tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60633979362921143722024-02-20T19:24:48.457+00:00Mark's RunningMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-126168977063567372011-05-06T08:02:00.002+01:002011-05-06T08:06:29.164+01:00Southport Good Friday Races<embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F116393863183322698846%2Falbumid%2F5598775544250432609%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-49614605604295102672010-12-08T20:25:00.005+00:002010-12-09T09:05:14.180+00:00Arctic Adventure Running (aka getting to work in Glasgow)More than a foot of snow fell over the central belt of Scotland in the space of just a few hours on Monday morning leaving the road networks and public transport in chaos. Being an early starter I was already in work when the snow started to fall so I missed most of the excitement. I was cursing myself though for not having any running kit in work, as by foot seemed to be the only viable option for my 8 mile journey home.<br /><br />However, I was fortunate to get a lift most of the way home with a colleague who somehow managed to avoid most of the gridlocked roads and navigate his way around abandoned cars.<br /><br />On Tuesday, with little prospect of any trains or buses and my car buried deep under snow at Milngavie station. I decided that running into work might be my best option. Many drivers had spent the night in their cars on gridlocked motorways and so driving was not an option even if I could manage to get my car out. I have covered the 8 miles to work many times and even taking it easy can be there within about 55 minutes but running it deep snow with temperatures said to have plummeted to -15c overnight meant that this could be a bit of an adventure!<br /><br />Having packed my work clothes and some spare winter gear into my rucksack, I set off wearing about 5 layers, two hats and two pairs of gloves. My Asics Trabucco trail shoes grip well in the snow so I wore those, it was hard going and extremely cold as I passed one or two people trying to dig their cars out of the snow. After a mile and a half I noticed a train at the station so I jumped on and remarkably it left just about 5 minutes late. I was looking forward to arriving at work having run all the way but I was a little relieved to be sat on the warm train. It soon became packed out with commuters trying to battle their way into work and there was a great deal of optimism until it came to a sudden halt 4 stops out of the City Centre. It was clear it was going to be a long wait and so I jumped out and started to run. In the city the pavements were treacherously icy but I slithered my way along the Clyde side and up into an almost deserted City Centre. I got some odd looks as I ran along Bothwell St passing a few commuters cautiously edging their way along the icy footpaths but I had made it, with the help of the train in about 85 minutes!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-2759170496609123852010-12-05T21:21:00.006+00:002010-12-05T21:38:56.514+00:00Severe weather continues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiFrNA41RtLCKdDUXnKB7xuwChSLffroVKyme0KKfa-Y6kITMoT8Sp5pKzKe9RDmReaUEeKpKh88GzcDuU-dx0hjBnSnv7Wi7vAFugiTyu-99fqY9NK7UXS9TmRUf2H_6qKkks1TJ9258/s1600/webDSCN0681.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547315738956332722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiFrNA41RtLCKdDUXnKB7xuwChSLffroVKyme0KKfa-Y6kITMoT8Sp5pKzKe9RDmReaUEeKpKh88GzcDuU-dx0hjBnSnv7Wi7vAFugiTyu-99fqY9NK7UXS9TmRUf2H_6qKkks1TJ9258/s400/webDSCN0681.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6K0hTbYeusZxe71YAFuSPBKHtlRY2ipun2sslhW7Fi0SDmcQ1Q7XFWfUSzu6uzdtDPC3hvGVdTxJiY8jkega8PlTVFAPS3GHSGps0v61-nd8YdFBsFkUGxw4Sd9JCRMilefBmrX18CDI/s1600/webDSCN0682.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547315537940141922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6K0hTbYeusZxe71YAFuSPBKHtlRY2ipun2sslhW7Fi0SDmcQ1Q7XFWfUSzu6uzdtDPC3hvGVdTxJiY8jkega8PlTVFAPS3GHSGps0v61-nd8YdFBsFkUGxw4Sd9JCRMilefBmrX18CDI/s400/webDSCN0682.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUE_mIJvpcyKFLxST2EjFSi1LmzIzqunjFldikVKUtPp8mVqha_9j1DVBguONFZvj-9tL3Iq_ctK7aS_Spd_Qjz5SwFf2FaIOChwPEH7CQ-BomUWQRI1M_cQIBC3MzdTqor7c-KZ1Nzrd/s1600/webDSCN0649.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 328px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547315367017829682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUE_mIJvpcyKFLxST2EjFSi1LmzIzqunjFldikVKUtPp8mVqha_9j1DVBguONFZvj-9tL3Iq_ctK7aS_Spd_Qjz5SwFf2FaIOChwPEH7CQ-BomUWQRI1M_cQIBC3MzdTqor7c-KZ1Nzrd/s400/webDSCN0649.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwhfkY9elwnsdx_O6Wecv9mMjhmEqzUJGDJhHC9mZmsoXk_UJdVN9Xs22WmsVAud9ZNDWR2hQqCtsTLnQ8UhgwEiX01TMYMtgAHHFay1rU1c6sCe37h9Qv9nNqfEI2qggYyHIP0dXA19M/s1600/webDSCN0649.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ua5HryLzCow-p1LxobB2fd4tXr-E3CNC_mYGqMYd6wEUBkA5eh9RvYR5aD3l0LSASR27W0n3rTnSJY-w0xu_hung7Z25cUKB4qtZaRUvM5auOQMb4vILypXyhgrSXz8RRrqdlcb9C9FD/s1600/webDSCN0625.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314434781088802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ua5HryLzCow-p1LxobB2fd4tXr-E3CNC_mYGqMYd6wEUBkA5eh9RvYR5aD3l0LSASR27W0n3rTnSJY-w0xu_hung7Z25cUKB4qtZaRUvM5auOQMb4vILypXyhgrSXz8RRrqdlcb9C9FD/s400/webDSCN0625.jpg" /></a><br />The bad weather has continued to prevent me training this week. I had planned an easy run this morning but a slight thaw yesterday followed by freezing temperatures overnight and another light dusting of snow on top of the ice made even a trip to Tesco a hazardous experience.<br /><br />Last winter, the snow lay of the ground here from mid December right through to the middle of February but I still managed to train hard for the London Marathon. This was because the snow stayed as snow and was reasonably easy to run in for most of the time. At the moment, I am taking the opportunity for a rest before I start marathon training again. Later this week I hope to get out for some lunchtime training sessions as the paths are a bit better in the city centre - some training should be possible.<br /><br />Above - some photos from my marathon training route last winter. Let's hope the snow starts to clear soon.</div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-45020145281749341082010-12-02T22:20:00.002+00:002010-12-02T22:30:08.143+00:00Dunbartonshire Cross Country Championships - UpdateSnow has prevented me from running this week and technical problems have prevented me from updating this blog but here is the update from last Saturday's cross country when the snow was only 3 inched deep!<br /><br />Victoria Park City of Glasgow took the men's title, unfortunately it wasn't down to my below par performance. Derek Gibb (2nd), Alan Ramsay (5th) Derek Watson (12th) and David McCormack (18th) made up the victorious A team. I finished in 36th position and third counter in the B team who finished 9th out of 12 teams entered. The race was won by Garscube's Ben Melby in 28.11.<br /><br />Both the West and East District Championships scheduled for this Saturday have been cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions.<br /><br />Good luck to Gerry Craig who has left the artic weather behind to compete in the Singapore Marathon this weekend. The race starts at 5 am to miss the worst of the heat! This will be Gerry's third marathon of the year and he has also competed in the Scottish 50k Championships finishing third overall.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-11743018726020610262010-11-27T21:08:00.002+00:002010-11-27T21:17:14.270+00:00Dunbartonshire Cross Country ChampionshipsIt was unfortunate that the day the first snow of the winter fell was the day I had chosen for my first cross country of the year. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dunbartonshire</span> championships were once again held at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maryhill</span> Park but it was my first run around this fairly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">uninspiring</span> venue. Having taken it easy since the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kielder</span> Marathon this was always going to be hard work for me and the snow lying on the ground added to the challenge. However, I felt it was a good hard workout and I am not sure the snow made that m<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">uch</span> difference to times. Results will follow.<br /><br />Next Saturday is the West of Scotland Champs at Irvine.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-22603974670491874752010-11-17T22:44:00.001+00:002010-11-17T22:46:36.227+00:00Try out this routeOK this might be a bit far to run but try this out<br /><br />Go to Google Maps. Enter Japan as start point and enter China as your destination. Then check out point 43!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-26514306669709787862010-11-12T21:28:00.010+00:002010-11-12T22:16:51.807+00:00Return of a classic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBC9-9C3S4_ZPwritD4eFYAk1_dJYCGV53h53h3nrYQY9hgj1u5ML0uTF0I1Em-XXpyYAoJkOe6pkXPXdOjB6XfP8_Eg7GK9sAxe7GVokMBjuL0nlyLQyIehlOx4K-wqGBDgpcLiY7CjO/s1600/START_FINISH_AREA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538783476129432002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBC9-9C3S4_ZPwritD4eFYAk1_dJYCGV53h53h3nrYQY9hgj1u5ML0uTF0I1Em-XXpyYAoJkOe6pkXPXdOjB6XfP8_Eg7GK9sAxe7GVokMBjuL0nlyLQyIehlOx4K-wqGBDgpcLiY7CjO/s400/START_FINISH_AREA.jpg" /></a> <div></div><div></div><div>I was very pleased to hear that the <a href="http://www.llandudno10.co.uk/">Llandudno 10 mile road race</a> is to return in 2011. This used to be a big fixture in the Southport Waterloo calendar and one of my favourite races. It was a flat, fast course that attracted a top class field from all over the UK. The race was first held in 1983 and it's list of past winners reads like a who's who of British distance running. The first ever winner was the British international steeplechaser, Roger Hackney in 48.09. By 1985 it had become the biggest 10 mile race in the UK. 1986 saw a top class field including, Charlie Spedding, John Gladwyn and Max Coleby but it was Liverpool Pembroke's Martin McLoughlin who won it in 49.45. In 1989, Welshman Steve 'the race' Brace was a popular winner. Bashir Hussein, Nigel Adams, Tipton's Nick Jones and Paul Cadwallader all won this race over the years and at its peak it attracted over 5000 runners. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>It was without a doubt one of my favourite races and was held in the middle of November each year. In the eighties, Southport Waterloo used to send a coach load of runners to compete this classic race. After moving to Glasgow in 2001, it was too far for me to travel but I was still sad to see the last one run in 2005. Difficulty in getting enough volunteers to ensure the safe running of this event was cited as the reason for it's demise.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I will need to dig out my old results to see what my best time was for this race but I certainly used to run 56 and 57 minutes there. Who could forget coming down onto the promenade and seeing the long sweep of the promenade and the finish line still a half mile of lung busting running away.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="justify">The race will be held on 22 May next year and so it may well have a different feel to the freezing temperatures and biting winds that often greeted the runners in November but I for one am pleased to see it return. I might even make the long trip from Scotland to take part. Maybe it should be in the SWAC Grand Prix next year - over to you <a href="http://runwitharthurlydiard.blogspot.com/">Rick</a>.</div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-67054246605086604062010-11-06T20:51:00.006+00:002010-11-06T21:26:09.492+00:00Glasgow University Road RaceInverclyde's <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=6231">Chris Mackay</a> shaved a few seconds of his winning time last year to retain the title this afternoon, beating club mate Andrew Douglas by just 12 seconds. His winning time of 23.57 is very impressive for this tough race around the Garscube estate and Maryhill. A five mile course that takes in two hills and a deceivingly long drag up Temple Rd from Anniesland on each of two laps.<br /><br />With doubts in my mind about how running Kielder Marathon 3 weeks ago would effect me today, I set off at a steady pace and ran within myself for the first lap. I didn't feel too bad and pushed on a bit over the second lap. I was running well at this time last year but still didn't crack 30 minutes on this course finishing in 30.20 for 51st place. I wasn't expecting to get anywhere near that this time out but I seemed to maintain a good pace on the second lap and was surprised to cross the line in 30.47 and 52nd place. Disappointingly, that put me only 6th in my age group , won by Kilbarchan's <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=23442">Donald Petrie</a> in 29.07. There is always a top class field for this classic race and this year was no exception with 178 finishers and 42 of them under 30 minutes. First woman was <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=18905">Elspeth Curran</a> from Glasgow University in 27.44.<br /><br />First in for Victoria Park City of Glasgow was Allan Ramsay (16th in 27.18) ahead of his dad, Peter (90th in 33.38) and Kenny McVey taking the 2nd V60 spot in 34.19.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.winningtimeuk.com/index.php?page=results&event=123&sort=rank&offset=1">Results</a>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-64443997004335987262010-11-05T17:36:00.003+00:002010-11-05T17:40:36.729+00:00Glasgow University Road RaceBack to running this weekend. It is the Glasgow Uni 5 miler tomorrow afternoon. A bit soon after my marathon to expect too much but it is just down the road and a tough but enjoyable two lap course. I haven't run very much since Kielder but I will use it as a hard training session to help prepare for the cross countries coming up.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-10858399860985389112010-11-05T17:26:00.006+00:002010-11-06T09:08:54.130+00:00James Walsh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwFPIjMgp7Q1RTdInoFyZGnjY7SyIEy6Q0VeRy4ivOT0mDLvz8TJpkhJd8rjGquWF8pFA5FUz4a-wmae_OjOOHYunbWAJByfyeLtayR8g-ZmqfAf_GhR5YuPipeZOgi1XNmcgHqy-w_vT/s1600/webDSCN1593.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536118918814097330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwFPIjMgp7Q1RTdInoFyZGnjY7SyIEy6Q0VeRy4ivOT0mDLvz8TJpkhJd8rjGquWF8pFA5FUz4a-wmae_OjOOHYunbWAJByfyeLtayR8g-ZmqfAf_GhR5YuPipeZOgi1XNmcgHqy-w_vT/s400/webDSCN1593.jpg" /></a><br />More music than running this week, last night it was back to Oran Mor to see James Walsh. The Starsailor front man returned to Oran Mor less than a year since he appeared on an unlikely double bill with Ian Broudie. This time it was a solo performance save for a string quartet that joined him later on. Walsh started with two classics - Tell me it's not over and Alcoholic before switching to the piano for some new material and a superb slowed down version of Lullaby. The stripped down acoustic delivery of Starsailor songs and Walsh's powerful vocals somehow seem perfect for this intimate venue and his quiet humour charms the audience as he works his way through the old favourites and his newer material.<br /><br />It was not a full house - the die hard fans were there though and it would be a shame to have missed this show. James Walsh is an accomplished live performer and all too soon he is leaving the stage. He returns for a lively encore and finishes with Good Souls.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-77872419308786135812010-11-01T22:08:00.005+00:002010-11-01T23:19:55.317+00:00Suzanne Vega<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXGzqOB1TxaiXBsuMMbJQOjAEgz5-7HqM6xK8sCejqA8grERtTFYMIZ3iYFHVIxIMCV1FSbQjPl_54vjy-S20gXgUJB81DaGFlN_6KgwastlC0zqO1c_eIvSENJtW1PSY3WXFgrdfcvX3/s1600/webDSCN1572.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534706907921805314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXGzqOB1TxaiXBsuMMbJQOjAEgz5-7HqM6xK8sCejqA8grERtTFYMIZ3iYFHVIxIMCV1FSbQjPl_54vjy-S20gXgUJB81DaGFlN_6KgwastlC0zqO1c_eIvSENJtW1PSY3WXFgrdfcvX3/s400/webDSCN1572.jpg" /></a> OK, so strictly speaking this is a running blog but had to mention a great night out last night to see Suzanne Vega at Oran Mor. The only link I can make is that Vega too has moved into the V50 category but is still in great form. Accompanied by Dublin born guitarist <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Gerry+Leonard">Gerry Leonard</a>, kicking off with Marlene on the Wall, she worked her way through an impressive back catalogue. Some songs you had almost forgotten about and others that you could remember all the lyrics. There was some decent new material included as well but saving some of the best until last, her encore included Luka and Tom's Diner - timeless classics that take us back a long time before X Factor.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-75104646982159622002010-11-01T21:55:00.002+00:002010-11-01T21:57:50.453+00:00Sunday RunA good Sunday run over some muddy trails. Thought I was recovered from my marathon but I suffered big time on the hills><br /><br /><iframe height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/55195199" frameborder="0" width="465"></iframe>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-3949417970643345932010-10-30T20:39:00.005+01:002010-10-30T20:56:24.450+01:00Autumn Colours<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH6-KXVdj29Oxa9xg1tOyjEc-_9WFiKxgIcJTC3wgQz35PvyT-cAzw8G43K9BCEw9FKuwfVJZg6a3z2L6SYHBR8BHz01kw7yC5f9kTDXwiQKXjT-TdAWLM2An12E8hNXivQaMyShWO3AK/s1600/webDSCN1569.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533927214035438946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH6-KXVdj29Oxa9xg1tOyjEc-_9WFiKxgIcJTC3wgQz35PvyT-cAzw8G43K9BCEw9FKuwfVJZg6a3z2L6SYHBR8BHz01kw7yC5f9kTDXwiQKXjT-TdAWLM2An12E8hNXivQaMyShWO3AK/s400/webDSCN1569.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>Just an easy run this afternoon. Took my camera to get some shots of the autumn colours in the last of the afternoon sun. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div></div></div><br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F116393863183322698846%2Falbumid%2F5533927836597235153%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-10675368417818383562010-10-26T21:51:00.001+01:002010-10-26T21:53:43.760+01:00Steve Cram talks about Kielder Marathon<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9XwopiikVJQ?fs=1&hl=en_GB"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9XwopiikVJQ?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-55878212848254110942010-10-22T20:57:00.007+01:002010-10-23T21:26:05.235+01:00Kielder Results<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidEr3UWbZ6Bt3RtuKFzOtv7KlmNvXwOvJ-Pe_yXm2VCN4WiZhz8Q8x4eHuU_jrwav74GTxcA05KKuQB_uCIK4iY09OjIHJyFE6J5UdgyvTj5oIYdJuUODgocISICiaT18CTmUd8z6Isd0/s1600/web-KIMB0618.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530962568499588450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidEr3UWbZ6Bt3RtuKFzOtv7KlmNvXwOvJ-Pe_yXm2VCN4WiZhz8Q8x4eHuU_jrwav74GTxcA05KKuQB_uCIK4iY09OjIHJyFE6J5UdgyvTj5oIYdJuUODgocISICiaT18CTmUd8z6Isd0/s400/web-KIMB0618.jpeg" /></a> It is nearly a week since <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kielder</span> Marathon and I have had the full week off running to recover. I picked up one or two niggles training for this race and I want to give them time to settle down before training hard again. However, I am going down to run with the <a href="http://www.vp-glasgow.com/">club</a> tomorrow morning. It was the <a href="http://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/index.php?p=17&itemType=news&itemId=5150">National Cross Country Relays </a>at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cumbernauld</span> today, I was sorry to miss that but hopefully it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">means</span> everyone will be taking it easy tomorrow.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6oEFVL8jBH25T2GVJcx9b-JXU1g85feM0Vz_QJwP16Eu99i09H5nm-dgu_wPXvQi2g-F-bEE1jqIMlmWUjdi4wNFq1Td33itoHqZcFO8b52b7m7wwud-DoQckQD7GP2Dw440FqiuU6Yf/s1600/web-KIMD0463.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530962556825456162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6oEFVL8jBH25T2GVJcx9b-JXU1g85feM0Vz_QJwP16Eu99i09H5nm-dgu_wPXvQi2g-F-bEE1jqIMlmWUjdi4wNFq1Td33itoHqZcFO8b52b7m7wwud-DoQckQD7GP2Dw440FqiuU6Yf/s400/web-KIMD0463.jpeg" /></a> A week on and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kielder</span> <a href="http://www.winningtimeuk.com/index.php?page=dbsearch">results</a> are still incomplete. There is no age group or club information included. I contacted the organisers who said they won't be updating them now but as they have had a few queries about this they will definitely be including this information next year. Not a great response but fair enough it is a new race and there are one or tow lessons to be learnt. It was a lovely course to run and I was pleased I decided to go and run it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The race was won by Midlands based Kenyan Zachary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kihara</span> in 2.29.06 under a minute ahead of Polish runner <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bartek</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mazerski</span> and fellow Kenyan Julius <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kimeu</span> in third. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Darran</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bilton</span> from Leeds easily took the vet category win, the V45 finishing in an amazing 2.34.31. Ultra distance mountain runner and world 100km champion, <a href="http://www.lizzyhawker.com/">Lizzie Hawker </a>was first women in in 2.58.22. This course must have suited the ultra runners with Scottish 50k champion Marcus <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scotney</span> finishing 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> in 2.42.29. I knew at the start that I had no chance of winning my age group when I spotted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sedgefield's</span> Gary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hetherington</span> lining up. I was flying earlier in the year and ran a great time at <a href="http://www.dentdale.com/DentdaleRun/DentdaleRun.HTM"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dentdale</span></a> to finish 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> but Gary was almost 5 minutes ahead of me. It was no surprise then that Gary took the V50 title, finishing 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> in 2.51.58. The lack of age group data means I can't be sure where I finished in my age group - I suspect 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> or 3rd but, taking into account my limited training and the challenging course I was pleased with 33rd place and 3.13.42.<br /><br /><div>I am going to have a few weeks easy running now but my next race is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">likely</span> to be the Glasgow Uni 5 miler in two weeks time.</div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-11171704813661452982010-10-17T20:55:00.008+01:002010-10-19T08:04:57.486+01:00Killer Kielder<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpc5mW4GHJFD2XDhqTIG1n_6O3fiuiZFqaOEgNTCuMxnOv6TXOpUCiHG5Qzvk-OXFDpeCq9UV4XDRVzFYucwtvqh3ihfWAgwjVe6Yg90t3oG9DkqLXd0bN7Xr65PUdDyxuyiEA4Hofaxe/s1600/aDSCN1510.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106619043139890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpc5mW4GHJFD2XDhqTIG1n_6O3fiuiZFqaOEgNTCuMxnOv6TXOpUCiHG5Qzvk-OXFDpeCq9UV4XDRVzFYucwtvqh3ihfWAgwjVe6Yg90t3oG9DkqLXd0bN7Xr65PUdDyxuyiEA4Hofaxe/s400/aDSCN1510.jpg" border="0" /></a> I ran the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">inaugural</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kielder</span> Marathon this morning. 26.2 miles of undulating trails around the largest man-made reservoir in Northern Europe. With the paths recently finished to complete a full <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">circuit</span> of the lake, the race was the idea of Steve Cram.<br /><br />The temperature was -3c as I drove from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hexham</span> into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kielder</span> forest and reservoir area at 8am this morning but by the time the race started it had cleared up and was a lovely sunny day. Two things struck me as I arrived. The first was the absolutely stunning scenery that confirmed Steve's claim that it was the most beautiful marathon in Britain, the second thing was the huge area the reservoir covers and reality sunk in. I was about to start the most challenging race I have ever done on less training than is probably needed.<br /><br />Up at the start there was a short delay to allow all competitors to be bussed up from the car park but that was the only blip in what was otherwise an extremely well organised race. There were around 1500 runners lining up, including an elite team challenge of teams from Britain, Europe and the rest of the world. Steve Cram started the race before joining in, though it was rumoured he would be dropping out at half way.<br /><br />I was slightly concerned by the uphill start that went on for the best part of a mile before <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dropping</span> down to the finish area and we were away on the paths. My race plan went out of the window early on as I got into a group and felt comfortable knocking out 7 minute miles. This was a little faster than I had planned for but it felt <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OK</span> and I got chatting to a local runner from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hexham</span>, who had run <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">exactly</span> the same time as me in London. The course was undulating but we were either running up or down, never on the flat. Whilst there were no very severe hills in the first half, there were some fairly steep climbs but my legs were recovering well on the downhills. I went through halfway in just under 1.32 but the locals warned me there was a tough stretch coming up. They were not wrong, some steep climbs and steep descents until we arrived at the dam at 18 miles - the only flat section on the course. As we turned to head back to the finish there was a strong head wind that didn't bode well for the last 8 miles but we were sheltered a little by the trees and so it was the hills in the last 6 miles that proved to be a real challenge.<br /><br />The course marking was excellent with mile markers, all but two were very accurate, and warning signs for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">every</span> steep incline or decline. This seemed a bit of a luxury but the downhills tended to be quite twisty and so extra care was needed to avoid skidding off the paths. The downside of this though is the last thing you want to see after the 22 mile marker is a 'steep incline' sign!<br /><br />In the last 4 miles or so, I was tiring but still <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">relatively</span> strong. However, the hills were energy sapping and I had a few heart stopping moments on the downhills as my hamstrings felt like they were cramping up. At half way I was in 37<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> position but, despite the field being strung out by this stage, I think I passed five or six runners who were really struggling. Two passed me looking very strong so I reckon I was comfortably in the top thirty five when I crossed the finish line in 3.13.40. Consensus was that the course was about 20 minutes slower than a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">road</span> marathon so it compares with my London performance but official results are not yet available.<br /><br />This was a great race to be part of, a friendly atmosphere, and great scenery. It seemed to me that most of the runners were from the North East but there were some from further afield. I would certainly recommend this if you are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">looking</span> for a real challenge and something a bit different - but don't expect a PB!<br /><br />Steve Cram finished the race in 3.47, looking very fresh.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.winningtimeuk.com/index.php?page=dbsearch">Official results </a><br /><br /><iframe src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/53409293" frameborder="0" width="465" height="548"></iframe>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-10816056106654158082010-10-16T17:17:00.004+01:002010-10-16T17:33:42.667+01:00Kielder Marathon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB6bZIe-8SObPrLGwP8oRoAeo-WwJ_Y_MCLzCUxzaw18M4tNJcSXT1PSs1nr26nxSDsV3cJVVQndnHLDWzvA1i9N_6RaUugTILbSdF1eG8D_HwnwS0Ken128Pd72_sFlyMNqd9y-ubMv6/s1600/about-kielder-2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528682861578679922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB6bZIe-8SObPrLGwP8oRoAeo-WwJ_Y_MCLzCUxzaw18M4tNJcSXT1PSs1nr26nxSDsV3cJVVQndnHLDWzvA1i9N_6RaUugTILbSdF1eG8D_HwnwS0Ken128Pd72_sFlyMNqd9y-ubMv6/s320/about-kielder-2.jpg" /></a> I am looking forward to tomorrow's <a href="http://www.visitkielder.com/site/kielder-marathon/">Kielder Marathon</a> with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. A trail marathon around the largest man-made lake in northern Europe is probably the most challenging race I have ever attempted. I ran 2.54 at London Marathon in April but there will be a world of difference between that race and tomorrow's. There will be no crowds 6 deep in places to urge the runners along over the last 6 miles and the course is bound to be more exposed to the elements than the streets of London.<br /><br />It is rumoured that Steve Cram will be competing having just returned from the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.<br /><br />I won't be bettering my London time on this course and so my plan will be to run very comfortably for the first half of the race to get the measure of the course and conditions and then try and run a negative split by pushing on in the second half if I feel I can do it. This is the opposite of my normal London tactics. I will be happy with a time of around 3.15 tomorrow but I have no idea whether this is realistic for the course so I might have to adjust my targets as I go along. I have run London Marathon 18 times but I may just learn something new about marathon running tomorrow.<br /><br />If I survive I will post a race report tomorrow evening.<br /><br />Results should appear <a href="http://www.winningtimeuk.com/index.php?page=dbsearch">here</a> after the raceMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-76798931619541812562010-10-15T22:12:00.005+01:002010-10-15T22:34:53.892+01:00Kielder Countdown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqRIv2LHaToiQFYexhG9Wftdwvh37O-S__rAffBMATL78iiIi0S90gN6goWRtgcIXn8PsnwONIRWgzKcQ9hSEyjYlKJbJ3TfXMqk81v-g1cRcInH4niMdPNL9ClssekhzUCa-7DyC7eNS/s1600/DSCN1469.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528384875920102706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqRIv2LHaToiQFYexhG9Wftdwvh37O-S__rAffBMATL78iiIi0S90gN6goWRtgcIXn8PsnwONIRWgzKcQ9hSEyjYlKJbJ3TfXMqk81v-g1cRcInH4niMdPNL9ClssekhzUCa-7DyC7eNS/s320/DSCN1469.JPG" /></a>I have just returned from a short break in the lovely Polish city of Krakow. Had a great time but I am not sure it was ideal final preparation for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kielder</span> Marathon on Sunday.<br /><br />Too much eating and not enough running but that might not be a bad thing the week before a marathon. I managed two easy 6k runs around Krakow Old Town - it was very cold first thing in the morning.<br /><br />I now have to turn my attention to Sunday's race and I am not sure what I am letting myself in for! This will be a significant challenge for me for a number of reasons, I have never run two marathons in a year, I have never run an off-road marathon and most importantly, I have not trained anywhere near as much as I normally do for London Marathon. Running a trail marathon will be very different from my annual run around the streets of London and as this is the first ever <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kielder</span> Marathon I am not sure what to expect. From what I can find out the course is undulating but I don't think there is much steep climbing. <br /><br />If nothing else, it will be good to be part of a new race and an interesting challenge but it is difficult to know what my target should be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">time wise</span>. The course will be a lot slower than London and some chat on the Runners World forum suggests it could be about 20 minutes or more slower than a road race. I will need to have a think about my race plan over the next 24 hours!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi5jvtzFH5jpW-ZJO5rfJ9kwChn7EBWo3UF1TURFdWCYBxNIGaa2z_wUcbAA1m1116956-mFtGW2n2ZWupSJ_3Iq_jeUZtoaP5LAloqbrgvzqAZfKZo2ZbWF7ohObassSaxcJrNJdMA5a/s1600/DSCN1469.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-50759194676467820862010-10-10T18:04:00.009+01:002010-10-10T21:43:19.906+01:00Mugdock Turbo X<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsePFdB2bkJ6-yjck69SsQVkk6HghIYRoO2jPf8NBvmKqjMeSQcBXbHRPvsJwV7L_XW5ZCOQWMzMtOSMRP4DCkck3jLrDfCTM49TeT8sQ_PAyw4efqbyeMve7xo4S_X4py9pxJG0lmK4GS/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSHynyIycANaYdmgdKVQH-NyljzLqXIx0FgsBz4rnC7NeiLIszD4ga9hL4S2Nep8vXaIKjOKX_eC3v1ZEYUFt-uK3dPMOP5MLqWivJe7eGpswfFMRjQxVvYarmXkh1wyUDJ8jXW9hzS9R/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526465181448144690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSHynyIycANaYdmgdKVQH-NyljzLqXIx0FgsBz4rnC7NeiLIszD4ga9hL4S2Nep8vXaIKjOKX_eC3v1ZEYUFt-uK3dPMOP5MLqWivJe7eGpswfFMRjQxVvYarmXkh1wyUDJ8jXW9hzS9R/s400/DSC_0072.JPG" /></a><br />I was down at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mugdock</span> early this morning and ran for around an hour before the Turbo X race started. I wish I had been competing again this year, it is a challenging course but great fun. However, it is far too close to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kielder</span> Marathon next Sunday so I had to sit this one out.<br /><br />I ran around parts of the course and although I missed out some of the more challenging parts, it was clear that the recent wet weather was going to make it tough going for the competitors today.<br /><br />As I was running round the course I spotted a few good spots to take some photos and watch some of the action. Some of the best parts of the course are quite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inaccessible</span>, so I settled for taking some within a mile of the start and then jogged through the woods to take some more at about 8 1/2 miles and just near the end of the fearsome 'Turbo X' zone.<br /><br />Not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprisingly</span>, the fell runners dominated the race. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shettleston's</span> Tom <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=10294">Owens </a>romped home with a lead of over 6 minutes from second placed Brian <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=108431"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mcewan</span></a> who was first vet home in an impressive time of 1.15.29. Anna <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=51851">Frost </a>was 12<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> overall and first woman home in 1.22.29. VP City of Glasgow's Jacqui Thompson was third woman and first vet in 1.29.59, and as far as I could see, Victoria park's only entrant today.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.racetimingsystems.com/public/results.aspx?raceid=1361">Results</a><br /><br /><br /><embed height="192" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="288" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F116393863183322698846%2Falbumid%2F5526462821852758657%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-60702282948871648592010-10-09T21:26:00.004+01:002010-10-09T22:20:10.856+01:00Mugdock Extreme Trail Race<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ91dv1HsJ7aRE1Umlw0_cNgEs6ejjBFaUWgdywdyz2cOQVIc5eo1hcIE5BBXXXiJV0wtialwFaRGYU6kAngibyr7l6n_h3pSdXhRlK2VkgFQa_Xe4FNS6Np3IsrbwrIvLlEwrjMAHIIo/s1600/turboX2009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 211px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526157478631687090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ91dv1HsJ7aRE1Umlw0_cNgEs6ejjBFaUWgdywdyz2cOQVIc5eo1hcIE5BBXXXiJV0wtialwFaRGYU6kAngibyr7l6n_h3pSdXhRlK2VkgFQa_Xe4FNS6Np3IsrbwrIvLlEwrjMAHIIo/s320/turboX2009.jpg" /></a> It is the Turbo X extreme trail race in Mugdock tomorrow. I ran this last year and it was great fun but I won't be able to run it this year as it is too close to the Kielder trail marathon next Sunday.<br /><br />I am planning to go and spectate this year and will take my camera to get some photos.<br /><br />This is 10 miles of off-road terrain that takes the runners through some extreme challenges. Energy sapping hills, cold rivers and muddy channels are just some of the obstacles in store for competitors tomorrow. In the later stages of the race comes the 'Turbo X' zone, the most difficult part of the course.<br /><br />I am sorry to miss this one but I am looking forward to going down to watch.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-7828569260878376032010-10-07T22:57:00.004+01:002010-10-07T23:06:20.267+01:00Liverpool training and Kilomathon Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVtnpeoOwNXV4o_GVw0HEEU0xbbVjVTYxrFRtMMfCyhjpYBKrQy7MLrdSEXFc96tmji09Yl5RzCnKauhZLIdzx0A4fqYWnlJCnwGMTULm6U3uitj5u74f0NENTFp5hrTgxvFGrDoFSi_N/s1600/LiverBuildings2004.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 255px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525427261699771586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVtnpeoOwNXV4o_GVw0HEEU0xbbVjVTYxrFRtMMfCyhjpYBKrQy7MLrdSEXFc96tmji09Yl5RzCnKauhZLIdzx0A4fqYWnlJCnwGMTULm6U3uitj5u74f0NENTFp5hrTgxvFGrDoFSi_N/s320/LiverBuildings2004.jpg" /></a><br />I have been in Liverpool this week and managed a few easy runs along the waterfront towards South Liverpool. It is a good few years since I ran along here and the landscape has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">changed</span> dramatically. I have run the Riverside 5 mile Road Race many years ago but a marina and hundreds of flats have appeared since then.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kilomathon</span> <a href="http://www.kilomathon.com/?results-scotland">results</a> are now available. I finished 16<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> overall and first vet50. Obviously I now feel a little differently about the entry fee - big budget races may have big prizes!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-71690529254893497302010-10-03T21:10:00.003+01:002010-10-03T22:45:03.889+01:00Scotland Kilomathon (plus a bit extra)So history was made today - the first time the 'kilomathon distance has been run in Scotland. If you put aside the outrageously expensive entry fee it wasn't a bad event and I enjoyed taking part but there were a few glitches to be overcome for next year's event. For such a well publicised event it wasn't a huge field. This may be because it was a heavy weekend fixture wise with the Loch Ness Marathon, the Scottish Vets Half Marathon and the McAndrew Road Relays keeping many of the top club runners away.<br /><br />The course itself was far more challenging than I thought it would be. Starting from the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston just outside Edinburgh. The first few km were around the showground and along rough paths around the perimeter fence of the airport before heading off along country lanes to the Forth Road Bridge. Crossing the bridge was good but it was a steep incline and went on for much longer than I expected. Coming down off the bridge just after 10k marker, the leading runners were heading back in the opposite direction. By this time the field was strung out and whilst there was not much chance of me catching anyone, there was a big gap behind me too. Running through the picturesque riverside town of Queensferry should have been enjoyable but the cobbled streets made it a bit of a challenge. We then hit a huge climb out of the town and by country lanes back towards the airport and the finish line.<br /><br />I finished in 1.47.08, slightly slower than my target time but well up the field (no results yet but I think I finished in the top 15) and I was relatively pleased with the first part of my double marathon challenge (the easiest part admittedly). It was a good hard workout and I enjoyed racing over an unfamiliar distance and along a course I hadn't run before but there is plenty of room for improvement.<br /><br />Firstly, the race was supposed to be 26.2 km but every one's Garmins were reading 26.5. Fair enough, it could be argued that Garmins are not 100% accurate but the consensus was that this course was slightly over distance. Once I downloaded the data it appears that three of the km's were about 100 metres long the rest were about spot on. The second problem was trying to get out of the car park after the race - it was chaotic and took the best part of an hour! (and they charged us £3.50 to park!).<br /><br />A nice touch was getting your finish time texted to you within a few hours of finishing but it was disappointing that it didn't include finish position or age group position. Despite this it has the makings of a good race and I was pleased with my performance. The race takes place next year on the same day as the London Marathon, so I won't be able to take part but it is timed about 5 weeks before Edinburgh Marathon and so I can see a much bigger field next year - hope they sort the car park out by then!<br /><br />Update and full results will follow when available.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-87554386142071249942010-09-30T18:58:00.008+01:002010-09-30T19:55:03.201+01:00A Tale of Three Marathons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxhcJ4Hy7sLn5IhEDx5ru_LBYeSWSoJ1iBg4W-hXlUc0d4aN7bIPUzI-JWH7pfAwl7wLs8l7tFzbfrRvAnbKKB0xFXmsovZjET76_9xpVtzKSYc1K_O0Fci1nsalU3gzv0iO2e72uOJlM/s1600/bridge-450.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522780709671422386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxhcJ4Hy7sLn5IhEDx5ru_LBYeSWSoJ1iBg4W-hXlUc0d4aN7bIPUzI-JWH7pfAwl7wLs8l7tFzbfrRvAnbKKB0xFXmsovZjET76_9xpVtzKSYc1K_O0Fci1nsalU3gzv0iO2e72uOJlM/s320/bridge-450.jpg" /></a> <div>On the day my 2011 London Marathon acceptance landed on the doormat, I am about to embark on a double marathon challenge during October. After my London Marathon entry form went astray last year, and it took numerous phone calls to get it sorted out, I was relieved to get my hands on my acceptance this year without any problems. It will be my 19th London Marathon and 17th consecutive one, having completed every one since 1995. Six months and sixteen days to go. Just the small matter of keeping fit, healthy and injury free before I take my place at Blackheath on Sunday 17th April 2011.<br /><br />However, before that I am about to undertake a double marathon challenge - starting this Sunday when I run the <a href="http://www.kilomathon.com/?scotland">Scotland Kilomathon </a>a 26.2 km race just outside Edinburgh and taking in two crossings of the Forth Road Bridge. This is the first Kilomathon to be held in Scotland and so it is a bit of an unknown quantity but I have decided to run it as a final tune-up for the Kielder Marathon - a challenging trail marathon around the Kielder Reservoir in Northumberland. </div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-76933141375525248462010-09-26T20:07:00.003+01:002010-09-26T20:29:31.956+01:00Heading for the HillsIt is a holiday weekend in Glasgow which gives me the opportunity for some high mileage running. Unusually the holiday weekend weather has been decent with some cold but bright mornings replacing the torrential rain we have had in the week.<br /><br />On Friday I headed out for my last long run before the Kielder Marathon in 3 weeks time. I decided that instead of running the same route I have done for the last two weekends I would go out with the intention of running for 3 hours, mainly on the road, but not worry too much about the distance. I also wanted to include some climbing to help me prepare for what I might find at Kielder.<br /><br />I set off along the McDonalds path to the Allander before hitting the Rangers path to the Tickled Trout before doubling back on the Auchenhowie Rd and right to Langbank and the steep climb to Baldernock Church. The first real climb of the day at 4 miles and over a mile of climbing before I drop down to the main Rd by Bardowie Loch. I have to run along the busy Balmore Rd for a mile before heading to the Canal by the paths through Cawder Golf Club. Once on the Canal it is a flat and steady run into Kirkintilloch. I head back along the main road back as far as the Stables and then along the Canal to Torrance. Here I head off into unknown territory, along the country lanes and some more hills before arriving back at Baldernock church. Here I turn right and more climbing before dropping down onto the Strathblane Rd and head for a lap of the Milngavie Reservoirs before running along the roads back home. I run 23 miles in three hours, including over 1000ft of ascent and I finished feeling quite strong. A great start to the weekend.<br /><br />This morning I joined the Victoria Park Sunday club run from the Allander. I wasn't sure how my legs would feel after my Friday run. It was more hill running today and we covered some of the lanes I ran two days before. We ran a loop through Baldernock and then over the 'High Caves' taking us up some tough hills. A slight navigational blip meant we added an additional hill but I felt good and kept up with the group reasonably well. Shorter but much faster than my Friday run, we covered 9.3 miles in 67 minutes.<br /><br />I am missing racing now though and I am planning to race next Sunday before easing off for two weeks to prepare for Kielder.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063397936292114372.post-15880026979157808822010-09-22T21:33:00.002+01:002010-09-22T21:51:24.358+01:00Mersey Marathon 2011Reports on the <a href="http://www.runliverpool.org.uk/MerseyMarathon.php">RunLiverpool</a> website suggest that the Mersey Marathon may return next year. I never ran this one myself but watched a few times and plenty of Southport Waterloo runners did compete over the years. I recall that the course used to run through Bootle but the proposed course for 2011 looks like it will start in Birkenhead, a loop on the Wirral before heading through the tunnel and onto South Liverpool before heading back along the river to finish at the pier head. Looks interesting and I will defintely be thinking about running it.<br /><br />If you took part in the Mersey Marathon in the 80's then Alan Rothwell is looking for any information or memorabila. If you can help the please get in touch with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/alan.rothwell@btconnect.com">Alan</a>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438999533496853882noreply@blogger.com1