She Takes Sea Shots On The Sea Shore

I'm back on the bright side after lots of ice, elevation and gentle running; these leggies are back in business! Thanks to all fellow blog chums for the top tips and moral support. I had a bit of a panic over what was probably just very grumbly legs from the 20miler. Anyways, am building back up and have tested things out with a tougher session this week; a 13miler on Wednesday with a few tempo miles chucked in. All was well and even my giant blister (legacy from Bramley) has behaved itself.

Today was a bit of a treat. A trip out to the seaside with Mr RB for some 10k action and a walk on the seafront. M spotted the Stanley Park 10k a couple of weeks ago and decided a jaunt out to Blackpool for some fresh sea air might be just what we need. This pretty fast and frisky route around the undulations of Stanley Park was an opportunity for this Runningbear to debut her movie making skills, act as dutiful clapper, cheerleader and coat-holder whilst M did the business.

 

A quality field turned out this morning, the race won convincingly by Steve Littler of Wesham, with a Horwich talent chasing him down to take 2nd. M came home in a respectable 12th overall and with a PB of 35.24 (the official results robbed him of a second but I have photographic evidence!). So, a small(ish) step for Mr RB but a PB all the same. The day was topped off with fish and chips by the sea, a stroll along the promenade, some brief arcade action and a bag of fresh, warm donuts to warm us from the pier back to the car. I got to play with the new camera too.

Another PB!

I have to admit to being a bit of a scaredy cat tonight; as we drove over to Stretford I remembered the unpleasantness of my leaden legs hitting lap 5 a fortnight ago. My old lady knees were knocking at the thought of another frighteningly short race on the track after a weekend of hard running, but its' all good training as they say...

It was my second 3k race ever and what a gorgeous sunny evening it was to be running like a nutter around a giant, flattened rubber ring. After my first attempt at the distance a fortnight ago I was chasing a slightly faster time but feeling a bit doubtful after the exploits of my long run in the sun on Sunday. Anyway, I crossed the line tonight in 9.58.55, a PB by 13 seconds. Yeehah! Needless to say I am very chuffed with myself (sorry for being so boring M) and have at last run my first sub 10 race. I had to go for another run before bedtime just to get rid of the post race buzzin'. I'm feeling good.

Sunshine Smiles

It’s been a bit of a funny week overall. With a visiting lurgy and considerable sleep deprivation whilst visiting the Big Smoke, I've just not been feeling my usual self. The running has felt too much like hard work and I've gone off it all a bit. After my hardish run on Tuesday I've been less than hungry to get out and about, despite the mild weather and some time off work. I've not really shirked on the training but just feel less than chirpy and generally had to work to motivate myself to get the trainers on. This is quite unheard of for me.

I'm not really sure what's going on but am told that feeling a bit overcooked and stale during marathon training can be a common experience. I'm putting it down to a general washed-out-lurgified-feeling and that the bounce will soon be back. The Runningbear mojo tried to make an appearance at the Leeds Parkrun this morning; a 5k time trial with a 9am start. Feeling less than excited about some track intervals on my lonesome last night I opted to join M and running mate Tricky for a brisk 5k time trial this morning instead. It sort of counts as an equivalent session.

The boys had another blistering run, both hitting great 5k PBs on what is a pretty slow course. I forgot to mention the spectacular run from Spen AC's Kevin O, he ran a blistering run leading the field from the start to finish comfortably under 17 mins. Results here. There was definitely nothing wrong with the boys' mojo and recent race progress would suggest M is gonna have a flyer next weekend at the Chris Hoy Edinburgh Half Marathon. A PB in lightning time is expected. As for me, I'm hanging in there and hoping the funny feelings will pass. The sun is bringing a smile to my face today at least and the lurgy is receding. All will come good in the end.

Hello 2010

What a funny year its been running wise, bringing with it all sorts of opportunities and frustrations. 2009 has seen me start my blog, now 10 months old and my little patch of virtual home. Like my own cosy spot of fresh, sun warmed spring grass, I've enjoyed welcoming some lovely visitors to drop by, sit down and share in the running obsession. I reckon turning off the telly & getting fresh air on skool nights is just as important to some of those people too.

I've had my first experience of over-training or 'under-recovery' as its termed, moaned about it a lot but then gone on to enjoy a taste of open elite racing & my first full England vest. I've run 3204 miles, and raced 34 times, including 5 half marathons. M has set PBs from 5k right through to half marathon and has finally earned his own place on the National Rankings, with his first ever qualifying time on the road; a major goal that has been in his sights since we started this old game just a few years ago. A very symbolic achievement to end 2009 indeed.

Best of all has been sharing all this with so many old, new and great running folk. M and I are very lucky to share our passion for this funny old sport with each other but also with lots of really great people. Thanks to all those kind and thoughtful running friends for lots of good (and sometimes not so good) times in 2009. Here's to a faster, healthier and stronger 2010.

Every Second Counts

After a steady week back to quality training I ventured over to Leeds before sunrise to have another crack at the 5k time trial. The 9am start around this bendy and muddy course is well worth the early start - you can be bathed & bacon buttied all by 10.30am if you're quick. Justin P and Josie H also turned out for the Santa strewn event, some festive 'fun', though I worried for the park whilst picking my way through discarded false beards on the warm down.

I ran pretty good, very evenly paced in fact with only 1 second between each of the three mile splits. Hope you're all impressed. I felt strong, though background fatigue remained from the efforts of Tuesday and Thursday night . I slipped and slithered over the muddy finish with 17.29 on my watch. Gutted to see it is 17.30 on the official records! Pleased to have a PB on a pretty slow course though and I reckon might push to a sub 17 on a fast course with fresh legs. Maybe not just yet, but perhaps a target for the spring. I wore my very fine Brooks T6 racers - they're kind of super light and bendy and tilt you forward to perch on your toes even when stood still. These are great events & I missed regular Mark H (where were you?!), it didn't seem quite the same without his friendly face or Marc S from Horsforth to chase. I'll definitely try and return once a month for these in the New Year and hopefully keep some spring in these legs during the marathon build up.