Fluid & Free

So it's Sunday night and I've just about managed to peel myself off the sofa to blog for a bit after a weekend of eating and training. There's been a bit too much wine and pie consumed and a fair amount of post-run-lolling in front of the telly. I've revelled in the afterglow of some good sessions; training is feeling less painful as the legs get used to the longer runs and the odd bits of tempo thrown in. I'm still slow but happily battling to get fit with a training plan under my arm and my mojo back in my knapsack. These training weeks are whizzing by...

After what feels to have been another reasonably productive running week of logging good miles I'm a step nearer to sustaining and holding a 70 mile week. After that the focus will be building more quality on the track and roads with a regular sprinkling of races. All being well I can start to think about a marathon schedule for the new year and a stab at a new PB in April. 

For now I'm determined these rep times will shed a few seconds each week as I clamber back towards those heady days when even monster 1k rep sessions felt fluid and free.

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	8M STEADY
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: 8x600M
WEDNESDAY	REST	8M STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	12M BRISK
FRIDAY	REST	4M EASY
SATURDAY	SPEED: 8X200M	REST
SUNDAY	17M (6M TEMPO)	REST
WEEK'S MILEAGE:	64 MILES

Into the Groove

It's so good to be able to report that this Runningbear's training mojo is back. It seems so long since I've enjoyed my running quite in this way; I know this because I've started looking forward to those extra tough training days [as opposed to feeling a quiet dread at the thought of a track session - a sad feature for much of this year]. Perhaps that's a feeling only other runners understand? It seems to puzzle many a work colleague that I might be motivated to work my legs and lungs into mincemeat on a damp dark night after a long, tough day at the office. It probably also says a lot about my psyche, but it's true as much as some might think it odd. Sitting in watching Eastenders on a Tuesday night ...eek.

 

For the anorak types out there I'm slowly returning to a former training routine of Tuesday night on the track, Thursday night tempo run and then a long weekend run, with plenty of steady running sprinkles in between. I plan to slot in something short and speedy the odd Saturday morning but for now I'm taking my time to build up the miles and get these old pins eased back gently into some faster running. No injury niggles (touch wood) makes for some satisfying sessions.

I've lost a fair bit of speed endurance and hate to think what kind of time I'd manage around a 5k course. It's a bit depressing to think of the chasm in my rep times compared to last summer... I'm quietly telling myself it'll come with patience and consistency. I'm dipping in to the odd XC relay in the next few weeks; here's hoping the Bingley team captain isn't expecting too much from this old croc. 

Having the North of England team event at the Great South Run is proving to be a perfect focus though and a helpful milestone for feedback to plan training through to the spring. I'm now six training weeks away from what could be a very tough day but it'll give me a measure of the work to do this winter and keep my eyes on the ball for a marathon next April. Which marathon is still to be decided. London could be great but also slightly too big and scary. I've been intrigued by the return of the Greater Manchester event next year; a flat and fast course according to the race information. I might even persuade a few work colleagues to come along for the ride...happy running to all. RB.

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	REST
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: LADDER
WEDNESDAY	REST	8M STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	12M HILLY
FRIDAY	REST	5M EASY
SATURDAY	9M TRAIL	4M RECOVERY
SUNDAY	17M (6M TEMPO)	REST
WEEK'S MILEAGE:	64 MILES

Bouncing Back

So it seems that I've written countless blogs in the last year threatening a comeback to some kind of fitness and racing plan. Sorry for the repetition readers. A mix of all sorts seems to have delayed me but after a bit of twiddling of spreadsheets and race planning I'm starting to feel very focused and race hungry again. Unfortunately I'm some way off what I'd describe as race fitness and also have a few pounds to lose, but I'm actually feel up for it in a way that I haven't felt for a while. This week is the first for some months that I've actually run every day.

After a call this week from the North of England team manager I've now got a nice target race to work towards; the Great South Run. A ten miler is a nice distance to work towards in 8 weeks and will help focus the mind. After that I'm thinking a fast half marathon in early 2012 and a spring marathon to capitalise on whatever speed I've gained. Does it sounds like a plan? In the meantime I've a few mini races to look for to pepper the schedule with some hard training runs. What would we do without Mr Schofield? The cross countries should serve me well; a bit of lung-bursting speed on the odd Saturday to remind me of the pains of racing. It's been some months since I last donned a club vest and it's all a bit scary. Today, a 16 mile tempo sandwich. I'm quite looking forward to it...

Show Time

It’s a bit shocking to realise that it’s been a whole month since my last blog; where does the time go? There’s been so little play time this last month that I’ve been only minimally aware of injury time and the absence of running. Quite a confession from such a running nut I know. The big job and commuting and all the new stuff to learn has tired me out. I’ve even been wondering whether Runningbear’s blog deserves continued attention. I’m not making any rash decisions yet and hope that over the coming months real life starts to feel more manageable and the blogging mojo hopefully returns. I think maybe I work too much...

For now, a Runningbear update. I am running! I even managed a rather tough 15 with a few mile efforts yesterday (and gave M a run for his money). The Achilles ‘sheath’ is seemingly okay and has coped with a bit of speed work this week too. I’m a few pounds heavier and a bit sad to have missed my favourite races again this year; Burnsall 10 most of all. But I’m also kind of mentally refreshed and thinking excited thoughts about the cross country season and possibly a half marathon PB in January. So the running break can’t have been that bad. 

In the mean time M & I have been contemplating a house move. We’re house hunting in various spots but there’s not much about of what we’re after; something small but secluded. To inspire ourselves we returned to one of our favourite places this weekend for the show. What a lovely day it was. Latest idea is we're thinking of escaping the rat race to become Alpaca farmers... Hope you enjoy the pics.

 

 

 

All Dressed Up & Nowhere To Go

Okay so here's my news. The new job started. Tomorrow will be the start of week 4. I'm just about starting to remember some names. I can now find my way to work without relying on the Tom Tom and I'm suffering less from face ache caused by my inane smiling at all the new work people. 

The job is great; exciting, challenging. The commute is bearable on good days; a pain the rest of the time. And I'm so tired from it all I can barely sit on the sofa beside M and watch telly beyond the watershed without my head drooping and droolcicles forming at the corner of my mouth. This would all be fine if I was still running to keep me sane. 

After weeks and weeks of slog trying to bounce back from the post marathon break I've only gone and got myself an injury. The kind that's more than a niggle. I've been so fed up I couldn't face blogging, blipping or any constructive activity at all. I seem to have spent most nights (that's the 30 minutes between getting home from work and going to bed) gobbling biscuits and watching trash TV. I'm now chubby and unfit.

I understand from Mike the magician (physio) that it's an Achilles 'sheath' problem. No major rupture just a niggling-won't-go-away thing that has left me bereft. At the time when I really needed mind-emptying, lung-bursting, physical exercise I've instead been forced to sit on the sidelines feeling sorry for myself. Recent world events have forced some perspective taking but I still can't seem to shift the flat, lifeless feeling having spent another sunny weekend with my trainers parked up. So, after three weeks of moping (and limping) I'm writing to report on my whereabouts and to say sorry for being such a fair weather blogger.

21 Again

I'm back briefly to blogging (hello!) after weeks of winding up an old job and preparing for a new work life. The holiday in the mountains seems light years away, having since smuggled in 4 tidy track sessions and an introduction to drills since then. Ouch, my glutes are still smarting.

But my leaving do last week has allowed some thoughts of the future, including a return to thinking about running and planning ahead. I've been told by an acquaintance at the track that I need a three year plan. He was probably right. My head just hasn't been in my running of late with everything else that's been going on; the Runningbear mojo has been on holiday.

I'd set myself up for another marathon later in the year, Chester maybe. But I'm now beginning to wonder if this is wise, particularly in the first three months of starting a new and challenging job. I've wondered if a focus on building some speed for a good half in the autumn would be better prep for a fast marathon next year. No decisions as yet but I've yet to feel marathon training hungry.

I'm keep my options open for now including a steady 21 on the trails today, a long run in the rain to start burning off some of that Austrian kuchen! This last week finishing off has been hectic, so much so I've still not downloaded the holiday pics. A poor show I know but starting Monday it'll be just one job. I'll be the new girl tomorrow; all shiny shoes and a fresh hair cut. Hope I make some new friends in Manchester. Wish me luck.

Hello Mayrhofen!

We arrived safely in the Alps at lunchtime yesterday welcomed by glorious sunshine and the most incredible mountain views. We dumped bags, donned trainers and dashed out for our first run at altitude in 28 degree heat...the 9 miles jog felt more like a brisk 18.

A good sleep and a few wursts later and we set out for some high rise fun this morning, starting with a cable car ride up the nearest peak. Less Runningbear and more quivering bear we traversed the Zillertal dangling in our wee tin box, climbing 6000 feet for lunch above the clouds and the rain.

M is in heaven; sausage is on the menu everywhere and I have to say the Austrian cake is keeping this Runningbear pretty happy too. Another 12 miles of steady running in the valley tonight before another telly free evening with a beer and a good book. Bliss.
@~@~Sent from my BlackBerry~@~@

Bye England

A crazy week of getting ready for holidays ended this morning with a 3.45am alarm and a drive in grey drizzle to Manchester to fly away to the mountains. Trainers and camera all packed; we're more than ready for the break. We'll be back in a week, bye England...

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

Record Breakers: Millennium Way Relay 2011

A weekend jumping back on the training horse included plans for some big mileage to round up this week; a smell-the-roses Sunday run to kick off a return to marathon prep. However, such fine plans went to pot on Friday night with a late call up from the club for the Millennium Way Relay team. I'd decided to pass this year, what with a month of long runs to catch up on. But this was not just just any relay team. This was the Bingley Open Team. This was the proper Bingley men/blokes/fellas/male team. Yikes.

Will: that's not mascara he's wearing. 
He swallowed a bit too.

Last minute injuries led to a gap in team pairings and an unexpected invite to step in and help the boys out. How could I refuse?! M can be very persuasive... I joined the boys to run leg 3, paired with M over an 8 mile leg of undulating off-road running, from Laycock to Silsden. The heat was on!

Excluding the addition of Runningbear, the team was impressive. My knees knocked at news of the team sheet with thoughts of fell running legends Andy Peace and Ian Holmes handing over the relay baton to little old me;  this is the stuff of running dreams... a true running career highlight it has to be said (am still hoping someone caught it on camera!). In fact I'm sure I spotted a few double takes as M and I sauntered up for registration. Being mistaken for a mixed team I enjoyed a wee ripple of smugness I have to admit. (I might have even swaggered a bit).

The hanging around at the hand-over was torture; visions of picking up a lead from Andy and Ian and throwing away the race to the chasing teams was pressure enough without even thinking about what competition faced us on the leg. No scarily fast types were spotted though and somehow we kept our cool. Soon we spotted Ian running in like a train and Andy on his shoulder. M and I were off, me with jelly legs at the occasion of it all.

I ran my heart out, trying to hang on to M who was truly motoring. Not knowing what lead we had and fearing we'd soon be caught by the chasing teams; it was mental torture. We flew across the early climbs and hammered down the descents, slowing only for an excited sheep dog who abandoned his owner and mistook us for his flock for a quarter mile. The heel snapping and path weaving caused me an ankle twist and a near race-fatal tumble but we eventually lost the excitable pup at a stile. We pressed on through the valley, crossing the Aire with ease. Luck was on our side at the road crossings and we were on the final miles of the leg with no other teams in sight.

M was a star and showed his fitness, managing all the gate openings and taking on bum pushing duties as I scrambled up the final climbs. He was a patient partner and got me through the rough bits until we hit the final 2 miles when I had a final Runningbear burst for the finish. We arrived at the hand-over with a fine lead. 12 minutes in fact, doubling our 6 minute lead from leg 2 and finishing as fastest pair overall for leg 3; also setting a new all-time leg record! It was flippin' brilliant stuff. 

No. 1 and no lie; it's in black & white!

Final results saw Bingley boys (and a girl) finish in first place by 24 minutes, including four fastest legs out of 5, two leg records, and an overall course relay record by 2 minutes. We had a storming race despite missing some of our fast boys. An unexpected but spectacular day out. We came home with trophies, prizes and great memories for me of being a boy for the day. Relay results here.

Wharfedale Half Marathon 2011

Pics courtesy of D Brett: http://www.photos-dsb.co.uk/WORM/index.html

Back to blogging albeit briefly in between Runningbear life, which incidentally feels like a vortex of work, training and trying to eat and sleep in between! I'm a bit late in reporting on our run around the wonderful Wharfedale Half Marathon last weekend. This fine off road race offers some of the most beautiful countryside running a Runningbear can get. M and I both ran our muddy socks off in beautiful but very blustery conditions.The route sets out from Threshfield Rugby club and follows very runnable trails including the Dales Way, the Monks Road and the long and slightly painful climb up Mastiles Lane.

Pics courtesy of D Brett: http://www.photos-dsb.co.uk/WORM/index.html

The summer is all about this kinda stuff; less obsessing about race times and PBs, just great running in summer weather enjoying some of our most beautiful countryside. I love this race, the route is well planned, the event well organised with the perfect cafe menu at the club house finish (for those that like to indulge in a chip butty or a generous slice of Victoria sponge post race!) Unfortunately, I'm never quite prepared for the hammering my quads seem to suffer from the descents and have hobbled my way around training earlier this week. 

Building on his continued awesome form and trashing me yet again in another race, M finished second male in the open race, knocking nearly 4 minutes off his race time from last year. He is flying. Some of the other leading male runners suffered some unfortunate navigational errors which assisted me in swooping into the third spot in the open race and first lady by a healthy margin. I beat my previous course record by 2 minutes despite the windy conditions and received a very fine and generous Black Sheep hamper for my hard work. I'm now quite tempted by the full Marathon next year and that course record is looking tasty. Even M seems quite tempted for his debut at the distance. Watch this space... Results here. News report here. Race report here.

Small News

After sampling the delights of the beautiful new running track at Keighley and revelling in the fresh, new and very bouncy running surface my training has taken a bit of a back seat this last fortnight. That goes for blogging and blipping too ... 

Another promotion opportunity at work came along unexpectedly, all at very short notice and demanding lots of nervous energy and attention. The very long and complicated application went in on Friday 13th, assessment centre was then endured on the very same day as my birthday, Monday 23rd and then bam! Shock job offer on 25th. It's all been a bit unexpected really and not much time for thinking in between. I'm very chuffed though and am now planning for my job move to Greater Manchester with very little time to hand over the old one in West Yorkshire. In between I'm planning my next marathon effort in October and trying to squeeze some training in. To add to the excitement, M and I have just booked our first proper holiday in years. I'm so excited! A week's trip to Austria in June with mountains, lakes, lots of trail running and plenty of fine pastries for me and German sausage for M. It's gonna be bliss. Life should calm down soon. (I'm the one in the frock).

P.s. to any local runners fancying a session on the new Keighley track - you can use the new facilities from 6.30pm Tuesday & Thursdays for a small fee of £2. John Dennis is your man to contact for more information: sportjohn@blueyonder.co.uk.