Thirsky Work

What a joy it was to be back running in the Harrogate summer league this week. It's been 3 years (at least) since M and I stepped out for this summer race series;  a very sociable set of evening races comprising of 5-6 miles along road and trail followed by a summer supper. Each race is hosted by a participating Yorkshire club in the Harrogate district and includes a fine sandwich and cake spread to aid runners with post race refuelling after a long day at work. It was great to be back, these events were my introduction to road running and racing with Ilkley Harriers six years ago; check out my first ever result.

This first event of 2011 was hosted by Thirsk and Sowerby. Though a bit of a trek for some, it was well worth the trip up north. The mad dash from work via Leeds to collect M lacked the usual relaxed pre-race prep, as did the drive up the A1 through the downpour. It's moments like these I wonder what on earth I'm doing; dashing from work to race 6 miles in the pouring rain. There were a few sideways glances from colleagues when I answered  polite questions about my evening plans. They think I'm slightly mental. In any case, as is the way with these things, I was really glad we made it. The rain freshened up the air and had eased off to a light drizzle once we got to the race start. The field was a fine, scattered rainbow of club vests, peppered with lots of old friends and running chums, some I've not seen in absolutely ages. 

Our own club is not a participating member of the league so we both opted to join up with friends' clubs, second claim. M ran for Dragons, alongside good mate Tricky (a Dragons celebrity and featured on their site!). As you can see M's sporting his new Dragons vest proudly (as I shiver from the back of the car like a big wuss). This was my debut race for Otley AC, a fine local club full of lovely folk that I've got to know in recent years. It's the club I nearly joined as a new runner a few years ago, (though they've got women in the club nowadays thank goodness!). 

The race itself was bit of a shock; 6 miles being a bit shorter than my recent adventures. The faster pace on the back of a return to some proper training this week all felt a bit too much for the legs. After a very cautious start I managed to keep working my way through the field and after a couple of miles the first lady was in sight. I edged to her side eventually and we ran a fine race together; working hard on each other's shoulders (especially me when Charlotte dropped me like a bag of spuds on the bobbly grass tracks - I was useless). 

This has got to be the most exciting race I've run for years and I loved every minute! The final half mile came around so quickly not knowing the course and with a short push on to the finish I managed to  rob the win with only a couple of seconds to spare. Rob G of Wetherby was also by our side in the final miles, pushing hard but no doubt still feeling his run at John Carr this week. Either that or his mid race chat tired him out, (how do you do that Rob?!). Thank you to Charlotte S for making me work hard and for being such a fine and gutsy competitor.

M had a great race, he was barely in my sights from early on, pressing on with his go-faster knee socks and new T7s. He worked well to take 15th position overall, closely followed by Tricky who ran amazingly after his fine run at London and not yet three weeks gone. Our respective clubs enjoyed fine performances given the trek for many  members. Otley ladies finished second team overall, with us lady vets taking first position. Results here, pics here. 

Are We There Yet?

The weeks are whizzing by scarily fast and I'm now counting down with only 8 weeks to go to Marathon day. That's only 5 weeks left of full training readers... the other 3 being my sensible taper. How mad is that?!

You'll be glad to know I've been dutifully hitting the streets every day, cranking out the miles with another couple of 80+ weeks. It's been a slog with work being so crazy busy but I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. It starts with a bit of a test next Sunday; the Bramley 20. 

I've raced very little, with the exception of the odd marathon paced shuffle around a local HM. Yesterday I dipped my toes into the greasy mud for the second OK Cross Country of 2011; a frisky little lung burster of about 5k around Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley. These are fab events, organised by Keighley & Craven AC. It was very pleasing to take another 20 seconds off my time in very muddy conditions. M was also looking frisky, shaving another 7 seconds off his course record. Great fun in lovely, friendly company and highly recommended. 

So, the Long One (22) today at a sensible pace felt okay and easier than two weeks ago. I'll be proper racing next Sunday, testing my legs at 20 miles of target pace; 6.18 pace is the plan. M is entered for the 10 miler on the same course so I'll get some friendly shouts amongst the crownds of softie southerners in the second lap at least. And then it's a week off... a week of running in daylight, getting the new camera out to play and lolling about happily. And I really really need it.

Melt Down

Today was the first race in the Complete Runner West Yorkshire XC League at Nunroyd. It was a gorgeous sunny day and Runningbear was on the sidelines, not feeling quite so sorry for herself I hasten to add. It was great to see mates out racing, snaking around the grassy undulations of Nunroyd Park whilst I cheered them along complete with camera and sunnies under what turned out to be gorgeous blue skies. 

I felt particularly cheery having run 12 miles today. Woohoo! I'm so chuffed. My legs felt sorry, achy and grumbly but they were no worse by mile 12. I felt that satisfying long run tiredness that's been missing from my life for weeks. It's so good to feel the post run glow after all this time. Anyway, I'm clearly very unfit, my heart rate was sky high and god knows how I ever ran 20+ every Sunday in the spring but I've gotta start somewhere. Thankfully the post run buzz didn't dull even as my camera suffered a meltdown mid race; just a few snaps survived. I may have to consider an upgrade...shame.

Old Man

It's been another rather long and depressing week of non-running. It's now over two months since the leggy went all silly on me but the end of my running ban may be in sight. The pain had reduced gradually to a constant niggle and is now feeling more like a bit of tightness. Though I'm £200 poorer and very bored by the sound of my own voice every time anyone asks how it's going, I think I might be over the worst.

A welcome distraction this weekend was the Lakeland Trails Race at Coniston. M had it in his race diary as a bit of change from the roads; a nicely challenging but enjoyable 15k tour part way up Coniston before a loop to the left to contour the rugged shoulder and a nice fast return descent through muddy trail and open fields. The event boasted some great names on the entry list, including fellow club mate Vic Wilkinson who looked awesome and placed 4th overall with an impressive lead over second lady, Lizzie Adams. Vic has been enjoying a blistering season after a major foot injury and surgery in the summer of 2009; she's a running inspiration if ever there was one... 

M had a fine run though was cussin' his choice of shoes by the end; the road racers failing him on every turn of the muddy tracks after the heavy rains all week long. Thankfully for me the event was held under blue skies and glorious sunshine; a forgiving interlude to the downpours. M finished 8th overall and I reckon he was up for the V40 prize had he been willing to hang around for the rather late prizegiving. The old road racer ran impressively well, holding his own against some expert trail racers and all in soggy road shoes! M's running just goes from strength to strength; I've got some serious catching up to do if I'm ever gonna show who's the real running boss in this house. [I just know I'm gonna live to regret typing that]. 

Well done too to local running star Marc Springer of Horsforth Harriers. Marc's the type who looks good in mud and there was plenty of that about. An awesome race from the Horsforth Vet despite having raced 25 miles last weekend! Full race results here.

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...

Arncliffe Amble

Just a quickie cuz it's late. We sneaked in a cheeky race today after a mention of the Arncliffe Fete on Old Runningfox's blog. It was more of a training run in fact after a very heavy training week and a bit of speed work last night to finish us off good and proper. An undulating four miler under a sunny sky, enveloped in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Dales. We both ran a bit below par with tired legs. If nothing else it paid off as a tempo session and was followed by a fine afternoon tea in the village and then happy  rambles in the sun and lots of friendly chat. What a gorgeous afternoon it was. One for the diary next year for sure.

Round Hill 2010

It's been another funny week of seemingly doing nothing much but feeling like time has whooshed by. I reckon this is partly due to being glued to the box with hours of running inspiration being shown every day on the BBC for free. What a great week for GB and Irish athletics. For me it was topped off by our marathon girls getting some telly action for their team medal; what a proud and inspiring telly moment that was ...as well as being just a little bit of a jealous moment, but amazing all the same, well done Michelle, Susan, Holly, Helen, Jo and Rebecca.

Today is also the last day of freedom and its back to the office tomorrow. The weather has been predictably pants again but I've at last bagged another great training week, finishing up with a long run today; a hilly 17 miles from Timble village across the moor road dropping to Otley and then home. The run was preceded by spectating a fine  local race this morning, the Round Hill Fell Race. Having not quite recovered from a dodgy foot ligament last XC season I've avoided racing anything with tussocks but M went for it and had a storming run around this challenging but beautiful and runnable 9 miles of moorland near home.

M ran bravely despite the impact of running a 400m for the club league match yesterday (eek!) and had enough mojo in his legs to smash his previous time by over 5 mins and finish in the top ten. It was a fine race organised by Otley AC and a competitive male field as the pics convey, including awesome running giant Ian Fisher who seemed to dominate the event whilst merely jogging.Well done to all those great local lads and lasses who had a great run in perfect conditions today.

Feels Like Flying

This week has been a proper week. No excuses, no more holidays, this is it. I'm back to it and have actually managed two great quality sessions this week. After the longer efforts on the canal on Tuesday, this morning was a return to some fast stuff and it felt great. So, this morning was a trip to Carnegie to meet the great and good coach Scobie as he tirelessly held his stopwatch, raised the odd eyebrow and shouted encouragement as I completed a full set of 400s. It was brill.

I'm now fully adjusted to my track spikes and can feel the massive difference to my running form and my split times. It's been quite some time since I've put in speedwork sessions at the track and each week the splits are getting faster and I'm feeling more motivated. Today the splits were better than ever with strong winds on the first bend and no company to chase. The iron tablets must be doing their thing. So, a satisfying session it was and a great lead in to my first track race on Tuesday. 

Inviting a coach into my running life was a big step but one I don't regret. I can't  easily explain how good it is to share the simple joys of running with someone who really knows what it means.  In any case it's working, my running fire is blazing and I'm ready to rocket round my first 3k. Bring it on.

Buzzy Fun

As the days go by and the training starts to take shape I'm increasingly returning to my old self; that training buzz is returning. After watching M run a fine race on Sat I was inspired to return for the ladies record next year. I set it myself whilst adding half a mile to the course following a wrong turn at the finish. It's been on my mind...

Sunday was a steady 15; my first longish run in weeks that hasn't ended in near collapse. So signs are good that my health is back on track and the Runningbear warrior strength is returning. Time to plan some races.

Last night saw a return to canal towpath training; a medium run of 10 miles interspersed with some efforts; 5 x 3mins to be exact. I was tired but in that satisfying, working hard kind of way that leaves you with a residual buzz and ready for the next session.

I'm being good, avoiding leaps in mileage for now and just trying to regain some strength and confidence. First test is my first track race next Tuesday, a 3k at Trafford track. I'm excited and scared all at once. A track race, moi?!

Every Picture Tells A Story

Today was M's big day, it being a key race in the calendar; the Wharfedale Half Marathon. This is a lovely off road race taking in plenty of climb, skirting Conistone, Kilnsey and taking in the very long, hard slog of a climb up Mastiles Lane. The race ends with a very fast final descent back into Threshfield and is superbly organised by Bingley club mate and supremo runner, Mick Hawkins. 

The day was a hotty and with the race setting out at 11am no runner escaped the bright but harsh rays of the sun today. M has focused on nothing else this last week or two and was eager to run well and find out exactly how good his race preparation has been.

Setting out a tad fast, M led the first mile over the fast boys at the front; the initial road section lulling him into a slightly too fast pace. The race soon settled down with some tough running over glorious dales terrain, a hazy sunny day with slight breezes and breathtaking scenery. The views were the last thing on their minds as they dug in, racing from checkpoint to checkpoint and hydrating where they could.

My snippets of the race were wee snatches of action where the car could take me, though admittedly I nearly missed M whilst absorbed with a lovely scattering of limestone boulders! The area is one of my favourites, Burnsall and its environs being my dream home, if only. 

The final stages of the race forced me to rouse myself from a happy-snapping-stupor just in time to chase M to the finish; a bone rattling descent of 2 miles into Threshfield for the final sprint home. After a near tie with a Leeds City boy mid-way, M came in to swoop 6th place overall. A few mispunches and wrong turnings for the leading two took them out of the final results. It has to be said that all boys looked truly wasted by the finish. Nice one M, first V40 and 6th overall! Well done to all Otley and lkley mates too including Jon S, Andy W and Ewan (he braved the full marathon!). Marc S of Horsforth also ran well, racing well over his usual distance and for the third time this week. A nice prize and a bacon butty followed by cake finished off the afternoon nicely. We'll both be back next year, there's a ladies record to break. Results here.

Back To It

As I near the end of the holidays, I can say I've truly enjoyed a real break from work, the universe and all things racing. I've had time enough to  feel refreshed and ready again for some proper training and the making of some firm racing plans.

The break from training and sensible eating has taking its toll; I'm now much more 'cuddly' than usual as access to the naughty cupboard at home all day long has brought back my old love handles. I'm now starting to crave broccoli and have nearly (but not quite) tired of cake. It seems impossible, I know.

Planning so far includes a bit of very short stuff building to a half marathon or two later in the year. For now a bit of fun with some track racing will bring a fresh approach to keep things interesting this summer and provide regular opportunities for extra speed work. The last time I raced on the track I was 14 years old.  The odd 3k race will be a nice gauge of my training progress and help the club out with the odd league event. Runningbear will soon be back on track.

Rothwell Roundup

Not much change here for old Runningbear as yet but a week of resting up, perpetual  eating and plenty of navel gazing has given rise to a bit more of an appetite for running again, if only to make the most of the fresh spring sunshine and shaking the office out of my head. The May Day bank holiday brought its own excitement though, as M prepared for another 10k race effort and another PB prospect whilst the running is going so good.

Rothwell 10k has been regarded as a superfast 'assisted' course with its net downhill and crazy-fast first half where most entrants set a 5k PB en route.  A new course this year certainly put paid to that with a lollipop route taking in some moderate  but taxing undulations along the way.

There seemed to be fewer local faces out this year; the competition of a busy  May racing calendar perhaps but I still managed to spot a few stars, including Spen boys Anthony B and Kevin O, who were both looking pretty sharp coming into the finish.

The bank holiday started with brilliant blue skies and a fresh breeze making for near perfect conditions. I accompanied M acting as team support, cake/general fuel manager as well as photo snapper. (I'm not so great at the fuel management when left sole officer in charge of tasty treats).

The race led off after a few mins delay with a fast and furious first mile that some runners I'm sure came to regret. I spent the next 30 mins fumbling pointing the camera at  random things and a few fluffy clouds, distracting myself from the rather nippy breeze.

Sure enough 27 mins later the leading fella flies past at the 9k point with a 3 minute lead and not long after M appears. He was driving through strong and focused and looking like the winner. He was a lean and mean machine. The strength and fitness shone through as M ran a fantastic PB of 35.31, slicing a healthy 27 seconds off his recent Salford time and taking a V40 scalp or two before the finish. A really marvellous run in tough windy conditions and an inspiration to me to get my a** in gear sometime soon. Well done M, again.

Almost Lurgy Free

Work is hotting up and I'm really getting my teeth into things. I'd go as far as to say I'm really liking the new job. I must remind myself of this post next time I moan. Unfortunately, the hotting up also includes much increased general busyness, including too little time for blogging or ruminating on all things running. Another upside is that the lurgy is passing and the nostrils are recovering from the constant blowing and sandpaper-like scratchy soreness from excessive nose wiping. I'm on the mend readers. Yay.

This week's been tough still despite the sniffles, including a long and windy 15 miles with threshold sandwich on Tuesday and then double runs both these last two days. Nothing too tough planned now until Sunday. A massage tomorrow should see me good as new and ready to run hard again on Sunday, this time for the Edinburgh half marathon. I'm ashamed to say this will be first trip across the border and very excited I am too. I might check out the legend of the deep fried Mars, to fully immerse myself in the culture you understand.

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.

Salford Success

Since early in the year, M has had a Good Friday 10k planned for an Easter treat as part of his own racing plan; the Salford 10k. This is a fab, fast and as flat as you get in the North of England for those fancying a bit of frisky Friday running before an Easter weekend of Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and long runs. After my Wilmslow weariness I'd guessed I wouldn't be up for the race though was planning a threshold run and bobbed along to play team support role for a change for the two Bingley boys. Both M & Tricky were out running their first 10k in a while and seeking a good indicator of fitness after their recent injury woes.

The 2 lap course is a pretty brisk one though a bit breezy on the back straight. The plan was for me to split off 20 mins before the start and run a healthy warm up before rejoining the boys to chase the race for a 6 mile threshold run. We parted at 9.40am and both were a little ruffled with pre-race nerves but eager to get going. Unfortunately, M missed his lucky kiss as I arrived from my warm up a couple of minutes after the start. I had to belt around the course to catch the stragglers up and then quite enjoyed a fun chasing game for the next six miles, maintaining threshold place and passing through the field, eager to see how the boys had fared at the end of the race.

My own run was a good solid session if a tad confusing for spectators but nothing compared to the fab performances of two fine sub 36 minute 10ks! Tricky led the pair home in 35.39, not far off his best on the same course last year and M stormed home, just one second off his PB set in late December, finishing in 35.58. This is so impressive after the frustrations of M's glute injury early in the new year. So, a very worthwhile trip out and a very promising indicator of the coming months. I may have to withhold my lucky kisses in future; it seems to do just the trick.

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.

A Ritzy Weekend

The weekend kicked off in great style with the arrival of my fab new kit from Brooks. A boxful of running goodies included new trainers, track spikes, some very cool training gear and my extra spangly Brooks race outfit. I've even got some podium wear; a rather fetching Brooks retro bomber jacket, made for looking one's best at those all important presentations. Feeling super stylish I laid out my neatly folded running goodies ready for the early start on Sunday.

Saturday was also treat filled; a belated birthday trip for M to the Ritz for afternoon tea provided a much needed carbo-loading opportunity. The short journey via Waterloo Station was followed by a suspenseful cab ride for M. We arrived at the Ritz in our best frocks for a proper afternoon tea. The outing promised unlimited supplies of perfectly cut sandwiches, fresh cream scones and the most beautiful cakes my eyes have ever seen; all of this in the most sumptuous Art Deco surroundings.

I sipped my Assam from lovely bone china tea cups whilst M attacked the cream scones. It was surprisingly filling; the four of us only making it through three tea stands before we were well and truly beaten! I was secretly wishing I'd prove to have better endurance on race day. A walk via Trafalgar Square burned off a bit of cake before we turned back for home and some pre-race resting up.

At 6am on Sunday the alarm sounded and we wolfed down our improvised and unappealing hotel room breakfast; I never fancy eating with a nervy race tummy but the race made it all the more important to force down the fuel. We set off early with Old Man Teasey as our support and arrived at the race start in plenty of time.

The Tempest 10m and Spitfire 20m are combined races sharing a 10 mile loop starting from Dunsfold Aerodrome. The course loops through undulating country road before turning back onto pancake flat airfield at miles 8 and 18. I wasn't quite sure what kind of warm-up to do on my first 20 miler but it was nippy and breezy and my ultra sleek Brooks kit lacked any cosy feel. After some delay we were off to a fast start but the advertised course was unexpectedly undulating and windy, making pacing tricky, particularly with a mix of 10m racers in the pack to add to the racing confusion.

There were no ladies to be seen as I settled in with a couple of blokes; a brief chat reassured me their plans for sub 2.45 marathon pace was about right. I'd spotted M up ahead and tried to avoid any chasing. The race pace was surprisingly laid back and relaxing, very different to the usual experience of lung-bursting and eyeball-popping hard work over 10k. I ran strong as the miles ticked by eagerly until mile 8 and the turn back onto the airfield; the windy blast nearly ground me to a halt.

A battle over the next mile or two saw me eventually wave a big 'well done' to M on his fantastic second place position at the 10-mile finish. I ran on to start my second lap and was by this time feeling a wee bit lonely, having left my racing company behind. I pressed on into the wind and kept on clocking my miles; the pacing was all over the place. The going was good but getting noticeably harder as the wind still blew and my legs remembered all the hard work they'd done this week. By mile 17 I was starting to tire and braced myself for the final windy blasts up to the finish. The wind seemed to have gained in strength or else I was that bit weaker, but once again my pace plummeted as I battled against the tormentor, focused and determined on the final push.

I came to the finish having run the last 12 alone, placing 9th overall and winning as first lady by a healthy margin. I was chuffed to have survived my first 20M race relatively unscathed and enjoyed the comfort of being met by M and his Old Man over the line. A good race result I think. The final time of 2:06:21 saw me average 6.18 over a fairly tough course. I'm happy with that, as was M with his run after a tough training week; our first and second places got us both in the prizes, though sadly no presentation was to be had on the day. I'll have to save the new outfit for another time. Results here.

M1 Musings

It's Friday morning and the first day of holidays after a grueling last few days. The legs had not forgotten the 23 as M and I set out for a sandwich track session on Tuesday night; a 3 mile threshold run then straight into 400m reps with reducing recoveries (60,50,40) followed by 3 miles threshold at the other side.

The sessions are getting faster each week, a sure sign the structure is working but rep 12 brought with it a haunting of the 23; I don't think I could've squeezed another single one out.

Legs mashed and self flagellation over, Wednesday was a new day. A sleep in to recover brought me round just enough for the last tough session before the ease down; a steady 15 and another big endurance credit in the bank. My balance is starting to look pretty healthy.

Since then its been easy running in anticipation of Sunday's race. I'm feeling quite excited about it now though a bit scared at the thought of 20 miles of racing. It'll be a good test.

I also received a call from a kit fairy whilst packing my bags this morning.. It feels like Xmas is back; I've a box brimming with Brooks goodies! It's gonna be torture to keep my hands off during the 4 hour+ drive. I feel like the luckiest person ever. A weekend with family, food and running fun to come, what more could a girl ask :]
P.s. Good luck MH.

@~@~Sent from my BlackBerry~@~@

Revision

The blogging has suffered a bit these last few days, what with an epic overhaul of THE PLAN and a change in racing focus for the first half of this year. The loss of a few weeks decent training since December and having seen the elite line up for VLM 2010, I'm now considering moving my first marathon focus to a more laid back Edinburgh and with it am redrafting my training plans.

I've been a busy bee; spreadsheet fiddling, entering races and planning cat sitting for those races away. I've entered most of those in the diary now except for Wilmslow HM which I'm just about to send off. Open entries are full but M came to the rescue and secured me a place with an urgent email to secure an elite English Champs entry. Its proving to be a real challenge to get race entries in plenty of time for the faster and popular road races this year.

The legs have been a bit stiff and sulky these last two days after the first quality road session in a while on Friday. I've played it safe after an Achilles niggle from new trainers and kept the long one conservative today. Next week will see me back to great quality training again including a HM race to kick things off. Though it's a fast course there'll be no easing down and instead, I'll be looking for a hard and fast training run. A good time is unlikely but I can at least make a firm start on the marathon quality. Onwards & upwards.