Pure Yorkshire

My first race in a while today, for obvious reasons. It was time to get stuck in again after too long out of action. It was gonna be hard but you need lots of practice at this racing lark; I'm in dire need of a bit of race hardening, so onwards and upwards.

The leg held up (just about) and I'm proud to say us Bingley women ran our little Yorkshire hearts out at Carnegie for today's Yorkshire Road Relays. It was a bit of a damp day and most of us were racing after a bit of a break from training, so the silver medal was a very welcome reward for all our team's efforts. A warm welcome too to our newest senior team member, Carly Robertson  (pretty in pink), she had a stormer...

Racing Rituals

I'm just nicely home after a far too early start to a Sunday. I have just survived the horriblest race I can remember. No offence to Wilmslow mind, the course and event were race organisation at its best; with loads of loos and shiny bunches of bright balloons tied to the lampposts along the start and finishing miles. There were loads of supporters around the undulating course too, including quite a few mad villagers clanging pots and pans in a frenzy. It certainly worked as I managed to muster the odd spurt just to escape the racket.

Today was the English Half Marathon Champs so I’d been questioning my sanity entering this whilst so training tired. The timing of the event is great though and quite a nice course too. I set out this morning framing the day as a chance for a strong training run with a hope I’d come away with a great quality threshold session under my belt and a bit of a taste for racing again.

The line up was impressive with the likes of Michelle Ross-Cope and Rebecca Robinson; stars of English distance running and out for great times at London this year. I tried not to freak out at the other fantastic looking ladies around me; all small pants, rippling lady muscles and long socks. I quivered inside.

I’ve been keeping quiet about this but I’ve been enjoying some expert training advice of late from a very long established athletics coach. A new experience for me as I’ve never worked with a formal coach before. We’d discussed my strategy for race day over coffee last week. The idea was to let rip at the start and see how long I could hang on. So, let rip I did. 5.30 for mile one. The pace continued to be pretty frightening until mile 8 when things started to decline; the howling wind tunnel that met with every turn spat me out of the other side like an empty husk. Unfortunately, the recent training miles started to shout out at my legs to slow down and I gradually dropped off pace. The final miles slowing to over 6 minute miles and worse on some of the final climbs. Wilmslow is NOT a flat course!

Wilmslow is supposed to be fast. I reckon that’s more about the types that turn up to race than the course itself. I hit miles 9-12 with dead legs but in 5th place. Just as I recovered to run the final mile home I then got gazumped by two young and far too fresh looking lasses, leaving me dead in 7th place. I finished. Just. The time clocked 77.43 and I was so glad it was over. The race felt tough from start to finish and I felt desperate for home and a hot bubble bath. All in all though it was a great session on the back of what will be nearly 100 miles running this week. M drove home with a yawning and snoring RB in the passenger seat. Where would I be without him...? Race results here.

Butterflies

I know I shouldn't be too focused on tomorrow but the significantly reduced racing diary this year means that any competition feels a bit more exciting and I've already got big butterflies in my tummy.

Last year saw me racing on average every other week, this year I've squeezed out a couple in nearly four months; I'm just getting out of practice.

The legs held me up for an easy 5 miles this morning; my 'ease down' for the HM. They're a bit tired and niggly and will need some persuading to to the business tomorrow. An early start should see me in bed extra early tonight especially as the clocks spring forward. One more hour of daylight! Those evening runs are gonna be fab. All things crossed nothing falls off tomorrow. Good luck at Hull MH.

24

No, I'm not blogging about any action packed TV series. That was exactly how long my long run was today; I ran 24 miles! (Yes, I'm showing off). I felt steady and strong for the most part but pretty pooped by the end as yesterday's intervals were still lingering in the old legs. The route took in 11 miles of fairly muddy towpath and then the hellish Hollins hill climb yet again. I was encouragingly a tad quicker than last time too with an average of 6.50 minute miles for the whole run, slowing a bit in the final 8 running into the usual brutish headwind that always seems to lay in wait on the home straight.

I felt pretty spent but in a good and buzzy way and after a tough training week I'm feeling the strength of this marathon training malarkey. Another hefty week of mileage is planned but with a slight ease down for Friday and Saturday to give me some reprieve before the Wilmslow English Half Marathon Champs race this Sunday. Though I've been fantasising about a medal the half marathon will strictly be a 'training race' so little chance of bringing any shiny stuff home. I'll still want to run hard and fast but these heavy legs will no doubt struggle; some mental gymnastics will therefore need to be done before race day so I don't give myself too hard a time. For now though it's time for pasta and pudding and the all important task of refuelling and recovery.

Ribble Trouble

The funny feeling that race day wasn't to be my day had been kicking about in my head all week. The last couple of weeks I've felt a bit stale and tired of racing. But, Ribble Valley 10k is such a high quality race it couldn't be missed and there was no pressure to be up there with the likes of Helen Clitheroe leading the ladies out, followed by all-stars Katie Ingram and Rebecca Robinson! I'd been thinking that my Thirsk 10m time was an indicator that I should at least match my PB, 35.20 on this course and so hoped I'd be feeling up for it on the day.

Somehow I just wasn't. This is such a great race too with some great names from the international running scene and lots of mates turning out including a healthy number of Bingley vests. Even Kevin O kindly made the trip over, chauffeuring our Bingley trio and more than ably supporting us around the course with the most excellent hand clapping and bag management.

Needless to say the race got off to a flying start and careful not to burn it too early I held back thinking my strength would bring me through the field. On that basis I had a reasonable start clocking 5.42 for my first mile, a bit slow but at least within reach of what I needed to do. Pleased with myself for holding back I gradually passed many of those who'd overcooked their first mile but feeling less comfortable than would be expected and the race just unravelled from there. As the miles clocked by I seemed unable to find my usual pace and by mile 3 knew it wasn't to be my day with a feeble 5.53 split and mashed legs. My heart sank, knowing it was just a matter of hanging on. I was then lifted in a small way by the sight of Rebecca Robinson just ahead. I worked for the remainder of the course slowly catching her and nearly made it until she seemed to recover in the last descent and maintained her few seconds lead. I dragged myself over the line in 35.51, rather displeased and feeling like I'd run a marathon.

Great runs for many though, including M who had a storming performance coming in with a PB of 35.57 (only 6 seconds behind me - eek!). Results here. Tricky managed to run strong with no knee trouble this time and Mark H who had run 20 miles on Tuesday still made it over the line in a respectable time. I clocked Anthony B of Chasing Pavements who was a little way in front returning to form, running near to but not quite matching his own best. Fellow club mates all did great, including M, Stewart M & John C who won another prize for Male Vets Team and special mention of course to Vic Wilkinson, club mate and incredible athlete. Vic managed a sub 35 10k after a major injury earlier this year and secured the bronze champs medal, well deserved for an awesome run. I finished 5th overall & 1st V35. I didn't come home empty handed at least but I was a bit fed up with myself. Its an easy rest week now to give the body and mind a break before marathon training kicks off. No more sulks now, there's a new training year to think about.

Chevin Chase 2009

Its come around quick this year, our annual jaunt over the hill to watch the nutty lot doing the Chevin Chase on Boxing Day, made even more nutty given the icy, snowy descents. We saw the leading Brownlee brother (and ahem, clubmate as well as new world triathlon champion) perform some particularly impressive stunt rolls whilst the chasing pack were still nowhere to be seen at the two mile marker. The race drama was only enhanced by the wealth of silly costume antics, hope you enjoy the pics below.

M & I smuggled in an easy 4 miles this morning though it was treacherous and slightly mad trying to run across the naturally formed ice rink in front of the house. I gave up and walked the worst sections so not much of training session and certainly no fat burning was going on. That Christmas curry will no doubt come back to haunt these rapidly growing hips...

Tomorrow is another day and I'm now fully defrosted after all digits became painfully cold whilst taking snaps of today's race. I've just checked out the entry list for tomorrow and what an awesome line up it is for this fast 10k. Its good not to have any pressure to be up there, a top 10 placing would be good, top 5 would be awesome though the saddlebags might weigh me down. I'll be watching my back of course as M certainly fancies his chances, and so do I.

Going For Gold

After waking up this morning to the sounds of heavy rain hammering the Velux and wind whistling through the eaves, M & I were less than hopeful of a PB at the Thirsk 10m today. I'd settled on the idea of just running a good race, putting a fast time firmly to the back of my mind. This plan remained for most of the journey over, under darkened skies (we even had our headlights on for goodness sake).

Anyway, we arrived in good time to pick up our chips (for timing not the tasty fried sort) and after a frisky warm up, a visit to Tesco's loos and a Garmin casualty we were ready for off in what was rather miserable & wet conditions. Lots of local stars were there for this North of England 10m Champs race. After a bit of delay jogging about a lot in circles to stay warm, the race got off to a blistering start. I'm not sure how blistering as I had no watch to guide me but judging by the local talent there were many targeting this Champs race and gunning for PBs.

The pacey start and virtual swim through flooded sections left us all soaked from half a mile in. I somehow hung on, unsure of what the pace was and passed a few ladies who'd overcooked the start, finally passing the leading lady runner at around 4 miles. I hung on to some burly blokes to take shelter from breezy sections and felt strong right through to mile 8. Serious leg burn then set in and I had to drag myself home for the final 2 miles losing a bit of time to come in with a PB at 58.25. I was a bit disappointed to not make it under 58. M had a storming race and ran 59.19 - he's inching ever closer (eek). A big PB means he's on for a fine time at Ribble Valley. We both came home with lots of cash, (M for 3rd V40 and 2nd Men's team prize). I also got my gold medal and am proudly telling all I'm the Northern 10m Champ for another year. Results here & NoEAA report here.

Well done to all running mates who did great today, including Mark H who ran strong and should be very chuffed with his returning form. Our Bingley boys also ran well and won medals for the men's team champs and many Otley mates did good too, (well done particularly to Josie girl & Julian M). Now for some emergency Garmin surgery.

Feet Up

After trying my very best to behave all week and avoid tough VO2 sessions or long runs I was expecting to feel full of beans by this weekend. I seem to remember thinking the same during my recent rest weeks, when you'd expect to feel fresh and frisky and instead I seem to feel a weird kind of training cold turkey; the legs feel sore and stiff and energy levels don't reflect the dramatic reduction in body flogging.

Last night another trot around the local hockey pitches under dark and soggy skies meant an easy run and a chance to save the legs from the tarmac. It also meant an early start to some Friday night sofa surfing and catch up TV. Yay. This morning was another easy amble around the village in daylight. A treat after what seems like pretty uninterrupted nocturnal training since the clocks went back and winter came to visit.
Heart rate and legs are telling me I'm a very creaky old duffer. Hopefully the adrenalin and focus of tomorrow's race will be the wake up call I need. Though its the North of England 10m Champs it still feels sort of nicely low key after the rather stressful races in recent months. I'm really looking forward to catching up with all those friendly local faces, (particularly during the race) and will ponder this as I enjoy my slobbing Saturday. Now then, back to some serious fueling.

Grrrr.. The GSR

Yay, we're home! After a gruelling motorway journey we're home safe and half sound after consuming far too much coffee and sugary things, including some rogue cup cakes that somehow smuggled themselves into my bag and then into our tummies around tea time. What a weekend it was. After eating enough food to feed the whole of Yorkshire and a day at a luxury spa it was a bit of a shock to be lining up on the start with the likes of Ndereba and Willis. Just a note about the amazing spa. The place was all rather luxurious and frothy, the highlight of the day being the splendid hydro pool. An erupting water world of jolting jets and terrific torrents massaged us from head to toe, complete with a freezing cold plunge pool to shock yourself awake at regular intervals. That place was heaven though I think we overdid it a bit. Every inch of my body feels as if its been pummelled...

Anyways, the race. What an experience. Arriving was a bit stressy with a two mile scramble dragging the Teasey clan across Portsmouth in a panicked search for the VIP quarters. We finally found where I was supposed to be with just a few mins before the race start and no warm up to speak of. The elite athletes were accommodated in the castle. Yes, it was all very grand with carpeted toilets (complete with no queues), draping curtain thingies on the ceiling and a spread of refreshments including some very nice muffins which I revisited after the race. A couple of familiar faces put me at ease, Sarah Gee (Reading) and Alan Buckley (Leeds AC) who both looked relaxed and in their element. I took some reassurance whilst trying not to stare at the super fit looking types who were stretching limbs at impossible angles and looking far too glamorous for racing.

Anyway, hope you get the picture. The race itself was very tough and perhaps more so with a frightening fast start. I'd left my Garmin behind with its flat battery and think for the first time really needed it if only to slow me down. The start was blistering given the high winds in the first 4 miles and with no gauge of effort I suffered badly and was ready to stop at 5m. The Team Teasey entourage planted at mile 6 was the only thing that pulled me through, (I'm sorry Nige but I think I let Yorkshire down). I somehow kept my legs turning over between miles 5 and 8 and then faced those soddin' winds for the final two miles. It was running hell. After being hopeful for a PB my aspirations sunk to just getting over the finish line. My time was well down and a bit disappointing. After a bit of reflection I was glad I finished and didn't come last at all. I was 16th out of the 28 elites. Not bad really given the hell I felt from 5 miles. That's possibly the toughest race I've ever run. I'd run it all so differently next time ... race results here.

P.s. I feel the need to note a formal apology to John, father of M. After repeatedly insulting him about his age by offering to carry things and clumsily suggesting he might be too old to run alone (God forbid!) I then added insult to injury by mistakenly mocking his ethnic origins. I promise it wasn't aimed at you, I was just trying to mimic the TomTom lady. I like her Irish accent. I swear.

Gulp

Its just been work, run, eat, sleep, run, eat, work, run, eat, sleep... grumble, grumble... so am very chuffed it was the last day of 'school' today. Woohoo! I've got the next 10 days off work! Just me and M and our furry little cat kids for lots of holiday fun, daytime runs, slobbing about in pajamas watching films and eating naughty treats. First off though is a bit of an adventure, a trip to stay with the Teasey clan for some overdue catching up, good company and hopefully lots of food, oh and a chance for them all to laugh at me coming last in a race.

Its even on the telly on Sunday, channel 5 I think. I'm just thinkin' there's no pressure. I'm gonna be left for dead but will be inspired by the ultra amazing line up on race day. I might even iron my Bingley vest in case I snatch a bit of camera time at the start. Though its pretty doubtful given how vertically challenged I am but just in case, watch out for the ageing woman with silly racing hair looking a bit uncool amongst the star line up and waving 'hello mum' at the TV cameras. Gulp. That'll be me. I'm not quite sure why I thought this was a good idea. Something about a good experience I think... but thanks to fellow bloggers for the lovely comments - feel very touched at the kind words. Will post a report when I get back on Monday, hopefully complete with some 'elite athletes uncut' footage, that's if I can smuggle my camera in...

Posh Stuff

After my hard work on Saturday churning out the 5k efforts I opted for a more restful run out on Sunday, a nice trail run to grab a break from the tarmac and extending the lovely Strid run a few miles to sneak in 12m. Though I'm keen to maintain the long run momentum I also want to feel fresh for my race at the weekend, the English 10m Champs within the Great South Run. The entry list is now here. OMG. The elite line up is awesome. And then there's poor little me. I'm gonna need all the help I can get to stay in sight of the elite ladies pack. I'm trying to mentally prepare for what it'll feel like to trot through in last place. As you can see the little boy genius went all cross-eyed and giggly when I told him the news.

My secret weapon however will be a trip to a very posh spa on Saturday. A visit to M's family will lighten up the scarey weekend and as a treat M's sis has arranged a day for us to be properly pampered in the poshest spa in the South. We've got a funny flotation type experience thingy booked as well as facials and a pedicure. M is having special manly versions of the same treatments, a 'Turbo facial' and 'Mach pedicure' to help instil feelings of increased manliness. Apparently we get to pootle about all day in flip flops and bath robes whilst supping tea (and I'll no doubt be screaming for my strong coffee by 11am). We'll be generally lolling about all day but I'm convinced I'll be bored. M assures me its gonna be fun and a fantastic way to prepare for race day.I'll have pretty toes at least.

Yorkshire Rules

So, excuses first, best to get 'em out of the way. I slept badly in a strange hotel room. I ate dinner very late and it didn't sit well on my tummy. Breakfast was too close to the race start and I thought I was gonna vomit for the first 7 miles. The course was more than merely 'undulating'. It was pretty windy even on the flat. I felt sick (did I mention that already?!). I wasn't quite HM ready. There. Loads of 'em. But, the Nottingham Half Marathon was absolutely fab!

I had a great time last night with fellow team mates, a nice and relaxed pre-race meal, lots of laughs, running stories and awesome tales from those around the table with team GB vests to boast of. Team Manager Darran was a star; very organised, and a sparkling host at dinner. After a bit of a stressy drive from the hotel, negotiating the thousands of cars for this massive event, we had just under an hour to pick up our kit and numbers and get warmed up. My brekkie was threatening to return - I think I got carried away with the 'free' food, I can never quite hold back in 'all you can eat' situations...

The race had a rousing start as we strutted our stuff in our regional vests, with drumming on the sidelines to kick off the race. I felt like a Yorkshire warrior and a tear filled my eye. We were soon off and after the first mile I knew quickly this wasn't a day for a PB. The course seemed to go up, then even more up with a bit of down and more up. The wheelchair racers were rolling backwards struggling on the climbs. It was windy on the flats and with very few runners to draft behind I found myself running alone as second lady behind a Kenyan who was nowhere in sight. Though this course was a toughie the race was amazing with the crowds providing fantastic support - I felt like a celebrity and was lifted by every cheer. I think I snuck under 80mins though only just but was first domestic lady home and first for the Inter Regional Champs.

Team mates also had great runs with Robyn having a stormer in preparation for the Snowdon Marathon in a few weeks time and Erika bringing the team home all under the 90 minute mark. I think we might have team silver but need to confirm as the presentation organisation was a shambles - I heard it on the tannoy as we ran frantically from tent to tent only to hear my name and prize and no me there to enjoy it. The Yorkshire boys also did good, Darran Bilton 4th, Ian Fisher 7th and Mike Burrett 11th, also picking up team gold. It was a great team effort for the region and impressive runs for our poorly soldiers Ian and Mike, one with a dodgy tum the other with the sniffles. A proud day to be a Yorkshire lass. Official report here. More pics to follow...Oh, and did I mention I won 500 smackaroonies? Second lady and quids in. Woohoo!

P.s. More good news, M had a great run today, taking a whopping 10mins off his time at the Yorkshireman off-road HM (which is actually 14.8 miles - yes, don't ask!). A better quality field this year by the sounds but he still scooped a top 10 spot. I think this might deserve a curry treat tonight. My treat of course ; )

Excitamondo!

What a weekend of eating treats! The well known supermarket chain T**** are selling Ben & Jerry's at half price! I have never eaten so much ice-cream over one weekend; having now worked my way through a pot of Phish Food, the Baked Alaska and now the Cherry Garcia. It might even be a world ice-cream scoffing record. Its been heaven.

The gorging on ice-cream has now led to guilt pangs. I've been repenting by making a mountain of hummus with my hard won food processor; my ladies prize from the Burnsall 10m. What a proper domestic goddess I am. The home made hummus is gorgeous but there's just a mountain of the stuff and I don't think I'm gonna work through it all. Does it freeze well I wonder...

Anyway, I need some distractions from the continuous temptation to bolt out of the front door for a sneaky run. Have only done an easy 5m today after a very well behaved weekend and am just counting the days until I can get back to some proper running. To add to my restlessness I got a very exciting call yesterday; I've been asked to run in the regional squad in two weeks time at the Nottingham Half Marathon. I'm sooo chuffed! But also a bit torn; M & I had planned a return to the Yorkshireman this year. But, the chance of a Yorkshire & Humberside vest is really exciting, I'll travel down with the squad to the hotel and race on Sunday. This feels like too good a chance to miss; I guess as a Vet I'd given up on the chance to do anything like this. So, looks like an unexpected trip to Nottingham might be on the cards.