but the result is excellent. Its like having a new bike.

Moose on the Loose Race Report

I left Vermont at 6am to drive the 100 miles to Nashua in New Hampshire. I was 10 days into a 3 week holiday in the US and I was looking forward to taking part in a race. I had found it on Runners World back in May when we booked the holiday but had little idea of what to expect.

The sat-nav got me safely to Nashua but not to the Stellio stadium and the race start. It took several stops in petrol stations and diners to find it. I was greeted with the familiar site of many runners preparing for a race and I felt at home.

I signed in and got my race number and moose t-shirt and get myself sorted. I found out that the course was a 2.5 mile trail run that started and finished in a car park. Of course that meant repeating it 4 times for the 10 mile race which wasn't ideal. I'm not a fan of laps and 4 was going to be tough. It was also the farthest I'd run in a while as my cycling had taken over during the previous 6 months.

I left cold and wet weather in Vermont to find lovely warm weather at the race. In fact, it was more than warm, it was very hot, even at 9am. I'm not used to running in hot weather and I knew it would slow me a little.

The race started a little late as the toilet queue was still long but at 9:10 we got underway. There were about 250 runners in the 10 mile event and about 20 teams doing the relay. Despite the numbers, it never felt too busy and by the halfway point of the first lap, it had really thinned out. I settled into a comfortable pace with a bunch of other runners and finished the first lap without any problems. The 2.5 circuit was very pretty and thankfully partly shaded.

I tried to chat to people as I ran along but no one was in the mood. They all seemed very focused and serious about the event. I guess some people don't like to chat whilst running. I find it helps at times. I did feel the race had a slightly more serious edge that many UK runs. Its not a criticism, just a feeling I got. It was similar with the New York marathon compared to the London marathon. London has many more costumes and people being silly whilst completing the 26.2 miles where as in NY, I saw very few costumes and even the slowest runners seemed steely-eyed and serious. Just a different approach I guess.

By the end of lap 2 I was very warm. I made sure I had a drink at both water stops on each lap but I still felt a bit thirsty. I followed many people's example and poured a cup of water on my head. Thinking about water supplies I did ask the marshal if this was ok, but they said it was fine.

As often happens in races, I found myself with the same people for most of the race. This gave me a good target, first to keep up with them and second to try and pull away in the final lap. At the start of lap four I pushed on and dropped several people and aimed for a fit looking runner who was 100 meters ahead. I slowly reeled him in and passed him. I picked the next target and almost got to him until he kicked and I could not close the gap but didn't fall back, pushing until I crossed the line.

I had a goal of under 1:30 so I was delighted with 1:25. Picking my way through the runners in the last lap really helped. I am very glad I did the race. I got to talk to several people after the race who were all very surprised I had driven all the way from Vermont for the race and couldn't believe I was on holiday from London. Thanks to all the organisers for putting on such a fun event.

Time: 1:25:35
Pace: 8:34 minute miles
Position: 130th
Finishers: 238
1st Place: 0:57:20
Last Place: 2:04:45
Weather: 80 degrees and clear skies

Niagara

A couple more gym runs and some weights. Nothing to write home about.

Niagara Falls is amazing. We got the Maid of the Mist boat that sails really close to the base of the falls which gives you a better idea just how bit they are. It makes you feel small.

Whilst the falls are amazing and well worth the trip, the town of Niagara is terrible. Imagine Blackpool. That's the closest place I can think of. I know popular places always attract tat but the Canadian authorities have basically said anything goes and you have cheap, tatty hotels as far as the eye can see, thousands of burger joints and loads of horrible attractions. Its not a nice place.

We are off to Adirondack National Park tomorrow for a couple of days in the wilderness before we drive back to New York and then home. I intend to run both days in the forest.

Moose on the Loose

I took part in the Moose on the Loose 10 mile race on Sunday. It was in Nashua, Mew Hampshire.

It was a very friendly race with about 300 runners participating in the 4 lap race. Races with laps are not my favourite and given the amount of countryside around I'm not sure why there was not more than 2.5 miles of trail to run in but it was ok.

The race started at 9am but it was still over 75 degrees when we started. By the time we finished it was well into the 80s and very hot. Despite buying extra water, the organisers ran out at the end. I think this was mostly due to people pouring it over their heads as well as drinking it.

I ran a respectable 1:25:10 and came 135th which I was very happy with. Despite very few casual looking runners, I finished about 'mid-table' in the field. Given I've only been back running a few weeks, it was a good days work.

Interesting journey home. As I left Nashua, I wasn't watching my speed and it seems I went 69 in a 55 limit. It was a large, empty dual carriageway but the speed limits are ridiculously low in the US. I know how fast I was going because 5 minutes later a state troopers car was behind me with his lights flashing. I pulled over thinking he was after someone else but it was me. The movie scenario played out with an overweight cop slowly walking to my window and asking for "license and registration please". Once he realised I was not from New York (my car was a rental with NY plates) and I had a spiffing English accent (which got more plum as I spoke) he gave me a ticking off and a written warning before sending me on my way. I was spot on the speed limit all the way home and it took ages.

We are on to Niagara next to see some waterfall.

Running in America

I'm really enjoying my holiday in the States. New York was great. I had a fabulous run at 5am around Central Park. So many other runners and people on road bikes. All with a very friendly atmosphere.

Then it was up to Boston. I didn't know the area so ran in the hotel gym. Very hot and boring but it had to be done as I've been eating some terribly bad food here. Too many burgers. Boston itself was great. A lovely time, very different to many US cities I've been to.

Then we travelled to Vermont. I've never been to this part of America either and it is lovely. The villages and towns are a little twee for my liking but the mountains and endless forests are spectacular. I had a 7 mile run on Wednesday along some hilly roads. It was late in the day but still over 80 degrees. It was a very sweaty run. I've done a couple of other runs so I'm really back in the swing of things.

Brighton Marathon Entered

I have my first big target sorted out. In April 2010, I'll be running my 7th marathon - the Brighton Marathon. Its the first time its being staged and I think its trying to get the same market as the Edinburgh marathon - that is the people who don't get into London. 100,000 people enter the London Marathon each year and only 35,000 get places so there is a lot of people looking for a marathon in April. It seems its going to be a similar size to Edinburgh with 12,000 places available. So it should feel like an occasion but without being too packed.

I'm trying to get my brother to run. We are doing the Brighton 10k together in November so it would be cool if he continues his training to run the marathon with me. He's currently thinking about it.

Weekly runs

My return to running is going well. I did a 5 mile run on Thursday with little problem. It was my Battersea Park route and the weather was ok. I stretched after about 3 miles and felt fine. My quads were ok afterwards.

I was in Devon at the weekend picking up my kids from my Dad's and I took the opportunity to run. I love running around Dartmoor and one route in particular - I think its my favourite training run. Its very hilly but stunning and at 8am on a Sunday morning, there is only the odd tractor on the small lanes. My Dad came with me on the bike and I ran for just over an hour in bright sunshine. I ran up all the hills without a problem and really enjoyed it.

I have missed running and its great to be doing it again. My biggest problem is trying not to do too much too quickly.

Back on the bike

I had a call from my 15 year old nephew during the week to ask if I wanted to go out on a ride. He has recently sold his mountain bike and bought a road bike and was keen to do some riding.

I met him at his house in Keston with Ed on Sunday morning and set off on a 30 mile route I had mapped out and given to Ed for his Garmin.

Samuel had never done more than 24 miles before so this 30 would be a challenge. It also turned out to be a very hilly route. Just south of Keston is the edge of the North Downs and Toys Hill, Ide Hill, Star Hill and Hogtrough Hill are all a challenge.

Samuel did really well. His gears need a tweak, his breaks need tightening and he had a puncture but despite all that, we got up all the hills and needed very little rest. It was around 4,000 feet of climbing which is excellent. He could be a really good cyclist and it won't be long before he's waiting for me.

It was a reasonably sunny day and apart from feeling a little tired, it was a good ride. It was nice to ride on some new hills and I'm sure we'll come back for training as a change to the Surrey Hills. I did 60.5 miles in total.

Running again

After my Etape cycling training got serious in April, I stopped running. I couldn't devote time to both and I was finding that my running was causing me to develop some quad pain. I eventually found out that the running was just aggravating a tight quad and ITB caused by a poor riding position so I now know I can do both.

As my short and long term goals include running, I bit the bullet and went for a run this morning. Up at 6:30 and out onto Clapham Common for a short run. I could feel I had lost a lot of running form and it felt like hard work but it could have been worse. I did the 3 miles I wanted to with no real problems.

I am really pleased that I'm running again. I have loved the cycling and will continue to do it but I do find I get a greater sense of achievement when I run. I might even head down to Bushy Park on Saturday and compete in the Park Run 5K.

Welcome

Hello.

My name is Simon and this is my new blog. I was previously blogging at http://etape2009.blogspot.com/. That documented my year long preparation for the L'Etape du Tour 2009. It all went very well and I enjoyed blogging so much that I wanted to continue.

I have no specific goal at the moment as I did last time so I'll just write about my continued running and riding and general aim to keep fit and enjoy being active.

You can follow me on Twitter. My name is RideandRunSimon.

Thanks,
Simon