Finale

The final marathon has been and gone. The lead up to it could have been more productive but what with my left calf muscle giving me problems and then catching a cold I couldn't maximise my long runs, so the longest I did was only 17 miles, about 2hrs 50min run. 
Sunday came around and what a day. The heavens had opened and the wind picked up. The roads were torrential with standing water and it was cold, about 5*c. We drove up and got there about 8.30. This wasn't going to be an enjoyable run with the weather conditions and all. 

Ok, so we got ready and handed our bags into the secure storage and proceeded to the start. It was cold and wet but know one on the tannoy to announce the start and get people ready. Supposedly Liz Yelling was to start the race, did she? I don't know. the race itself was well marshalled and good water stations every 3 miles, with sports drinks aswell and gels if needed. The course was through the cycle ways of Milton Keynes but wasn't very flowing. There was a lot of sharp 90 degree turns and with the added burden of standing water across the pathways, this did upset the rhythm. But at 18 miles I still felt good and knew I could back of a bit and go down to 9 - 9.30 min miles and be under 4hrs. 

The outcome? Yes I managed 3hr 56min. To say I wasn't happy was an under statement, what with the weather conditions. You feel quite emotional when you finish I can tell you. The goody bag was good with a nice medal to add to the collection. 

My only criticism was there was no foil blanket given out to the runners, especially as it was cold when you finished and of course very wet and the baggage collection could have been more slick with more helpers on the trucks, but as this was the first running of the marathon you hope they will learn for next year. As for any more marathons, well I have entered the ballot for the London marathon 2013 so we will have to wait and see. 

At least there was no injuries to the feet, the Nike Elite's I run in were excellent, so would definitely recommend them.

Below is a link to my Garmin site with my splits and time.

Garmin Activity Milton Keynes Marathon

Interval Training by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Details

Interval Training by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Details

Thought I would share my progress to date. Since my last post I have invested in a new pair of Nike's. Elite 5's. So far so good. I have run 2 half marathons and today's interval training with no complications. A very light and supportive shoe with plenty of cushioning through the length of the sole.
I have faulted on my training of late as I have had some niggling pains in both my calf's, but thankfully I seem to be over that now. I was pleased with my Interval training today with my splits averaging 3min45secs. Based on that I should be there or there abouts a 3hr45min - 3hr50min marathon. I'm going to be running with the pacer on the day of the marathon for sub 4hr and assuming I keep pace, if I'm still fresh at 20 miles I will kick on to the finish. Cross fingers!!
Well, will be travelling home tomorrow and hopefully will be out on Sunday for my final long run before my taper. Hopefully I will be doing a 3 hr run easy. Looking forward to the marathon though, just hoping the weather will be dry but cool on the day. Well, goodnight and will speak soon.

Not Happy

Had a bad day today. Only 6 weeks to the MK Marathon and my left calf muscle has a strain. I pulled up on my long run today with a sharp pain in my muscle. I had a niggling pain in the muscle from my last long run on Monday when I ran 17miles in 2hr31mins. I done another run on Wednesday, doing some Fartlekking and again it felt bad. I thought I would give it a miss for next few days until today. By the looks a have a class 2 grade muscle strain from what I have read which could take 4-6 weeks to heal. Question now is what do I do. I'm determined to run the marathon as I have put in more training and feel confident in beating my PB. 
I have used my ultrasound and applied an ice pack and rested today and will keep the treatment up until I feel I'm ready to commit to running again. I'm going to give it at least 2 weeks before I will try and run but cross fingers the treatment will pay off. Well got to get back and get that ice pack on. Will update you all next week .
By for now.

My First outing with my Garmin

Untitled by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Details

Will publish a post later, but thought I would share my first outing with my new Garmin. Few teething troubles as ever trying to pair the device with my PC but we are there. Loads of information and stuff. Can't wait to get to use it more often and play with some of the custom screens. Great information on the Garmin Connect website.

I suppose I should at least give you an update as to what training I have endured the past week. The biggest mistake was missing my long run. I have managed to do some Interval training and a fast 8 mile run and also been to the gym. The gym you say? Well I thought I should and god am I feeling it. That will teach me not to go. I am going to make a concerted effort in going at least once a week.

Anyway, must dash as need to get up early for work.

Buy

The Past Week

It's been a good week for me as I have managed to run approx 35 miles, which for me isn't bad. It started on Sunday last week where I ran the last Cross Country run in the series for my club, The Havering '90 Joggers. I came in a a respectable 124th, which I thought wasn't bad considering I haven't been doing that sort of training, but it was good hill training as the hills were a killer.
My next run came on Tuesday when I went to my club and ran a 5 miler at a steady fast pace, for me anyway! It was good to go back as I haven't been for he past 3 months. Just means I had to try and remember every bodies name again. I ran with my Nike Free Run 2's but with no socks to try and see how it felt. Not a ggosd idea as my feet suffered so won't be doing that again.
Thursday I was on a 6 - 5 shift which meant I was up at 4am. By the time I got home it was 5:30pm and was stripped and ready to go out on a longish run of 1hr 40mins at marathon pace of around 9min miles. I managed it at an average pace of 8min 54secs but the feet suffered again and I was wearing my socks! I was wearing my K Swiss kwikys but my left foot was sore. I've made a decision not to wear them again on long runs and stick with my Nike's.
Saturday came and it was a gentle jog with the dogs for about 50mins although it should have been 40mins as it was the long run the next day. Felt good though a ran it a bit quicker than I should.
The long run was with some of the guys from my club. We ran from Hornchurch sports centre and headed towards Romford, past the dog track and up Whalbone Lane to the A127. Back down the A127 to Wingletye Lane back to the sports centre. A ran wearing my Nikes and finished doing just short of 13miles at an average pace of 8min45sec miles. Well happy with that and the legs felt good aswell as my feet. If I can manage to keep that pace up for my marathon I will brake the 4hr barrier. I need to have another good week this week of training to keep the momentum up. Let's hope

I'm Back!!

At last I'm back. I know it has been a long time since I last posted on my blog, but who cares, I'm back.


I'm currently in training for the Milton Keynes Marathon in April and hoping to break the 4 hour barrier. I have also been changing my style of running. I have gone the route of minimalist. I have tried the K Swiss  Blade-Light run, but found the sole was coming of, although I did find them a very comfortable shoe with a good deal of cushioning. I have now gone over to Nike Free-Run 2's. Very light and a better shoe to use to feel you are running more naturally. The calf's have been a problem with the change of style but I now feel stronger and faster in my running. I would like to try the Saucony Kinarva 2 as I have heard a good deal of good news and reviews about them. The good news is I have found a company in America that sell them for £35 less than over here and with the import tax of £10 a bargain so will be trying a pair very soon. My other purchase will be a Garmin gps watch with heart rate monitor as I'm fed up with taking my phone out. I will keep you posted.


Hang loose everyone and I will be back...I promise